An inspiring Wallabies performance
In November, when the Fiji Water Flying Fijians play France, Ireland and Italy in their away Nations Championship fixtures, they must learn to play like champions, playing until the final whistle. With bated breath, I watched the battle between the Wallabies and Springboks, and what solid battle it was. Even with 11 players on the field, the Wallabies rode proudly and defended their home turf. They played the game of their lives and disrupted the Springboks momentum. Boy, the Wallabies defended like men possessed and played with so much vigour and enthusiasm. They were near-to perfect, making little errors and doing the basics right. I hope to see the fire ignited in our boys as they play three tough matches away from home. The Fiji Rugby Union received more than 30 applications for the position of head coach. I hope the mistake made previously will be rectified. The results achieved under current head coach Senirusi Seruvakula show that in this modern era we need an expatriate who can guide the team past pool play in the 2027 RWC tournament in Australia! Times have changed. We must change our mindset as well. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu.
Parking meters
I wish to express my concern regarding the new parking meters that have recently been installed across our towns and cities. While I understand the intention behind modernising public infrastructure, the replacement of the old, kerbside meters with the new centralised system has caused considerable inconvenience to motorists. Under the previous system, drivers could simply pay the moment they alighted from their vehicles, which was both efficient and user-friendly. The current arrangement, however, requires drivers to walk a considerable distance to locate and operate a single meter that serves an entire block. This is particularly difficult for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those carrying goods or children. Furthermore, a recurring problem is that many of these new meters are frequently out of order. On several occasions, I have found myself unable to pay, not out of unwillingness, but because the only available machine in the vicinity was non-functional. This creates confusion and the unwarranted risk of fines. I respectfully urge the municipal authorities and Lautoka City Council to review this new system. If modernization is necessary, it should enhance convenience, not diminish it. A possible solution would be to either restore the old pay-and-go meters alongside the new ones, or to ensure rigorous maintenance and a higher density of the new machines. Public infrastructure must serve the public first. Yashneel Kumar Paipai, lautoka
Vehicles galore
It appears that a significant number of automobiles, both newly manufactured and pre-owned, are actively driving on our roads. A large portion of these vehicles are brand new, while many others are second-hand models imported under specific regulations. Additionally, the process of vehicle registration is accelerating rapidly. For instance, consider my own car, which was registered with an “OG” designation when I purchased it a year ago. Now, just 19 months later, the registration sequence has moved on to “PE”. This progression highlights the swift pace at which vehicles are being added to our roadways every day. The rapid turnover in registration sequences underscores the sheer volume of cars entering the system, indicating a significant and continuous influx of vehicles into the transportation network. It’s no wonder our roads are overwhelmingly congested. On a lighter note, this also reflects the hard work of our people in reaching such a milestone. Cars have become a necessity rather than a luxury. Suresh Chand Nadi
Value of sovereignty
What has become of Fiji after 55 years of independence? The weight of embracing our sovereignty, can either be only positive or negative, in my view. It took only 30 years, I believe, for Singapore to transform an impoverished fishing settlement, into a metropolis city. Even Israel, from rocky mountainous deserted settlements, into one of the most advanced technological and visited countries in the world. What was Fiji’s downfall? Education, financial, resources, integration, traditional or ignorance? However, when Norway found oil in the North Sea 56 years ago, the leaders then wrote into law that the oil is its sovereign asset. It belongs to the Norweigians, not the government, not the oil company or whoever that is involved. It was legally upheld and protected, before “temptations” could ever enter the political scene, in my opinion. And as such, the government can only utilise the “proceeds interest”, whenever necessary. Today, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund manages $2.2 trillion and it is the largest in the world. Isn’t that something like a dream come true? Sometimes, I wonder whether mass stupidity and the collective wisdom of individual ignorance, were the culprits. The Bible advised whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6: 7 KJV). Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Chance to lead
LGBTQ+ people are part of our communities and should be treated with respect and fairness. They should have the same chance as everyone else to take part in leadership and decision-making. A person’s gender identity or sexual orientation should not stop them from using their skills and ideas to help their community or country. Pacific leaders should create equal opportunities for everyone and make sure all voices are heard. Giving LGBTQ+ people a fair chance to lead can help build communities where people feel respected, included and valued. Shyal Nandani Suva
Why the hurry?
Like Bharat Morris, there are many people asking why the Government is in a hurry to promulgate a new constitution. The Government should think of long-term political stability of the nation, then winning the next election. We are now getting into a habit of changing the goal post. We’ve been doing this since 1987 and we will continue doing this until the cows come home. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
FNPF matter
The Fiji Times LTE writers’ comments on FNPF issues are interesting, as the election is just round the corner. A confused pensioner! Tahir Ali ,Hamilton, New Zealand
Disappointing journey
I know that like me, the Fiji Pearls and netball fans are disappointed that our netters have missed out from securing a spot in next year’s Netball World Cup. Tonga and Samoa claimed the two spots, while the Fiji Pearls finished third and missed out, ending their proud record of 10 Netball World Cup appearances. The sport had taken a nosedive, and it was a matter of time that the Pearls faltered and missed the NWC for the first time since missing out from the 1995 World Championship in Birmingham, England. To Netball Fiji Transition Oversight Committee Chairperson Vasiti Vugakoto, who was a star player in the 90s, and the netters, the setback must be used as a motivation to prepare well for the next qualifiers heading to the 2031 Netball World Cup. Let’s reset, regroup and strategise to beat Tonga and Samoa. Tovolea tale! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Missing money
It is quite alarming to note the rise in cases of fraud, bribery and embezzlement by employees. The most recent incident of $5000 stolen from police custody testifies that either they are taking advantage of inadequate security system in place or they think they can get away with it. Maybe they are overpowered by their greed for easy money. Until now exhibits went missing and now money was also removed. It is not known whether any recovery was made. Will this ever stop? I wonder if there is any check and balance system in place to account for the recoveries of the stolen goods and how they are disposed. Public should be notified of the unclaimed items for the owners to come forward to retrieve them after proper verification. This is what accountability is all about. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Ambulance, saving lives
This is a fact of life! With God’s providence, I have worked in the area between Suva City and Nasinu. Over time, my co-workers and I have noticed something quite unusual. Almost every other week day, around 12.30pm, we would hear the sound of an ambulance siren running through the Kings Rd. Whenever we hear that siren, we are usually at the point of packing away our lunch boxes and getting ready to restart work for the second half of the day. It is kinda like our lunch’s-over siren. It always makes me wonder about the exact timing, the siren and the rush? Why? Who are they? What happened to them? Is it simply a coincidence that the ambulance seems to pass around the same time every day? And why does the timing seem so remarkably consistent? Perhaps there is a story behind every siren that we hear — someone’s emergency, someone’s family waiting anxiously, and someone’s life depending on reaching the hospital in time, before CWMH cafeteria closes, or something else. We hear the siren, then carry on with our day. But for someone else, that moment may be one of the most important moments of their life, at that very particular time, 12.30pm everyday. Life, death, or meal time. That is a fact of life now! Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
What a relief!
Congrats to Sai Prema Sanjeevani Hospital for acknowledging and accepting the essential need for lives associated with their concern for children. Many have heard and faced the side effects of the laxities of governmental medical services in fields such as heart care. If it weren’t for the sensible service and wisdom of those associated with this organisation, people facing heart conditions will continually be blamed for their lifestyle. That does not mean that people don’t have to be cautious and considerate. Knowing of family history and wanting to get a mere screening to know one’s internal wellbeing, the proper equipment and personnel to perform and discuss this have to be operational. A huge thanks to such individuals who have the medical intellect and financial support to take such urgent service provisions to society. One’s internal wellbeing at a later stage depends on lifelong intake and genes in some cases, but not being monitored at the right time puts lives at risk. Prevention becomes detention when health facilitators are not updated with essentials and where there is provision, many face financial restrictions! Bravo to Sai Sanjeevani for their initiative and calm and clean environment for all that enter their premises. May the Lord strengthen the willpower of such capable individuals and organisations that have the capacity to serve and save lives actually matching their slogan eagerly. Take the right step! Prameeta Chand Suva
