Address the downfall
After finishing fifth in Hong Kong, the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s side has a lot of work on its plate ahead of the Valladolid 7s in Spain which would be hosted at the iconic Estadio Jose Zorrilla. The tournament will bring together the world’s top rugby 7s nations in a high-stakes penultimate round. Fiji is in Pool C alongside underdogs Spain, France, and USA. I must admit that this is a tough pool and no team can be underestimated. Fiji’s ill-discipline must be addressed. Our fitness levels remain questionable while some senior players performances raise issues about their selection in the team. The 24-17 painful loss to Argentina must be put aside. We must learn from South Africa and Argentina. Spain thumped South Africa 31-12 in pool play and the Blitzboks thrashed Argentina 38-0. However, Argentina made it to the final and South Africa won the tournament in style thumping Argentina 35-7. South Africa’s work rate, discipline, dedication, unity and passion stood out. The Blitzboks played for each other. They protected their tryline like brave soldiers and were determined to win in HK on the 50th anniversary. Fiji must adopt South Africa’s fighting spirit and determination if we are to win in Spain. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Measuring a flagpole
Watching CNN’s “Quest Means Business” (21/04) discussing high fuel prices and our own Coalition Government using some formula to determine huge rise in fuel prices, I remembered reading a joke in a magazine about measurement of a flagpole. Two mathematics professors were standing near a flagpole and discussing the formula used to measure its height. Soon a professor from Humanities group arrives, pulls out the flagpole from its slot, lays it on the ground and measures its length using a measuring tape. Before moving away, the Humanities professor says, “why do you have to complicate simple things?” Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Rising cost
The people of Fiji already know that all Fijians are living on borrowed money. Now Fiji needs to really take heed of economic risks, rising global fuel costs, while the tensions are high at the moment between Iran and United States. Concerned fuel prices will also have a knock-on effect on other cost. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Nadi Town zebra crossings
When driving along Andrews Rd, one cannot miss a notable feature: a newly established zebra crossing designed to ensure safe passage for passengers disembarking from buses. This recent addition stands out as an important enhancement to the area. However, it is worth noting that similar safety measures seem to be missing in other parts of the town. For instance, in the town centre, many pedestrian crossings are unmarked, and pedestrian signals remain out of service. As a result, this creates significant confusion and heightened risks for both motorists and pedestrians alike. If fixing the non-functional pedestrian signals is not a feasible option, then introducing clearly marked zebra crossings could serve as a practical alternative. Not only do these crossings offer a visible solution for both drivers and pedestrians, but they also play a vital role in ensuring road safety by designating a specific area for pedestrians to cross. With their broad white lines, zebra crossings act as proactive safety measures, encouraging drivers to slow down and yield the right of way. By improving traffic management and pedestrian safety, such crossings contribute to reducing the chances of accidents. Additionally, it is important to consider that zebra crossings also carry an educational value. They raise awareness about pedestrian rights and remind all road users to exercise caution in shared spaces. Given that the non-functional traffic lights have been left unattended for a prolonged period, it becomes increasingly evident that action must be taken. The reinstatement of zebra crossings at this point would be a timely and effective solution. In conclusion, ensuring the presence of clearly marked pedestrian crossings across all parts of the town is crucial. Crossings are an integral component of traffic systems, providing clear guidance for both motorists and pedestrians to navigate roads safely. Suresh Chand Nadi
Drugs and ‘lords’
FOR the media to be labelling someone in Viti a “drug lord” should be somewhat in the likes of Escobar, El Chapo, Fuentes, Quintero etc. Fijians are merely drug peddlers who buy expensive things only to impress others while the enforcement are watching. The deceased drug peddler is only a minor, catch the big fish that are part of the machinery of this nation. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Name game
Fijians or Fiji Islanders? On this issue of what we — the people of Fiji — should call ourselves, Prof Wadan Narsey poses a contextual question: “So what is the fuss all about?” (FT 18/4). I would contend, as have many fellow Fijians, that it is a fictitious fuss to serve an ethnonationalist ideological agenda. I agree with Wadan that Fiji can (and should) stop wasting valuable emotional energy and time on an irrelevant “name game”. Fiji and its people will be better served by focusing on the far more real and pressing problems that we face in today’s Fiji. Rajend Naidu Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Lucky ones
We’ve just finished watching an eight-part mini series titled, We Were The Lucky Ones. It’s based on a true story about a Polish Jewish family who was separated during the invasion of Poland by the Nazis and the Soviets during World War II. Their harrowing ordeal to survive across different continents is inspirational as it’s overwhelmingly extraordinary. And keep a box of tissues handy. Colin Deoki Australia
End of war
Let’s face it, this whole war with Iran is due to Israel and its genocidal prime minister. I believe the Prime Minister of ‘Little Israel’ should talk to Big Brother and get an end to this war. Just imagine all the glory the Prime Minister of ‘Little Israel’ will get to bask in if he could influence the end to this war. Jan Nissar Cairo, Egypt
Fuel cost
Everyone including little school kids know the fuel price will go up again by month end. The question remains what will the Government do about it? Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Retail prices
Retail prices set to rise. I don’t think this should be something new in our beloved Fiji. Prices were increasing even before the global fuel and freight pressure. It was and still is a problem for the people of Fiji. Crisis or not, prices in Fiji have always been a problem. Aminisitai Tora Nadera, Nasinu
Call for justice
So many people calling for justice and investigation into the death of alleged drug kingpin Jone Vakarisi while in military custody. Where were they when Richard Mock died in police custody? Where was their call for justice? Shame on all of you. Vamadua! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Plastic waste threat in Fiji
I am writing to express my concern about the increasing problem of plastic waste in Fiji. In many communities, plastic litter is becoming more visible, polluting our streets, waterways, and coastal areas. Despite ongoing awareness efforts, the use of single-use plastics remains high. This not only harms marine life but also threatens Fiji’s natural beauty, which is essential for tourism and our national identity. While government initiatives, such as restrictions on plastic bags, are commendable, stronger enforcement and broader public education are necessary. Communities must be encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly practices, including the use of reusable bags and proper waste disposal. I urge local authorities to improve access to recycling facilities and enforce stricter penalties for littering. At the same time, individuals must take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean. Protecting Fiji’s environment is a shared responsibility. If we fail to act now, the long-term consequences will affect both our economy and future generations. Sipa Joan Tormeamea Wainitarawau Stage 1, Cunningham, Suva
Answers please
Our ongoing struggle, which has been for years, to receive what we believe is rightfully ours is going through a silence period, thanks to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and the Coalition Government, the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources in particular. The recent completion of the $270 million Rewa River Water Supply Scheme is being celebrated as a victory for the Suva-Nausori corridor, but for the landowners of Viria, Sawani, Waitolu, Naqali, and Nawaqabena, it is a story of exploitation. WAF is currently the “accused” in the eyes of our people. They have laid miles of pipeline past our villages to generate massive revenue, yet they treat the landowners as an afterthought. The most glaring example of this disrespect is the payment made for the Waitolu reservoir site. WAF paid the lease owner a mere $8000 total — $4000 before and $4000 after completion — for land that now holds a massive 10-million-litre reservoir. How can WAF justify such a pittance for infrastructure that is the backbone of a multi-million dollar income stream? What is even more shocking is the misinformation in official documents. In the Construction Management and Supervision of Rewa River Water Supply Scheme Semi-Annual Report (June 2020), pg33, it is explicitly stated: “WAF has paid the owner of this land a sum of FJD 17,967.10.” This is a complete fabrication. When the actual payment was only $8000, we must ask: where did the remaining $9967.10 go? What a joke! Our cry, the landowner’s, has fallen on deaf ears. Furthermore, the “benefit” of piped water is one we never asked for, maybe later, since microplastic is in our drinking water now, studied by USP. But for now, we have our own clean, natural water resources; we do not need the chemical-heavy water WAF is pushing. We sacrificed our land for the “greater good”, yet the promises of infrastructure and fair treatment have vanished now that the valves are turned on. WAF continues to ignore our $9million compensation claim while they collect fees from 360,000 new beneficiaries. This is not just a failure of management; it is a betrayal of the simple people who made this project possible. We have done our part for Fiji. It is time for WAF and the Coalition Government to stop hiding behind press releases and answer for these broken promises and missing funds. Let us not forget, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 13:11. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
