Set goals, start strong
WORLD rugby sensation and 7s legend and the genius, who gifted Fiji many thrilling and emotional 7s victories, had a timely message for Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala and the boys, “Set goals, start strong”. He urged them to come back next season and made sure they started strong and finished strong. Serevi, who is adored by 7s fans for his humility, hard work, commitment, and passion as a 7s player, had this to say (FT 29/12), “A very important next eight months is coming up, make sure you’ve set the goals now, not in August or before the tournament, set the goals now. That’s all I wanted to share, everything is done, we must start fresh and set out what we want to do come next year.” I salute the Maestro for this inspirational message. After all, the 7s wizard has won two Melrose Cups, and was the first coach/player to guide Fiji to victory on the then IRB WRSS circuit (2005/06). He could have emulated success the following year, had it not been that slip in Edinburgh, as Wales upset Fiji and opened the door for the All Blacks 7s to take the season crown by winning the Cup. Serevi was the first Fijian to be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2013. All that is history now, but Serevi is highly respected in the 7s circle. Gollings, his team management, and the boys must take his advice seriously! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Embarrassing claims
THE recent attack on the Health Ministry in regards to the usage of taxpayers’ money for Dr Fong’s farewell is frankly embarrassing and outrageous, even as an outsider to this whole topic. Even small retail outlets celebrate and farewell employees who depart for new adventures and all that is done by collecting funds from other employees. That being said, this is a discussion about one of the most demanding jobs in the country, especially during and after the Covid-19 outbreak in Fiji. In my opinion, even if for some reasons taxpayers’ money is used, it should be done open-heartedly solely for work Dr Fong has done in office over time. People always find issues out of nowhere and this is another example of it. On a good note, farewell Dr Fong. RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi, Nausori
Cost of war
THE number of wounded Israeli soldiers is mounting (FT 30/12). So is the number of wounded and killed Palestinian civilians. War costs at a tragic cost — of human lives. That’s why every effort should be made to stop the war regardless of what the Israeli PM Netanyahu says about fighting until Hamas is finished permanently. I doubt that will happen. Meantime, we know what’s happening on the human cost front. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Ban on booze ads
IT used to be that advertising of alcohol was banned from newspapers. On page 4 of The Fiji Times (23/12/23) there is a full-page “in your face” colourful advertisement for a local alcoholic beverage. I would like to know when things changed to allow advertising again in our print media or is enforcement so lax that no one bothers over such issues besides the writer, that is? At a time when authorities such as the police and LTA encourage us to be responsible with messages of not drinking and driving, on the other hand, alcoholic beverage companies are taking full advantage of prime marketing strategies when readership is at its greatest on Saturdays with full-page ads that appear early on in the newspaper. Could regulators such as the Consumer Council of Fiji and FCCC please consider bringing such companies to task and/or prosecuting them? Could someone please explain if I am mistaken over this and if so, I humbly stand to be corrected. JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua, Suva
Fiji’s casino
COMMERCIAL gambling is big business, raking in millions of gaming revenue for the casinos and taxes for Government. For our struggling economy, it’s normal for Government to start thinking of opening up a casino to generate much needed revenue. Unfortunately, for the rest of us, gambling is not a good alternative for earning extra cash. Once you’ve exchanged your hard earned money for chips, you’ve sold away your only advantage. Math rarely ever lies. Each game you play at the casino has a statistical probability against you winning. Everyone is not a winner in gambling. So, if we finally decide to open up, Government must see that the casinos are beneficial to the economy as much as possible by employing locals and attracting only the rich, big time gamblers from abroad, who should be gambling sensibly anyway, to come and play. We should be warned though. Excessive gambling was recently recognised as an official illness by the World Health Organization. Gambling behaviour is linked with other poor health behaviours, like alcohol misuse, smoking, and drug use which often leads to societal issues such as homelessness and crime. SAMU RAILOA Nadi
Goodbye 2023
TODAY is the last day for the beautiful year 2023. I’m thankful to the good Lord for granting me the opportunity to see another day. A lot was achieved this year, despite the trying times. I salute every Fijian for their contributions, commitment, and hard work. I commend The Fiji Times letters to the editor family for the insights, thoughtprovoking opinions, and views on issues and happenings around Fiji and the world. Thank you Raynav Chand, for your acknowledgement letter titled “Through thick and thin” (FT 30/12)! Indeed, we lost two valuable members of our family – Allen Lockington and Naveen Dutt and I pray that the duo find eternal peace and solace. As we bid 2023 goodbye, let’s welcome the new year with much joy and happiness. Life is too short. Let’s appreciate the little things that we have in life, for who knows what will unfold next. Wishing our valuable readers happy 2024! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
Only fools and horses
WHY horses strayed on such a long tour across literally streams and rough terrain ending up on another foreign soil? Ah cha right! Must be guided by smart would be jockeys. I guess for the next Votualevu horse racing or the Melbourne Cup in November. Remember that comedy film, “Only fools and horses”. JIOJI O TORONIBAU Navetau, Tunuloa
The three wise men
FROM the Orient the three kings came, over mountains, valleys, rivers and streams, in search of the prophesied new king, they followed the Star seen in their dreams. These three Wise Men bearing gifts, resolute in their fervent quest, never straying from the set path, as they stoically headed west. The Star stopped and there they found, the babe in the manger in Bethlehem. The shepherds had also come around, to visit the new-born King. King Herod also wanted to visit, but they didn’t return to tell him. They were wise to go back East, from whence they had originally came. They worshipped the new King, and humbly presented their gifts, The three Wise Men from the Orient were, also three kings from the east. They had followed that one bright star, from their kingdoms in the east, very satisfied now they were, after they had finally found Him. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour
2023 award for excellence
SHALVIN Singh has come up with a very good list for the “2023 award for excellence” (FT 30/12). One major omission is the Fiji Football leadership. After ages in leadership they managed to get Fiji soccer’s world ranking up two places. They should be recognised for their excellence! RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
It’s a shame
IT is indeed an historical shame, Bethlehem, the birth place of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Christmas celebrations are cancelled. It is an even greater shame the world’s superpowers inclusive of the US, Great Britain and Germany, lack the political will and strength to force the occupying Israeli military to an immediate cessation of hostilities. Hamas is equally guilty. Almost two million innocent Palestinians, caught in the Hamas and Israeli crossfires, are on the brink of starvation – with almost no food, water, power, medical care and proper sanitation. The situation is dire. Palestinian human catastrophe is being displayed in immeasurable pain, loss and untold suffering. The world is a poorer place with the indiscriminate carpet bombing of the Gaza Strip (smaller than Taveuni). Deeds not words. Numerous speeches over almost seven decades of Israeli military and settler occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, is a slow steady humiliation and extermination of the Palestinian race. They have no where to hide. Israel will have a case to answer in the International Criminal Courts. The United Nations Security Council is powerless today. Hamas is equally guilty of this genocide. The extermination of innocent Palestinian civilians – women, children, infants, elderly, the sick and the wounded is a major breach of international humanitarian law. Two wrongs do not make a right. Sadly, ever-so-sadly, President Biden lacks the desired political will. His survival at the next US election is likened to a slow train wreck, in my view. Heavenly Father, please intervene. In You, all miracles are possible. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
