Women in the army
Paulini Curuqara and The Fiji Times published the inspirational story of Akanisi Tora, who is a Warrant Officer Class One in a male-dominated field.
According to WO Akanisi Tora joining the army in the 1980s was challenging especially training and working with male counterparts.
However, she came out with flying colours.
As she received the Fiji Day commemorative medal, she was thankful that her services, commitment and dedication were rewarded.
She advised women aiming to join the army that it was not a job for the faint-hearted and it could either build or break a person, but one needed to be committed.
Our secondary school students, especially girls, are aiming to join the army and they could take a leaf out of Akanisi Tora’s successful army career.
Wananavu Akanisi and vinaka vakalevu Paulini Curuqara and The Fiji Times for another blockbuster in the People column!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Abduction, torture article
I refer to your article on November 4 by Ana Madigibuli relating to my abduction and torture in 1990.
Several people called me over the past few days to tell me about it.
On first reading, it seemed to have essentially repeated a story that was reported by The Fiji Times three decades ago.
But one should realise that one of the persons mentioned in the article is now deceased.
The article, however, has gone on to report about his actions and emotions as if he were still alive.
I find this most unacceptable.
It is irreverent to say the least, and greatly disturbing.
What I am worried about is the family, which is still very much present in the country.
The writer has taken no account of their feelings in this callous act.
As some recompense, one could start with an unconditional apology to the family.
At a time when the country is putting up a great show of thinking about each other, this is the least that one could do.
I would have gladly liked to talk about the story had Ms Madigibuli approached me.
It was a rare event that hardly happens to anyone in their lives.
I could have shared my thoughts and feelings for those who really wanted to know.
After all, I am a person too, just like anyone else.
I have the same rights to share my feelings with others as anyone else has.
They are just as important as Ms Madigibuli’s or anyone else’s.
Anirudh Singh, Saweni, Lautoka (This article, about a well-known and tragic historical event, was part of our “Back in time” series. The aim was to report events of more than 30 years ago and we believe this was clear to our readers. It was not our intention to cause distress to any person – Editor)
Taxation without representation
Once upon a time, I had no call to visit the Civic Administration Building beyond paying annual property rates at the Suva City Council cashier’s window.
Back then city councillors were elected first and foremost to represent the interests of ratepayers and residents of their wards, not to advance national politics and policy.
I felt satisfied with their oversight and was pleased to see a Lord Mayor once on television accept responsibility for the bag of trash left at his office by a disgruntled Suva resident.
But since elected councillors were eliminated, I have been beset by a string of SCC notices for building proposals that flout existing zoning regulations in my neighbourhood.
In recent years I’ve gone to the Civic Administration Building repeatedly to file my objections to unwelcome building proposals, and attended public consultations along with my neighbours and a succession of local government mavens hosted by the Suva City Council.
Unelected administrators listen to our complaints and try to placate us if possible but have made promises they don’t keep since all local government officials are now first and foremost answerable to their minister, not us.
Before joining FijiFirst government, the current Minister for Local Government was the champion of consumers.
Her 2008 Consumer Council of Fiji submission to the Local Government Review Committee (found online) recommended “there should be a Consumer Tribunal where ratepayers can take their case for redress rather than to the minister”.
I believe she is now the avowed champion of developers, especially developers with proposals worth more than a million dollars.
Environmental impact assessments are set to be fast-tracked, zoning regulations are to be reviewed and processes streamlined to benefit developers over any objections from residents and ratepayers.
Apparently the honourable minister no longer wants a tribunal, and disenfranchised ratepayers opposed to developments in their neighbourhoods had just better understand cities and towns need to grow and the whole landscape is going to change.
Willard Miller, Ellis Place, Suva
Grand Skipper Cup finale
After 14 rounds of power-packed rugby and two mouth-watering semi-finals, the Skipper Cup is set for a grand finale as defending champions Suva faces Naitasiri.
Suva won back-to-back Skipper Cup titles after beating Nadroga 34-26 and 36-35, respectively.
Naitasiri last won the Skipper Cup in 2010 and last played in the Skipper Cup final in 2014 and this time around Dr Ilaitia Tuisese Jr is beaming with confidence as his boys outclassed the Stallions 20-17 in extra time in the semi-final at Ratu Cakobau Park.
Suva, on the other hand, proved too strong for Namosi winning 24-16.
Suva and Naitasiri beat each other once this year.
In round one, Suva beat Naitasiri 15-6 while in round two Naitasiri hammered Suva 27-10 and based on form and performance, the Blues are expected to complete a treble.
Led by my all-time favourite player John Stewart, Suva has the likes of Mateo Qolisese, James Brown, Manasa Saulo, Sireli Ledua, Manoa Tamaya, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, Leone Nawai, Watisoni Sevutia, Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Apisalome Vota, Misaele Petero and Enele Malele, and Lino Vasuinadi, Apisai Vatubuli, Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Apisai Senileba, Terio Tamani, Jone Manu, Keponi Paul and Koli Tamanitoakula sparking things from the bench.
Captain John Stewart, who has an industrious rugby career having donned the Lelean, Lautoka, Fiji U-20, Poverty Bay provincial team (NZ), Naitasiri, Fiji Warriors, Fiji 7s team, Fiji Drua, Latui, Sunwolves (Super Rugby), Army and Suva jumper, has a lot on his plate and I wish our humble and down-to-earth captain all the best!
Naitasiri, on the other hand, will be looking up to Joe Qaduadua, Seremaia Naureure, Solo Navuso, Esikia Macu, Temo Raibevu, Sireli Kaloucava, Anasa Qaranivalu, Kini Douglas, Apenisa Waqawai, Jone Navuso, Tomasi Vula, Epeli Ratabacaca, Kaliova Mocetadra, Seveci Nakailagi, Etonia Rokotuisawa, Jone Vatukela, Joeli Veitayaki, Maciu Nasila, Ratu Saimoni Ronatarotiu, Lekima Ravuvu, Ratu Joe Tagivetaua, Semi Koroi and Vuate Karawalevu.
The final will be a cracker and fans are in for a rugby treat.
I wish the Suva and Naitasiri teams all the best and may the best team win!
Rajnesh Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Autumn Nations Cup match
It’s so gentlemanly of Semi Radradra to say that France’s centre Virimi Vakatawa is the best centre in the world.
Vakatawa will meet the Semi trailer when Fiji meets France on Monday in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup match.
I am looking forward to the game and I bet there will be fireworks.
But there were huge sighs of relief when Semi was cleared to play for Fiji.
Go Fiji go.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Good over evil
The significance of Diwali, when assimilated in life, will make one live a life of simplicity and love and care.
It will easily allow one to adjust to the “new normal”.
We have seen many a time when the rich and powerful prey on the poor and down trodden.
History has also shown us that the same rich and powerful soon go from richness to rags and from high and mighty to impotent.
Those who have trampled on the rights of the masses soon find themselves fending for forgiveness and mercy.
Diwali reminds us of the same, goodness triumphs over evil and light overcomes darkness.
Let us celebrate Diwali with friends and family and at the same time think of the poor and not so fortunate ones.
No one can deny the fact that thousands of families in Fiji will have a “black Diwali” as a result of COVID-19, where they have lost their jobs.
Let us also have these unfortunate ones in our prayers.
I wish a very meaningful Diwali to all the readers of The Fiji Times.
Arun Prasad, Dilkusha
Hot rugby entertainment
Excitement is building up as our boys prepare to face France on Monday morning.
Radradra has been named to lead our side in the Autumn Test and trust me Semi’s presence is set to motivate the Flying Fijians.
The Autumn Test is the start of a new beginning as it allows our boys to rub shoulders against the world’s best Europe-based players.
France is hosting the 2023 RWC tournament and playing against the Les Bleus will help prepare the team management for the upcoming RWC 15s.
The Fiji v France Test battle at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne on Monday morning is set to explode as the teams come head to head.
Our boys looked sharp and focused as they prepare to face the Les Bleus.
A massive challenge, but we have the guts to knock-out France in the first pool game!
The boys need self-belief and heaps of motivation as they aim to build on from the epic 2018 win in France 21-14 and I’m counting on the likes of Peni Ravai, Sam Matavesi, Albert Tuisue, Semi Radradra, Mesulame Kunavula, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Tevita Ratuva, Kitione Kamikamica, Johnny Dyer, Frank Lomani, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Volavola, Levani Botia, Waisea Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova, Kini Murimurivalu, and our local heroes Tevita Ikanivere (Suva), Samu Tawake (Naitasiri), Manueli Ratuniyarawa (Nadroga) and Simi Kuruvoli (Tailevu), Setareki Tuicuvu and Haereiti Hetet (son of former Flying Fijian Joeli Veitayaki) to make us proud come Monday morning against the Fabien Galthie coached-Les Bleus with the likes of Thomas Ramos, Fijian Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Vencent Rattez, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt, Dylan Cretin, Bernard Le Roux, Romain Taofifenua, Demba Bamba, Camille Chat and Jean-Baptiste Gros.
All the best to the team management and our Flying Fijians and a big thank you to Sky Pacific for showing the game live!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
On target
Eroni Tuinuku wrote a wonderful piece titled “On target” (FT 12/11) on Simione Kuruvoli, 21, who is days away from accomplishing his dream of donning the Flying Fijians jumper.
According to Tuinuku, Simi was preparing to don the Flying Fijians jumper when he was five years old with the help of his grandfather and mentor Simione Kuruvoli Sr, who was also a former judo champion and Olympian.
Simi Kuruvoli Sr described his namesake as a quiet boy who always listened and followed what he was told and that Simi Jr also maintained his discipline.
No wonder Simi made the national 7s team training squad and he was part of the Tailevu team that competed in this year’s Skipper Cup.
Jerry Tuwai had also roped Simi to be part of his Babaas outfit that he launched before the Marist 7s.
Simi has a long way to go and I’m confident that he is going to land himself a contact after the Autumn Tests.
Toso Simi!
Thank you Tuinuku and The Fiji Times for another powerful and motivational story for our ruggers!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Standard of written English by MPs
Fijians should scrutinise the standard of written English on social media accounts belonging to Parliament members.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Raising awareness on diabetes
On November 14 each year, World Diabetes Day aims to increase awareness of the effects of diabetes and the complications caused by the disease.
The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations around the world.
These organisations arrange events at international, national and local levels.
Events include: Conferences, workshops and seminars for health and public policy professionals; The distribution of information to encourage at risk individuals to be screened for diabetes; Events to highlight diabetes in local and national media, including television, newspapers and internet publications; and The World Diabetes Day bike races to increase awareness on diabetes.
Diabetes is the common name for a range of conditions including diabetes mellitus type 1 and diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetes insipidus and gestational diabetes.
These are all conditions, which affect how the pancreas (an organ in the digestive system) secretes insulin or how the body reacts to this hormone.
Depending on the type and severity, diabetes is controlled by dietary measures, weight loss, oral medication or injected or inhaled insulin.
There are a wide range of short and long-term complications of diabetes including foot and eye problems and vascular diseases.
Promotion of traditional foods has fallen by the wayside.
They are unable to compete with the glamour and flashiness of imported foods, Pacific Islands may know what constitutes healthy eating but, as in many parts of the world, governments struggle to change people’s behaviour.
The occasion aims to raise awareness on diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition need.
Governments, non-governmental organisations and private businesses are encouraged to increase awareness on the disease, particularly among the general population and the media.
World Diabetes Day was first commemorated on November 14, 2007, and is observed annually.
The Pacific has a high rate of sugar-related issues.
Civil leaders around the world issue proclamations on World Diabetes Day to raise awareness on diabetes in their communities.
Many events aim to raise money for research into treatments for diabetes.
Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet which will bring the best out of you.
Neelz Singh, Lami
Enjoy life
“If you want to do something, do it because life is all about finding something that you love to do”.
Quoteshacks.com. So enjoy the most while you are still alive.
I’m going home this weekend to see my loved ones.
Jadon Eroni Masivesi, QVS, Nukuvuto
Cunning COVID- 19
This tricky unpredictable virus should alert us to prepare to face it at due cost.
While we are also concerned to revive our economy to survive, let’s not overlook the risk factors.
To compromise with our health.
Health comes first.
It’s never too late while economising and privatising for our needs and wants in the global world of COVID atmosphere.
The onus is with each individual by taking every care and means to fight this invisible virus and distance ourselves from it.
Health and safety should be everyone’s concern.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Diwali – a time of reflection
The festival of lights or Diwali is approaching and would be celebrated by Hindus throughout the globe on November 15.
I believe the commercialisation of this occasion is leading to losses in terms of significance, finance and practical value.
While the occasion is very symbolic in terms of the messages it signifies, it must not be exaggerated with myths and legends that make it even more complicated and expensive.
After all, Diwali teaches one to dispel ignorance and accept truth.
The night of Diwali is considered the darkest night and people light diya and other fancy lights to symbolise the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
It is a time to embrace one another and destroy our dark thoughts or inner enemies that sometimes overrule our thinking capacity and levels of consciousness.
And while the cleanliness of compounds and homes are a common sight, one must not forget to remove their inner enemies like jealousy, hatred, dishonesty, pride, greed and so on.
These enemies destroy a person and it has to be eliminated without delay.
Diwali is the time to reflect on these qualities and move on with greater energy and positivity.
Only then would we be able to find consolation in life.
As a fact, this celebration began in India ages ago and is related to crop harvesting.
If we look at reality, this is the peak time for crop harvesting by farmers in India and with a rich harvest, the farmers rejoice and celebrate.
Diwali is indeed an occasion of sharing one’s happiness.
This was a very symbolic day for the Vedic followers as this was the very day Maharishi Dayanand passed away peacefully in India.
Swami Dayanand was a great preacher, social reformer and philosopher who worked tirelessly in removing elements of witchcraft, sorcery and superstition.
Thus, enlightening society and people. On this auspicious occasion, we must also remember the thousands of sons and daughters the nation has lost and pray sincerely so that our nation prospers even further.
Let’s not forget the people we lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is our hope that every nation will stand strongly against climate change, NCDs and other issues affecting the people.
With so much talk on climate change, I believe people must take a more proactive role in ensuring candles and fireworks are used to a minimum level.
Candles are not that environment friendly and people must light diya from pure ghee as this is the best option.
Parents and guardians must be alert to ensure this Diwali is incident free.
Everyone must take a more conscious approach and supervision must be top priority.
We have lost a lot of properties and lives through negligence.
May the divine light of Diwali spread into everyone’s life – peace, prosperity, contentment, happiness and good health.
Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali!
Naveen Dutt, Wainibokasi
