A memorable win
The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team was in rampaging form, claiming the Singapore 7s title, beating Kenya 21-12 in the final and taking revenge for the 30-7 loss in 2016. As I celebrated, I thought about the pain we suffered in 2016 when the Shujaa created history by winning their maiden 7s title shocking Fiji who had won at So Kon Po, beating the All Blacks 7s 21-7. That night, Kenyan captain Andrew Amonde, player of the final, Collins Injera, Oscar Ayodi, Samuel Oliech, Nelson Oyoo and Frank Wanyama stood out as they went into history books. Back to this year’s Singapore 7s, Kenya outclassed Spain 12-5 in the first semi-final. The Shujaa was unbeaten in pool play, having seen off Ireland and France 17-7 and 10-7, respectively. Fiji thumped Argentina 33-24 in the semi-final and thrashed the USA and All Blacks 7s 38-0 and 36-5, respectively. Fiji’s pride and passion was against Kenya’s belief that the 2016 historic win was going to repeat itself. Down 7-0 through Nygal Pettersan’s try, our boys turned on the magic at the National Stadium, coming from behind to clinch victory in front of passionate Fijian fans and followers. Vuiviawa Naduvalo, who was crowned the player of the final, and substitute Rauto Vakadranu, sealed the deal. Hats off to head coach Osea Kolinisau and the boys for putting aside the disappointment at the ultra-modern Kai Tak Stadium. The boys gave everything that they had in the tank. The best part was watching Fiji demolish Argentina. The boys held their own against the series leaders and responded with a scintillating performance that included a showcase of Fijian flair. The boys stringed together free flowing passing and hit the opposition with bone-crunching tackles. It was Fijian rugby at its ever best! Congratulations boys! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Import taxes and tariffs
One can’t really blame Trump for simply protecting the economic interests of his country. Last week, my son sent me a used tablet from Australia valued at $250. I had to pay $65.80. Some weeks ago, somebody else sent some linen and incontinent garments for an elderly friend. The clearance charge was $23.10. Another son has just sent me a book valued at about $22 and I’ve been charged $11 tax. None of the above figures include postage and handling fees. Then I’m told there’s a 63 percent tariff on all US goods coming into this country. Why don’t we quit whining and get on instead with applying economies of scale by increasing productivity on the ground, raising the standard and quality of our products in order to promote consumer loyalty abroad and changing our national self perception of being a poor little struggling developing nation that needs to be mollycoddled in the world market arena. We also pay our politicians enough to get out there and negotiate for more and better trade deals with other countries. Let’s stop feeling sorry for ourselves but rise instead to the challenges of successfully claiming a spot on the global market stage. Most discerning consumers the world over will pay for consistent quality. There’s overdue work to be done. Let’s get on with it. DOE MILLER Labasa
Lack of hygienic public toilets
It is disheartening to observe the lack of hygienic public toilets in Nadi Town. In a bustling town like ours, it is disappointing to notice the absence of proper facilities available for the people. Even the existing ones are in a deplorable state. Despite the presence of council workers assigned to clean and maintain these facilities, their negligence is evident. It is evident from the sorry state of these toilets that the assigned workers are not fulfilling their responsibilities. Their supervisors take no interest too. Just passing by these facilities is enough to gauge the unhygienic conditions they are in. These unhygienic conditions pose a great risk to the health of those who use them. But they have no choice. The absence of hygienic public toilets not only affects the well-being of our citizens but also has broader implications. As a town which is also regarded as a tourist destination, it is essential to present a positive image. The lack of clean and well-maintained public toilets sends a negative message to tourists and tarnishes the reputation of our town. I request that the concerned authorities take immediate action to address this pressing issue. It is crucial to allocate sufficient resources and manpower for the regular cleaning and upkeep of public toilets. While the existing ones are taken care of, don’t forget to establish new ones as and where they are needed. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Thank you, Fiji men’s 7s
Fiji is smiling again. Most Fijians from almost all corners of the world are smiling and celebrating Fiji men’s victory in the HSBC Singapore 7s. One good outing on the international stage. Cheers to overpowering the great USA, NZ, champs Argentina and the bulky might of Kenya. Wananavu dina. Sincere thanks must also go to head coach Kolinisau and all his support staff. During this time of cruel trade tariffs, imposed irresponsibly, forcing much international economic headaches, you give us all some reason to smile. Vinaka vakalevu. Well done neitou cauravou. Thank you Fiji 7s women for your efforts too. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Criticism for consistency
Is the use of constructive criticism the way to go for our teams. Do we need this to act as a wake-up call. I for one believe this to be the case for our teams. It should not be necessary because our players are professional athletes. The sevens team is a classic example. Only the week before did they appear all lethargic against Argentina and look at how they went this week. Consistency in performance still needs to be addressed. How do we motivate our guys and girls to perform at their best levels all the time? This is a near impossible task but I’m sure Osea can find a way. However, thank you team for the win in Singapore. TAI SMITH Kinoya, Nasinu
Dengue outbreak
Can the Minister for Health, Lautoka City Council and the Health Department advise the people of Fiji as to what happened to the so-called Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes that was released at Churchill Park in 2019? Did the Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes catch dengue and die? GEOFFREY CHAND Lautoka
Conference funding
Ganesh Chand is organising an International Girmit Conference. Could I ask him who will pay for international speakers’ air fares and accommodation. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Housing price
Minister for Local Government and Housing Maciu Nalumisa says the recent increase in tariffs imposed by the US may also impact housing prices. How? Can he please elaborate further. WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Let’s unite
In this battle between humans and mosquitoes, it seems the mosquitoes are winning as our dengue cases are rising each day. Our young people are at risk. Please wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself. Safety and health are the utmost priority. Communities are to be more vigilant in taking simple preventative measures so they can counter these silent killers. Don’t be complacent and lose loved ones. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka City
Party name
I agree with Meli Bogileka on why the name Fijians First Party for the proposed new party to replace the de-registered FijiFirst party is not right (FT 8/4). When they were in power they had, as Meli reminds us, put “Fijians last” and themselves first. Unfortunately the Government that replaced them — the Rabuka coalition gang in government — have also put themselves and their cronies first ahead of the needs of the ordinary Fijian people. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Word salad
Just in case Donald Singh (FT 5/4) has forgotten, Professor Biman Prasad’s word salad comes from his high salary dictionary. Using our normal English is abnormal to them in high places my friend. LUKE KULANIKORO Savusavu
Fiji healthcare
According to media reports and reports from other sources pouring in from various corners of the country, it seems there is a crisis in our healthcare system. This is startling and cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. We all know that our hospitals suffer from staff shortage because of the high level of resignations by the doctors and nurses. There is mass migration to greener pastures and this has made the situation in our hospitals very bleak. The current heavy rains have created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Thus there is a rapid rise in cases of dengue fever and leptospirosis. From January to March 3 people died from dengue fever and seven people died from leptospirosis. A total of 818 cases of leptospirosis were reported. The fact that hospitals have reported that essential medication such as IV fluids is out of stock is simply unbelievable. Who was sleeping on the job? Can the Ministry of Health & Medical Services find out and fire them. This is a clear case of dereliction of duty and there can be no compromise with this. Patients are handed over prescriptions to buy medication from private sources. Can you imagine how expensive this could be for average and below average income earners? The prices in pharmacies are phenomenally high and I wonder if the Consumer Council of Fiji is keeping a tab on how much profit is being made. To make the situation worse, HIV/AIDS is spreading like wildfire in our youthful community. This is not a pretty picture. The situation is alarming to say the least. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
Hospital services
Tukai Lagonilakeba, in his letter on Monday, makes a very interesting statement that a certain private hospital in Nadi should do free laboratory tests and other services for the public because service to mankind is service to God. He interestingly compares the private hospital with the public one in Lautoka and Ba as they seem to be providing free medical services for people. It seems the writer has no knowledge of how a private hospital operates in comparison to a public one. There is nothing such as a free ride in any hospital for that matter. Public hospitals are funded by the taxpayers and I read recently that this particular hospital operator of the Ba and Lautoka hospitals receives around $10million monthly to keep their services up and running. A private hospital on the other hand is privately funded and needs to make a profit or it will simply run out of business. I think the writer should do some proper research before sharing his twisted views on hospital operations and health services in the country. SERAN DEVI Saweni, Lautoka
The dead
The manner in which the dead are paraded and given attention these days, just wondering if the same is accorded when people are alive. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
