Blues end 21-year-old drought
Congratulations to the Auckland Blues for ending a 21-year-old drought in Super Rugby. It was a well-deserved win for the hosts, as they thrashed the Gallagher Chiefs 41-10. The Blues were destructive in attack and defence. They played with fire and passion and were in rampaging and imperious form. Their win over the Chiefs had the feeling of a great release of pent-up emotion, as they tried for 21 years to add a fourth title to the third, they won in 2003. When it finally happened, it brought with it an explosion of joy and delight. The passionate crowd cheered for the victorious Blues which finally found a coach in former Flying Fijians coach Vern Cotter who was able to harness their talent and channel it into a winning game plan. The Blues passed through the season with only two losses in 15 games. My man-of-the-match winger Caleb Clarke, who terrorised the Chiefs defence was unstoppable, as he scored three tries. The Chiefs were no match for the hosts. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the naming of the All Blacks 15s! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Taxidriver security
In regards to recent taxidriver incidents, I’d reckon all taxis be installed with security cameras and GPS. Drivers who have smartphones should always share their locations with family members because this will help in locating them in times of unforeseen circumstances. GPS installation is now available locally which has a one-off installation fee of $50 and a monthly fee of $10. Security cameras will be a crucial element for both driver and passenger security. I reckon there are enough qualified persons within the taxi associations (with posts) who can discuss the above-mentioned with relevant authorities to protect and promote both the safety of drivers and passengers. Those complaining that the $50 one-off fee for GPS and $10 monthly fee is too much, let’s not forget that it’s still cheaper than daily kava and cigarette consumption and may save ones life. SHAMAL CHAND Kuku Village
Come back
The song, Baby come back by Player, was echoing in my mind yesterday morning. I have been reading about the rising concerns of the brain drain on our nation while on the other hand we are inviting relations with our bigger neighbours to open borders! A certain contradiction in itself and one for which raising the minimum wage will surely only do harm to the 80 per cent of our nation’s MSME business community that is proving to be the backbone of our economy, spinning the money within our struggling nation. Raising the minimum wage will in no way stop our qualified citizens from leaving for greener pastures because in all honesty we cannot compete with the wage rates of those nations that our people are escaping to. However, if we are to look at our issue in the only positive way there is, let’s look at how we can gain in leaps and bounds from the experiences gained by those leaving our shores. Seeing that we cannot appeal to their pockets, we call out instead to the hearts of our people who are patriots for their home country — bring back your knowledge and experience and paisa and tailor it to build our nation to a similar or a better standard! Baby come back! Any kind of fool could see! There was something and everything about you! I was wrong, and I just can’t live without you! NOLEEN BILLINGS Savusavu
Study Singapore
Would following the good policies of other countries that are making a difference in the lives of their citizens be a good thing? Take Singapore. They’ve turned what was a small fishing village island port into not only one of the world’s most beautiful cities but one of the happiest, healthiest and almost drug free cities. And their crime rate and criminal activity is the envy of the world. Okay, they might be a ‘Blue Zone’ like Okinawa, Sardinia and Loma Linda when it comes to having the most centenarians. But they’re not too far behind. So they’re doing a lot of things right. And it’s mainly because of good, old fashioned, honest politics with politicians who are in politics to improve the lives of their fellow countrymen. Not just politicians who’re focused on filling their pockets.
Study Singapore. They’re a worthwhile case study for visionary leadership and visionary thinking. COLIN DEOKI Australia
Cruel outing
All sporting organisations must know, without doubt, rest and recovery (and acclimatising) are important and fundamental prerequisites prior to any major international competition, especially after due consideration of 13 time zones and around 36 to 40 hours of flying. Did someone goof? The Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ 2024 clash with the star-studded Barbarians were not given a fair chance prior to playing on Twickenham. No All Blacks; Wallabies or Springboks side would have handled such an undertaking under similar unacceptable conditions. It is just not fair, proper and defies sporting logic. Rest and recovery after flying through 13 time zones are extremely important. Better professional planning next time please. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
ATS pay out
Congratulations to the 700 employees of ATS who have been recognised to be rewarded soon. The bonus, it’s not just about the money but also a recognition of the challenges and hard work. Vinaka Coalition Government. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Seniors’ pension
Refering to Edward Blakelock’s letter on the new budget and his suggestion for our pension payments (FT 20/6), I’m just praying if some cash and kind consideration could be given to recover FNPF pensions which were cruelly slashed in 2012, only if they are still surviving wherever they are. We all pay the same on whatever the price of bread and butter is to survive in this ever cost of living price rise crisis. It’s time to walk the talk. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Moving forward
We have to keep on moving forward, with or without exposing those who were involved in the coup yet walking freely among us. NANISE SOKO Suva
Coughs and sneezes
Open coughs, uncovered sneezes, a great spreader of diseases. Sprays off germs quickly, spread around a large area. All in the vicinity, gets a generous dose of harmful bacteria. This is the season for colds and flu, so cover your coughs and sneezes. We all rely on each of you, to stop the spread of diseases! EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour
Best term
The ideal term to describe the members of Parliament who voted for a salary increase would be “Penny Pinchers”. WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
PMVs for peacekeeping
The RFMF has been one of UN troops’ contributing countries in the past decade. We are “world renowned” for UN peacekeeping and even our current PM was involved. It is the first ever, to my knowledge, that the UN has required Fiji, a troop-contributing state, to provide its own equipment such as 14 PMVs. Is it a wet or dry lease arrangement? Is it paid for in advance by the UN? We are talking about government spending here. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi, Nausori
Our MPs pay
For nearly a fortnight now, hardly a day passes without people talking about this latest development. Besides comments in media and social media, important and respected groups have taken the streets to protest against this pay rise. So far hardly anyone spoke in favour of this rise when the country is loaded with debt and the cost of living is rising every day. I believe the Coalition Government must tread carefully and not annoy the general public who put you there on trust. To me personally, it looks very odd to see about 70 per cent of these parliamentarians vote to increase their own pay at the expense of sufferings faced by the voters. In fact there should be an independent body to take this important task and assess properly after seeking public views.
If any member of Parliament who is not happy with the current pay and allowance, voluntarily quit your seat now. Finally, I wholeheartedly thank and congratulate those members who had the courage and genuine public sympathy and voted against the motion. VIJAY MAHARAJ Navua
Competition intensifies
Time is flying and the Paris Olympic Games are around the corner. The flamboyant Fijians, who won back-to-back Olympics gold medal, beating Team Great Britan 43-7 at the Deodoro Stadium in Rio in 2016 and the All Blacks 7s at the Tokyo Stadium 27-12, are in a tricky pool. Fiji faces host France and their superstar Antoine Dupont together with USA and debutants Uruguay. In front of their home supporters, France will aim to replicate their title-winning performance in Madrid where they lifted the inaugural HSBC SVNS Grand Final title earlier this month. SVNS league winners Argentina will also face tough competition in Pool B where they will meet Australia, Samoa and Kenya, while Pool A sees top seed the All Blacks 7s grouped with Ireland, Japan and South Africa who just qualified from the World Rugby 7s Repechage in Monaco. The All Blacks 7s have named a power-packed unit with stars such as Leroy Carter, Dylan Collier, Scott Curry, Andrew Knewstubb, Moses Leo, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Tone Ng Shiu, Akuila Rokolisoa, Brady Rush and Regan Ware, while veterans Tim Mikkelson, Sione Molia and Joe Webber are travelling reserves. I read Jerry Tuwai’s interview (FT 24/06) where he outlined that competition had intensified with the inclusion of Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, as both players brought pace, strength and hard work. Four players were dropped from the 24-member team and five will be dropped before coach Osea Kolinisau names the final 15 to fly our flag in Paris. Excitement is growing, as we await the final list! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu