Glen is new coach
Now that Glen Jackson has been appointed as the new head coach for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side, I wonder which credentials Senirusi Seruvakula lacked as he missed the top job. After the appointment of Mick Byrne as the head coach for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, I had a feeling that Seruvakula would be appointed to mentor the Drua as he was the head coach at one time. Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans said that a thorough process took place before Jackson’s appointment. He also shared that Jackson had made a tremendous contribution to the Drua since the inception in 2022. I must remind the good CEO that Seruvakula has also made tremendous contribution to rugby in Fiji, and he should have been considered since he was sidelined for the position of head coach for the Flying Fijians. I wish Glen Jackson all the best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Bus stop
I guess the community of Nakasi are elated at the prospect of the famous McDonalds outlet opening up! But what of the functions of the strategically placed bus stop that was directly in front of what is now the McDonalds outlet, and directly opposite the St Joseph the Worker school? What happens now to the school kids that have been using the bus stop for years along the shortest and safest route? School is about to begin, I hope the authorities concerned have a solution! At this moment, the bus stop is sandwiched between the entry and exit points of the McDonalds outlet! And I ask, is there still a bus stop there? Noleen Billings Savusavu
Reach out
Many people are struggling with something. It maybe a medical condition, an injury, a job loss or even an untimely death of a loved one. Or, you might be going through a separation or divorce and your world might feel like it’s coming apart at the seams. Know this. There’s a God who loves you and will see you through your pain and suffering. Reach out to Him. He will reach out to you. God bless you and may His healing love and grace fill your heart to overflowing so that you’re able to push through this difficult time. Colin Deoki Australia
Drua’s dawning
The Drua have displayed that they can concentrate for 80 minutes and play great rugby. Thank you Drua for the victory on Saturday against the Reds. As the race for the Super Rugby Pacific’s top 8 begins to get crowded, the Fijian Drua will need to maneuver themselves, with the wind behind to sail into contention. Back in the day, the early British colonialists were in awe of the Fijian Drua. Their many ships of Clippers, Cutters, Brigs, Windjammers and Schooners were great specimens of British boatbuilding. And then they encountered a massive double hulled 80-foot canoe with 100 plus men on it, travelling at speed and leaving all the British ships in their wake. The skill level of the Fijians were acknowledged as superior sailors as they controlled these huge drua with mat sails, like small skiffs. This has been documented by the early sailors. As they sail this weekend to play the Highlanders, their Admiral Byrne reiterates that the Fijian Drua have the men, the physical and mental attributes, the skill level and most importantly the rugby nous to beat any team on any day on any ground. This game is the Fijian Drua’s dawning of a new day in our young Super Rugby history. So go out there Fijian Drua. Sail with the wind. Only 80 minutes to maneuver, to concentrate and ‘scare’ the other ship with total domination! Soko Drua soko! Epeli Rabua Ragg Avenue, Tamavua
Laws out there
“No outside food allowed” at the National Stadium, Suva? This normally applies to food establishments and restaurants not a sports stadium.
Who makes these stupid rules and why are they allowed to get away with it? But there is more. I have had instances of double bookings. Both our soccer teams arrive for our match only to see the pitch being used by a rugby club, and they had a receipt to prove their booking.
At other times we have been asked to pay extra to have the grass cut at Buckhurst Park ground No 2. Also asked to pay extra for having the grounds marked. Why these extra charges when we are paying for a playing pitch in the first place? Of course we didn’t pay the extra fees but went elsewhere to play. The FSC administration needs a shake-up! Vijay P Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
Show glass damage
I have noticed from the beginning of this year a lot of shops have had their show glass broken in Labasa. I would like the Labasa Town administrators and the Labasa Police force to solve this problem.Sukha Singh Labasa
Silent rise
The English Premier League title race was largely between the three titans of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Though City created history, a forgotten heavyweight from the past silently rose in performance. In my view, Chelsea would most probably be part of the title next season. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Repair and maintenance
MAYBE, in the upcoming new annual budget, I humbly suggest that we put on hold any not so urgent new capital construction projects.
The funds thus “saved” should instead be allocated towards a regular program of repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure — some of which have seen better days and in such dilapidated state to become eyesores. Why build new ones, when one cannot properly look after them, let alone the existing ones ! The PWD is soon to be re -established, so this work will be their major priority, like it was when it was in existence back in the day. Henceforth, the repair and maintenance allocation should be a major item in the budget, either under Head 50, or under the Ministry of Works or the respective ministries. The former will enable better control, because it will be managed by the Ministry of Finance.
Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
The next Dutt
Who can forget the name of master Yogendra Dutt and the contribution he has made towards football in Ba? The Ba football fraternity faced the pinch when the great mastermind and tactician got engaged at the national level, slowing the development of football in Ba and thus diminishing the winning streak. But now master Timoci Seru, commonly known as Jim, seems to be the next Yogendra Dutt for Ba due to his passion for football and involvement in the age groups soccer development. He has already produced some stars who are shining in the black jersey, and the way he is involving the Ba kids in football, it seems Dutt’s strategy has been rekindled and will pave the way for more great footballers in Ba. Like Master Yogen, “Jim” displays the same passion, tactics, and love for football except for the hair and beard style. Toso master Jim! Rohitesh Chand Lomawai, Nadroga
Double standards?
I believe several crimes were committed during a recent boxing program in Fiji. Men were “knocked out” through blows to their heads. “Knockout” = concussion = brain damage = serious bodily harm. A rugby player who causes concussion through an illegal tackle or collision (usually just through carelessness) is sent off the field and punished by being suspended from playing for some weeks. A boxer who deliberately injures his opponent, causing concussion, is rewarded by being declared the winner. Why are boxers exempted from being charged with “assault causing serious bodily harm”? Fergus Garrett Marist Brothers, Vatuwaqa, Suva
Take corrective action
For some time now, I have not seen any tree pruning work undertaken by FRA in Nadi. As a driver who uses the stretch of road from town to Martintar every day, I see some trees are too close to the road for comfort. Removal of unwanted trees and trimming of branches that hang across the road needs to be done on a regular basis as a safety and preventative measure.Things like this come under the jurisdiction of your road inspection team who should be out and about checking and reporting them. Any road obstruction and hazards for that matter are supposed to be taken care of head on so that motorists and travellers are not subjected to unnecessary hassles and risk to their lives. You need to take proactive stance to ensure that road users are kept safe all the time. You don’t leave threats unattended and unrectified because they can lead to misery and irreparable damage. Prevention is better than cure. It is also important to see that those trees that were blocking and making the streetlights ineffective are removed or trimmed as may be the case to achieve the desired purpose. We remind ourselves that the safety and well-being of our people should be always of paramount interest. I hope you will take the message as a reminder and take due corrective action promptly. Suresh Chand Nadi
Drug fight
The fear of using guns in the fight against drugs as reported in The Fiji Times “guns in drug” by the Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua (FT 19/5) is expected to help destroy this ever rising problem. I feel with everyone’s support by counselling, awareness programs and closely working towards ridding the roots of this peacefully may be a better option. Kill drugs but not people! Save lives at all cost. Tahir Ali
Hamilton, New Zealand
Listen to voices
Let’s hope the LOUs of both the Nadarivatu Hydro dam and the Namosi mining project get heard fairly and squarely and that both matters are resolved with a clear understanding! Noleen Billings Savusavu
Changing mind-sets
I wish I could change the mind-set of some of our Parliament representatives from the other side of the house, so they could be more loving, accommodating and not to be seen as aloof. I believe one day they would work together in peace and cut a cake together! NAVNEET RAM (TD)
Lautoka
Guns and drugs
IN which country have guns solved the drug problem? In the USA, Mexico and all of South America, not only do they have guns, they have military aircraft, armoured vehicles and special forces. And not a dent has been made in the drug trade. But this is Fiji, it may well work here, because as we all know Fiji is different. We are special. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Focus please
Since being sworn in, the three legged government seems to be blaming their predecessor for all the problems they are facing. From ailing infrastructure to skilled labour shortage. Why not just concentrate on the task at hand, find a solution and implement before being sworn at. Dou! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Use of firearms
IF the use of firearms will not be any time soon, then good judgment. Arms going into the wrong hands is very dangerous to say the least.
Jioji O Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Hill clinches IBO belt
After taking out Australian boxer Wright by knockout in the 8th round, Hill said he was concerned about his opponent’s well-being and was glad his corner threw in the towel because he wanted his opponent to return home safely (FT 20/5). That shows Hill is not only a talented boxer but also a true sportsman and gentleman. In today’s world of cut-throat sports competition Hill is a rare species. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
