Tulo’s departure
Your editorial (26/07) is an eye-opener!
After Eileen Cikamatana’s departure to Australia another weightlifting sensation Manueli Tulo is hopeful of representing Vanuatu in the future.
The Fijian star was with the three-member Vanuatu weightlifting team in Samoa and he could be close to achieving his dream of representing Vanuatu.
Tulo’s words “I still love Fiji. Fiji is still in my heart”, shows the amount of passion athletes have for the nation but I believe, because of administrative politics their aspirations get killed.
Our loss, Vanuatu’s gain!
By the way what difference does it make to administrators who have never been in the sport themselves!
Thus, all the best in your career aspiration Tulo and hoping that you’ll have a colourful ending!
Hats off to The Fiji Times for the editorial!
I believe it’s time for heads to roll!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Our roads
I refer to the letter from Aram Goes, general manager Central Division, Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) in The Fiji Times (23/05).
Your letter was titled “Our roads” which was a response to my letter (FT 20/05).
In my letter, I had raised two issues related to road conditions in Fiji.
First, the deplorable state of road conditions are because of the usage of substandard materials.
Second, the recurring road repairs which has simply been a massive waste of resources.
In his reply, Aram Goes has stated that FRA is very focused on quality of materials.
I totally agree with the observations by Fiji National University head of School of Transport Etuate Koroi.
While speaking at the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation forum, he pointed out three important factors about road repairs.
They include the amount of money spent over the years, quality and the number of times repairs are carried out.
Mr Goes, as you have outlined that the widespread existence of potholes are evident in older roads that in prior decades have not been regularly waterproofed and the FRA is wisely investing taxpayer funds to rehabilitate roads, can we expect the Natabua road to be of top quality once complete?
The Natabua road is one of the worst roads in Lautoka (perhaps Fiji).
It has been under repair from early May this year.
Til to date, the old footpaths have been removed, drains dug and driveways made.
Currently, the blocks are being laid for the new footpaths.
Could this process be sped up which is currently at snails pace?
Once complete, the next rainy season will determine the quality and wise investment of taxpayer funds claim by FRA.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Respecting rights
The PNG employers representative said it all.
Government should not interfere in the running of business and allow trade unions to function as they should.
Respect all rights.
Dan Urai, PNG
Litter issue
Can the authorities create more awareness on anti-litter campaigns?
We want a clean and conducive environment.
Corners of the streets are piled with unwanted house materials, rubbish littered all around the centres of Suva and other major towns.
Does this actually show civilisation?
After any event or festival, parks are laid full of rubbish and this is quite a concern.
Isn’t there enough bins available to cater for the litter that makes the environment look surprisingly filthy and untidy.
The population of Fiji is not so huge in numbers and probably every issue can be contained if everyone claims responsibility for it.
Let’s make a difference Fiji!
Raynav Chand, Nakasi
Prison phones
It’s interesting the amount of mobile phones that were caught on remand prisoners.
I don’t know how it’s done but aren’t the people searched before they are locked up?
Then you have illegal drugs and the like.
This begs the question that could come back to bite the authorities in charge.
The police or prison officers should not gloat over this because those people are in their care.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Important milestone
The important milestone at Tavewa roundabout which marks the Western junction of the Queens and Kings roads is in need of repair and repainting.
Michael Scott, Morris St, Lautoka
Food for thought
Anyone with the opportunity to visit Tanzania can conclude that the country invested more into marketing the country for tourists than spending millions on its airport.
I believe more than three million visit the country annually with an airport slightly bigger than our Nausori International Airport.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Endangered species
I believe trade unionists are an endangered species.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Disgusting scenario
According to the statement released by Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, some police officers are alleged to have been involved in the drug trade.
Even our law enforcers who are supposed to fight the crime are allegedly being lured in the drug business.
The officers who are alleged to have been involved in this racket should be ashamed of themselves.
I know the investigation will take its course and if these alleged perpetrators are found to be guilty, they must face the full brunt of the law.
They have not kept the oath to serve the people of the land honestly.
I don’t know how the families of these alleged law-breaking police officers would feel when the news spreads.
It is quite surprising to learn that some officers are suspected to have lived within the police compound while being allegedly engaged in such a criminal act.
I think the force needs to wake up and clean their back yard first.
I don’t think the clean-up should stop here.
This is disgusting.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
Drugs in the force
The revelation by Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho that alleged drug dealing by some of his police officers from their police quarters is suspected is a concern to the law-abiding public.
If the drug trade has infiltrated the police to this degree, it may explain why when some members of the public report drug-related matters to the police they appear to be ignored.
Sanya Catherine Gain, Lami
Interesting encounters
This year’s Deans quarter-finals kicking off at the ANZ Stadium today would be quite interesting as there are some new inclusions apart from the dominance of eastern and central schools.
The Deans encounter has always been very lively and nail-biting and the support from parents and well-wishers is worth admiring.
I have always discovered that this level of intense rugby provides huge platform to Fiji rugby and other international agencies vying for some talent.
The players, officials, parents and sponsors have made tremendous sacrifices in ensuring that teams make it this far.
The onus now lies with each player to use every muscle in their bodies to progress to the semis.
Interestingly, the northerners would be rendering their full support to St Bedes College that would be playing in two grades.
I wish the young brigade from the hidden paradise of Savusavu to play to their best abilities and overcome the challenge ahead.
I know the boys from Lodoni would try to do everything correct to retain their titles from slipping but that should not deter other schools from winning.
The level of consistency shown by RKS last year in making a clean sweep of all categories is indeed praiseworthy and it would be interesting if that consistency is still there.
As the search for new talents continue, let’s embrace and support the sport.
The rivalry will always be there on the field and I know it would not be dragged outside.
My best wishes to all participating schools, players, parents and teachers.
Naveen Dutt, Wainibokasi
Climate change
I believe the term climate change is a misnomer.
Here I mean when people say that the rising sea levels and the Earth heating up being blamed on the climate.
The climate was as it is when our Lord created Earth.
It is man’s inequities that have caused certain things to alter nature’s natural path.
We have reclaimed land, diverted waterways, burnt fossil fuels and plastics and rubber and we blame climate?
No it’s humans who will destroy the Earth.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Cab ride
I got a gas taxi from the hot springs in Sabeto to travel home to Natabua, Lautoka.
The driver said they would have to go back to Votualevu (right inside) to fill gas and then go to Natabua.
That’s a lot of gas (fuel) being used up to make the drive to Lautoka.
My questions are — how many gas vehicles are there in the West?
How many gas service stations are in between Votualevu to Natabua.
In fact let me ask how many gas service stations are there in the Nadi and Lautoka area?
Iliesa Baravilala, Natabua Housing, Lautoka
Sports glory
I agree with my good friend Rajnesh Lingam on New Zealand — a nation with five million population — synonymous to glory in sports.
Sometimes we feel they are overachievers with a low population when compared with other bigger nations in the world.
They almost won the cricket final and that would have helped achieve majority of world titles except soccer and certainly the two most awaited events, one is this year the 15s WC which they will defend, and the Olympics 7s fight with Fiji.
Go Kiwis, show them to them.
All in all the New Zealand Black Caps, the Silver Ferns, the mighty All Blacks, All Whites, women’s sevens all deserve a big handshake and tap on the back.
Joka New Zealand … joka sports.
Shalwyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Pacific Nations opener
The road to the Rugby World Cup does not get any easy for John McKee as he is racing against time to choose a formidable outfit to battle Australia and Wales for a spot in the quarters.
This evening, thanks to Fiji One, fans will watch the Fiji versus Japan match live from Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium.
After the success of the Test Series against the Maori All Blacks our focus has shifted to defending the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan and a strong squad has been taken to the Land of the Rising Sun.
As I had predicted McKee has named Lomani at halfback, Volavola at playmaker, Botia and Wise at centre, Nakosi and Pat on the wings, and Veitokani at fullback.
Our forward pack in Mawi, Sam, Saulo, Tuisue, Nakarawa, Dominiko, Kunatani and Bill is a class and should be able to match the fast and mobile Japanese pack.
The past five clashes between the Fijians and Japan have produced spectacular moments.
In 2011 Japan beat Fiji (24-13) but since then it has been Fiji all the way.
From 2012-16 Fiji has defeated the Brave Blossoms (25-19, 22-8, 27-22 and 38-35 respectively).
Last year Fiji won its fifth Pacific Nations Cup after topping the pool with 10 points.
Tonga, Georgia, and Samoa finished with five, four and one point respectively.
Fiji narrowly outclassed Samoa (24-22) and then thumped Georgia (37-15). Japanese coach and former Highlanders mentor Jamie Joseph has named a powerful squad to end their losing streak against Fiji and has named Michael Leitch to captain the side.
Leitch is one of 12 survivors from the team that became the first to win three pool matches at the showpiece tournament and not qualify for the quarter-finals in England four years ago and he is one of the 15 players that started the famous (34-32) victory against South Africa.
The likes of Kizu, Labuschagne, Moore, Miura, Thompson, Tui, Inagaki, Mafi, Yamanaka, Matsushima, Lafaele, Tamura, Horie, Tanaka, Fukuoka, and Moeakiola will carry the passion of the Brave Blossoms at home.
I wish the Flying Fijians all the best for the heavy showdown at Kamaishi.
Toso Viti toso!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji versus Japan
Fiji will be vying for a victory against Japan at their home ground, with Fiji’s best line-up named to take on the strong Japanese team who are the hosting nation of this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Out of the 17 games played between the two countries Fiji has won 14 and Japan 3.
In the world ranking Fiji is at 9th position while Japan is on 11th and Japan will be trying very hard to be at the top 10.
Fiji on the other hand is gunning for a five year in a row for the Pacific Nations Cup which we have won since 2015 and Japan the outright winners in 2011 and 2014 will also be eyeing the title this year.
Our Fijian supporters in Japan will be there to cheer along and all the best to the Flying Fijians.
Go Fiji go.
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
Forgiving others
It is said that “to sin is human, to forgive is divine”.
Luke 11:4 says “forgive us our sins for we also forgive everyone who sin against us”.
You will know that this is part of the Lord’s prayer and majority of Christians say it daily.
It is sad how some every Sunday church going Christians can ask God to forgive them but they refuse to forgive others.
I think that harbouring an unforgiving spirit is actually asking God not to forgive you.
St Augustine called this “the terrible petition”.
I call it “lotu lasulasu”.
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Nadroga’s final hurdle
“Farebrother is a competition where the teams play not only for victory but for their vanua and at the end of the season the team that keeps the trophy gets its name branded on the silverware and that speaks volume in the history of Fiji rugby.”
These were the words of Tiko Matawalu, one of the brains behind the success of the Stallions as the traditional champions prepare to face Lautoka in the final Farebrother battle.
Fans who have been watching the champion Nadroga team play would have noticed three beautiful words on the jersey — The Fiji Times.
It’s a delight to see our champion team being backed by our champion newspaper — The Fiji Times.
Nadroga and The Fiji Times have tonnes of courage and guts in their quest for victory and when two champion teams combine, the result is sweet.
Hence, fireworks would have erupted as the Farebrother Trophy holder Nadro battled the Bainimarama Trophy holder!
I miss the glorious days of the then Islands Electric-sponsored Maroons and I pay tribute to the coaching staff members and sponsor Raymond Singh for those beautiful days when Lautoka was in the top flight.
The Maroons, on Friday night, fought bravely to down Yasawa (24-21) and wrest the Bainimarama Trophy and a chance to play Nadroga.
Lautoka would have been no easy match-up and the Stallions would need fire in the engine room to defend the Farebrother Trophy for the vanua of Nakuruvakarua.
After a vigorous outing against Nadi and Suva the likes of Navuma, Dawai, Nasilasila, Sauvoli, Samoca, Nasiga, Lawavou, Radrodro, Tabulawaki, Tovilevu, Vucago and Radrodro prevailed.
Thanking the Stallions for a wonderful season and wishing them all the best!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Last push
Lautoka, being an underdog, are returning to the big scene and their Farebrother challenge will not be a walkover.
Lautoka, a Farebrother Trophy holder in the past, will battle to the end with Nadroga.
After their re-entry into the Skipper Cup 2020, this challenge will for once and for all prove where they really belong.
Lautoka made history when it ended Nadroga’s domination at Lawaqa Park on September 29, 1979 but lost to Nadi a week later.
And on November 3, 2001, Lautoka regained the Farebrother but lost to Ovalau later.
Regained it from Naitasiri on July 26, 2003, and lost it on the last challenge to Tailevu.
After 16 years there is no turning back for Lautoka.
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
Rest in peace
WHERE do we really begin?
Death can deal a truly hurtful and painful blow.
This is our moment to endure immense loss; intense grief and feeling of much shock and disbelief.
You were always our beacon of hope, a shining star among all men.
A cut above the rest.
So calm in the face of challenging times.
So full leadership and motivational skills.
Always there to listen.
To guide.
To mentor.
To show us a better way forward.
I will sorely miss your counsel.
Thank you for encouragement — keep writing.
Fiji, as a proud developing Pacific nation is so much poorer without you now.
We have shed silent tears.
Words alone are totally inadequate to thank you appropriately enough for all you have proudly done as a true son of Fiji… much pride, tolerance, integrity, respect and dignity.
You ably led the Fiji Chinese community with enormous “larger than life, pride and distinction”.
True leadership, unsurpassed with enormous tact, diplomacy and respect.
So long, Dixon.
Tor che, Seeto sin-saang.
Sail on to peaceful waters to be at eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.
We will all meet again, Some sweet day, Way out yonder, Beyond the stars, And Pearly Gates Where orchids and roses never fade.
It is only human to ask, “Why?”
Deep down, in true faith, hope and trust; God knows best. (In His almighty majesty, He has changed your residential address from your Earthly home to His kingdom).
You earned it.
Our heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to every member of the Seeto and Chan families in this time of real loss and pain.
Our sincere thanks and much appreciation must go to our prime minister for his accolades, tributes and sympathies expressed.
Thank you also Hafiz Khan for your kind words of thanks and acknowledgment.
Rest in perfect peace and eternal happiness, Dixon Seeto.
Ronnie Chang, Nadi
Parking issue
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always park right outside our destinations, without either parking charges or traffic police or LTA to worry us?
Of course, we would all want to be able to do this, and all the time!
Sadly, the reality is that in urban areas it is just not possible — there are too many vehicles and they would all be chasing the same few parking spaces.
Some people liken the traffic flow on our roads to the blood flow through our bodies, with major roads being the arteries and minor roads the capillaries.
And, just as the buildup of cholesterol in an important artery can slow down the blood flow and a blockage can have serious consequences, so can parked vehicles cause traffic flow to slow down or even seize altogether.
The term clearway refers to the stretches of roads or street where parking is prohibited.
It no doubt has great benefits and is an excellent initiative by the Fiji Roads Authority but in saying that I believe no consultations was done to see the impact on businesses and traders including taxidrivers who struggle to earn a decent income for their families.
Extending clearways on all major roads will be disastrous and will have a huge impact on businesses.
We already have parking challenges for many customers and these clearways are a serious hindrance.
We need taxi pick-up points or 30 seconds leeway as women doing shopping with their children cannot cross streets in search of taxis.
I also suggest that clearways in the evenings should be until 6pm to allow people to shop after work and go home.
One example is how can we buy meat from Whaleys butcher’s shop in Flagstaff?
Do we have to wait until 6.30 pm?
A holistic approach must be taken when new policies are being implemented and fine-tuning must be done after evaluation.
We still have long queues at Rewa St from Belo St to the Milverton Rd roundabout around 8am so it’s obvious that there are other factors.
The Fiji Roads Authority must also make the re-surfacing works a priority because the roads are in a very bad condition.
We hope common sense will prevail and the above factors will be considered for the betterment of all road users.
Dharmendra Kumar, Rewa St, Suva
Spectacular Pacific Games
With almost two years to prepare, Samoa did well to host this year’s Pacific Games.
The closing ceremony was a delight to watch and it became emotional as the baton was handed over to the Solomons.
To top up the success in Samoa, the Samoan netball team dumped the Pearls to finish 13th at the Netball World Cup.
Back to Samoa and Fiji finished fifth behind New Caledonia, PNG, Samoa and Tahiti.
Our hope of a top-three finish was quashed as we squandered gold medals in some individual and team events.
It’s thus, important that a SWOT analysis is carried out of our performance in Samoa and strategies are drawn up to improve on the downfalls and plans must be made to assist sports such as volleyball so that players don’t miss out.
It was also disappointing to note that Fiji netball missed out from taking part as our development team could have been sent.
Fiji’s chef de mission Patrick Bower was apt in saying that preparations must start for the 2023 Pacific Games as a lot of work is needed to finish in the top three.
As I conclude, I acknowledge the efforts of our entire contingent — the officials, athletes and team management and hearty thanks to The Fiji Times for the beautiful memories from the Pacific Games which was thrilling and spectacular!
To Rakoko, thank you for another masterpiece (FT 26/07) on “Banuve” titled “Making of a sprinter”!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Growing young minds
Here’s a couple of questions for the educators in Fiji — especially in the primary schools:
1) Have you ever asked yourself how can we better equip young learners with the skills to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world?
2) How do you as educators successfully respond to the growing mental health crisis and youth anxiety?
If you do not know, Growing Young Minds is an excellent program that will show you how the answer to both these questions are importantly intertwined.
By integrating the science of learning, mindsets and emotional resilience into any curriculum, you can have a transformative, positive effect on both students’ welfare and their academic outcomes.
The knowledge-building program features leading educational experts.
This conference is ideal for all teachers and educators eager to help build their students’ emotional resilience, as they lay down the important tracks taking them forward to a rewarding and fulfilling career and life.
Attendees will learn how to harness theory and practitioner expertise in Neuroscience so that emotional resilience skills can be built in your classroom through the sessions including: ThinkPlus online Starter Kit – exclusive access through the ThinkPlus learning portal to teaching resources, activities and lessons covering neuroplasticity, mindsets and the science of learning.
It would be a course worth attending.
But I may be jumping the gun.
How many educators in Fiji know what neuroplasticity even means – or care to know?
Arvind Mani, Nadi
Letters of the Week
Strange issue
WHEN I read (FT 02/7) that “The Fiji Government is not responsible for the release of the bodies of US couple David and Michelle Paul ….” and, “….. but right now don’t know where the bodies are kept, either at Lautoka Hospital or in Nadi, I really don’t know,” the song by 4 Jacks and a Jill came to mind, It’s a strange strange world we live in Master Jack.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Rent option
THE price of vacant housing lots and the cost of construction of a house is so great that in the long run with the current situation I believe it is cheaper to rent then to try to buy or build a house in my opinion.
As an example (which is again very conservative): Let’s say the price of a 400 square metre or smaller piece of housing land would be $40000.
The cost of construction of a two-bedroom house would be $100,000 (current quotes by contractors).
This equates to a total of $140,000 for land and house.
If $20,000 is owner’s deposit or financing through the Fiji National Provident Fund, then $120,000 has to be obtained through a bank/commercial housing loan.
With the interest and mortgage protection insurance and other loan security which is mandatory in most cases, another $100,000 approximately is payable on top of the loan taken (again I believe I am being very conservative and taking minimum values).
This brings the total repayable loan cost for the two-bedroom property to $220,000.
Add to this is the $20,000 contribution from FNPF and the total price of the property comes to $240,000.
If one expects to repay the total loan and associated interest and mortgage protection insurance charges and fees of approximately $220,000 in 20years then one must pay a total of $11,000 in a year which equates to about $916 a month.
This sir is $916 a month for a two-bedroom house which the owner is going to occupy and which will be fully paid for after 20 years.
Now looking at this amount and the cost of renting a two-bedroom house/flat currently, my perception is that it is better to rent than to build.
And if one is lucky to occupy a two-bedroom house flat for $700 or less and with the current residential rental freeze in place, pray you as a tenant are able to occupy that flat along into the future.
I rest my case believing I still have not done full justice to my analysis and which I am sure the experts out there can help with.
Personally I through my analysis think it is cheaper to rent.
For those landlords who have recently bought or built houses and are giving on rent; I to some extent can understand why they want to rent out the flat/house at an initial high price.
This is so they can recover costs and not suffer losses.
Profit?
I don’t see much.
Maybe once the property is paid for or when the property valuation goes up and it is sold in the future at a higher price.
I look forward to feedback from other readers of your paper.
Jitendra Kumar Raniga, Kermode Rd, Lautoka
Diabetic people
THE revelation that 50 per cent of patients in hospitals in the country are diabetic (FT 08/07) says a lot about us as a people.
It would therefore be fair to say that 50 per cent or more of our total population are diabetic.
We have become a sick people mainly due to our lethargic unhealthy lifestyle.
Life is becoming too easy for many in that we prefer convenience over labour and reliability!
Instead of choosing to plant or to buy fresh food from our markets it is far easier to get noodles, biscuits or processed canned foods such as canned meat and fish from the village store or from the supermarket.
Instead of cooking fresh boiled chicken or fish with fresh vegetables it is easier to buy processed fried fast foods in town.
Instead of eating fresh fruits and vegetables we rather ingest processed snacks.
Instead of the daily intake of 1-2litres of water it is sweeter to consume carbonated or alcoholic beverages.
Instead of doing some gardening or playing with family members outdoors it’s more comfortable sitting on the coach playing video games, watching TV, surfing the net, and drinking grog.
It begs to question how Government and the nation are developing as a people?
I believe the fact of the matter is that we are headed toward a great catastrophe!
About 80 per cent of our annual deaths is from sickness of some sort that is directly related to what we put into our mouths.
We are supposed to be growing in stature, values and morals.
We are supposed to be growing in maturity, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and knowledgeably yet we choose to drown in temptation.
In this time and age we are supposed to be getting better not worse!
Government seriously needs to address this pandemic of NCDs as it is rooted in the political, social and economic fabric of our Fijian society.
We are definitely doomed, health wise!
Simon Hazelman, Rava Estate, Savusavu
Name calling
IT’s rather churlish to watch our leaders in Parliament label each other and even more saddening to realise neither party wishes to settle their seemingly irreconcilable differences, nor reach a bipartisanship for the greater good.
Of course it is meant to be a debate but I’m certain we can work without the name calling and the “who did what”.
Maybe we don’t need bipartisanship; maybe what we need is an application of principle.
Talei Driso, Nailuva, Suva
Sexual offences
THE Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, revealed a decline in sexual offences (FT:26/06).
The former assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Shyamala Algendra, says that the reduction must be looked at cautiously (FT: 26/06).
I say sex is something we all need to clearly understand.
Without it, none of us would be here.
Without it, there is no life.
It is the key to a great marriage.
Some of the best things in life are the ones you can’t tell anyone about.
It’s like money, only too much is enough.
It involves all the senses.
It’s like air, it’s not important unless you aren’t getting any.
You can forget your name.
Only your neighbour will know your name.
It is by far the most sacred act humans can perform.
And it is perfectly natural.
It is said that love is for the soul and sex is for the body that both cry out for satisfaction.
While we rarely speak about sex, it plays a huge part of our quest for happiness.
It is about connection, intimacy, and pleasure and this is the reason why we all love it.
The problem is that many find it hard to communicate their desires and end up going about it the wrong way.
What we need is an awareness program about what one needs to do when one has sexual desires!
Simon Hazelman, Rava Estate, Savusavu
