PM backs team!
PM Sitiveni Rabuka urged fans to keep supporting the Fiji men’s 7s side despite the national side bowing out in the cup quarter final at So Kon Po Stadium. These lines (FT 08/04) carried much weight and made sense: “While we are all disappointed, the game of 7s has grown by leaps and bounds and perhaps Fiji has not grown. Perhaps, Fiji is still relying on our capacities in the coaches, the players and fitness of few years ago while everybody has moved forward.” Indeed, honourable Rabuka, win or lose, we must support the boys and Osea Kolinisau, as he builds a winning combination. The 20-tournament losing streak hurts, but let’s have patience, just as All Blacks 7s coach Tomasi Cama pointed out (FT: 08/04) – Fiji 7s can bounce back and be a contender for the Olympics. Kolinisau must work on the weak points from So Kon Po and build on our strength and offloads. From offloads, Fiji has scored scintillating tries and mesmerised the 7s arena. Pio Tuwai was a great off loader and I’m adamant the boys will build up from HK. The Singapore 7s is coming up and Fiji should be hungry to end the winless run on the circuit. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Anti-corruption workshops
The Government is very committed to eradicating corruption, by officiating an anti-corruption consultation workshops. How many of these have been done in the past? Did it ever work as intended? Integrity and transparency have to be part of the culture, in my opinion. One of the necessary accompaniments of capitalism in a democracy, is political corruption. At what point did governments start ruling, instead of representing? If something can corrupt us, we are corrupted already and our ignorance on corruption is their power. For power attracts the worst and corrupts the best. Corruption endangers the morals of an entire country and it is the enemy of progress and development. We can only alleviate its progression, for once it sets rolling, it must increase. So, without strong and dedicated watchdog institutions, impunity becomes the very foundation, upon which systems of corruption are built. No science is immune to the infection of politics and the corruption of power. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Scary road
Cars driving fast, buses and trucks peeping loudly, emergency sirens heard on the highway. Accidents happening everyday. The sad reality is that some drivers continue to ignore repeated warnings by the authorities. At the end of the day innocent victims pay the price. Our roads ought to be safer and we must work together to make this happen. Please drive safely I was about to be involved in one. NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Still wondering
From the other side of the world, Kalyan Chandra at age 95 is still wondering “what is it about Fiji that makes it such a friendly, fabulous, fascinating and fantastic place?” (FT 13/4) Well it certainly isn’t Fiji politics! My guess is it’s the ordinary people in Fiji. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia Drainage and water boards It is great to read that 33 people were appointed to the Ministry of Agriculture’s drainage board at an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva on Thursday. (FT 12/4) The Agriculture and Waterways Minister Vatimi Rayalu said the board was removed by the previous government and the induction marked a new beginning. He said the removal of the drainage board seven years ago caused concern among the farming community as it negatively impacted drainage, leading to flooding in many farming areas. He stressed: “Your commitment, expertise, and unwavering dedication will be instrumental in shaping the future of our drainage infrastructure and ensuring that it remains resilient and adaptive to the ever-changing environmental challenges in today’s era.” Wow, can we have a water board that could plan and work out a similar strategy, so that our present water woes in Fiji will never visit us ever again? Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Kattar Singh Rd, Tacirua, Nasinu
Water storage
With so many problems at the moment for WAF in terms of failing infrastructure, and with no solution in sight, I suggest this government should provide 10,000 litre rotomould water tank to each household for their daily storage of water. With so much rain, it will fill in no time. A 10,000l water tank will cost approximately $3000. That will be lot cheaper than running those water carts and diggers. No one can forget that $33m for only one digger scam in WAF. I guess it’s swept under the carpet. While providing the tank, I also suggest the Government to monitor for at least five years so that the recipient does not sell the tank to others for personal gain. It has happened before with all government initiatives. It might happen again. A. SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu
Firefighter PM
OUR PM is such a great firefighter. He has been putting out fires on all fronts in his government and elsewhere lately. I believe the Australian Government should hire him next summer to put out all the fires around Australia which are so unpredictable, massive and come from all fronts. Our PM has tonnes of experience in this department which he can put to good use in Australia. I am being serious. JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Government appointments
FROM time to time we read on social media and also hear people talking about unfair appointments in government ministries. Some even say the practice of nepotism and appointments of cronies is still very much alive. During British days and later followed by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s Alliance government, such appointments were based on racial balance and merit as well. Racial balance was always maintained based on the population of each race. There was none or very little room for any frustration or complaints. According to a few Indo-Fijians who migrated to Australia recently, only because of frustrations on unfair promotions in government ministries. Some of them were concerned about the future of their own children. One of them even said “do not ask for any evidence on our claims, you just have to visit few ministries in government buildings, Immigration and Education ministries and you will get the answers without asking anyone”. I also hear now that a few cases of frustration have reached the Prime Minister who is the head of the civil service. I sincerely hope that the new Coalition Government will pay attention in this area to improve and maintain the good image they had in the beginning when they took over from the previous unpopular administration. Still not too late. VIJAY MAHARAJ Sydney, Australia
Driving standards
The sad reported very recent death of a young, 30 year old Navua pedestrian, mowed down by a 29 year old driver, is clearly indicative of the poor standard of driving on most of our roads. Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ holy name, please rest this poor man’s soul. He died too prematurely. Please give his grieving family members every strength during this time of pain, suffering and loss. Again, statistics confirm younger drivers tend to be complacent and very “show off”. The certification and issuance driver’s licence must, again, come under closer microscopic scrutiny – commencing from driving schools. Enough has been said. Something is just not right. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
So much joy
The athletic season is in full stride as athletes compete to etch a place in the national Coke Games. We have noticed that despite adverse weather, the coaches and athletes have weathered it all to produce some great results. I am amazed by the efforts and sacrifices of the teachers who spend weekends and afternoons just to coach and mold our ordinary students into champions. Recently, I have noticed the achievement of my local institution, Nakasi High School, who were declared the champions of the boy’s division Triple N Zone Athletics competition in 2024. This particular school amazes me, firstly because of it being a small institution; secondly, it caters to some of the most underprivileged and disadvantaged students; and most importantly, it has turned sheer raw talents into zonal and national champions. Sincerely, thank all teachers, coaches, and athletes for the great accomplishment. They have raised the bar and provided inspiration to other smaller schools that, with sheer determination and hard work, anything is possible. Thank you NHS for bringing so much joy to our community! Raynav Chand Nakasi
Renewal, family and community!
HATS off to the Editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for the much-needed editorial titled “Renewal, family and community” (FT: 12/04). The editorial was based on Eid, a religious festival characterised by the renewal of faith which marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Indeed Fred, the message of love and togetherness are strongly associated with Eid celebrations and people must look beyond religion, and love and respect one another. In his address to the nation on Eid, PM Sitiveni Rabuka stressed that religious freedom was the cornerstone of our multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-lingual nation and it was vital that every Fijian treasured our diversity and social cohesion. I echo the sentiments of our PM that it is time that we stand united and come together as one people in supporting one another as we rebuild our nation. Apart from embracing multiracialism, we must appreciate other religions. There is a need to love, understand, and respect each other. I thank Fiji’s Muslim community for their contributions to Fiji. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
Unused data
YOU must have surely noticed that when your purchased mobile data plan expires, you have a lot of unused mobile data which just disappears. I better put it as a huge amount of mobile data. Ever wondered what happens to the mobile data which you have paid for but did not use? I think we all would love a lot more flexibility when it comes to locally offered mobile data plans. In my view, if I had to completely utilise my monthly mobile data plan, I’d have to sacrifice everything (become completely immobile) and stay with my smartphone “25/8”. That doesn’t appear to be smart at all. I’ll leave the disappearance of available credit issue upon mobile data plan expiry for CCF and FCCC. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA
Infrastructure development
I HAD a thought and then I had another, $3b or more! They bounced off each other and now I can’t find either one! NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA
Mini Golden Gate bridge
THE Government has solved our flooding problem here at Toga – a quality and beautiful bridge that has ended the woes of our old low lying bridge that’s just opposite Lelean Memorial School. I feel like I’m crossing over a mini Golden Gate (San Francisco) bridge these days. Vinaka vakalevu FRA and all involved. If I may, a wee kerekere if the gravel road from Muana Village to Navatuyaba be graded and raised in only a few locations because it goes underwater. Can’t wait to cross our bridge this afternoon. SULIASI RABUKAWAQA NAUSORI
Hippo water roller
IT’S high time an NGO or WFP (through the UNDP) introduces for wide and free distribution in Fiji, the Hippo Water Roller. It’s a more convenient, more efficient and less stressful way for people to transport (actually rolling) water from source to home. Even a slightly built person can transport 90 litres of water (as opposed to 20 litres) over difficult terrain with ease. Imagine carrying by hand, or on your shoulders or with a wheelbarrow, that same amount over a long distance. I remember years ago when the SPC was promoting it here, but I don’t recall anything happening after that. It’s a shame, because it seems a very efficient and less strenuous way of carting large amounts of water, as well as a convenient storage for dry clothes when crossing rivers, streams or during floods. With the current water supply disruptions, water shortages and distances of houses to water sources, this would provide much-needed relief to a lot of households. EDWARD BLAKELOCK ADMIRAL CIRCLE, PACIFIC HARBOUR
