Women’s soccer IDC
Unlike the men’s IDC a few weeks ago where there was so much hype and excitement, our women’s IDC seems to have been getting little attention in the media and I acknowledge The Fiji Times for setting the platform with the wonderful stories, articles and pictures in a buildup to the women’s IDC which kick-started yesterday. The story on the Safetech Electrical Services-sponsored Labasa women’s team was exciting to read as the ladies from the Friendly North aim to repeat the feat of their male counterparts. The newspaper has done well as far as empowering women (through sports) is concerned. From women in sports to women in education, success stories on women through the People column and articles on Pinktober awareness and many more – it has them all covered. Now, isn’t this what any other media should be doing? I wonder what the ‘expert’ armchair critics of The Fiji Times have to say on this! As I wrap up, my best wishes to our sisters for the women’s IDC tournament at the ANZ Stadium. I plead with the Voice of Soccer, Raymond Stoddart, through Radio Mirchi, to bring the live coverage of the final. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Road contractors
How many road contractors are working on our roads, may I ask? Is there a set standard in the way they should be maintaining our roads and who is checking on their work? There seems to be inconsistency in roadworks throughout the country. In a few areas it’s perfect, in other areas it’s moderately ok, while in the majority of areas it’s pathetic. What’s clearly obvious is that this road contractor system is not working in a consistent manner. Government needs to seriously look at changing the way we maintain our roads. Maybe bring back our Public Works Department (PWD) system, as they did a far better job compared with the way it’s currently being run. Our roads should be in good condition at all times and that’s the standard we need to be at. We want to be enjoying the journey and not be worrying about it! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Repatriation flights
I note that Fiji Airways is calling for expressions of interest regarding repatriation flights on its aircraft from Los Angeles to Nadi. One has to assume they have conveniently forgotten that COVID-19 infections are totally out of control in most areas of the USA and the USA is still winning the world race in numbers of infections and deaths. In fact, Trump now says they are no longer going to fight the infections “conventionally” but rely on therapeutic and vaccine treatment to halt the disease. Neither treatment is yet available. The Solomon Islands have gone from zero to 8 COVID cases in a short timeframe following two repatriation flights from high risk areas, the Philippines and Europe. This occurred despite COVID tests being done on passengers prior to flight which just demonstrates the worth of the procedure. I also note that returning citizens are getting free quarantine and testing on arrival, in stark contrast to most countries where payment required for the service. As far as I am concerned, this is wrong, nobody forces citizens to travel overseas so they should be required to meet all costs on their return. I believe the monies so collected should be distributed equitably to those who are destitute following loss of employment. Allan Loosley Tavua
Times issue
The Fiji Times commands huge respect from so many readers throughout Fiji and the world. A number of letters appeared in this popular newspaper from its readers showing their genuine support. We have two dailies in Fiji. Just imagine if both these newspapers became government mouthpieces, what will be public reaction then? As it is, we can see The Fiji Times is giving us very balanced reporting. It covers a very wide area and this makes reading interesting. Government activities are properly covered so if you overdo it, it would be boring. The editor, Fred Wesley, time and again has said that The Fiji Times is neither pro nor against anyone. Please keep going with your present trend. VIJAY MAHARAJ Navua
Spitting issue
A letter writer is concerned about spitting, more as COVID is around. I have written some letters in previous years to no avail. Yes, we have the law but how much is it given consideration? Do we even have stats to show how many have been charged as per the law for spitting in public places? Even if we do come up with anything, I believe that would be close to none or very low. We see many times, right in front of our eyes, people spitting without any fear. Such a filthy habit shows people don’t have any civic pride. This will continue ’til the law enforcers come down hard on culprits. It’s high time this menace is tackled for the sake of our country and its people. To the authorities, wake up! KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka
Reality of the matter on Ovalau
The red carpet is being laid out as Anthony Sahai would say, for government MPs and officials who are visiting Ovalau. I believe the reality of the matter is, vehicle owners pay the same amount of wheel tax as those on the main land. Reality of the matter is, pothole filling and grading are not long-term solutions nor are medium-term. The roads on Ovalau which are beside the sea need to be rerouted inland or raised a metre or two metres high above the ground in order to evade the tides that continue to wash out part of the roads. One has to travel from Levuka Town to Rukuruku Village and see for themselves the condition of the roads. It’s like Government MPs are sightseeing on Ovalau when they return, the very people who are supposed to be served with dignity and respect are left to make do with the pathetic roads. Numerous efforts to address the issue with relevant agencies have proved futile for the many locals who travel daily on the Ovalau roads. I am certainly voting uncle Allen Lockington for PM next election. Haha! Bill Kunavatu Mission Hill, Levuka
Year to remember
Year 2020 will surely be a year to remember in years to come. The year where many hidden talents have emerged. Lest we forget kava consumption was at an all time high and prices in countries like Australia were as high as $500 per kg. And then here comes the highlights of 2020 apart from COVID, the TikTokers taking Viti by storm. Kava parliament was quiet all this while, probably watching Elvin’s video on TikTok in private (ekdum alaag se). Can’t wait to see what few more months has to offer. Apart from my mate Yaca from Nadera, stealing Setoki’s flip flop, everything seems fine at my former residence at Nadera. Vinaka 2020. Moses Mani Auckland, New Zealand
Visits, road issues
I refer to the article titled, ‘A-G to iron out road issues’ that was published in the FT-28/10 (P4). It was heartening indeed to have read that A-G’s “visit to Macuata last Sunday was not made known because he wanted to see the road condition”. Can the same be done for Ovalau as well? Prior to any government minister(s)/official(s) and team’s visit to Ovalau, heavy road machinery will be sent to Ovalau to lay the “red carpet” to await their arrival. Once the team returns to the mainland, the heavy road machinery follows suit, leaving the road to deteriorate with no maintenance whatsoever until the head honchos decide to re-visit. It’s been the norm for the past 12 years and I’ve lost count of the numerous letters I’ve written regarding such. The people are meant to be served and not vice versa. Anyone “listening”? Anthony Sahai Ovalau
Talanoa session
Of course Allen, you and my boy Anthony will both be advised of the date once Mr Moore confirms when he can attend the talanoa session (FT 28/10). As I’ve mentioned before, we may not be civil engineers but surely have solutions to these constant road repairs. The grog will be on you Mr Moore! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Religious liberty
Recently at a Western school, the PM mentioned religious freedom in Fiji. On universal terms, religious freedom should include considerations, which avoid shattering the ear drums of community members who belong to various denominations. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Facebook posts
I believe the Minister for Education’s explanation (FT/28/10) raises more questions than answers. Dan Urai Lautoka
Sharks galore
I believe there are ‘sharks in the harbour’ ( FT 28/10 ) and sharks on the shore — the legal sharks, the political sharks, the corporate sharks. We must be on guard against both varieties. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Price of ginger
The price of ginger in Sydney is AUD50 per kg. That is, FJD75 per kilo. Yes, that pile you get for FJD1 at the market costs the price of gold here. I actually grow ginger in my back yard now. Can Fiji grow some ginger and export it to us please? It’s not very hard to grow because I know. So can Fijians wake up and do something with their idle land, instead of growing weeds. I know it is easier to grow weeds, but there is no return in it. Jan Nissar Carlton, NSW, Australia
Storm flyer
After watching the NRL grand final on Sunday, I just think Suliasi Vunivalu was just too good. Sukha Singh Labasa
Curfew hours
While I applaud the government of the day for the curfew hours currently put in place, I suggest come festive season as Christmas, these hours should be reviewed to maybe from 9pm to 4am which may contribute to a decline in the crime rate during this period. Arti Verma Simla Lautoka
Fiji economy
I do not recall seeing any information from the Reserve Bank in the media recently on the state of Fiji’s economy. I believe it is essential that statistics on foreign reserves and bank liquidity be reported monthly, along with other relevant data that will enable citizens to assess how Fiji is coping with the downturn in tourism etc. Allan Loosley Tavua
