Fiji’s predictable weakness
In the just concluded 2026 HSBC Bordeaux 7s, it must be acknowledged, our men’s team failed to capitalise in the 12-0 and 14-0 lead against RSA and USA respectively. It appears we took our foot off the pedal. Our inconsistency during such critical stages of highest levels of competition exposed our predictable weaknesses. We buckled under sustained pressure. The oppositions now know Fiji does not function when provoked. Our discipline cracks when our backs are to the wall. These shortcomings have led to our rather shameful downfall. Victories evade us. Fiji men’s 7s team today lacks the “full package” when we will fail to capitalise on our early advantages. Such losses are always too painful to watch. Our attitudes and game management must be addressed. We let ourselves down. Our mental toughness needs honing, with urgency. Sitting up late at nights to follow our once proud “gladiators” lose and as betrayed senior FNPF pensioners, to watch former Olympic gold medallists fall,just made life more frustrating and unbearable. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Get back winning ways
Brother Lingam apparently breaks from his norm of praising everybody and taking his hat off to everyone when he sends his “humble plea” to Osea Kolinisau and Jerry Tuwai to “get back the winning culture” (FT 7/6). Brother Lingam, what is unfolding is usually known as “too many cooks spoil the soup”. But let’s leave it to Mr Sewabu and company to do a postmortem of the results. Two superstar coaches, and we can’t get to the final! Most of the people paying more than double for fuel don’t even give two rugby balls about it anyway these days. However, a win or two after the team’s expensive plane rides, hotels and sightseeing would certainly cheer up some of us Fijians, potentially alleviating the pain at the pump for a day or two. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Discipline woes
Hours after the national men’s 7s side beat South Africa 15-12 in emphatic fashion in the final pool match and went from the pool unbeaten, they went down to the men in green 12-14 when it mattered the most. After Argentina failed to make it to the quarter-finals (after losing to the All Blacks 7s 21-24 in their final pool match) and Australia lost to France 0-26 in the first quarter-final, the Flying Fijians had the golden chance to move up the championship points table. However, ugly heads steered our performance against the champions of the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit. Both teams made use of each other’s poor discipline. Fiji surrendered a healthy 12-0 lead against South Africa to lose 12-14. The boys then gave up their 14-0 lead to lose to the USA Eagles 14-17. In both matches, our opponents showed they had more aggression and hunger to win. It’s time that our boys go through strenuous sessions at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes to make them tough. They need to be physically and mentally strong to face teams like South Africa and Argentina who love provoking our boys by denying them possession. With the Bourdeaux 7s title slipping our hands and the Blitzboks crowned champions, South Africa’s Tristan Leyds walked away with the Men’s SVNC Player of the Year Award. Viwa Naduvalo was named in the Dream Team alongside Terio Veilawa. Fiji finished in a disappointing sixth position. A lot of work is needed ahead of the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS WRSS which will kick off in Dubai in about five months’ time. Rugby House must carry out a thorough SWOT analysis on the performance of the team as well as the coaching panel. If heads need to roll, decision makers must be bold and make the right call. Players with discipline issues are poor ambassadors of the sport, and the axe must fall. We need a 360-degree turn to get back to winning ways. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Labasa Town parking
Parking fines must be matched by better parking solutions. The introduction of $100 parking fines in Labasa Town has raised understandable concerns among residents, motorists, and business owners. While maintaining traffic order and reducing congestion are important objectives, the penalty appears excessive, particularly when parking infrastructure remains inadequate. Many motorists are not deliberately breaking the rules; they are often left with limited options due to the shortage of designated parking spaces in the town centre. Imposing a hefty fine without first addressing this long-standing problem places an unfair burden on ordinary workers, shoppers, and visitors. Local businesses are also worried that strict enforcement and high penalties could discourage customers from coming into town, affecting already challenging trading conditions. A thriving business community is essential for Labasa’s economic growth, into North Look Policy and should not be undermined by policies that may drive consumers elsewhere. Authorities should review the fine amount and consider a more balanced approach that combines reasonable enforcement with investment in additional parking facilities. Public awareness, better signage, and improved parking infrastructure would achieve greater compliance while maintaining public confidence. INDAR DEO BISUN Formerly of Naibulu, Dreketi, Macuata
A sight to behold
It has been very promising to notice policemen and policewomen patrolling within the Nakasi area including the nearby shopping centers. Even the Nakasi old police post has now been transformed as its operation post. As the Nakasi residential, commercial and industrial developments have risen within the past 10 years, I am certain, the attraction of various sorts of criminal activities were also attached accordingly. The police foot and vehicle patrols should be a “prevention awareness”, in my view. Besides, the joint police and military operation is well appreciated. And I think that the public has to play its part collectively for the operation’s success. Let us restore Fiji again as the “way the world should be”. Without appropriate discipline, our goals are hardly achievable. Fiji, in my opinion, will not be a safe place for any of us to live in, unless we make it ourselves. Do not be a spectator and let life pass you by. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Political bias
Rajend Naidu’s letter yesterday (8/06/26) says more about his political bias than the actual issues being discussed. It was like watching a giraffe start in one paddock and finish eating from another. Whether one agrees with Biman Prasad or not, public figures and public statements are newsworthy. For someone writing about a rally, he took quite a detour into personal politics. Please, take your pills and relax. Woouca. AVENAI SERUTABUA Suva
Smart devices
These smart devices are created and built by smart human beings to make our lives more convenient, comfortable and easy. It is sad to say that some human beings are using these smart devices such, as phones, to advance their illegal criminal desires. As we try and progress further in the world we all live in, it is sad to note we also still have some people trying to drag us backwards. JUKI FONG CHEW Nadawa, Nasinu
Fuel crisis
Governement must ensure public transport maintains both mobility and accessibility. DAN URAI Lautoka
Levuka heritage
Can the relevant authorities inform the public as to what criteria were used to select so-called residential heritage properties in Levuka, Ovalau, to receive repair/maintenance assistance? Was it a “who you know” criteria that was adopted and were those who were selected the so-called heritage properties actually knew what they were doing? Obviously, some selected properties are not heritage and do not deserve the assistance. ANTHONY SAHAI Levuka, Ovalau
Person of interest
I believe that the COMPOL and Commander have no reason to deny that there’s blood on their hands. In the name of Joint Narcotics Task Force to combat nationwide drugs crisis is way beyond the complaining military personnel for an alleged burglary on his home that led to the arrest and death of a wrong person of interest. I wonder if there is any sense of shame left in the heart of the two leaders. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Spying ally
Pentagon raised the threat of Israeli spying on the US to the highest level ( NBC News 6/6/26 ). Israel spying on its main ally and armament supplier. As The Fiji Times editor in chief Fred Wesley would say “that’s very interesting” and no doubt intriguing. I am sure Israel will not be able to spy on the Fijian State with the opening of its embassy in Fiji because of Fiji’s advanced security and intelligence system. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Politics and election
Don’t be carried away
While the municipal elections have been put on hold, the general election will proceed as planned, according to the Fijian Elections Office. Municipal elections have remained off the agenda since 2006 due to the government’s decision to defer them. As the country makes preparations for the upcoming general elections, political parties are expected to launch widespread campaigns in the coming days before the campaign period officially comes to an end. Election campaigns in Fiji, like in many democracies, typically involve candidates and parties engaging with communities through rallies, door-to-door visits, media appearances, and social media outreach. Promises of development projects, economic reforms, and social initiatives dominate campaign narratives as parties work tirelessly to sway undecided voters and solidify their support base. Campaign events are often accompanied by a display of party colours, slogans, and manifestos in efforts to capture public attention. However, voters have grown increasingly cautious over time when scrutinising campaign promises. Many have learned from past elections that manifestos can sometimes be filled with lofty ideas that fail to materialise. As a result, there’s a growing trend of voters cross-checking political promises against a party’s or candidate’s prior performance in office. Discussions in communities are more focused on tangible results and accountability rather than rhetoric. This shift has made political campaigns more challenging, as parties must not only focus on making appealing promises, but also on effectively highlighting their track record and capability to deliver. This year, with heightened political engagement and access to information through various digital platforms, voters seem more informed than ever before. However, they still face the challenge of discerning genuine proposals from populist pledges. Evaluating whether parties have fulfilled their past commitments is crucial for making informed choices that align with the country’s long-term progress. Let’s be wiser in our decision making and choosing the party to vote. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Serevi eyes politics
I read in the news that 7s magician Waisale Serevi is seriously considering a move into politics, saying he wants to continue serving the country and helping young people. My simple message to the Maestro- Sir-revi, please focus on your role as a sports ambassador. While I appreciate that Serevi is excited do something to try and help Fiji, I suggest that it be through the power of sports and not politics. Fijians see Serevi as the greatest 7s players of all time, and they will continue to see him that way. Dear Serevi, please do not mix politics with sports. You’re a great sports ambassador, and I’d love to see you that way! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
