Fijian economy
THANKS to Dialogue Fiji, the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue at the Grand Pacific Hotel brought out an array of ideas from experienced politicians. While there was finger-pointing and mudslinging, the audience heard firsthand what could be done as we aim to restore confidence in the Fijian economy. Day one ended on a high note as key stakeholders from government and the private sector, civil society, labour organisations, and academia shared the major economic challenges and priorities that could shape Fiji’s future. The sessions also provided an overview of the state of our economy and how economic growth could be achieved. Day two brought together politicians and economists such as Savenaca Narube, Professor Biman Prasad, Manoa Kamikamica, Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who expressed their opinions in a robust and engaging session moderated by veteran lawyer John Apted. Thank you, John, for moderating the session in the humblest manner. The picture of the panellists sharing a table at GPH caught everyone’s attention. Day two centred on finding measures to support a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future. Active participation and engagement showed that if people put aside their differences, unite, and work together, a lot can be achieved. I salute Vijay Narayan for the live interviews — an experienced journalist with immense courage. While he interviewed the former attorney-general, it was disappointing to note his use of the word “masipolo”. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAAM Nadawa, Nasinu
True independence
IT is over half a century since Fiji gained independence and yet, Fiji is still reliant on aid and loans to survive. Our leaders need to visit Burkina Faso in Africa and learn how this desert country is thriving. The country is self-sustaining and concentrates on agriculture, growing wheat, sugarcane, rice, fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry. The soldiers, prisoners and unemployed youths are involved, with their leaders providing all machinery, equipment and tools with modern technology. They are also building roads, diverting rivers using solar pumps and building dams for hydro power – self- reliant without aid or loans. No excuses – just patriotism and unity with corruption all rooted out. EDWARD KUMAR Lautoka
Too old
AGE would prevent many people from leading some of the country’s top companies, and for the same reason, I believe Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is now too old to effectively lead the nation. It is, therefore, concerning to hear that he may seek re-election. Leadership requires energy, vision, and the ability to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and fast-changing world. Fiji needs leaders who can provide strong and forward-looking direction for the country’s future. While we should respect the contributions Mr Rabuka has made throughout his long political career, there comes a time when leaders should make way for a new generation to take the reins. The future of our nation depends on capable and effective leadership, and voters will ultimately decide who is best placed to guide Fiji forward. WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Fiji FACT!
PAGE 30 (FT: 10/06) read ‘Excitement builds ahead of Fiji FACT’, which kicks off next weekend. While fans here will be cheering for their district teams next weekend, the bigger picture is that Fiji has missed out playing another World Cup which kicked off yesterday in the USA. What a breathtaking match as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. The Mexican wave proved too strong for the Bafana Bafana. Mexico’s win broke a record as the glass ceiling for red cards in a World Cup opener was smashed. In front of over 80,000 at the Estadio Azteca, three players were given their marching orders. Thanks to goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez, who plays for Wolves in the Premier League, Mexico sizzled. Ironically, while the world stops for football as it’s showtime, we will have our own showtime at Subrail Park. Instead of cheering for the Bula Boys, many will be cheering for teams like Portugal, France, Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany and Spain while watching the games live on FBC Sports. It’s disappointing that our Bula Boys played two test matches against Vanuatu. They lost the first match 2-1 while managing a 2-2 draw in the second game. We are finding it hard to even beat Vanuatu. Our neighbours, the All Whites, will participate in the World Cup and pocket around US$10m (NZ$17.25m) while getting the much-needed exposure and experience. For fans here at home, another wait for the WC, but excitement builds ahead of Fiji FACT! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nadawa
Missing evidence
OPPOSITION MP Premila Kumar lambasted the Fiji Police Force for their sloppiness over the alleged disappearance of key evidence in a high profile drug case (FT 6/6). She has called for an independent investigation into the matter. But is this something new? I wish to remind her that there were several incidents of exhibits and evidence gone missing from police custody during the reign of her FijiFirst government resulting in the acquittal of the accused. She never raised her concern then. So why now? Is this particular case more important than the others? Five months ago a man was acquitted by the Labasa Magistrate’s Court after 55 marijuana plants went missing (FT 29/1). The exhibits just can’t walk away from police custody. It is pretty obvious they were removed. It clearly demonstrates the extent of rot within the country’s law enforcement agency. The Minister for Policing must act swiftly and weed out by purging these corrupt elements from the force to restore the credibility of the institution. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Party leadership
ADRESSING questions around party leadership Pio Tikoduadua says it is ‘Entirely up to Biman’ (FT 13/6/26 ) to decide whether to continue as leader of NFP while he is facing a trial in court or to step aside. He said “ultimately the decision rested with Prof Prasad”. Ultimately the decision should rest with the rank and file of the party to uphold its credibility as a democratic party which follows democratic conventions. It should not rest with the tainted leader of the party. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney
Flying Fijians
THE Flying Fijians will play the Six Nations giants — Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, England at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Scotland at Murrayfield, France at the Groupama Stadium, Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and Italy at the Bluenergy Stadium. Senirusi Seruvakula has named a formidable 50-member extended squad that consists of power, pace, experience, and exciting talents. The historic competition provides our boys with a glorious opportunity to compete against six heavyweights and stamp their place among Tier One nations. Fiji has in the past beaten all the teams except Ireland. Our notable wins include the 30-22 win over the Roses in 2023, the 21-14 win over the Les Bleus in 2018, the 29-15 win over the Bravehearts at home last year, the 24-19 win over the Dragons in 2024 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and the 22-19 win over the Azzurri in 2017 in Suva that was decided by fly-half Ben Volavola’s dramatic 82nd-minute drop goal. Fiji has yet to taste victory against Ireland. The closest we came was in 2017 at the Aviva Stadium where Ireland beat Fiji by three points (23-20). Seruvakula’s squad has big names from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and boys plying their trade offshore. I’m excited to see the likes of Atunaisa Sokobale, Tim Hoyt, Livai Natave, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Philip Baselala, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Salesi Rayasi, Isikeli Rabitu and Vuate Karawalevu in the mix. Experienced leaders like Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Albert Tuisue, Levani Botia, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra and Seta Tamanivalu are expected to play a vital role in guiding the team. However, what concerns me is the lack of training and game time. I read that the boys will assemble in the UK one week before their opening match. Will that one-week preparation be enough to beat Wales? RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Curriculum coverage
It’s not something new that curriculum coverage has to end by Term 2 . We had been doing this for a long time by taking Saturday classes for external exam going students. Many of us also began Term 3 for external exam students from Monday after informing the District Education Office. We changed timetable for one hour (subject) classes for all students so that short tests are conducted, discussed etc before trial tests (using previous year external papers) and annual examinations. Staff briefings were used to discuss important issues. The concern is how the Ministry of Education plans to prepare students well for external examinations without lowering the standards. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Indian sailors
MANY retired Indian armed forces generals have expressed the view that whenever Western nations hegemony is threatened, military conflicts would follow. They believe that the world is sleep-walking into a war that will bring more chaos and mayhem. The US strikes on the oil vessel manned by Indian sailors is directly related to “Deep States” activities in India’s North East States and India buying Russian oil. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
FNPF pensioners
I WRITE to sincerely thank Nilesh Lal, Executive Director, Dialogue Fiji for the clarity of his response (FT June 13, 2026). It is a pity the seminar did not include the “State of the surviving betrayed senior FNPF pensioners from 2012.” In our years, pre-2011, we helped contribute to the then state of the economy. The betrayal for us remains painful — in our twilight years. Pensions are solid contracts; agreements between members and the FNPF. As Third Party, the then FijiFirst government, headed by then prime minister Frank Bainimarama and his attorney-general and minister for Finance, Saiyed-Khaiyum, had no legal authority to forcibly reduce our irrevocable pensions. Period. The world is watching. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
