Mesmerising Messi
Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a World Cup record “hat-trick” of goals against Algeria. At the age of 38, he still maintains his agility and quickness. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Our neighbours win hearts
Flashback to November 26, 1988 — Fiji claimed an unforgettable 1-0 epic victory against a heavy-favourite Australian outfit in the first leg of the 1990 World Cup qualifiers at Prince Charles Park. Fiji’s winning goal was scored by Ravuama Madigi in the 67th minute. We lost the away leg in Newcastle, but that 1-0 win remains one of the greatest upsets in Oceania football history. Since that win, we have yet to beat the Socceroos who are playing in the WC. The impressive Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 at the BC Place in Vancouver to make a dream start to this year’s WC, producing one of the upsets of the opening round. Rising star Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe brought Aussie fans to their feet as they danced to victory. Yesterday, the All Whites drew 2-2 against Iran at the Los Angeles Stadium. Elijah Just scored both goals for the All Whites, but Iran did everything they could to grab a point through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammed Mohebi. Our neighbours, the Socceroos and All Whites have won football hearts after their first matches at this year’s WC while here at home, we wait for the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT to kick off tomorrow! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fuel crisis
Fiji and the entire South Pacific Island nations will do well to take serious note that the trickle down effect of oil price reductions will not happen any sooner. Since the USA-Israel’s bombing and numerous super power air strikes on Iran, commencing on or about February 28, 2026, no less than 37 Middle East oil fields, refineries and major energy supply sources, in nine countries, were destroyed or inflicted severe damage. Repairs will take many months. There is a huge pending backlog of oil deliveries throughout the world. Please do not celebrate too prematurely. Besides, Iranian official sources say, both Israel and USA, started this needless war. The superpowers are reported to owe, the victim, Iran, no less than $US270 billion ($F603b) in reparations (war damages). Will the “big bullies” settle this war bill? The USA-Iran deal might not take effect as the US President is all too often very unpredictable, unreliable and known to “flip flop” when things do not turn his way. One must also understand that the US Congress has yet to appropriately vet any deal. The US President is currently acting in isolation. My observations are made with utmost respect, tact, diplomacy and compassion to all in the great USA and beyond. (Sivita na koro; qai kalu, gonei). Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
General election
I believe there are concerns in Fiji that the next general election may not be held by the due date and may be delayed for a myriad of reasons. Everyone must remember the flip-flopping record of the Prime Minister and his or his government’s assurances must be taken with a pinch of salt. Whatever happens, we all know, nothing is this Government’s fault, it is always someone or something else’s fault. But then what will Fiji and Fijians do without this PM? He is indispensable and Fiji and Fijians will collapse in a heap if he were to go. He is a national treasure and the rock that has held Fiji together for the past 40 years. That is why Fiji is where it is today, they are reaping the benefits of his long and distinguished service to the country, and the people of Fiji cannot get enough of him. May he continue to serve for as long as he can. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Master manipulator
President Donald Trump’s decision in April to release 172 million barrels from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, part of a global co-ordinated 400 million barrel effort with Japan, Australia, and European nations, has been a political masterstroke in temporarily suppressing global oil prices. I believe this strategic move, alongside weekly social media posts hinting at a potential deal with Iran, has provided much-needed relief at the pump worldwide. However, Mr Trump bombs Iran during the week while hinting at a possible deal on weekends to convince stock markets to keep oil prices low when stock markets open on Monday. We should be aware of a ticking clock. By September, I believe these reserves will reach critically low levels, forcing the US administration to devise new ploys or falsehoods to maintain the facade of low prices. This is particularly urgent with the US congressional midterm elections looming. Recent polls show both the Republican and Democratic parties in serious trouble; over 60 per cent of Americans blame the “uniparty” support for the war with Iran for the sharp rise in the cost of living. Consequently, I believe a third party may well gain ground in this year’s congressional elections in America. The notion of a deal remains fragile. While President Trump speaks of progress, the Iranians repeatedly state they know of no such agreement. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to shipping, open only to fish and marine life, keeping a floor under global energy prices. I believe Mr Trump is a master manipulator of social media, and Wall Street speculators fall for his tactics “hook, line, and sinker”. Yet so far, it is working to keep global oil prices down. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Kava use
Can our church elders clarify why a kava barrel is not permitted in the church and yet some of them consume it on a daily basis? I always wonder why? Pita Soroaqali Tavua
Double standards
In yesterday’s The Fiji Times (17/6) Mr Singh is selective in his criticism of coups, focusing on the 1987 and 2000 while avoiding any serious discussion of the 2006 coup. But why is there no mention of the 2006 coup? I believe his political leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, was a beneficiary of the 2006 coup and became Finance Minister in the interim government. It feels a bit inconsistent to criticise some coups but stay quiet about others, especially when his political allies, like his leader, benefited from them. Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
G7 family picture
Bloomberg Television says President Donald Trump takes centre stage at G7 family photo. But he and PM Modi are found standing on either side of French President Macron who takes centre stage. Mr Trump appears aloof and detached from others. Probably, he feels there is little warmth left in his relationship with other leaders. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Half time
I think the highlights from the tournament in Labasa should be shown on the big screen at the World Cup. Ideally, during the half time. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
EFL service
Four days without electricity in an area in Savusavu where there are people and guests without lights and freezers and coolers stocked with food! What is truly happening EFL? Not attending to your complaint lines! No public announcement! Seriously EFL! Doesn’t this justify competition! Noleen Billings Savusavu
Fijian economy dialogue
Galas and talkfests
Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Mara has reportedly criticised the recent State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue labelling it as a “talkfest” rather than a platform that generated real solutions. I called it “gala” last week. So, the Tui Nayau and I happen to be on the same wavelength. According to Ratu Tevita Mara, “there was no credible plan to repair our economy and restore the livelihoods of our people. There was no serious reckoning with the drug crisis now spreading through our communities — a scourge that, left unchecked, threatens to turn Fiji into a semi-narco state and consume a whole generation of our young” (FT16/6). He said a bit more. I see leadership on the horizon. Donald Singh Nausori
Ratu Tevita’s statement
I strongly endorse the timely and candid statements made by Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara, regarding the recent State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue in Suva (FT 16/06/26). He has accurately pierced through the bureaucratic smoke and mirrors to call the event exactly what it was: an expensive, posturing “talkfest” that yielded zero practical relief for ordinary citizens. While the contributions by veteran leaders Mahendra Chaudhry and Savenaca Narube were genuinely constructive and good, the broader forum quickly devolved into a shield for those responsible for our current economic paralysis. The former finance ministers and architects who served as the guardians of the Fijian purse during the tenures of Biman Prasad and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum bear direct responsibility for the crippling gridlock of our government budget today. It is a gross deception for them to conveniently blame our deeply frozen financial affairs on the global fuel crisis or external shocks. I believe the reality is that our budget is paralyzed because of their own structural missteps, reckless borrowing, and systemic economic mismanagement. To hand a prominent platform to former finance minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum so he could lecture the public on fiscal responsibility is an absolute insult to every taxpayer currently struggling under the weight of his legacy. It is deeply frustrating to watch these policymakers gather for two days of academic navel-gazing and political finger-pointing while ignoring the bleeding wounds destroying the fabric of our communities. Where is the immediate, workable blueprint to address the drug crisis that is actively threatening to turn our beloved Fiji into a narco-state? Where is the urgency for the terrifying spike in HIV infections, our visibly failing hospitals, and the crumbling infrastructure that Fijians navigate daily? A nation cannot be fed, healed, or governed by seminars and slick powerpoint presentations. True leadership is defined by those who roll up their sleeves, bring credible solutions to the table, and actively execute the hard work required to restore livelihoods. The organizers of this dialogue failed the people of Fiji. It is time to look honestly at the Constitutional Review currently underway and start implementing real, measurable fixes for our nation’s foundational issues. Thank you, Ratu Tevita, for your courage in speaking the plain truth, on behalf of the silent majority. Dr Sushil K Sharma Lautoka
