Fist of fury!
Runqi Zhou, who has been dubbed as the ‘Fist of Fury’, jetted into the country to face Junior Binnu Singh in the highly anticipated bout of the ZEG Kings Boxing Promotion this weekend. During his last visit to Fiji, Zhou did not have a memorable departure as his opponent, the late Ubayd Haider, was hospitalised and then lost his life. I watched that fight and I was shocked with the punches thrown in by Zhou. The late Haider was just defenceless. I am sure Binnu has watched that fight and will realise the expectation that he carries on his shoulders. Binnu, known as the ‘Valley King’, was more than ready to share the ring with Zhou when negotiations went through. While the fight will be exciting, a lot is at stake. Best wishes, Binnu! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Malimali compensation
If what you have disclosed on page 1 of yesterday’s, 16/7/25, The Fiji Times, is true; how about the Hon. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate who were sworn into the two Houses on Monday, June 5, 2006, to serve the Republic of Fiji; be appropriately compensated as well in honour and respect of the Fiji Court of appeal decision made public on Thursday, April 9, 2009 on Qarase and others vs Bainimarama and others. Justice must prevail. Pita K. Nacuva Griffith Pl, Namadi Heights, Suva
Education questions
While a review of the nation’s Education Act is completed and final endorsement process in progress, there are some bigger questions which also deserve consideration. At the current rate of teacher migration overseas, what is the gap in terms of number of vacancies that need to be filled? How do we ensure a quality teaching environment for pupils in the event of teacher shortage? Based on current statistics, what does this mean for us over the next four to five years? How many of those teachers who have departed taught classes which are preparing for external examinations? With secondary school sports becoming so competitive and almost semi professional, like the Coca-Cola Games, how do we maintain a balance between educational goals and sporting ambitions? What does this mean for students participating in more than one competitive sport over more than one school term? All in all, let’s continue to ponder over important thoughts with responses in the short and long-term. More importantly, education begins at home where guardians and parents are the first educators. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Overseas travels
The $1.9million travel expense incurred for overseas travels by our ministers in one year is justified because we received a lot more in terms of foreign aid and finance assistance. Had it not been for these travels Fiji would not have received these benefits. Well, that’s what Ronnie Chang seems to imply in his letter. If that is so, then I guess in order to get more funding support, our ministers should travel more frequently and for a longer period. Perhaps Ronnie could rationalise his claim by providing a cost benefit analysis for each travel as suggested by Rajend Naidu. That will clear all doubts. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Alternate butter
Reliable New Zealand sources tell me one Auckland supermarket chain retails a carton of 12 x 1 kg butter for $120. This comes to $5 per 500 grams. (A far cry for our foreign “NZ Rewa butter” – $15.93 per 500 gm). Someone in Fiji is minting money from Rewa butter. The truth needs to be exposed. Will FCCC kindly carry out their own research with the fervent view to assist ordinary Fijians today, please? Thank you Pita Soroaqali of Rakiraki (FT July 16) for your enlightenment. He states, under the previous FijiFirst administration, 125 gram Rewa butter was subjected to a price increase from 90cents to $2.60. (I will stand corrected). The poorer community members continue to suffer the most, each passing day. Respectfully, I remain the voice for the silent majority. Daily imported basic food items need to come under urgent scrutiny. Are we importing haphazardly? Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Dead horse theory
The injection of huge amounts of money into the sugar industry is a clear example of the Dead Horse theory. The minister is cognisant of the fact that the sugar industry is not sustainable with century-old mills, a lack of harvesters and other problems plaguing the farmers, yet continues to inject money into it. His recent statement regarding small growers is disrespectful and uncalled for. Does the minister know what problems these farmers face during the harvesting season? Does he have any idea of what happens on the ground? My guess is no. Not many farmers can afford to bring labourers from Bangladesh to work on their farms. While the sugar industry needs to be appreciated for its contribution towards the economic development of the country, we can not turn a blind eye to its failing status. Many farmers are not turning their farms into cassava farming, which brings more money into their pockets. It’s time for small sugarcane farmers to slowly move to other crops. Avitesh D Kumar Ba
Swimming pool
It’s interesting to read in The Fiji Times – LTE – by writers about the need to maintain the swimming pool. I believe there are many urgent projects overdue, in the pipeline, to be upgraded for our health and safety and for our wellbeing. While a swimming pool is for our civic pride, safe drinking water is for our life. Let’s prioritise the water project first. Live well by spending less in this cost of living crisis. Health and safety first. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Policing the police
Fiji Police Force should institute random drug testing for all officers. It is high time this is mandatory because you can’t do illegal drugs without doing other illegal things. Fiji Police could be flirting with disaster if they don’t randomly test their officers. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Borrowed money
The three-wheeler Coalition Government is acting like they have the money to be settling a case out of court yet I believe they just borrowed money to furnish their budget. Jeepers! AREKI DAWAI Suva
Budget debate
It’s interesting to see the opposing party saying all sorts of things about the budget. They never realise the same budget is paying for their salary. It looks like a dog running around trying to bite its own tail. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Street lights
With all the talk of millions of dollars being spent on overseas travel and settling legal claims against Government, I would like to know why three quarters of the street lights on the Queen’s Road between Nadi and Lautoka, one of the busiest highways in Fiji, are out of order. Driving this road at night is extremely hazardous to drivers and pedestrians alike. Why can’t the Government spend a few thousand dollars on something practical and useful for a change, like fixing street lights? Michael Scott Morris St., Lautoka
Crocodiles in the pond
Now that the “crocodiles in the pond” have been identified, what is next Prime Minister? Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Millions of dollars
It seems like this government is very rich. And suitably, residents in our area may follow suit. The road condition has become so bad that in many parts, the soil has become visible. Ideal spots for gold mining. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Budget and abortion
Short term sweetener
Oh my goodness – Opposition MP Bala. Call the budget lollipop or what you will, but pray tell me what you would call a swimming pool that started off going to be a $2million exercise but has ballooned to $12.6million and is still incomplete? After all, it was while you were part of the government team. Were you all trying to sweeten up the voters in the West with this thought of having a pool? Perhaps the budget at the time was a Bonbon Budget – as we all know Bonbon is slightly larger than the average lollipop that grog drinkers suck on while consuming their favourite beverage. As we all know kava can make us move at a snail pace — so perhaps when the budget of the pool was made, they overlooked the fact that making a Bonbon budget they were going to hire grog swipers. Tai Smith Nasinu Sec Sch Rd, Kinoya, Nasinu
Local consultants
Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa tells us that they “are on the tail end of finalising our regulations” for the promised local government elections, once promised by 2023.(FT 16/7) Is this going to be another case of “wham, bam, thank you ma’am”, as was the case with the 2013 Fijian constitution? What you see, is what you get. Terry Hulme Russell St., Eastwood, NSW, Australia
Get on with the job!
Past politicians of Fiji have failed to do their part as many citizens say. I wonder what is the difference between the previous government and this government? It’s all about leadership at the top. FFP government even on the last day kept blaming the previous government for all the problems. Enough talking who ever is in-charge, just fix the problem and flush the pipeline. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
$2million settlement
The Fiji Times report ‘Malimali seeks $2m settlement’ (FT 16/7) for wrongful dismissal as FICAC commissioner reminded me of the case of the dismissal of former solicitor general Sharvada Sharma. Has he been paid yet as the court had ordered? If not, why not? Why the inordinate delay in complying with the court order? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Abortions in Fiji
It is with concern that I read a recent article in The Fiji Times about a speech by an International Planned parenthood Federation (IPPF) representative stating that women in Fiji should have access to “safe” abortion. This is a dangerous and one-sided speech. There is no such thing as a “safe” abortion and must never be allowed in Fiji. “Safe” abortions kill innocent unborn human beings. Looking at the speech, I would ask the Government to be extra careful about handing over full responsibility of family planning strategies to Non-Fijian organisations such as IPPF. Conan Hatch Nadi Airport
