Media literacy in schools
THE media plays a vital role in a child’s life. When I was a student, both in primary and secondary, I did not have access to the internet and the two forms of media that greatly helped me get information were The Fiji Times and radio. Today, the landscape has evolved, and students have access to print and digital media, hence, the need to incorporate media literacy in the school system. Teaching media literacy in schools equips students with critical thinking skills and helps them discern credible information. Media literacy enables students to analyze, evaluate, and question news articles, social media posts and AI-generated content. Thus, students make informed decisions and avoid being misled by misinformation. I salute the Fijian Media Association (FMA) for visiting two prominent schools in the Old Capital — St John’s College in Cawaci and Levuka Public School, and engaging students in discussions about journalism, media, and the changing information landscape. The editor-in-chief, Fred Wesley, addressed the students. This was fitting because the people’s newspaper was established in Levuka on September 4, 1869, by English settler George Littleton Griffiths, and this year the newspaper will celebrate its 157th birthday. The students were engaged, and they were blessed to hear from a bold Fred Wesley who braved a 16-year-ordeal and the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) yet went about doing his job as an editor ethically and professionally. He faced a trial that took away his sleep and peace but did not give up the fight. Thank you, Fred Wesley, for promoting a better understanding of journalism and media among young people. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Portugal powers on
TWO giants, Ronaldo of Portugal and Modrić of Croatia, met on the world stage of FIFA World Cup 26 in the Round of 32. The duel was such that one would fall from the World Cup stage, and alas, Modrić was the one. But he and his Croatian team departed with their heads held high, fighting until the final seconds of the contest. Ronaldo, who had been a mere spectator for most of the game, scored with his first touch in the Croatia box, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. His second touch was a penalty, which he calmly slotted past the keeper to level the score at 1-1. Super sub, Ramos, powered in a header in the dying stages of added time to propel Portugal into the last 16, thus providing another opportunity for the majestic Ronaldo to exhibit his talent one more time, or maybe more. ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Immunity clause removal
THE removal of immunity clause from the 2013 Constitution would be one of the most progressive political decisions. DAN URAI Lautoka
We are grateful
WE are truly fortunate that several countries are extending financial support to help us address the adverse challenges posed by climate change. It is crucial that we adhere strictly to the funding agreements, ensuring that each contribution is utilised precisely for its intended purpose. There’s simply no room for deviation, as failing to align with these agreements could lead to funds being underutilised or, in the worst case, returned to donors due to administrative delays and inefficiencies. While there’s no doubt about the pressing need for more climate finance in the Pacific, it’s equally critical to enhance and streamline our internal systems and procedures. By doing so, we can ensure timely approvals, efficient implementation, and full utilisation of funds within the timelines set. This approach will significantly boost the impact of climate investments on our vulnerable communities. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Shop policy
ON Thursday (02/07), at a shop along Main Street in Nadi, I bought an item that cost me $6. Since I used my bank card to pay for the item via EFTPOS, I was asked to write my name and phone number on the back of the receipt, which they retained. Although I wrote them down, I objected to this practice because I did not want to give my phone number to strangers. A male supervisor informed me that it was company policy. I informed the gentleman that supermarkets do not have this policy. I wish to know from the Consumer Council of Fiji or the FCCC whether this unethical practice is permissible by shops. A press release on the matter would be welcomed. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Hydration breaks
I BELIEVE that the Fiji Football Association should introduce mandatory hydration breaks in all local football competitions, regardless of the level of play. If a three-minute interval is considered excessive, then at the very least, a two-minute water break should be implemented. The FIFA World Cup 26 has demonstrated that prioritising player health need not come at the expense of the spectacle. After all, if the world’s biggest football tournament considers hydration essential, there is little reason for local competitions to regard it as optional. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Salt sprinkling
THE viral videos of a Ba player sprinkling salt in the goal area during the Fiji FACT tournament in Labasa have flooded social media. The Fiji Football Association has since clarified that no rules were broken. Will this now become the norm in future tournaments? If so, teams may soon be adding salt to their match-day checklist. We are already dealing with sugar shortages; let us hope salt is not next. Soccer should be won by talent, not seasoning. Enough of “cheeni papa”, here in Ba we have “neemak papa”! DINESH KUMAR Ba
Cinderella story ends
CAPE Verde won the hearts of the football fans with its “never say die” attitude in the FIFA 26 World Cup. Every player is worthy of accolades, but their 40-year goal keeper takes the cake. Against the defending world champions, Argentina, he was a cut above the rest. He single handedly kept his team in the game. He saved all of Messi’s attempts but for one. For first time perhaps, he made the world and Messi realise that the maestro was also human. But alas, all good things and dreams have to come to an end. Argentina struck in the dying minutes and the Cinderella story ended for Cape Verde. The hunt is on for the “golden glove”. ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Controversial goals
IT has been an absolute pleasure to watch the FIFA World Cup 26 matches live and free on FBC TV. I have followed the tournament closely, and so far, three major controversies have stood out regarding goals disallowed following VAR reviews for offside. The first involved Iran, followed by Germany, and now Croatia, with each decision ultimately contributing to their elimination from the tournament. This inevitably raises an intriguing question: Were these goals genuinely offside according to the laws of the game, or have these teams simply become the latest victims of football’s ever-expanding catalogue of contentious VAR decisions? After all, VAR was introduced to eliminate controversy, not to ensure it survives in high definition. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Profiting from the presidency
I DON’T know whether the American people have benefited from Donald Trump’s Presidency. But Trump and family have raked in billions from cryptocurrency, real estate and other vested interest ventures since his return to the White House. Reuters investigative reporter, Tom Bergen says: “It’s been an incredibly successful period for the Trump family” (Democracy Now! Daily Digest 2/7/26). But at what cost to America’s democratic and good governance norms? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Drua women march on!
HATS off to Mike Legge for guiding the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women’s team to a rampaging and dominant crushing of the Queensland Reds 50-17 that enabled the side to secure a home semi-final. The Drua were sublime in attack and defense. The Fijian flair buried the hosts as impressive fly-half Varanisese Qoro showcased her skills and blistering pace. Apart from Qoro, courageous captain Kolora Lomani, full-back Josivini Naihamu, Litiana Vueti, winger Aqela Raitubu, prop Tiana Robanakadavu, back-rower Sulita Waisega and substitute Verenaisi Ditavutu were impressive, as the Drua led the Reds 26-0 until the 38th minute and then 33-5 heading to half-time. The convincing win away from home showed the Drua’s top-notch clinical finishing and the ability to dominate possession from set-piece, something that we missed in our 42-29 defeat at the hands of the NSW Waratahs in round one. The Drua showed huge improvement in their discipline and structure. After the loss to the Waratahs, the Drua bounced back to beat the Western Force and Brumbies 29-24 and 42-25, respectively. The fighting spirit and resilient character of the team is highly appreciated. With a home semi-final secured, focus must turn on getting back lost glory! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Christian state
I AM not on the side of those who want and call for a Christian state. The state is to remain secular because it should not be influenced or swayed by any one religion. Our secular values of freedom, kindness and equality have roots in Western civilisation. Which, ironically, has its basis in Judeo-Christian beliefs. For example, all of us are equal before law. It is ransacked from Torah. So, when administering justice; Exodus 23:3 admonishes “do not show favouritism to a poor man in his lawsuit”. Exodus which is part of Torah tells of God who championed the rights of Hebrew slaves. He took them out of 400-year bondage from Egypt. Every advocacy group that champions the rights of women, children and gay people come from a Judeo-Christian template regardless of their acknowledgement of the same or not. In our secular state we are to practice charity and kindness to the wounded, for instance. That reminds me of 4th century Bishop Basil of Catholic fame. He was instrumental in setting up a hospital and that was his religious motivation and one of the reasons why we have public healthcare today. Christian state is not a good idea only if we know where our secularism is embedded. SACHIDA NATH Nadi
Man of the hour
I HAD always wished that someone without a tainted past would rise up as a statesman and reset our beloved nation’s course towards accountability, peace, and prosperity. Former Opposition leader Mick Beddoes has correctly referred to RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai as the “man of the hour”. The Major General’s call for a covenant of trust, in which the State and the military are once again held accountable to the citizenry they serve, should be welcomed by everyone. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
