Grand come back
The Cambridge Farm Nadroga side counted its lucky stars as it came from 3-15 down to hold FMF Suva 15-all and retain the prestigious Inkk Farebrother trophy in the third challenge match at Lawaqa Park. A fired-up second-half spectacular fightback saw Nadroga defend the trophy, that means so much to the Vanua, for the third week in a row. Nadroga had Apisalome Vota, who looked dangerous throughout the exciting encounter, to thank as he played a vital role in the comeback. Suva took a commanding lead with three unconverted tries to Epeli Misiamete, Vilikesa Nairau and Mosese Naiova, but the Stallions, who are renowned for playing 80 minutes rugby, pressured Suva’s line. Their efforts were rewarded as Vota muscled his way over the Suva try-line. Sakiusa Vosayaco’s try brought the home fans to their feet as the scores were levelled 15-all. Nadroga had the chance to end Suva’s unbeaten run, but Jack Volavola missed two penalties. Nadroga’s defense was tested, but they held on to Suva’s onslaught to deny the visitors any chance of causing an upset. Nadroga head coach Etonia Naba would have been relieved, but the Stallions must work on their kicking, set-pieces, line-outs and handling to beat Nadi. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Stallions reign
The stallions retained the Farebrother Cup after holding Suva to 15-all draw. The match was fiercely contested with the boys playing their hearts out for 80 minutes. The fitness level was up to par and both sides had a do or die attitude. It’s good to see that the trophy is kept ion western soil for another week. Nadroga should be prepared for Nadi. Anyways once again I thank the boys from Nadroga for keeping the Farebrother trophy. I salute you boys. VINEEL NAND Martintar, Nadi
Remarkable effort
THE Stallions “Hakwa” Nadroga are congratulated for their 3-15 come from behind the capital side Suva, to level 15 – 15 in the very lucky and successful defence of the Farebrother Trophy on Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka on September 23, 2023. What a remarkably sterling effort! Thank you Suva for the strong challenge. “Voleka qai sega.” I now wish my home team, o Nadi ko every success as they prepare to take on the defending champs for the Holy Grail of Fiji rugby. Best of every luck and success Nadi in your challenge. Tovole va kaikai na leda saravou. Waqe savasava ena walusagavulu na miniti. Mutu Kalougata vali. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Lautoka Hospital
IT is unfortunate that the Lautoka Hospital is in a pathetic state. Recently three patients in the men’s surgical ward were bitten by rats at night. One of them was a diabetic patient. Screens are missing. Mosquitoes are bothering patients. Lifts are not working. None of the machines in the Eye Department are working. It has been a year. Patients have to go to Suva for treatment. There should be a full investigation into this. The minister and the permanent secretary should give some serious thought to this. PARAS NAIDU Lautoka
Working hard
The Fiji Times picture of cane farmers traditionally struggling in cane fields speaks a lot about hard work they have to do to earn a decent living. “Not so sweet: cane farmers struggle for profit” (Ft 4/9). I feel with the continuous effects of climate change the sugar industry, back bone of Fiji once, should be developed with the latest tools and technology. In this modernised global world the markets for the competitive products are in demand with modern technologies rather than traditional ways of farming. Let’s change with time and techniques we wish to see in the sugar industry and plant cane for a brighter future for our next generation. Long live the sugar industry. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Children and sex
THE issue of children engaging in sexual activity is deeply concerning, prompting a need for thorough examination. Several questions arise when addressing this problem. Why are children participating in such behaviour? Could it be attributed to a lack of parental supervision? Is easy access to explicit content through the internet and media a contributing factor? Are they motivated by curiosity? Are there instances where adults are coercing them into sexual activity? Is substance use, such as drugs or alcohol, influencing their choices? It is imperative to approach the issue of children engaging in sexual activity with empathy and a genuine concern for their well-being. Depending on the specific circumstances, parents, educators and professionals should offer appropriate support, guidance and education. The matter of children engaging in sexual activity is indeed serious and requires urgent attention. SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Airline award
FIJI Airways has deservedly won another international award. All this under the watch of our miracle man and Acting Prime Minister. This is even after this person and his party wanted the airline closed and the leased planes returned. But as we all know that is behind us as that was all in the past. Thank goodness the people at the time did not close the airline and did not return the planes. JAN NISSAR Sydney, NSW, Australia
Community work
BIG thank to the Christian community for coming together to clean up Nabukalou Creek. It’s not right to have a filthy creek running through the centre of the Capital City. It wasn’t always like that. I spent my childhood fishing and playing on the banks of Nabukulau Creek in the early 1960s. It was pristine then and had rich marine life. Then with rapid urbanisation and industrialisation Nabukalou Creek became a dumping ground for all kinds of rubbish and toxic industrial effluent. Every so often we would see a whitish liquid flowing in the creek and all kinds of fish going belly up. It’s good to see community spirited citizens take it upon themselves to clean up the creek. Well done all you good people. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Govind Park a disaster
IT doesn’t come as a surprise that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad labelled Ba’s Govind Park upgrade project a disaster because it was poorly managed and handled. Professor Prasad called for an urgent and thorough investigation of the matter, saying all those involved in the manipulation of construction works would be taken to task. He shared that he was told that the design was changed several times from the original plan. I agree with Professor Biman that there must be a thorough investigation into how the original contractor, who constructed the stadium, was able to manipulate, change the design and build it the way he thought was appropriate. I feel for the spectators in Ba who have been denied the chance to host a soccer tournament. Govind Park has a rich and proud history, and I would love to see a refurbished Govind Park, ready to host major soccer tournaments. I have vivid memories of some historic matches and tournaments that Govind Park hosted. Those good old days! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fossil fuel
STOPPING the direct or indirect use of fossil fuel, in my humble opinion, will most likely not happen in this lifetime despite signed commitments and statements at talkfests and to the media. It’s about the pressures of survival, national security and the influence of certain stakeholders. National interests always seem to come first at the end of the day, before any real practical moves on the ground, to meet any related regional or international commitments and agreements. Certain stakeholders in-house and in the global industrial complex will most likely want to maintain the status quo, rather than completely give up its use despite threats of global warming et cetera. That’s just the way the proverbial cookie crumbles! The only thing we can really do is to adapt and adjust to that inevitable reality, moreso for countries on the margins like us here in the Pacific and who are usually the hardest hit. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Irish supremacy
THE Ireland rugby side showed the world that they are capable of winning the coveted William Webb Ellis Cup after overpowering defending champions South Africa in Paris. The Springboks could have claimed a victory had kickers Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk converted from the tee, subsequently missing 11 consecutive points. Despite the poor kicking form, Ireland came out as a professional outfit and showed credentials worthy of champions. Ranked number 1 in the world at the moment, Ireland outclassed the Springboks in the breakdowns and overall gameplay while the affair was put to bed with the boots of veteran Johnny Saxton. What a game and what a result for the Irish. This World Cup keeps delivering! RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi, Nausori
Irish reign
THE men from the four proud provinces of Ireland with hearts of steel and heads unbowing, had answered their country’s call. Irish steadfast souls confront their challenge to thwart Springboks tactical reserve bench neath sky they assemble. All the best Ireland. AREKI DAWAI Maharaj Place, Samabula
Guarantee
IF my annual income is around $150,000 to $200,000, will any financial institution accept my personal guarantee to the tune of $3 million? BHARAT MORRIS Gold Coast, Australia
Termite menu
IF some one could find a way to trap these termites, they could make a good soup, or maybe termite fried rice. AJAY SINGH Natabua, Lautoka
Total assets
IF Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum did not declare the total value of his income and assets as he was required to do under the Fiji elections regulations, as a layman who does not know, can someone with the expertise help me understand, was he dishonest and fraudulent? Can his election be deemed null and void? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Uni games
DO we participate in the World University Games? If yes, great but if not then we need to. ASISH VINAY PRASAD Park Rd,Raiwasa
