Games champions!
I am not sure about whether our Government has something planned out to award our two Commonwealth Games champions. Ovalau’s very own, not only Commonwealth Game’s weightlifting gold medallist but Commonwealth Game’s record holder, Dan Rainibogi, and our Commonwealth Game’s boxing bronze medallist, Jasmine Daunakamakama, should be rewarded accordingly for their magnificent achievements. They certainly deserve financial rewards for shedding blood, sweat and tears, in not only bringing glory to Fiji but marketing Fiji to the world. I am looking forward to our Government, our Fiji Airways and our Fiji Tourism, rewarding our Commonwealth Games champions. And another kerekere too, can all Government ministers, including all other MPs, “put in” $500 each from their hefty salaries, to top-up the financial rewards? As we say in Naova, “au yali ni kaya vaka ca, au kaya lo lia”. Emeni. ANTHONY SAHAI Levuka, Ovalau
Sugar portfolio
Jone Usamate has questioned the return of Charan Jeath Singh as Sugar Minister (FT 11/8/26). His good intentions are for 200,000 people, but are they genuine? Was the uttered statement politically subjective or objective? Has the sugar industry been revived constructively, without political interference? Which government within the past 30 years has done it? In fact, it has been so deeply entangled politically, that it is what it is, in my view. Sugar, I believe, was one time Fiji’s top revenue earner for the government, prior to tourism. After being “encroached” with politically weaponised administrative leadership, I am certain, the entire industry began to slowly erode, as a result, today. And I believe, no matter who is designated, until politically-driven ambitions within its mechanisms are uprooted, the structural “fragmentation” will continue as it is. “Injustice anywhere, is the threat to justice everywhere” — Dr ML King. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
People decide
When asked whether he believed he had the capabilities to lead the People’s Alliance Party (which is currently led by PM Rabuka ), newly-reinstated Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica offered a brilliant response. He said: “I’ll leave that for the country and the people to decide.” (FT 10/8/26). That is the quintessential of democratic rule. The people decide at an election who should govern and who should lead the country. Rogue rulers try to circumvent that. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Paper cups
Our health is affected in many subtle ways that often go unnoticed. A good example is the use of paper cups for serving hot beverages. Health professionals advise paper cups with a polylactic acid derived from cane sugar as the inner cup lining is safe. Otherwise, we are unwittingly consuming toxic micro plastics seeped from the cups into the steaming beverages. This is according to the peer-reviewed Environmental Research Journal (Volume 215, part 3). I do notice that some paper cups are labelled as “made from responsibly sourced paper”. That is only a secondary assurance from the manufacturer. We can mitigate the issue by drinking from a ceramic mug or a glass. Sachida Nath Nadi
Unscrupulously innovative
While almost everyone’s eyes are fixated on the next general election and the related evolving soap operas, supermarkets seem to have seized the opportunity presented by the situation of lack of attention from the watchdogs and have quietly increased their prices. This is called smart business. Unscrupulously innovative though. Plenty ways of getting rich these days. A relative asked me last week, “what’s the best business to get into?” I replied in a split second: “Deception, con art, scamming, lying, forgery, soliciting money, online fraud and etcetera”. The relative said: “I think I’m alright with whatever I have”. But after that we spoke at length about the above-mentioned and more types of scams we are subjected to from bad people. I was talking about the supermarkets increasing prices to start off with. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Project Anchor
Project Anchor — which is apparently related to the seven seconds loss of gravity on Wednesday afternoon, August 12 — is in my non-scientific opinion, a supposed existential event that cannot realistically happen and more so a cruel hoax. The only thing that will happen is an unrelated solar eclipse in the Northern Hemisphere. But then again, we here will never know until 2.33am on Thursday, August 13 our time. This good for nothing hoax will either deservedly bite the dust by then, or every person on this planet and their dog — plus literally everything else — undeservedly will! Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Information overdrive
DUE to the upcoming general election, we will be inundated with misinformation in the coming months. Do not be misinformed. Sa levu na lasulasu. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Leading by example
MINISTER for Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya with children from Lagilagi Settlement during the clean-up at Raiwaqa on Saturday. Picture: Fiji Government (FT 11/8/26). The children wore hand gloves to do the dirty work. The minister was not wearing any gloves. It would have been nice for the minister to set a personal example in the community environment clean up. She did, however, have her designer glasses on her head. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Which day?
DAY by day, will the events and problems that President Trump said will be solved on his first day in the job be solved before his last day in the job or left to his successor? The lack of actual progress with his Iran war suggests someone else will have to solve it. Dennis Fitzgerald Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
Pensioners and justice
THE Fiji Times news on “legal challenges by Prof Vijay Naidu” (FT 4/8) will hopefully bring some relief for the remaining pensioners as they get their well-deserved dues. Living on hopes and dreams is impossible to survive in this ever-rising cost of living. Once you chase your hopes anything is possible. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Ra’s historic rise to the semis!
After losing their U-19 rugby league crown to Ratu Kadavulevu Eels, Ra High School was adamant to stun the U18 Deans defending champions. RKS beat Ra High School in a thrilling semi-final clash at Churchill Park, with a hard-fought 28-24 victory. Hence, it did not come as a surprise that Ra High played their hearts out and contained the fast and superior RKS outfit. They gave RKS a taste of their own medicine. The match lived up to its billing as both sides battled each other in a fast-paced and physical encounter. RKS played with confidence, while Ra High remained composed under pressure. When both teams went to the break locked at 5-all, the underdogs could smell an upset. RKS started the second half strongly, taking a 10-5 lead, but Ra High scored a converted try. This gave them the much-needed morale boost as their structured tactical approach and the ability to take control by applying sustained pressure disrupted the opposition’s attacking rhythm and flair and the warriors from Lodoni found it hard to break through the opposition defence. As I read John Tabore’s sports piece (11/08), I was touched by the enormous support that is growing for Ra High. They’ll play in the West against the Lions from Suva Grammar. I won’t be surprised that the Ra province will unite to cheer them on, hoping for another upset. Toso Ra High! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
It is my money
Australia contributes so much to Fiji almost every month to prop up this government. The oblivious people of Fiji do not realise how much money Australia gives to this government under different guises and where the money ends up. Much of it ends up in waste just like the garbage strewn all over Fiji. Paying a bloated Cabinet and unnecessary ministers and assistance ministers and their hangers-on is a total waste of money. Paying these ministers to buy their vote in parliament is undemocratic and a travesty of justice all while the people of Fiji suffer. But who am I as a vulagi living overseas complaining about this? Well it is my bloody money! Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
