Serevi’s presence
The 7s legend and maestro Waisale Serevi jetted into the country, and he made his presence felt.
His visit to schools such as Lelean Memorial School lifted the morale of our students, as the wizard shared some wonderful and inspirational stories that should inspire our youth — the future of our beloved Fiji.
Serevi also volunteered to offer his help to solve the impasse that resulted in the Nabua brawl.
Serevi will know Nabua better than most of us. After all, his success on the field was a result of his commitment, passion and determination shown on Nabua’s training ground, and his service to the Nabua 7s that rocked Fiji in the 90s.
Vinaka vakalevu Sir-Revi for your wisdom, and for being Fiji’s true, loyal and patriotic son! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
High possibility
One read with interest our 7s wizard’s remarks about the high possibility of us retaining gold medal on the rugby paddocks come the Olympics in Japan (FT 23/4/21).
Just as much as this is reassuring, one notes that we must seriously work on our discipline.
In recent tournaments the number of yellow and red cards dished out by referees continue to stand out like a sore thumb.
Anyway it’s always nice to have our very own Serevi back in the country as he continues to encourage and motivate our players.
What better person to listen to, then someone like Serevi, who has been there, in the climax and doldrums of Fiji’s 7s history.
Enjoyable stay to Serevi and family. Floyd Robinson Toorak, Suva
Be prepared
WHAT should not have happened has happened. We should have become extra cautious when other countries were grappling with a second wave of the virus. But we cannot turn the clock back now. So instead of moaning and groaning about it, let’s take necessary precautions to eliminate and avoid risk of contraction. If you are not concerned about your own safety and health, at least refrain from being a threat to others. It’s time to practise the scout’s motto of “always be prepared”. For vaccine or no vaccine this virus is not going to go away anytime soon. That is the reality. Instead of worrying about reopening our borders and removing the curfew, our number one priority should be to make our country and its people safe. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Accidental transmission
The accidental transmission of COVID-19 into the Fijian population is extremely unfortunate. Someone’s carelessness is causing the Health Ministry and the frontline workers so much anxiety and restlessness. Dr Fong, the Ministry of Health permanent secretary seems to be on the edge when he lashed out at media outlets to show restraint and a sense of responsibility. It is understandable. The pressure is high. But the survival of the media is strictly dependent on finding a scoop! The Minister for Education seems to be also emotionally involved with the release of the name of a COVID positive student from Caubati. She has gone ahead to suspend the principal of the school concerned. This in my view is an extreme reaction and uncalled for. With hundreds of students milling around you simply cannot stop the rumour mill. Word of mouth is a very powerful means of communication. Social media adds to the hype! I totally agree that all Fijians have a responsibility to follow the COVID guidelines laid down by the Government. It is in our interest and so far the Government has done a commendable job with border control. We must lend our support to contain this deadly virus. Wear masks, hand gloves observe social distancing and use hand sanitisers (businesses to keep prices reasonable). In my view all media outlets have done an excellent job in keeping the Fijian public well informed. There is no need for total confidentiality vis-a-vis COVID-19. It should be treated as public enemy number one. And unless you know your enemy you cannot defeat it. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Suspended principal
Authorities acted very speedily in suspending the principal of a school believed to be the one responsible for the leakage of confidential information regarding a suspected case of virus infecting a student. His suspension relates to breach of privacy. His only mistake was to keep the teachers at his school informed of the student’s infection. What is wrong with that? Even the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health while addressing the nation on TV the other day was seen to be quite emotional with what had happened. Sir, this is not the first time in Fiji that patients infected with the COVID-19 virus have been officially named. Let me help to refresh your memory and take you back to our first patient’s case which was advertised all over the world with no regard to the privacy of the patient concerned. Where was our responsibility to privacy then? I think the suspension needs to be withdrawn because it looks unfair and wrong at the same time. Suresh Chand Nadi
Poverty experts
Wow! There are so many poverty experts in Fiji — the variety that do not believe in empirical research and authoritative poverty reports. Raj Kumar (FT 23/4) is the latest to surface on that line-up. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Subsidised items
With thousands of Fijians momentarily struggling since the pandemic hit our shores, I believe the Government should subsidise face masks, hand sanitisers and gloves for its vulnerable citizens to combat this sudden COVID-19 surge. With the 10 years of unparalleled economic boom and the imminent arrival of three new 737 MAX 8 planes, I’m positive our government can afford to do so. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Ambitious targets
During the recent climate summit several countries have announced ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions in the near future. These are grand ideas and must be backed by specific policies. I only hope that the words are matched by their actions as committed by these leaders. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Restrictions
I received a call asking how was the lockdown and the restrictions! I replied that I miss listening to my mates fragrant untruth stories while sitting around that magic basin. Few have mastered the art that even Satan will believe them. Lol. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Three pronouns
Meanwhile the three pronouns that have made a name for themselves during the course of the week are, Sonia and Faraz, Cunningham and the grey taxi. Chiuu… Alipate Tuberi Suva
Far cry
It is great to see that lessons have been learnt, the emotional plea for patient privacy is indeed warranted and justified, a far cry from 19/03/20. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Frontline workers
I am a public service driver and want to thank the people in the frontline. We public service drivers put ourself at risk by picking people. But I thank the Health Ministry for what they are doing and the advice they are giving. I have my mask and gloves. Navneet Ram Lautoka
Street kids
I wonder where do our street kids, beggars and senior citizens who live in the streets of Nadi, Namaka, Lautoka and other towns go to for shelter during this lockdown crisis or restricted movements? Jadon Masivesi Nukuvuto, QVS
Greatest tragedy
Anywhere in the world, I think one of the greatest tragedies of modern time occurs when common citizens of independent countries start seeking independence. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Confidential email
Can there be an investigation on which recipient of that confidential email from the school head leaked it on social media?
I emailed the Online Safety Commission asking if they will investigate but more then six hours later, still no reply.
The Online Commission must have been offline. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Party issue
Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane thinks I am living in wonderland when I say that SODELPA will win in 2022 (FT 23/4). I would ask him to throw his hat into the ring and stand against SODELPA in the area he chooses, and we will see. People like him thought we would win only five seats in 2014, we ended up with 15; they said our seats in Parliament would be halved in 2018, we ended up with 21. On this trajectory, the threshold of 26 seats to form government is a reality for us. Since the overthrow of the SDL, now SODELPA, no party in Fiji has gone through the trials and tribulations we have experienced and yet we keep growing. We have become a strong institution, resilient against adversity and the reason our people regard us as their only hope. Mr Tikomaibolatagane claims to be heavily involved with the iTaukei, suggesting that SODELPA does not, and the only way to settle that is for the two of us to debate on iTaukei issues at a place and time he chooses. Viliame Gavoka Party Leader, SODELPA
Negligence of protocols
The nation is yet again on the threshold of a ‘standstill’ following two fully grown human beings’ negligence of quarantine protocols. I’m gutted because everyone has been affected some way or the other, the ‘ripple effect’ they say. Again, the restrictions! I can’t travel places that I need to be. I cannot visit people that I need to see. Above all, more devastatingly, a fellow resident of Cunningham was denied entry into a prominent supermarket just because she’s from Cunningham. Neglecting instructions is dearly costly! I hope the two culprits realise that! Sau levu dina na vakawalena na ivakaro! Chiuu…. Alipate Tuberi Suva
Mask price
To enter a supermarket in Lautoka they requested everyone to put on a mask. They assisted by selling disposable masks for $2.75. In other shops similar masks are sold for $1.50. Yesterday the same supermarket has dropped their price for a disposable mask to $1.75. Dan Urai Lautoka
Adhere to restrictions
Lockdowns are here with us once more, after over a year of hibernation, now revived by the opening of a door, enabling the dreaded community transmission. What we need now more than ever before, is to strictly adhere to all the restrictions, so that we can once again close that door, and save the people of our beloved nation. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
We try
We are only weeks away from the time when our cyclone season will officially come to an end. However, we can never forget the widespread destruction and damage to the properties and livelihood caused by two cyclones and flooding this season. Let us all hope that we do not meet the destructive force all the time. This can not be ruled out completely because of the climatic change affecting the whole planet. Building cyclone resilient houses and improving the drainage are some of the mitigating factors which we are supposed to keep working on continually. Trying is better than doing nothing. Suresh Chand Nadi
