Sprint king
The Bau Bullet, our own homegrown talent and super sprint king, Banuve Tabakaucoro is ready to take up the next mission the Pacific Mini Games.
Despite the COVID-19 setback Banuve looks set to make a grand comeback after the setback .
Why not, Banuve has stamped his name in athletics and no doubt he still has the power to blitz the track. He is a made in Fiji and one if not the best.
Vinaka Banuve show them. SHALWYN PRASAD Mukta Ben Place Nabua
Eyes on gold
Banuve Tabakaucoro has set his sights on a gold medal in this year’s Pacific Mini Games in Saipan.
Banuve has been a revelation in the Pacific Mini Games and his fans will be looking forward to seeing the Bau Bullet in action.
Banuve has faced lack of competition and the lockdown has also affected his training program.
However, Banuve is an experienced athlete, and he has the expertise to compete in an international outing.
Wishing Banuve all the best for the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in Saipan! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
RIP Naiqamu
I find it rather strange to hold a dead person accountable for any agreement either verbal or written through our court of law when that person has passed on to the next life.
I hope the complainant apologises to Mr Naiqamu’s family during their period of mourning.
This story was published in The Fiji Times (page 7) last Friday.
Rest in peace former minister Osea Naiqamu. JIOJI CAKACAKA Tadra, Votualevu, Nadi
No bus service
When will the bus service resume in Simla area as the primary schools are about to open on February 7.
Currently there is no bus service in Simla area for long time. It is sad to see school children along with some workers walking in the rain and hot sun.
Could the concerned authorities please act now. ARTI VERMA Simla, Lautoka
Military takeover
I was not surprised to hear the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, say on the eve of the one year anniversary of the military takeover of the democratically elected civilian government in Myanmar that there was condemnation of the coup, but apart from that the international response was “weak”.
This follows an all too familiar pattern. Guterres said a lot more needed to be done to sanction the Myanmar military’s unlawful takeover of power and its violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. The big question is will that happen. Australia is one among the international community whose response has been weak.
And that damages Australia’s international standing in upholding democracy.
But Australia’s reputation has been somewhat salvaged by several major corporations including Woodside mining no longer wishing to do business with the Myanmar military junta.
That must become the norm to make it clear to the rogue rulers of Myanmar that their power grab is totally unacceptable. RAJEND NAIDU Atlantic Blvd, Glenfield, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Futsal IDC
Thanks to FBC TV, fans had the privilege of watching the games live and I’m thankful to Indra Singh, Satish Narain and the ‘voice of football’ Raymond Stoddart for the wonderful commentary.
The eight teams gave their level best. However, a lot of effort and work is needed if we are to progress past teams such as Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in Futsal. I reckon we should use an expatriate’s service to develop Futsal in Fiji if we are serious about winning international qualifiers.
We have unearthed talents here, and they need to be nurtured and developed.
The battle between the Capital City and Lami in the grand finale went down to the wire as the Futsal IDC concluded at the Vodafone Arena yesterday. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Remarkable claim
YOUR correspondent Arvind Mani (18/1/22) makes the remarkable claim that secondary schools are called ‘high schools’ in every country in the world other than Fiji.
The first problem with this assertion is that most of the 200 plus countries in the world are not English-speaking, so the words ‘high’ and ‘school’ are not in their vocabulary.
Second, while my sister in England – which is English-speaking – went to Rugby High School, another went to Dunsmore Comprehensive, and I went to Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School.
College is a common designation for a secondary school in many countries, including French-speaking countries, the word ‘college’ being originally French.
Eton College, for example, is a famous private secondary school in England, which the current prime minister attended.
The United States is the only country in the world where ‘college’ is used as a synonym for ‘university’.
For more information on designations of secondary schools, see the entry for ‘secondary school’ in Wikipedia. PAUL GERAGHTY
Arts Village falls apart
I WRITE in total support of Mr Edward Blakelock (FT 29/1), and join with him in the hope that something will be done about the decrepit state of The Arts Village at Pacific Harbour.
In 1978, when I arrived in Fiji, my family would regularly make Sunday trips along the dirt road from Suva to Deuba beach. Sometimes we would picnic and sometimes we would enjoy lunch at the Ia Mai at The Market Place and Cultural Centre at Pacific Harbour.
There was a waterspout shooting 20 or 30 feet into the air in the lake. Tourist boats poled by Fijian warriors took visitors around the waterways.
Manoa Rasigatale’s theatre was a must see of world-class entertainment that I took all my visitors to enjoy.
It was staged in front of a stretch of water behind which, on a small island hill, stood a burekalou. The show began with the blowing of a conch shell. We had a museum (if I recall correctly, set up by Liebling Marlow), and an Orchid House.
Bula buses went round and round picking up and dropping off locals and tourists alike. Every shop specialised in different merchandise. Manoa’s Mini Lovo at Tree Tops, served on hot rocks, was delicious!
On the inner walkway walls Liebling Marlow hung framed glazed boxes containing Fijian artefacts, some made by her, with descriptions of each item written on creamy tapa cloth.
Buses brought tourists from Suva – visitors from cruise ships – and the lali was beaten by a warrior to welcome them as they walked to the theatre to watch Manoa’s superb choreography performed expertly by local Fijian people.
Today, what has been renamed The Arts Village, is falling apart. The roofs are filthy and rotting, as are the supporting pillars and posts.
The gutters are broken and pieces are missing. The paintwork is a disgrace. The walkways are chipped and dangerous, and the thatching on the open sided ones is disintegrating. The wall lights are smashed. The inner pond that used to be a home for beautiful Koi is in a sad state.
The lake is full of garbage – you name it, plastic bottles, bula boxes, plastic bags, drinks cartons, flip-flops – it’s all in there; and the water reeds are taking over from the water lilies. The shops themselves are in a very sad state of repair, with ceiling tiles water stained and beginning to fall.
The outer walls of the complex are mouldy. The public toilets are unmentionable. There is absolutely no excuse for the disgraceful state of The Arts Village – no excuse at all, because all it has needed over the years is what any house, building or complex needs – maintenance.
Yes, maintenance costs money, but those who purchase property spent good money for it. They need to look after their investment and accept responsibility for its upkeep.
It is in their interest to do so, because if they neglect it, it will deteriorate and lose its value.
The Arts Village at Pacific Harbour is depreciating – fast!
I support Mr Blakelock’s call for the urgent maintenance that this once wonderful complex deserves – or it should be sold to someone who has the money to maintain SUE CAUTY Pacific Harbour
Restriction reminders
DO you still remember this: “Where is your homework?” Answer — I forgot.
I think whether it be from the perspective of the teacher or student, the response to the above mentioned question was and remains unacceptable. Just thinking, how would law enforcement personnel or the courts interpret “I forgot” when it comes to disregarding COVID-19 restrictions.
And before I forget, if our leaders forget (as suggested) about COVID-19 restrictions, I think those around at the respective time can discreetly remind them. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Forget protocols
DR Fong admits that he sometimes forgets to abide by COVID-19 protocols whenever he is focusing on more important issues (FT 30/01). I believe he is not setting a good example to other Fijians.
In Lautoka, if we forget to mask up, we are penalised by the authorities. Anyway, with his hectic lifestyle and a full plate, I hope the good doctor still manages to squeeze in time to brush his teeth in the mornings, visit the loo, shower, eat breakfast and dress up before leaving for work.
Or do you forget? NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Mask up
OOPS! Has Shamima Ali forgotten that the masking and distancing laws are intended for common Fijians and not government ministers and the high and mighty.
Who will dare book them and collect $250 fine? George Orwell in his book Animal farm wrote; all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.
Mask up, keep your distance and be happy. DEWAN CHAND Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
New variant
WILL another variant, namely NeoCov, hit us after Omicron?
I pray for everyone’s safety so please follow protocols strictly. ARTI VERMA Simla, Lautoka
Teachers’ leave
THE PS for Education says (ST 30/1) all teachers must report to school and can only leave when leave application is approved.
I spent some 30 years in the civil service and it was the norm to apply for leave when you wish to go somewhere.
Is she just reminding the teachers about this rule or has something changed? ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Lautoka
