Global rhetoric
SYMPATHY for Ukraine is reaching unprecedented levels now.
Usyk’s heavyweight fight against Daniel Dubois saw a massive Polish crowd all rooting for the Ukrainian.
Even the sanctioning bodies for the three belts Usyk holds plus the referee also had a clear agenda on the day.
Dubois put Usyk down and out with a solid body shot in round 5 but they all colluded to give Usyk five minutes to recover from the “low blow” which in fact was a perfect hit to the abdomen, and landed on the waist line.
Usyk saw stars and fooled the referee into believing it was a low blow.
Usyk should rename himself.
Frank Warren and everyone else who knows about boxing believes Dubois should have won by TKO in round 5.
Dubois should have been the world champ waking up today.
But the global rhetoric can’t be ditched it seems.
When will sports break free? Usyk lost but the immeasurable sympathy towards Ukraine didn’t let Dubois win.
A Brit got robbed.
DONALD SINGH, Suva
Wrong impression
AT the current rate, I have started to think that it is a deliberate setup when I witness comical incidences in public.
Last Saturday in front of a supermarket, a foreigner (assumed to be a tourist) asked a young lady the location of the post office.
When no response came forth, the foreigner started using sign language.
The young lady removed the wireless bluetooth earbuds.
After apologising, she enquired how she may be of assistance.
Startled, the foreigner offered her sincere apologies.
She thought the wireless bluetooth earbuds were hearing aids
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF, Natabua, Lautoka
People driven
THE DPM recently stated that the way the current Constitution was set up, it was almost as if they didn’t expect any other government to come into office.
Some also said the same thing about the 1997 Constitution, or at least certain provisions therein.
Me thinks that constitutions should first and foremost be people-driven (by the people and for the people) and not driven by the political parties for their own ends.
EDWARD BLAKELOCK, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Protest march
I THINK the organisers of the Fukushima protest march were well within their rights to deny the top brass of the FijiFirst Party from participating in it.
The march was to be peaceful and non-political and the presence of these two would have sent wrong signals.
It is easy to pontificate from across the seas.
Democracy cannot be open to all and sundry.
It has to be choosy and mindful of the repercussions which might follow.
One cannot forget the reign of terror Fijians have endured in the past 16 years.
I believe Fiji was really a police state and fear was the name of the game.
I believe pensioners could not seek justice and fair treatment.
You call this democracy?
Sorry I cannot buy that!
DEWAN CHAND, Namadi Heights, Suva
Nuclear protest
I would like to share my thoughts about the former A-G being told to leave Friday’s anti-Fukushima nuclear protest (FT 25/08).
Imagine taking time out of your schedule to be part of a march that is significant to today’s issues and during an interview you are told to leave.
I side with Mr Sayed-Khaiyum on his sentiments about the protest organisers needing to be more organised.
You’d expect the very first people to participate in a march against the nuclear waste dumping to be our very own politicians, so the fault does lie with the events’ organisers failing to clearly inform us about who all can and cannot participate.
However, doesn’t this go against our right to protest?
Wouldn’t we want more of our people to be willing volunteers to support the cause of going against nuclear waste dumping here in our Pacific waters?
In situations such as this,
I believe everyone should set aside whatever differences they have and work together.
How can we be expected to fight against the bigger evils of this world if we are too busy fighting amongst ourselves?
SOKOAG’AITU FONMANU, Waila, Nausori
Unique bond
RAKSHA Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters.
According to the Hindu calendar, Raksha Bandhan falls on the full moon day of the month of Sawan (August).
During Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a decorative thread called a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love.
In return, brothers promise to protect and support them throughout their lives.
They also present their sisters with gifts.
This custom beautifully symbolises the strong bond of love and responsibility between siblings.
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan is not only for biological brothers and sisters.
It can be observed between anyone who shares a brother-sister relationship.
In Fiji there are many iTaukei brothers who have sisters of Indian descent.
These iTaukei brothers love and respect their sisters of Indian origin as their own siblings and consider them as their own family.
Such is the love, care and deep connection that people share with each other.
Every year all the sisters and brothers eagerly wait for the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Happy Raksha Bandhan to all.
SANJEET PRASAD, Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
LTA demerits
THE Fiji Times (27/8) article regarding the LTA’s plan to reintroduce the demerit point system for driving offences makes interesting reading.
What is surprising is that it contains an example that states that the penalty would be doubled if the offence took place on a public holiday.
Are the LTA suggesting that it is less dangerous, or more dangerous, to break the law on certain days of the year?
If so, it’s little surprise the LTA are so far behind in addressing the safety of the public from the appalling driving standards of some in Fiji.
GRAHAME STAGEMAN, Lami
Rugby landscape
THE pre-World Cup international rugby matches have just made history during the past two weeks.
The New Zealand All Blacks had their worst defeat against the South African Springboks and the Flying Fijians won their first international against England.
It also exposed the real progression of a few Tier 2 rugby nations that could change the landscape during this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
SAMU SILATOLU, Nakasi
Koronivia bridge
I AM sure the relevant authority has plans to construct a two lane bridge in Koronivia.
I believe work should commence this year.
It is long overdue.
ASISH VINAY PRASAD, Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Fiji soccer
FIJI rugby has given all the people of Fiji great pride and joy with its historic win over England in England.
Now it’s Fiji soccer’s turn to give us something to be proud of.
We wait patiently.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Sardarni
I THINK the correct Indian word for a female sardar is sardarni and not sardari.
SUKHA SINGH, Labasa
School break
I WOULD like to wish student and teachers a well deserved break before final exams starts after a few weeks of the third term.
Stay safe and take heed of advice from parents, teachers and elders.
Avoiding going to dark spots, anyway enjoy your time to the max.
Students are our future and teachers, you are the backbone for literacy in the country, both are important for Fiji’s future.
VINEEL NAND, Perth, Australia
Top achievement
CONGRATULATIONS to the Flying Fijians for your impressive win against England on the sacred turf of Twickenham.
What a scintillating performance coming from behind to upset the knights of rugby.
It’s only the beginning and there’s a long road ahead playing against the world’s best.
But the stars seem to be aligning at just the right time for a tier two nation that could surprise many.
Thank you for taking rugby to new heights in the world standings.
And, with a local coach to boot.
Are you watching and learning Fiji FA?
COLIN DEOKI, Australia
Fiji’s rugby development
RUGBY development in Fiji is bearing fruit.
The greatest moments in our Pacific Island rugby history was Saturday, August 26!
Let’s stay humble as we are on the right path to 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Congratulations coach Simon Raiwalui and team given the fact that science has played a huge role in the sport of rugby and grassroot rugby of our local Deans competition has paid off?
Oh by the way congratulations to all teams that played in our Fiji Secondary School RFU finals on Saturday, and my heart caught the high level of skills shown by our girls teams!
The offloading and continuity from Dawasamu Secondary School girls’ team was exceptional given the fact that women/girls rugby just started like 10 years ago.
I’m adamant that some future younger players will be joining our Drua Super Rugby men and women’s teams in the not too distant future!
JIOJI M CAKACAKA, Carerras-Votulaevu, Nadi
Memorable win
FOR those of us too young to remember Fiji defeating the British Lions in 1977, this was a memorable win that will remain with us for a long time.
Hopefully, it doesn’t take another 46 years to get the scalp of other so-called Tier 1 teams.
I am sure the world rugby superpowers are literally biting their nails, à la the image of the Welsh coach in the stands at Twickenham.
If they didn’t know before, this match showed them that Fiji isn’t just making up numbers in the coming Rugby World Cup.
Let’s all hope that the team shakes up the rugby world order in the coming months.
I do have to take a dig at Fiji Football though.
Are you watching?
As the kids say these days, SMDH at your pathetic regress of Fiji soccer, while the rugby team makes everyone proud.
Toso Viti.
PRANEET SINGH, Sacramento, CA
Masterpiece!
YESTERDAY’S front page was a beauty!
The choice of the word ‘Masterpiece’ indicated the Fiji Water Flying Fijians performance against a Tier 1 nation.
Who would have given the Flying Fijians any hope of beating The Roses at Twickenham Stadium!
The second half performance of our boys was too good, and if they can repeat this performance against Wales and the Wallabies, we stand a good chance of topping our pool.
This team reminds me of Ilivasi Tabua’s 2007 RWC team which had a mixture of local and overseas boys and a team where belief and team bonding were at the height of everything.
Hats off to the Editor-in-chief for the thrilling and powerful editorial titled ‘A wonderful moment in time’.
Indeed, Sunday, August 27 was a wonderful moment in time as the Flying Fijians made England look like amateurs.
The Flying Fijians have earned respect heading into the RWC 15s.
The facial expression of Wales head coach Warren Gatland told a thousand stories.
However, what is important for our boys is to remain humble and focus on the bigger picture.
Consistency is a must in France!
Toso Viti toso!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
