Fiji FACT title chase
While the 2026 World Cup is producing some exciting results, our local world cup, the BiC Fiji FACT concluded the pool matches on a high note. Ten-men Labasa produced a breathtaking result, hammering our O-League rep, Rewa, 4-2. After being held 1-1 and 0-0 by Suva and Navua, respectively, the Babasiga Lions stood to the test and delivered a lion’s performance, knocking out Rewa from the pool stage. The Lions will face Ba, who thrashed Nasinu 6-0. Nasinu’s lackluster performance raises a lot of questions as Nadi would have done better. Lautoka looks to be the form team, having registered maximum points and thrashing Ba 2-0. The two semi-finals will be entertaining. The WC is reaching its climax. Cabo Verde held Uruguay 2-2 while the All Whites found Egypt’s pressure too hot to handle. Both the WC and the Fiji FACT are going hand in hand. Let’s enjoy both tournaments, with the hope that the best prepared team wins! To Raymond Stoddart, Rohit Deo, Irfaan Khan and Mohammed Nadeem, thank you for the coverage! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
PM’s bling
It is always a thrill to see the Prime Minister dressed up in his full set of medals whenever he inspects the passing-out parade for the RFMF or the police force. The same applies when he is celebrating Fiji Day whether it be in Fiji or overseas. After a very long and distinguished service and personal sacrifice for his beloved nation, he has obviously earned these medals. The people of Fiji are reaping the benefits of his unwavering service to the country. It is only appropriate that he takes out these medals and wears them from time to time so that Fijians never forget. I never get bored of seeing all the medals. I am sure he does not either. The people of Fiji are not only truly blessed, but they are very lucky as well to see their PM basking in glory. It is better than wearing a salusalu. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Don’t sleep
Walkways, much like driveways, should always remain free of obstacles to ensure safe and convenient passage for everyone. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to see cars parked on footpaths and driveways, especially along Lodhia St and Sagayam Rd in Nadi Town. Such actions, as I understand, are not only illegal but also highly dangerous. When footpaths are obstructed, pedestrians are forced onto the roads, putting them at risk as they navigate around moving vehicles. It is essential for the relevant authorities to address this issue promptly and take strict action against offenders. Failing to do so could set a harmful precedent, encouraging more people to disregard the law and exacerbating the problem further. What’s even more troubling is that many of these vehicles are left unattended for extended periods, reflecting a blatant disregard for both legal regulations and public safety. This type of negligence must no longer be overlooked. Parking on footpaths is a punishable offence, yet the lack of enforcement raises serious questions. Why has no action been taken to rectify this growing concern? It’s disheartening to see the lack of commitment and seriousness when it comes to maintaining the smooth functioning of our town. Don’t sleep. Suresh Chand Nadi
Fijian economy
This letter does not take the side of Dialogue Fiji nor the former A-G in the previous government. There have been discussions and criticism about Dialogue Fiji extending an invitation to the former A-G for their forum “State of the Fijian Economy”. My understanding is that Dialogue Fiji, together with other civil organisations, had many times invited him to their forum to no avail when he was in power. This time, when Dialogue Fiji sent out an invite, he shows up! There can be two situations here. Either, lacking power made him attend the forum or he has realised how things were when he was up that high horse, or how much different things can be when you are down. The reason is best known to him. However, nothing changes the fact that he is a human being and I expect under this government, every human being is treated properly. Allowing hate and revenge to stop us from doing the right thing is not the way to go. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Economic future
Savenaca Narube’s view on assessing our economic status prior to proceeding further, I believe, is sensible. For it should provide a picture of what needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, with the national debt to GDP ratio at 84.7 per cent, expenditure control is inevitable. Fiji government’s expenditure and national debt has been projected to continue increasing substantially within the next three years (FT 22/6/26). And this is where the Government’s “sacrificial” effort, I think, should come into play, for the sake of the Fiji people. The prioritising of the nation’s growth, above personal “right of comfort”. In fact, Mr Narube suggested that not only all MPs salaries be reverted to 2021 level, reducing travel allowances and overseas travels, but the reduction of Cabinet ministers as well, from 35 to 12. I am certain that his concern is Fiji’s present state of economy and it will always ripple down to the ordinary people. Does this Government really care? Weak leadership, I believe, has been the “hallmark” of the Rabuka Coalition administration. Fiji needs a total governance overhaul, in my opinion. Let us always choose life. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
Swimming pool
Redevelop the site into a funeral home and peace garden, providing a dignified and tranquil space for families and the wider community. This noble initiative would deliver an essential community service while also creating a sustainable revenue stream for the Lautoka City Council. Food for thought. RAJ DEO Votualevu, Nadi
Origins of the tabua
Vinaka Floyd Robinson for your article on Page 10, The Fiji Times, Saturday, June 20, 2026. We discussed this a bit on Facebook. The original commodity was the Bua plant. Most neighbouring Pacific cultures are mostly flat small islands, surrounded by ocean. We have highlands and hinterlands. We have the Bua plant which was rare and exotic. This was the original Bua that was carved and had high value in ceremonies. It was the whale traders, either Chinese or European, a few hundreds of years ago, who saw this and were looking for that Bua plant. So, they introduced the whale’s tooth. Which is also a rare commodity from the open ocean. That’s as much as I know. When presenting or receiving the tabua, they usually sniff to smell the piece of wood. This gesture is symbolic, as to show heartfelt gratitude for the ceremony taking place. Waisele Tabuya Navikida, Naitasiri
No Roy Krishna?
Just wondering why Roy Krishna did not play for Labasa. Sukha Singh Labasa
Dr Sushil Sharma
I fully endorse Aren Nunnink (FT 22/6) with his comments on the brilliant Dr Sushil Sharma. It would be a win for Fiji and common sense. Terry Hulme NSW, Australia
Keeping a leader sane
Mr Trump says “no limits” on power; Netanyahu has to be kept “sane” (Reuters, June 20, 2026). I agree. But you need a sane leader to keep Netanyahu sane. So Mr Trump does not qualify for the task. Rajend Naidu Glenfield, NSW, Australia
International Day of Yoga
In life at one time, we all need a mental and physical escape from stress. Perhaps you need time to rejuvenate your health. You might simply want to feel more limber. This June is considered as “yoga month” but on June 21, it was the day that could have been the day that jump-started a healthy new habit. Yoga — derived from the Sanskrit language, the word “Yoga” refers to uniting (with someone) or joining. Ancient Indian sage Patañjali is thought to be the father of modern yoga because he is the person who codified all the aspects of yoga into a certain format and introduced yoga Sutras. There are many forms of an asana as a posture – and the list goes on. The world is passing through war, stress, anxiety and almost every country has some disease in a certain form. There is stress in fields of:
Career development;
Within employment;
Peer pressure;
Social impact;
Mental development;
Household situations; and,
Competitions.
It is hard or impossible for people to remain mentally and physically fit and healthy. People are suffering from anxiety and depression even if life is getting softer in some parts of the world. Despite that, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports reveal sickness is in most form that we need to exercise. Therefore, what can be done: an answer is yoga? Even now, tourism and some resorts are including yoga as part of resort relaxation. Not only yoga but fitness health as a whole focus upon telling people to stay motivated at home and adopt a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise and meditation. Students’ behaviour are getting out of hand as some students are also coping with stress of studies and peer pressure. Exercise helps us to stay optimistic, and yoga helps us to explore new ideas to spend time and earn money without going outside. I hope we can all appreciate International Yoga Day and practise yoga. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
No other way
Ronnie Chang has correctly stated there is abundance of land lying unutilized which can be put to productive use. As I have suggested earlier, its time TLTB carried out a survey to ascertain what percentage of native land are dormant and why. Then only you will gain a good picture of the scenario. This is far more important than to call for Fiji to be declared a Christian state and the name “Fijian” to be reserved for the indigenous population. Can I ask the proponents advocating for these amendments to the Constitution a simple question? Do you honestly believe these changes will bring about any improvement to livelihood and standard of living of the ordinary iTaukei? I don’t think so. As Ronnie has alluded to, the only way to uplift their welfare and wellbeing is through hard work and perseverance. There is no other way. The iTaukei are resource rich but cash poor. Why have so many schemes aimed at lifting the economic status of the iTaukei have failed to achieve the desired outcomes. We need to do some soul searching. How many sawmilling, fish processing, furniture making, mineral water extraction and bottling, dairy farm, and mining companies are owned by indigenous businesses, or they are joint venture partners? Nobody seems to ask the elephant in the room question. Who are the biggest losers if arable land is left lying idle? During the COVID pandemic, workers who lost their jobs returned to their villages for survival. Some valuable lessons were learnt but alas forgotten. The land and the sea are vital for our food security. There is so much of untapped potential out there. It is most unfortunate that other parochial interests seem to override the real issues facing our indigenous population. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
