Love for flowers
Laisa Koroi, through her inspirational story (FT: 01/03), has motivated many to fall in love with flowers. The 49-year-old florist businesswoman has found a good way to earn a living, and after taking over her mother’s business, she plans to take it to greater heights. Ms Koroi also urged mothers to teach their children how to prepare flowers for various occasions because it was a useful skill to have. As we face those hard times because of the pandemic, it’s good that Fijians are coming up with ways to beat the odds, and start up a business. It may not be that easy, but there’s no harm in trying. Vinaka Laisa – best wishes! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
No pay cut
The recent revelation by the Economy Minister (FT – 1/3/21) that there will be no pay cuts for civil servants, I believe, is welcomed by all government workers. This announcement has once again illustrated that the government values its human resources and is willing to empower them through such incentives. It is widely accepted that most civil servants are currently cushioning the financial impact of COVID-19 by supporting their loved ones. A slight slash of their salary would have catastrophic impact on the whole cycle. As current economic drivers, civil servants’ salary has its ripple effects. For this reason, we notice hype of activities on government pay days. Now that civil servants know the axe would not fall on their salary, they must honour this and do everything within their ambit to ensure their service to the public is of a high standard. They must work to lift service delivery so their employer knows that its decision was apt. The Prime Minister is acknowledged for having faith in all civil servants and ensuring their welfare. Now the onus is on all the civil servants to live up to his calling. VISHNU D SHARMA Nakasi
Pothole problems
Dear Mr Minister for Infrastructure, Fiji Roads Authority, road contractors etc., and whoever else needs to be notified! Please, please fix the potholes, not only here in the West but around the whole country. It looks like the surface of the moon and feels like your gacagaca will get ripped out when you hit one. Trust me when I say this, your pockets are full every day from the blessings you receive whenever a vehicle smacks a pothole around our beautiful nation. Vina du riki. Salesi Finau Balawa, Lautoka
Old stuff
“Same old stuff, same old stuff” Many say again and again But old stuff is valuable and great Be it books, jewellery or a plate Be it furniture, clothes or toys Be it old newspapers or films Old stuff always accumulates Left aside gathering dust over time Perhaps to decay and degenerate Much regarded junk and garbage But old stuff holds so much meaning Wonderful memories they generate Realising the sentiments they create Appreciating their value and purpose Parents and grandparents are precious As they built the foundation for us Now cherishing the old stuff As old stuff is simply gold And today is “Old Stuff Day” BHAGWANJI BHINDI Nasinu
Power consumption
In our own small ways, we at the domestic usage level, try our hardest each and every day, to save on the use of electricity where we can at home. We are always very proud of every small and relatively minor gains we make, not only through the reduction in monthly payments, but also through our own noble efforts to protect our natural environment. However despite this, it is just so uninspiring and disappointing to see some streetlights and security lights being left on – sometimes for hours on end – during the daylight hours, when it is really not needed. So whatever you and I are saving at home, seem to be of little value, at the end of the day, when this happens. Anyway, as good citizens we will just continue to do our bit at home, to save on costs and the environment at large, in spite of this. We just hope those concerned, can spare some thought for the noble efforts we are making in our own small way at home and be team-albeit national-players. Is it not all about moving forward together and not to leave anyone behind, wallowing literally in the dark? Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
It’s called discipline
Not my typical Saturday afternoon but a good friend suggested we head to the Nawaka 7s tournament. Reluctantly, I agreed. In the drizzling rain, crowded space, we managed to squeeze ourselves into some tight space on the pavilion. Out on the ground playing were the Police White team and the Raiwasa Taveuni 7s team. As I earnestly watched the game, three cards were raised and issued by the referee against the Police team. I watched as a player in a white jersey walked behind another player in the red jersey and threw a punch on the head of the latter player. Then I (along with almost every other spectator) witnessed the rest of the players running on to perhaps partake and/or stop this nonsense. I watched as officials tried to stop the players from attacking each other and then law enforcement officials came running on to the field. To my far left, (if my eyes served me right) coach Gareth Baber looked on, seemingly disappointed. Boys please, keep it cool on and off the field! I think the national 7s coach calls it discipline. Vinaina Diroiroi Nadi
‘Defensive’ statements
If I may, the explicit actions of the Police White player over the weekend have no doubt sparked public outrage and condemnation since it was viewed live on national television coverage. Even from the ACP himself! Fair enough! Pull the bull by the horns and say things as they are! I have read several “defensive” statements from presumably his colleagues and it surprised me that some said that “if you had not played the sport, then best you stay out of it”, literally implying not to comment on the incident if we’ve never held a rugby ball, thus I am compelled to urgently respond candidly to that defensive ploy! At the outset, one doesn’t necessarily have to play rugby to then cast his thoughts about the incident. He was seen punching a player, violating the rule of the sport and that is it! Period! And nothing will ever necessitate, validate and justify his actions! I believe the perpetrator is first a public official, and second, a rugby player – “O koya e taumada e Ovisa ka qai muri se tarava nona dau rakavi, oya me na matata jiko!” And he appeared for the Police team and not at his own accord or for any other team on that particular afternoon. All public officials are bound or subjected to public scrutiny if or whenever they misbehave and misconduct themselves regardless of the premise and vicinity that they’re in. In his case, as a police officer, he is mandated to uphold the rule of law wherever he may be. He is a custodian; to protect people and their properties. During police recruit graduation, COMPOL would normally remind graduates that “you’re a police officer 24/7”. I would like to draw an analogy from the Fellow Fijians final, see how controlled and composed the players were. They never allowed their egos to get to their heads! There were very dangerous and wild tackles made that could possibly have warranted retaliation but the mind was over matter! Contradictory to the mere verbal exchanges between the Taveuni Resort and Police White players that amounted to a series of blows thrown, and if you think that was worse, when the Raiwasa player fell to the ground, defenceless! So wrong and terribly sad indeed! Alipate Tuberi Suva
7s indiscipline
No wonder coach Gareth Baber was concerned … 130 yellow cards and 15 red cards were flashed during the Nawaka 7s (FT 1/3). Oh my goodness. And Police White, all I can say is oh how ghastly. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Clarity by A-G
The A-G has clarified the issues but I can’t understand why a lot of people have said that he was already back in Fiji and did not quarantine or won’t be doing quarantine and why other silly people have suggested that his medical trip was paid by the Fijian Government or taxpayers. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Play clean
I commend the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu for taking the first step in suspending the Police White team. I believe it was a mistake by a player that caused the whole team to suffer. Truly his action has brought shame to the Police team as a whole. Just reminding players to play clean, tough rugby. Well let’s move on. Thank you sir. Imanueli Matanitobua Namosi
Ban the team
BAN the team and the players for some months, that will teach the coach and the players a practical lesson about discipline and attitude. Show leniency and indiscipline will be a continuous issue in Fiji rugby. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Ramp access
I was wondering why all the wheelchair ramp accesses in the sweet city, with exception of the crossings, only had ramp access on one end of the streets, then it dawned me, it’s not to cross but to enable access to the road itself! Next stop LTA to register wheelchairs. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Traffic light
While the FRA has done a marvelous job in aligning all the traffic lights from the airport to Martintar, one set of lights at RB Jetpoint seem to behave erratically. At about 11.30am while leaving RB, we had to wait for quite a while before the light turned green. Imagine the tooting of horns behind us urging us to go despite the red light when traffic eased. FRA please do something. Norman Yee Martintar, Nadi
Quarantine
Will every Fijian citizen returning from overseas be subjected to the 14 mandatory quarantine at the “designated quarantine facilities” provided by the Health Ministry? I am asking for my grog mates Anil and Jone. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
