The first jab
I suggest the Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, be the first person in Fiji to receive the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine. Followed by our frontline champions. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Coronavirus strains
Scientists have been working tirelessly trying to find a vaccine for the coronavirus. Then we read and hear that the virus has morphed and new strains are appearing. We are now playing catch up with the virus. Will humans be able to rid the Earth of this virus? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Police powers
I am not a SODELPA fan (in fact I am not a fan of any party; just a supporter of good policies and good leadership) but I think the SODELPA leader is right in raising concerns regarding the proposed police powers bill (‘Gavoka: Police Bill 2020 should raise an alarm to right-thinking citizens’ FT 6/3). All right thinking citizens should maintain their outrage over this proposed legislation which has all the hallmarks of the modus operandi of a police State. We can’t have that in a country that claims to be a “true democracy”. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
That phrase
With the proposed Police Bill, somehow the phrase — “Fiji the way the world should be” just flew out the window. And during our grog session in Waiyavi both my mates Jone and Anil said, “Au sa rere.” (“I’m scared.”) Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
His comments
What does the director of Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination think about the draft Police Bill 2020? This is one of those situations where ordinary Fijian citizens would want people like him to rise. After all, it concerns our basic human rights. At this stage, I think large sections of our population are still unaware or have not familiarised themselves with the Bill and consequences. I dare say life in Fiji will become foreign. When will the others wake up from deep slumber? As Inia Seruiratu has advised, voice your opinions. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Soccer deal
WOW a $2.85 million deal for the next three years between mobile network company Digicel with Fiji Football Association. According to Digicel CEO, Farid Mohammed: They are in for grassroots development and help identify talents in Fijian football and bring Fiji FA to the next level. Fiji FA was founded in 1938 and became a member of FIFA in 1963. Over the years, Fiji FA has received tremendous financial support from a host of different local corporate entities as well as FIFA, accumulated to many millions of dollars, all in the name of grassroot development and academic mainly funded by FIFA. After singing praises towards previous sponsor Vodafone, now Fiji FA president, Rajesh Patel is embarking on another exciting journey with Digicel with the start of the Premier League this week. I have said it previously and saying it again that the majority of the officials have been there for donkeys years with hardly any track record whatsoever to see our national teams on the world stage. I believe the Fiji FACT, BOG and IDC are only to boost Fiji FA coffers. I believe Digicel will surely hit a brick wall in seeing our national team on the world stage despite the many easier routes of qualifying. Maybe, Mr Farid should sponsor Digicel Fiji versus Digicel Vanuatu in a three-match test series. Finally, sports like rugby, netball, lawn bowls, weightlifting, golf, swimming, athletics, archery are just some of the sports regularly represented on the world stage. As for Fiji Football, it has all been grassroots development and will remain the same until the cows come home. So, enjoy the usual maro, dago and bhago football to boost Fiji FA’s development. Raymond Singh Golf Links, Lautoka
Leap of faith
My mate, Cameron, has taken that leap of faith and moved in with his significant other. Reminds me of the quote by Pope Francis, “Living together is an art. It’s a patient art, it’s a beautiful art, it’s fascinating”. Tying the knot will be
next and all you esteemed readers will be cordially invited. WISE MUAVONO, Balawa, Lautoka
Working for a living
IN the film The Good the Bad And the Ugly, Elli Wallach tells someone “If you work for a living, do not kill yourself working”.
SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Stand up
IT’S time when people should stop looking the other way and pretend everything is all right when it is not. Stand up and fight, with a pen and your conscious. Tick the right way! DAN URAI Lautoka
