Changing the mind-set in Fiji soccer
I salute the editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for the robust and thoughtful editorial titled ‘Changing the mind-set in Fiji soccer’ (FT: 17/08). There have been deep discussions on the print and social media on Fiji’s performance in football compared to rugby. While rugby (at national and school level) is growing in status and popularity, football is taking a nosedive. The Deans competition attracts more crowd than a football tournament. The primary and secondary schools IDC competitions have lost touch and it’s just like completing a formality. Club football is on the verge of dying out as districts are relying on players from ‘outside’ the district. Gone are the days when district pride was at the heart of players and officials. Our ranking is going down. Emphasis is given to tournaments more than the league. Teams, which we used to beat in the ’80s and ’90s, no longer fear us. Football has died in districts like Levuka, Vatukoula and Nalawa. Levuka was a force to reckon with in the senior grade, having won numerous IDC titles. I echo Fred’s sentiments, “Now we ask the governing Fiji FA the important question of what is happening to our soccer? Where are we headed as a soccer-loving nation?” Fiji FA must have the will to make changes for the betterment of the sport. There must be a change in mind-set. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Vulagi issue
There is a vast difference in what the Prime Minister mentioned and how some have interpreted it. A Facebook writer started it, now politicians are jumping on it. A citizen of this country remains a citizen unless they assume they are not. It has nothing to do with the honourable PM’s statement. Dan Urai Lautoka
To forgive or not?
He continues to harp about two coups which he termed racist, which is mischievous because any coup does not benefit the citizens of any country. So I believe this simply means that Mahendra Chaudhry has not forgiven the perpetrators of the coups and hence the rant about the coups will continue. I believe he has locked himself tight inside the ‘unforgiven box’ so to speak and the only way out for him is to forgive which he will not dare do and the last sentence of his latest letter to the editor sums it up well in a very sarcastic manner — ‘isn’t it time Mr Rabuka for yet another apology?’ When you forgive someone, you will forgive and forget his misdeed but you, if you do not forgive then the rot and self pity and self righteousness and pride will continue for everyone to see. The only way out for him is to forgive and forget, and I believe that’s quite a tall order. Waisea Navuruvuru Nasoso, Nadi Airport
Fiji Airways
Congratulations to Fiji Airways for acquiring Fiji’s latest state-of-the-art “bird in the sky”, the A350-900. CEO, Andre Viljoen has also confirmed that the aircraft, christened as the “Island of Beqa” will also embark on and service new destinations including flights to a few cities in China. With India, priding itself on being the world’s third largest technological and scientific industry and sharing a close and multifaceted bilateral relation with Fiji, what’s forbidding Fiji Airways from flying non-stop to some of the major Indian cities as well? Is there a justifiable reason why our local airline is not directly servicing a nation which contently asserts to be the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy? Mr Viljoen? Nishant Singh Lautoka
On the street
The increasing number of street kids and touters in Nadi and Suva is making life miserable for shoppers and the public. Their targeted areas are near cinemas, ATMs, the bus stand and other busy areas. I have seen police officers chasing them away but to no avail. Together we can put an end to the sorry state of affairs by saying no to beggars and street kids; this will make them go back to school. I understand it’s the duty of enforcement officers to look into this matter. They even try to molest or discriminate females who pass them. I had a gaming shop in Suva some 10 years ago, where I had banned street kids. I think businesses in Nadi and Suva should do the same. As for touters. They are becoming bread and butter for business people because they are bringing in customers, but I would tell all businesses that it’s short term glory. One day you will be caught. Can the Nadi Town Council, the Suva City Council, the Suva Retailers Association, the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and the Fiji Police Force look into this please? It’s urgent please. Social Welfare should be involved through programs to look after the affairs of street kids, beggars and touters. Vineel Nand Perth, Australia
Women’s soccer
The Matildas made history on Wednesday night with nearly 11.15 million Australians watching the semifinal against the old foe, England. It was the highest rating program creating a record on Australian TV. That the Poms were in a class of their own was no surprise. And they deserve their clinically driven victory. But Australia put up a sterling effort in their quest to win their first World Cup. Yet despite their loss they’ve won hearts all across this vast Southland. AFL, the two rugby codes including cricket have always taken centre stage. But this sports crazy country has added soccer to that list, all thanks to the Matildas. What an inspiration they’ve been both on and off the pitch. And hopefully, we’ll get to hear their stories soon. Looking forward to watching the amazing Spanish Armada against the Lionesses. It will be a thrilling final finish to what’s been a stunning display of fantastic football. COLIN DEOKI Australia
Fiji FA arrogance
Jagen Prasad articulates what many Fiji soccer lovers feel when he says “unfortunately there is no one who can question the affairs of Fiji FA and the people running it” (FT 17/8). Actually many critics have been doing that out of concern for the state of soccer in the country for a long time. And that includes The Fiji Times editorials, past and present (FT 17/8). But Fiji FA officials have ignored the critics and the criticism as a minor irritation. When you rub shoulders with the big shots in FIFA and with local politicians and have them on side, it is not hard to dismiss critics. The upshot of that is the rotten state of soccer in the country and our world ranking at 169. When will things change on the soccer front in Fiji? That’s a very pertinent question raised by the current The Fiji Times editorial. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Soccer concern
There were five letters to the editor in yesterday’s edition of The Fiji Times, along with your editorial expressing concern about the state of soccer in Fiji. Over time, many others have used this platform to voice their opinions on soccer in Fiji. These frustrations and concerns stem from people’s genuine love for the sport. They feel disheartened observing that the quality of Fiji soccer is not showing any signs of improvement. Regrettably, it appears that these expressions of concern are falling on deaf years. It’s business as usual at Fiji Football Association. SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Reading habit
The permanent Secretary for the Education Ministry, Selina Kuruleca, speaking at the Pacific Community Regional Educational Summit recently, touched on a very sensitive subject of non-readers in our school system. Teachers and parents have known about this issue for a long time. But never closely examined it. Reading skills are absolutely essential if a child has to progress in his/her academic career. And reading habits cannot be acquired just over night. It is a long term process starting in homes. Homes where parents are educated and have systematically created a culture of reading. Homes which have established reading time for all members of the family. Mothers spend time with toddlers and books, fathers who read newspapers and relate stories to their children, help them to spend money to buy books and establish home libraries, get their children to keep a record of reading and making friends with new words and motivate them with little gifts. Once the habit is formed it becomes addictive. Such children enjoy the pleasures of reading. These days the communications technology has invaded every home and children are seen playing around with their mobile phones. In this way their speaking and reading skills are affected. Parents are happy to see their darlings busy with phones. Thus less problematic in homes. This is a negative attitude and parents must desist from this. I totally agree that non-readers must be identified in pre-schools and primary schools. They must be given special attention to ensure that they catch up with others in the class. This could be tedious but special classes must be organised for the non-readers. Parents, guardians and teachers have a very crucial role to play. We cannot leave this to the church and the community at large. The sooner we realise that non-reading is a serious issue in our education system, the better it will be for all concerned. Literacy and numeracy must be pursued vigorously. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Change of time
At one stage they were feared administrators. Today just a bunch of Facebook jokes. Dan Urai Lautoka
Stop racism
Racism and hatred in our beautiful island must stop, end of topic and no more discussion. Anyway, bula, salaam, namaste, konichiwa and jai shree Ram. If not, we as usual say bula boso, bula bhaini et cetera. Love yourself and everyone and you will see the difference. Vineel Nand Perth, Australia Borrowing money The Government’s plan to borrow $1.1 billion for year 2023-24 means the country is not doing too well. So do we expect another VAT increase next year and subsequent fuel price hikes? Sukha Singh Labasa
Final farewell
Why can’t we all get together and sing isa, isa, vulagi lasa dina… for the vulagi matter and that should be it? A final farewell song followed by a grand focal welcome (without garlands and cakes) for daily issues like cost of living. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
That speech
Our PM Rabuka made an excellent speech during the iTaukei cere welcoming ceremony at the Fiji Airways Hangar on Tuesday and he paid tribute to all employees and their CEO and managing director for their professionalism and hard work. People were very surprised that he made special mention of his involvement with senior Captain Sarasau some 30 years ago which resulted in the success of the airline and the delivery of the latest A350-900 addition to our fleet. Wow, no credit to the Bainimarama government for all the hard work and professional planning put into Fiji Airways and the decision to phase out the old Boeing 747 and to go with the latest Airbus? But PM Rabuka was never seen to be part of that team from 16 years ago. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Mere Samisoni
A legend in one’s own life time, she will be sorely missed. She epitomised the complete package in a woman; resilient, strength and courage were her traits. Yes, she’s the founder of the acclaimed Hot Bread Kitchen aka HBK. Mere Samisoni, rest with all our love. Moce mada! Alipate Tuberi Suva
Western front
How come the farmers champion Mr Chaudhry is so quiet about the performance of our two sugar mills in the Western Division? Frequent mill breakdown affects farmers and truck drivers. What happened Mr Chaudhry how come you so quiet about the sugar mills, but you are always attacking our Deputy Prime Minister? Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
