Pacific Rugby
The much-talked-about clash between Fiji and NZ will kick off this afternoon and majority of the people’s eyes would be glued to the silver screen.
After demolishing the Tongans with a landslide victory, the All Blacks would be aiming for another such victory on their home turf.
The NZ coach seems to be having sleepless nights and has decided to name a much stronger side to face the Flying Fijians.
The onus shifts on the shoulders of the 15s warriors who must not let the highly profiled New Zealanders crush us down easily like the Tongans that were of no match to the Kiwis.
The newly-appointed coach must have devised a plan to at least not lose that easily with such humiliating margin.
And this also implies that every player must do everything correct and within the legal framework that the game demands.
Our indiscipline would be very costly and we just cannot afford to play the player instead of the ball!
On a different note, the recent mismatch between All Blacks and the Tongans also reflects the huge gap in Pacific rugby and the developed nations.
It keeps me grinding the bullet about whether any real effort would ever be made to enhance Pacific rugby.
Play the best game extraordinarily and show that the Fijian flair is still alive in us.
Take the game to their territory.
Our ranking is quite good.
Go Fiji go!
Naveen Dutt, Wainibokasi
Mental health ‘epidemic’
I agree with renowned mental health specialist Selina Kuruleca that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a mental health epidemic.
Kuruleca shared that we had a mental health epidemic on our hands, and that mental health was the ability to function in spite of what life threw at people.
She also pleaded with the Government to listen to people who were suffering during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested many people’s mental ability.
People have suffered.
They have lost jobs and have had hours reduced.
Some have lost an income, and are finding it hard to meet their basic day-to-day needs.
The rising cases of COVID-19 have also tortured people mentally.
Daily, people get to see rising number of positive cases, and this affects them.
Dr Fong stated that the battle was not yet lost, but Fijians are worried about the rising numbers and the drastic impact it could have on our economy.
This pandemic has tested us mentally and spiritually, and a concerted effort is needed to address the downfalls.
With rising numbers, I hope some strong measures will be taken, rather than just talking about getting jabs!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
‘No jab, no job’
While a hard national lockdown would have been a more concrete approach to subdue the virus spread, I guess the “no jab no job” law now gazetted by the PM may be the only alternative in quelling the mass infection rate to a certain degree.
On the flip side, I believe this new policy does indeed violate an individual’s democratic and constitutional right.
Can the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission boss Ashwin Raj please share his interpretation and thoughts on this delicate subject, minus the fancy English?
I have misplaced my Oxford dictionary.
Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Importance of honest news
The past year has been the most arduous of our lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be catastrophic not only to our health– mental and physical – but also to the stability of thousands of Fijians.
And for news organisations that provide honest and objective coverage, warts and all.
The Fiji Times has or tries to cover everything.
It has always understood the importance of calling out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.
I commend its newsroom to bring us the stories that matter and for being watchdogs at a time when being informed is more important than ever.
So I must confess that I am flummoxed at the fact that the education worksheets are not provided to it by the Ministry of Education.
So I asked my wise wife what could be the reason for this egregious lapse.
Is it because it is a “garbage” newspaper?
She quickly put my fears to rest.
She said that it was perhaps because smarter people read The Fiji Times and so their offsprings must be smart too and do not need the worksheets.
And so the MOE, in its infinite wisdom, cares deeply about the environment and has decided not to cut any more trees than absolutely needed.
While I am inclined to agree with her astute assessment, I am still mulling over the political ramifications.
We are constantly told that we are all Fijians and we are one.
Are we?
Arvind Mani, Nadi
The leaking bucket
I do not understand why the Fijian Government is harping on and on about COVID vaccination while totally ignoring the call for a total lockdown.
In my opinion the vaccine is not a magical wand that will reset Fiji to pre COVID days.
It is just part of the solution, not the entire solution.
Please consider a lockdown at the earliest possible time.
Fix the leaking bucket!
As for the current strategy, it looks as silly as trying to collect water with a strainer.
Nazia Naaz, Ba
Calls to jab
Suddenly, all the calls on mainstream and social media for all to vaccinate have fallen silent.
Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka
QR codes
I believe municipal councils should install QR check-ins and check-outs at the markets and public toilets.
Amol Kumar, Lautoka
Heels and boots
If there is an example of marching, high heels and sensitivities, one cannot ignore the Ukraine.
Authorities are getting female soldiers to prepare for a parade in high heels.
Interesting it is but, all in all, let’s continue to ensure respect for our men and women at home.
For now, I am enjoying my gumboots while working in the gardens and cleaning the drains at home.
Thanks to the current situation, nowadays, I am wearing my gumboots more often.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Civil servants
I applaud the Prime Minister on the need for all civil servants to be vaccinated.
Vinaka PM.
Amitesh Anand Prasad, Malolo, Nadi
Silent assistant
Recently, there was a lot of discussion on the whereabouts of the Health Minister and the other top administrators in the challenging period.
However, there has been a reticent response from the Assistant Minister of Health with completely nil input in this burdensome period of the country since day one of the pandemic.
I believe he is still on the hefty payroll unproductively.
Satish Nakched, Suva
Cash rewards
To get more people jabbed, the Government should consider giving cash rewards on every jab.
For example, a $20 cash reward upon getting a jab may prove to be an impetus!
Handouts make more sense in such circumstances.
Bimal Prasad, Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi
Human life
While many countries had come down hard immediately, fighting the virus, somehow money or trade or commerce came to the forefront right beside, or even ahead of, human lives.
Restrictions were relaxed and the numbers of affected people rose.
How precious is the human life?
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
FNPF money
I wonder when will the Government actually assist the people instead of giving out their own money which is at FNPF?
So far, most of us are using our FNPF money which was stopped from June 29.
Jaheed Buksh, Korolevu, Sigatoka
Pre-COVID-19 picture
Tai J. Smith, in regards to your concern raised on 8/7/21, the picture was taken during the pre-COVID-19 period, hence, you could not see a mask on my face.
The caption read, ‘Savusavu Chamber of Commerce president Ravi Chhaganlal. Picture: File’.
Stay safe.
God bless Fiji.
Ravi Chhaganlal, Main Street, Savusavu
Community assistance
I take my hat off to FRIEND Fiji for the good work done in the Western Division, during these trying times.
Their ability to show that they’re an organisation for the common people says a lot.
This will surely not go unnoticed.
Thank you, US Embassy, for the generous assistance.
You have given hope to the 2300 families who have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madam Sashi Kiran, your ability to relate to and serve our grassroot communities is truly amazing.
I wonder if you have ever considered contesting in the next national general election?
I believe you will make a good Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.
Congratulations once again to you and the team and thank you for your endurance and sacrifice.
Fulori Turaga, Tacirua
Putting people first
Reading the opinion piece ‘Putting the people first’ ( FT 9/7 ) made me wonder how many politicians do that?
It would be good if The Fiji Times did a survey to get the public perception on it.
I believe the public reaction will be quite revealing.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Please listen
We, the Fijian people, have been speaking out against policies that have exacerbated the country’s coronavirus crisis.
Mr Government, sir, you must listen.
Fijians are dying, the daily positive cases have surpassed our country code and people are suffering because of your flawed strategy, alongside your unwillingness to acknowledge or act on the people’s plea.
Mr Government, sir, vakarorogo mada, kerekere!
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Rising figures
How are we supposed to trust the figures of rising cases, taking into consideration “no lockdown”.
Our Government, which prides itself on many things, cannot be so ignorant to the stats and the situation of our country.
Come on, give us the real facts that make sense.
Do not create the panic yourself while telling the general public not to panic.
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
Ovalau Better Bus
GROWING up in Levuka during the 60s and the early 80s, I believe we as the kids saw the first ever buses in our life time belonged to the Chagaiya brothers and operated from the base under the foot of the Niukabe Hill.
The bus depot consisted of the owner’s house and a fuel bowser and at the rear of the yard was the famous Levuka Club.
The company was called Ovalau Better Buses Company and had a fleet of four wooden body buses mainly the Albion and the Bedford models.
The kids’ favourite was the half loaf Bedford that could only accommodate about 30 passengers and travelled very fast.
The company served up to Viro and Lovoni Village along the South Rd and up to Cawaci along the North Rd.
At that time the road was only up to Viro and Cawaci, the bus mainly operated early in the morning and the afternoon and there was also a middle trip during the weekends.
The troublesome one was the Saturday night dance trip that left the town for Cawaci at 7pm and repeated the same route at 10pm.
The passengers were mainly drunk and the bus was regularly stoned due to the excessive noise.
The villages along the way up to Cawaci always looked forward to the bus trip and to the kids standing on the side of the road.
It gives them another opportunity to observe the great vehicle in motion and some just loved the smell of the exhaust fume.
The Bedford buses used to have a luggage compartment on the left side of the bus and one at the rear.
The rear one used to be open and the cover was left in the horizontal position supported with two length of chain.
Whenever the bus stops at the village the adventurous kids sit for free on the open trunk and got off at the next stop.
At times we got the opportunity to ride the amazing machines when sent to town by our parents and always looked forward to another ride.
SATISH NAKCHED, Suva
Nurture outdoor skills
This week’s Kaila! newspaper had a timely reminder for every Fijian- nurture outdoor skills!
The Kaila! team did another wonderful and colourful piece, and now that students are at home, I’m sure they would have loved and appreciated the piece.
The front page pictured seven-year-old Maciu Masi from Colo-i-Suva who was helping out at their family dalo farm.
The article on Maciu by Ana Madigibuli was interesting.
The holiday activities for our kids in the form of word search, brain teasers, interesting facts, jumble cross words, food jokes and ‘challenge yourself’ were worthwhile, and so was the article on online coding by Sophie Ralulu. Senimili Bradburgh wrapped up the edition with another interesting piece titled ‘Making art with plastic’ on Aisake Ratukalou, who celebrated his 15th birthday on July 4.
Aisake, who attends CMF College, got hooked on plasticine art after he watched a movie, and since then he creates an image of what he reads or sees using plasticine.
After reading this week’s Kaila, I urge parents to use the holidays to nurture our kids outdoor skills, something that will take them a long way!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Decisive leadership
After almost three months of outbreak and freedom to choose – its brilliant to finally have smart, clear decisive leadership from PM Bainimarama.
Vinaka vaka Levu sir.
All business employers and public servant leaders must be breathing a collective sigh of relief after this wise firm decision to move Fiji out of this pandemic via vaccination.
All the scientific evidence and free choice has already been offered to everyone, including the misinformed conspiracy theorists.
They’re been given their rights to choose; fairs fair.
Time to get real now and protect the rights of all other citizens who are getting vaccinated to protect themselves, and the rest of Fiji from a spreading COVID disaster.
Responsible citizens also have the right to be protected too at work and not be forced to ‘carry the can’ of any irresponsible colleagues who come to work in a pandemic without a jab.
That’s not fair at all either.
With Lambda in 30 countries already, we can’t risk a mutated variant on top of what we have already in Fiji.
Brilliant decision that all businesses and public servants must by right of duty be vaccinated, after a careless minority have contributed to taking Fiji to the brink in their demands for their rights.
They still have these.
But now the law will also protect folks from those who jeopardise others during a pandemic by their negligence.
Great work sir.
Awesome news indeed.
Jean H. Hatch, Sawau St., Nabua, Suva
Health tips
So Dr Neil Sharma, former health Minister, emerges back only to tell us to reduce meal to two meals a day and try intermittent fasting. (FT 07/07).
Thanks for the other health tips relating to COVID that most are well versed with but some are not adhering to.
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
Police checkpoints
Police checkpoint situated at the T-junction of Hollander Street and Tavakubu Road in Lautoka is very dangerous as no space is available to park any motor vehicle when stopped by police to inform drivers to wear their mask.
I almost had an accident yesterday as I turned into Hollander Road and three vehicles were stopped in front of me on the T-junction.
Please Lautoka Traffic Department think twice where you erect checkpoints.
Narayan Reddy, Lautoka
Good Samaritans
Good to see business houses and retailers association donating groceries and face masks to police but please don’t forget the thousands of unemployed because of COVID.
Lautoka is fortunate to have some good Samaritans like the Kava parliament (Allen, Reddy and TD) and some other individuals who have been helping thousands from the first lockdown.
Please think of the poor people in Qauia.
Deven Sahay, Lautoka
Powerful side to face the All Blacks
Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter has named a powerful side to face the All Blacks in Dunedin.
Cotter, who insists that Fiji is going to play Fijian rugby, has indeed named a well-balanced outfit, and has named young Simione Kuruvoli against mighty Aaron Smith.
However, Simi is a versatile, skillful and crafty player, and I’m adamant he will do wonders.
Alongside Simi, Cotter has roped in Peni Ravai, Sam Matavesi, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Leone Nakarawa, Johnny Dyer, Mesulame Kunavula, Albert Tuisue, Ben Volavola, Nemani Nadolo, Levani Botia, who will lead the charge as captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Sau, Kini Murimurivalu, Haereiti Hetet, Leeroy Atalifo, Tevita Ratuva, Peceli Yato, Setareki Tuicuvu, and Peni Narisia, Eneriko Buliruarua and Manasa Mataele who make their debut for the Flying Fijians.
The All Blacks have been named, and I’m happy for Crusader Ethan de Groot who will get his dream All Blacks debut alongside Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, Samuel Whitelock, Luke Jacobson, finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan.
Regardless of the result, I’m banking on our boys to put up a spectacular effort- something that we will be proud of.
My heart is torn between Fiji and the All Blacks, and I’ll be watching the game silently at home.
Toso Viti!
Go ABs!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Scores and difference
When the dust settles today, it’s not the score which matters.
As a rugby fan, I am excited about the much anticipated match between the All Blacks and the Flying Fijians.
I look forward to a spirited team effort in our attack and defence.
This is what counts.
Congratulations to Botia on his appointment as captain.
One can be sure that under his leadership the Flying Fijians are daring to fly on the rugby paddocks.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Well done
I wish to congratulate the Koroipita model town and founder Peter Drysdale for their initiative in getting 81 per cent of its residents vaccinated.
They had counselling for residents who had doubts about the jab and got them vaccinated.
The residents are some of the poorest in the country but via well organised programs Mr Drysdale and his team have been successful.
I have had the pleasure of working with his team and I salute you.
God bless team Koroipita.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Fighting COVID
It’s a great relief to see kiwi doctors in this pandemic outbreak assist the Fijian medical team to control this virus.
It’s never too late and at the end of the day, we all will realise that survival depends on the total cooperation of all mankind.
Light at the end of the tunnel.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
England on song
England’s 55-year wait to reach a major men’s final was over after victory against Denmark at Euro 2020, on a night of nerve-shredding tension, then unconfined joy.
Gareth Southgate’s side was on a mission to travel one step further than any England side had done since the 1966 World Cup final win against West Germany.
The Three Lions achieved the long-cherished goal as they came from behind to triumph in extra time.
In front of 66k fans and in a frenzied and thunderous atmosphere, England battled their way.
However, the Three Lions had to fight for victory against a steely opponent.
England conceded first after Mikkel Damsgaard’s stunning free kick but then Danish captain Simon Kjaer turned in Bukayo Saka’s threatening cross.
Captain Harry Kane converted a penalty after Raheem Sterling was fouled by Joakim Maehle.
With that goal, Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s long-standing record of 10 goals for England at major tournaments.
Wembley went wild with deafening noise and crazy celebrations and England now has the golden opportunity to claim a major crown since 1966.
My best wishes to the Three Lions!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Vevedu story
The stories and testimonies circulating on social media have unfortunately taken its toll on poor vevedu plants along the coastal areas.
From Nasese to Navua, these trees have not been spared as members of our community have raided them and basically removed nearly all leaves.
For some reason, some are claiming that it’s a remedy to high fevers and the coronavirus.
Whatever one’s views, let’s not forget that these vevedu plants deserve a break, provide oxygen and protect our coastlines.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Mental health
I have never seen nor heard of Government to address the above issue, let alone talk about it, except NGOs.
Shamima Ali of FWCC mentioned a few weeks ago in The Fiji Times the mental health issues affecting all Fijians because of pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is based on the number of calls they receive on a daily basis.
In The Fiji Times on Thursday, July 1, 2021, the CEO of Empower Pacific, Patrick Morgam, mentioned the increase in numbers of frontline healthcare workers accessing their counselling services as they were burnt out, tired and weary because they are humans, just like you and me.
Again this week, FT 9/7, Selina Kuruleca also shared the same sentiments – mental health epidemic.
Government should place more staff and resources to address this vital issue but, most importantly, take time to listen to people’s plights.
Jioji M Cakacaka, Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi
Vaccination requirement
Since high-risk businesses are poised to open and businesses like restaurants will very soon be able to entertain dine-ins, I suggest only fully vaccinated patrons be allowed in such outlets.
Of course, being fully vaccinated does not obviate the risks but it nonetheless provides greater confidence to patrons, business owners and staff alike.
Further, this requirement will also incentivise anti-vaxxers to reconsider and get jabbed.
Also, the Prime Minister’s no jab, no job announcement is most welcome.
The economic privation certainly warrants some tough measures now.
Bimal Prasad, Newtown Road, Wailoaloa, Nadi
99 reasons
Have our leaders really tried to find out why our common laymen and iTaukei Fijian populations do not want to be vaccinated?
Or are they just assuming that they don’t want to since they are exercising their human right under the Bill of Rights entrenched in our 2013 Constitution?
If you ask any iTaukei who has not taken the vaccine, you will be surprised to hear 99 reasons.
If they do not want the jab, leave them alone as they will face their own consequences of choices.
No need to keep harping on about it.
Is it appropriate for the PM to threaten them that if they won’t receive the jab, their social welfare will be affected? Is that an appropriate response to come out from a national leader – no jab, no job?
Jioji M Cakacaka, Tadra – Votualevu, Nadi
Birth of Buresala Jetty
During the seventies we used to spend a great deal of our school holidays in Viro on Ovalau and at night fishing and looking for mud crabs was a favourite event.
However, the best place to hunt for the qari crabs was at the Buresala mangrove that was about two miles away and had to be done secretly but at times the tabu cagi kerosene lamp that was used gave away our position and then the gun shot would echo in the thick lush virgin forest to scare us off the property of the grand old lady locally known as Mrs Clay.
There was also an unused jetty at that time there and possibly a wreck of a naval ship some metres in the mangrove.
The antiquated house where the late Mrs Clay lived in was the first building of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) that was known as Buresala Training School, the first educational institution designed to train workers that the Seventh-day Adventist church operated in Fiji (and, in fact, the South Pacific Islands region).
In 1904 the church wanted to establish a permanent school in Viti Levu but could not find any suitable sites.
The church heard about 300 acres of land that was owned by one Morris in Buresala on Ovalau and showed keen interest.
The same year two SDA church pastors arrived in the mission yacht the Adi Suva and maybe was the first vessel that ever arrived and was anchored in Buresala.
They negotiated and finally purchased the property and immediately the school started to take shape initially with the Fijian bures built by the people of Bureta Village.
The other infrastructures such as the jetty was constructed for the school’s many vessels that arrived from the other parts of Fiji and the Pacific.
By the 1930s Buresala continued to be fully fledged important training centre, but important changes had been taking place in Fiji and in the educational work of the church and finally ceased operation in 1939 when Fulton College in Tailevu was established and the Buresala property sold again.
From 1940s the Buresala jetty was seldom used except for the merchant ships that stopped over night during their journey to the other parts of Fiji as night traveling was not encouraged due to the infant stage of navigation technologies.
This then became a popular picnic spot for the people of Levuka which had a cave like stone structure where many beer drinking parties happened.
Satish Nakched, Suva
