152 reasons
Congratulations again to The Fiji Times on its 152nd anniversary.
What a journey this important and valuable newspaper has undertaken since its humble beginnings.
One can imagine the coverage it has provided.
This has included politics, murders, international events of significance, sports, entertainment and many more.
The number of seasoned and professional employees that had risen through the ranks is commendable.
Some started from scratch with almost no experience but we have depended upon them as they had become our eyes and ears for events such as the Hong Kong 7s, especially in the days when television had not landed our shores.
As a primary school student I can still recall one of my cousins, William Sinclair, telling me that Fiji had the potential to upset New Zealand at the Hong Kong 7s in 1989 but more importantly, to look out for a picture of a small man called Waisale.
That year the world and Fiji got to know of the wizard who superseded Campese in doing the goose-step.
Waisale Serevi became an international 7s star.
If there is one comic which has stood the test of time even in these COVID-19 circumstances, I would nominate the Phantom.
One of my favourite sections is the letters to the editor but at times I have to skip some letters as they appear to lack respect and courtesy.
The sports section is always a favourite as The Fiji Times never fails to provide sports updates on our favourite game of rugby.
There are many former citizens living abroad who go online each day in anticipation of updates from home, especially, local news.
I would like to say that The Fiji Times has 152 reasons to survive another 152 years.
A big vinaka vakalevu to The Fiji Times and staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver the success of this newspaper.
Life without The Fiji Times won’t be the same.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Principled newspaper
Assistant Minister Selai Adimaitoga must provide concrete evidence that The Fiji Times is anti-government.
Her outburst is typical of persons who either never take the time to read the newspaper or whose senses have been dulled by the line her superiors insists she takes.
Minister Adimaitoga needs to know that the public and professionals alike in Fiji prefer The Fiji Times as the medium to express one’s views and likes and dislikes on the performance of any government and institutions that perform public duties.
The Fiji Times is preferred since it always has been principled in its publications.
The paper is manned by a seasoned fair-minded team of professionals who uphold high journalistic ethics and never stoop low to please and gain favours.
William Rosa, Ba
Speed limit
Is it lawful for a traffic police officer to tell a private vehicle driver to drive at a certain speed limit?
In fact, speed up for holding traffic.
The incident happened last Sunday in Navua where a police officer stopped me and queried why I was driving slow and if there was a problem with my vehicle.
My call to director traffic and text was not answered and replied to respectively.
My mobile number is 9565242 if the police wants more information.
Asish Vinay Prasad, Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Seal in Beqa
I believe we need an update by the Ministry of Fisheries on the historic visit by a seal found in Beqa.
This rare phenomenon is a historic event and one wonders if the fin-shaped feet semi-aquatic marine mammal swam back or is still around.
It would be interesting to know if the pinniped has adapted to our warmer waters.
Experts have also confirmed that the sighted seal is a sub adult male identified as a New Zealand fur seal.
Satish Nakched, Suva
NZ quarantine
New Zealand has one of the strictest Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) requirements, they basically have a lottery system in order to secure a room, they have over 20k people waiting for a room, to get back into NZ, some have been waiting over six months.
I don’t think Kiwis will want to leave their country anytime soon, as long as they have this MIQ system, open borders or not.
Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka
Jab cards
I request LTA to advise vehicle owners via media outlets to produce their double jabbed vaccine cards.
These are compulsory requirement at LTA and many customers have been unaware of such.
Unfortunately, they have to return after being refused service.
Some vehicle owners stay quite far distances from LTA and returning to be served wastes their valuable time and money.
DAVID SUSHIL LAL, Malolo St, Lautoka
Houses of worship
I am so happy that we are able to meet again for church service after October 4 with 70 per cent of capacity.
However, I have not seen clear guidelines from the Government about some specifics.
For example — at what age are children exempt from wearing masks in the church?
Also, a recently updated protocol stated that the congregation are not allowed to sing, only a choir can sing.
Does this mean that the congregation can still sing with a mask on or they are not even allowed to sing with a mask on?
Seems a bit illogical as singing is a vital part of church gatherings and worship almost as much as the preaching and listening to the Word.
I am sure that singing is very safe if the congregation wears a mask while singing or humming along with the choir.
There are hundreds of churches Fiji-wide that need specifics.
Please advise through all various media as soon as possible.
Conan Hatch, Nadi Airport
Significance of Pinktober
October is not only the month of changing colours of leaves from green to red and orange, but it is also the month of pink colour.
That’s one reason why it’s called Pinktober.
The significance behind the acknowledged term is to create awareness regarding cancer.
The various shades of pink indicate the colour of breast cancer awareness.
Founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company, breast cancer awareness and its accompanying pink ribbons are now synonymous with the month of October.
The long-standing awareness campaign means different things to different people.
For some, it’s about celebrating strength and survival, but for others, advocacy and a push to educate individuals about the realities of breast cancer.
Every year during Pinktober, heart-touching stories on cancer patients and survivors make The Fiji Times, which has played a crucial role in advocating about cancer, and I’m looking forward to the Pinktober lift-out.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
New champions
I refer to the letter by Rajend Naidu of Sydney Australia (FT 30/9) regarding ‘New champion’.
Yes, definitely no champion boxer or even people in power are there permanently.
From billionaires, to millionaires to even the less fortunate have no permanent place in this materialistic world.
Only your good deeds will be remembered and remain here permanently.
What say, Jan Nissar of NSW, Australia?
Raymond Singh, Golf Links, Lautoka
Jab issue
No jab, no job, has shifted to, no jab, no church, and eventually no jab, no freedom.
Why the silence?
Dan Urai, Lautoka
No comments?
I am told that there are some MPs who never stand up to say something in that House.
Is it true?
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
FNPF balance
I wonder how many people will be shocked to see their FNPF remaining balance in the future since over the past one year they have been withdrawing to survive.
Jaheed Buksh, Korolevu, Sigatoka
Sensitive fact
Religion in Fiji is a sensitive thing.
If you mess with it, there surely will be a public outburst.
Respect every religion like you do for your own.
Moses Mani, Auckland, New Zealand
Sacred duty?
Bharat Morris (FT 1/10) was it the “sacred duty” of civil servants “to effectively implement and execute the policies of the Government in power” in Nazi Germany or Apartheid South Africa?
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Translator please
With reference to Allen Lockington’s letter on FT 27/09, I bought a horse which speaks a little bit of Hindi.
I for one don’t understand much.
The other day he said something which really amused me, “kon maaris”! and then he went ‘neigh!’, shaking his head.
Can someone please translate?
I think he has been hanging out a lot with Allen’s horse!
Sekove Tuinasau, Jinnu Rd, Lautoka
Rise in prices
It is surprising when price increases are announced, it is instant, but when price decreases are announced, outlets have to first clear old stock.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Power of women
Without woman, mankind is lost and in disarray, period.
Love all women with your heart and soul.
#Let’s Support Pinktober Awareness 2021
Jadon E Masivesi, Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi
Kidney transplant
I refer to the letter by Simon Hazelman (FT 1/10) regarding kidney transplant.
Simon is asking why can’t Government organise a facility and bring in surgeons from abroad to conduct transplants here in Fiji with so many patients requiring the treatment.
Yes Simon, by now Fiji should be able to conduct kidney transplant and also get an organ donation system put in place.
While our government has done a lot to promote their policy of no Fijian being left behind, Simon’s proposal is spot on.
If the Government can invest millions in the Fiji Airways full flight simulator for the aviation academy, whereby Fijian pilots will no longer need to go overseas for their six monthly mandatory simulator training, so many kidney patients will have a new lease of extended life if transplants can be done in Fiji.
I keep repeating that health is our genuine wealth.
Like the many electricity and water projects benefits all Fijians, the kidney transplant will definitely allow many patients who cannot afford to go abroad, to have it done here at a much lower cost.
Tax payers’ funds can be easily utilised to kick start the kidney transplant project.
I am very positive that our government will see Simon’s vision come into fruition in the very near future.
Stay safe and be blessed by our Almighty God.
Raymond Singh, Golf Links, Lautoka
Gandhi Day!
Gandhi Jayanti is observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great Indian freedom fighter Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, famously known as Mahatma Gandhi or ‘Bapu’.
The special day is observed on October 2 every year to honour the Father of the Nation for his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
Gandhi became a worldwide figure as a result of his passive opposition to British rule and extraordinary talent for motivating and persuading popular figures.
He exposed India to the non-cooperation movement, the Salt March, Swaraj, and a slew of other nonviolent anti-British protests.
He also championed the concept of ‘Swadeshi’ as a means of achieving economic freedom.
Mahatma Gandhi took part in a number of historic events and became one of the world’s most powerful individuals.
The contribution of Mahatma Gandhi to the history, which he created during the freedom struggle, cannot be forgotten.
Mahatma Gandhi will forever be remembered as ‘Father of the Nation’.
Individuals can learn so much from the sacrifices made by the great Gandhi in a bid for India’s freedom.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Rwanda lesson
You would think what can any nation learn from a country like Rwanda?
However, they do have a very unique and effective law to keep the environment clean.
By law, every able citizen is required to take part in a mandatory 3-hour cleaning of their community on the last Saturday of every month.
The whole nation stops to clean their surroundings.
It is known as “umunsi w’umuganda” or “contribution made by the community” and even the President participates and not just for the pictures.
When was the last time our leaders came up with a law that brought about patriotism?
Kiran Khatri, Samabula, Suva
Economic source
IMAGINE if Fiji was a hub of medicinal hemp producers and manufacturers of the Pacific.
A win-win economic source situation for the Government and people, I suppose.
Areki Dawai, Suva
Greatest rugby 7s player
I agree with all those people who strongly believe that Jerry Tuwai is the greatest rugby 7s player of all time.
He is humble and his achievements remain unmatched but this is about his behaviour as a sportsman.
During his career, has Jerry Tuwai ever tried to influence match official appointments or chosen players in his team or the opposing team?
Has he ever tried to change the rules of the game, venue or the pitch size?
Has Jerry Tuwai ever attempted to show the yellow or red cards to match officials or any of the players on the field?
Has he ever been disrespectful to those in the stands?
Has he ever attempted to shift the goal-posts in the ground?
These appear to be nonsensical matters because on many occasions, Jerry Tuwai’s hands are on his knees when referees or other players talk to him.
It usually ends with Jerry giving a shoulder tap of acknowledgment.
After every try he has scored, he raised his hands and looked up.
Such is the greatness of the man.
No wonder he is a widely admired and highly regarded person.
A well respected Fijian inspiration.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Big difference
To add further salt on my uncle Allen’s letter, Tuwai also doesn’t throw tantrums when he loses the battle. Tamani big difference reh! Moses Mani Auckland, New Zealand Drua’s depth chart!
Early in September, the Fijian Drua unveiled their new signing for next year’s Super Rugby debut.
Nemani Nagusa, Simione Kuruvoli, Onisi Ratave, Tevita Ikanivere and Napolioni Bolaca were penciled in by the team management.
This week, five more big names have been roped in, and this is adding hype and excitement as we fast approach the preparation period.
Olympian Ratu Meli Derenalagi, who played for Suva in the Skipper Cup, experienced half back Serupepeli Vularika, who can also play a number of positions in the backline, Vinaya Habosi, Namosi’s marksman and who plotted the Stallions downfall at Lawaqa Park last year, Meli Tuni, who plays for Suva and was impressive in the provincial competition, and Te Ahiwaru Cirikadaveta, who plays for Tasman Mako in NZ’s tough provincial competition, have made the cut.
Super Rugby is far different from Australia’s National Rugby Championship, and we must have a solid mixture.
Fans must realise that we’re also building towards the 2023 RWC in France.
Finally, I hope players, who impressed during the provincial competition, will be given consideration as well!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
No masks
Shortly after 6.30am yesterday, October 1, 2021, during my brisk one hour 5 km walk, I observed five school girls, totally maskless.
There was no duty cop in sight at the junction of Queens Rd and Northern Press Rd, Martintar, Nadi.
May I politely say, the girls were of the real boisterous and wacece kind — very loud, as if they were in their school playground.
It appears, some pedestrians could not care less about wearing masks now.
There were other maskless pedestrians I encountered along the Denarau bypass road; Enamanu Rd and along Martintar.
Is this the new norm now?
With guards dropped, we are definitely heading for bad times ahead when pedestrians become complacent.
Our friendly police officers must remain totally laser-focussed at all times.
Familiarity will breed contempt.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
Best back rower
Congratulations to Penrith Panthers and our own Fiji Bati hitman and star Viliame Kikau for being rated as the best back rower in the NRL campaign for 2021.
Kikau, who was described by FNRL acting CEO Don Natabe as a humble worker, was the Panthers go-man, and I’m adamant he will be our strike weapon in our RLWC campaign.
Kikau’s achievement is good news to Fijians, and to Kikau’s family, former school and school mates.
Kikau, who is an idol for local rugby league players, is a consistent performer.
He loves to show his strength on the field, and trust me he does it in an impressive way.
All the best Kikau!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Suva market hazard
There are metal frame barriers about six feet in height that are temporarily erected around the Suva Municipal Market to control the people movement because of the pandemic.
The metal frame end sits in the slot in the anchor to keep it upright and the section of the fence is secured with pieces of rope.
However, because of the movement of people, the fence in places are now dangerously leaning inwards at about 60-degree angles towards the vendors and can easily injure a person on the head and there are chances of the fence just toppling over because of the cracks in the plastic anchor bases.
The metal frame supports are not that strong and are used to secure tarpaulin for the protection of the vendors from the weather that is also contributing to the collapse.
The duty of care to ensure the place is safe for business is the responsibility of the municipality and regular systematic risk assessment must be conducted to eliminate the hazard mentioned.
I believe the exposure rate for this threat is very high and increases double fold at the weekend.
Satish Nakched, Suva
Life’s realities
Life has been tough, we have been blessed with the many donors who came forward to boost our efforts assisting people affected by the pandemic.
All the memories sad, bad and good, I will never forget, they will live with me forever.
At a home of 18 people (siblings had moved in together to save on rent) also lives a deaf/mute young man.
Probably in his late 20s.
This week, we travelled to people we look after and at his home, I asked for him.
I was told he had gone to town to look for work.
Every day, he walks into town to look for work.
His disability does not affect him in any way.
Whatever money he brings home, even if it’s very little, he contributes to the food bill.
There are days he earns a bit more and on that day, he will treat himself to going by bus; if not, he just walks into town.
May God bless his heart and the people who employ this young man.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Impact of COVID-19
A lot had been seen recently whereby some employers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 impacts and derailing workers’ rights.
The violation of fundamental rights are noted with great concern.
These are denial of good faith bargaining, breaches of collective agreement, non-adherence to Employment Laws, to name a few.
These actions are all unilaterally imposed without consideration of the workers’ rights.
Some employers are changing conditions such as no overtime pay, reduced hours, denial of the benefits as per provisions of CA but little we have seen where one has bothered to find ways to assist workers during the height of pandemic such as compensating the victims of COVID-19.
At that point where the workers sought relief from their employers, it was quick to say that it’s not part of the CA.
So why the breach of CA now?
Just imagining how the world of work operates!
I just wonder with the opening of dispute resolving machinery soon, many workers will find their way to mediation and other ports of call for redress.
Just praying for all workers who are ill-treated to stay strong and united.
Life is full of challenges.
Rouhit Karan Singh, Lautoka
Bula smile and masks
Anthony has a valid point regarding smiles or the big Fijian bula smile.
It will be hidden behind the mask.
Anyway I have seen all sorts of masks from plain, grizzly, clowns, sports, religious, masks with village names, Dracula, and the ones that have a huge smile on them.
Perhaps the tourism industry could encourage the people who work in the industry to wear masks that have smiles on them.
Different companies can have their own design, but with a smile depicted on them.
One time I was at a supermarket and a chap nodded and said “bula Allen”, and I knew he had a huge smile on his face from the expression in his eyes.
So one can also smile with the eyes.
On a lighter note a friend’s wife was putting on lipstick to go to work when he said: “What’s with the lipstick, you only gonna wear the mask and it will be hidden.”
The wife was not happy with him.
When they left the house people were looking at them.
He turned to the wife to say something and saw the wife had drawn bright red lips on her mask.
His wife’s eyes told him to shut right up, and he did, so he just smiled, even though he wanted to burst out laughing.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
West and drought
Is a drought looming in the Western Division or has it already descended?
Having recently travelled between Sigatoka and Tavua, one could easily make this conclusion.
The heat is scorching and place so dusty.
Plantations and farms have not escaped the brunt of the heat which can become unbearable for visitors.
In this weather fruits such as banana, pineapple and mangoes are much appreciated.
Parrot mangoes are juicy and selling like hot cakes.
Meanwhile, passing between Ba and Tavua, one notices a lot of crabs being sold on the roadside.
The price of crabs and bundles are much more attractive than crabs sold in Suva.
Unfortunately, there are less men fishing out at sea and prices have increased.
For now, rivers and big trees are a refugee for those in the Western Division.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Wooden posts
Every now and then we hear and read about EFL wooden posts burnt and the costly and time consuming repair on top of the inconvenience for having no electricity for quite some time.
With $67 million in profit last year alone one wonders why they have no program developed by now to protect those posts with either fire retardant paint or metal sheets!
Shouldn’t be a financial problem — so what’s the hold back?
Hans Bernd Boernke, Savusavu
Climate change
In the movie, My Fair Lady, Eliza Doolittle utters, “Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words. I get words all day through. First from him, now from you. Is that all you blighters can do?”
I was reminded of that when I read about Ms Thunberg’s rant about the hypocrisy of the world leaders on climate change.
The 18-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (for whom I have great admiration) had harsh words for world leaders during a speech at Italy’s Youth4Climate summit this week, saying failed leadership had resulted in 30 years of “empty words and promises” that amounted to a generational “betrayal”.
In an impassioned speech, Thunberg threw statements made by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi back at them, saying they amounted to simply: “Blah blah blah.”
“We must find a smooth transition to a low carbon economy. There is no planet B’. There is no planet blah. Blah blah blah,” she said, quoting political efforts by the leaders.
“This is not about some expensive, politically correct green act of bunny hugging or blah blah blah. ‘Build back better,’ blah blah blah, Green economy’, blah blah blah.
“This is all we hear from our so-called leaders,” she continued.
“Words. Words that sound great but so far has led to no action. Our hopes and dreams drown
in their empty words and promises.”
Thunberg said leaders’ ongoing pledges to address climate change had come up short for decades.
Young people at the Youth4Climate summit will create a list of recommendations this week that will then be taken to the UN’s COP26 this month where emissions targets set for 2030 are expected to be hashed out.
“Right now we are still very much speeding in the wrong direction. Our leaders’ intentional lack of action is a betrayal to all present and future generations,” she said.
“The people in power cannot claim that they are trying, because they are clearly not.
“If this is what they consider to be climate action then we don’t want it,” she continued.
“They are clearly not listening to us, and they never have.”
So, like Eliza, I ask, Is that all you blighters can do?
Arvind Mani, Nadi
Wallabies on the rise?
Are the Wallabies on the rise, gradually increasing their ranks in World Rugby?
The recent three victories from three matches has certainly boosted their confidence.
The presence of Fijian players including Samu Kerevi has certainly added a punch in the Wallaby side.
All in all, I look forward to their next match and I am certain they are on the rise.
Meanwhile, the participation of the Drua side will take us to greater heights and it’s only a matter of time before we are upsetting the Wallabies as well as the neighbours from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Coffee day
Attention!
All coffee lovers and the coffee confused.
People celebrate one of the most popular beverages in the world and to raise awareness about sustainable coffee cultivation, as well as fair trade practices in the coffee industry.
While some countries have their own holidays to celebrate this amazing beverage, this day is observed as International day for coffee on October 1.
Humanity has been preparing coffee for many presentations: drinks, candies, medicine, and some ancient civilisations even used it as currency!
No matter how you take it, coffee can energise you, warm you up, refresh you, keep you awake, and even help you catch up with your loved ones.
Coffee has been energising people around the world for more than 600 years.
Today, this piping hot liquid is a breakfast staple in hundreds of countries — some 2.2 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the globe each day (with Finland topping the list as the most caffeinated country in the world).
However, should you decide to celebrate this day as unique to you as is your favourite cup of coffee, grab a cup and enjoy!
Wishing all coffee drinkers the best!
Neelz Singh, Lami
Licensed manufacturer
I strongly feel that Government and authorities should seriously consider making Fiji a licensed manufacturer.
Then move on to OEM/ODM original equipment manufacturer, original design manufacturer partner for world renowned brands.
Get our people in government to negotiate with their counterparts and corporations to set up manufacturing plants in Fiji.
This includes but not limited to engines, generators, pumps, compressors and numerous other plants and machinery.
Mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, gadgets, medicine, sportswear the list is endless.
Which will in turn create more jobs and specialised skills. And most importantly a learning environment.
Things will start small but we will continue to build on them.
This pandemic brought tourism to a full stop.
But with manufacturing things will slow down but won’t stop.
Since labour is cheap and an abundance of talent available.
We have the right mix of strengths to enter this sector.
Singapore is doing very well and chances are always high for big countries to end up purchasing from them.
So long we have read made in Italy, USA, Germany, China, etc.
About time we and the world start reading made in Fiji on some big brands.
Steven Chandra, Suva
Masks and jabs
As a confused child in the 1950s, I used to see my dad using harnessed bulls and horses to work in cane farms with animals’, mouth covered with netted wire (jaba).
He explained it was to prevent them from eating our crops.
In those colonial days, animal power was used instead of machines that made their work easier and rewarding.
Now we have a unique, strange, and scientific modern world, updating to super power and nuclear power, but COVID seems to be here to stay indefinitely.
Masking with jabs to secure jobs is part of our lives for survival in this modern world.
Let’s follow all the protocols to put a stronger fight against COVID to win.
Super powered humans vs COVID!
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
