Who is responsible?
I echo the same sentiments as Nadi lawyer Dorsami Naidu (F/T February 11) that someone has to take responsibility for this unprecedented level of drug busts in the country. This clearly reflects how porous our borders are and the level of corruption that still exists and if the trend continues we are not far from being becoming world famous for wrong reasons and perhaps as the drug capital of the world. PRANIL RAM Auckland, New Zealand
Toso Drua
With Super Rugby 2024 set to begin in two weeks, the Drua management is waiting to see whether head coach Mick Byrne will be the new national 15s coach. On the other end Sainirusi Seruvakula, the homemade coach, is also putting his hand up. What happens to the Drua coaching job should Mick get the nod? Will this be a transition channel with Mick getting the 15s job and Seruvakula getting the Drua coaching job as a stepping stone to national 15s job? Or will Seruvakula get the 15s job and Mick continues with Drua? This would mean Mick and Seruvakula working hand in hand or can they work together” What ever transpires the boys should not be affected. The sevens coaching drama continues with no clear outcome on who will lead us to the Paris Olympics. Any guess when will the change happen? SHALWYN PRASAD Mukta Ben Place Nabua
Senirusi’s Record
If they wanted Senirusi Seruvakula they would have chosen him. His records speak for itself. DAN URAI Lautoka
All for the country
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to say: “A president of the US must have full immunity in order to properly function and do what has to be done for the good of the country (Yahoo 8/2 ).” What Trump did on January 6 was not for the good of the country. It was for his own good — to improperly hang onto power — at the expense of the country. Only the intellectually retarded and the politically rogue will fail to see that. Trump is not the kind of president of the US who “must have full immunity”. That would be very dangerous for America’s democracy. The federal appeals court ruling against Trump’s claim to presidential immunity is a clear recognition of that. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Bolaca comeback
It’s a pity that injuries have forced 7s kingpin Ratu Napolioni Bolaca out of the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s side. The Yasawa flyer, who was among the inspiring Fijian 7s players promoted by The Fiji Times sports journalist, the late Maciu Malo, played an influential role for Fiji in the 2020 Sydney 7s final. Bolaca, who was named as the player of the World Rugby HSBC Sydney 7s final, scored both tries in the 12-10 victory against South Africa. Although he was dumbfounded when the announcement was made, he dedicated the award to his family for their support. Bolaca was named in the Sydney 7s dream team alongside Waisea Nacuqu. In the weekend in the Fiji Bitter Nahehevia 7s, Bolaca finally made his return to the rugby turf after spending eight months in recovery from knee surgery. With optimism and determination, our think tank is eager to showcase his talent and contribute to the 7s team success. His journey is a testament to the perseverance and commitment required to be successful in sports. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Lucky charm
I’m not a firm believer of superstitious stuff but a friend mentioned this to me once, which made me think twice. Perhaps Naoplini Bolaca is our lucky charm. He was with the team in the previous years and they won many finals . Something really to think about, isn’t it? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Filth by Victor
I am appalled and angry at what I regard as downright filth being spewed by the editor of Fiji Leaks site Victor Lal. A few days ago, Lal, in an act that I regard as despicable and gutter journalism, posted that the taxpayers of Fiji should be concerned that I was in India with National Federation Party leader Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics Professor Biman Prasad. This is an absolute lie and is clearly an attempt by Victor Lal to defame Prof Prasad. It is also a deliberate attack on my morality and an insult to all women. This isn’t the first time that I have been ridiculed. Sadly, it won’t be the last because the likes of Victor Lal and faceless administrators of social media propaganda sites thrive on spreading misinformation in the hope it damages the reputation of those being targeted. The people of Fiji know that Prof Prasad is in Indian on an official visit, accompanied by the permanent secretary for Finance Shiri Gounder. The media has extensively covered the visit. The Fiji Government Facebook page also has extensive updates and pictures of both Prof Prasad and Mr Gounder from meetings and events they have attended. Victor Lal’s malicious lie have been replicated by at least one other social media site whose cowardly act has resulted in disparaging comments being posted against not only me but also Prof Prasad. Unfettered fundamental rights and freedoms are essential in any democracy. But it doesn’t give anyone the right to act with impunity. Those who shamelessly do so are gutless cowards. KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
Strong PM
Our PM has been through many challenges in the past 37 years, many of his own making. I am sure that with his wealth of experience and past public and personal challenges he will be able to stop the rot happening from within the bosom of his coalition government. The people of Fiji are truly blessed that we have him as the PM during these challenging times. JAN NISSAR Sydney, NSW, Australia
India tour
The DPM, Professor Biman Prasad, went to the Ram mandir to pray on taxpayers money. I stand corrected or did he pay his own fare. The professor is always preaching about saving money. Wallah! What say brother Wise. KEVIN PILLAY North Vancouver, Canada
Political witch hunt
Nishant’s letter titled Political witch hunt on (F/T February 10) reminds me of two idioms. What goes around comes around and getting a taste of your own medicine. PRANIL RAM Auckland, New Zealand
Fighting drugs
Why are they not utilising the Proceeds of Crime Act. Who are they protecting? DAN URAI Lautoka
Charitable bodies
Last week I was asked last-minute by the Year 5 child to print some pictures of charitable organisations, apparently a request by her teacher as part of learning about the subject in school. Usually, I get a two-day advance request, but this time she left it too late, and told me in the morning before school. I said no worries, no need to print. I said there would be several of those pictures in both dailies. I picked a good number of papers, most from 2023 a few from this year. But lo and behold, I found no pictures of them. Then I realised that all the jumping up and down and posing for publicity and marketing was done before 2023. But all the newspapers from 2022 have been used up already. So, hanging my head in shame for my useless idea, I simply told my family that the charity people are probably not doing much these days, or maybe they no longer go around with the journos. It’s mind boggling that our papers were inundated with charity people and their campaigns before 2023. Someone reminded me of a top-notch former charity personality who has plenty pictures still in the papers. Yeah, but the child needed current charity people’s pictures, not political people’s pictures. I thought charity and the related newspaper campaigns were supposed to be all-season, every year, anytime. Or do they only flourish near elections? In that case, the Year 5 gang from next year might have a better chance to cut pictures from the dailies, full colour on bond paper. DONALD SINGH Suva
Monitor investments
It is good to be reassured by the Fiji Investment CEO that all investments into our nation have been credibly monitored, accordingly. As previously happened, in my view, “bogus” investors prowled developed countries to entertain their illegal and criminal activities. Although mechanisms are in place to filter such acts, our Coalition Government has to be very vigilant and meticulous, in its dealings. Especially after our nation’s current “economic downfall” and our Coalition Government’s eagerness for its revival. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Kulas fly high
It was a sweet victory for the Digicel Fiji Kulas side over Pacific Games gold medallist Papua New Guinea. The Kulas avenged their Pacific Games 1-4 defeat against PNG after they beat them 4-3 in the2024 OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers match in Samoa. That embarrassing loss brought tears to many eyes. Our lone goal was scored by Trina Davis. On Saturday against PNG, Sofi Diyolowai, Narieta Leba (two) and Koleta Likuculacula scored goals for the Kulas which will face the Solomons in their final pool match tomorrow. The Angeline Chua coached side is poised to play NZ in the final, but they must top their pool as it would give them confidence heading into the eliminations. All the best to the Kulas! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
