Best memory of Rasta
I BELIEVE Rasta Rasivhenge can match any sevens player with his speed. With such knowledge and speed, I wonder why he never took on the sport as a player. Anyway, the best memory I have of this man is during the Olympics final between Fiji and Great Britain. We were part of the small contingent at the ANZ Stadium who watched on the big screen, trying to replicate the crowd in Rio. As the Fijian gladiators ran on to the pitch, there was a loud and spontaneous cheer from the crowd. The cameras then focused on Rasta as he took on the field and there was louder shouts and cheer from the audience. I believe, like most Fijians, when he took on the field we knew that the gold was ours. It seems when he officiates any of Fiji’s matches, there’s a bias towards the men in white and black, but more so we know that it’s fair play when he’s the man in the middle. SAILOSI NAEWE Naduru Rd, Nausori
Why fear then
IF Government is so adamant that the 2018 General Election in Fiji was not tampered with, then why do they appear so afraid of a petition? And as per my understanding and knowledge (correct me if I’m wrong), I thought Suvavou House was a State building and it’s for everyone, be it ministers or the Opposition. The government that promises to stand for transparency and democracy playing such tactics. I seriously don’t know if I should laugh or be angry at this outrageous game plan. ASHNEEL J PRASAD Auckland, NZ
Election petition
THE unsuccessful attempts by SODELPA and NFP to serve election petitions on the 27 government MPs appeared to have been orchestrated by the FijiFirst party, judging from media reports (FT 13/12). I am of the view that it would be prudent for the ruling party to accept the petition and have the issues raised by the Opposition decided by the Court of Disputed Returns, a body specifically set up to consider exactly such issues. Otherwise, these issues would remain hanging over this Government’s head throughout their political term in office and the rest of their lives. I’m just saying. EMOSI BALEI Kini St, Suva
Changing time
IF we can change the time by moving the clock one hour ahead during daylight saving, can we change the dates by adding another day to December. Imagine a December with 32 days. In one way it sounds crazy. It may result in some disadvantages. It may have some unintended positive impacts. Can we make this change, or should we just implement this? Do we have to follow the rest of the world? If we do make this change, let’s inform Father Christmas as he may need to postpone his travel to Fiji. For some, this may mean more gifts and a day more to enjoy kava before we part with 2018. Blessed holidays all and while enjoying, do not forget to stay safe. FLOYD ROBINSON Toorak, Suva
Success stories
NOTHING comes easy and this was evident as hundreds lined up to receive their graduation gifts in the form of a certificate, diploma or degree. Our number one daily has been running stories about those who recently graduated from the Fiji National University and has been uploading pictures which have been a hit. My heartfelt congratulations to all those who have graduated as you prepare to enter the job market, which is becoming ever competitive and structured. The timely message and reminder from Gareth Baber in yesterday’s paper where he talked about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude should not fall on deaf ears as it will help young graduates to attain a colourful career! By the way, thanks to our reporters for sharing the success stories about our aspiring graduates. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Domestic violence
WELL, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and police data survey show rise in violence against women during the holiday period. What a shame it brings out to hear this. FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali says women living in abusive relationships often experience heightened fear around Christmas time because they know what it will mean — physical violence, verbal abuse and injury. FWCC says experience has shown a combination of financial pressure, free–flowing alcohol and sometimes factors such as extended family issues are triggers that worsen the problem of domestic violence for survivors. The centre runs a 24–hour Domestic Violence Toll-free Helpline on behalf of the Ministry of Women and this line can be reached by dialing 1560 from any phone in Fiji without charge. It does not make sense as Christmas is the season for love, compassion, family union, and renewed relationships with one another and meant for joy, peace and unconditional love for each other and not for violence or abuse of any form. The mind-set need to change from within where anger, greed, temptation and ego exist. Speak out and reach for help. Vinaka NEELZ SINGH, Lami
Modern era
GONE are the days when women and children would sit together and chat all day and all night and men sitting around their tanoa telling stories about everyday life. Life now is taken by the new technologies in the so called “modern era” where children are busy with their gadgets and are full-time
online or playing games and women are stuck with their mobiles and talking away with their friends. Some men do continue with their grog sessions
but this is mostly in the villages while here in the towns and cities, everyone is rather too busy for a little talanoa. Maybe they are pressed for time!
RAYNAV CHAND, Nakasi
Animal payback
THERE was an intriguing news report from Reuters in The Fiji Times (12/12). The article covers the peculiar behaviour of rhesus macaques in New Delhi, India. Apparently, these primates are enveloping the capital city. They are enormous in numbers and lack fear of humans. This behaviour may be a derivative from the common practise of feeding monkeys in India. They are aggressive in nature. These rhesus macaques are reported to steal food, alcohol, medical equipment, clothes and even break into vehicles. Children have been bitten and people have lost their lives as a result of these attacks. They have not spared government officials, political and diplomatic areas. In recent times, there was an incident at the Presidential House involving these primates. Government workers have to be armed with sticks and stones to avoid being attacked. The book, Animal Farm by George Orwell, was published in 1945. This book is about a group of animals who rebel against their farmer in the hope to create a place equal, free and happy. It provides an insight into life-changing experiences through comical characters and events. For centuries, humans have destroyed and moved into animal habitats. This arose more from human greed than need. We have disrespected their right to live peacefully, caged them in zoos, slaughtered them and hunted for joy. This bizarre development may be the dawn of a new era. It could be the beginning of animal payback. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Well done Jerry
A RATHER unsurprising news for me to hear Jerry Tuwai linked with a lucrative American contract. For a player of his calibre, I think he deserved it way earlier and all that is left to say now is farewell to our gold medallist and former captain in his next career step. Serving Fiji diligently throughout his time, I believe this was the best time for Jerry to unleash new dimensions of his journey and earn well to support his family. Vinaka Jerry! RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi
Where is loyalty
SO where has lawyer Michael Cohen’s “loyalty” to Trump (read defending the indefensible, even reprehensible conduct of Trump) got him? Three years in the sink! There must be a cautionary tale in that I am sure. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Parking fine
IRONY is being booked for “parking illegally” by a cop, who himself was parked illegally. NIGEL FIU Owls Perch, Lautoka
It is natural
IT is natural that people run and hide when faced with fear. Those who don’t are the brave ones. RICK EYRE Lautoka
Christmas time
WATCHING a few TV commercials brought my attention to a particular one stating that Christmas is a time for giving. Like hello? Christmas is definitely not about giving but about love. Come on, stop commercialising this important event. SULI TOKALAU Lautoka
Any dividends
I BELIEVE every year Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) workers get a hefty bonus. I would like to know from Hasmukh Patel, the EFL CEO, if the new EFL shareholders will be getting any dividends this year which is about to end soon. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Time magazine
I HAIL Time magazine for naming a group of journalists as person of the year (FT 13/12; REUTERS). Indeed truth is critical to democracy. AMENATAVE YACONISAU Palm Drive, Delainavesi
King Mamba
YES, you are indeed a hero Aminiasi Tuimaba. Speed merchant that you are. The picture (FT 13/12) of Tuimaba with the children and family on Vio Island greeted me this morning and it made my day. Vinaka Tumaba, I shall call you King Mamba. Yes, you are just as deadly as the fast moving mamba. God bless you. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
