Paraguay beats the giants to claim spot
No one gave Paraguay any chance against the mighty Germans. But alas, against all odds, they took the Germans to the wire and toppled them 4-3 in the penalty shootout. They sent the Germans home and are now marching in the last 16 of FIFA 26. What a story? ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Deserving champions
Congratulations to Roylux Realty Ba on clinching the 2026 Fiji FACT title. Credit also to a brave and gallant Navua side that refused to back down. After an enthralling contest, it took a penalty shootout to crown a deserving champion. As for my highly fancied Blues outfit, it’s a tournament they’ll rather want to forget. They burst out of the blocks looking like genuine contenders, only to run out of steam when it mattered most. Then came the bombshell, players testing positive for banned substances. Nothing destroys a team’s credibility and morale faster than a doping scandal. There are no shortcuts to success in sport. Talent, discipline, hard work and sacrifice win championships, not drugs! Those who choose to chase an unfair advantage don’t just let themselves down, they let down their teammates, supporters and the game itself. And then we wonder why Fiji soccer has not progressed an inch in the last century, while tiny island nations (minnows) like Curacao and Cape Verde have made an impactful presence in the 2026 World Cup. Anyway congratulations once again to the boys from Anaconda Town. Much respect. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Martintar traffic lights
Over the past six months, I’ve observed that many traffic lights in Martintar have been switching on and off quite frequently. While most of them are functional at the moment, there’s little certainty about when they might malfunction again. In particular, the lights at Mt St Mary’s intersection have been out of service ever since they broke down around six months ago. It seems these lights are overdue for maintenance or perhaps even replacement. Leaving the issue unattended for too long could result in a complete failure of the system. It’s always better to address such problems early to prevent escalation. Delayed action may lead to serious complications and higher costs down the line. It’s time to address the issue now before it worsens. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Defying the odds
Singapore, just over 700 km2, is one and half times larger than Taveuni island and yet populated with 5 million+. By all laws of history and economics, I definitely believe that it should not be a country today. However, in my view, it is not its extreme density or its soaring skyline, but the sheer impossibility of its survival. Prior to its independence in 1965, I am certain it had absolutely no natural resources, no vast agricultural land, no minerals and even no fresh drinking water of its own, to sustain its people. Compare these with Fiji, isn’t it mind blowing? Many nations of similar status would struggle tirelessly to survive, in my opinion, let alone prosper. Even “international experts” predicted a catastrophic collapse. Unpredictably, I believe, it adapted a “democratic governing system”, that instead of surviving its own limitations, it “engineered” its way out. Isn’t this something to be discussed and pondered on? Especially for such an extraordinary visionary leadership, in my opinion. Both Fiji and Singapore, I am certain, were colonised by the British, became independent 5 years apart and yet have totally different outcomes. The Bible advised that without vision, people perish. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
100-bed hospital
It is pleasing to note that we are finally embarking on the construction of the Government of India funded 100-bed super specialty hospital to be located in Nasinu. This regional project was formally announced by PM Narendra Modi during the FIPIC 111 Summit in Port Moresby in May 2023. He later reaffirmed his commitment to our Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka when they met in New Delhi in August last year. In addition, PM Modi also pledged to provide dialysis units and sea ambulances while noting that the hospital and medical support units are part of broader initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access in Fiji. He also promised that Jan Aushadhi Kendras would be opened to provide affordable, high-quality medicines, and a ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp would be organised to ensure no citizen is left behind in pursuing their dreams. The people of Fiji anxiously looks forward to these developments with the hope that this state-of-the-art facility will be completed in a timely manner to enhance the standard of our healthcare system. Once the fully fledged hospital is operational it will promote Fiji as a major hub for medical tourism. We are optimistic that its services will be provided free to all. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Government and people of India for this great service to Fiji. Indeed, as an acknowledgement of the generous funding assistance we should consider naming the hospital as Narendra Modi Regional Hospital. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
RFMF commander
In regards to your headline article on the current Commander’s tenure (FT 30/6), I believe that RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai is the best person for the job. During the 2022 General Election and the period thereafter, he has been a beacon of stability and has ensured that the RFMF fully supported the democratic and political process. Also recently, he has worked with the Police Commissioner in the joint Military/Police Task Force to ensure that the national security threat of drug cartels and drug trafficking along with its associated evils including sex trafficking is confronted and dealt with. This has given a huge sense of security to the general population. Also a big vinaka to the Government, especially Cabinet for keeping the joint task force operating. In spite of the nay sayers, we need more action and less talking on the ground against the drug traffickers. CONAN HATCH Nadi Airport
Gabriel goal
Gabriel Martinelli’s 96th minute goal gave Brazil a 2-1 win over Japan, thus saving Carlo Ancellotti’s exceptional career as football manager. But Brazil still has to display football they are known for. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Buying players
How can we improve the standard of soccer in any district by buying players? Labasa fans, please do not get disheartened. We are so lucky there are so many more tournaments left to play this year. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Fictitious charge
Myanmar’s award winning author was sentenced to three years in prison by the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) of Myanmar’s military court for incitement and sedition ( The Southeast Asian Times 30 June 2026 ). This is a phoney charge. It’s political persecution, pure and simple. It is a confirmation that the recent so called democratic election was a sham, a masquerade for the military junta which installed itself in power through the barrel of the gun after the 2021 military coup to oust the democratically elected Aung San Sui Kyi government. This makes clear who is really still the controlling power in Myanmar. RAJEND NAIDU Atlantic Blvd, Glenfield NSW, Australia
Too many parties
We now have 10 registered political parties for the upcoming general election. Is this more political choice or a state of utter confusion? Sobo! WISE MUAVONO Headstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
Trump equation
Trump is now threatening Iran with severe consequences. To my friends, I equated this with the historic scene of blockbuster 1976 Hindi film Sholay where Dharmendra climbs up a ladder to reach the base of a water tank. From here Dharmendra makes threats that if Hema Malini’s “mausi” (aunt) doesn’t agree to Dharmendra marrying Hema, he would jump down and Mausi will go to jail and added all sorts of threats as Trump does now. Finally, Mausi agreed, but will Iran agree to anything. (Shhh … people are now asking how did the villagers pump water in the tank without electricity or even solar power.) RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Superannuation scheme
Fit and proper rules
Meterologist Dr Sushil K Sharma has been providing interesting articles over the last few months. The one on the FNPF, around four weeks ago, made good points about the position up to 2011, but then seemed to show some lack of research into the purpose of the 2011 reforms. Those reforms addressed a number of the issues raised by Dr Sharma. Sure, these things aren’t exciting but governance of the FNPF was strengthened by requiring board appointments to meet “fit and proper” rules, and to ensure there was a range of skills appropriate to looking after a large superannuation scheme. Seventy per cent of contributions had to be held in preserved accounts, basically available only for retirement (although some could be applied for home ownership). Rules and powers around employer compliance were strengthened, with penalties for non-compliance. The Reserve Bank of Fiji was given a significant role to regulate and monitor not just solvency, but governance more widely. Were Dr Sharma to say “all very well, but it’s still not working for too many”, I would not disagree. While preservation and other reform actions will improve outcomes over time, a defined contribution plan like the FNPF will not, on its own, deliver adequate retirement support for those in low paying jobs, or not in the workforce at all. Better integration with the social pension seems desirable, but that’s a whole article by itself. “Excitement” of course came from the reduction in the higher pensions. It was fiercely opposed by some of those directly affected, and a number of myths have been propagated ever since. I think by now, though, nearly all Fijians, particularly members, understand why reductions were needed; over-generous pensions had been prescribed by governments before 2011, and reductions were necessary to safeguard ongoing member accounts. Dr Sharma might care to note that:
- There never was a Pension Buffer Fund – check the legislation (CAP 219).
- All pensioners in 2011 received the sum they themselves had applied to obtain their pension. Not one lost any part of their own retirement savings.
- Those who had applied their savings for modest pensions in the past, up to $300 per month, remained unaffected. The impact fell on the 3000 or so pensioners who had “filled their boots”, so to speak, and who were going to be subsidised by FNPF members to the tune of hundreds or even thousands a month.
I would add no one should be too impressed by complaints that the reform caused poverty. Anyone getting $300 per month already had triple what ordinary retirees at the time were receiving by way of the social pension. Where is the concern being expressed for the vast bulk of the current older population, making do on just the social pension? And for those who cashed up rather than receive a reduction – you simply put yourself in exactly the same position as non-pensioner retiring members have done. Perhaps we could think about compulsion for part of FNPF retirement benefits to be taken as income in future, but again that’s a whole other topic. GEOFF RASHBROOKE Kaitawa Rd, York Bay, Lower Hutt, NZ
