Blame game
The thrashing given to the Flying Fijians by Scotland a few days ago was not the referee’s fault this time. This time, it was the coach’s fault as we see in these columns.
One thing remains unchanged in Fiji, it is always someone else’s fault. I believe the blame game is a tradition and a cultural thing which our “churen” are brought up with and ingrained into them from birth.
Because we know that our first nations “churen” are taught that their situation is as a result of others. Jan Nissar, Australia.
Fiji pays heavy price
As I read the sports piece ‘Fiji pays heavy price’ (FT: 04/11), I was not surprised to see the overall rating given to the Flying Fijians for their lethargic and lazy performance against the Bravehearts at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. While Fiji paid the price for a sluggish start and ill-discipline as they fell to a 57-17 defeat to Scotland, I reckon the lack of preparation must be highly attributed to the huge scoreline.
This could be a reason most of our players, who donned the national jumper, were ranked below 5. This is shocking. The ranking does not single out a standout performer.
The heavy loss is water under the bridge, Uncle Mick Byrne and his coaching team have work on their plate ahead of another sizzler versus Wales.
At a jam-packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Dragons will play with pride, commitment and passion, with the aim of defeating Fiji just as they did at the RWC in pool play, winning 32-26.
Apart from the 38-34 victory in 2007 during the RWC pool play and the 16-16 draw in 2010, the Flying Fijians have lost all their Tests against Wales, dating back to our first Test match in 1985 which was won by Wales 40-3.
Our last trip to the Millennium Stadium resulted in a 38-23 victory to the hosts. Statistics are against us, but the boys have a point to prove. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam ,Nadawa, Nasinu.
Police reset
Shape up or ship out. How many times we have heard that before.
Is that warning having any impact?
I don’t think so. Because it’s not being taken seriously.
There must be something amiss in the system that allows these corrupt elements to engage in such illegal activities.
Or is it the temptation to make a fast buck that they find irresistible.
One cannot dismiss the possibility that some of them may be on the payroll of criminal syndicates as insider agents.
And there are those who have entered through the back door following the events of 1987 and 2000.
Whatever it may be there is absolutely no place for them in the Force. It is because of them the public confidence in the Force continues to diminish.
The Minister for Home Affairs has announced plans for a police reset to root out corruption and to restore integrity in Fiji’s law enforcement.
This exercise must be undertaken to transform all facets of the organisation including recruitment, leadership, promotion, adoption of best practice models, remuneration, working conditions and training and professional development.
Otherwise it will end up as another case of old wine in a new bottle. Selwa Nandan, Lautoka.
Food safety
I am not a eatery lover but many times friends invite me over for a chat inside restaurants.
I happen to see some unhygienic eateries. Citizens are unable to trust the safety of food being served.
As a consumer I have a right to verify cleanliness and food safety.
There are also numerous unsafe handling practice, such as serving without hair net and hand gloves not worn by staff while serving food.
Food is also kept near rubbish bins where maggots and cockroaches are.
Unhygienic food could make people sick in many ways.
The authorities should look into this. Navneet Ram (TD), Lautoka.
Breaking the law
Early Saturday morning I went to walk with my two dogs at Tikaram Park, Lami.
There was no-one but the janitor around. We no sooner entered the park when I spotted beer cans and smashed glass everywhere.
I found myself having to pick-up the glass to spare my dogs from cutting their paws on it.
If there had have been some bare-footed children running in the park that morning, they, too, could have easily injured themselves badly.
I spoke to the janitor about that, asking why was there no-one supervising in the Park the previous evening?
There is meant to be a supervisor 24/7. She told me that they didn’t report to work nor did the person report for work that morning; hence the reason she was there.
Basically, staff are not fulfilling their obligations; leaving the park open to drinking parties after hours, not to mention it is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place.
This situation is highly unsatisfactory for a local council public facility where one should be able to enjoy the freedom of a park to relax and enjoy oneself.
Many a time I have had to drive to the Police Station to report drunkenness in the Park, making it unsafe to be there.
It’s not meant to be like this.
Can someone with authority take this matter seriously by addressing the issues as one day soon there will be a tragedy occur which can be avoided with proper supervision. Julie Sutherland, Delainavesi.
Eye care
There is a deep concern regarding the state of eye care services at the Nausori Health Centre. My elderly father, a cataract patient, was initially seen at the Pacific Eye Institute on Brown St in Suva. At the end of our visit, we were informed that a doctor from the Nausori Health Centre would follow up with us for a routine check-up and we should listen to the radio frequently to hear the announcement when doctors from overseas will visit Fiji for eye surgeries.
However, several months passed with no contact from anyone at the health centre. We kept waiting for the doctor’s call. We decided to visit the Nausori Health Centre ourselves, hoping to locate the eye department.
To our surprise, the nurses on duty were unaware that an eye clinic even existed within the facility. (Mr Health Minister, surprised? Wait, there’s more). After being directed through various departments, we finally located the designated room, only to find a groggy staff member who was seemingly in charge of my father’s eye assessment.
After fielding several unrelated questions, this individual advised us to call him on a Sunday to confirm if my father’s check-up could proceed on Monday.
When we returned on Monday, the examination was limited to a small torch, and my father was simply prescribed two pairs of $10 eyeglasses before being sent home.
My question to the Ministry of Health is straightforward: where are the proper medical tools and equipment for cataract examinations at Nausori Health Centre? Is a torch the only device available for such assessments? This incident highlights a serious gap in Fiji’s healthcare services. The blood pressure monitors at the health centre, too, were dysfunctional, reflecting the general state of disrepair and inadequacy.
Our healthcare system must prioritise these essential services, particularly for our elderly. Long waits and inadequate resources are causing unnecessary frustration and, potentially, health risks.
I urge the Health Minister and concerned authorities to address the equipment shortages, staff training, and general neglect we encountered. Ashwini Basant, Nausori.
Shopping money
He wanted to try his luck,
he was told it was a breeze,
to make more than a few bucks,
in the Melbourne Cup this week.
The only money in his pocket,
was for their shopping,
No harm in spending that,
‘coz he can earn more from the winnings.
In the heat of the moment,
he placed quinella bets,
expecting a bonanza payment,
his blinkin’ horses chased tails instead.
Colourful words were loudly heard,
when he got home that evening,
not from him it was learnt,
but from the wife raging and fuming!
When I saw him last,
he was sweating in his plantation,
trying to make up for the lost funds,
in the race that stopped the nation! Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour.
Focus on driving
Obeying traffic laws is a simple yet often overlooked action to prevent accidents. Even the slightest error such as not signaling before turning or following too closely can be lethal. That said, other road rules that drivers are seen not adhering but not limited to are:
Speeding;
Distracted driving;
Driving while under the influence; and
Not following street signs and stop lights.
Many people still do not follow these rules that is why there are so many accidents and loss of lives on our roads every now and then.
When everyone is following the rules, the road is more organised, more efficient, and most importantly safer. We are in the festive season and my pledge to all drivers out there is to please, in the interest of all including yours, stay within the laws when you take the wheels. Focus on driving while driving. Have your eyes on the road full time. Any slight distraction can prove fatal. Suresh Chand, Nadi.
Fiji economy
Professor Biman Prasad boasts our economy is doing fine and PM Sitiveni Rabuka says it’s good, but how can they justify that when life in Viti kei Rotuma is very expensive. The price of goods are very dear wherever we go and the poor are suffering and are poorer as the days go by. What’s wrong? Tukai Lagonilakeba , Nadi.
Chaudhry on economy
The empowering message by Fiji’s historic former prime minister, as reported in The Fiji Times as we celebrate Diwali (FT 1/11/24) touches every Fijian’s heart. I feel this is a way to build Fiji for a better future for all Fijians. United we stand under the Noble Banner Blue. God bless Fiji. Tahir Ali, Hamilton New Zealand.
Bus fare
I was informed that yesterday morning (05/10) at the Suva Bus Station a bus driver of a certain company required students to pay $1.02 rather than the routine 0.51 cents via their Vodafone cards. When asked for an explanation, students were told to ‘ask Vodafone as they did the e-ticketing’. Vijay Naidu Nailuva Rd, Raiwai, Suva.
Baggage and airfares
The distance from Auckland airport to Nadi airport is 2135km. A 30kg extra baggage costs $NZ120 which is about $F171 which equates to $F5.7 per kg. Nausori to Labasa is 194km and the extra freight charge is $F10 per kg. Could the new CEO of the FCCC calculate the correct freight and airfare. Could the consumer council also see that fares don’t fluctuate. I thought one of our parliamentarians could have fixed this problem. Sukha Singh ,Labasa.
Misleading claims
Mr Narube’s claims seem to come from a fantasy world rather than factual evidence — perhaps he should review his sources where that 6million figure came from and stop misleading the people of Fiji. And just a friendly reminder, there is no need to educate honourable Biman on transparency and finances bro! Just be realistic, the truth is the ultimate escape artist, but you are trying to Houdini us back with your tall tales. Wailei Unity Vitji. Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua.
Different descriptions
Dewan Chand tells us he knows Rabuka from “very close quarters” and can assure us Rabuka is “a great leader, statesman and man of immense moral courage” after he admitted being responsible for the coups in Fiji (FT 5/11). Former military commander and prime minister and fellow coup maker Voreqe Bainimarama also knows Rabuka from very close quarters (probably closer than Dewan Chand) and describes him as a “snake”. Wonder why? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia.
