Tough 7s series!
South Africa showed their dominance on the HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit, thumping Spain 38-12 to win their third 7s title on the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit. Earlier, the Blitzboks defeated Argentina and Fiji 21-19 to win their home tournament and the Perth 7s. Their level of fitness, commitment, team spirit and fighting character stood out. Courageous captain Impi Visser, veterans Selvyn Davids and Siviwe Soyizwapi, playmaker and player of the tournament Tristan Leyds, Ryan Oosthuizen, Ronald Brown, Shilton van Wyk, Sebastian Jobb and the ever-impressive Christie Grobbelaar were simply outstanding. Coached by former 7s star Philip Snyman, South Africa’s consistent performance, team culture, discipline and solidarity were rewarded as they maintained a clean sheet in Vancouver, having seen off Great Britain 21-5, Spain 28-7, and the All Blacks 7s 17-12 and Australia 19-12 the semis. The green machine is level with Fiji on 86 points. The champions have a team that plays for each other. Their cultural connection on and off the field is strong. Hence, the desired result is falling in place. The 7s series is getting tough. Fiji has been consistent, becoming the only team to reach all the semi-finals. However, Fiji delivered a disappointing performance against Spain who was hungrier to win. Our discipline, individual play, and missed tackles stood out, but on a positive note, the boys got their acts together and beat Australia 29-10 to finish third in Vancouver. The boys must be clinical and do the basics right if they want to win in New York. Wishing the team all the best! Tovolea mada, cauravou! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
One is better!
If I could please echo the comments made by Rajend Naidu (‘Bad government’ March 8). Fiji deserves to have good government, now more than ever. Good government is something she has been denied for much of the past 40 years. In my article, I was not saying for one second that Mr Rabuka’s government is good. But I would contend his government is better than Mr Bainimarama’s for the simple reason that its many faults can be actively reported and debated in a fashion that was simply impossible under Mr Bainimarama. In addition, through the functioning of the courts today, there is an albeit-slow process by which public bodies can be subject to litigation from citizens, including judicial reviews. This was effectively impossible under Mr Bainimarama. Search Paclii if you don’t believe me. That difference doesn’t constitute good government and it’s way, way less than Fiji needs, but it is also not nothing. Charlie Charters Sydney, Australia
There for the people?
When the Ministry of Environment decides to confiscate a 69-year-old’s refrigerant gas and even his gauge on Taveuni, without warning or without any form of assisting with complying with their laws, especially for old schoolers, who are old time experts in their field, I hope they bother to make calls to ask how he’s surviving and how his son is coping with his FNU practical exercise? I hope they also realise the need they are holding up on an island that is pretty much cut off from the conveniences of the mainland. The waste issues we are facing throughout the country and the stench and smoke created from the waste pits are far greater a problem that has reached a critical point of no return than penalising a micro business surviving amongst the many challenges that the far north is already facing. This is a follow-up. What is your fair and correct solution Ministry of Environment? An apology from you is at the top of the list to say the least. If you’re the government, act like you’re there for the people and not the people for you! Noleen Billings Savusavu
My thoughts
A noticeable increase in kava consumption is observed during the 13-day mourning period practised by members of our Hindu community, which follows the funeral. I believe we should reconsider this unreasonable and unnecessary tradition for the sake of grieving families and the overall well-being of our faith. Personally, I see no significant purpose in incorporating kava into our Hindu religious practices, other than prolonging an unnecessary gathering. Our time and resources should be focused on meaningful pursuits. Therefore, the community must collectively agree to prohibit kava consumption during this event entirely. Moreover, we fail to set a commendable example for the younger generation by engaging in activities that are irrelevant to our faith. I have no objections to kava consumption; however, the occasion and intent must be appropriate. Our main focus should always be on the prayers meant to provide peace and salvation to the departed soul. Unfortunately, only a handful of individuals participate in the Geeta Parbachan, while most arrive after it has concluded. The latecomers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, miss the core aspect of the ceremony, which is a frequent issue. I believe the event should conclude once the Geeta Parbachan is over. Kirtan should be included in the proceedings, provided it does not extend into the late hours of the night. In my opinion, a bhajan competition should never be part of this event, as it is a waste of time and resources. By removing unneeded parts and focusing on the main functions, this event can truly capture a spiritual feeling. Suresh Chand Nadi
Fijiana 7s team
Is the Fijiana 7s team going into every HSBC tournament aiming for a fifth-place finish? Asking for a friend. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Sobo ref
That’s what I overheard from a distant house after the final whistle. I’ll have to catch the replay of the match to see what the gentleman meant. But I didn’t see any “sobo ref” stuff myself. Donald Singh Nausori
T20 WC
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final of T20 World Cup cricket early yesterday morning (09/03). The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was jam-packed with 120,000 people. India had scored 255 runs batting first. This was India’s back-to-back win in two World Cup finals (2024 and 2026). India had also won in 2007. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Mickey Mouse 7s
I will not say anything about the Vancouver Mickey Mouse SVNS tournament except to say that no one in Australia knew this tournament was on. But obviously the Mickey Mouse grog dopey fans in Fiji had a lot to kaila about. One more thing, sack the coach and replace him with Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam and sack the players and replace them with some vulagi players to bring about some diversity into the game. Just do it. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Tamil and Aborigines
I almost choked on my morning coffee when I read Rakesh Chand Sharma’s comment (FT LTE 9/3) that the Australian Aboriginal people are Tamil people from South India. Thanks brother for making my day after a horrible start in the morning. Too good man! Donald Singh Nausori
Why oh why?
EFL, you need to have a proper update on why electricity failure occurs mostly at night and no reason is updated. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
What is the intention?
Social media portrays or attempts to issue positive outlook on wives of former politicians who are dragged through our courts on various allegations. What is hoped to be achieved? I believe under the law, the wives’ immaculate records will have no bearing on their husband’s reputation. Dan Urai Lautoka
FNPF pensioners
Fiji poverty
Does Fiji poverty issues deliberated on in Parliament include pertinent issues relating to betrayed senior FNPF pensioners? If not, why are we continuing to be discriminated against and persecuted against no fault of ours? Talk is cheap. Walking the talk is tough. Some of us have 14 long and painful years — and counting. Many of us are desperate for a life-line. The time is right to correct Bai and Kai’s betrayal. We struggle to make ends meet. The Leader of Opposition can be a champion in our cause and fight for justice and restitution. We are owed no less. Relook and amend Fiji’s Constitution and membership to the FNPF Board is my dying wish. Empathy please. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
No talk!
Over the past month, both the Government and the FNPF have chosen to cease communication on the pension issue that directly impacts us, the elderly. While they may have halted discussions, this does not deter us from continuing to voice our concerns. It leads us to question whether this is truly the behaviour of a nation that cares for its elders. The article in question mentions, “The full cost of retrospective reinstatement was estimated at $582 million”, yet fails to provide any supporting details. Quoting such a significant figure without transparency only raises further concern among current members. It appears that the lack of detail may be an attempt by FNPF and the Government to sway public opinion against pensioners. Initially, our request was for the full reinstatement of our pensions. However, we are not unreasonable; we have proposed a ‘talanoa’ where options could be explored to restore dignity and respect for us in our later years. Our lives and retirement plans have been based on the irrevocable contracts we signed, which shaped our financial decisions and commitments. Despite our willingness to engage in dialogue, the authorities remain steadfast and unyielding. This attitude demonstrates a need for change. The newspaper highlighted a $582 million cost but made no mention of the $300 million loss incurred from the Momi project, where only a select few benefited. We seek answers from FNPF regarding who ultimately bore the cost of this failed investment. Were and are we, the pensioners, merely collateral damage in these decisions? We are left with the impression that we are seen as either too old or too ignorant to understand the workings of the FNPF, or that we are considered a ‘headache’ that will eventually ‘die away’. Is there a whistleblower from within the organisation who might come forward and ‘talanoa’ with us. Is there anyone courageous enough to engage in this much-needed conversation? We will title it Charlie! Charlie! Elizabeth Reade Fong Suva
