Fields of despair
A big vinaka vakalevu to Salote Qalubau and The Sunday Times for highlighting the plight, misery and struggles of sugarcane farmers and for rounding off the status of Fiji’s sugar industry with this line, “The backbone of Fiji’s historic sugar industry is on the verge of collapse as high transport costs, and the closure of tramlines leave a devastating trail of abandoned, empty fields across the Western Division.” The individual stories shared by the likes of Sowani Veremalua Tovata, Umesh Chandra and Gopal Krishna (ST 05/07) broke hearts as we discovered the challenges many farmers go through. These stories also highlight the deepening crisis exacerbated by the recent cane price standoff between farmers and the Government. It’s a pity that farmers are abandoning cane fields and despite calls to revive railway systems, these have fallen on deaf ears. My mother hailed from a sugarcane farming community in Waiqele, Labasa, and the green fields that once produced sugar are today lying idle. As I reminisce those days, I feel sad to see the once thriving industry dying a natural and political death. There have been many talks and promises, but little action! Thank you, John Kamea, for the wonderful editorial (05/07) titled ‘Cane crisis demands decisive, urgent action’! John Kamea, you summed up my thoughts with the well-articulated title and editorial. Thank you for the insight, “Fiji’s sugar industry has overcome difficult periods before, but its future will depend on restoring confidence among growers.” That must be an urgent priority! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Mbappe’s surgical strike
The tactical approach taken by France subdued the Moroccans, leaving them chasing shadows. Morocco, otherwise, was a team to reckon with in this FIFA 26 World Cup soccer tournament. Kylian Mbappe once again showed his goal-scoring prowess with a clinical strike to put France ahead 1-0. Earlier, his radar failed him and he missed a penalty. Mbappe is fortunate to have great players like Dembele and Olise with him, providing goal scoring opportunities on a silver plate. And when this does not happen, Mbappe goes on full throttle to let fly his own feet. Accolades to Dembele for firing a scorcher to put France 2 -0. The goal killed the fighting spirits of the Moroccans, who had been trying to find the back of the net. Morocco bowed out with pride and France moved ahead for the semifinals next week. ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Being polite
There seems to be a growing perception that changing the Constitution will fix all of Fiji’s problems. Everyone, together with their dog and donkey, appears to be jumping on the constitutional reform bandwagon. How many constitutions have we already had, and what have they fixed? The people of Fiji remain truly blessed, even though many are foolish. I am being polite. JAN NISSAR Lautoka
George Speight
For those of us who were in the country and suffered loss, damage and humiliation during the 2000 George Speight coup, while watching local businessmen provide assistance to his supporters and henchmen in Parliament, and seeing businesses continue to operate and thrive while everyone else was held hostage during his takeover of the country, I couldn’t agree more with Mahendra Chaudhry’s challenge to George to reveal the names of the coup plotters. When is George going to reveal the names of the businessmen who paid for the Fiji Air tickets of the village youths from Natewa Bay, Nabalebale Village in Wailevu District, and many other villages throughout Vanua Levu, who quickly flew to Suva to join the coup-makers in Parliament House? When will George reveal the names of all the businesses that were given a “free pass” through the roadblocks his supporters had set up around the country, allowing them to continue operating while others were forced to shut down? And what about the business houses that supplied vehicles and paid weekly wages to the coup supporters in Vanua Levu? Allegedly, these were the same business owners who were critical of the business income monitoring system introduced by the Chaudhry government’s tax department. Could we surmise that George is being paid to keep his mouth shut so the names of these business owners and coup beneficiaries are not revealed? Only George Speight and his close lieutenants can answer that question. AREN NUNNINK Savusavu
Speight claims
George Speight, the 2000 coup frontman, claims it was his dissatisfaction with the policies of the ruling Fiji Labour Party government that led him to carry out the coup ( FT 11/7/26 ). That is a lie. The real reason for the coup was that rabid racists like Speight and his thugs found a government led by an Indo-Fijian unpalatable. There is documentary evidence in the public domain of the blatant racism of Speight and his violent mob. No amount of ‘gift of the gab’ can hide the true facts relating to Speight’s so-called “civilian” coup. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Les Bleus march into semis!
France brushed Morocco aside and put a foot closer towards winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy. However, fans got a rude awakening as goal scorer Kylian Mbappe suffered an injury scare later on. The Boston Stadium was a sea of red and blue as France and Morocco fans cheered for their sides for a place in the top four. The men in blue impressed. Their golden boy, Mbappe, had an early penalty saved. However, the curl that put France into the lead was stunning. That curler was Mbappe’s eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Mbappe, who has scored 20 goals – one behind Lionel Messi, then set up Ousmane Dembele for the Les Bleus’ second goal much to the delight of France fans. France has the best starting line-up, and they have depth on their bench. Since first winning the World Cup on home soil in 1998, the Les Bleus have established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in international football. They won the trophy in 1998 and 2018, beating Brazil 3-0 and Croatia 4-2 and finished runners up last year to Argentina 4-2 in penalty kicks after the game ended in a 3-3 draw. France seems to be the top contender but will have to await the outcome of the second semifinal, most likely between Argentina and England. Fans at home are enjoying the WC, thanks to FBC and Sky Pacific! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Football, leadership and rugby
Responsibility
Political power comes with responsibility, but that responsibility becomes meaningful when the law knocks at your door. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Christiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 journey ended with a loss to Spain. This also marks the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream of winning a World Cup, a hope that is now permanently dashed. However, despite this setback, Ronaldo’s legacy will remain strong in football history. His remarkable talent, relentless drive, and countless achievements guarantee that he will be remembered as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His influence on the game goes beyond just victories and defeats, solidifying his status among the legends of football. Ronaldo’s impact is felt not only in his records but also in the inspiration he provides to aspiring players around the world. His dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at the highest level for so many years will continue to inspire future generations of footballers. I want to take this chance to wish CR7 the best in his future pursuits. Suresh Chand Nadi
Public leadership
I wish to express my concern regarding the Prime Minister’s recent use of the analogy of a cow not producing milk in reference to the sugarcane industry. The sugar industry has been built on the dedication, resilience, and sacrifices of generations of sugarcane farmers, many of whom are descendants of the girmitiya. Their hard work has made a significant contribution to Fiji’s economic growth and social development. At a time when farmers continue to face genuine challenges, comparisons that may appear to trivialise their struggles can understandably cause disappointment and concern. Equally concerning is the choice of the cow in this analogy. For Hindus, the cow is a sacred and deeply respected symbol representing compassion, nourishment, and selfless service. It carries profound religious and cultural significance. While no offence may have been intended, the use of such a symbol in a political analogy can be perceived as insensitive by members of the Hindu community. Fiji is a multicultural and multi-faith nation built on the values of mutual respect, understanding, and harmony. Our public leaders have a special responsibility to ensure that their words bring people together rather than create division, and that cultural and religious sensitivities are carefully considered when addressing matters of national importance. This is not a call to restrict freedom of expression or political debate. Rather, it is a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and respectful communication—one that recognises both the dignity of our sugarcane farmers and the cultural values cherished by all communities. I hope this serves as an opportunity for reflection and encourages a renewed commitment to respectful public dialogue, inclusiveness, and unity—the principles that continue to strengthen our nation. VINOD KUMAR Suva
Political football
Political football should not be played by politicians to gain political milage. Let sporting fans socialise, celebrate and enjoy the games in the name of good sportsmanship. At the final whistle we all are winners. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Modi in Melbourne
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on July 9. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also present. The atmosphere was electrifying. A week earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had visited India. It is India, Japan and Australia that will help keep peace in the region in the future. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Historic moment
This morning at 1.10am at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians hosted England’s Roses in a firecracker of a contest. I rewind to that historic moment in 2023 when Fiji defeated England. Fiji played England twice that year. In the first Test in August, prior to the Rugby World Cup, Fiji achieved a historic 30-22 victory over England at Twickenham. In front of 56,854 stunned fans, we celebrated a landmark victory as Fiji became the first Tier Two nation to defeat England. The hosts led 8-3 at halftime, but our resilience and never-say-die attitude carried us through in the second half. Captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Vinaya Habosi scored two scintillating tries before Simione Kuruvoli delivered the decisive blow to seal an epic victory. That famous win was a pivotal moment that highlighted Fiji’s growing strength as the team reached its third Rugby World Cup quarter-final after 1987 and 2007. Fiji also defeated the Wallabies 22-15 in pool play for the first time in 69 years. However, our celebrations were cut short when England defeated Fiji 30-24 in a controversial quarter-final.The battle showcased the competitive rivalry between the two teams. The last time the two sides met was last year at Allianz Stadium, where the hosts won 38-18 after having to dig deep to contain our onslaught. Fiji has the capability to beat Six Nations teams. We need to believe in ourselves, play with confidence, and give our full energy every time we step onto the field. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
