Drua Vs Flying Fijians
I WOULD have loved a cracker between the Seruvakula-coached Drua side and the McKee-coached Flying Fijians and an opportunity for fans to choose the final squad. I reckon more Drua players would have had the opportunity to take a crack at their overseas counterparts for a spot in the team. For too long spots have been reserved for overseas players at the expense of locals! From past experiences, our overseas-based players would assemble a few weeks before the tour and trust me, when results don’t go our way, heaps of excuses would be brought forward and one would be lack of preparation time. It’s high time that the November tests are taken seriously as we near the 2019 RWC in Japan and the fact that Fiji has an opportunity to progress past the pool to the quarters. I hope that history repeats itself as we build to the last match where a win against the Welsh Dragons should send the Flying Fijians through. On the other hand, I’m glad that consistent performers in the Drua side have been recognised and the likes of Voka, Lomani, Veitokani, Dolokoto, Veitayaki, Tuisue, Mawi and Vugakoto have made the cut. However, I would have loved to see the likes of Navori, Waqatabu, Tabulawaki and Kurumudu in the extended squad to add speed and depth. By the way, the team selected by McKee is a powerful one and boasts experience in the likes of Ma’afu, Saulo, Nakarawa, Yato, Nagusa, Seniloli, Volavola, Vatubua, Goneva and expected thrills from the likes of Vasiteri and the 7s combination of Talebula, Mata, ‘The Bus’ and ‘The Sledgehammer’. The Flying Fijians are scheduled to play Scotland, Uruguay and France — three big teams which rely on their forwards to win games. Hence, our forwards coaching staff member has a lot on the plate. Finally, courageous captain Waqaniburotu takes over from veteran Qera and I hope that this change will bring rainbows of fortune. All the best to the Flying Fijians as they start their preparation! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Face to face
All the talk behind the back is a bit like “aghe piche”. About time these party leaders go face to face — live debate. In Savusavu we say “OK, you two touch ear mada”. I’m sure these party leaders are men enough? Rick Eyre Lautoka
You too Brutus
As the engines of the election campaign are revved, one thing is becoming clear. A lot of people are jumping on to new vehicles. Some would-be candidates in the ruling party have now become candidates in a newly-formed one. Some long time supporters and cheerleaders of the ruling party are now also candidates in the same new party. Politics, the art of the possible they say. I’m reminded of the demise of Julius Caesar. As Brutus stabbed him, the famous words were then uttered — Et tu, Brute? “You too, Brutus?” Let’s not forget Caesar’s last words — “Then fall Caesar!” Who is the Caesar in this year’s election? Should it be Caesars? The Brutus, know themselves! Kiniviliame Keteca Nausori
Cyclone season
As Fiji approaches the cyclone season from November to April, the country is already experiencing heavy rain and winds which take shape as the cyclonic weather. With many good activities planned by the people, it is being spoiled by this wet weather. It will be a good time for the farmers as this is the time when their produce will actually flourish after the drought season. I plead with parents to look after their children and to everyone, please keep yourself safe and informed about all circumstances in the country. Raynav Chand Nakasi
Election chances
There are 235 contestants for 51 seats. Every contestant has a 4.5 per cent chance to win, but with one constituency and how well known you are your chances can increase or decrease. Remember you can be in the same party but you all are contesting against each other. So far no contestant has bothered to e-mail me for my vote. I was in the elections once. It is the hardest thing to go and ask for votes. Sukha Singh Labasa
Political hopefuls
To all the political hopefuls, I will infer you all can condemn, criticise, complain and cry, but it will take a whole heap of self-control, determination, forgiveness and understanding to be true to your chosen path. The people need encouragers. God knows we have enough critics. Self included! MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Ave, Lautoka
Fuel price
I sympathise with Allen Lockington about the increasing fuel price! (FT 17/10). It’s time to either invest in a bicycle or a horse. In your case Allen, a tricycle would be a better option! It’ll keep you well balanced, as you usually are. Simon Hazelman Savusavu
Rich-poor gap
Reading what Simon Hazelman says about poverty and the rich-poor gap in society (FT 17/10 ) made me wonder whether the man has ever bothered to read any relevant literature — local and international research reports — on the subject? Apparently not! I believe he is the type who prefers to pluck things out of thin air! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Human values
Our country needs moral leaders who support human values more than anything else. We need people who respect the rule of law, rather than undermining it and considering themselves above it. We need leaders who respect all the citizens alike irrespective of their hair and colour. We need leaders who support everyday workers rather than the extreme wealthy, and who give voice to the voiceless, rather than the powerful. We need leaders who promote freedom of speech and the press, not ones promoting conspiracies and denigrating the press. We need leaders who promote and safeguard the interest of the country and inhabitants at all times. Before I conclude I leave you with this quote by John C. Maxwell. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” SURESH CHAND, Nadi
Letterhead use
The excuse given by the Votualevu Public School manager, who said that he was not responsible and that his letter being typed on the school letterhead was the work of the school typist, does not make sense (FT 15/10). His excuse and reasoning would only be genuine if the typist signed off the letter forging his signature or she used a signature stamp belonging to the manager. Minus the letterhead, the manager’s community letter was OK, signing on behalf of the FijiFirst party, which he is associated with. I guess he must have signed off the letter, got it printed and handed it out to students, without thinking or realising that his letter is on the school letterhead. Politics aside, even if parents and guardians whose sons and daughters attend school in the area did not vote for the PM or the FijiFirst party, they would still flock in by the numbers, not only to see and meet the Prime Minister but to ask questions regarding the free school fees and other matters that concern them. So if parents only got notified through this so-called FijiFirst letter on a school letterhead, then I guess it has served its desired purpose, and I believe no parent is complaining. It is water under the bridge now and I know that this mistake will not happen again in future. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Suva
Election fever
John Brown of Lautoka questions if the promises made by political parties will ever be fulfilled, or will the people have to wait for four more years to see these politicians again (FT 17/10). This was certainly the case with all political parties of the past when the only time you got to see and meet politicians was during election campaign period. FijiFirst has certainly changed all that in keeping true to their statements and making regular visits all over Fiji and staying in touch with the nation. It is exactly here where all other political parties in this year’s election are challenged. FijiFirst has smartly kept in touch with the people from day one, and they’ve done so in a very productive efficient way. Considering all the adversities a developing country like ours endures they have done their very best at walking their talk. John Brown, you are absolutely correct in questioning all the other parties, as there is no guarantee but uncertainty in all their campaign promises. Simon Hazelman Savusavu
Termite concern
Can the government please help the people of Lautoka whose houses have been affected by termites. Spraying or treating timbers is becoming a bandaid issue for the residents. I request a $10,000 assistance for every termite invested house by our government. I believe that since a government department (quarantine department) failed in its duties and allowed termites into the country, it is only right for the government of the day to compensate its people who are affected. Narayan Reddy President, Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association
Political invitations
Vinaka yaca, I am now at the Kava Place parliament in Lautoka. I did an estimate on how many A4 papers and toner ink would have been used for the printing of those invites. My research said it was plenty. Now, my thoughts go to something else, I wonder if it had been a different “gang” whose name appear at the bottom of the page, would a swift investigation take place. Would the good people at Fi Kak be called in and and and.. Oh man yaca it’s just beyond me. How quick the people involved defended themselves. But over to you Biman, you know what to do. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Popcorn anyone
Now that the political party candidates have been announced and with 235 people contesting the 2018 election, it’s time for these parties to bring out the manifesto on what they will offer should they win the election. In the meantime, let’s get those popcorns ready and see the parties go head to head to prove they are the best. Popcorn anyone? Asif Ali Kashmir, Lautoka
Political meet
Interesting to note that the political leaders who once forced everyone to be called Fijians are actually using the words “Indo-Fijian” to describe one ethnic group. The slogan “Difference is clear” clearly stands out during election time. John Brown Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
27 days to go
Twenty-seven days to go and the pressure is on politicians to make promises which they cannot keep. Another name I now call politicians that are making big election promises is, “false prophets”. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Weather patterns
Is Fiji becoming a case of extremely different weather patterns? Well, on one side of the main island it rains heavily and experiences strong wind whereas on the other side there is sunny weather. Some say it’s the trade winds. Some say it’s the physical geography that influences weather patterns. Some say climate change is now a major influence. Whatever one’s views, let’s enjoy the weather while we can and more importantly, let’s stay safe as sometimes mothernature can be treacherous. Floyd Robinson Nasinu
War of words
Areh … there is all this talk of “war of words”, but they are not talking to each other; are they? Talking at each other. Just dabe ga and talanoa! Seji, seji! MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Ave, Lautoka
2018 polls
The faster we get over with this political ding dong, the better for me. Let’s have more sports news, it unites us. My rugby playing sons asked me to write that. Mere Lagilagi Lovu, Lautoka
Fijian dollar
I believe the economic situation of a country is measured by the purchasing power of its dollar. I believe the purchasing power of the Fijian dollar has been declining since FijiFirst party rose to political power. I believe that’s the reason why the PM’s daily allowance when travelling abroad has risen to $3000. Dan Urai Lautoka |
