Drua escape late Moana onslaught!
The physical clash between the Pacific brothers thrilled and kept fans at the edge of their seat. The battle lived up to expectations amid the heat in the Sugar City. The Fijian Drua led 17-0 at the break, and fans and expected the momentum to be lifted, but unfortunately, the second half belonged to the Moana Pasifika. Head coach Mick Byrne must work on the Drua’s fitness and decision making. The side let the Moana walk away with a bonus point win. We had a penalty which could have been converted into three points and the visitors would have been denied their bonus point. However, much to my surprise flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula kicked the ball outside and the ref blew the whistle. Decision making has affected the Drua, and it is high time we appoint a leader who can make some solid decisions. Every point is valuable in Super Rugby Pacific, as only the top eight teams will make it into the quarters. Taniela ‘Motopai’ Rakuro deserved the Player of the Match Award, and I wished he had played against the ‘Canes. As the boys head into the crucial stage, it is important that we focus on the tough task ahead. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Give PM Rabuka credit
He is an accredited successful former self appointed commander RFMF through his 1987 first military coup and it is all done and dusted. He is a survivor with respect to his personal upbringing as an iTaukei and he has lived through the kakase kei na vei vakacacani lolovira kece at the age of 74 years and he is our oldest prime minister on record. How many coups did he survive? Toso Viti toso Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Solomon Islands PM
The Solomon Islands PM has millions in property: Questions raised around wealth (The Fiji Times 27/4/24). Would the Solomon Islands PM have that kind of personal wealth without being PM? Personal wealth amassment is a phenomenon in third world politics. Some African political leaders become so wealthy they buy up market properties and mansions in the UK, France and other first world countries even when their own people live in grinding poverty! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Ideal A-G
Further to my letter yesterday regarding Lynda Tabuya being an ideal candidate to be the first female A-G, I have had some positive feedback.
I wish to add, not only will she be a role model for young girls to look up to, but she will be setting some very high standards for young girls to follow. This Government is unquestionably setting the highest standards ever since independence. The people of Fiji and especially young women and girls of Fiji will be truly blessed if Lynda were made A-G. I am sure those in the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and other NGOs will agree. Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Thank you Nadi
I thank, salute and congratulate my home team, Nadi for bringing to a screeching halt, Capital City Suva’s winning spree in the Skipper Cup yesterday, April 26, 2024, on home turf, Prince Charles Park. The 17 – 12 result is indicative of a good result against the formidable Suva side.
Vina du na leda saravou. Vina va levu na lemutou qaqa. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Scaling of marks
I refer to Mohammed Zuber’s plea to the reinstated Minister for Education Aseri Rodrodro to reconsider the issues on scaling of marks (FT-LTE 26/4) as it affects students when the final result is released. This will affect the entire education system of the country and stake holders at all levels should be consulted. Lest we go back to robbing Peter to pay Paul, justice and fair deal should be the way forward. All Fijians have a role to play in building a better Fiji. Peter and Paul should be paid what they deserve. God bless us all. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Traffic lights
Can traffic lights be installed at all major roads like Grantham Rd to start with? Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Busy Crossing
I am appalled at how many drivers are ignoring and dashing through the red lights in front of the FNU campus in Namaka. This is a busy crossing, not made easier by some students running across even when the light is green. This is a tragedy waiting to happen. The sad thing is a few tender lives with high expectations for their future will be snuffed out while the heartless driver will probably survive and get a light sentence. Actually the whole area from the Nasoso traffic lights all the way to the lights near Burger King has traffic lights where drivers are taking chances and driving through red lights. I have never seen any police in the area or any monitoring of what is happening. Is there a traffic control unit in the Nadi Police Force? Bernard Chandra Qanville Estate, Nasoso, Nadi
No Issues
Rabuka says he has “no issues” with suspended and reinstated Education Minister Aseri Radrodro (FT 27/4). We recall Rabuka also had no issues in retaining Lynda Tabuya as Government minister even after his own party’s disciplinary body had found her guilty of ministerial misconduct.
Rabuka had no issue with Japan dumping nuclear waste water in the Pacific Ocean. Rabuka had no issue with Israeli atrocities in Gaza. People of Fiji are truly blessed to have a national leader who has no issues. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Drua W vs Waratahs!
It will be a repeat of the 2022 Super W final this afternoon when the Fijian Drua Women take on the NSW Waratahs in Australia. In 2022, the Drua claimed the Super W title in a thrilling 32-26 victory over the Waratahs at AAMI Park. The game went down to the wire as the Waratahs staged a comeback, with NZ import Natalie Delamare crossing for a hat-trick. However, the Drua refused to give up and backed by a strong Fijian crowd, hit the front with nine to go through Timaima Ravisa. Vitalina Naikore sealed the win minutes later to claim her own hat-trick. Last year, the Drua beat the Reds 38-30 to claim back-to-back Super W titles. Sam Curtis scored a late consolation try for the Reds, but the Drua hung on for a 38-30 win to claim back-to-back Super W titles. This afternoon, the Drua must be ruthless if they want to be three-time champs. At Churchill Park in round two, the Waratahs thrashed the Drua 62-21, thus it’s redemption time, as our women have the chance to re-write the history books again. The Drua must develop a positive attitude, and stick to the game plan, as the Waratahs have been the benchmark team for the whole competition, and every other team has felt their wrath. The two teams have built a storied rivalry since the Drua’s inception in 2022, and the team, which has prepared well, will have the last laugh. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Supreme court
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum wanted to assist the Supreme Court with the background of the making of the 2013 Constitution. The Supreme Court decided it did not need that assistance from Sayed-Khaiyum to deal with the matter before it (FT 27/4). I wonder if Sayed-Khaiyum’s background regarding the drafting of the 2013 Constitution would have included how Professor Yash Ghai, the constitution making expert hired by the Bainimarama regime, was unceremoniously removed from his role and the draft constitution he had made after nationwide consultation was trashed? The Supreme Court made the right decision to dispense with Sayed-Khaiyum’s assistance and personal agenda. Rajend Naidu
Sydney, Australia
Farewell
THE Rev Father Marianand arrived in Fiji many years ago as an IMS member — Indian Missionary Society to serve the Catholic community at St Michael’s Parish in Nadi Town. Sadly, I have since learnt of his passing. “Moce mada vakalailai, saka.” Fr Marianand made Nadi his home. He served faithfully through many challenging and tough times. He saw to the growth and development of Saint Michael’s – Nadi. I pay my special tribute to this “giant of a man”.God rest his soul. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Explosive team for Singapore 7s!
After the disappointment at the So Kon Po Stadium during the Hong Kong 7s, Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team head coach Osea Kolinisau has named a power-packed and an explosive side to represent Fiji at the Singapore 7s tournament. He has included a mixture of experienced players like Jo Talacolo, Manueli Maisamoa, Sevu Mocenacagi, Vatemo Ravouvou, Iowane Teba and Filipe Sauturaga alongside the young boys in Viliame Naikausa, Rubeni Kabu, Pilipo Bukayaro, Terio Veilawa, Kaminieli Rasaku, Joji Nasova, Ropate Rere and Ponipate Loganimasi. We have endured a lot of pain and suffering because of the string of losses on the circuit. I’m hopeful that these boys will weave the Fijian magic and help Fiji end its losing streak on the circuit. A lot has been said, and it’s time for the boys to put words into action. Toso Viti! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
