Both sides
I may be a 1 per cent out of the 99 per cent that is frustrated, over how Fiji Drua fullback Ilaisa Droasese made the blunder on his own dead ball line. Can we for once before concluding and making a mockery of the whole issue understand from the beginning what happened before jumping to a conclusion. No one is talking about the effort made by Droasese to run the field to cover the attacking Chiefs player before shadowing the ball in his own goal line. If this was not done there is a possibility the Chiefs player would have scored in the corner. So, either way there would have been a high possibility of a try scored. Secondly while shadowing the ball, Droasese had to cut a sharp angle and in the spur of the moment he had to decide whether to ground the ball or kick infield. However, based on the sharp angle he had to take, he decided to kick which was not a good option which backfired as the pressure mounted, resulting in a grubber kick than a long touch finder. He is only a human trying his best to do things for the Fijian Drua as part of the line of defence, I am sure the coach did also see it from a different angle, and was the reason Droasese finished the full 80 minutes of the game. Let’s mentor, coach, give him confidence under such high pressure and quality games to understand better rather than putting the sword on him. Please put yourself in his shoes at that time trying to defend. I am only discussing this to understand both sides of the issue. To the commentators you discussed it once. No need to keep repeating it. Vacava tacina? Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Congrats to the Chiefs
New Zealand media sports writers state the Chiefs punished the Fijian Drua 42 – 22 in Christchurch’s brand new $682 million One NZ Stadium. This is grossly inaccurate. The Drua fullback made two massive blunders in our in-goal area allowing the Chiefs 14 easy complimentary points. Real give away — free-bees, at that. From that moment on, the Drua failed to recover. We will never be able to fully understand how the Drua made such catastrophic blunders; open doors Chiefs to a wonderful victory. Guess our brains went into inadvertent momentary slumber just before half time. Fiji Drua takes the loss and commiserations. Congrats to the Chiefs. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Weight of duty!
I felt the pain Defence Minister honourable Pio Tikoduadua and a father went through as he received tremendous support from Parliament and members of the public. Hon Tikoduadua’s daughter, who is a police officer, lies in a critical condition at the CWM Hospital after a violent, drug-related pursuit in Laqere, Nasinu early Sunday morning. I felt the weight of duty and a father’s anguish that Hon Tikoduadua carried as he addressed the August House on the country’s National Security Strategy. He did not mince his words when he shared that while his focus remained on his daughter’s recovery, the work of law enforcement must continue. Words of wisdom from a man who the nation looks up to with the rising drug crisis! Our police and military officers have united in a bid to fight drugs. As good citizens of our beloved country, we must support them and provide the much-needed cooperation! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Waste to energy
Finally, it has come out from the horse’s mouth. That is the Prime Minister himself. Speaking on the Radio Fiji One program Voqa ni Davui, he said the Government remains committed to progressing the project. However, he stressed that because of the objections raised, the proper processes will be allowed to take place before it is taken to the government for final consideration. Not long ago he also gave his nod to the disposal of Japan’s nuclear waste in Pacific waters. He later expressed his satisfaction with the results of the tests conducted. But the long-term impact on marine life is yet to be known. Meanwhile, in a new development a chief from the province of Ra has offered to host the plant in his region. I wonder if the people of Ra have been consulted on this issue. Or will they have a say in this decision particularly in light of the project’s potential threat to the environment. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Not the enemy!
In his insightful article ‘Land, iTaukei poverty and scapegoats’ (FT 28/4/26) Dr Sushil Sharma critically examines “Who is really robbing Fiji’s landowners?” He provides a clear evidence based answer which “points squarely at a bloated TLTB institution that has been eating its own beneficiaries alive for 85 years”. He also makes clear who is not responsible for the predicament of the iTaukei landowner. “The Indo-Fijian farmer, the Girmitiya, is not the enemy and neither the culprit nor is he or she out there trying to steal any iTaukei land”. That, of course, is a fact. But iTaukei ethnonationalists from the first coup of 1987 onwards have not relied on facts to scapegoat the Indo Fijians and advance their political agenda. It’s no wonder many Indo-Fijians continue to vote with their feet. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
On duty!
My sincere sympathies to Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua, whose daughter, a police officer is admitted to CWM Hospital in a drug-related chase in Nasinu. She is a brave woman who did not flinch away while on duty. Drug abuse and addiction have profound, far reaching negative consequences that extend beyond the individual user, impacting families, communities and national economies. A case study is India’s Punjab State economy. Once, the richest State is now ranked 16th in terms of nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Drug pushing criminal networks inside India colluding with a country on India’s western border use drones to drop drugs and ammunitions. We still have time on our- side. We should do everything possible to eradicate this drug menace. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Vuda project
One should have never even thought on this line. We are simply wasting our resources on this useless project. Our country’s environment and people’s health matter. Let’s not play around with it. The consequences are way too high. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Poverty and scapegoats
Thank you Dr Sushil K Sharma (FT 28/4) for your enlightening article on the Land issues in Fiji. Appreciated. Vijay P. Madhavan Borron Rd., Suva
Gun culture
Early May, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit China and hold important discussions. A week ago, Michael Savage, a radio presenter, tweets that China and India are hell-holes. Trump retweets this comment. The Indians tweet back using all the expletives and the American Embassy in Delhi is in damage control mode. After the WH Correspondents Dinner shooting, people are saying that it is not an unusual event. Previous President’s like Ronald Reagan, Kennedy brothers etc., have been targeted for assassinations. The American gun culture and their arrogance will not bring much sympathy. It’s an indication of the USA’s decline. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Diesel mix
Has anyone noticed that diesel is mixed with kerosene? Well, that’s what my mechanic found out when draining out fuel from my vehicle after it developed knocking sound on its engine. The smell and the colour says it all. And it burst into flame instantly when set alight. Maybe the rising cost of fuel has prompted some companies to try and beat the system. Who am I going to blame now? Pita Soroaqali Tavua
Our believers
If Fiji is a Christian state, then why are the indigenous so-called Christian majority merely hot nor cold believers. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Social welfare
Minister for Social Welfare Shashi Kiran’s news release in The Fiji Times (FT 23/4) that 130,000 Fijian beneficiaries will get 50% welfare boosts is timely and will be a relief to many struggling to survive in this fuel crisis. I believe the retired 1400 FNPF pensioners should be considered to be paid their dues as well in due course. “If you have to give me flowers, give me when I am alive. No use giving them after I am dead.”-Brian Clough. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Vendors, risk and games
Possible risk
The proposed ERB Bill risks bankrupting both government and small businesses. It has not been properly thought through, and as Jon Apted rightly notes, laws affect everyone — including the Government itself. Redundancy is sometimes unavoidable. Governments and businesses outsource services, as seen with Lautoka Hospital to Aspen or LTA to private firms. If hundreds of staff were made redundant, could the state afford massive payouts? And how could a struggling small business possibly pay such packages without collapsing, leaving even more workers jobless? While employers who underpay staff should be held accountable, the penalties under this Bill are crippling. Forcing unrealistic redundancy costs will destroy businesses and livelihoods. Sections 130 and 191 are especially troubling. They compel workers to pay union dues against their will and force employers into negotiations without employee consent. Under ILO rules, this is unethical and illegal. Why is a government ministry siding with unions against workers’ rights? Another clause even allows ministry staff to seize “samples” at any time. Wages records may be relevant, but what does taking vehicles or petty cash have to do with employment? After all this both Government, the country and businesses lose big time but the gain is only for the trade unions. Why? Is the Ministry safeguarding jobs—or destroying them? If passed, this Bill will mean fewer jobs, weaker businesses, and a shrinking economy. Dinesh Jamnadas Lautoka
Vendors’ plight and wellbeing
On Sundays and every afternoon following the closure of the Nadi Market, the vicinity surrounding the market experiences a significant transformation, evolving into a lively and bustling marketplace. This beloved tradition has been intricately interwoven into the town’s identity for generations, highlighting the resilience and commitment of local vendors. However, to function in this temporary environment, vendors utilize their own tarpaulin sheets to protect both their merchandise and themselves from the intense sun or erratic rain. In their makeshift stalls, the vendors endure, delivering an essential service to the community by facing adverse weather conditions and extending their hours beyond the norm. Their steadfast dedication not only supports their families but also guarantees that residents have access to fresh products and necessities well into the evening. These circumstances necessitate careful consideration of how the town council can better assist these diligent individuals. For example, supplying durable, weather-resistant tarpaulins would alleviate some of their daily challenges while improving the market’s overall aesthetic —an important factor for a town tha t relies on tourism. Extending the operating hours of public restrooms, if this practice is not already in place, could offer significant benefits to both vendors and their customers. Longer restroom availability would ensure greater convenience for patrons, encouraging them to spend more time in the area without concerns about basic facilities. Vendors, in turn, would benefit from increased foot traffic and customer satisfaction, creating a more welcoming and accommodating environment for everyone. This simple adjustment could enhance overall accessibility and foster a more inclusive public space. Minor adjustments like these could greatly enhance their working conditions while reinforcing our recognition of their contributions. It is imperative for the council to embrace innovative solutions that prioritize inclusivity and community welfare. These vendors not only sustain their livelihoods but also enrich the town’s cultural and economic fabric. Providing them with adequate facilities and necessary support is not merely equitable — it is essential for nurturing a collaborative, thriving community. By investing in their success, we invest in the ongoing vitality and attractiveness of our town. Now is the time to take decisive action and create a more supportive, compassionate future for everyone. Suresh Chand Nadi
Show the world!
Obviously, this year’s Cokes Games will be fiercely competitive, as per yesteryears. However, I reckon the hype is centred around the Levuka Public School Brass Band, which in the history of the games and for the first time, be a school brass band, that will splash out a display during the games, apart from the LPS Colour Party, that will be partaking in the flag raising and lowering ceremonies. Let’s go LPS. Show the world! Sega o Levuka, sega o Viti. Au yali ni kaya vaka ca, au kaya lo lia. O Naova ke. To all athletes and spectators, enjoy, keep out of mischief and stay safe Anthony Sahai Levuka, Ovalau
