Live free-to-air TV 7s coverage
WILL the Oceania Sevens in Townsville this weekend be shown live on free-to-air TV? I hope that the answer is in the affirmative. If not then expect some ninja-like stealth movements to the homes with pay channels so as to watch the games played during our curfew hours here. To prevent potential breaching, we request free TV airing, our nation’s sevens faithful , will eternally be most grateful, we will happily abide by all the existing restrictions, and prevent community transmission, when we stay home and see the sevens action on the free channel on our own TV! EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Sevens buildup
THE Sunday Times added excitement to this weekend’s Oceania 7s battle between Fiji, the All Blacks and Australia with four pages of thrilling stories and colourful pictures. NZ 7s coach Clark Laidlaw has laid the challenge as he has assembled a power-packed and experienced outfit boasting speed, skills, stamina and endurance. The likes of Baker, Collier, Curry, Dickson, Koroi, Mikkelson, Molia, Ng Shiu, Molia, Ware, Nanai-Seturo and Webber have tons of 7s experience and they have tasted success with the All Blacks 7s team. They will be assisted by the likes of Joass, Knewstubb, McGarvey-Black, Clarke, Nicole, Kitiona, Warbrick and Rokolisoa. Australia 7s coach Tim Walsh has included Fijian Samu Kerevi in his squad with the likes of Fou, Holland, Malouf, Anderson, Pietsch, Pincus, Coward, Turner, Hutchison, Roache, Miller and Anstee. As we wait for Baber to unleash his squad, I can’t wait for the Oceania 7s to kick off. It’s been more than a year since we enjoyed international 7s. The buildup via The Sunday Times has been fantastic. Just like the buildup, I’m sure results this weekend will be fantastic. Toso Viti! Toso Fijiana! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Nadi GPs and dentist
VERY little or hardly any consideration is given by several Nadi general practitioners and a dentist to the plight of the elderly; those with walking aids and wheelchairs requiring medical assistance. Climbing up stairways for them is always a huge challenge during their hours of real need when illness strikes. Seeking medical attention when sick is a massive impossibility. Will doctors and a dentist concerned address this matter with some urgency please? Respectfully, no names will be mentioned. I have been asked by some elderly members in our community, with physical disability to address their plight when trying to visit their respective GPs and dentist in downtown Nadi. Can lifts be made available, please? Or relocate to ground floors? This request, on their behalf, is made in good faith, without malice. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Alternative system
IF, as the OAG discovered in its professional scrutiny of the operations of government agencies, none of the appointments made by a ministry was in accordance with the open merit system (FT 18/6 ) can I then politely ask what alternative system was used? Could that have been the kilavata system? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Infected population
WOULD the health authority consider reports on the infected population broken down by adults and the younger population below 18 years? There has been limited public knowledge on the impact of this virus on our younger citizens. Are there considerable numbers who have been infected or are under isolation? In addition there are hardly any reports on persons who are infected, but show no symptoms or are asymptomatic. This would be useful information because they could be the driving factor in the recent outbreak in the country. EMOSI BALEI Suva
Myths about coconut oil
IT bothers me that we can see cooking programs on TV that espouse the use of coconut oil. There’s a lack of concern and conscience about its high saturated fat contents which is a contributing factor towards NCDs in Fiji. It seems acceptable that because it’s a vegetable oil that it is healthy and even more so if it is virginal and Fijian produced, even more so. Total rubbish and very much a myth. Science informs us, if only we bother to look at labels, that butter contains 51 per cent of saturated fats and a Fiji brand of virgin coconut oil contains 92.3 per cent saturated fat. We can tell if it is high in saturated fat when it solidified at room temperature, about 20 degrees Celsius. There is little difference in saturated fat content if the oil is virgin or not virgin. So while this product continues to be liberally added to our Fijian dishes, NCD cases continue to rise. Either there is not enough appreciation over this or there is apathy and ignorance. Health should not be forsaken for misinformation or ignorance. JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua
Looking for answers
I HAVE been told that, especially (taxis), only two people can ride and both have to be located at the back seat. What if the driver has been vaccinated, shows his card and the passengers have been vaccinated and they also show their card? Can people from the same family/bubble travel together? Likewise if the taxidriver has been vaccinated, can he carry four different passengers who have all been vaccinated? Asking for a friend. By the way, I spotted official vehicles looking like sardine cans. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava place Lautoka
Magical music
THIS poem is dedicated to Music Day on June 21. MUSIC the heartbeat of life The melody ushering harmony Striking a balancing chord Sounds and tunes mesmerising Alluring composition and lyrics Capturing the imagination Providing the best entertainment Words, rhythm and beats Providing nourishment to mind Generating messages, meanings Stirring emotions so deeply Bringing back happy memories Soothing, calming the moods Comforting the sad and worried Creating peace and happiness Music the epitome of creativity Allowing expression of thoughts A way to release the emotions A way of enjoyment and ecstasy Exploring musical experiences Music having enormous power To cause change and transform Music is everything in life Now lost in the magic of music BHAGWANJI BHINDI Nasinu
Power-packed Flying Fijians
FLYING Fijians head coach Vern Cotter has named a power-packed and an explosive extended squad for the July International Tests. The Flying Fijians will face the All Blacks whose players have been exposed to quality rugby as they took part in Super Rugby Aotearoa and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. Hence, the hosts will have the upper hand against Vern Cotter’s brigade who is likely to assemble days before the mammoth Test. I’m pleased with the squad that has been named with the likes of Ravai, Mawi, Hetet, Matavesi, Dolokoto, Tagi, Doge, Atalifo, Ratuva, Temo, Nakarawa, Tuisue, Kiti, Narisia, Kunavula, Dyer, Yato, Lomani, Kuruvoli, Sorovi, Ben, Tela, Botia, Vili, Wise, Ratave, Eneriko, Nadolo, Habosi, Mataele, Sau, Seta and Kini. It’s a pity that Radradra and Tuisova have missed out, but I’m glad that The Trailer is set to be used by Baber in our 7s team. It might have been a tough decision to make for Radradra, but I’m adamant that his prowess is much needed by our 7s team. Toso Viti toso! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Nature and humans
ANIMALS will never be responsible for trashing the Earth. They live in harmony with nature. I bet if some day we have to relocate to another planet because we will have generated so much rubbish and Earth becomes uninhabitable, in so many years we will also destroy the new planet. Just a thought. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, LAUTOKA
Unpredictable Euro 2020
WHEN England and Scotland match ended in a stalemate, I was exasperated. However, learning that France and Hungary game together with Spain and Poland match also played to a one all draw, made me realise the unpredictable nature of Euro 2020. In the process, making the pools wide open for the second round qualification. PRANIL RAM Votualevu, Nadi
Ingredients
WHAT are the active ingredients/medication, etc, in the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines that fight the coronavirus? ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place Lautoka
Casualties
WE’RE constantly told we’re at war with COVID-19. The stated plan is to vaccinate 80 per cent of the demographic who are 18 years old and above then open the international borders. Does that make the remaining 20 per cent casualties of war. NIGEL FIU Owls Perch, Lautoka
COVID-19 war
IS Fiji winning the COVID-19 war, losing or is it a draw at the moment? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Rising cases
DR Fong’s famous phrase “when you move, the virus moves” seems archaic as movement of people within the containment zone continues to raise eyebrows. With COVID-19 cases reaching the three digit mark, I wonder what’s next. We are operating as if we are out of the woods and COVID-19 free. The only difference is that schools are closed and people are seen wearing masks. God bless our Fiji! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Total disregard
DURING my morning walks I come across people in groups without social distancing and barely anyone with mask on. Police officers pass by in vehicles, but never stop to warn these groups of people. This is very unfair to those adhering to COVID-19 protocols. DAVID SUSHIL LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Call to defer
RAJ Kumar’s call (FT 19/6 ) for the general election due next year to “be deferred by one year to allow the country to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic” makes me wonder if the gentleman follows international news. So many countries with far larger populations have gone ahead with their elections notwithstanding the pandemic. So no real reason for the deferment of election in Fiji. And how does Raj Kumar know the country will fully recover with a one year deferment? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Future homes
DID you know you could build 1500sq ft house from the fibres of 2.5 acres of hemp. I’m no expert but that’s about a three-bedroom house. This same house would now be made of fireproof material that’s super strong and renewable in only nine months sometimes less. Hemp concrete or. Google it! Support cannabis research. RUSSEL FONG Kapadia Pl, Raiwai
