Letters to the Editor – February 15, 2019

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Josese Ravu, 77, and his wife Unaisi Ravu 72 celebrating 52 years of marriage. Picture: JOVESA NAISUA

52 years of endless love

I SALUTE Unaisi and Josese Ravu for their 52 years of endless love and forgiveness and their message to young couples is timely — “listen, respect each other and most importantly communicate”. Furthermore, the couple issued a thought-provoking reminder that “marriage is a lifetime commitment” and this must not fall on deaf ears. Like many other couples, Una and Jo would have celebrated Valentine’s Day on a high, exchanging love and affection. The sentiments shared by Una and Jo were a joy to read. Cheers! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu

Building back better, stronger

THERE was a popular statement that the Government of the day used, especially after the events of Cyclone Winston, which was “Building back better and stronger”. When questions were raised by the public about the delay in rehabilitation works in schools and on bridges, their justification was that they would not want to rush things because they wanted to “build back better and stronger”. When I read the article in The Fiji Times (14/02) titled “QVS rehabilitation to cost $300m”, I questioned what happened to building back better and stronger, for two dormitories were just recently built and now a substantial amount of money is again needed for the rehabilitation work. I have been travelling along the Suva-Navua corridor almost every day for the past five years and the roadworks seemed to be never ending, especially on roads that are upgraded because they do not last long before repair is needed again. What has actually happened to “building back better and stronger?” KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua

Human greed

SHANE Nunan writes, “The biggest problem facing humanity is not climate change, possible extinction of insects, destruction of fish stocks, etc (FT 13/02). It is overpopulation … people are the problem”. I disagree. In his most famous quote Mahatma Gandhi said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not for every man’s greed”. Human greed is the problem. For an elaboration see Indian intellectual Rajni Bakshi’s talk with Oliver Balch in “The relevance of Gandhi in the capitalism debate” (The Guardian 28/01/2013). RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia

Rock solid potatoes

THERE has been a number of occasions when people buy potatoes and get rock solid potatoes for their money. I believe NZ is using Fiji as a dumping ground for such potatoes. If you do your shopping for potatoes, one would be surprised it takes hours to cook bean curry with potato or any other meal with that quality of potatoes. Such is the quality of the potatoes being imported. I wonder where the Consumer Council of Fiji is. I believe they only show up during Christmas and Diwali to penalise supermarkets for selling under quality goods. I believe the Red Pontiac potatoes grown in Sigatoka is much better than this NZ imported ones. I also watched a video where NZ piggery departments feed pigs with such quality potato being imported into Fiji. The consumer watchdogs should test these products for quality once they hit our shores. Gas and kerosene will run out trying to cook potatoes from NZ. Better stick to taro and cassava for now! AMRIT SINGH Naselai Bau Rd, Nausori

Unpatriotic behaviour

PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is absolutely correct in stating that the behaviour of some Opposition members are unpatriotic (FT 14/02). Misinformation and lies by these members are evident on social media and even in Parliament. Even Opposition member and National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad confirmed that “yes”, there is misinformation and lies from both sides of the house (FT 14/02). It is indeed very sad and unfortunate for the nation that the very people it depends on to manage our affairs are engrossed in such unprofessional, unethical behaviour. Such negative attitudes ought to change for the better of the nation and I totally agree with Mr Bainimarama that those who spread misinformation and lies need to be exposed in order to maintain the integrity of those whom we’ve voted into Parliament. Grow up, be professional, and act like adults we thought you were! SIMON HAZELMAN Savusavu

Soccer lesson

IT is a hard pill to swallow for all of us including Lautoka fans, officials and players to lose a match in injury time. When everybody thought Lautoka had sealed the deal, it turned out not to be the case. I am sure this defeat is going to remain in the minds of all Blues fans for quite a long time. What was glamorous from this win for Henderson Eels was the crafty and uncanny skills of Solomon players. How they pushed 50-50 balls on the Lautoka penalty box area and went for the mismatches. Lautoka seemed like they were on sleep mode for some while and could not keep up the pace with the Eels attack. As a result, Lautoka has put themselves in a difficult position to qualify which now largely depends on goal averages. A hard lesson learnt is to play until the last minute. Let’s hope they bounce back from this and restore some lost pride. PRANIL RAM Votualevu, Nadi

OFC qualification

THE loss by Lautoka FC to Henderson Eels has opened up the group in terms of qualification. Lautoka FC, Henderson Eels and Central Sport are in the mix to progress beyond the group stage. This group’s matches have produced a lot of goals. It may come down to goals to separate the progressors if points alone fail to do so. Over the years, there has been a misrepresentation of the acronym GA in the soccer points standing. Even seasoned commentators make this error. GA does not represent goal average but goal against. GF is goal forward and GD is doal difference. GA means goals scored against a team and GF means goals scored by a team. Goal difference is calculated by subtracting the number of goals scored against a team from the number of goals it has scored. The bigger the goal difference, the better. With optimism for the ardent Blues fans, the goals statistics shall favour them to realise their goal of going one better this season. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka

Blues lost focus

LAUTOKA’S loss shocked many. Down 4-1 at one stage, the hosts bounced back to take the lead 5-4, only to surrender it in the dying moments and hand the visitors a well-deserved 6-5 win. 11 goals real deal but the Blues are in danger of losing out a spot in the quarters. The Blues slackened down and made endless mistakes. Their defence was shattered, the players lost focus and these cost them dearly. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Don’t beat around

I REALLY liked what the honourable Speaker said to honourable Pio Tikoduadua, “When you are asking a question, do not try to make a speech” and it reminded me of one scene from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly where the bad guy Tucco (Eli Walach) shoots a guy and tells him “when you want to shoot, shoot, don’t talk”. SUKHA SINGH Labasa

Academy funding

IT was highlighted in Parliament that the proposed Pacific Regional Police Academy is to be funded by the Indonesian government. Looking at how they funded the rehabilitation work of Queen Victoria School after Winston, (now the rehabilitation has to go through another rehabilitation to the tune of $300m) I hope the Fijian Government will think twice about soughting their funds. Even if they do, stringent standards should be met on the establishment of the Pacific Regional Police Academy. SAILOSI NAEWE Nausori

Mud floods

YOUR reports on mud flooding in Draubuta Village caused by the irresponsible actions of some road contractors in the upper Nadroga\Navosa Province (FT 12 \02 ) is to be commended. These are some of the plights of ordinary Fijians in their struggles of everyday life that usually go unreported. That is what we, the reading public of Fiji, want to know — fair and balanced reporting. Unfortunately, the other print media, including our television stations, seem to paint rather glossier pictures daily that all is well in the nation which I believe is definitely not. So keep up the good work The Fiji Times and happy reporting. TANIELA SENIKUTA Tailevu

Council affairs

I AM being told that all is not well with the affairs of my city. I am told that money got stolen, one manager is suspended with full pay, cement sold by workers and a money man with pending court cases have been hired to look after the money at Lautoka City Council. Can the CEO of Lautoka City Council please clarify. I will see you on my return Mr CEO. JOHN BROWN Auckland, New Zealand

Election question

As I entered the Lautoka market I was questioned. Dan was the election free, fair and credible? I merely smiled. Dan Urai Lautoka

 

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