Perfect combination
We are a week away from the Oceania 7s and our 7s guru is working on a perfect combination to defend the title we won after thrashing NZ 26-0. Things may not be that easy for Baber after the departure of “The Sledgehammer” to French club Perpignan and the fact that Jasa Veremalua has secured a playing career in the USA with the San Diego Legion Rugby Club. However, Fiji has an abundance of talent and I am sure that Baber will nurture a star. Now that Jasa has departed, the onus will be on Paula, Nasoko and Josua who were dropped from the Rugby World Cup Sevens squad, to take charge while Sau’s exclusion means that Jerry, Nasilasila, Cakaubalavu, Naduva and Nacuqu will have to burn that extra gas in their tank. However, a rugby expert will tell you that speed alone does not win tournaments but a team needs a structured defence and this is the recipe behind the success of the All Blacks and the Blitzbokke. Sau was solid in defence and he hammered his opponents with his physical strength so Baber will have to focus on getting a replacement who not only has speed but is also capable of making those big hits. The national 7s team won five tournaments but missed out on winning the Commonwealth 7s gold medal, Melrose Cup and the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series (WRSS) title and this is something that continues to haunt 7s fans. The epitome battle starts next week in Suva and it’s time to give the All Blacks a taste of their own medicine. NZ 7s players like Rayasi and Clarke featured prominently in the NZ Provincial Rugby Championship which was won by Auckland so they’ll be fit. It’s now or never as we prepare to defend the Olympics gold medal in Japan in 2020. Mr. Baber, my full support is with you and our 7s heroes. Toso Viti toso! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Freedom defined
Fiji as a land of freedom, hope and glory is our dream for the future. To endure whatever befalls is possible as God blesses Fiji forever more, rings true as we anticipate the journey commencing on November 14. Freedom means absence of injustice, and bullying in the workplace and community. Where workers are embraced and empowered to make decisions on the spot without intimidation. Hope is the expectation that the economic, social, morality, environmental, education, media and health will progress to a higher level of credibility and sustainability. Glory is the individual and community achievements built with faith in our Creator the source of our existence. Thus, we sing our anthem of “May God bless Fiji, for ever more”. Imagine these values manifesting in our nation as we progress to meet future challenges. What a dream, this is reality! Finau Naigulevu Turaga Nadi Airport
Numbers only
I am of the opinion that the ballot paper that contains only numbers could be confusing for some of our people. In the last election Voreqe Bainimarama’s number was 279 and PDP candidate Iliajia Vuniyayawa’s number was 297. PDP leader Felix Anthony polled 1879 while Ilaija polled 4956. Could this have come about because of some voters who got confused between 279 and 297? Just my thoughts on the use of ballot papers without party symbols and no candidate pictures. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Undecided voters
That 22 per cent of voters have yet to decide who to vote for is surprising. No doubt political parties will be rummaging in their bottom drawers to find other ways of hoodwinking voters to support their party. I believe what we need in Fiji is a change of government, or an Opposition with a boost in numbers and “intelligencia” that can mount a truly effective Opposition. I believe too often in the past the Opposition have failed to do their homework properly and have been justly ridiculed by the government side. My opinion is that the undecided voters consider voting for the two independent parties who will give a fresh outlook to Opposition, boost the numbers and give the government side a hard time. Right now I believe the main parties opposing Fiji- First are not going to provide an effective challenge in the house should the election go FijiFirst’s way again. Allan Loosley Tavua
Rugby month
Well the month of November is upon us and in a few days’ time our Flying Fijians will begin their tour against the mighty Scots in Edinburgh and we look forward to how the local lads perform at that level. The Scots have come off a very good season in only losing two matches in the six nations and also beating England and France, so it will be a good testing ground for big John and the boys seeing that they lost against Wales who we will meet in the RWC. But being the ardent fan that I am, I will always root for my team to cause an upset on this tour, and big thanks to Sky TV for getting the live coverage. Good hunting boys and good luck. Lawrence Wara Suva
Degree and unemployment
Embarking on the road of higher education is not a failproof way to obtaining employment. It seems a hard lessen to learn when one reads “unemployment shatters dreams” in FT (01/11). A small society such as Fiji with so many university graduates is bound to produce a high rate of unemployment. That’s one reason Government initiated, with the assistance from overseas donors, the grants for self-employment in various schemes, fields and sizes. Here is every bodies chance to at least give it a try to venture into “self-employment”. On the other hand if it’s employment that you really seek, it would also help to ask oneself the question about what do I “need” to study and not what do I “want” to study. Anyway, good luck to everyone. HANS B BOERNKE Savusavu
People’s money
IN his interview with Vijay Narayan on “Straight Talk” the leader of the Unity Fiji party Savenaca Narube confirmed that the Government does not have any money and great percentage of government revenue are from the people themselves. In other words, the government’s money is people’s
money and when one speaks of free education, free bus fare, free this and free that, it was done by the government through the people’s money.
Therefore, I believe we the people, the taxpayers of this country are paying for everything given to us by Government for they are using our own money, simple as that. KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Cost of living
Reading The Fiji Times 01/11/18 an article title “No issue with cost of living” drew my attention. While reading through it, I just felt how self-centred Krishneel Maharaj is, to have said such a thing. The reality is that the cost of living in Fiji is an issue. It is very high compared with the minimum wage rate. Krishneel is a course facilitator in Information Technology at the USP. He said in the FijiFirst party rally in Tuvu, Lautoka, and I quote, “Only those people might say cost of living is high, may be they are not working hard. This government has provided us with lots of security, even if you walk alone now in Lautoka City, you’re safe, there’s no robbery.” First of all, I would like to remind Krishneel that the cost of living does not relate directly to the issue of personal security as he mentioned. You can walk alone in Lautoka City and there is no robbery. However, it is more to do with people’s affordability to live life comfortably in terms of what they earn and what they spend, especially on their everyday needs. Secondly, I do not have any problem with him saying that there is “no issue with cost of living”, if he is affording well in terms of his earnings. Nevertheless, has he ever thought of the many people who are working hard but earning less and are finding it difficult to make ends meet because the cost of living is high? I humbly request Krishneel not to generalise as such, for if you think the cost of living is no issue for you then speak for yourself. The reality in Fiji today is that the cost of living is an issue for many and a good government will listen, so it may find ways to address the plight of its people. I therefore, would like to conclude again reminding Krishneel that if you do not think about others but yourself then you are a self-centred person. This includes those who support your statement and asked you to say it loud so “The Fiji Times can record it”. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
E-ticketing issue
I met two chaps at the Lautoka market both in their 60s. One had a purple e-ticketing card for the disabled and the other had a green one for the over 60s. Each month they will get a $40 top up. Both travelled to Suva for medical checks. $36 to go and return. If they wish to travel again, they pay from their pockets. Before the e-ticketing, they travelled freely. It seems the introduction of the e-ticketing has limitation. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Media ethics
When I read stories and articles in The Fiji Times as we build up to the national elections, I am glad that The Fiji Times continues to remain impartial. I am also thankful that The Fiji Times has not compromised its standards, ethics and position as a public watchdog. As I conclude, I am delighted that The Fiji Times masthead continues to fly proudly and with dignity without having to create space for any political party leader. Thank you The Fiji Times for maintaining credibility. It will definitely be remembered by many! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Cheap vehicles
Will any political party consider replacing current government vehicles assigned to ministers with cheaper ones? These shall be without dark tints. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Ballot paper
As we travel through life we work towards making life easier. The 2018 ballot paper took some of us back two steps. I hope it won’t confuse the dyslexic and those who have difficulty reading. Mere Lagilagi Lovu, Lautoka
Kindness please
Simon Hazelman again missed the point where it is important to be kind than maturity and respect. Kindness surpasses both maturity and respect. Naca Nabukavou Nadi
Gas emission
It’s ironical that while we are trying to cap carbon and other toxic gas emissions, resulting from human activities, to pre-industrial age levels, the toxic gases released from volcanic activities, natural forest fires, natural gas and oilfield fires continue on a far greater scale and volume globally, which seem to pale the man-made sources into insignificance. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Plastic straws
Thank you GPH and other environment friendly resorts for using para grass and bamboo straws as an alternative to plastic straws. One less plastic straw to be found in the ocean and on our beaches. Can we also do the same for balloon releasing? I look forward to more environment friendly initiatives to save our environment and planet. AnnMary Vikatoria Raduva Adi Cakobau School
Greatest gift
Being respectful is the greatest gift of kindness a politician possess. Political maturity encourages it to happen. Dan Urai Lautoka
Business size
Dear Wise, it’s not the size of the business; it’s how much inside the cash register. Chiching, chiching. Areh dada! Kaise tum yaar? MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Avenue, Lautoka
