Growing numbers a concern
Our editor-in-chief Fred Wesley delivered a powerful editorial titled ‘Growing numbers a concern’ (FT: 18/06).
In his editorial, Wesley alluded to Dr Fong’s timely reminders as the staggering cases reach a new height.
Dr Fong, who has been the Health Ministry’s face at the frontline, has been continuously reminding Fijians to adopt an attitude of vigilance and COVID-safe discipline.
Sadly, people are not adhering to his advice and these lines from the editorial stood out, “There are still far too many people not adhering at all to safety advice. They are still engaging in dangerous behaviour. They are still sharing a bilo for kava, and still sharing a cigarette. They are still shaking hands, and hugging mates and others. There are people still trying to beat the curfew daily. There are still people walking in and out of clearly marked lockdown areas.”
I can feel for Dr Fong’s emotions, as he speaks on behalf of his health team who are frontliners at the height of this pandemic.
However, I agree with our editor-in-chief and Dr Fong that the onus is really on each one of us to do the right thing, and we can only urge people to be considerate of the plight of their fellow Fijians.
Thank you dearest frontliners!
Thank you Dr Fong, Dr Sahukhan and Dr Tudravu for the daily updates!
Thank you editor-in-chief for the powerful editorial!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Special edition
I am truly impressed at how The Fiji Times is able to provide the latest statistics on our COVID-19 cases on a daily basis, given that the updates from the Ministry of Health are disseminated to the media later in the evening and in most cases later at night.
I can only imagine the late nights, fatigue, and determination put in by the team, just to get this information out to the public.
Your daily Special Edition makes televised reporting look bad.
Great job Felix and team, vinaka.
Fulori Turaga, Tacirua
Acting positions
For how long will the Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and the Acting Chief Justice Kamal Kumar be acting?
In fact, do acting positions have timelines for reviews and positively (hopefully), confirmations?
I gather the current Acting Police Commissioner had applied for the Police Commissioner’s position a couple of months ago.
We have heard nothing since.
In a very challenging environment and difficult period in our history, I think the Acting Police Commissioner has done a splendid job with a humble and connective attitude.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
New trend
A new trend has apparently emerged among our youths these days.
While out on my early morning walks, I have been running into groups of ill-mannered teens equipped with bluetooth speakers and boom boxes airing out loud (and sometimes vulgar) tunes accompanied by sporadic “kaila” that could rudely awaken a whole neighbourhood in the hours of the morning.
I find this sort of animal-like behaviour quite cheeky, inconsiderate and disrespectful.
Grow up!
Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Almost out of control
With the ever increasing daily COVID cases, it is quite evident that the containment measures implemented by respective authorities are not producing the intended results.
The virus is now in every part of our community and slowly encroaching on new neighbourhoods.
The emergence of cases in new areas raises concern and lets us ponder, how effective our border controls strategies are.
Dr Fong was absolutely right when he first mentioned that “if we move, the virus moves”.
The virus has now silently moved to places we thought were safe.
It seems we are slowly giving up, but everyone must know, the virus is not giving up.
The sooner authorities and individuals realise the catastrophic effects of this silent virus invasion, the better it would be for our small nation.
Now prayers will not help. It is action time, or shall I say hard action time.
Everyone must be prepared to make a huge sacrifice to contain this virus.
Otherwise this out of control virus will not spare our nation.
Come on and let us fight this virus together — while maintaining the social distance though.
Vishnu Deo Sharma, Nakasi
Vaxi debate
The vaxi debate is now all over the place.
I have heard that many people will not get vaccinated for reasons only they know.
My team distributing food packs around the West had been asked by people if we had been vaccinated.
I am one who had initially intended not to get vaccinated.
At one home the lady of the house almost refused to take a food pack when she asked me if I was vaccinated.
I then decided that I was gonna get the jab, so that I am protected and for the sake of the people we visit, now I await the second jab.
On a light note a radio personality asked a colleague after she got her second jab if she had been affected in anyway and if she had developed any superpowers.
She said: “No, I am fine.” He has since gotten his second jab, I wonder if he has developed any superpowers.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Time to work together
While the FFP Government is in power and supposed to represent everyone, they’re not the sole party in Fiji’s Parliament.
In a crisis of this magnitude, it’s high time they got off their high horse and included the rest of the Opposition parties in helping guide the country out of the storm.
I believe stubbornly refusing to do so is not only an act of narcissism, it’s a sign of incompetence.
And it’ll most definitely hurt their reputation in more ways than they’d like to believe.
Colin Deoki, Australia
Website design
Team Prouds Fiji, to me you guys have a perfect website.
Wonderfully designed.
Ashis Kumar, Ba
Borders
Ironic how residents of the Nausori to Lami containment zone wanting the borders to be lifted but yet they are not following the simple advice of essential movement.
Anthony Sahai, au dau speechless saraga my boy!
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Different views
There are many ways of looking at it.
Another plus from COVID-19 is the replenishing of fish and other marine-based food sources resulting from restrictions on maritime movements.
Emosi Balei, Suva
Virus progress
Understandable when COVID-19 infection has progressed to Korovou, Tailevu and the MOH advise “when people move Covid moves”.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Good excuse
This is a good one, per kind favour of Rick Rickman.
“Don’t let them take the temperature on your forehead as you enter the supermarket, it’s a government plot to erase your memory. I went for a bottle of milk and a loaf of bread and came home with a case of beer and 12 bottles of wine.”
At least that was the excuse for the wife.
Vijay P Madhavan, Borron Rd, Suva
Rule breakers
During these trying times, I believe anybody found to be moving and later becoming a source of spreading COVID from a contained area to a non-containment area must immediately be made to self-isolate themselves for five years in our prisons.
Ashis Kumar, Ba
New normal
What will “the new normal” mean for you?
When this is all over, my mate Lyndon O’Connor would be so accustomed to grogging alone he might just continue with the no social gathering.
Just sitting there alone with his basin, doped, in his own world, watching the neighbour’s dog “Eli” walk up and down the street aimlessly, while contemplating whether to mix another small tight one.
Will this be his new normal?
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Telehealth
Why has the British High Commission teamed up with civil society organisation FRIEND to deliver its new telehealth service for Fijians?
Could that be because it recognises FRIENDS sterling track record of service delivery at the local community level?
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Face masks
Wearing a face mask has become a very big issue with the coronavirus pandemic exploding like wildfire!
The Health Ministry message keeps pounding the idea that people must follow all protocols including the wearing of masks in public places.
Therefore, we see passengers in buses and taxis wearing masks.
People going to supermarkets wear masks simply because the notice posted at the door says: “No mask no entry” and customers comply!
The people who walk about on our streets and in market places seem to pay scant attention to wearing masks.
Many just keep their mouth covered and the nostrils are left open for easy breathing.
The quality of the masks available in the market also contributes to this problem.
Cheap $1.50 masks are very uncomfortable, get soggy, itchy and stink, and they have to be disposed of daily.
The washable masks are expensive ($6.50) and many from the lower rungs of our society can ill afford them.
However, the mask worn by the McDelivery boy caught my attention.
Lo and behold the mask was brightly red coloured and advertising the product; “Fiji Eats” and I think it is a grand innovative idea of making people smile in these difficult times.
Yes, wearing masks in this new normal is inevitable if one wants to keep away from the killer virus.
Or you may pay the ultimate price: death!
Dewan Chand, Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
New app update
Before you only needed to activate Bluetooth for the careFIJI app.
With the new update, I believe you will now need data to enable the QR scanner.
I believe that part isn’t advertised.
Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka
Rules of engagement
The concept of rules of engagement in a military setting are now applicable to dating and those seeking relationships.
Given the COVID-19 situation, there are new dating apps available.
Unlike the old times, conversations are starting from behind the masks in order to reduce chances of transmission.
The time for those romantic talanoa sessions is limited as parks and sections of the sea wall are restricted or under the scrutiny of authorities.
The daily curfews don’t help either. COVID-19 has certainly impacted on the rules of engagement and it won’t be long before the hearts invent new rules.
One can expect some new love songs soon.
For now, it is perhaps best to restrict movements and stay at home as much as possible.
Floyd Robinson, Suva
Data for careFIJI
Why do I need data to be switched on for the careFiji app if there is zero data deduction?
Jaheed Buksh, Korolevu, Sigatoka
Rugby hope in diversity
It would have been every fan’s wish to see Semi Radradra play for Fiji against the All Blacks, especially the showdown between the wingers.
Radradra a MVP player, who always lifts team spirit whenever he plays and can do so much with little space given.
However, we have to learn to play without him.
After all, even if he had made a choice to play the Test match, he still would not have been able to make the cut because of New Zealand immigration’s 14 day quarantine rule.
It would be an opportune time for other players in the team to step up, as matches are won through teamwork, since we win as a team and lose as a team.
The national team coach Venn Cotter has selected a good mix of players.
Playing against the All Blacks and doing well is the benchmark for any team.
It will be a no ordinary Test between the two teams but test of our rugby development programs, structures and as well as input of rugby resources with the years of hard work which has been invested into the team.
Rugby unites everybody in Fiji irrespective of race, colour and faith.
This has come at a no better time, when the country is going through the dark days of COVID-19 and, as expected, is going to lift our morale in taking a more unified approach in fighting this pandemic.
Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi
Kava blamed
It has been noticed that people are connecting the consumption of kava with families affected by poverty or extreme poverty.
It is easy to make such a connection which is not wrong anyway.
However, we have seen very poor families where there is no one consuming kava.
One also has to take note that significant numbers of donors are kava drinkers themselves.
As a matter of fact, some kava dealers are doing a tremendous job in the area of assisting the needy in our society.
Let us not be blinded by the stereotype that goes with kava and its drinkers.
Yes, there are some who can be classified to be poor just because of spending large amounts of money on kava but this does not take away the fact that poor and needy are not necessarily grog swipers.
I am a testimony of such a family during my infant days where grog drinking was not a factor at all for my poverty-stricken status.
But we struggled because the only income earner was earning 50 cents a day for cutting grass or cleaning compound without any machines back then in the ’80s.
This income was incoming only if he was offered a job.
By the way, does it mean that if grog drinking is banned, we will not have poor and needy?
It is very easy to sideline the factors that cause poverty and divert our attention elsewhere.
It is better to leave it to the economists to dwell on this.
I personally will never promote consumption of kava but just trying to see the real side of poverty and its connections.
Taki mada!
Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka
Not enough time
WISHING had enough time
To do all things desired
To have time to spend
And to have a great time
But really pressed for time
And in the blink of an eye
Time is flying quickly
Now running out of time
And having a hard time
Panicking to finish things
Doing things at the 11th hour
Trying to stand the test of time
Though still behind time
But time is up
Left wondering where time has gone
Turning back the hands of time
Seeing the light and truth
That was in the dark all the time
Realising was just wasting time
But unable to make up for lost time
Now lost track of time
Living on borrowed time
Now moment of truth has come
It’s about time for a change
It’s high time to come of age
And do something right
It’s now or never
To hit the big time
But only time will tell.
Bhagwanji Bhindi, Nasinu
The challenge
THE challenge is to go
Beyond limits within reason
Above the ordinary with a motive
Outside the box with a purpose
Inside the mind with determination
Control emotions and feelings
Restrain from doing the wrong
Minimise and remove bad habits
Drive out hatred and animosity
Find meanings with understanding
Overcome distractions and temptations
Defeat laziness and boredom
Seize the opportunities available
Deal with issues without ignoring
Solve problems and conflicts
Improve on mistakes and errors
Rebound from losses and failures
Forward and ahead with persistence
Triumph over inner misconceptions
Inspire and motivate someone
Surpass one’s goals and expectations
Overcome and conquer all challenges.
Maharaj Kumari Bhindi, LBE, Nasinu
Jab for job
A FB friend who is 72 years old and owns a business asked his employees to get vaccinated.
The majority did so.
One said his right to refuse the vaxi was his human right.
The businessman agreed and then told the employee that the safety of the staff, customers and himself would be at risk.
So he politely told the employee that he should go home and stay there.
The employee immediately went and got vaccinated and all is well in the shop.
He didn’t force the employee but emphasised safety.
Wow!
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Euro 2020 thrills
Despite having to wake up at odd hours to watch live football action from the Euro 2020 tournament, I have enjoyed every bit of football action on Sky Pacific.
Top teams such as Italy, Belgium and Netherlands have qualified for the next round, while eyes are on the likes of England, Portugal, Croatia, Germany and France.
While we have been denied local football and rugby action, I’m glad that we can watch Euro 2021 live at our doorsteps, courtesy of Sky Pacific and FBC TV.
I plead with fans to enjoy the Euro 2021 thrills within their own family bubble.
As for me, I watch it within my family bubble, as my dad Ram Lingam and brother Rohit Lingam join me.
My team is England.
I’m excited, as Gareth Southgate’s team is one win away from progressing into the next round.
Go England!
You rock!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Call for bipartisanship
Despite the number of calls for a bipartisanship and criticism levelled against PM Bainimarama and his FijiFirst-led Government from the Opposition, CSOs including us writers, it seems to all have fallen on deaf ears.
I guess they will only listen or respond when Fijians stage a protest like the Muanikoso residents did on Tuesday, June 8 and settlements within the vicinity of Nawaka Village on Saturday, June 12.
“We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticise us perform a remarkable act of friendship, for to undertake to wound or offend a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him.” – Michel de Montaigne
Jioji M Cakacaka, Tadra- Votualevu, Nadi
Euro 2020
Under normal circumstances, the hustles and bustles of life combined with the timing differences usually makes us miss out on international football tournaments.
However, this pandemic has provided the opportunity for all of us to watch matches without many constraints.
Thank you FBC TV for the live coverage for free and The Fiji Times for wonderful reporting in the print media.
I certainly believe that the Euro 2020 is a learning curve for our football fraternity in the country.
It is a wonderful time for the coaches and players to reflect on what it takes to be playing in a purely professional structure.
The football philosophy and the approaches adopted by players.
Even the commentary is being conducted in such a professional way that is so appealing to the audience.
Of course, the quality of refereeing is superb with little areas of criticism, especially the VAR which aids a lot in decision making.
I am sure tournaments like these are something we would like to have emulative envy for.
While this is work in progress, the bottom line is that we as a football playing nation must strive for the best and aspire to match the best in the world of football.
Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi
Crunch time for boys
As we prepare for next weekend’s Oceania 7s tournament, it’s crunch time for our boys in Baber’s 18-member extended squad, as they vie for a spot that will take them to the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Baber’s 18-member squad has a mixture of senior and young 7s players who are ready to deliver.
Some of these boys, including Jerry, Ratu, Josua, Taliga and Nasoko, have been part of our epic wins on the HSBC WRSS circuit and they know the pressure that they’ll have to handle as they face giants Australia and NZ.
For me, NZ remains our biggest threat in the Oceania 7s.
There has been news on Tuimaba, Botitu and Radradra joining the side and I wish to see them play in the Oceania 7s so that Baber can gauge their performance.
Allowing them to directly join the team in Tokyo could backfire, as was the case at the RWC 7s where we lost to the All Blacks 22-17 in the semi-final, despite fielding a star-studded side.
The Aussies are up first and our boys are raring to hit the top mark.
We will play the All Blacks and Australia twice and our boys will, once again, get the opportunity to rub shoulders with Oceania’s two best sides.
Yesterday’s The Fiji Times reported that Baber will be making his toughest decision as he names his 13-member squad.
I agree, especially when he has an abundance of talent on his plate.
All the best, Baber!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
7s team
In the men’s sevens squad,
there are eighteen,
in whom we have to place our hopes and trusts in,
this will then whittle down to thirteen men,
but still tough to choose seven by then,
then when game day comes in Townsville, Australia,
the final seven will be chosen by coach Baber,
to bring us the Oceania Sevens trophy,
then later the core group for Olympic medal glory,
the women’s team looks formidable and strong,
but yet to reign,
that’s quite understandable,
let’s hope that both teams are successful,
even without wins,
we’ll still be immensely grateful,
that they did go out during COVID-19,
to proudly represent Fiji,
as our heroic seven teams.
Gold, Fiji, gold!
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Rugged warrior
He is dubbed a lethal tackler, a ball hunter and a scavenger and a true skillful and rugged warrior.
Our new national captain, Levani Botia, is no stranger on the rugby field.
He may be a quiet gentleman off the field with his humble beginnings but it is no surprise his heroics, determination and sacrifice in France has caught the attention of our coach on the leadership at national level.
It’s always a secret to unleash an unknown leadership quality and the All Blacks will no doubt be the first to face-off.
I have seen Levani play since a young boy and he is a true Fijian mana magic or poetry in motion.
His most credible quality is his ability to turn possession in rucks, a true scavenger and ball hunter and a sharp shoot tackler every player envies.
Let’s get together and give Levy Bot, as I call him, all the best and he will surely rise to the occasion.
Joka Botia, show them to them, go Viti, the way the world should see.
Go Viti Times.
Kaukauwa dina.
Shalwyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Pl, Nabua, Suva
Against all odds
Come on Fiji, let us put our best foot forward, place our differences aside, follow COVID-19 instructions and all our medical protocols faithfully.
Against all odds, very miraculously Argentina beat the mighty All Blacks.
Let us all rally behind our newly appointed Flying Fijians captain Botia and his band of men.
Fact: Argentina has beaten the All Blacks.
By the same reasoning, against all odds and one chance in a million, Fiji can beat NZ.
Only sports can unite where politics divide.
On tax exemption basis, can our generous top ten companies join forces, commit a million dollars each, as lucrative incentive for our Flying Fijians to beat the mighty All Blacks.
As they say: “Impossible is nothing.”
Toso Viti toso!
E rewa sese o mutou na saravou kaikai.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
COVID-19 outbreak
FIJI’S COVID-19 outbreak has not spiralled out of control as it is still at a stage where it can be addressed quickly, says United Nations Development Programme Regional director Asia-Pacific Kanni Wingnaraja. (FT 16/6)
Wow, really?
But it is spiralling isn’t it?
Anyway, why hasn’t it been contained?
So many questions, so many cases, time marches on, and so does the virus.
Whew!
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
War against virus
Many of this generation of Fijians are probably not aware of the devastation caused by the 1918/1919 Spanish flu pandemic that ravaged our people; it was reported that 85-95 per cent of Suva’s population were infected and the death of some 5 per cent of the population.
As at mid-June 2021, India’s COVID-19 infected population was 29.5 million and 374,000 deaths.
USA 34 million infected and 600,000 deaths!
Beware Fiji!
All of Fiji’s 950,000+ people are fighting a real war against an enemy that is very cunning, invisible, highly infectious and deadly especially for our vulnerable aged and those with chronic conditions (25 per cent+ population).
Consider Fiji’s past record of its people’s patriotism, courage and selfless contribution to many external distant wars e.g. World War I and World War II, Malaysia campaign and many peace keeping operations.
Yet, it is very sad to see what I believe is the cowardice, unpatriotic and frivolous attitude of some of my fellow countrymen by not sticking together as one family to fight this invisible enemy at home — to protect our aged and fellow countrymen with chronic illness.
Some Fijians refusing to allow isolation facilities in their communities, not following COVID-safe protocols e.g. wearing masks, social distancing, washing/ sanitising hands, isolating in family bubbles, no sharing of kava/alcohol, no gatherings and limited funerals and getting vaccinated.
Compared with the great sacrifices made by our many soldiers and decorated warriors including Ratu Sukuna and Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, our present sacrifices are minimal.
Let us not disgrace our past heroic warriors and ourselves.
Let each of us take up arms to fight this war against COVID-19 — as a family — wear masks, follow scientific protocols and get vaccinated.
God bless Fiji and its people.
Christopher Jackson Mar, Nasoso, Nadi
