Trip to Hong Kong
Congratulations to The Fiji Times HK 7s promotion winner Salaivalu Kubutorotoro. Thousands had taken part in the competition but the 26-year-old lass from Vatukoula had the final laugh as she prepares to be the voice of The Fiji Times in the Happy Valley. Sala’s sacrifice and commitment had paid off and our lucky winner will be part of Fiji’s battle to make it five wins in a row. All the best Sala and enjoy the dream trip! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Greener fields
Another of our good rugby players leaves our shores for greener playing fields. Kalione Nasoko has done his time for Fiji and now wishes to move on, good on you Kalione, if the grass is greener on the other side I say go. Many of our boys are plying their trade in various rugby clubs around the world and earning good money to be able to make their lives better. They are sending money back home to families and life is a bit more comfortable. Let us not lament that we are losing our good boys, let them go. Kalione will not be playing rugby all his life, if he sees that he can earn a good pay on the other side, then good for him. Let’s not wring ones hands in despair, let’s give thanks that we are producing good players who are recognised and recruited by other countries. Life must go on for the boys. It’s just the same for people to move from job to job, getting better working conditions and better pay. We should be happy for them. Call it what you want, but if you can pay the boys what the other clubs pay, then pay them to stay in Fiji. Fiji has been producing good rugby players for a very long time, let’s be happy with the export of Fiji made players. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Soul and Hong Kong
I read with interest the article entitled “The soul of world 7s” (FT 26/03). Ben Ryan rightfully describes the Hong Kong Sevens tournament as the “Soul” of world 7s. In simple terms, when Fiji conquers all at Hong Kong we celebrate but when we fail it’s like the ugly side of our soul appears. Destructive criticism and frustration become the order of the weekend. One only has to observe responses and opinions on social media. Whatever one’s views, let’s learn to control our souls as winning and losing, sometimes badly, is part and parcel of any competitive sports. May the best team win the 2019 Hong Kong Sevens tournament. Floyd Robinson Nasinu
Neutralise your body
I believe the more acidic one’s body becomes the more one harbours sickness and disease. Anything and everything we put in our mouth determines the alkalinity in our body. I believe in today’s world processed sugary foods and beverages are unhealthy and causing an imbalanced diet. We have become slaves to a very unhealthy habit that is causing an average of 4500 premature deaths every year. For those of us who are suffering some way or another with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), there are several things one can do to help keep your body neutralised. One in particular makes a great difference. I believe drinking freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice in warm water every morning before breakfast helps in clearing one’s digestive system and neutralising the body. It is a very healthy remedy that does wonders when done on a daily basis. Even better, have another before going to sleep each night. You will thank me for the advice! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Investigative journalism
Is investigative journalism still alive? If it is, then I hardly see evidence of it in our conventional media today. I remember back in the day when it was instrumental in keeping politicians on the straight and narrow. The Profumo scandal in England during the 1960s comes to mind. Also, there was Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward during the 1970s. The two tenacious reporters helped unravel the Watergate scandal which resulted in the impeachment of US President Richard Nixon. On the local scene we had Robert Keith-Reid who was not scared to rock the boat. I challenge our newspaper, radio and TV outlets to conduct more investigative journalism and make themselves more relevant. Gabriel Simpson Rakiraki
Taxi bases
The Lautoka City Council and Land Transport Authority should stop blaming each other. I believe the problem of taxi bases and parking space arose only after taxi numbers increased dramatically. I believe whoever or whichever authority made the decision to have a taxi lottery should come out to resolve this issue. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
What you eat
Minister for Health says people get sick because of what they eat but I believe people do not have a choice of what they eat because they eat what they can afford to buy. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Free clean-up
Once again the Lautoka City Council has offered free clean-up for residents. Oh, I am always thankful for this. A funny thing I noticed. Each time there is a clean-up campaign, I see all types of stuff put out for collection. Everything that is in a house is usually seen on the side of the road –– including the kitchen sink. In the last clean-up, I saw a car that had been tossed out. I have seen people rummaging around in the various piles around Lautoka and washing machines and fridges are usually taken for parts. One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure. But it’s interesting because we seem to have people hoarding stuff that they eventually throw away. Anyway, the other morning I was driving my grandchildren to school and my Year 6 grandson said, “Papa, why can’t we recycle all those fridges, washing machines and other electric items?” All that stuff will end up in the dump to slowly rot and pollute our environment, he added. Well, from a Year 6 student to the powers that be –– how about it, can we recycle them? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Journalism issue
As a purely lay person and from a common sense perspective, I am appalled by the total disrespect shown by supposedly “professional” journalists. Following on from an unfortunate incident on the street where I live, it was absolutely disgusting to see members of the press behaving like vultures and all hanging around for what was eventually a photograph published online on a particular website and then subsequent videos shown on the news on March 26. Is there no empathy, human decency or respect shown for members of the family who only just themselves found out of the sad passing of their parents? Was it really necessary to photograph and take videos of the deceased couple being taken from the scene and then show this publicly? What was the purpose of this and how does this help police investigation? Where was the police control and how were they managing members of the press to allow this to happen? I believe this is sinking to the level of gutter journalism. I believe some members of the press and so-called journalists have a lot to answer for as decent human beings. Sanya Catherine Gain Naqumu Point, Lami
Teacher shortage
I have said before and I will say it again. I believe teacher shortage in rural schools is a very serious concern and it has taken its toll on parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders. Rural schools started to have a decline in their school roll because of shortages of subject teachers and this I believe will affect their school grant as well. Parents have to make sacrifices and the bold move to pull out their children and take them to urban schools away from their protection and guidance. I urge the Education Ministry to review the distribution of subject teachers so our rural schools are not suffering and rural dwellers do not have to pay the price for it. Madam minister, I hope you get this message and at least make a visit to one or two rural schools and see for yourself what I am talking about. I believe rural communities do not only need schools at their doorsteps but quality education as well. With free bus fares and free education, what is the use of attending school when subject teachers are not available? I believe there is something wrong with the equation. Pita Soroaqali Nadarivatu
Maciu’s colourful career
It pained my heart to read about the untimely demise of one of our top sports journalists Maciu Malo who passed away at the Lautoka Hospital. I was a fan of Maciu’s sports pieces on rugby and I learnt a lot from him. It saddens me that I wouldn’t be able to read any more as we build up to the 2020 Olympics as Maciu had done a wonderful job compiling the 2016 Rio Olympics lift-out. I pray that Maciu’s soul finds peace and solace and I thank him for his dedication and commitment towards The Fiji Times! RIP Maciu! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
RIP Maciu
To the family of the late Maciu Malo, I want to express my sympathy and let you know that my thoughts are with you for your loss. At this difficult time, may you find the courage and strength to overcome the sorrow? Let us all cherish the good work of Malo as a journalist and wish that he rests in peace. So long my friend! Suresh Chand Nadi
Turtle picture
The faces were of happiness. Beautiful and smiley in celebratory mood. Though I still I can’t conclude how the turtle felt being held by its shell and flippers in midair. Reminded me of a famous novel, The Silent One. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Ethics class
As certain things call for wide berth, maybe the LTA should consider introducing an ethics class? Particularly for the minority of taxidrivers who make a habit out of catcalling. I find it difficult to fathom that some PSV drivers are taught every manner of relevant technique related to driving, yet have no guideline on the topics of mannerism. Talei Driso Nailuva Rd, Suva
Saving trees
Thank you to the Road Authority of Fiji for saving the royal palm tree opposite the Red Cross office on Vomo St. One tree matters and it also tells me that if you care and speak up, you can save a tree. And if there will be tree planting exercise along Vomo St, can I be part of it, please? People using the footpaths, say in 10 years time will appropriate the shade. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Salute to two men
I always admire Narendra Modi’s way of running the largest democracy on Earth. I love his white beard. I believe slowly, but surely, our very good A-G is not at all far away from achieving that feat. I stand to salute both gentlemen. A.SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu
