Drua’s final battle
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced the Queensland Reds in their final match of this season’s Super Rugby Pacific competition on Friday night. After playing back-to-back quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024, the Drua have missed a spot in the playoffs. While there have been few talking points, the Drua deserved our support heading towards their clash against the Reds who had secured a top six position. To the boys, the season is over. Thank you for doing your best. Apologies for the negative criticism. It’s just that some of us find it hard to accept a loss. On the other hand, it’s important that we look forward to 2027 with hope and vigour! Let’s work on the weaknesses from this season and improve next year. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Chess boom
Hats off to the Fiji Chess Federation for generating interest in chess and growing the sport from strength to strength by hosting monthly tournaments. It’s pleasing to see that players from as young as seven are getting attracted to chess. I’m glad that the turnout at chess competitions has been impressive as Fiji Chess Federation aims to expand access to competitive chess throughout Fiji. I urge corporate sponsors to come on board and assist FCF to expand its tournaments and get more sessions for beginners. In Fiji, we need more chess players like legendary Manoj Kumar. The future of chess looks bright. There is a need to spread its popularity. Growing student participation, committed volunteers, and regular tournaments will take chess to greater heights. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Telling the truth
A rocket from Blue Origin has exploded on its launchpad in Florida, USA. Their spokesperson stated that, “we experienced an anomaly during today’s hotfire test”. An anomaly is a flashing button, what they got was what the cartoon Martin the Martian wanted, an “earth-shattering kaboom!”. Space has always had its dangers including a broken toilet, an extended stay which was best known for the floating sphere of hair of one astronaut but also for far too many deaths. Space exploration may be our future but it has to be safe and eventually made available for the general public. DENNIS FITZGERALD Victoria, Australia
Fiji Police Bill 2026
The proposed Fiji Police Bill 2026, which seeks to expand police powers through enhanced digital investigations and other modern enforcement capabilities, presents an important opportunity to address a growing national security gap within the cyber domain. At present, Fiji’s border security framework is primarily focused on intercepting illicit and prohibited materials through physical ports of entry using traditional inspection and enforcement mechanisms. However, the nature of illicit activity has evolved significantly. Increasingly, harmful and prohibited materials are being distributed, accessed, and transmitted digitally through online and cyber platforms, effectively bypassing conventional border controls. There is therefore a strong case for the inclusion of cyber border control powers within the legislative framework. Such provisions would enable relevant authorities, including the Fiji Police Force and border Control agencies to work with local internet service providers (ISPs) to implement lawful mechanisms to detect, restrict, disrupt, and prevent the digital entry and dissemination of illicit materials through cyber mediums. Just as Fiji protects its physical borders against prohibited imports, there is now a clear need to strengthen protections at the nation’s digital borders (ISPs). The relevant legislation should therefore be refreshed and modernised to align with the realities of today’s cyber-enabled environment and emerging transnational threats. RAJ DEO Votualevu, Nadi
She’s back!
Who was the person who mentioned that Alex VB’s Facebook account has been banned by META? Guess what — she is back! Do your homework correctly before making an announcement. JAHEED BUKSH Korolevu, Nadroga
Freedom of expression
On France 24’s Middle East Matters (May 29, 2026) I saw the interview bookseller Mahmoud Muna in East Jerusalem gave on how the Israeli state tried to close down his bookshop on the pretext that it was inciting violence against Israelis. It reminded me of the book burnings during the Nazi persecution of the Jews. But the court in Israel found there was nothing wrong in the books being sold as part of the freedom of expression in Israel’s democracy and the bookshop is back in business giving an opportunity to everyone to access all shades of views. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Fighting spirit
I was so impressed with our athletes who competed at this year’s Oceania Athletics Championship in Australia. They not only enjoyed the great exposure. They did so well also, against the best athletes from the region. The likes of Iosefo Rakesa, Salanieta Vereivalu, Ebenezer Saukuru, Setareki Dawai, Kiara Thomas, Farhaan Tyronne Ali, Naibili Vatunisolo, Sitiveni Kuanaivalu, Eleni Rakasi, Brieanna Rabakewa, Paula Vonolagi, Adi Ceva Lutumailagi, Glandness Simpson, Veniana Ranadi, Kirikiti Biu, Elijah Vakacegu, Samantha Lutu, Veremo Vasuitoga and Maryann Macedru won the hearts of the audience. The power of hard work, passion, faith and dedication, values that shape the character of sports personalities, stood out. I salute Athletics Fiji, our teachers and coaches for nurturing these young and emerging athletes. 15-year-old Vakacegu’s golden win made a huge statement. He won gold in the combined U16 and U20 boy’s 800m final — an incredible achievement. The Suva Grammar student made his school and the nation proud. I wish to see this same fighting spirit at the Pacific Games. We need to get back our dominance on the athletic tracks. To our brave athletes who participated at the Oceania Athletics Championship in Darwin, thank you! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
No peace
The American President Donald Trump said: “They (Iran) can’t have nuclear weapons. It’s very simple. You can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have nuclear weapons (White House 19/2/26). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “Iran can’t have nuclear weapons” (The Times of India 28/2/26). Yet according to many online websites, the United States of America is believed to possess thousands of nuclear warheads while Israel, a Middle Eastern nation, has an arsenal of approximately 90 nuclear warheads. The prophet Jeremiah, in the Bible, says the following: “Peace, peace’, they say, when there is no peace”. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Statesman, election and rugby
Fact check
My letter on Saturday (FT 30/5 Pg 9) erroneously listed China as a Quad member. It should, of course, have read USA. My apologies. Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
Ratu Sukuna Day
As Fijians commemorated and celebrated the life of statesman Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna on Friday, we were reminded of how his legacy, leadership, wisdom, and dedication shaped Fiji. Credit must be given where it is due, and I thank the People’s Coalition Government for reinstating Ratu Sukuna Day back as a public holiday. The younger generation has so much to learn from his life and service to our beloved Fiji. One of Ratu Sukuna’s greatest contributions was his vision of a united Fiji. This stemmed from the indentured and girmit period, and today’s leaders must put this philosophy ahead of policies and the brand of politics that cause division. Leaders must learn from his qualities, simplicity, wisdom and humility. Racial harmony and diversity must be at the forefront of Fiji’s development. Children must take cue from Ratu Sukuna’s hard work, commitment, dedication and determination in excelling inside the classroom and on the sports field. Finding a balance between the two is vital for one to succeed. The great statesman has left behind valuable lessons for Fijians that are worth emulating as we build a bigger and better Fiji. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Cheap labour
Workers are leaving Fiji in search of better pay overseas. On the other hand, employers are saying they cannot afford to improve pay rates. It is my belief that in Fiji, big employers continue to rake in millions of dollars in profit. They refuse improved pay rates, despite the improvement in their productivity levels, achieved by workers. Government must address this before Fiji becomes another cheap labour economy where workers cannot afford to lead a decent life. DAN URAI Lautoka
Right to vote
In about six months, we will have a state election, and like most political leaders, ours are proclaiming how important it is and that everyone should vote for their team. Being a democratic country gives us the opportunity and the responsibility to vote in these elections. In America there will be elections at about the same time but President Donald Trump has stated “I don’t care about the midterms”. This is disgraceful to both the people who will vote and those that have died to protect that right to vote. Use your vote to select representatives that will do the best for everyone not just their own team. Be wary of those that only do the best for themselves and treat them with the contempt they deserve. It’s your right. Use it wisely. DENNIS FITZGERALD Victoria, Australia
Blues comeback
Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash was dubbed a historic fightback as the New South Wales Blues overcame an 18-0 first-half disappointing deficit to beat a shell-shocked Queensland Maroons 22-20, marking their greatest-ever State of Origin comeback in emphatic style. Kalyn Ponga’s send-off in the 57th minute shifted momentum, as the Blues exploited the extra space to score late. Blues debutant Ethan Strange received accolades for inspiring the biggest comeback in the State of Origin history at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. It looked like another Maroons victory as they were cruising to victory with a 20-6 handsome lead. However, the Blues fans got to their feet as star player James Tedesco handed the Blues the lead in the series after a 78th-minute sizzler as he regathered an aerial bomb amidst the tumbling rain. Tedesco soared over the Maroons beleaguered troops to snatch the match-winning try and clinch an epic triumph. However, while Tedesco scored that try, Nathan Cleary’s work rate and unwavering commitment and dedication did not go unnoticed. He was the hero for the home side, scoring a crucial try and kicking three clutch goals. Infront of 79,186 delirious fans, the Blues celebrated a win that went into history books. Indeed, a cracker and a great Blues victory! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
