Lions Test
I echo the sentiments shared by outgoing Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui that a Fiji versus British and Irish Lions Test would satisfy a huge appetite. On their way home, in August 1977, the Lions stopped off to play Fiji for the first time. The Fijians won 25-21 under the scorching hot sun. In front of passionate Fijians, the Lions battled Fiji in a huge upset. Phil Bennett, Andy Irvine, Ian McGeechan, Bill Beaumont, and Willie Duggan were part of the Lions side. Former rugby commentator Keith Quinn shared his account of the match with these lines, “It was a truly colourful sight. Waving coconut palms and the Pacific Ocean marked the backdrop, and the playing pitch was as hard as a rock. Fiji ran the ball at every opportunity and deserved their win. They scored five tries – some of them thrilling, containing excellent authority in their execution. Vuata Narisia, the flanker, took a pass from his captain, Pio Bosco Tikoisuva, and dived like an Olympic swimmer off the blocks for the winning try. The noise was deafening and the clamour and rapturous cheer boosted the hosts. The score enabled Fiji to score its first-ever win over a major touring team.” The Lions have never returned, but for fans, the memory of the occasion will linger. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Overseas travel
A LOT of concern has been raised by the public over travel by the Prime Minister and deputies all at the same time. Basically no one of any authority is running the country. Our Prime Minister now states that all can be away at the same time but it will now be monitored and ministers should look, if someone else can be sent on their behalf. Obviously, implying someone of some authority should be present and running the country from day to day. Also he thought, without confirming, that the deputy PM would be back by the time he travels, which shows a complete lack of governance and leadership displayed by him and this cocktail party government. The Prime Minister approves or disapproves of this travel but it seems our honourable leader has just been signing off on any one wishing to travel, never present himself to approve these travels. When is the next cocktail party at GPH? Will our ministers be here for this or are they overseas? William Gardiner Balawa St, Lautoka
Fuel cost
Fuel cost is now rising every month and this can be attributed mainly to the war in Middle East. With rising fuel cost we can now expect general price increase in all commodities including supermarket, pharmacy and hardware. Even the bus companies, taxis and EFL will put their bid to increase their tariffs to cushion the rise in fuel costs. The rise in fuel costs is affecting all walks of life and it’s time for Government to seriously consider removing 20c per litre duty and remove VAT on fuel. Removing duty and VAT will reduce fuel costs by around 50c and on average it will cost around $2.50 per litre which is a sustainable level for daily consumers. The focus should shift to mitigating rising fuel costs similarly like Government cushioning sugar industry prices. The Government should set fuel costs ceiling at $2.50 and as soon as costs go beyond $2.50 duty and VAT reduction should automatically kick in. Rajnesh Kumar Nadi
Scam alert
The Consumer Council of Fiji has issued a warning about an impersonation scam taking place through Viber. I urge the public to pay close attention to this alert and treat it seriously. The memories of the recent Ebay shop scam are still fresh in our minds, where many people lost substantial amounts of money and some even lost their entire life savings. Please exercise caution and avoid becoming a victim of this new Viber scam. Your hard-earned money should be used for your benefit and not be enjoyed by some scammers. Think twice before sending any money to anyone. SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Senior citizens
Ba senior citizen home visited by the Assistant Minister Sashi Kiran echoes caring and inspiring messages on celebrating Navratri with blessing and treats for them (FT 29/10). It’s heartening to note that this is being celebrated, interacting with youths. Both are well blessed. It indicates they are not forgotten as they have played their roles at different stages in their lives. Caring for our seniors is our shared responsibility. They worked before us to make it possible for what we all are today. They are old enough to retire, but young enough to enjoy life. We all are well blessed by taking care of our elderly. They have silver in their hair, and gold in their heart. “We must all work together to build a better world for our children and start with caring for elders.” – Nelson Mandela. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Innocent civilians
Are people so concerned about the Israel and Hamas conflict because the number of Palestinian innocent civilians killed ? How about the millions of Afghani, Iraqi, Syrinian and Ukrainian innocent civilians killed or displaced? All human life, from the moment of conception and through all subsequent stages, is sacred. Human life is created in the image and likeness of God. Nothing surpasses the greatness or dignity of a human person. WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Touch of history
It is said that history repeats itself; I can see the signs in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. During World War II, the Allied forces were initially shocked by the intensity of Nazi bombing. Britain originally announced that it was not taking part in bombing of non-military targets, no matter how crude Nazi Germany became while waging the war. The pledge was not upheld and honoured at the culmination of the war. The Allied forces, Britain being a part, changed their war tactic because Germans remained odious in bombing. So, the Allied forces carpet bombed Dresden in 1945 killing approximately 100,000 people most of them were refugees according to John Stott the author of the book “Issues Facing Christians Today”. What I glean from history is; any attempt to wage a just war is good in theory only. Sachida Nath Nadi
Serious repercussions
I genuinely believe that Fiji’s vote against the ceasefire at the United Nations may lead to serious repercussions in the short-term and long-term future. Out of all the UN countries, only 14 voted against truce, which included Fiji, Tonga, PNG, Nauru and Marshall Islands to name a few. Due to this vote, I believe Fiji has lost a lot of popularity and possible visitors as it implies our Government’s standing regarding war and mass destruction against civilians in Gaza, including women and children. People from across the world are showing hatred and disrespect due to this political stance. A video I watched on TikTok claimed some people would stop buying Fiji Water as a result of the vote. Many others suggested they would never visit our country again as it does not represent the best interest of the people. I sincerely hope there are no major economic issues that we face due to this vote, however, by the looks of it, the decision has not been supported widely by the people of Fiji, nor globally. Whether one stands with Israel or with Palestine, it’s their choice, however, what is necessary right now is to end the war and save innocent people from being killed! Raynav Chand Nakasi
For the common good
Allow me to respond to the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali regarding her questioning the police decision to deny the pro-Palestine march. Mrs Ali has questioned whether the decision to deny the march was because of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s pro-Israel stance. (FT 2/11/23) She further said that: “This is a violation of people’s right to freedom of expression, assembly, and participation.” I hope Ms Ali read The Fiji Times (01/11/23) on the Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua’s justification of why the march application was denied. Not all citizens of Fiji are pro-Palestinian, therefore, there is a great possibility of bringing the conflicts of others to make conflicts among ourselves. That is what colonisers do. Sometimes it is not all about human rights and freedom of expression that matters, but the common good. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Make peace
THE fate of the innocent Palestinian civilians is at stake, something that the Hamas group I believe did not take into consideration before launching a deadly attack on their nemesis. Carrying out their attacks on a sovereign land without regard to the consequences that has followed, sacrificing civilian lives for the sake of terror is wrong. We can only hope that they can make peace for the sake of humanitarian needs. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Child assistance
For household income of less than $50,000 a child can get $200 for school assistance. To live comfortably in a town or city, a family needs at least an income of $50,000. Could there be a reduction in town and city rates also Mr Finance Minister? Sukha Singh Labasa
Selective quotes
I have seen a lot of quotes from the Holy Book in respect of the present Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In all their passion for the cause of the chosen people, all of them forgot to quote: “Thou shalt not kill”. Very selective and very convenient to make quotes just to suit one’s agenda. The people of Fiji are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney NSW, Australia
Political circus
I wonder if the Fiji military commander takes any notice of Nishant Singh’s impotent rage over his “meddling” in the Coalition Government’s decision making? (FT 2/11). I guess the commander has bigger fish to fry! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Protest march
Lack of democracy and human rights is of concern to many people in this world. I hope ILO will sponsor FTUC and other human rights activists in Fiji organise a protest march against China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Iran and other countries which practise “no democracy” or “lack of human rights”. This will greatly assist in authenticating their legitimacy as human rights champions. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Thank you
I’M a regular customer to The Indian Thali Restaurant and on Wednesday, I experienced something different. Their service before I entered the restaurant had the security guard greeting me and after buying my takeaway the guard guided me and my wife safely to our vehicle where it was parked outside. I asked the guard his name and which company he worked for. He said his name was Kelevi Vatubuli from Kadavu and he worked for Smart Efficient Security Services. Thank you for your hospitality. Navneet Ram (TD) Lautoka
Military interest
I think the military has shown more interest in what the current government is doing when compared to while the previous government was in place. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Govt stance
Whether marching for humanitarian purposes, Israel, Hamas or women’s security, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has made his decision for the bigger interest of the nation and the safety of all Fijians. People do get things wrong and some things can easily happen, but can Shamima Ali stop these ugly scenes if they happen? Our Coalition Government has made its stance known and it’s none of Shamima’s business. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
