Nine from the 2019 RWC
Very interestingly only nine players from the 2019 Rugby World Cup have been retained for the 2023 Rugby World Cup with the pendulum shifting and focus is on the in form Super Rugby Drua players taking centre stage. Five forwards and four backs are experienced players from the last World Cup namely Mawi, Ravai, Matavesi, Botia, Mata, Lomani, Radradra, Tuisova and Nayacalevu who will lead the charge in France. The Flying Fijians could be one with the least number of players from the last World Cup assembling to battle in 2023. This shows the shift in Fiji rugby from the traditional selection of overseas-based players to now home grown and talented Super Rugby Drua franchise players to fight the battle. Toso Drua toso! Viti SHALWYN PRASAD, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Mobile phones
Spare the rod, spoil the child, is the way of the past to discipline children, as it was continued from home by parents to teachers in schools. In the modern world, with the latest of technologies, I believe banning the mobile phone will not improve the child’s education in this fast world. Use appropriate tools where they are needed most. There is no rule in emergencies to communicate with mobile phones. They have a place in schools, do not ban them. Common sense prevails. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Not a dumping ground
Koya: PM has completely gone against Parliament in support of Japan (FT 9/8). If The Fiji Times report on Fiji First MP Koya’s criticism of PM Rabuka’s support for nuclear waste water dumping in the Pacific Ocean by Japan is correct (and I have no reason to doubt it is) then that support on PM Rabuka’s part is perverse given that the Parliament had objected to the dumping plan. It is good to see the democratic space provided by the media in Fiji for ordinary citizens, civil society, Opposition politicians and others to openly criticise PM Rabuka’s stance on Japan’s nuclear waste dumping in the Pacific Ocean.Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Domo Vou Talei competition
The original song competition Domo Vou Talei, which unearthed Fiji’s popular music artists last year, has returned. Last year, The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley presented the prize to the joint winners of the competition Peni Roqara and the V5 members during the Uprising Music Festival. In a bid to unearth natural musical talent, the Australian High Commission started the competition last year. Inspired by Australian radio station Triple J Unearthed competition, organisers aimed to bring talents up on stage. Surprisingly, within three weeks since opening the entry, the organisers received 130 original songs, and then the judges trimmed it down to the final 10 contestants. Undiscovered artists like Juben and Jay Tauleka have become household names. I encourage artists to take part in the competition as their song could win them lucrative cash prizes. Last year’s co-winners, the V5, has also urged aspiring singers and song writers to take part. I thank the Australian High Commission and its partners The Fiji Times, Westpac, Communications Fiji Ltd and Kaila! for the great initiative! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Women and children
The number of indigenous iTaukei do not reach the count of exactly 500,000 according to the Bureau of Statistics and it has been like that for some time now. As we celebrate International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, I would like to pose a question to our Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, our Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on why can’t our unmarried iTaukei women register or list their own children born out of wedlock or father-less under their own tokatoka and mataqali for that matter? The iTaukei mothers are already listed in their own VKB as bona-fide members so what is the fuss if they don’t want them registered under the man or father’s VKB? I believe it’s a woman’s right or her Constitutional right to choose what she prefers as you cannot force her against her will. I believe that’s a great discrimination and is against our Constitution, but my concern is what is the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement doing about this including those two marama iTaukei parliamentarians in honourable Lynda Tabuya and honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua both from Kadavu, who are always championing women’s rights? In the eyes of the Lord Jehovah we are all equal, men and women, so please PM Rabuka, can you review and amend this piece of outdated discriminating legislation? TUKAI LAGONILAKEBA
Nadi
Road markings
I salute The Fiji Times for its timely editorial comment regarding road safety and road markings. In fact, FRA has totally failed to provide the citizens of this country the quality of services they deserve. Roads and road markings are not just simple matters that can be compromised but a necessity to enable us drivers to navigate our way safely in line with where we are driving and our vehicle positioning on our roads. It is understood that we have a high quantity of negligent drivers on our roads but the features mentioned above adds to the fatality on our roads. Fatal not only for lives but lives of vehicles as well. With the high amount of paisa utilised up until now, the return on investment is yet to be seen. Performance management of our road management team is definitely evidenced by the outcomes evident on our roads. Can we have people who can deliver outcomes strategically within the confines of the issues and challenges? It is high time that we say no where we have to. We have a set of listening administrators in our country who will listen to our cries. Let’s get our acts together and reject the performance of our FRA. Next in line will be the issuance of driving licences to new drivers which shall be the subject of such discussion later on. I fully concur with the editorial comment (FT 10/08) and hope such dilemmas are worked upon and quality becomes a priority for our FRA at any cost. Dhirendra Prasad Lautoka
Let’s walk the talk!
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is excited to work with the Government and Fiji FA to take the sport to greater heights and make Fiji the hub of football in the region. Fiji FA was founded in 1938 and became a member of FIFA in 1963 and funding into the millions have been pumped in for infrastructure building and promoting the game in all categories. I totally disagree with Infantino’s stern warning to rugby administrators and fans that football could soon takeover as the number one sport in the country. Football will never come close to achieving the feats of 7s and 15s rugby. Just try and qualify for the World Cup for the national Futsal (5 aside code) and make the Bula Boys (11 aside) represent Fiji on the world stage. To the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, your frustration on Fiji men’s 169th world ranking will fall on deaf years despite the massive amount of money poured in by FIFA and government support. Fiji FA for donkey’s years will keep harping about the various development programs and as of late the focus on youth development from under-9 to 11, nothing new. Unfortunately, Government has no say in the affairs of Fiji FA, even to change the King Pele Fitness Centre name to Great Augustine Thoman Centre for instance. What has the late Pele got to do with Fijian football? Shariff Shah of Savusavu is asking why there is no national team for senior division men and women (FT 7/8). Mr Shah, the reality is that the majority of senior and premier division officials keep voting in the same set of officials or make them go in unopposed during election time. As a passionate sports lover, I tried my luck to contest as a VP in 2013 with a host of top notch candidates under Wheels of Change. We all got the drop kick by the vast majority of district delegates. Two votes per district affiliated to Fiji FA. Vijay Narayan of fijivillage, how about you invite me as a former LFA president and current Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel to your Straight Talk program? I will definitely walk the talk with regards to Fijian football and more on why Fiji FA is mainly focused on domestic tournaments. Raymond Singh Golf Links, Lautoka
Nothing fancy
After my letter the other day, yesterday at 2.10pm, Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumusa just walked past us at the Labasa Market with only the administrator and a few officers of Labasa. Nothing fancy, no bodyguards, relaxed and without any hassle. Floreat Viti. Jioji O Toronibau Labasa
Money maker
AT times the TLTB seem to paint themselves as an investor and money-making institution rather than a custodian institution for indigenous land. AREKI DAWAI Suva
New varieties
I hear the natural favourite of many may undergo a flavour makeover. Although not in the same range, kava lovers have been at it for years. From sugar, peanut butter, lollypops, water, soft drinks, fruits to food. You just have to name it. As much as the chasers appeal, they are sometimes not enough to stop the “reverse gear” effect. In and out from the same place. This time with a different type of mix. With this proposed flavour makeover, shall we expect new varieties on the packaging too? Like Chambeni, Pura Mateni, No Hangover, Daylight and instead of baby mix, Chhota Don. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Fiji soccer
There was a time when soccer was a religion in this country. Players were worshipped! Those that wore the white jumper were like gods to many. Sadly now the same sport is something to “pass time”. And the players are not so godly. Most only play for beer. Our ranking speaks volumes and it’s loud and clear. I wonder what else our very good Minister for Sports is waiting for? Sir we the soccer loving public of Fiji are waiting for you now. You got our votes for next election and that’s for sure. If you do, the impossible may be possible! A SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu
Nuclear waste
There must be some very good reason why the nuclear waste water is being dumped in the Pacific Ocean. This water will eventually mix with all the ocean water the world over. They could have put this water in some desert or evaporate it. They say it is safe! Sukha Singh Labasa
