Let’s go boys!
Let’s go boys, with a bonus point win and cement a place in quarters.
All the best, and my bet on Fiji to win by 57-12.
A whitewash.
Fiji has named a strong side, let the boys do the talking on their own on the field against mighty Georgians.
Our prayers and wishes with you boys, make the nation proud.
Vineel Nand, Martintar, Nadi
Finally a chance
After years of trying, Fiji finally has a chance of securing a quarter final berth at the Rugby World Cup and I do hope they clinch it with both hands.
Despite the historic win against the Wallabies two weeks ago, head coach Simon Raiwalui has named a powerful squad to face Georgia on Sunday morning (FJT), showing the respect they have for the opponents.
A victory for the Flying Fijians will put them in pole position to secure second place in the group after Australia’s shambolic campaign.
This is a chance to be known as legends of the game, let’s show our support to our ruggers.
Toso Viti!
Raynav Chand, Nakasi, Nausori
Cross breed
The Fiji Water Flying Fijian rugby union team that is currently taking the world by storm at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France is somewhat like a cross breed racing horse between the northern and the southern hemisphere.
It has players that play in European clubs as well as those that play in the Drua Super Rugby competition.
Hence playing against a northern or southern hemisphere team our national team has the right mix to play them at their own game and give them a dose of their own medicine so to speak.
Should Simione Kuruvoli continue with his marksmanship goal kicking where he left off the last time five from five and continue from there on then this year would be the year of the 15-a-side as we already have two Olympic gold medals so if Fiji wins the RWC in fifteens, we invite all the Tier One teams to visit Fiji for a test match and they also bring with them their rugby supporters so a big boost to our tourism dollar.
I have faith that our team will do the impossible.
Go Fiji, go.
Waisea Navuruvuru, Nasoso, Nadi
Airport
The three Ps Right from childhood in the second half of the 1940s, I became a regular reader of The Fiji Times, then called The Fiji Times and Herald.
The newspaper has always been spot on and very clear in what it says.
And especially if the report is on page 1 of the newspaper.
The other morning for instance.
At page 1 of that day’s issue, particularly the article titled “Jackson commends forward pack”, the esteemed Flying Fijians assistant coach uttered this profound and directive statement: “the side must ensure it gets the little things right…”
In other words, get the basics right.
For instance, eyes on the ball and catch it correctly first, tuck it protectively under your blind side armpit, ready to fend off your on coming opposing player with your open side hand and run into gaps or swerve where appropriate.
In other instances, catch the ball first, tuck it into your arm pit protectively before speeding out towards the scoring line.
The essence is to get the basics right and attack with sheer determination.
Off course, the Three Ps must be followed religiously throughout the 80 minutes: Position, Possession and Pace.
Sa dri yani.
Pita Kewa Nacuva, Griffith Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Call for resignation
This is the second time in a matter of weeks that we have heard calls for Dr Fong’s resignation.
The last time such a request was made, an urgent meeting was convened and assurances were given that the concerns raised by the Fiji Nursing Association (FNA) would be addressed.
Unfortunately, it appears that little has changed since then.
The frustration expressed by the president of the FNA is entirely understandable.
We must now inquire about the actions being taken by the Ministry of Health, particularly by Dr Fong, to address the shortage of nurses in our country.
We have heard reports suggesting that the Ministry of Health was planning to hire nurse assistants, but it remains unclear whether this plan has been put into action.
If not, we must seek an explanation for the delay.
Many individuals with caregiving qualifications could potentially be recruited as nurse aides.
This move would undoubtedly relieve the burden on our overworked nurses.
The Ministry of Health is currently facing a crisis.
In such desperate times, it is essential to consider urgent measures.
Unfortunately, it appears that our Ministry of Health is moving at snails pace.
The call for Dr Fong’s resignation made by the president of the FNA seems to have some merit.
SANJEET PRASAD, Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Open list system
I almost choked on my morning coffee reading yesterday’s FT (29/09) that municipal council elections would “…be conducted under the multi-member open list system”.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that the electoral system under the 2013 Constitution that has been much criticised and is ear-marked for changing?
Who in his right mind would recommend its adoption for Municipal Council elections?
Is such a system mandated by the relevant Act?
Why change the unbroken familiar first past the post and replace it with a broken one.
The mind truly boggles!
Daniel Fatiaki, Suva
Municipal public consultation
I think there should be a terms of reference read to the public before the discussions commence to avoid unnecessary comments.
Asish Vinay Prasad, Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Potholes and a swimming pool
The potholes are taking their toll.
Every five minutes or less one has to adjust the steering wheel to avoid those small swimming pools.
Can the authorities please get to this with some quality materials that lasts long.
Maybe it’s high time the potholes and traffic lights are fixed after all we received that huge sum from RBF which reflects the good of our country.
Let’s put the dollars to better use.
While on that what is the story of “Lautoka Swimming Pool”?
Maybe all we can say is “1-day mafatu!”.
Kirti Patel, Mohan Singh Pl, Lautoka
Meth challenge
I refer to the FT Editorial of Sunday 14/9/23, titled “Fiji’s Meth Challenge”.
May I inform readers to Google search, “investigative stories on drugs in Fiji”.
The first report from June, 2019 is by Kate Lyons of The Guardian-Australia.
The second report from September, 2022 by Gavin Butler of Vice News, is titled, “Meth Is Turning Fiji From A Tropical Paradise Into A Narco’s Playground”.
Readers may have already read this on social media but if you haven’t, it took Australian journalists visiting Fiji, to give us an in-depth look of the alarming situation.
Natalie Edwards, Nadi
Appointments
Appointments of civil servants are the prerogative of the government of the day whether you like it or not, it’s their call to be precise despite the many criticism of the Coalition Government’s latest appointments.
The FijiFirst government also copped criticism during its leadership reign for appointments made then.
It’s their call and it’s their duty to choose best possible candidates suitable for the job and Ajay Bhai Amrit as ambassador to Australia and David Toganivalu as DPP and Acting Commissioner FICAC are the latest who have been criticised, but it all falls on deaf ears.
Congratulations to them.
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi
Fuel prices
The motor spirit unleaded fuel will cost $3.05 from September 1, 2023.
All gas and fuel prices have hiked.
Let’s conserve and be more energy wise.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Media coverage
It looks like the Opposition get very little space in mainstream media nowadays.
The only time they receive media coverage is during the parliamentary seating weeks.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Surprising results
Which team will it be?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup has been full of surprises and don’t be surprised if there are some surprising results this weekend.
It’s the World Cup after all and teams are on the rise until they get knocked out.
Floyd Robinson, Micronesia
Fix loopholes
The Fiji Times – LTE timely publishes letters about potholes on Fiji roads experienced by regular travellers.
This also affects Fiji Tourism.
I feel there should be a minister appointed to address this.
There may be more loopholes than potholes.
Fix loopholes first.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Fear – A state of mind
Fear is a crippling and debasing experience
Only they know who go through
Excruciating painful incidents and episodes
Dreadful experiences create fear
When fear strikes the mind
It becomes complex
Difficult to decipher its true nature
Fear at the mental level
Alters the behaviour patterns
Exhibiting weird temperament
When fear of failure clutches the mind
It impedes one from meeting progress
Because fear overshadows the mind
When fear of darkness preoccupies the mind
One cannot confront darkness
Causing anxiety, fright and distress
The root of fear is time
What I will be, what I have been, what I might not be
The time is the past, the present and the future
The past modifying and altering itself
In the present and continuing in the future
Some have fear of public speaking
They essentially cannot face a crowd
Because of their inner introvert and complex nature
Sometimes we fear the non-existent
Sometimes it is a figment of imagination
Sometimes it is actually true
It reflects the state of mind
Fear is like a troubled river
Leading to a turbulent journey
One must confront the fear with courage
And dive into the unknown
Slowly the fear dissolves
Embracing the truth with valour
Fear of any kind has a debilitating impact
On the mind and behaviour patterns of human beings
Freedom of any kind has a liberating effect
It has the potential to overcome fear
Faith is a powerful means to fight fear
Research and creative thinking
Has the capacity to answer fear
Indomitable courage, self-confidence and professional guidance
Can immensely help tackle fear
Bhagwanji Bhindi, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
MGM High rewards players!
MGM High School celebrated its success on the rugby field by rewarding its players.
After turning heads in the secondary school’s rugby league competition by winning the U-17 grade in its debut year, MGM High surprised many at the Coke Light Games, dominating the girl’s grades, only to lose the title to ACS.
MGM High took part in the Deans competition for the first time, and while the U-17 boys did wonders, the U-18 girls side lost the battle to Dawasamu Secondary 14-12, after winning the Southern zone, defeating Naitasiri Secondary 18-17.
The U-17 boys upset RKS 15-14.
Hence, it was a proud moment for an Indian-based school to overcome barriers to reach the pinnacle of secondary school’s rugby in Fiji.
I agree with Ana Madigibuli (Kaila newspaper 27/09) that anything is possible through hard work and sheer determination.
This was in the case of MGM High whose toil paid off and silenced out the voices that often taunted them for representing the school.
I salute the staff, management, and the Gujarat Education Society for taking MGM High to soaring heights in sports.
I pay tribute to Jitesh Patel, Rajeshwar Prasad, Koroi Matadigo, Hotashwar Padarath, and the coaching panel for such an achievement.
The school achieved a lot, even in their debut year.
The players started from the bottom and pushed themselves to the top.
They have been grand ambassadors of their institution, setting a benchmark for future students.
Thank you Madigibuli, Harold Koi and your industrious team for producing another beautiful Kaila! piece!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Many challenges
Jan Nissar of Sydney calls the current Coalition Government “this hopeless government” (FT 29/9).
When the people of Fiji and their public watchdog media were languishing under the tyrannical rule of the FijiFirst government and its cronies Jan Nissar was all praise for that government.
No wonder many don’t take him too seriously.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Jetsetters on Stallions’ mind
As the Nadroga side braces for a tough encounter this afternoon at Lawaqa Park against Nadi in a battle to defend the Inkk Farebrother Sullivan Trophy for the last time, the 20-19 thriller against the Nadi Jets comes to the fore.
Nadroga fullback Jack Volavola was the hero for the side as he kicked a 75th minute penalty that helped defeat Nadi 20-19 and win the Inkk Farebrother trophy last year.
In an entertaining encounter at Prince Charles Park, both teams scored three tries each.
This year, the Stallions defeated Namosi 23-15 and Naitasiri 29-20, but were lucky enough to draw against Suva 15-all.
The Stallions had to dig deep and fight back to level the scores, keeping the coveted trophy for another week.
The plus point for Etonia Naba and his team management is that the Stallions have unearthed new players such as Ilikimi Torosi, Aisake Atani, Sanaila Nahuto, Peceli Mahikula, Jonacani Vucago, Apimeleki Nabolewaqa and Anare Tuitai who are getting used to the intensity of the competition.
Nadi will bring their A game and will use a physical approach, posing a threat on the field, so the Stallions will have to be ready.
I will be cheering for the Stallions, and I’m confident we will have the last laugh when the dust settles.
Hakwa Nadro!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Feeling the pinch
Tukai Lagonilakeba “overheard” a few elderly citizens lamenting on the current high cost of living which is making life financially challenging for ordinary Fijians (FT 27/09).
With the mass exodus of Fiji citizens to foreign countries in recent months, several employment prospects have been created locally and employers in both the public and private sector are desperate to bridge the huge gap left by those who have opportunistically drifted to greener pastures.
Yet, I believe thousands of jobless youths, predominantly from iTaukei communities, continue to meander the streets and overtly indulge in an array of illicit activities such as glue sniffing, drugs, alcohol consumption and more commonly, “grab and runs”.
I firmly believe it’s through a matter of choice that a good chunk of lazy Fijians are literally, if not figuratively, feeling the financial pinch, Mr Lagonilakeba.
Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Issue of racism
In a recent article on page 33 of The Fiji Times dated September 27, an incident was discussed involving a viral video depicting a shameful occurrence during a gymnastics medal presentation.
This was the first time I got to know about the video prompting me to search for it on YouTube to witness it firsthand.
What I saw deeply saddened me.
A group of young female gymnasts stood side by side, eagerly awaiting their medals.
The medal presenter began by placing a medal around the neck of one of the girls.
Next in line was a young black girl who appeared genuinely excited to receive her medal.
She lowered her head in anticipation but to my shock and dismay, the medal presenter disregarded her and continued awarding medals to the remaining girls.
This blatant act of discrimination, where a young black girl was snubbed solely based on her skin colour, is nothing short of shocking, shameful and utterly disgraceful.
The actions of the medal presenter in the gymnastics event vividly underscore the deeply troubling issue of racism.
By singling out and neglecting the young black girl when awarding medals, the presenter not only displayed racial bias but also perpetuated a harmful form of discrimination.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that racism continues to persist in various aspects of society, even in seemingly benign settings like a medal ceremony.
This reprehensible display of racism by the medal presenter is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to eradicate racial bias and prejudice from this world.
The world needs to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for all, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
SANJEET PRASAD, Bulileka, Labasa
Stop mocking the Wallabies
I see a lot of mocking and ridiculing of fellow Fijians against the Australian national rugby team after losing to Wales a few days ago!
I told a few of my friends to please stop it because it’s becoming childish and stupid.
Suppose that the Australian Government decided to cease the Pacific Sports Fund after seeing the results that our national rugby team can play and win against Tier 1 teams which is a successful indicator, will Fijian fans be able to fork out monies from their own pocket to send the two Drua men / women teams to the 2024 Super Rugby Competition?
Australia with some of our local boys don’t deserved to be mocked or ridiculed because after all we are humans, and humans too lose games!
Wallabies will regroup and be a force to be reckoned with among Tier 1 teams in the future.
Jioji M Cakacaka, Carreras- Votualevu, Nadi
Hazardous bus terminal
Some years ago, a mother and her three-year-old daughter were tragically killed at the Suva bus stand and died of numerous skull fractures, neck dislocation and swelling to their brains as a result of the impact of the accident.
They died instantly when they were crushed between two buses.
As a result, a bus checker was charged and later given an eight-year jail term.
This fatal accident prompted the Suva City Council and the Fiji Bus Operators Association to work together towards improving safety for members of the public at the Suva Bus Stand.
Immediately the walkways and railings were constructed to safeguard pedestrians at the bus station and no one was allowed to cross anywhere on the tarmac.
The peanut sellers were instructed to wear a reflector vest and enforcement officers were present during peak hours to control the pedestrians and the buses entering the tarmac with the aid of whistles.
The entire operation was controlled, and the exercise also acted as a informative learning in safety and the commuters slowly began to adhere to the instructions.
The safety initiative taken by the Suva City Council faded with time and currently the Suva Bus Terminal is in a total mess.
The people can cross from anywhere, buses entering the tarmac at great speed and the peanut sellers without any vest are seen manoeuvring recklessly among the parked buses.
I asked a peanut seller why he was not wearing a reflector vest for safety reasons, and he said there was no need to now as the Government had changed.
I also noticed a SCC staff there with the words Enforcement Officer at the back of his reflector vest with a book in his hand.
I believe that his sole objective of his presence there was to book the bus drivers not switching off the bus engines.
The responsibilities of the SCC administration is to ensure the municipal services such as public safety, transportation, and utilities are provided to residents.
They have a duty of care to ensure anyone within their jurisdiction are safe and cared for including the bus terminal.
I believe it is an opportune time for the minister concerned to intervene and demand safety for the public utilising the public transport as the mode of travel.
The municipal desperately lacks a proactive approach in their modus operandi.
Satish Nakched, Suva
Life support
Rugby union in Australia is on life support.
And it’s partly because of the lack of interest at the school and club levels.
Once upon a time grassroots rugby union was at an all time high.
Now the interest has waned.
And the results are proving costly.
Which brings me to two pertinent points: 1. Club and schools rugby in Fiji is kicking along a great road and the record of development is now showing in Fiji’s astounding success on the world stage;
2. If the same was happening on the soccer pitch the results will begin to show on the same stage.
So if you know how to nurture and develop the game from the grassroots level what’s holding the game from developing to mixing it with the best on planet Earth?
Attitude and inspirational leadership.
Go back and see when Fiji was highly competitive against Australia and New Zealand and you’ll find that there was a huge interest in club and school soccer.
That’s where you develop the talent to take on the world.
How do I know?
Because both my wife and I were heavily involved at the club and district level soccer.
As I’ve said on many occasions before, it’s not rocket science.
COLIN DEOKI, Australia
Hard way
In life, I have learnt the hard way.
No matter how good our noble intentions are, for the betterment of our community, our off-shore critic/s will always be around.
We are always reminded, when you do a thousand good deeds, no one cares.
You make one mistake and everyone cares.
Such is life.
We accept it.
We humbly move on.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
No signal on TV
For well over a week now, and with the rugby building up, we have not been able to watch local TV because of “no signal” as often written about by your correspondent Ronnie Chang.
Presumably Walesi has a CEO and we have a usually garlanded Minister of Communications who may frequently be seen disporting himself between flickering pictures on our screen.
Is it too much to hope that either of these gentlemen might take the trouble to respond to all the complaints from us mere punters by at least offering an explanation for the current shortcomings?
Why, in short, is Walesi so lousy?
Michael Scott, Morris St, Lautoka
Grant for farmers
The allocation of a grant of $7500 or 30 per cent of the lease premium cost by the Government will provide a big relief to new and existing sugar cane farmers whose leases are approaching expiration (FT 29/9).
However, I believe this decision will be unfair to those farmers who have taken loans from the Sugar Cane Growers Fund to pay the premium and are still indebted to the fund.
They have been in the industry for a longer period and deserve to be given a fair treatment.
For they are still struggling to pay off loans.
Otherwise it will place them in a disadvantaged position over other farmers who will fall in the above category.
I implore the Minister for Sugar to also consider granting them some assistance as well.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Educational issues
Fiji Principals Association held its annual conference at Sofitel, Nadi, and invited a number of speakers from the Ministry of Education.
Each of the speakers seemed to be pontificating on aspects of being an effective and tame teacher who is not involved in politics, does not discuss politics even with his wife or taking 10 minutes to talk to each of the students (where is the time) they teach and not to compare the schools (how could you possibly not do that) etc.
It is mind-boggling!
So far I have not read of any concrete resolution coming out of this conference which directly touches upon the problems of education in Fiji.
For example the very large class sizes which directly affect the teacher performance.
How can you effectively teach a class of 40 or 45 students?
Teachers are not machines and have limited capacities and do get stressed out (burn out).
Therefore, I am of the opinion that the conference should have looked at issues such as exodus of teachers, loss of skills and maturity, inexperienced heads of schools and smaller class sizes.
But nothing of the sort happened.
The entire conference looked like a talkfest to please the boss and feel good.
The Ministry of Education has a huge responsibility to retrieve the standards of education in our schools and to motivate teachers who are the vital tool to achieve this.
Business as usual will not do.
As a former principal I feel it is my duty to raise these issues to help the educational sector and not to criticise.
Dewan Chand, Namadi Heights, Suva
Flying Fijians favourites against Georgia!
Arguably, the pick of the RWC battle will be the Fiji Water Flying Fijians, looking to take a step closer to a top-two finish in the group when they take on Georgia at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
Pool C has lived up to its expectation of being the most wide-open group in the competition, and with Australia failing to fire, the Flying Fijians have emerged as the dark horse in the tournament as they moved into second place in the group after securing a historic 22-15 win over Australia in their last match to end a 69-year wait for victory over the Wallabies and record their first-ever win over them in a RWC.
The Flying Fijians have a solid record against Georgia, having only lost to them once in their last seven encounters, though they cannot slack off just yet, as The Lelos still have an outside chance of qualifying and will throw everything into this match.
Georgia is seeking its first win at this year’s tournament and is expected to be quick out of the blocks, making a fast start to this contest, as they opened scoring after two minutes in their draw with Portugal last time out, and despite two impressive performances against Wales and Australia, Fiji took a little time to settle in both games, conceding the opening try on each occasion.
Fiji has recorded four wins, two draws, and one loss in their last seven Tests against Georgia, and the two sides faced each other at the 2019 RWC, with Fiji recording a 45-10 win.
The Flying Fijians are favourites to win this contest!
Rajnesh Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
TV in markets
We refer to a letter in the Letters to the Editor column in yesterday’s (29/09) The Fiji Times.
The letter writer has queried the supposedly non-availability of public TV viewing at the Labasa Municipal Market.
We are somewhat taken aback by this letter as we have constantly strived to ensure that all Walesi TV screens at all municipal markets across the country are fully operational.
Our technical team does a weekly check and reports back on the status of these TV screens.
While we can confirm that all such TV screens are fully operational, the actual operation of the TV screens are left at the prerogative of the respective municipal councils.
In this particular instance we believe that the Labasa Town Council has chosen to keep the TV screens switched off.
We have tried contacting the council to no avail.
Sanjay Maharaj CEO — Walesi PTE Ltd
Honourable Singh shines as minister!
I salute the efforts of our Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations honourable Agni Deo Singh whose leadership has brightened things between employees and employers and trade unions and the government of the day.
Last Saturday, Mr Singh brought smiles to the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) Council Meeting in Suva with his presence.
His assurance to members of FTUC that there would be no more unfair treatment while he was in the ministry brought a huge relief.
Mr Singh has devoted his life to workers and has always believed in upholding trade union rights.
These lines from his speech (FT: 27/09), “That your freedom of association, expression, and the right to join a union organisation of your choice, all those rights that we know are enshrined in the Constitution and the instruments that we have signed with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will be in place. That’s what I can assure you and I am pleading with you to work with us in good faith and whenever there is a dispute come along, we will try to resolve it in a proper manner,” stood out.
Mr Singh is on record for making an impact and mending relationships.
The workers of this country have gone through a lot in the past 16 years and honourable Singh is winning back confidence.
My best wishes to Mr Singh!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fair warning
YOU did a considerable act of giving fair caution to your fellow Fijians many days before the collapse of their financial investment.
I guess they were merely gullible and also doubting your advice, but thank you anyway Dan Fiji for exposing them.
Perhaps it also begs a question about what was our Fiji Police intelligence officers doing.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Child abuse
If 72% of perpetrators of child abuse are Christians then is it the religion that’s failing the children or the Christian faithful failing in their faith to protect the most vulnerable in society?
There are no quick answers to solve this despicable problem.
It’s a problem that’s happening behind closed doors.
And unless there’s an unveiling of why Christians are largely responsible for demonising their children then it’s a sad, sorry and shameful state of affairs.
No, finger pointing and blame shifting isn’t going to help or work to stop the rot.
There’s a deep rooted sickness that’s permeating Fijian society and it’s stinking to high heaven.
Uncovering the real reason(s) for why this is happening will take careful study, research and analysis to determine the cause and the cure.
Colin Deoki, Australia
