Scots set RWC pace
Veteran journalist Kameli Rakoko’s article in yesterday’s The Fiji Times “Scots set RWC pace” must be taken seriously. This line “Their cry for blood was rewarded when the Bravehearts responded without missing a beat to the finely-tuned flute of the pied piper Townsend and his captain,” added a smile to my day. Hats off to Kameli Rakoko for crafting his words in the most creative manner but hitting the nail at the right spot! I agree with Rakoko that our boys were carried away with Townsend’s words when he compared the Flying Fijians with soccer giants Brazil in terms of producing players and they walked into Murrayfield with a little bit more confidence than perhaps what was required. Indeed, Scotland added variety to their game plan and this caught the Flying Fijians napping. Finally, Rakoko was apt when he mentioned that “Townsend’s game plan was based on deception and ruthless execution while Fiji’s was predictable.” Hence, this is another area which should worry McKee. It is important that we have some wonderful critiques from renowned critics to improve our performance and, most importantly, achieving our dream of qualifying from the pool stages since the heroics of 2007. It’s been 12 long years since Fiji progressed from the RWC pool stage. Scenes of celebration in 2007 as Fiji downed the Welsh Dragons 38-34 to go beyond the pool stage come alive. Will we ever see those scenes again, only time will tell! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Bamboo massage
I was surprised with what was on the advertisement board of a massage institution in Tavua, a style of massage called “bamboo massage”. Very intriguing. Can any person throw any light on what is done to anyone who chooses the “bamboo massage” technique? William Rosa Tavua
Loan sharks
According to one of my friends there is a new style that moneylenders have adopted. They are studying the actions/ daily routine of their “clients”. When a client tries to sidestep him on payday and changes ATM, the moneylender will anticipate the move and be there first. Our lawmen can learn something from the moneylenders and keep abreast of would-be robbers and the like. I can envision a moneylender leaning in the vicinity of an ATM with a stetson hat low over his eyes. The only thing missing would be the low slung Smith and Wesson. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Super hero dies
I am shocked to read in world news (FT 15/11) the death of Stan Lee, the creator of Marvel super heroes who died at 95 years of age. I still can’t believe the greatest artist has left us. To me Stan Lee was the super hero. His ideology and we can see his creations come to life in cinemas. Isa Stan — rest in peace. Faizal Khan Field Forty, Lautoka
Robots on roads
With the way traffic is building up, it seems like soon the robots will be manning the roads. The roads are getting lost with the ever-increasing cars. What is being done about this? Kirti Patel Lautoka
Election effort
Mr Saneem has been efficiently preparing for a free and fair election. Despite his effort, I don’t understand why some voter details have not been located at their polling venue. Mobile phone toll free numbers have provided added surety to each voter and the related venues. Despite all these, I believe some voters’ details were missing from the manual register at some venues. I believe these registers should have been updated accordingly. Since the Multinational Observer Group has observed the electoral processes, I’ve been left to wonder why the above issues were not raised by the Multinational Observer Group before the election for register update. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Vegetable garden
I went to my vegetable garden this morning. Picked some tomatoes. Some chillies. Pulled some tavioka. Then I looked around and admired all the other root crops and vegetables. I said hello to the pumpkins and pawpaws. The long bean and cabbage said hello back. Isa my backyard garden. “Bhaiya, bhaiya, $13 boss.” Then I came out of my daydream and paid Ram Prasad and drove back home from the Tavakubu satellite market. Do you have a garden like me! Nice nah! Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Parents to blame
I was at a prize-giving ceremony when I met the caretaker of the facility that had been hired by the school. In the compound was one mango tree that was laden with fruit. The caretaker told me that some parents had been picking some green fruit and eating them. The mangoes were green! His reply to my quizzical look was, “Boss, these are the parents not the children.” So there you go folks, I rest my case. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
High costs on farms
The national news (FT 13/11) highlighted the sorry state of the sugar industry and the struggle of farmers. I believe the escalating demands of canecutters is no reprieve for the struggling farmers. I believe the shortage of canecutters has resulted in the price hike for canecutters. My discussion with some farmers have shown that the demands of the canecutters are extremely difficult to meet. Apart from the monetary demand, the “gang” would give their menu list, which would include kava as well. One has to look at the reasons why there is lack of interest in farm work. Why should one stay and work on farms? Are the returns worth the blood and sweat? I was dumbfounded to read that “from 24,479 farmers who produced 3.38 million tonnes in 1991, the industry has declined to about 11,000 active farmers today who produce about 1.7 million tons of cane”. A sad state of affairs indeed. I believe that honest and genuine consultation needs to take place to assist the farmers and the industry. Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Ban on firecrackers
Can there be a total ban on the loud and noisy firecrackers. It’s way too much for some sensitive ears including the animals. Yes, we do know that Diwali happens once a year and so is New Year’s, however, celebrating in a considerate manner is no harm. Let’s give it some thought and do something to curb the situation. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Voting day
Despite the rain, voters lined up to cast their vote. Umbrellas, raincoats and boots were a common sight in areas which were hit by heavy rainfall. After casting their votes, the waiting game began as voters were glued to their apps and radio to get the latest update on the result of the much-anticipated election. Hats off to the election officials in Nadawa for the wonderful, friendly and professional service rendered to the voters, especially the elderly and those who came with children. I was impressed with the service, which I felt made voting so much easier. Finally, my gratitude to all those Fijians who voted — sirs and madams, you exercised your democratic right to vote, regardless of the outcome! Cheers Fiji! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Pray, be humble
In these tense moments while we await the final results of voting, let us pray hard so that we will be humble enough to accept whatever voting results that will come out. God bless our beautiful Fiji! Joeli Naleca Natabua, Lautoka
Good job
A job well done by the Fijian Elections Office (FEO). By far the most organised, fool proof general election. Mohammed Saneem, the Supervisor of Elections must be commended. Such is the required high standards. Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Weather forecast
I believe the Fiji met weather forecasts over the past few days have been poor. OK the rain forecasts were fair, although exaggerated in some areas, but what happened to the 60kph plus wind speeds forecast for most areas? There are numerous other sites that offer forecasts for the Fiji area, most not in great detail, but not one indicated wind speeds for Lautoka greater than 18kph. In Tavua we got one puff and that was it. I wonder how many voters were prepared to brave the rain but decided to stay home and not vote because of concerns about the wind. Allan Loosley Tavua
