Knockout blow
KAMELI Rakoko urged the Fiji Airways Drua to keep it cool and hurt the Aussies where it hurt the most and that was on the scoreboard (FT 13/10) and the Drua seemed to have read that line well as our flamboyant brigade waved the ball like a magic wand to weather the final NRC “Force”. It seemed we were in for another whitewash as the hosts took a 14-0 lead just after 10 minutes into the first spell. Our boys looked dismantled and were starved of possession. We were under the palm. Our scrums were in a shamble, our shape was unorganised and our set pieces were an eyesore. We did look dangerous when in the opposition territory but knock-ons denied a real opportunity to get some points. Then some lovely passage of play towards the end of the half and the Drua led a startling comeback. The scoreline of 14-0 soon became 14-7 as Tabulawaki crossed over and then 14-14 after Kurumudu broke clear and then that intercept from Suva winger Malele gave the Drua huge confidence as our boys raced to a seven point lead. However, some nervous moments followed as Davies scored for the hosts and it was 21-all but that was short-lived as the Drua displayed phenomenal rugby and some thrilling passes to dot down two tries to Vota and Veitokani. The last roll of the dice proved futile for the hosts as our boys held on for the historic victory. Our boys had not only defeated the Force and claimed the NRC minor premiership but were also returning home with the Horan-Little Shield, which left the Aussie soil for the first time. It’s a proud moment for the Seruvakula coached Drua as our boys have topped the standings just in their second year of participation and will host a semi-final against Brisbane City or Canberra Vikings while the Force slipped to third spot and will play away from home against defending champions Queensland. After the Drua beat Canberra Vikings, Rob Valetini had urged the Drua to stick to their game and that’s exactly what the Drua did. As our boys prepare for the monumental semi clash, I hope to see exciting and entertaining rugby from the Drua. Vinaka vakalevu boys for topping the NRC points table! The knockout blow was historic and a delight! I’m banking on the Drua to secure a home final! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Congrats Naca
I WISH to congratulate judoka Nacanieli Takayawa for being inducted into the Fiji Hall of Fame, which has been honouring our athletes who have contributed to the development of sports in the country. Naca, who was Fiji’s sportsman of the year in 1988, made headlines when he won gold medal at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. Naca has had an illustrious career in judo and has won numerous gold medals from the South Pacific Games and other judoka competitions held in Australia and NZ. Therefore, it is fitting that our judoka got inducted into the Fiji Hall of Fame. Well done and bravo, Naca! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Housing grant
THE permanent secretary for housing has stated that under the First Home Buyer Program, the applicants need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the grant (FT 13/10). One of which is that they must meet the banks’ loan criteria. I believe the imposition of this condition will be disadvantageous to those who are unable to obtain loans because they are retired people or wish to use their own life savings to build their first homes. Hence, this category of applicants who meet all the other requirements would be deprived from benefiting under this scheme. I cannot see any justification as to why they should be excluded from the program. In my view, this policy is grossly unfair and discriminatory as it creates double standards. I also believe it infringes on their rights to equal social and economic opportunities as enshrined under Section 26(3) of the Constitution of Fiji. Therefore, I pleadingly appeal to the ministry responsible to please remove this disparity towards making the policy more transparent, equitable and inclusive for all first home buyers. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Water shortage
FIJI has started to experience the devastating effects of the dry spell, mostly in the Western Division. Relief supplies were provided, however, it was seen that many had to struggle for it as water tanks were kept by the roadsides, making it hard for interior dwellers to access. Drought warning has been placed and if not taken heed of can cause serious “dry weather” among many communities. We as concerned citizens of Fiji should use water conservatively. Every drop of water is precious than a sack of gold. It is also high time that we start thinking of our future generation and saving as much as possible from the 0.002 per cent we have. We ought to think about water conservation, if we don’t want mental dehydration. KAJOL NARAYAN Saweni, Lautoka
Best place to live
I WAS surprised to find Fiji missing from the list of the other 10 top countries in the article “The best place to live in the world as an expat is Singapore” (Yahoo Finance UK 11/10). Surprised because Fiji is such a lovely place for expats to live that many don’t want to return to their home country! And that’s even after the coups! And what’s more the high cost of living in Fiji is nothing for them to worry about! RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Loud speakers
THE message we in Waiyavi receive every morning surely is about God’s peace and love. Yeah it’s sent to us via loudspeakers, Do you think God wants his peace to be sent to people who are still sleeping? The working man needs his full hours of normal sleep. Yes, he needs God’s peace also but not to be shouted to him. When Jesus preached he didn’t use loud speakers and he walked all over the place. Every morning God’s peace leaves me when I am woken up by the loud speakers from down the road. It leaves me in pieces. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Impressive products
IT is quite impressive to see the standard of quality in our Fijian made products. Meeting the tastes and demands of the diverse consumer base is a hefty goal yet many of our local food manufacturing companies especially are delivering with great results and with affordable prices. On Fiji Day, I took a stroll by the street near mine and entered an establishment selling flavoured ice-blocks (popsicles). I saw “peanut butter” flavour and purchased one to check it out at $1 a popsicle. I was blown away by how good it tasted and when I looked at the back of the wrapper, I was immediately impressed and full of joyful pride to see that a Fijian company manufactured this. It definitely added more patriotism to the day. Strolling through the supermarket a couple of days later, I saw cheese spreads and products for less than $4 to $6 when similar products normally sell for $7-plus. I was more impressed to discover that the cheaper quality items were Fijian made. How awesome! Lately, Fijian products have been deemed as too expensive even by foreigners so it is a relief to see affordable quality Fijian items being displayed. JOAN MCGOON Jetpoint, Martintar, Nadi
Tertiary education
DESPITE his sarcastic and negative comments (FT 13/10) to this column, I believe Usaia Tagi is indeed a very ungrateful Fijian. TELS is apolitical which has given indiscriminately a lifeline and a wealth of opportunities to many of our young Fijian children whose parents would never have afforded their fees. Certainly everything in this world comes at a price and there are not many countries in the world that fund university or tertiary education but if they do, their economies are much bigger than this tiny country of ours or can Usaia Tagi suggest another way that our government can provide free tertiary for our children as I am convinced that our current TELS payback system will ensure the continuity of the program to benefit many more of our future Fijian children. The qualification these Fijian children will get is for a lifetime which they rightly deserve and they can take it everywhere they go as it is the most important tool of their trade that is provided to them at a fraction of the price if it was compared with a bank loan with its many varying yearly interest rates. This brave and visionary FijiFirst Government and its leadership have seen it fit to open doors for Fijians irrespective in all spheres of life but education is at the forefront of all this, a literate Fiji for a better future through our 2013 Constitution. This is where I can say that past governments have failed because of their policies including bad governance and politics. I would not call TELS a shattered future for our children but a very secure future through their guaranteed academic qualifications. TUKAI LAGONILAKEBA Namaka, Nadi
Say no to suicide
PEOPLE are expected to live life to the fullest. Another young person took her own life. To all young people out there, please refrain from taking your own precious lives and there’s someone who you can share what you are going through in your life every day. Suicide is not the answer for the easy way out. #Say No to suicide #Suicide is not my culture #Suicide is wrong. JIOJI M CAKACAKA Nasinu
Yaqona plant
I AM so happy drinking kava, I wonder what it’s like to be a grog tree, what say Rick Eire? Do I look like one? ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Election question
COULD all the contestants in this year’s election write to sukhasingh33@yahoo.com on why I should vote for them? SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Ronaldo allegations
IT is quite sad to hear the rape allegations against one of the best sportsperson, Cristiano Ronaldo. He has and will continue to inspire many people across the globe, but this allegation can tarnish much of his reputation in the industry. I hope that it does not affect “CR7” in his time at Juventus and it is quite clear that fans are rallying behind the legend of the game. RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi
UNHRC seat
SO, Fiji makes it into the UNHRC. Awesome! The powers that are, walk the talk. As Mother Teresa said, part of it at least; “Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government, they are every human being’s entitlement by virtue of his humanity.” Sa kila? MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Avenue, Lautoka
Terminate solution
NO political party is talking about how they will address termite infestation in Lautoka. People are losing their homes. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
