Who is our enemy? JUKI FONG CHEW NADAWA, NASINU FIGHT against drugs, fight against litter, fight against NCD, fight against HIV, fight against cancer, fight against unemployment, fight against domestic violence, fight against excessive liquor consumption, fight against excessive grog consumption, fight against corruption, fight against illegal fishing, fight against gang violence, fight against crime, fight against glue sniffing, fight against illegal sale of liquor, fight against child labour, fight against corporal punishment and the list goes on. Can we win against all these issues or will we continue to fight against different opinions and views? The other ongoing fight is the ongoing legal battle stamping out of the COI. Can we foresee what the future holds for us Fijians with all these enemies? You be the judge.
‘Forget Gaza’ RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA FORGET Gaza. Fix Fiji’s drug crisis – Ro Naulu Mataitini (FT4/2). With all due respect to the Rewa chief fix Fiji’s drug crisis by all means but do not forget Gaza. Just as we must not forget the Holocaust. Our own humanity is defined by not forgetting the plight of the innocent Palestinian people – men, women and children – displaced and homeless, without adequate food, water and medicine and still being killed despite the “ceasefire”. Imagine being in the shoes of the people of Gaza. The least we can do for humanity’s sake is not to forget Gaza even as we face troubles of our own like our deleterious drug crisis.
Sugar versus kava DINESH KUMAR BA WHILE making submissions on the Kava Bill and Kava Policy, a Ra farmer, Timoci Nacola, proposed that kava farmers be accorded the same treatment as canegrowers (FT 04/02). This comparison, however, stretches credibility. Sugar and kava occupy fundamentally different positions as agricultural commodities. Sugar functions as a preservative, a flavour enhancer and a key source of energy, whereas kava is known primarily for its muscle-relaxant, sedative and intoxicating effects. Cane farmers receive grant assistance because the sugar industry has historically formed the backbone of Fiji’s economy. The kava industry, even if generously subsidised, is unlikely to shoulder a similar responsibility in driving national economic stability. This may be an inconvenient truth, but public policy should be grounded in economic substance rather than wishful equivalence. And that is a bitter pill to swallow.
Leadership traits DINESH KUMAR BA HONOURABLE Sitiveni Rabuka bears a contentious legacy as the leader of the 1987 coup, an episode for which he later offered a public apology to Fiji’s Indo-Fijian community upon assuming the office of Prime Minister. More recently, in the event that the appeal in the Malimali suspension case is unsuccessful, he has indicated a willingness to accept responsibility for an erroneous decision and has even contemplated resignation. Such conduct is a rare demonstration of political accountability and personal responsibility; qualities that, regrettably, have been conspicuously absent from the conduct of many previous leaders in Fiji. Leadership, it appears, is not merely about holding office, but about owning one’s decisions, even when doing so is inconvenient.
Bula FC AMINISITAI TORA NADERA, NASINU One of the best way forward for Fiji football is Bula FC. Way to go. Three games played, one draw, one loss and one win. Not too bad. Next is South Melbourne, it’s going to be a tough one. Nevertheless, go Bula FC go.
Missing cocaine AREKI DAWAI SUVA I BELIEVE the most embarrassing and controversial turning moment for the Fiji Police Force under the leadership of Mr Tudravu was when two kilograms of cocaine went missing from the exhibit room at Namaka Police Station on 7/12/2020. Unresolved till today.
Military backing RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA MILITARY backs drug fight with ‘no arms‘ (FT 4/2). That is a very good decision. Look where the former Philippines President Duterte has landed with his ‘war on drugs‘ with the use of arms. He has been arrested and facing charges before the ICC (re: ‘Duterte case’ ICC). And look what has happened in Minneapolis with ICE brutal crackdown using arms.
Attack on leaders EDWARD KUMAR LAUTOKA THERE he goes again attacking our chiefs and church leaders (FT LTE 02/02/26). Jan Nissar’s consistent attacks and belittling of the traditional leaders and men of God will one day come around and bite him. Jan, show some respect and decency.
Time will tell KIRTI PATEL LAUTOKA BETTER not to get carried away by the noise. Time will tell if the PM resigns or not! Some people are thinking the PM resigning will be the end of all troubles in Fiji. Colin Deoki, I fully concur with your thoughts (FT 04/02), however, we live in a dramatic era. As much as possible it’s good to stick to our principles but at times for the better and strong reasons. (I know you got it).
Driving licence VIKEL V LAL MAKOI, NASINU RECENTLY I inquired with a number of Driving Schools in Suva for getting a group 2 licence for automatic vehicle. Prices vary from $500 to $650 and you will get five hours per week for three to four weeks with theory in that period and an appointment will be made to LTA for driving test. That is basically 20 to 25 hours of driving! In Australia some of the busy states need compulsory supervised 120 hours including 20 hours of night driving! So, in Fiji one can get a driving licence in just 20 to 25 hours compared to Australia’s 120 hours and we wonder why there are so many road accidents and contributing to traffic.
Thanks LTA Nadi BERNARD CHANDRA NASOSO, NADI I WISH to commend the LTA in Nadi for giving priority to senior citizens, as the waiting queue can otherwise be very brutal! My experience has been last November at their Jetpoint office where I was attended to by a senior staff member in a private office and today (04/02) at their Waimalika office. Additionally, the staff member who processed my driving licence renewal today, treated me with courtesy and efficiency. It was all done, including issuance of the new driver’s licence, within half an hour. Last year I had to go to Jetpoint a few days later, to get my new driving licence after it was processed at Waimalika! I was also relieved to be told I needed to do a driving test every two years instead of annually, which was a bonus! Of course, as many seniors have pointed out to no avail, asking seniors to do a driving test annually or even two years, is unnecessary if they have a medical certificate and eye test. It is actually quite demeaning for those like me who have driven all over the world. We seniors are mature, safe and experienced drivers. Instead, the LTA should have more stringent control and penalties for P platters who drive with impunity, or those who drive recklessly and endanger innocent lives. Just a small suggestion please for the Waimalika office. When driving from the airport side, the right turn to the side road comes abruptly round a bend. There is a very small sign saying LTA. If it was a little bit smaller, it could fit a sardine can! Hope both sides of this busy road can have a more distinctive sign please, in interests of safety.
Singapore 7s RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI DURING last weekend’s Singapore 7s finals, I watched all the matches from the evening until the midnight final between Fiji and France. Our Fiji 7s team has really lifted its game. Even TV commentators were praising our boys. Jan Nissar’s negative comments have now become nonsense. JN should remember this Hindi idiom that describe such situations — “hathi chale bazaar, kutte bhonke hazaar”. This translates into — when an elephant walks the market, a thousand dogs bark”. This means that when important or talented persons pursue their goals, critics and jealous people will inevitably gossip or criticise, but they should be ignored. One can Google for a detailed explanation of this idiom. JN should remember that “we give as good as we get”. Therefore, bringing out the “victim card” will not help. Between us, there is someone holding yellow and red card.
Rising star SAILOSI NAEWE DILKUSHA RD, NAUSORI THANK you for featuring Nacani Boginisoko in yesterday’s sports column (FT 04/02). I meant to write this earlier after witnessing his exploits on his debut tournament in Singapore. He has explosive speed, is well balanced and a versatile player. Watching him brings back memories of a similar player that shocked the rugby world with his rugby skills and prowess, the legendary Rupeni Caucau. The way Boginisoko glided across the field after breaking through the South African defence in extra time shows only a glimpse of more that is to come from this talented player. Remember the name and definitely one to watch in Perth.
Sacrifice pays off! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU SUCH inspirational lines (FT: 04/02) shared by Nacani Boginisoko as he made his dream debut and winning start for Fiji in Singapore. “For me, the most important thing is balancing my family duties with my dream of representing Fiji. This call is well-deserved after years of commitment, even if it meant putting my family’s needs behind as I chased this sporting dream. This is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering power of my family, my dream, and God’s purpose.” Thank you so much, Waisale Koroiwasa, for sharing Boginisoko’s journey to stardom, after winning his first international 7s tournament on the circuit! Boginisoko’s story is for those who believe in hard work, passion, determination, dedication and commitment. It was heart-touching to read that every day before sunset and again at dawn, the Lautoka Wharf was his workplace — a workplace that shaped the start of his journey, defined by sacrifice and dreams. Boginisoko would call head coach Osea Kolinisau that he could be late for training because he needed to sell fish to earn money for his family. Against South Africa in Singapore, the Naivakarauniniu man from Kadavu scored the try that sealed Fiji’s destiny as the top team in its pool. The way he broke clear brought back days of former 7s players Benito Masilevu and Semi Radradra who had power, speed and precision. He is a skilful player who has a long way to go. Boginisoko has taught readers that sacrifices pay off and one must not lose hope!
