Hope 211
Hope aplenty, I read of, in the letters columns, for Fiji soccer to also qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde, Curacao and Haiti have done it, so many here are driven to believe in our own participation, one day. The 32-team tournament expanded to 48 allowed 16 more teams to qualify. The idea of a 64-team tournament has reportedly been floated, but is yet to gain traction. Definitely not a pessimist, but Fiji might still fall short of qualifying for a 64-team tournament. We’ll have to beat the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and all the other very tough regional teams. Ok, right, sorry for the sarcasm. We’re almost guaranteed a place, however, in a 128-team World Cup, if it happens in the future! We are definitely going to the World Cup when all 211 FIFA member countries make it in. All 211 still play qualifying competitions. Until then, technically, we are still going to play “2030 Soccer World Cup” named matches in the next few years, albeit in the qualifiers. Our rough game was copied by Argentina throughout the tournament. Donald Singh Nausori
A home final!
After losing to the NSW Waratahs 42-29 in the opening round, the McDonald’s Fijian Drua women’s team bounced back to beat the Western Force and Brumbies 29-24 and 42-25, respectively at home. In their final match, the Drua thrashed the Queensland Reds 50-17 as they topped the points table and secured a home semi-final. The fighting spirit and resilient character of the team have been vital and should carry the girls through. The Drua won the Super W trophy in 2022, completing an undefeated season in their inaugural year in the competition. They claimed the championship after beating the NSW Waratahs 32-26 in a nail biting and thrilling affair. The Drua then successfully defended their Super W title as they outmuscled the Queensland Reds 38-30 in a pulsating final at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Since then, the Drua has failed to win the trophy and head coach Mike Legge looks to get back lost glory. It is the first time that the Drua will play a home final, and the iconic Govind Park has been chosen as the venue. I can imagine the exciting electrifying atmosphere in Ba when the Drua hosts the NSW Waratahs! I’m urging fans in the West to pack Govind Park and provide the morale boost to the Drua women’s team. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
RFL reminder
The abbreviation RFL has two meanings, one is required fitness level and another is run for your life. These two meanings are very much relevant in whatever organisation one works for or anyone who is self-employed. During my working days I always remind my subordinates of these two meanings. Required fitness level especially in a disciplinary organisation, it is a requirement one has to pass in order to continue to perform (fit for purpose) well in whatever position one holds. The other meaning, run for your life is about oneself, how one sees himself/herself progress in the next 5, 10 or 30 years. This could be on a whole lot of things such as self discipline, promotion, family life, attitude to work, respect, adherence to work policy/ethics etc, and other positive attributes that will contribute to one’s positive progress in any workforce. This same reminder goes to all current employees of the Fiji Police Force, new police recruits that recently graduated from the Fiji Police Academy and those selected to undergo the next recruits course. Run for your life until you successfully retire with a clean slate from the force. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Tree pruning
Please take corrective action. I have noticed that there hasn’t been any tree pruning work done by FRA in Nadi for quite some time now. As a daily driver on the road from town to Martintar, I observe that some trees are uncomfortably close to the road. It’s essential to regularly remove unwanted trees and trim branches that extend over the road as a safety precaution. This responsibility falls under your road inspection team, who should be actively monitoring and reporting such issues. Any obstructions or hazards on the road need to be addressed promptly to prevent unnecessary risks and inconveniences for motorists and travelers. A proactive approach is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users at all times. Threats should not be ignored or left unresolved, as they can lead to serious consequences and irreversible damage. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Additionally, it’s crucial to remove or trim trees that obstruct streetlights, as this will help achieve their intended purpose. We must prioritise the safety and well-being of our community above all else. I trust you will take this message to heart and act swiftly to implement the necessary corrective measures. Suresh Chand Nadi
Soccer rules
Have the soccer rules changed? At this World Cup players openly kick push and pull as if they were playing rugby. Sukha Singh Labasa
Pedestrian crossing
The Fiji Roads Authority should consider marking a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Fiji National University in Valelevu without delay. Install traffic lights too. No excuses. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Road, Raiwasa, Suva
Pool saga
Sadly, there are huge lessons to be learnt from the un-finished Lautoka swimming pool. I believe we cannot let that space get wasted and left idle for long periods of time. As the discussions around the kava circulated, a few senior citizens got really furious saying that “authorities had advised the Lautoka Swimming Pool was expected to be completed”. Well, from the other side someone poked. We just keep our fingers crossed or else they might leave it like that for few more months. Passing by, a screw ball said: “Who lied to me? You? Who?” NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
World Cup
I wholeheartedly extend my congratulations to Spain for clinching the 2026 World Cup in exceptional style. It is truly commendable how they managed to defeat the favorites, Argentina, by a narrow margin of one goal to none. From the very beginning, Spain showcased their determination and skill by consistently applying immense pressure on their opponents. Remarkably, this strategy kept the Argentine goalkeeper on high alert throughout the intense contest. Moreover, it was surprising to witness that Argentina did not perform as the formidable team we have come to know in previous tournaments. Nevertheless, in a show of true sportsmanship, they accepted their defeat gracefully, acknowledging that Spain was indeed the superior team on this occasion. In conclusion, this victory not only highlights Spain’s prowess but also sets a new benchmark for future competitions. I believe this World Cup will be remembered for its thrilling matches and commendable displays of athletic excellence. Suresh Chand Nadi
Fighting drugs
The Fiji Times reports about Mau headman Tomasi Kaivou pointing out to sea near their village (FT 15/7). This should be everyone’s responsibility to fight drugs with the help of the security forces. Polluting the sea to poison our sea food! Help us God of Ocean for our survival, save our food, to save our soul (SOS). Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Sugar and critics
Sugar industry
Interested to update myself on the current sugar shortage from local supermarkets, I eagerly checked into the local news. Surfing The Fiji Times website, there are topics related to cocaine, FICAC, debts, etc. However, there is little, if any, important column at all about the current sugar situation facing our local distributors today. When I Googled “Sugar Fiji”, one article caught my attention: “Green light to import sugar.” (FT 21/07). I read it in complete awe. I was twitching my nose at what the Minister of Finance, Esrom Immanuel, was saying. Statements like, “We had checked last week. The Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar Industry had mentioned there is some sufficient stock”, made me ask, sufficient to last for how long? Then he continued, “However, on the bright side, the 2026 harvesting season has already started and that probably can cater for sugar supply in the next two to three months, but for now we have allowed any importer to also import sugar if there is any shortage.” When he said, “But we have allowed businesses, if they can, to import sugar as well because it will cater for the expected shortage.” Oh! There’s a shortage? Since when does sugar ration for only two months have a “bright side”? These words simply don’t go together: “expected shortage”… “supply for the next two to three months”… “import sugar if there is any shortage.” And for any simple brainer, I smell something fishy. Is there politics going on in the industry when the simple people of the land have to suffer? Then came the statement that really caught my attention: “It’s much cheaper to import and sell than what it costs to produce sugar locally.” Oh! Since when have imported products become cheaper than locally produced ones? Not sugar I guess! Then he concluded by saying, “Let’s not kill this industry, don’t listen to bystanders of the industry, let’s make it work.” We are not killing it. Someone else is — and it is definitely not the farmers. By encouraging sugar imports, the Government itself appears to be doing exactly what it says it doesn’t want to happen. The Government seems to be denying the real problem. This once-proud primary industry of Fiji is being choked to the neck under the current administration. With all due respect to the honourable Minister of Finance, sweeping things under the carpet doesn’t make the problem disappear. Sugar has been, is, and will continue to be a necessity on the dining table of almost every household in Fiji, whether we like it or not. Why do we have to import sugar when we have the land, the climate and the resources to produce it ourselves? I plead for the Government to “focus on reforms, investment, and practical solutions to strengthen the sugar industry for future generations”, just as my mataqali, Arvind Singh, the sugarcane farmer from Ba, rightly said. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Overseas critics
It’s always interesting how some people who have moved overseas and settled in another country suddenly become the loudest voices on Fiji’s affairs. While they’re busy criticizing from afar, Hon. Biman Prasad is still here in Fiji, facing the same realities and challenges as every other Fijian. He doesn’t have the luxury of commenting from the comfort and safety of another country—he’s here, accountable to the people. Before lecturing Fiji, perhaps pay the same attention to the issues in the country you now call home. It’s easy to throw stones from a distance; it’s much harder to stay, serve, and help build a better Fiji. If you genuinely care about this country, contribute with facts, ideas, and solutions. Noise from overseas won’t change the facts, but constructive engagement just might. Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
