Glory for Messi
In yet another master class display, Lionel Messi, gave Argentina a lifeline against the crafty Egyptians. With the world watching, friends and foes alike, Messi had no choice but to deliver. Deliver for country and team. He had to lift up his game after he failed to convert a penalty, becoming the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup (another record for him!). His pride was dented, but not his fighting spirit, as he had fought many similar battles before. Egypt had catapulted to 2-0 lead with 11 minutes remaining on the big clock, a sure victory in sight, a sure quarter final place penciled. The Argentinians were going home but turned the bus again. They knew of their captain’s “never say die” attitude. And they were not disappointed. Messi, the maestro, the general, showed his class. He assisted in the first goal, scored the second and delayed his run for his team-mate to score the winner. Within 13 minutes, the result became topsy-turvy for Egypt. The script is well written, at least for now, for the FIFA World Cup champions. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Argentina survives Egypt scare!
Argentina’s ‘White and Sky Blue’ brigade (La Albiceleste) survived Egypt’s onslaught and made their way into the quarters. Argentinian fans basked in glory as the defending champions rallied from two goals down to overcome Egypt. Argentina’s comeback will be remembered for ages after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko gave The Pharaohs a two-nil lead. They were on the cusp of creating one of the greatest upsets in the World Cup at the Atlanta Stadium, but dramatic goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez sealed the deal. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, his coaching team and the players must be commended for not giving up and for playing until the final whistle. Messi was a class above the rest. His sizzler, that levelled scores, re-ignited hopes as Argentina awaits Switzerland in the quarters. Argentina has a phenomenal group of players that never give up no matter the difficulties and adversity. Their fighting spirit was also shown against Cape Verde when they won that match by 3-2. The quarters will thrill. France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium and Norway vs England- fans are in for a real football treat! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Another level
What ever we may say, we have to grudgingly accept that this World Cup soccer has been very well organised. With gigantic jam-packed stadiums, huge national flags, singing of national anthems before the start of matches, use of VAR and referees announcements looks grand and momentous on occasions. We have to accept that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indeed raised the game to another level. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Wrong priorities
How hard was it for the Government to reduce the Cabinet size? It would have been better if they paid some thought towards the betrayed FNPF pensioners. The pay increase followed by a ballooned cabinet but no mercy on FNPF pensioners who lost their hard earned funds during previous regime. These FNPF pensioners deserve their own money back. They had high hopes with this government. Just like I had hopes for the Lautoka Swimming Pool and the Tavakubu Walkway together with the other unfinished projects around Fiji. Unfortunately, their priorities are not going right. Time is very limited and they still have time. One thing is for sure people will always remember this Government for various reasons because time will pass but they will still be “aware”. Dear PM, people are “aware”, start opening your eyes. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Dr Sushil for parliament
I fully agree with Aren Nunnink suggestions (FT 08/07) that Dr Sushil Sharma should vie for the upcoming elections. He is a breath of fresh air and his writings are class piece of reason in today’s tumultuous times. Any right thinking party would be reaching out to him to give him a ticket. Fiji needs smart individuals in parliament for decision-making and I don’t think they come any smarter than Dr Sushil Sharma. God bless Fiji. Lalesh Dev Prasad Nabilo, Tailevu
Countless consultations
The Sugar Review Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, is embarking on a two-day consultation tour to meet sugarcane farmers and industry stakeholders in Ba and Rakiraki to discuss the future of the sugar industry (FT 08/07). Very good. But how many more of these so-called “consultations” will it take to revive a dying industry? Over the past two decades, there have been countless meetings, reviews, consultations and promises, yet the sugar sector has continued its slow and painful decline. Farmers have heard plenty of speeches and seen endless committees, but very little meaningful action. So, how many more consultations are needed before practical solutions are finally implemented? Fiji’s once-proud economic backbone does not need another round of talk shops, it needs decisive leadership, concrete action and policies that restore confidence among the very farmers who have kept the industry alive despite years of neglect. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Honourables and parties
I wonder why honourables and why parties? Why can’t it just be a straight Mr and only name of a party? Don’t need honourables and parties. After all, the honourables do unhonourable and the party that comes into power parties until they lose. Welcome to Fiji. A. Shariff Shah Savusavu
Overturn this
Perhaps the President of the USA should make another phone call to the president of FIFA and get him to overturn the thrashing of the USA by Belgium 4-1. Bloody useless, classless, low standard and oblivious, both. Jan Nissar Lautoka
Students misled?
I was very surprised to learn that our prestigious universities are offering courses that are not accredited internationally. Their marketing is impressive, but lacks transparency. Students do not know whether their courses will be recognised overseas or not. Some will be disappointed to find that the expensive course they have completed will not be accepted in other countries. Clear information about the status of all courses should be provided. Fergus Garrett Vatuwaqa, Suva
Thick skin
It is always a norm, when criticism is continuously raised against any organisation, at one point or another, the head of the organisation will mention, we have grown a thick skin and able to absorb any criticism thrown at us. I believe thick skin may work if criticism is less and the organisation accepts it and ensures it does not happen again. If criticism is continuous then probably thick skin will turn into thin skin and the organisation will start to be defensive but fails to address issues against its service delivery. Hope this cold spell which is upon us we have all grown our own thick skin instead of kanikani skin. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Voter registration
Do you think it’ll be a good idea to have a voter registration desk in the departure lounge of Nadi International Airport? Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Not a raise
If prices for everyday supermarket goods and basic necessities have spiked by up to 35%, can a 5% salary increase still be classed as a raise? A lot of these raises are not actually adjusting to the cost of living. They are adjusting to the cost of pretending that everyone should be grateful. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Education, function, sugar
Inclusive education
Galoa Village Voice, (GVV), would like to add its voice to the call for real inclusive education in Fiji. Every child is a child of Fiji, whether in Galoa, Serua or in Suva, or anywhere else in the country, no child should be left at the school gate because of disability, poverty, or difference. Inclusive education is not charity. It is our duty. It is about dignity, opportunity, and building a Fiji where all our children can learn and grow together. But duty needs action. We need trained teachers, accessible classrooms, transport, and support for parents. Our churches and villages must also open wider. The lotu has always cared for the vulnerable. Now we must care in our classrooms too. If one child is left behind, then all of us are left behind. Let Government, schools, parents and the vanua work together. Our request that we fund it and train for it and importantly we live it. Mikaele Leawere Galoa Village Voice, Serua
Sugar industry
The sugar industry in Fiji has gradually evolved into what could be described as a “mom-and-pop” operation. For numerous stakeholders, including farmers, sugarcane farming is no longer regarded as a serious commercial venture. Instead, it has become more of a hobby that keeps individuals engaged, provides some supplementary income, and creates a social environment for interaction within the farming community. Having a background in sugarcane farming myself, I have witnessed this transformation firsthand. In many farming families, when a child secures a job and begins to contribute financially, the dependence on sugarcane farming as a primary source of income diminishes. The motivation to enhance farm productivity declines, relegating farming to a secondary position. Our children often show little interest in sugarcane farming due to its demanding nature. Many would rather take on jobs such as packing onions and potatoes in supermarkets than spend long hours in the cane fields — this is an undeniable fact. Nevertheless, sugar continues to be crucial to Fiji’s economy. It generates significant foreign exchange and, unlike tourism, reinvests much of its revenue back into the local economy, benefiting rural communities. Historically, sugar has been the foundation of rural Fiji, supporting numerous families and businesses. The current challenge is that those who have exited farming are unlikely to return, and attracting new farmers to the industry is becoming increasingly challenging. Why would young individuals opt to enter a field that requires physically demanding labour and necessitates waiting months, sometimes over a year, for full payment for their harvest? Suresh Chand Nadi
Cake and kalavata
To help combat Fiji’s alarming rate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), I recall the Government once announcing that cake-cutting ceremonies at official functions would be phased out. The “Stee” led Coalition Government also discouraged Cabinet ministers and senior government officials from wearing colourful kalavata at public events, arguing that it would reduce unnecessary expenditure and demonstrate solidarity with ordinary Fijians struggling through difficult economic times. Unfortunately, it appears those initiatives amounted to little more than political theatre. Cakes continue to be sliced at official ceremonies, while colourful kalavata remain a staple of government events. With the Australian Prime Minister on an official visit to Fiji, he was welcomed with the customary cake-cutting ceremony and adorned with a kalavata, alongside our brightly smiling prime minister and other government representatives. It leaves one wondering whether our government policies are genuinely meant to be implemented or merely announced just for the sake of it. If leaders cannot adhere to the very measures they championed, why should ordinary Fijians be expected to take them seriously? There are times when I struggle to understand whether Fiji is charting a clear course or simply drifting from one contradiction to another. Nishant Singh Lautoka
