Radradra’s a phenomenal player
Radradra is a phenomenal player and his inclusion in the Fiji 7s side adds more depth. It is just like adding gloss to stellar. As The Fiji Times reported yesterday, the team is injury-free and the overseas players have settled in well.
I believe we are lucky to have a player like Radradra who is a game breaker. Our 7s team is not short of stars as we have players who could fit in any position. I am sure Baber must be very confident of going in to this competition as he has lot of talents at his disposal. It is now just setting in the puzzle by seeing how they can get ready to execute the plans as and when required. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Boys settle well in Japan
Our boys have settled well in Japan. It’s nice to see Semi Radradra gelling well with the boys. In addition, it’s going to be a proud moment for our 7s legend, Jerry Tuwai, and Fijiana rep Rusila Nagasau as they will be our flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Jerry has dedicated his loyal service to Fiji and this Olympic Games could be his last so it would be a fitting farewell for our legendary 7s player. Jerry was part of the team that won the 2016 Rio Olympic Games gold medal while Rusila was part of the Fijiana side in Rio in 2016. I’m thankful to Sky Pacific and Fiji One for bringing the Olympic Games live to our doorstep. This is all about unleashing our energy, sweat, passion, determination and guts to defend the glorious efforts of Ben Ryan and our heroes in Rio. A win will bring the much-needed smiles and unite our rugby crazy nation. Gareth Baber has one week to polish his moves.
Toso Viti! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Second wave
Isa, our sweet Sugar City, once proudly COVID-free, is now being ravaged by the second wave, compelling communities into lockdowns (FT 15/07). If only a solid national lockdown was executed in the primary phase, I believe we would not have been in this ominous position that we are fronting right now. Sadly, our leaders failed to take heed and chose the economy over the welfare of its citizens. And unkol Allen, we can cope with the suka scarcity for now. Draunimoli tea would be the way to go for a healthier, sugar-free living. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Spending time well
According to Navnesh Reddy (FT July 15), youths in Raralevu Village are engaging themselves in the traditional iTaukei farming exercise. They work on a farm each day in order to ensure everyone’s farm is planted and productive for all. A wonderful initiative which also strengthens the bonding among these youths and assists them in using time constructively. What a thought and plan of action. If only our other youths could come up with such plans, they would not have to worry about what next but tackle what comes next with a constructive plan of action. Great effort, youths of Raralevu Village in Nausori. I salute your elders for your upbringing as such. Dhirendra Prasad
Lautoka
Individual lockdown
For all those calling for a lockdown, the Government is not forcing you to leave your house. You can lock yourself and your family down and reduce your chances of catching the virus to literally zero. If you are moving out of your house, your actions show that you don’t want a lockdown. Why do you want the police to babysit you? Kiran Khatri
Samabula, Suva
Citizenship denied
Awkward indeed. I thought Quade Cooper was Australian. Whew, what a decision by Australian authorities to deny him citizenship. The guy has lived almost all his life in Australia and represented the country. Anyway, good luck Quade, hope they change their mind. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Ticket sales
WHILE some people are calling on a certain percentage of proceeds from the Flying Fijians v All Blacks ticket sales to go to Fiji’s COVID-19 relief coffers, have they not realised the millions of financial and budget support packages the New Zealand government has already provided and poured into the State’s coffers? I’d rather agree that “wished for” certain proceeds from the game be shared among the players and management for their time and sweat in representing this nation. Se vacava, Jan Nissar. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Mana magic
Our hearts reach out to NZ, its leadership and people for their support, prayers and now, the latest bid of mana magic, the PM sending more vaccines and the NZ All Blacks fully backing and supporting, giving its best wishes to us, our safety and recovery from the pandemic. This will be evident in the second test and will be acknowledged. No doubt, the scintillating performance by our boys in the first battle has won many hearts in NZ and the bond and friendship ‘s ever stronger, now that’s the mana magic. Back to the first Test, we created so much mana magic, we collected the best tackle award, the bone cruncher Botia on McKenzie, we conceived our own magic in rucks and mauls resulting in a penalty try, the scavenging and ball-hunting skills of Botia and Dyer, we won more than five turnovers, we even won a clear intercept ball without dropping it, we scored the first points in the game, we won the battle in the set pieces, who can forget the lineout and shimmy run by Matavesi to set up the Kunavula try. Boy, oh! Boy, we created all the mana magic across the park. Stay focused, game on, second round, Hamilton. Vinaka, joka kece na cauravou. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
MasterChef award
As per FBC news of July 14, our heartfelt congratulations to Justin Narayan for being awarded Australian MasterChef a few days ago. Mr Narayan’s recipes, which included rice and dhal, led him to recognition for his fame for being one of the best chefs with a taste of Fijian cuisine. He made Fijians proud for being awarded and also enhanced the popularity of Fijian food. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Message on jerseys
Our players are right on the spot not to be wearing those ‘vaccinate Fiji’ message jerseys. It is a game, not an advertising arena. Good decision. Stop triggering the minds on the open fields which is set for the sporting event itself. People are already disturbed with the COVID-19 problem so don’t drag it everywhere as some want to relax their minds while taking their mind off the COVID-19 disaster. Give a break. Have a Kit Kat. All the best for this weekend to our players. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Burning grass
During these tough times thousands of people are at home, unemployed. Lawns are clean, backyard gardens are springing up — which is good to see. However, one issue has come up. People are burning grass and leaves that is still green. From where I live, I see a sky full of smoke and it must be awful for people with respiratory issues.
Then there is the issue of people burning rubber and plastic. Acrid smoke fills the skies. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Playing God
One must be prepared to face the wrath of God if he chooses to play God. A godly man will know where to draw the line between the human and the divine. In humility his request should be “Lord, grant me serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference”. Noleen Billings
Savusavu
COVID pandemic
Fiji, or rather the greater Suva Peninsula is paying extremely heavily with this “mushrooming” COVID pandemic.
I read from very reliable sources, about 80 per cent of COVID deaths, since April, 2021, are among the un-accinated.
These are stark frightening statistics. About 56 COVID deaths since April, 2021. I will stand corrected. Was this so necessary? The death of any loved one is always painful. The loss, unbearable. Sorrows are heart-wrenching.
I beg all the un-vaccinated to do the right thing, please. Protect all your loved ones immediately around you, first foremost. Protect your own good self and your family members. Then your fellow workers; relatives and friends.
Be bold. Be responsible. Follow medical advice as soon as possible. Please have a change of heart. Please step forward voluntarily to preserve your own life first, I plead. To all older parents, please remember the good old days, when we attended primary school years ago in the 1950s and onwards. We took our vaccinations and inoculations, without fuss. Please repeat the same now. Please be the shining light to our children and grandchildren. You owe it to them. Lead the way and take the jab with loving care and a tender sense of greatest responsibility. In my humble view, No jab; no job, merely means protect your fellow workers. Do not be a COVID super-spreader to/from work and “contaminate” your family. All responsible employers have a dogged duty of care to preserve life of every employee. No jab means no protection. Place yourself in your boss’s position. It is so frightening to read over 800-plus COVID positive cases 24-hours to 8am Monday, July 12, 2021. The Lord God helps those who help themselves.
Our hardworking doctors and nurses are God’s gifts to mankind to help us when sickness strikes us. Now is the hour. Respond responsibly. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
