Symbol of love and reconciliation
The recent story of Navneel Sen and Filomena Diyasa is more than just a romantic moment between two young people, it is a powerful reminder of what Fiji truly stands for: love, respect, unity, and the beauty of our shared humanity. At a time when racial tensions are often inflamed by political rhetoric and careless voices online, their story shines as a genuine symbol of hope. When Navneel bravely crossed a flooded river to perform the traditional iTaukei i-lakovi ceremony in Filomena’s village, he demonstrated not only his love but also deep respect for another culture. Filomena and her family, in turn, welcomed him with warmth, showing that understanding and acceptance still thrive in our communities. This is the Fiji we must protect, a Fiji where culture brings us together, not divides us. Politicians, community leaders, and those who spread hatred should take a lesson from these two young people. Their actions show that unity is not achieved through speeches, but through genuine respect, empathy, and the willingness to embrace diversity. Let us celebrate stories like this and continue building a nation grounded in love and reconciliation. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
The magnificent Sekoula tree
I am writing to draw the attention of the community to a beautiful natural phenomenon occurring right now in our neighbourhood. The blooming of the magnificent Sekoula tree. Each year, this tree provides a vital splash of colour and life, and this season’s blooming is no exception. The sight serves as a wonderful reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us and the importance of preserving our urban flora. In an age where we are often preoccupied with our daily routines, events like this encourage us to pause and appreciate the environment we live in. I hope that by highlighting this, more residents will take a moment to enjoy this beautiful display before the blossoms fade. Since Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are upon us, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone happy celebration. Suresh Chand Nadi
Seasonal hoarding
It has always been the case almost every year. Some companies, to maximise profits, hoard key food items, for e.g during Diwali there is a shortage of dairy products and other sweets related goods that start going out of stock. Now it’s Christmas, meats are going out of stock. I was conversing with a meat company employee and was told that a 40ft container was in the back with meat and they were told to tell customers that they were out of stock. This is hearsay for me but when I go to the supermarkets I see that the meats I am looking for are out of stock. Makes me wonder. Authorities please check on these companies whose products conveniently disappear and reappear when demand is high. We the poor people have no recourse when we face such issues. David C Lautoka
Road condition
The road condition in our area (Dawai St) has become so bad that one can forget about peacefully driving on it. In fact, it has become extremely difficult to walk on it. Danger of having an ankle sprain. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Vocational institutions
Wishing all the best to students who are sitting for their major exams. We need to uphold and strengthen our future students who did not excel in their external and theory exams, that is not the end, there are many possibilities to excel your career. Not all students are good in theory or pass major exams set by Ministry’s as there are other ways to assess student’s capabilities. Vocational schools play’s a major role in grooming students who need bridging or trade courses available. The government of the day should allow vocational schools a fair platform so they can contribute to our economy and guide and facilitate unfortunate students in pursing their dream career. Each individual can have unique skills and they can fit the jobs that may require the use of those skills. The most common reasons, for which people may choose to attend a vocational institution, instead are:
- The course duration;
- lower cost;
- practical specialized courses; and
- focused on quality of the content.
The practical side is what makes the difference between vocational institutions and universities. Theoretical learning is used in a breakdown manner, but in job facilities people will focus more on how the things are made in real situations. Reading books can be replaced with taking the students to see the real action. The best example of people who are job school graduates is the ones involving welders, cooks or mechanics and IT ect. For verifying the worthiness of an institution, quite a bit of research may be required. Students, who would like to follow a career path that involves job specialization, must verify the vocational school for accreditation first. The areas that can be covered as future career possibilities are: automotive, health, cosmetics, decorations, constructions, electronics etc and this is just to name a few fields that are taught at vocational schools. To fill in the Gaps created by brain drain due to immigration. As an awesome alternative to unis, vocational schools are good for those who do not want to spend a lot of time in a classroom and who know exactly what they want. People who like the practical side more than the theoretical one, can be the perfect candidates. Searching for a worthy vocational school may be the first step. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
Bula vinaka Fiji!
HELLO readers — my daughter and I recently travelled to Fiji for the first time and we want to say a very big thank you! Not only do you have a beautiful island(s) we were taken aback by the kindness, help and generosity we received from the Fijians we met during our vacation as we traversed our way through. We traveled to Taveuni where we were so fortunate to see the rare and beautiful Tagimoucia flower (with lots of help from our guide), my first time snorkeling at Rainbow Reef, swimming in the waterfall on the Lavena coastal walk, from there to Suva where we experienced the markets and to the museum so we could learn more of your history and culture, on to Sigatoka and to the sacred sand dunes. Our final stop was Nadi to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and finally to the mud pool baths. Your islands offer so much to see and do, and we know we only scratched the surface. Although a long way from Toronto, Canada, we look forward to another visit to Fiji in the not too distant future. Bula vinaka Fiji! JANE DREWE Toronto, Canada
Everyone, everywhere, nowhere!
IF this doesn’t make one understand, nothing will. The small story first. Going to school functions, social events and even shopping becomes a daunting experience sometimes. “Bro, we need humps on our road man! Too many accidents”, or “Don, what about our road?” or even “Our school road needs to be upgraded”. The other ones cannot be written here. I don’t mind such questions, especially as most people are aware of my field of work. The problem. The current single nationwide constituency system is not helping. It is obvious that people simply do not know who represents them. It is not about race or political affiliation, but about accessibility to representatives and service. The following should be copyright material. With the current representative system in Parliament, everyone is everywhere, yet no one is anywhere. We need the constituencies back. DONALD SINGH Suva
Stray dogs
I have been staying in Connaught Place, affectionately known as CP, which is the centre of New Delhi. There are hundreds of stray dogs everywhere and they all are very healthy, look very good, many are even overweight, and they all have shiny coats. None have any sign of disease. At night, I have seen many sleeping on hessian bags provided by people. They all look very well fed and well looked after and are very friendly and people treat them with a lot of respect. And then, you ask? And then there are the stray dogs in Fiji. Need I say more? But I will ask, why is there this difference? Guess whose fault is it? I guess the answer is Fiji is a very special place. JAN NISSAR New Delhi, India
Cancer fight!
I commend Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa for raising $14,331 during their month-long Pinktober campaign in support of the Fiji Cancer Society’s work for cancer patients. This initiative truly reflects the heart of the Hilton culture, and I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the team at Hilton. The passion with which the team carried out fundraising is worth praising. They organised a morning tea bake and sale, an auction of donated items from Tappoo, a pink T-shirt sales campaign and a walk-a-thon, which reflected the organisation’s pride and dignity in looking after those cancer patients in dire need. I salute Hilton organisation for championing community engagement through wellness, sustainability and social responsibility. We are in the festive season which is about sharing and caring and fostering goodwill. Hilton’s gesture symbolizes the values associated with the festive season. The spirit of giving back is alive! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
National ID
Just a reminder to everyone. Regardless of who you are, what your ethnicity is, wherever you go you will always be known as a Fijian or Kai Viti – which essentially means you are Fijian. The world is not selective when it comes to a son or daughter of Fiji origin living among them. They only know Fijian (Kai Viti). MP Ketan Lal can call anyone he likes a Kai Viti and point fingers in all directions but sir, you are a Kai Viti – a son of Fiji – as my Pa would say- “Put that in your pie and Smoke it.” TAI SMITH Nasinu Sec School Rd, Nasinu
Thank you Fiji Times
It was a pleasure to read your cricket coverage on page 49. (FT 28/11) Thank you, Fiji Times. BHARAT MORRIS Rifle Range, Vatuwaqa, Suva
Was God behind it?
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated he will appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and will finally spill the tea on who was really behind the 1987 coup. I assumed “God” was responsible, as Rambo had mentioned in one of his biographies that “God” (not sure which one) had instructed him to overthrow the democratically elected Bavadra government. I am confused. Because you said “God told me to do it”. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
$200 assistance
The MOE assistance to help parents with $200 to begin the school year 2026 will definitely be a relief. It’s high time for free and compulsory education for progress in literacy and numeracy programs. Education is our priority. It is an asset for any developing country as we pass from one generation to another. A scholar once said: “While it is true you can lead a horse to a well, but you can’t make him drink. Add salt to the water and it will start drinking.” Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Forgiveness issue
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has sought forgiveness from the chiefs at the matanigasau ceremony for the institution’s involvement in the removal of the Great Council of Chiefs in 2006. Ironically, some of the chiefs were also part of the RFMF at that time. But who will seek forgiveness for the chief’s complicit support for the 1987 and 2000 coup makers and for their role in the 2000 mutiny. Their actions have also caused hurt to many. Or are they immune from accountability? Was that one of the reasons why they were removed in 2006? SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
School scouts
Were scouts from our secondary schools keeping tabs of athletes participating in the 2025 Tuckers Ice Cream Fiji Primary Schools Athletics competition? After all, the Coca-Cola Games is so competitive and the glory of winning gold medals is hard to refuse. It all begins by scouting for the best but even better, identifying talent at a younger age. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Free trips
When I grow up, I want to be like the ministers of the current Government, taking numerous all expenses paid over the seas trips. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Trusted source
A media organisation has been revealed as one of the most trusted news sources in Fiji. I think we would all love to know which one is the least trusted. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Pay them
For so long the FNPF pensioners have been writing about their pension contracts which were revoked Why is it so difficult for this Coalition Government to pay back every cent owed to them? Sukha Singh Labasa
Yearning for learning
There lives a quiet fire within the mind’s deep hall
A call to rise, to seek, to question it all
Yearning to learn is critically vital It turns every challenge into a new revival
It lights up the path where dreams become tidal
And makes every learner strong and undeniable
Learning without yearning is like sailing without a breeze
A journey that halts, brought down to its knees
But when passion ignites, the barriers ease
And knowledge flows freely, destined to please
But yearning brings life, a force so profound
Turning silent whispers into a powerful sound
The curious soul is never at rest
It roams through puzzles, eager to test
A whisper inside says try once more
For wisdom is an endless shore
It is the joy of connecting the dots
Of finding meaning in the smallest of thoughts
Yearning for learning shapes destiny’s bend
It turns every stranger into a friend
Education needs to ignite the deep desire to learn
A blazing spark that makes the spirit burn
Yearning to learn inspires us to lead a meaningful life
It fuels our purpose and strengthens our inner drive
With every lesson, we sharpen mind like a carving knife
Learning empowers the soul, giving direction to our life
All innovations have been the fruits of unquenchable thirst
Driven by curious minds where ideas are immersed and burst
Turning hopes into breakthroughs that once seemed the worst
Refining concepts patiently, never feeling unrehearsed
Learning evolves with time and technology
Adapting with each new crafted methodology
New ideas awaken, making us feel alive
Wisdom grows sweeter, like honey in a hive
Each insight renews us, helping spirits revive
Learning builds our legacy, a treasure we archive
Where learning is driven by yearning
New flames of wonder keep burning
Each question asked sparks a mind’s turning
In every challenge, there’s wisdom discerning. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Honouring men and women!
I greatly applaud the recognition done to the “two iron ladies” by Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam (FT 27/11/25). In recent years, society has placed strong emphasis on celebrating and empowering women — a positive and necessary shift that has helped restore dignity and opportunity where it was long overdue. However, in the midst of this progress, one question quietly lingers: Why is there little or no acknowledgement of men and the role they play in our families, communities, and nation? Most people are surprised to learn that International Men’s Day is actually observed every year on November 19, yet it passes almost unnoticed. No programs, no school awareness, no workplace recognition, and hardly any national conversations. This silence sends an unfortunate message — that men’s contributions, and the challenges they face, are not worth highlighting. Just as we often say: “From a fountain where corrupted waters spring, we don’t go fixing the drain where it flows out; we fix the source.” If society believes that the issues women face today come from the attitudes, behaviour, or responsibilities of men, then why is the attention placed only on the drain, and not the fountain? If men are often identified as part of the problem, then surely men must also be part of the solution — and that requires equal focus, support, and recognition. Men face real challenges too: higher suicide rates, pressure to appear strong, dangerous workplaces, expectations to provide, and silent battles with mental health. Many men carry heavy responsibilities without any support or acknowledgement. Recognising men does not take away from the progress of women. Instead, it brings balance. Healthy families, healthy communities, and healthy nations require both strong women and strong men. It is time we give proper recognition to International Men’s Day — not as competition, but as a reminder that every role and every contribution matters. Honouring men does not diminish women. Honouring both strengthens us all. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Insights into Fijian media!
Our editor-in-chief and the Fiji Times management team looked smart and elegant as they took part in a capacity building session aimed at understanding media habits and preferences of Fijians which also explored ways in which media and communication could be used to engage and support Fijians. The Fiji Times team was presented with the findings of the research. Many blessings to the team and kudos to Wesley and the dedicated team for the hard yards taken in delivering a newspaper worth reading every morning. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Freedom of association
For far too long workers who are not union members have received union negotiated benefits. (free riders). They should be respected and acknowledged for utilising their rights and freedom not to become union members and not receive union negotiated benefits. Employers discriminate against financial union members by giving union negotiated benefits to non-union members. It is wrong and an unfair treatment of union members who pay an annual fee to their union. The Employment Relations bill is addressing this anomaly by introducing union bargaining fees. Dan Urai Lautoka
Her aim
Under the burning sun, she tirelessly trained. Even through sloshy mud, after it had heavily rained. Barefoot she ran, with sweat-covered face. One aim she had, to win a Tuckers Ice Cream Games race. Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
New bank accounts
Yesterday morning I went to My ANZ Bank, Suva branch to open savings accounts for my three (3) young grandchildren. I was attended to by a gentleman at Counter 17. He advised me that for me to open the accounts I will need to come back in two weeks time. He kindly offered to make the appointments for me. On enquiring why, I was advised that they are that busy. Not only that but one account will take one and a half hours to open, so for three accounts, I will need to sit there for four and a half hours. I decided against opening the accounts at ANZ Bank. Any other banks willing to assist. My mobile number is 9536930. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
Rabuka’s confession
RABUKA told the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission: “I am here to confess what happened in 1987 was wrong.” Thank you PM Rabuka. Now please tell us why it was wrong. The scapegoating of the Indo-Fijian citizens of the country to justify your coups that was a wrong, wasn’t it? It was a Nazi kind of tactic to demonise a whole section of the population on the basis of their race. That was a very grievous wrong you and your merry men from the military and your ethnonationalist fellow travellers in the GCC and the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma and other civilian racist-fascists perpetrated on your fellow citizens of Indian descent. Many of your victims are no longer around to forgive you even if they wanted to because the trauma of their persecution in the country of their birth killed them untimely. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney
Teach them young
Honourable Mosese Bulitavu, I’m certain you have heard the phrase that says “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” which translates to it’s often difficult to change established habits or teach new skills to older individuals. Therefore sir, can I humbly suggest that we seriously consider:
- Putting colourful recycling bins that clearly identify the type of waste you are to dispose them into.
- Our kindergartens – this would be the so called newbies who can be groomed to do the right thing;
- Throughout our primary schools in Fiji. A continuation from kindergarten which could kick in a few years from now and so on. In fact why not all our educational institutes throughout Fiji and when I say all, I mean all educational institutes of all our inhabited islands;
- Put the same in all our settlements and villages;
- Our towns and cities;
- For our households, have collection dates for the various categories of refuse;
- Introduce environment officers that will monitor the effectiveness of the introduction of the recycling bins and to look at avenues that will maintain the progress or to devise ways of improving the importance of utilising the recycling bins. There are numerous ways of utilising:
- Foodscraps – Manure for gardens – composting;
- Bottles – Murals;
- Tins/ Metals – Different artistic designs; and,
- These officers could run competitions for environmental awareness through recycling fun.
Sir, I know this would cost thousands and possibly millions, but for the long term, don’t you think it will be worth it? If our Department of Environment can’t afford to put up these bins, (Kindergartens should get recycling bins) why don’t we offer competitions that would revolve around schools, institutes, towns and households putting together their own bins and some collection method that may prove not to be a burden on the government. I wish my mum was still alive, she could really teach our youngsters a thing or two about turning trash into treasure. Tai Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd, Kinoya, Nasinu
Pool of death in Dubai!
Fiji is in the pool of death. At The Sevens Stadium we face Argentina, South Africa and France — three deadly teams. Argentina won the HSBC SVNS 2024/25 WRSS title and the Perth, Vancouver and Hong Kong 7s titles. South Africa finished fourth and won the Cape Town 7s. The reigning Olympic Games champions, France, finished fifth. Hence, Osea Kolinisau and the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team are under immense pressure. There are no quarterfinals. The top two teams straight away qualify for the semifinals. Osea, on paper, has a power-packed side capable of winning back-to-back in Dubai for the first time. The likes of Sakiusa Siqila, Waisea Nacuqu, Terio Tamani, Pilipo Bukayaro, Jerry Matana, who captained the side to victory last year, Joseva Talacolo, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Ilikimi Torosi, Alusio Vakadranu, George Bose, Vuiviwa Naduvalo and Manueli Maisamoa will provide strength and speed while debutant Apete Narogo is expected to play a crucial role. On the other hand, it has always been hard for Fiji to defend the title it won the previous year in Dubai, where Fiji failed to defend the title, it won in 2013 and 2015. Last year, fans celebrated in the early hours of the morning as Fiji broke a 22 tournament and nine-year drought after beating Spain 19-5 to win the Cup. In pool play, the boys beat Spain 21-15, the USA 42-20 and the All Blacks 7s 21-12. In the quarter-final, Fiji beat France 19-17, and in the semi-final, Fiji thrashed Argentina 43-21. The final was a bruising battle, but Fiji got the job done. Osea’s priorities include communication, winning restarts, taking conversions, making one-on-one tackles, discipline and teamwork. Toso Viti! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Soccer venue
Why no major soccer tournaments in Nadi? We are not seeing any major soccer tournaments held at the iconic Prince Charles Park for several years now. For whatever reason this is happening, the town’s ratepayers and business community deserve to know the facts. Many years have passed since the last time a Fiji FACT, BOG or IDC was held in Nadi It is to be noted that while the tourist town was being sidelined, some districts had hosted these major tournaments more than once. That’s not fair on the district which as an affiliate had contributed immensely towards soccer in the country. Nadi has produced many soccer greats who represented the country, as well. Prince Charles Park remains conditioned to host any major sporting event at any time. Agreed there has been no major upgrades done, but its overall condition is still intact. It’s the only arena in the country that has two full-size soccer pitch within the enclosure. Apart from that, the town is well equipped to welcome, accommodate, feed and entertain any amount of people at any time. As I have said, I don’t see the condition of the park being a factor because your league games are held and concluded satisfactorily year in year out. Now, if the venue was unsuitable, no super premier match would have been held at the park. Besides, Nadi Rugby successfully holds all their home fixtures without any issue. That said I would love to see the return of at least one major soccer tournament to Prince Charles Park. To the Nadi Town Council, wake up before it’s too late. Learn from Lautoka and Ba who have become capable of hosting the Drua games. Suresh Chand Nadi
The real drug crisis
THE latest announcement by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu that authorities are “stepping up efforts” under Operation Sasamaki to “collapse the supply chain” of marijuana once again exposes a worrying truth: the Fiji Police are still fighting the wrong battle. While they pull up cannabis plants by the thousands, the real killers — methamphetamine and cocaine — continue to slip through our ports, flood our streets, destroy our youth, and silently fuel the HIV epidemic that is now spiralling across Fiji. Let’s call this what it is: a convenient distraction. If the police were truly collapsing the supply chain, they would be dismantling the meth labs, tracing the money trails, and taking down the transnational networks turning Fiji into a regional transit hub. Instead, the cannabis farmer on Kadavu — a villager with a few plants trying to survive — has become the national scapegoat. We cannot keep pretending that this “war on drugs” is working when it has turned into a war on farmers and a cover for failure. Between 2020 and 2025, 80–95 per cent of Fiji’s drug cases involve cannabis — but almost all are low-level offences like possession or small-scale cultivation. Cannabis arrests fill our prisons, but meth dominates the streets, the value chain, and the headlines. In 2024 alone, a record 4.8 tonnes of meth — worth over $F2 billion — was intercepted. Meth cases have tripled since 2020, spreading from traffickers to teenagers, and even entering schools. Reports now confirm bluetoothing among youths, a devastating practice tied directly to injecting drug use and the rise in HIV infections. The pattern is undeniable: as meth use rises, so do HIV and hepatitis cases. Cannabis, meanwhile, remains the same rural, low-seriousness, non-lethal plant it has been for two centuries. Nobody is dying from cannabis and neither is cannabis the cause of HIV infections — yet we continue to treat it as the public enemy. If the Government wants to talk about what’s killing Fijians, it’s not cannabis. Eighty per cent of our deaths are from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — heart disease, diabetes, stroke — not marijuana. And when it comes to mental health, we are still blaming cannabis for conditions that our under-resourced system can’t even diagnose properly. We have a national shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors. Many Fijians living with trauma, depression, or anxiety are never formally diagnosed. So, when someone struggles mentally, we blame the cannabis. It’s lazy policy and lazy science. When the Police announce another cannabis uprooting in Kadavu or another “successful raid,” it paints a picture of action — but in truth, it’s an illusion of control. It’s “looking busy doing nothing.” Because meth, cocaine, and synthetic drugs continue to slip through our borders unchecked. These are the same substances that are killing people, filling St Giles, and fuelling Fiji’s growing AIDS crisis. Yet the people behind these hard drugs — those who fund, import, and distribute them — remain largely untouched. If Fiji is serious about protecting its people, then the fight needs to move where the danger really lies — to the labs, the financiers, and the traffickers behind meth and cocaine. Cannabis reform must be part of a larger national strategy: decriminalise low-level possession, regulate cultivation, and redirect enforcement and funding toward the real threats. We can no longer afford to waste limited resources uprooting plants while our youth are injecting meth in school bathrooms. Fiji’s drug crisis has evolved from a local agricultural problem into a transnational public-health emergency. And if our leaders continue to lack the political will and continue to ignore the data, they will continue to lose this war — not because they can’t win it, but because they’re fighting the wrong enemy. Noleen Billings Savusavu
Who are they?
Plenty discussion, some writing here and now I hear there’s a police complaint filed regarding the KVT gang. Down under, where the group operates, their logo says “Kaiviti Family”, “KVT” and also “679”. That’s Australia’s to deal with, if the gang members are Australian citizens. In Fiji we have cars driving around with rear windscreen stickers with “679” written on a cross like image. Ahem! But I guess they have been cleared already! Ahem Ahem! DONALD SINGH Suva
Flying Fijians finish eighth!
I’m impressed with the eighth ranking that the Fiji Water Flying Fijians are enjoying on the latest 15s rugby ranking. South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina and Australia are ahead of us. I’m surprised that Australia is ranked above Fiji despite the string of losses that they had, finishing the Quilter Autumn Series with four defeats. Fiji started the season with a loss to the Wallabies 21-18 away from home. The boys regrouped to beat Scotland’s Bravehearts 29-14 in Suva. In the Pacific Nations Cup competition, Fiji beat the Ikale Tahi and Manu Samoa 32-10 and 29-15, before thrashing Canada 63-10 in the semi-final. Fiji clung onto defeat Japan’s Brave Blossoms 33-27 and defend the title we won 41-17 last year on their home soil at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka. In the Autumn Series, the Flying Fijians won hearts despite losing to England 38-18 and France 34-21. Fiji managed to beat Spain 41-33. For me, Tevita Ikanivere stood out because of his leadership. Selesitino Ravutaumada, Pita Gus Sowakula, Viliame Mata, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Joji Nasova, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Simione Kuruvoli, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Josua Tuisova also stood out because they delivered sublime and clinical performances. Head coach Mick Byrne has a solid team, heading to the Nations Championship. Fiji has mouthwatering battles against the Six Nations giants- England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. Let’s prepare accordingly. To John Sanday and the team at rugby house, please continue with the good work. Looking forward to 2026! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Toughest pool
What a baptism of fire it will be for coach Kolinisau and the Fiji Airways men’s team at the HSBC Dubai 7s tournament? Tempers will flare and tackles will become rough as Fiji battles perhaps the toughest pool, taking on the superpowers of Argentina, South Africa and France. One can only imagine how bruising these matches will be as none of our opponents want to lose against Fiji. I am holding my breath for now. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Positive turnaround for FSC
The latest Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Annual Report marks a significant step forward for the sugar industry, showcasing what focused leadership and strategic intervention can achieve during challenging times. FSC’s announcement of a $105.71million profit for 2025, following last year’s loss of $4.2million, represents a remarkable turnaround. While this positive result was strongly supported by the Government’s $200.2million debt write-off, the corporation’s leadership acknowledges this context openly. As chairman Nitya Reddy notes, the result “must be viewed in context, as it was significantly buoyed by the major Government debt write-off”. Despite ongoing pressures, including ageing mills, inadequate maintenance over decades, and declining revenue, FSC leadership has taken decisive steps to improve financial discipline and operational efficiency. Mr Reddy highlights that the 2025 year “tested the limits of our resilience and reaffirmed the strength of our shared purpose”, signalling a renewed commitment to rebuilding the sector. Even with revenue falling to $175million and FSC’s share declining by 29 per cent to $50.9million, the leadership has managed a stabilisation process that avoided further financial deterioration. Operating costs were contained at $70million despite rising wages and depreciation, and staffing adjustments were made with minimal disruption. Most importantly, the leadership has been transparent about the road ahead. As Mr Reddy warns, ageing infrastructure and liquidity constraints remain “a serious threat to FSC’s long-term viability,” yet the current progress gives confidence that FSC is finally headed in the right direction. FSC’s turnaround, though still fragile, demonstrates the impact of responsible leadership, honest reporting, and strategic government support. This moment should be seen as an opportunity to rebuild an industry that remains vital to thousands of Fijian families. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
