Letters to the Editor – February 13, 2019

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Tress along Corbett St in Lautoka that were cut down. Picture: SUPPLIED

Those beautiful trees

I BELIEVE someone from Lautoka City Council decided to cut as many as eight trees on Corbett St in Lautoka. Our Prime Minister was the president of COP23 and someone destroyed those beautiful trees. Dosen’t the council has better things to do than cut beautiful trees which were not harming anybody.  LCC should collect rubbish instead, some of which have been on our streets before Diwali. Please Mr CEO, can you look into this urgently and the person who cut those trees to plant 100 trees. JOHN BROWN, Lautoka

So sad

MAY I be permitted to ask the Lautoka City Council why the need to butcher the trees on Corbett St. If it needed pruning, prune it, don’t butcher it.
So sad to see all the trees being killed, don’t you have the expertise to build around it? Sobo. ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

New Speaker

OH my, our grog gang just said, “set saraga that Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is the new Speaker.” Then someone quipped, “And the confidence they had in the deputy, what happened?” Thank you Ratu Epeli. We have confidence in that you will keep those guys in line. Kava Place still awaits you, like you told me in Ba. Kava on me Mr Speaker Sir. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

Ratu Epeli’s legacy

WHEN Dr Jiko Luveni was elected Speaker, the narrative was “it is great for women representation in politics”. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is renowned for his humble nature. I believe he is going to be judged for his values with this appointment. I wonder why Fiji does not have other competent Fijians to take on this role. Ratu Epeli has served Fiji. I respect him. But I believe it is time for new leaders to emerge. If Ratu Epeli, who is well in his moonlight years, can come out of retirement to public life, then why do public servants have to retire at 55? Where is the logic in that? I hope Ratu Epeli’s legacy will be one of humility. KELVIN ANTHONY Melbourne, Australia

New bus company

I BELIEVE it is time for Government to start its own bus company. With the bus companies demanding for an increase in fares, this is the only other alternative. I believe people are tired of the mistreatment from all these inhumane bus companies. I believe people get ripped off as far as fares are concerned, passengers (including children) get injured from the drivers’ dangerous driving and we are aware of other incidents. It’s time for a brand new company to take over and put the peoples’ interests and safety at heart. Who will rise? JOAN MCGOON Martintar, Nadi

Parliamentary sessions

IN November of 2018, both sides of the House agreed to increase parliamentary sessions from 30 days to 45 days, an extra 15 days, or in monetary terms an extra $5250 per member ($350 per day). I believe they also get $30 per meal and travel allowances. At least we know there is one thing they will always all agree on! The above costs, which is provided for by the hard-working taxpayers, is just the base parliamentary sitting costs. Five-day sessions will be held every month except for January, October and November. During the 30 days for the 2017-2018 sessions, most of which I watched online, I found a lot of time wasted. With the extra 15 days, let’s hope they can make it more efficient and productive, because they sure couldn’t with 30 days! It’ll be interesting to watch! SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu

Alarming expenditure

OUR President His Excellency Jioji Konrote announced during his opening address in Suva last week that the Government spent more than $400 million a year to combat and care for the health expenses for those with diabetes or NCDs. It is alarming expenditure for a small nation such as Fiji in comparison with our economy. What a mess this is, where in itself is a national disaster the alarming amputation of those with the sickness. I believe it is an added burden to the unproductive rate of the many sick Fijians and this a total disgrace to the Fijian people’s lifestyle. TUKAI LAGONILAKEBA Namaka, Nadi

World Radio Day

FEBRUARY 13 is World Radio Day, which celebrates the use of radio as a way of educating people, providing information, and promoting freedom of expression across cultures. Each year the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrates World Radio Day by planning activities with broadcasters, organisations and communities around the world. Radio transformed print media, news, sports, politics, music, home entertainment, education and even the driving experience, and would in turn have to reinvent itself with the advent of TV, satellite, internet and mobile phones. Despite being over 100 years old, the radio is one of the most popular ways to exchange information, provide social interchange, and educate people all over the world. It has been used to help people, including youth, to engage in discussions on topics that affect them. It can save lives during natural or human-made disasters, and it gives journalists a platform to report facts and tell their stories. The first World Radio Day was officially celebrated in 2012. I quote “Radio gives birth to a million images in a million brains,” — Peggy Noonan. Happy reading — or, happy listening! Vinaka. NEELZ SINGH Lami

Brave effort

AS a soccer lover, I find the results from last week’s VPL matches very interesting specially the Tavua and Nasinu game. Ask Rewa and Labasa how they felt being on the receiving end. To the Nasinu and Tavua fans, please celebrate the victory while you can. I believe this happens through your unshaken support and prayers. Both the winners deserve commendation for scoring not just one goal but a double and also keeping their defence tight untill the last whistle. I am sure FFA would take note and feel happy too because such results attract more fans to the grounds. Not only that, it also goes to show how serious our people are in the development of the sport in the country. I always admire the courage of the small districts with little resources doing so much for the game of soccer as we see here. Please keep the momentum going and stay united and focused as witnessed. Three cheers to Nasinu and Tavua. Vinaka. SURESH CHAND Nadi

Trip for 2 to HK

AS part of their 150th anniversary, The Fiji Times will reward two loyal readers with a chance to win a trip to cheer on our warriors at the So Kon Po stadium in Happy Valley. Now that’s a jackpot for 7s lovers as I believe that it’s the dream of any 7s fan to watch 7s rugby live from the stands at So Kon Po and boy, I’d love to be part of this dream and promotion. Anyways, thanks to our number one newspaper, two lucky readers will get an opportunity to be part of the glamour and sporting festival in HK. Thumbs up to The Fiji Times for this wonderful initiative! 150 years and going strong — wananavu! The Fiji Times rocks. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Valentine’s Day

FEBRUARY 14th or Valentine’s Day is when people exchange cards, candy or flowers with their special “valentine” or even going out for dinner etc. As for my mate Cameron and his new love, it will be an evening of a candlelight mix. He will sing sweet songs to her like the heaven sweet melodies of the skies and ripple pool of the sea. Only to pause and whisper, “Taki babe.” WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka

e-Transport

A DISADVANTAGE of the e-Transport system surfaces when buses develop mechanical problems before passengers reach their destinations. The passengers either have to wait for the next bus of the same company and be late or fork out extra to catch an alternative transport. Under the current system, drivers do not have any means of reimbursing fares already deducted. With the discussions on bus fares, this dilemma encountered by passengers should also be brought into the fold. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka

Thank you

TRAVEL to Levuka is just getting better. We have Northern Air and Patterson Brothers who have been good service providers. Now we have a barge St Mary, owner Ben Naidu. Like the people of Naova usually say — Naova ke. Thank you to all of you service providers. ILIESA BARAVILALA Natabua Housing, Lautoka

Pay issues

I BELIEVE under the Employment Act, two workers performing the same task should receive same rates of pay. How does the Ministry of Education justify paying teachers different rates when teaching the same subjects. DAN URAI Lautoka

Ready to serve

AS I congratulate Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on his new appointment, I am positive that he will fulfil his promise to the nation and that he will carry out his duties to the best of his abilities. I agree with our “down-to-earth gentleman” that he has humongous shoes to fill with the challenges that lie ahead! Best wishes Sir! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Rising star

I READ with interest the article entitled Broncos pluck Fijian rising star (FT 12/02/19) and then followed up with a YouTube search. Ilikena Vudogo is a player to watch. At such a young age he displays remarkable talent in breaking tackles and penetrating defensive line. Even when tackled, he is not an easy man to bring down. He spots gaps in the defensive line, taking off at top speed and offloading to supporting players once the defence is distracted. If he maintains his focus and discipline, we are likely to observe another star in the not too distant future. FLOYD ROBINSON Toorak, Suva

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