Festival wraps today
Today marks the conclusion of the 2026 Bula Festival, and since I stay close to the festival grounds, I have truly felt the lively atmosphere.
I can say with certainty that this festival has been a great success. It drew in individuals from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds, all enjoying the carnival to the fullest.
The festival showcased a diverse array of events, including energetic music performances and mesmerising dance shows, each providing a special insight into different cultural traditions.
Numerous food stalls were present, offering a variety of international dishes that pleased the palates of all who attended. Families and friends came together around various activities and games, cherishing every moment spent together.
The sense of community among the attendees was evident, as everyone united to celebrate in joyful harmony.
Suresh Chand Nadi
Repairing potholes
During this ongoing rainy weather, we have noticed pothole road repairs happening every now and then.
Once a section of potholes is patched up, some are left unattended and it remains as is where it is.
This type of selecting patching is not good for vehicle owners as this contributes to unsafe driving whereby drivers have to weave from left to right that may cause accidents and wear and tear to vehicle’s inner organs.
Those responsible for pothole repairs, if you guys are working on a stretch of road, please patch all potholes rather than doing selective patching.
Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Soccer rules
Sukha Singh asked if the rules of soccer had changed on account of the on-field fouls by players at World Cup 2026 (FT 23/7/26). No, Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct remain the same.
But there certainly was one rule change off field. That is a red card ban could be miraculously lifted if you were a big buddy of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino. US President Trump demonstrated that. But that change follows an age-old tradition which is called to pull strings. We are familiar with that tradition.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Your voice!
Dear colleagues, I just came to Suva three weeks ago. I’m a Spanish journalist looking for interesting stories.
I read The Fiji Times every day. Congratulations, it is very informative and gives me ideas to cover in your beautiful country.
Virginia de la Guardia Suva
World Cup Aspiration
Congratulations to Fiji Under 17 team for qualifying for the finals and qualifying for the Under 17 World Cup once again.
The CEO of Fiji Football Association was correct when he said: “Fiji will play in the World Cup in the next 10 years”, he didn’t say which World Cup?
Now imagine if the same players are looked after and all of them train hard for the next four years and I am sure Fiji will become a force in Oceania soccer.
By the way what happened to the players from last season who qualified to the age group World Cup, I am told the top goalkeeper from Lautoka is playing rugby now for the Lautoka team because he was not given much game time at higher level soccer.
Narayan Reddy Lautoka
A dream worth chasing!
Thank you, Fred Wesley, for the superlatives in describing the success of this year’s World Cup in the US!
Spain, the eventual winner, repeated the 2010 feat when they beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Johannesburg. The La Roja stood out. They outplayed defending champions Argentina.
The statistics in terms of match possession and shots on target spoke about Spain’s dominance.
Wesley captured Spain’s thunderous attempt beautifully via his editorial titled ‘A dream worth chasing’ (FT: 24/07), “When substitute Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute, the floodgates opened and Spanish fans looked to the skies, fisted the air, and screamed their lungs out. They could sense it. They could feel victory.”
This is exactly what I did some 24 years ago when Brazil’s wonder boy Ronaldo scored two delicious goals against Germany at the International Stadium in Yokohama to gift Brazil their fifth World Cup title. Sadly, that was the last time Brazil won the WC trophy. This year’s WC united football lovers. Fans joined hands to support their teams, located miles away from home. Thanks to FBC TV and Sky Pacific, we were able to watch the matches live. It’s a pity that the weeks of exciting football action came to an end. I miss the action, but I’m glad that England, the other team I support, had their best finish (third place) since winning the WC trophy in 1966.
The record attendance at the WC shows the love that fans have for football. I echo the sentiments shared by Wesley, “When are we going to see the Bula Boys on such a stage?”
Our U-17 team has played in the U-17 WC. Our U-23 team has played in the Olympic Games. If they can, then why can’t the Bula Boys!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
More than victory
There is more than just a hunt for victory in the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s grandfinal.
The visiting New South Wales Waratahs are up for a seventh title while our McDonald’s Fijian Drua are targeting a third favourable outcome.
The Waratahs are beaming with confidence following the inclusion of star players such as Caitlyn Halse.
Our women appear the underdogs this time around. Whatever the outcome and one’s opinion, let us back our ladies as they have come a long way this season.
As a fan, I would be interested in hearing from coach Mike Legge about his approach to training and what continues to motivate our ladies.
Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Harvesting cane
Instead of calling the army to harvest your sugar cane, just change your spool with a cutting blade.
I have tested my brush cutter to propel my outboard. I always take it as my spare engine.
Sukha Singh Labasa
Bring Mick Byrne back
The two rugby 7s Olympic gold medal winning teams were led by two international coaches.
If we want our 15s rugby team to reach the semi-final or final and win the World Cup next year in Australia, please, bring Mick Byrne back so that the taxpayers’ funds are well spent. You will see that the second round in November will have better results.
Maika Tabukovu Cunningham, Suva
Traffic cameras
Are the traffic cameras on Fiji roads in operation?
Asking for a friend. No, I would never break any laws, knowingly.
Praneet Singh Ba
Cane cut and cart
National Farmers Union GS and former PM Mahendra Chaudhry is not wrong in supporting cane farmers.
That is where he gained popularity long ago and then obliterated his competition for the prime ministership. He is actually doing the right thing by sticking with his support base and voicing what the farmers can’t voice. But Mr Chaudhry, please request all the farmers to harvest their crop. Kerekere.
Donald Singh Nausori
Sad story!
The saddest part of the South Seas Club saga isn’t the court ruling. It’s that 12 ordinary workers arrived for work only to find locked gates and their livelihoods gone including a restaurant owner whose business has served the public for over 20 years.
I’ve been one of those fortunate people who’s enjoyed lunch with family at their delightful restaurant where the food and service were outstanding.
These people weren’t the ones involved in years of legal battles. They were simply trying to earn an honest living to support their families.
Regardless of who won or lost in court, surely those whose lives would be most affected deserved the courtesy of advance notice, clear communication and a measure of compassion.
Justice shouldn’t end with enforcing a court order. It should also recognise the human cost borne by innocent workers, long-term tenants and customers caught in the middle.
Perhaps this serves as a timely reminder that leadership isn’t judged solely by legal compliance, but by how we treat the most vulnerable when difficult decisions must be made.
The law may settle disputes, but compassion preserves our humanity.
I hope the affected workers and the restaurant owner receive not only their legal entitlements, but also the dignity and support they deserve during this difficult time.
Colin Deoki Australia
Drua’s rising star!
McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Kolora Lomani is an inspiration to girls and young women who are vying for a spot in the national women’s rugby team and the Drua.
Having represented Fiji in both 7s and 15s, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and Women’s RWCs, Lomani played for Wellington and then joined the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women, helping them secure back-to-back Super W titles in 2022 and 2023.
Lomani is a utility backline player, having skills, flair, speed, confidence and agility to play as a wing and scrumhalf, and her leadership has been crucial to the success of the Drua as they prepare to face the New South Wales Waratahs Women at Four R Stadium in Ba today.
The Drua played back-to-back finals in 2022 and 2023 away from home and won both, beating the NSW Waratahs and Reds 32-26 and 38-30.
This time around, Lomani and the Drua will play their first final at home in Ba. This is going to be very special as revenge will be on the minds of the girls as they lost to the Waratahs 29-42 in round one.
Since that loss, the Drua is unbeaten.
The girls beat the Western Force 29-24 in a thriller and then the ACT Brumbies 42-25 at home, after which they hammered the Queensland Reds twice: 50-17 away from home and 31-5 in the semi-final last Saturday at Churchill Park.
The Drua had topped the standings with 14 points, tied up with the Western Force.
The girls are one step away from winning their third Super W title and that too at home. History has already been created- a home final for the first time! Toso Drua!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Primary and Secondary schools football
Many schools are currently engaged in football through district, zonal and national competitions which are run by the Fiji Primary Schools Football Association (FPSFA) and Fiji Secondary Schools Football Association (FSSFA) for primary and secondary schools respectively.
These tournaments and competitions have been producing talent for national teams for decades and have been the platform for real football development in the country. And behind the scenes are the primary and secondary school teachers who make things happen without any personal gains.
There are so many unseen sacrifices by these teachers, who are running the district and national associations and organising the competitions. What they get – are the negative comments from the public if results are not in their favour, loss of personal time and resources and disrespect from some uncivilised players and supporters. Yet, these teachers continue doing this either because of their passion for football or because of the love they have for their students.
I still remember the days when there were better recognitions and incentives, such as successful teams getting places in the Fiji Football Association’s (Fiji FA) most prestigious tournament, the Inter District Competition (IDC), touring overseas for friendly matches and complimentary passes to watch Fiji FA competitions. All these have disappeared like endangered species.
The Fiji FA should bring back such recognitions and incentives to attract more teachers to rally behind football development in Fiji. All players that have been part of the recent teams that qualified for the age group World Cups have gone through the watchful eyes of our primary and secondary teachers. Did any teacher get an opportunity to be part of the national team? Did any teacher get any awards during the Fiji FA awards night? I don’t think so unless I am unaware. I am calling upon Fiji FA to bring the primary and secondary games back to the IDC and more innovative incentives to honour our teachers’ sacrifices and efforts and lure more to join the Fiji FA football family.
If we want to reach the World Cup, we need to strengthen the grassroots and most importantly the people behind it. The unsung heroes, in the form of teachers, must be given due credit and honour. Fiji FA can do better and harder.
Congrats to Fiji FA for qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2027.
Rohitesh Chand Kalokalo Crescent, Makoi, Nasinu
Beyond the playground
Much has been said about the development of sports facilities to improve the livelihoods of youth in Fiji. A great investment — sports facilities are indeed important for Fiji’s youth. Sports can build discipline, teamwork, confidence, and healthier lifestyles. However, construction of the sports facilities is only one part of the equation.
If youth development is a sporting event, then the field may be ready, but the remaining support system must also be in place. For a holistic development of our youth, we need to complete the other part of that equation.
The playbook must be inclusive, giving young people access to education, skills training, leadership opportunities, and pathways to employment. The referees must be fair, ensuring that all youth, regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, location, or ability, have equal opportunities to participate and succeed. The spectators (families, communities, educators, and employers) must provide encouragement and positive support.
Equally important is the support team. Counselling services, rehabilitation programs, mentoring and mental health support are essential for helping young people overcome challenges and reach their potential.
Sports should be viewed as a gateway to youth development, not the whole journey.
To create constructive, productive, and empowered young people, Fiji’s investment in sports must be matched with investments in education, training, support services, and employment opportunities. It is a collective effort to ensure that youth develop to their full potential and embark on a more constructive, positive and healthy life.
The playground has been built. Now we must ensure that the whole game is designed for success.
Elisha Bano Suva
New gym, a boost!
Hats off to Grace Roads for officially opening their $2m True Fitness Centre at the True Mart complex in Laqere.
The presence of the True Mart Complex has turned the area into a hive of activity from shopping to dining and then the extravagant gym where people can burn the extra kilos. Commuters living along the Nasinu-Rewa corridor have no reason to complain as the brand new, state-of-the-art gym will address their fitness and physical needs.
The rise in non-communicable diseases is a worry, but that should be put at ease as people can join the gym to do workouts and build on their stamina and fitness.
A strong, healthy community is the dream of every country, and Nasinu is blessed with an impressive gym that will be the country’s fourth largest gym.
Residents along the Nasinu-Rewa corridor should make use of this gym and help reduce non-communicable diseases in Fiji! People must adhere to the adage, ‘Health is wealth’!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Changing with time
It’s interesting to learn that Great Britain has changed seven prime ministers in a decade. How about Fiji in four decades? Can be anyone’s guess.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Heart of Fijian rugby
“The Heart of the Flying Fijians has always been its strength and natural flair. Now instinctive discipline must become the warrior’s compass for showing the way to achieving greatness.”
Colin Deoki Australia
When the truth matters
The greatest casualty of war is often the truth.
In the fog of the Gaza conflict, the battle hasn’t only been fought with rockets and bullets, it’s also been fought with headlines, television broadcasts and social media feeds.
When journalists abandon rigorous scrutiny in favour of narratives that later prove to be incomplete, misleading or inaccurate, the consequences reach far beyond the battlefield.
There’s now credible evidence from the UN that Hamas has diverted and exploited humanitarian aid intended for the people of Gaza on multiple occasions. But the real problem is that it hasn’t just happened. Hamas has been doing it for years. If aid meant for hungry families is instead commandeered by a terrorist organisation, that fact deserves relentless reporting, not selective smearing of Israeli military while promoting the abject hypocrisy of Hamas’ criminal activity.
But the question that still remains unanswered is:
Were people within the UN complicit?
When any media outlet downplays or fails to adequately investigate such realities, it risks creating a distorted public understanding of the conflict. That distortion can inflame emotions, deepen division and fuel hostility against innocent people who bear no responsibility for the actions of governments or terrorist organisations.
Across Australia and much of the Western world, Jewish communities have experienced an alarming rise in intimidation, harassment, antisemitic abuse and violence since the conflict began. While hatred has many causes, media organisations have a profound responsibility to ensure their reporting informs rather than inflames.
A free press is one of democracy’s greatest strengths. But with that freedom comes an equally greater responsibility and that’s to pursue the truth without fear or favour, to correct errors transparently, and to resist becoming an unwitting amplifier of propaganda from any side.
If reporting falls short of those standards, accountability matters. Not because criticism should be silenced, but because public trust depends on accuracy, integrity and fairness.
The media should never become another weapon of war.
Its duty is to expose deception, not become part of it.
Colin Deoki Australia
Symptoms rather than disease!
Professor Satish Chand’s article, “The Fiscal Reckoning Ahead”, published in your newspaper on July 21, 2026, correctly highlights the seriousness of Fiji’s widening deficit, rising public debt and uncertain revenue outlook.
While the article understandably focuses on the immediate fiscal pressures, the discussion could be usefully broadened to consider the deeper structural factors contributing to these challenges.
Fiji’s revenue is not declining merely because of weaknesses in the tax system. The tax base is under pressure because productive capacity is weakening.
The continuing migration of skilled workers has created shortages across all sectors of the economy.
Businesses face higher labour costs, declining efficiency and diminishing demand both external and internal making business growth extremely difficult.
At the same time, Fiji is failing to make productive use of some of its greatest assets. Large areas of potentially productive land remain idle or underutilised, while the economic potential of our fisheries, aquaculture and other marine resources remains largely realised. These failures limit production, exports, employment and government revenue.
More fundamentally, Fiji is suffering from a serious lack of confidence in the economy.
Domestic and foreign investors require policy stability, predictable regulation, efficient approvals, secure access to land and confidence in property rights.
Where uncertainty prevails, investors postpone projects, redirect capital elsewhere or restrict themselves to short-term activities.
Declining investment continues to produces slower growth, fewer jobs, weaker productivity and a narrower tax base. Rising deficits and debt are only consequences of this economic stagnation.
Fiji, therefore, cannot tax or cut its way to prosperity. Fiscal discipline is necessary, but without stronger productive investment, tax increases and expenditure reductions may further weaken economic activity.
A well-structured national land-use policy should be central to the solution. It should identify idle and underutilised land, provide clear zoning, improve infrastructure and access, facilitate secure and sufficiently long agricultural and commercial leases, ensure transparent and fairer renewal procedures.
Incessant bureaucratic delays in approvals, illegal interferences and conflicts are sending damning signals to potential investors and residents alike contributing to depressed business environment.
Policies must provide firmer property rights environment while enabling land to be brought into productive use realising better returns for all parties.
Similar strategic planning is required for Fiji’s marine resources, including sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, value-added processing and stronger participation by coastal communities.
The real fiscal solution is to restore confidence, retain and develop skilled people, mobilise idle resources and revive productive investment.
When investment and productivity rise, employment, exports and government revenue will follow.
Without addressing these foundations, discussion of deficits, debt and taxation will remain an argument about the symptoms rather than the disease.
Dr. Sunil Kumar (Economist) Nadi Back Road
Teacher crisis
When the world is grappling with fuel crisis, our schools, our children are suffering as a result of “teacher shortage crisis”.
Not really, it’s not that we don’t have qualified teachers to take up vacant positions but it’s the inability of the Human Recourse Department identify and post teachers in a timely manner.
This has further being compounded by the recent cabinet decision that “no new appointments be made” in the civil service. Let me give some concrete examples and expect a substantive reply from the Ministry of Education, not only for our cause but also of the many school heads and management who are left in a limbo.
At Vunimono Primary School, Nausori, a Class 2 teacher was regarded to teach secondary and was posted to secondary.
It has been 10 weeks now and the class 2 children are deprived of their right to meaningful education.
I request the Labour Department to liaise with the school or better still, do an investigation and warn the MoE on Occupational, Health and Safety issues (duty of care).
At Nakasi High School, the only physics teacher had tendered his resignation to the Ministry on June 18, 2026. Despite the mandatory notification, no replacement has been sent.
Students have sat their practical component and Mid Year Examination is around the corner. Nausori Education District is asking Nakasi High to liaise with cluster school physics teachers to mark NHS papers. This is preposterous to say the least.
The Acting Director HR of MoE has written to say no replacement can be sent because of the Cabinet decision.
My question (it may be the same for many other schools as well) is that when there already is a budget for that particular position, then why can’t the ministry send a replacement?
If the ministry is inferring that “new appointment” is the same as ” replacement” then it should take a legal opinion from the Solicitor Generals Office. Schools and Students can’t be left in abeyance.
At Vunimono High School, Nausori, the school is crippled by “five teacher shortage”. One resigned with effect from 9/1/26, two resigned wef 24/4/26, another on 3//6/26 and a teacher is on maternity leave with effect from 20/7/26.
No replacement till date.
I believe that Ministry of Education (with the assistance of the Labour Minister) do a paper for the Cabinet to rethink of blanket decision regarding new appointments. Teaching is a different “kettle of fish”.
Cabinet needs to re-visit its earlier decision as I believe that Section 31 of the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji guarantees person the right to early education, primary, secondary and further education.
Section 33 (5) says “In applying any right under this Section, if the State claims that it does not have the resources to implement the right, it is the responsibility of the State to show that the resources are not available.”
For the best interest of all stakeholders, i request the ministry/Government to “show cause” why teachers can’t be replaced?
Arun Prasad Chairman – Education Committee Sanatan Dharm Mahamandal Schools Nausori
Real test!
It was great to see the All Blacks once again defend their fortress at Eden Park with another impressive victory. The team continues to build confidence, but the real challenge now begins.
Attention now turns to South Africa, where the All Blacks face one of rugby’s toughest assignments. The next six weeks, including the clashes with the Springboks, will provide a true measure of where this side stands. The final Test in Washington, DC, is also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the world’s premier rugby rivalry to an American audience and help grow the global profile of the game.
While the All Blacks are expected to continue improving and reach peak form, it will be fascinating to see how the squad evolves as preparations begin for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
One of the biggest selection questions remains the No. 10 jersey. In my view, Beauden Barrett’s experience and composure could prove invaluable against the physical and tactical challenge posed by South Africa.
Matches between the All Blacks and the Springboks are never won on talent alone. They are won through discipline, resilience, and mindset — both on and off the field.
I wish the All Blacks every success in what promises to be their biggest test of the season.
Rahul Ankim Krishna Auckland, New Zealand
Manhole Fall
Surendra Kumar from New Zealand fell in a neck deep manhole in Labasa escaping death and calling for appropriate signs to indicate such hazards (FT18/7). Neck deep manholes or knee deep potholes are equally dangerous.
Please authorities concerned, urgently address and maintain as we proudly promote Fiji tourism.
The Fijians pride of welcoming visitors with a Bula smile is unique.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Compassion should be fair, not selective
A crematorium is more than a service provider. It is a place where families gather during one of the most painful moments of their lives. Decisions made there should reflect compassion, dignity and, above all, fairness.
It is well known that the gas crematorium in Nausori charges a cremation fee of approximately $650. Equally commendable is its reported practice of waiving this fee for certain categories of people, such as children, bedridden individuals, or families facing genuine financial hardship. Such acts of compassion deserve recognition.
However, compassion loses its meaning when it appears to be applied inconsistently.
Recently, many people observed a funeral where the cremation fee was reportedly waived for a deceased person who did not appear to fall within any of the commonly understood categories for a fee exemption. If there were legitimate reasons for that decision, then transparency would help prevent misunderstanding. If not, it naturally raises uncomfortable questions.
Who decides who pays and who does not?
What criteria are being used?
Are the rules applied equally to every family?
Or does it depend on who you know? (management needs to showcase transparency here)
These are not unreasonable questions. Every family paying the full fee has made sacrifices during an already difficult time. Some borrow money. Some rely on relatives. Others quietly struggle because giving a loved one a dignified farewell leaves them with little choice.
Imagine discovering that another family received the same service free of charge without any clear explanation. It is not the generosity that people question—it is the apparent inconsistency.
Policies exist to ensure fairness, not favouritism. Compassion should never become something that appears reserved for the fortunate few while others, equally deserving, are left wondering why they were treated differently.
The solution is simple. If fee waivers are available, publish the eligibility criteria. Apply them consistently. Where exceptional circumstances exist, explain that they are exceptional. Transparency protects both the organisation and the public’s confidence in it.
Grief should never be accompanied by doubts about whether everyone is being treated equally.
Fairness is not measured by how generously we help one family. It is measured by whether we treat every family with the same respect, compassion and impartiality.
Ashwini Basant Nausori
Heaven and hell
So, a Christian preacher has the audacity to tell a student of a different faith that he will not go to heaven unless he accepts Jesus Christ and Christianity (fijivillage.com). What an astonishing display of arrogance.
I hate to break it to him, but there is no scientific proof or verifiable physical evidence that heaven or hell exists. These concepts are matters of faith, not established fact, and are based on religious scriptures written and interpreted by human beings (man).
Likewise, praying or preaching does not guarantee anyone a spot in heaven.
In a diverse and a multi-faith nation like Fiji, such statements are insensitive, divisive and undermine the mutual respect that has long existed among our different religious communities.
If this preacher is genuinely concerned about saving souls, perhaps he should direct his efforts towards addressing the very real problems within his own flock. Our prisons are filled with offenders, the overwhelming majority of whom identify as Christians.
If Christianity alone guaranteed a place in so-called “heaven”, our jail facilities would be nearly empty. But that is not the case, is it?
So, I strongly urge this preacher to respect other people’s faith and beliefs. Better yet, keep your imaginary spiritual teachings to yourself or in a church.
Nishant Singh Lautoka
Hear ye, hear ye!
The people have spoken at the 2026 Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This “draconian” Decree 51, so forcibly hatched by “power of two” in the now de-registered Fiji First Party and former Government, now needs to be effectively “red carded.” It must be shown the door. Out!
It’s amazing how “unlimited power” forced so much hardship, cruelty and elevated pain and suffering on about 6000 senior pensioners – way back in 2012. About 4600 have since sadly passed on. Their memories need preserving. Fearless fighters in the late David Burness and Jackson Mar must be honoured, posthumously. They died in vain. They went down fighting. Some 1400 of us cling on to dear life – some in gross levels of untold poverty. For some the forced reductions were so much, it was a “take it or leave it” attitude from FNPF. Instead of the $3000 per month in retirement; we were expected to survive on a few hundred dollars. We were forced to take lumpsum. The higher end earners today, are well looked after by the Coalition Govt through taxpayer funds. There is some bias. Some of us are conveniently forgotten and cast into poverty
Why was the FNPF formed?
To build up a magnificent $12billion portfolio? To have $2billion sitting pretty in banks? To be Government’s cash cow? To be a super rich lending agency in the South Pacific region? To invest heavily in numerous many higher value tourism facilities? Or to care for all pensioners? Is FNPF trusted today by the majority of its 420,000 members who own the fund? Grape-vine gossip tell us about 70 per cent of its membership who will retire in the near future will have about $10,000 as pensions. Gossip around the tanoa also say less than 5 per cent will choose taking pensions. This confirms the levels of mistrust. Am I wrong? If so, my apologies, publicly.
The tanoa talanoa is also very revealing, rightly or wrongly. The fund’s chairman; executives, members of the board, employees and legal team are all handsomely remunerated. Is this erroneous?
If these tough questions are true and accurate, then the fund has effectively failed senior betrayed pensioners some 14 long and painful years – and counting.
Who provides professional oversight of the South Pacific’s biggest financial institution? Is the fund far too big to fail its members again? Will history repeat itself? As a senior betrayed pensioner who struggles to get by in life, I appeal to all well educated youths today to scrutinise the fund’s trustworthiness. The board lacks serious representation of its 420,000. The board will dispute this. There are two sides to this story.
The fund boasts some 151 millionaires today.
The majority 70 per cent membership is hardly worth much per member. A serious change in direction is warranted without delay. Fact or fiction:
FNPF is rumoured to finance an EFL project worth in excess of a billion dollars, minimum.
The surviving betrayed senior pensioners also helped in Fiji’s growth and development. FB and ASK ruined our lives. They both lack empathy, compassion and forced poverty onto older citizens. History will judge them best.
(Thou shalt not steal. Do not take man’s roti and his right to live happily. And die happily too. You denied us).
Once again, through these open columns, I fervently appeal to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, in Jesus’ holy name to right yesterday’s wrong. You are God-fearing. We respectfully ask restorative justice and restitution. Nothing less. The FNPF Pension Buffer Fund in 2011 was worth $600million plus interest over 14 years. Their financial reports do not lie.
Taxpayers’ monies need not be touched, at all.
Alternately, The fund can easily dispose of 5 per cent of its portfolio to make good, justice for the betrayed – 1400 survivors. For 14 long years of pain, suffering and forced poverty hardships, $5000 each per month, in my humble view, is not asking much (or $7million per month). Any added extra, is welcome bonus.
PM Rabuka, your executive authority allows you this distinctly unique privilege, hands down. Listen to your heart now. Your perfect recipe to winning votes and ways.
Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Spatial awareness
Some time ago my wife and I were chatting with one of our sons about the way some people drive. We commented on how many motorists seem to ignore the road rules or appear completely unaware of the people around them. And it’s become a bugbear for us when people intentionally ignore the road rules or simple rules for walking in a shopping mall or centre.
He smiled and said, “It’s no different when people are walking”.
He pointed to crowded shopping centres, supermarket aisles and footpaths where people suddenly stop without warning, walk three abreast, drift into others’ paths or remain completely unaware that they’re blocking everyone behind them.
Then he introduced us to a term I hadn’t really thought much about before: spatial awareness.
Spatial awareness is simply the ability to recognise where you are in relation to people, objects and the environment around you. It’s about understanding the space you occupy, appreciating that others occupy it too instead of blindly walking or driving with your eyes glued to your phone or busy texting.
When we develop good spatial awareness, we naturally become more considerate. We drive with greater anticipation. We walk with purpose. We notice when someone needs room. We avoid becoming an obstacle to others.
In many ways, spatial awareness is simply courtesy that’s made visible and very much a practical habit.
It’s also a valuable life skill. It helps reduce accidents, prevents unnecessary frustration, improves teamwork, enhances sporting performance and even strengthens relationships because we become more aware, not just physically, but socially and emotionally of those around us. I’m not altogether sure but I wonder if it’s connected to emotional intelligence?
Perhaps there’s an even deeper lesson.
Life isn’t just about knowing where we’re going. It’s also about recognising that everyone else is travelling their own journey alongside us.
Maybe the world would become a little kinder, a little safer and a little less stressful if we all developed a greater sense of spatial awareness not only with our eyes, but with our hearts and our senses.
Sometimes, the smallest step we can take is simply making room for someone else. In the “old days”, it was called having good manners.
Over to you.
Colin Deoki Australia
Power of Prayer
I cannot but agree with whoever said that Fijians should pray and fast more to solve the problem of HIV, drugs and social and moral decay which Fiji is experiencing on an unprecedented scale.
Lack of praying and fasting is to blame for all of Fiji’s problems. It is of course all someone else’s fault. It is not the fault of the people and their leaders.
Government members should also resort to praying and fasting on a massive scale to set an example. I believe, since they ‘won’ the election almost four years ago there has been a decline in their passion for the faith. By that I mean there was a lot of prayer and fasting before the election, but they became lax and complacent since and here we all are today.
I believe members of the GCC and the clergy should do the same.
This applies to the Fiji rugby players as well. We see them looking and pointing up to the sky a lot on a public field as a show of faith which seems disingenuous to me. It is what happens in private, away from the public eye which matters in the end and counts for more.
I believe if you pray and fast harder, you never know, you may get a windfall of bigger bags of peanuts from Australia.
Failing all this, just declare Fiji a Christian state and all the problems will be solved overnight just like it did in PNG.
When will all the bulldust end?
Jan Nissar Osaka, Japan
Spiritual influencers
WE live in an age where people seem increasingly fascinated by horoscopes, tarot cards, psychics, mediums and “spiritual” influencers.
At the same time, fewer people seem willing to ask a far more important question:
What’s the source of the guidance we choose to follow?
Not every voice claiming to offer enlightenment leads to wisdom.
Not every feeling deserves our trust.
Not every “spiritual” experience points towards truth.
This is where many people confuse spiritual discernment with psychic discernment.
They may appear similar. Both can involve powerful impressions, intuition or a sense of knowing.
But similarity does not necessarily mean they share the same origin or purpose.
From a Christian perspective, spiritual discernment isn’t about predicting tomorrow or uncovering hidden secrets. It’s about seeking God’s wisdom to distinguish truth from deception, good from evil and what’s right from what merely appears to be right.
Psychic discernment, on the other hand, is commonly associated with claims of accessing hidden knowledge through extrasensory means, such as clairvoyance, mediumship or other psychic practices.
The distinction matters because history repeatedly reminds us that people can be sincerely convinced and sincerely mistaken.
The greatest danger facing any society isn’t simply ignorance.
It’s the inability to distinguish truth from falsehood.
That danger extends beyond religion. It influences politics, media, business, social movements and even our personal relationships.
If we lose the ability to discern wisely, we become vulnerable to persuasion, manipulation and deception from every direction.
Perhaps the question every one of us should ask isn’t, “What do I want to believe?”
But rather:
“How do I know that what I believe is true?”
For a society increasingly surrounded by competing voices and narratives, that may be one of the most important questions of our time.
Colin Deoki Australia
