Messi flying high
Argentina’s wonder boy, Lionel Messi, was thrown in the air in celebration by his teammates after the La Albiceleste defeated Egypt in an epic and dramatic comeback. Messi was spotted in tears when the whistle sounded. In that match, he missed a penalty in the first half, but his strike late into the second half enabled Argentina to get the equaliser. The 39-year-old football scoring sensation had earlier on created history by playing in his sixth World Cup (WC) and then topped that up by grabbing a hat-trick against Algeria. Making his debut at the WC in Germany in 2006, he inspired Argentina to victory over France in the 2022 WC final. Affectionately known as ‘La Pulga’ or ‘The Flea’ in Spanish, Messi has collected more major team and individual trophies than any other player in the history of international football. He collected the Golden Ball Award in 2014 and 2022. In this World Cup, Messi has so far scored eight goals and has extended his career goals in the WC to 21. Messi is such an influential figure in the team. His leadership skills, cool composure and the ability to score under difficult circumstances, make him a special and outstanding player. Argentina’s general is in top form- Switzerland faces a mammoth task marking him. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
VAR review and Egypt’s denied goal
I am writing to convey my concerns regarding a contentious decision made in a recent match between Egypt and Argentina. Former FIFA referee Arturo Brizio has pointed out an issue that warrants attention: Egypt was wrongfully denied what should have been a valid goal. Brizio asserts that the disallowance of Egypt’s second goal was an error. According to FIFA’s regulations, VAR should only intervene to overturn a goal when there is a clear and significant infringement, or if the incident occurs in close proximity to the goal. The distance of an incident from the goal necessitates that any foul be evident and substantial to justify intervention. In this instance, the minor foul in question occurred at the start of the play, roughly 80 metres from Argentina’s goal. It did not affect Argentina’s defensive arrangement. This was a trivial incident, yet the VAR decision unfairly deprived Egypt of a legitimate goal. It is crucial for such matters to be open for discussion, as they impact the integrity of the sport and the confidence in the technology employed within it. Suresh Chand Nadi
Changing the narrative
Changing the narrative to counter ongoing negative criticism against any organisation is just like sweeping the dirt under the carpet and doing nothing about it. The same dirt will again find its way out into the open and will expose more rot within. In order to change the narrative, I believe in the process that the same dirt is to be properly examined, why it is remaining a dirt, it should be properly counselled, given time to heal and guided. If the dirt cannot change to clean after going through these processes then it’s better to get rid of it. Then I believe changing the narrative to positive criticism because something has been done to that dirt. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Questionable conduct
During the Sugar Select Committee meeting in Ba, it was appalling to witness the video of Ranjan Charan, chairman of PAFCO, and a man, who repeatedly reminded everyone that he is a “qualified” lawyer, telling struggling cane farmers to “shut up” and “sit down”. Are you for real Ranjan? With all due respect, Mr Charan, the farmers could not care less about your professional qualifications. They attended the consultation to raise their concerns and seek practical solutions to revive a sugar industry that has been in steady decline, not to listen to you boast about your credentials.
Your dismissive and arrogant treatment of the very people whose livelihoods depend on the industry’s survival speaks volumes about your character, temperament, and respect for those you are meant to serve. It was a horrendous display of leadership and entirely unbecoming of someone entrusted with such a responsibility. If you cannot tolerate criticism or listen respectfully to the people’s concerns, then perhaps it is you, Mr Charan, who should “shut up” and step aside from these critical consultations. Fiji’s cane farmers deserve leaders who will listen, not lecture; engage, not intimidate. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Another level
In his letter of praise for FIFA president Infantino (FT 9/7/26), Rakesh Chand Sharma omitted mentioning European politicians have launched bid for investigation into the FIFA boss Infantino’s red card controversy. Questions have been raised about how an American star had his red card overturned following intervention from US president Trump (ABC 8/7/26). Good governance of the world soccer body requires that investigation. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Hit the road, George
I watched the Prime Minister’s consultation with sugarcane growers in Ra which failed to do enough to resolve the impasse on this season’s cane price. Instead, I think this roadshow was about renowned Ra business figure, GS Raj announcing his entrance into the upcoming national election. Well done, George. The band wagon of power, the media, and a few select growers did not expect that. Samu Railoa Vanuabalavu, Lau
Consultation issue
Does Fiji really need all the public consultation now for different reforms? General Election is some five to six months away but many different consultations for different reviews are still going on. Is it really needed now? Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Backbone falling apart
The recent viral video on social media highlights the frustration of sugarcane farmers as they struggle with rising production costs. Our PM, Sitiveni Rabuka, has acknowledged the hard work of our farmers and the increasing financial pressures they face. International shipping costs and disruptions to global supply chains are now largely beyond Fiji’s control, placing even greater strain on the sugar industry (FT 9/7). I pray that our government will soon find practical solutions to save our sugar industry from falling apart. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
My identity
The President wants the natives of Fiji to be called Kai Viti and I would love to be called a Kaidia! Sukha Singh Labasa
Rabuka’s connection
We read in The Fiji Times that PM Rabuka is the Sugar Select Committee chairman (FT 9/7). I know the late former PM Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was a sugarcane farmer in Seaqaqa even though he hailed from Lau. Does Mr Rabuka also have a sugarcane farming connection even though he hails from Drekeniwai? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Gold from land
NFU-GS Mahendra Chaudhry’s timely comments (FT 8/7) on land lease renewal for sugarcane farms will secure better future for Fijians. I believe our Girmitya had a vision as they were assured that every stone you turn you will find gold. We got the message as we worked for it. God bless us all as we stay united in Fiji’s diverse society. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Chilly nights
This cold weather is definitely affecting the committed grog swipers. Their skin drying up, tightening and cracks start to appear. Duane Silaitoga and Lyndon O’Connor, be cautious, lotion up and moisturise before you start resembling a withered salato plant. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Pensioner, FSC and name
FSC down turn
In 1969, at the cusp of Independence, the CSR (Colonial Sugar Refining Co) and later SPSM (South Pacific Sugar Mills) were leaving, the Legalega Sector Field Officer, Mr Bean told my father, a harvesting gang sirdar that since they were leaving, the sugar industry would collapse. In 1984, farmers had a bumper crop and my father told me that they had proven Mr Bean wrong. Today, the Legalega Sector Office is occupied by landowners. The Yako and Malolo Sector offices are closed. All harvesting gangs take their quota or information from Navo Sector Office where the “Bada Sahib” (Senior field officer) resided in a large bungalow located on top of a hill. I believe that FSC has been cutting costs as communication was made easier due to development of mobile phones. FSC had also consolidated smaller harvesting gangs into larger ones for better administration. But the fact is FSC did very little to improve the mill efficiency. Lautoka Sugar mill and FSC run-down quarters have become an eyesore. When a farmer, Joe Cagi calls for a “footing to roofing” restructure and with right leadership and approach to revive FSC, it should be taken seriously. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Fascinating issue
There is continuing debate about a national identity and what each ethnic group should be called. I believe the words Fiji and Fijian are mispronounced words by the colonialists at the time which has since stuck. I do not understand why first nations people are passionate about being known by a mispronounced word coined. The word has nothing to do with the local language or culture. But I am sure there is a perfect Fijian logic fuelled by prejudice and ignorance, because Fijian logic works in strange ways. In any case, 56 years after independence, there is still flip-flopping and aage-piche about this issue. It must be a cultural and traditional thing because just like the government, the people cannot make up their minds. Fijians do not even realise that their country is known by a mispronounced word which they are proud of. Passion driven by ignorance. Fascinating. Jan Nissar Lautoka
Thank you for the reflections
Vinaka, master Dewan Chand (FT 8/7), for your heartwarming reflections on your family and your childhood in Labasa. Your story stirred many cherished memories for those of us who grew up in Fiji and reminded us of a generation whose lives were built on humility, hard work and quiet perseverance. There aren’t many people like you left. Your generation helped build our nation through sacrifice, honesty and dedication, asking for little in return except the dignity of enjoying the retirement you’ve earned. My sincere hope and prayer is that you, along with the many pensioners who suffered the same fate, will one day receive fair restitution for the significant reduction in your FNPF savings. Those funds represented decades of sweat, commitment and faithful service. They weren’t gifts from any government, but the rightful savings of hardworking Fijians. One of the darkest chapters in Fiji’s recent history was seeing those retirement savings diminished by the stroke of a pen under the former administration of Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. For countless retirees, it wasn’t merely a financial loss, it was the loss of security, peace of mind and the retirement they’d spent a lifetime working towards. Justice isn’t simply about acknowledging what happened. True restorative justice seeks to make things right. Until those who were disadvantaged receive meaningful restitution, that chapter remains unfinished and a blot on the Board and Management of the FNPF. There’s always a solution to this longstanding grievance. The question is whether you’re willing to make things right rather than justifying your actions in an illegal move by an illegal administration. Colin Deoki Australia
