Roy Krishna’s dedication
After walking with the Hero of the League (Golden Ball) Award, Roy was emotional, and he had this to share with his fans, “To have won the Hero of the Season Award and walk away with the golden ball is special to me. I’ve worked really hard throughout the season. I dedicate this award to all my fans in Fiji and abroad who have given so much love and respect.”
Roy won the Golden Ball, 500,000 rupees and a Hero Xtreme motorcycle as his reward.
It’s a matter of pride that our wonder boy has earned fame and accolades for his ATK Mohun Bagan side which lost to Mumbai City 2-1 in the final of the Indian Super League.
Roy has made his fans and family members proud, and I wish his mentor (the late Master Vinay Singh of Labasa) was alive to share Roy’s joy.
Roy will be here soon, and I’m pleading with Fiji FA to honour our striker who has made headlines here and in India.
Thank you Roy for this historic achievement!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Traffic sign vandalism
Some of our traffic, road and street signs are seen either being painted, removed, rundown or facing/turned away from its original position by vandals.
Traffic sign vandalism is a serious concern since it can lead to an increase in unsafe driving behaviour which can also cause unwanted road fatalities.
I reckon street and road signs should be securely mounted with proper bolts and screws by contractors which would prevent vandals from turning or twisting it from its original position.
Furthermore, relevant authorities should implement “sign vandalism law” by increasing the penalty for the abovementioned activities carried out by vandals.
Shamal Chand, Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
A-G’s medical
I trust that the A-G’s medical is successful and he comes back rejuvenated.
At the same time I hope he has had an opportunity to see how the other side of the world lives from the military and political dictatorships to the various hues of liberal to hybrid democracies and monarchies.
He may consider advising his government to not push the Police Bill until after the next election or at least do away with the draconian features.
Also restructure the Electoral and related Bills to bring it in line with liberal democracies.
At the moment we need to create confidence and an environment free from likelihood of political repression which appear to further curtail our freedom of expression, assembly or association and hence weaken the rule of law all in the name of political expediency.
Maybe I am expecting a bit too much but then I am ever an optimist who believes in human goodness.
Dorsami Naidu, Nadi
Loud music
On a Sunday morning in early March, two events were happening in a neighbourhood outside of Nadi.
One was a funeral service and the other was an open air church service.
Both services clashed as far as timing was concerned.
The disconcerting part was the church service accompanying loud music drowned the voice of the priest officiating at the funeral service.
The church could have observed decorum by keeping their music volume lower than usual.
Additionally, if credence was given to sanctity in worship it would not have undermined the solemnity of this funeral.
Sachida Nath, Nadi
Fortified ring ditches
It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming to read in the Discovering Fiji article in The Sunday Times of 14/03, about the visible remains of our fortified ring ditches in the Suva-Nausori corridor, particularly the one known as Naivoco in Laucala Beach Estate.
It is heartbreaking that in the noble pursuit of development a fair number of these ring ditches around the country have been destroyed.
It was even more heartbreaking to learn about the bloody history back in the day, of these fortified areas.
It is very heartwarming to read about efforts to preserve these sites as visible evidence of our past and the skills and technique that went into building them.
Particularly, the preservation efforts conducted by the National Trust of Fiji and other like-minded bodies.
They should all be commended for doing their best to protect these historically significant sites and we should all do our bit not to destroy them as well.
All efforts should now be made to catalogue all these sites around the country and that it become part of the social studies curriculum in schools.
They should even be part of school outings and excursions.
I just hope that when EIAs are conducted for development proposal, a part of it should be directed to the assessment of the historical/cultural significance of the area proposed for development.
Perhaps, something like a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA), might be worth pursuing to ensure the protection of these sites.
Let me just say that the large bure in the replica of the old fortified village here at the Arts Village in Pacific Harbour — as pictured in the Sunday article — was unfortunately destroyed by Cyclone Ana back in January.
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
General election
In any country, has it ever occurred that a governing party opted not to contest the ensuing general election?
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Damned party
Yes I agree with Simon (FT 15/3).
The ruling party is damned either way.
Damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.
I believe it started after they lost five seats in the last elections.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Potholes filled with gravel
I noticed that the potholes in the Waiyavi area have been filled with gravel.
Vehicles run over them and churn out the gravel.
The road now looks like it’s been ‘gravelled’.
Now, that sounds familiar!
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Just a draft
Although it had been circulated to vendors, the proposed Local Government (Municipal Market Regulations) had been “just a draft”.
Thankfully, it has been re-emphasised that the document is a “consultant’s document”.
Dear consultants, the kind of fees proposed might suddenly make some collapse in this heat, it’s already hot in the market.
Vinaina Diroiroi, Nadi
Great writers
Kudos and a big vinaka vakalevu to two wonderful writers for their pieces – Graham Leung (FT 13/3) – your article was one of the most well thought out and dignified observations I’ve ever read about the Role of the Military.
And Ronnie Chang (FT 14/3) – your letter speaks volumes about what many have wanted to say.
But you say it with such a wonderful tone of humility that’s it’s truly humbling.
Isa, there are so many great writers who I’d love to just shake your hand and wish your blessings because of the way you present your thoughts, ideas and feelings about a myriad of issues.
You really are a remarkable bunch and it gives those of us living overseas hope that despite the many setback, Fijians are unashamedly honest about what and how they feel about the goings on in our beloved islands.
I salute you all even the ones that challenge my own thoughts and ideas.
Colin Deoki, Melbourne, Australia
Curfew restrictions
So is the Government going to remove the curfew restrictions on the vaccinated people?
That is the most conservative take on easing the curfew.
If not even then, then when?
Kiran Khatri, Samabula, Suva
Travel clarification
Fiji Airways has stated the flight which ferried Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khayum to Singapore for medical treatment was a repatriation and cargo flight (FT 15/03).
The airline issued the comment in response to queries from The Fiji Times.
While we at it can the airline also clarify whether our A-G sat in first-class or economy?
How many meals did he have during the flight?
Did he consume any beverages?
What kind of beverage and how many did he drink?
How many times did he use the men’s toilet, did he have to lock the toilet door considering no other person was onboard?
Did he take a nap during the flight?
If so how many and for how long did each nap take?
Did he snore during these naps?
Did he take regular walks up and down the aisle?
How often and how long was each walk?
Did he remove his shoes during the flight?
How long for and was he wearing socks?
What was the colour of his socks and was the pair the same or different?
What kind of clothes was he wearing?
Was he wearing any jewellery?
Did he make any phone calls?
How many people did he call and how long was each call?
What were the calls about?
Did he use the internet?
How long for and what was he searching for?
Did he read a book?
What’s the title and how many pages?
Did he talk with the pilot during the trip?
How many times and what was the conversations about?
Did the jet make any other stops at our A-G’s request?
Where did they stop and how long for and why?
Did our A-G request these stops?
I heard on the grapevine that he needed to pick up a couple of bottles of oxygen to enable him to breathe properly and deal with all this clarification and scrutinising nonsense.
Oh, I almost forgot, let’s hope our honourable A-G got the proper care and that he recovers well and returns home all checked up and healthy.
I wish he and his family the very best and pray for his speedy recovery.
I have a request though, can our A-G please disguise himself on the return trip, otherwise we have to go through this whole rigmarole of clarifying his every move.
Safe travels sir and we look forward to having you back home!
Simon Hazelman, Rava Estate, Savusavu
Strange conclusion
Yes, we know our Government has in the past 14 years done some great things.
Like ensuring we all have internet.
And amassing huge debts, while not attending to the direct economic welfare needs of its people during a pandemic.
However, this does not mean in our imagination we “hunger for political power” when we challenge issues?
A strange conclusion to arrive at (Simon H, FT 14/03).
Seriously, true democracy enables a healthy opposition always, to remain a robust accountable, transparent developing nation with a brain, who thinks through all issues as they arise; to determine their ultimate conclusions, and how these will affect its day to day citizens.
To not embrace this, is to run a monopoly, not a democracy.
Healthy democracies debate and dialogue, discuss and disagree; they consult, confront and consolidate, as part of this process.
To suggest that this is about “personal agendas or a craving for political power”, shows a complete ignorance of how real democracy works best.
Opposition must happen: it keeps us vibrant, energised, sharp, accountable and most importantly, humble.
Jean Helan, Sawau St, Nabua, Suva
