Serevi’s visit lights up Nabua
The World Hall of Famer and record-breaking Hong Kong 7s winner, Waisale Serevi, who once played for the Nabua 7s team under the guidance of the late Ratu Kitione Tuibua and the likes of Tomasi Cama Sr, the Rauluni brothers — Meli, Vili and Vesi, Pauliasi Tabulutu, the late Alivereti Dere and the late Filimoni Seru, visited Nabua Secondary School yesterday. During his playing days, our 7s genius clinched two silver medals and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. He was hailed as the ‘King of 7s’. He led Fiji to our first Melrose Cup win and then doubled it up in 2005. As the coach/player, he guided Fiji to our first IRB WRSS overall title win in 2005/06. It’s a pity that he missed the 2006/07 season after the boys fell short in the quarters. Serevi vigorously championed the bid for the inclusion of rugby 7s in the Olympic Games, and Fiji gifted him a perfect present, winning gold in Rio. At Nabua Secondary School, Serevi delivered a timely address to the students as the school commemorated International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT). I quote the Maestro, “Drugs do not work alone. They bring a team of destruction. Don’t give it a try. Friends are good, you have to draw the line.” He also talked about human trafficking, modern slavery, crime, corruption, destruction of family immoral and the rise in HIV. In his concluding remarks, Serevi urged the students to be the change. He also donated rugby balls and training cones to the school’s U18 rugby team. I thank Jona Konataci and The Fiji Times for the coverage! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu
Banks to open on Saturdays
Banks in Fiji should consider opening on Saturdays because many working individuals are unable to access banking services during normal weekday operating hours. Since most employees work the same hours as banks, they are often required to take time off work to visit a branch for important transactions, account inquiries, loan applications, or other banking needs. Saturday banking would provide greater convenience for customers, improve access to financial services for those who are less reliant on digital banking, support small business owners who are occupied during the week, and help reduce congestion and long waiting times experienced at branches on weekdays. Implementing Saturday banking does not necessarily mean increasing employee workloads, as banks could adopt a staff rotation system where employees work their standard weekly hours while taking a weekday off when rostered for Saturday duty. This approach would allow banks to extend their service availability to the public without significantly increasing operating costs or placing additional pressure on staff. By aligning banking services more closely with customer needs, Saturday operations would enhance customer satisfaction, improve financial accessibility, and better support economic activity across Fiji. Service as a “thought”. Pranav Chand Nakasi, Nausori
Crushing season is here
It is that exciting time of year when sugarcane harvesting begins in Fiji. As farmers begin to supply cane, all three mills will soon run at full capacity. This marks a crucial period when the whole sugar industry is active. Farmers have the important job of making sure their crops are harvested and sent to the mills by the deadlines set by the Sugar Tribunal Board. If they do not meet these deadlines, the crops stay in the fields, leading to financial losses and wasted produce. Simply put, any cane that is not harvested does not bring profit to the farmer. Growing sugarcane is a significant task, requiring a lot of effort and dedication from farmers. Their hard work only pays off if the crop is delivered to the mills on time and in good condition. Unfortunately, the support and assistance farmers need from their leaders has not been provided. Instead, we see leaders using them as a means to further their political goals. Fortunately, the time of depending solely on manual labour is over—mechanical harvesters have changed the game, speeding up the process and reducing physical strain. In many regions, trucks are still used to transport cane to the mills, while rail carts continue to play a key role in efficient delivery operations. Suresh Chand Nadi
Supermarket specials
It is truly amazing how one major supermarket “expresses” its special prices (or super savers). Recently, three tins x 400 gms of whole peeled tomatoes cost $5. Today, the same item costs $1.75 per tin (up 25 cents for three tins). FT June 4. FCCC & Consumer Councìl officers need to be “laser focused” on such minute advertising details. Am I wrong? If so, my apologies. This is the “art” of so-called “saving”. Customers beware — and alert. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Better mileage
I reckon motorists should start giving motivational speeches to their vehicles before every trip for better mileage! Shamal Chand Kuku Village, Nausori
Effects of smoke
Has there been any studies done by the Ministry of Environment on the effects of smoke emitted from dump fires, FSC chimneys, and emission from diesel generators? If they haven’t, they should do it. Sukha Singh Labasa
Bordeaux 7s rugby
After thrashing the All Blacks 7s 40-0, the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s team went down 21-14 to Australia in the semi-final and 28-17 to Argentina in the third-place play-off. Missed tackles were a huge concern as the Aussies and Los Pumas 7s walked in with some crisp and scintillating tries. We finished fourth and have only one title to our name. Fiji has only won the Singapore 7s title. A lot of work is needed in terms of our defensive structure and mental and physical preparations. I miss playmakers like Kitione Taliga, Emosi Mulevoro, Amenoni Nasilasila, Jerry Tuwai and Vatemo Ravouvou. I miss speedsters like Eroni Sau and Aminiasi Tuimaba. I miss our devastating forwards Leone Nakarawa, Jasa Veremalua, Levani Botia, Waisea Nayacalevu, Pio Tuwai and Setefano Cakau who braved the toughest of times. Argentina has become our nemesis. We find it hard to match their physical prowess and toughness, but Australia did and they stood tall in Spain. Both their men’s and women’s teams claimed gold. Fiji must prove itself in Bordeaux which will host the final tournament in the series. We are pooled alongside South Africa, Kenya and Great Britain. After two events, Fiji sits on fourth with 26 points, 12 behind South Africa, eight behind Argentina and four behind Australia, the top three ranked teams. It’s going to be tough and no easy games on the way! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Suppressed people
According to PM Rabuka’s wisdom, Israeli’s record of human rights violations is “none of our concern”. In the book Tagata Moana Writers Volume One featuring indigenous writers, including Fijians, we read “while there are many injustices that continue across the world, we stand in solidarity and say: Free Kanaky, Free West Papua, Free Palestine, and all peoples facing injustice everywhere”. Wonder what Mr Rabuka has to say to that? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Tax, pay cut and fuel
Pay cuts
There is talk of potential pay cuts for civil servants in the upcoming budget. There is no need for this. I suggest that the Prime Minister approach his Australian counterpart and ask for some budget support. Australia has already provided ongoing budget support over the years and in recent months, so nothing new there. We Australians can spare some more peanuts for a good friend such as Fiji seeing they are incapable of doing things themselves. Another thing which Fijians can do to assist the Government is go back to their villages and live off the land and the sea. That way people do not have to worry about cost of living, rent, bills, transport, fuel, medicine and the like. People will be healthier and happier. No more drugs and HIV issues either and lots of time for praying and fasting. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Fuel mitigation
Why is there no fuel mitigation at the bowser? Sukha Singh Labasa
No more tax please
Instead of tax, there is an option for the Government to collaborate with FNPF and implement solar hybrid systems for its citizens. Government to assist low-income earners in purchasing solar systems to power their homes and help high-end users (those consuming above-average kWh) purchase solar systems funded by their FNPF savings to cover that excess usage. Banks need to lower interest rates for electric vehicle loans and EFL should install EV stations throughout the country with reasonable charging rates accessible via cash and electronic payment. Bus companies should acquire electric buses and lower bus fares. Government to remove all duty on EVs. For the long term, plan electric shuttles within cities and towns and electric train systems between towns and cities. A freeway between the two cities cutting through the mainland will cut down fuel usage because the distance would decrease, resulting in less fuel consumption. Implementing a toll system at the freeway’s entry/exit points would generate government income. Freight transport would be faster and cheaper, thus aiding in goods prices. This would ease the burden on all Fijians and at the same time, positively impact our environment. Edward Kumar Lautoka
