Tears of joy
There were tears of joy in Suva as our very own Fijian Drua stood strong against a category six Hurricane after round 11. The victory was more sweeter as we sail into the “inner circle” as a two-year franchise. Congratulations to the Fijian Drua and to my best player, Elia Canakaivata. Maikeli Tutuvou Vuninivivi, Nausori
Weak trough of low pressure
The Wellington Hurricanes made landfall at Laucala Bay as a Cat 5 hurricane but departed as a weak trough of low pressure. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Careless strangers
As I was walking from the shop in the beautiful afternoon atmosphere with a happy mood, it all changed when I witnessed some “careless” strangers who threw away packets of Chocolate Blitz who were also walking just in front of me. Well it wasn’t a surprise of course since there has been quite a number of plastic pops around my area. This is just silly and a very stupid behaviour exposed by some irrelevant people who show no care for the environment. I am sorry for using such insulting words but what else can I say to describe these “careless” behaviours in our society. These people just need some good punishment to stop these littering. Maybe it’s better if the authorities should stop charging them and start with corporal punishments. How about two weeks in prison? KELEPI DAKUIYACO Waikalou, Serua
Extra small
Some months back, I had a nitli and chips experience at a fish and chips outlet. With the continual rise in the cost of living, my worst predictions came true at a bakery shop last week. The small slice has reduced in size. I think it should be renamed extra small slice. I wonder if the size of my stomach has reduced as well. Good thing, I have stopped carrying a wallet. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Media Act!
Thank God and the Coalition Government that the ‘scary’ draconian MIDA Act has been repealed! Like a demon, which terrorised many, it was shoved aside and media organisations can now operate much freely, and without fear. I may sound like a broken drum, but I express my and sincere thanks and appreciation to media organisations and individuals who braved and withstood the MIDA Act and the pain, humiliation, violation of human rights and dark days of being suppressed and oppressed. I feel ashamed that we continued to let the Act torture journalists. We watched from sidelines as journalists and media bosses suffered. The brave ones spoke out, only to be victimised. We cannot turn the clock, but moving forward any such Act must be condemned strongly. Our letter to the editor writers had to be cautious with their choice of words. I’m glad those days are bygones, and it is time to celebrate the fact that press freedom has reigned. As Ronnie Chang wrote (ST 07/05), “Treasure it, responsibly”. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Whose job is it?
In his insightful article ‘Whose job is it to protect the vulnerable?’ Professor Wadan Narsey writes “Let us also remember that while restricting workers income, Mr Bainimarama and Mr Sayed-Khaiyum enormously increased their own salaries, per diems and other perks…” (FT 6/5). How can any thinking Fijian forget? The one thing, I believe, the two leading lights of the post 2006 coup regime did well during their long reign in power was to look after themselves and their cronies. It is the government’s responsibility to protect the vulnerable. That responsibility clearly did not loom large in the two men government of Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Sports achievements
Another piece of history for MGM school another milestone. Vinaka joka dina the school is taking its sports achievements to the next level. Vinaka principle Sanjay Raman and management it’s not about academic results only your school is a shining example of sacrifice, resilience, determination and above all never say die attitude. Vacava Jai Narayan, DAV and others tovolea mada tacina. A slap to the fictitious character somewhere overseas calling rugby and sports Micky Mouse in Fiji, short-term memory loss reminds me of the Indian song Oh meri Janu thank you Raymond Singh for firing the shots to the bulls eye, no retreat no surrender, joka kece sa malo mate na lavo. SHALWYN PRASAD Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Two historic wins
Mate na i lavo! in the games by the Druas. Fijiana did a back- to – back win and history made for sure. The boys now in the first eight, still a long way to go for the Fijian Drua. But it’s not too late, to be in the first four when it’s all over. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Champion Fijiana Drua
Fijiana Drua secures second-straight Super W title! Who would have thought that the fourth ranked the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua would have won the Super W title against the Queensland Reds in Townsville! Unlike last year when the Fijiana was unbeaten, this year the Drua suffered losses at the hands of the unbeaten Waratahs 31-5, Western Force 23-10 and Reds 45-22. The Drua beat the Brumbies 12-7 and the Rebels 39-12 at home. The side finished fourth, but beat the first-ranked Waratahs 20-17 in the semis. Hours after the men’s team beat the Hurricanes 27-24, the Fijiana played their hearts out to claim back-to-back Buildcorp Super W premierships, defeating the Reds 38-30. After a tightly contested first-half, the Drua scored three tries in a ten-minute blitz early in the second stanza to set up an eight-point win and their second title in as many years. Even playing with 13 players the Drua defended their try-line ferociously and denied the Reds any chances of a come-back. I pay tribute to courageous captain Bitila Tawake and the likes of Mereoni Nakesa, Sereima Leweniqila, Adita Miliana, Karalaini Naisewa and Luisa Tisolo for leading the onslaught. Hats off to Inoke Male and his team management for turning things around in a short span! Finally, I whole-heartedly express my appreciation to the Fijian community for looking after the Fijiana! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Drua beauties
Wananavu dina, you are true Fijiana Drua beauties. You saved the very best for last. You endured much humiliation due to FRU shortcomings with finances. Reportedly, you paid for your own meals while on duty travel in Australia. We also heard many Australian Fijians put their hands in their pockets to feed you. Thank you enormously for rising to the special occasion to deliver a sublime effort beating the Queensland Reds in in the Super W grand final last night, Saturday, 38 – 30 in Townsville. Thank you sincerely for being excellent ambassadors for Fiji. You overcome numerous obstacles to claim your gold medals, back-to-back, in the Super Rugby W. What an awesome achievement. You brought smiles to hundreds of thousands of Fijian faces. Almost every Fijian salutes you. Heartiest congratulations, Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua for a job well done. I hope and pray, somehow and some way, against all odds, cash-strapped FRU, have some financial rewards waiting for you upon your return home. I hope and also pray, somehow generous sponsors step forward to financially reward you too. You deserve no less. Vina du va levu vo mutou kece. Me lemutou na kalougata. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Fijiana women Drua
The winning results by our two Drua teams on Saturday 06/05, brought so many smiles on the same mouth that always ridicule our sports team especially rugby teams against overseas opponents. I would like to concentrate my attention on our Fijiana team because they deserve a bonus from their sponsor Rooster and interim leadership of FRU. A lot of fans including me had written them off at the beginning of this year’s season, given their change of coach and slow start. I owe an apology to our women’s team. They have proven science wrong that rugby is just about doing the basics right, flair, guts and courage. After the dinner restaurant saga which could have affected the team’s spirit and morale, women are more resilient compared to us men. They deserve a good break with lots of gym training to work on their upper body strength. Who knows, maybe next Super Rugby season, majority of these women will land overseas contracts giving chances to our upcoming local women to ply their trade. Maybe our men’s team goal kickers (Fiji national team) should learn some kicking tips from the No. 15 Fijiana Drua player who was on target from any angle. She was my player of that match and my number 2 is tight head prop who was a joy to watch. JIOJI M CAKACAKA Carreras- Votualevu, Nadi
Pothole story
I hope the potholes issues will not be another “in the pipeline story”? Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Brilliant!
Back-to-back wins by our Fijiana Drua. Absolutely brilliant. Respect. MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Ave, Lautoka
Vinaka Drua
The Drua sailed through the Hurricane force and painted the host town Red. What a weekend! Vinaka Drua. Go Drua go! Edward Kumar Lautoka
Thank you
Thank you very much Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for blowing out the Hurricanes 27-24 in a hard-fought match riddled with so many unforced errors on both sides. What a day in the history of Fiji rugby. The record stands. A sweet win for Fijian Drua on home turf at HFC Bank Stadium in Laucala. Thank you for taming the might of the Hurricanes. Thank you to the very vocal Suva crowd, player # 16. We take the win. A win is a win. Vina du va levu na leda saravou. Vina du na qaqa. Me lemutou kece na kalougata. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Basic errors
After watching the Fijian Drua team in the first half of the game against the Hurricanes, I am amazed at the high number of basic errors committed. I feel that until we take action to minimise these errors, we shall remain second rated. We could have been leading by a considerable margin at half time had we been attentive to the basics of the game. Emosi Balei Suva
Swimming pool
Can all the current and former people of Lautoka City Council who were involved in the swimming pool saga with the two former ministers be taken to task regarding the uncompleted swimming pool of Lautoka. Just to add on the list all former special administrators and current ones too be investigated. Uncle Allen Lockington (RIP) was denied a chance to take a dip in the swimming pool and I am sure many more of our older generations will miss out too unless a miracle happens. Some in that LCC office are only good at sitting in airconditioned office and drive around in New vehicles at the expenses of ratepayers. If I had my way they all should be terminated which will save a lot of dollars. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
