Family support drives Frank Lomani
The presence of his father, Beato ‘Ratumaiciri, and family members from Nukubalavu, Savusavu, spurred 27-year-old nippy half-back Frank Lomani against the Western Force. I was emotional being born and bred in Savusavu and having a friendly connection with Lomani’s family back in Nukubalavu. His dad was a solid football player during his prime days. Lomani, who carried his son into the field, was fuelled by the support from his loved ones who hired a bus to travel all the way to the Sugar City. Nukubalavu was in frenzy, as Lomani became the first Swire Shipping Fijian Drua player to
reach 50 games and then after the match concluded, was given the Best Player Award. Lomani has become a lethal member of the Drua and Fiji Water Flying Fijians outfit, and we look up to him come the 2027 RWC 15s in Australia! All the best Lomani! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Foreign labourers
Why do we have to engage foreign nationals to slog in our sugarcane farms when there are thousands of unemployed youths leisurely wandering the streets and participating in illicit activities? (FT 1/04). Why can’t the Sugar Minister formulate a strategy to influence these jobless individuals to work as farm labourers by offering them a decent wage and incentives to improve engagement and enhance productivity? Whatever happened to “support local?” I believe supplanting our local workforce with “outsiders” is not the ultimate solution to confront labour shortages. During the autocratic FijiFirst era, there was a huge influx of non-English speaking foreign nationals namely from the Asia region who trickled into our shores like leeches, with many swiftly and dubiously obtaining “Blue” passports despite the language and cultural barrier. And the Coalition Government is now emulating this botched FijiFirst approach by importing unskilled foreigners, who also barely utter a word of English to replace locals. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Weather warning
The PM has reiterated the danger of flooding that has inundated some regions of Fiji. There are areas that have been identified as “flood and landslide prones”, in my opinion. Those who have taken the liberty to reside within, are to expect the repercussions thereof. Natural disasters can not be controlled, but we can control how we prepare. Teach ourselves to always stay weather aware and take heed of the weather office’s advanced warning. The threat from extreme weather events, highlights the importance of investing in preparedness. Maybe you can be the light house, in someone else’s storm. SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi, Nausori
Lautoka flooding
The flooding in Lautoka has clearly shown how old and small our drainage system is, unfortunately those so-called know it all in Lautoka City Council think otherwise as I spoke to one of them on Friday morning who said the drainage was not a problem for Lautoka. Imagine the big drain along Drasa Avenue overflowing and water about a feet on the main highway on that Friday evening. It is time for those special administration team of Lautoka to start the drainage repair and widening program around Lautoka. GEOFFREY CHAND Lautoka
US support
US approves bombs, jets for Israel (Reuters FT 1/4) and President Biden acknowledged “the pain being felt” by many Americans over the war in Gaza and over the US support for Israel and its military offensive. Is that the way to acknowledge the pain being felt by the long oppressed and suffering people of Palestine who are now subjected to relentless bombardment by Israel with bombs supplied by the US? Can someone please help make sense out of this US support for Israel notwithstanding the case of genocide against Israel pending in the ICJ? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Homeless children
After our sea wall walk, as I drove into McDonald’s drive thru (sic) for a single soft serve for the three of us: my two dogs and I, I noticed four homeless boys under the arches nearby. I asked them if they would all like an ice cream. Three replied “yes” while one asked for a burger. I told him it’s a soft serve or nothing. I still ordered four for them. The boy who came over to help ended up having two because his friend, the one requesting a burger, refused to take it. When children and adults alike have one look at me they automatically assume I have plenty of money. I am Fijian and live within my means. I feel that was from where the boy who was picky was coming. For his fussiness, he got nothing while his friend had two. I was surprised that some homeless children feel they can pick and choose. In a perfect world they can. In a perfect world there would be no homeless children. JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua, Suva
Rising price
We bought one litre of fresh cow’s milk from a man who sells to the neighbours. It cost us $2.20. When I asked him why it was so cheap, he said as compared with what? I said Life milk costs between $2 and $3 a packet. He shrugged and said, OK but I’m making a profit. Remember, I’m a farmer, I get a farmer’s wage not an executive salary. We are now switching to fresh milk, Sukha Singh! NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Those litterbugs
Locals as well as tourists are drawn to Fiji’s parks and beaches because of their breathtaking beauty. Among the colourful greenery and swaying palms, there is an unappealing threat: litterbugs. Like some kind of misdirected Hansel and Gretel, these mysterious people appear to have thought of the park as their own personal disposal area, leaving behind a trail of wrappers and bottles. Let me remind them that Fiji’s natural beauty is more worthy than to be treated like a trash can with a view, even if it seems like they’re trying to pave a junk food road to nowhere. A rule that I was taught in my childhood said, “Do the right thing – put the litter in the bin!” DINESH KUMAR Ba
Why three
Could Mr Biman Prasad tell us, the ratepayers of Labasa, why do we have three administrators for Labasa Town? Please note Labasa is still a small town. Damodar City is just another shopping complex only. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Clean-up campaign
It is time to raise a massive awareness regarding our chronic rubbish issue, a nation wide clean-up campaign is the way to go. The Government can lead the way with all ministries partnering with all stakeholders. Let us do it for our beautiful country. ASISH VINAY PRASAD Raiwasa, Suva
Sewage spillage
The heavy rainfall in Lautoka not only caused flooding but it has also caused spillage of raw untreated sewage in our creeks, rivers and even on the road side curbs. Many children are seen swimming in rivers where the raw sewage has been seen floating around. People with sickness and more skin disease cases will be turning up in hospital soon. NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Flying Fijians coach
In fairness and with due respect to big Mike, I would like to see Senirusi given the nod for coaching the Flying Fijians. My reason is simple, he has been around for some time with proven track records. It’s up to him to prove his critics or us wrong if his appointment was not on merit. Secondly, I would like to see Franck Boivert appointed as one of his assistants. I believe FRU has made one huge blunder for not given Franck an opportunity for any Flying Fijians role. I was not surprised when many former players and officials called in support for Franck. This indeed speaks volumes of him. Good and smart leaders would see and recognise potential in people and make use of them. I believe FRU always lacks in this area. Thirdly, Henry Elder is one of my favourite trainer with due respect to Naca. He has the potential to add success to the Flying Fijians. My philosophy is simple, fitness is the most important factor in any sports team. Rugby is no exception. You get the right fitness; you get the right results. You get the right trainer; you get the right fitness. Coaching rugby is of no use if players cannot play hard and fast rugby in full 80 minutes and more. Only fitness can make that happen. This is one huge reason why the Fijian Drua is successful today. Full credit to the management and coaching team. I would also like to thank the current interim FRU board for working hard and smart to correct all the mess in FRU. Thank you Mr Mazey, Jenny, Simi. Hopefully from now on, things will get better for FRU. JOSEPH LAGILAGI Melbourne, Australia
Lack of support
I have spotted a few comments including one from a politician that there seems (or surely) to be a lack of support for the Fijian Drua women’s team. In particular, the embankment side being virtually empty over the past two Saturdays during the women’s matches. I am not sure if there is any link between what has been observed and gender bias. But what I am sure about is the weather. It has been raining for a couple of weeks and sitting on a wet (plus muddy) ground is not a pleasant experience. Last Saturday, we had heavy rain. On the lower part of the body, everyone was wet. With wet and muddy shoes (plus clothes), it is difficult to stand for close to five hours. Then cold starts to kick in. In my view, the lack of support is not for the Fijian Drua women’s team. It is rather for the spectators who brave the harsh weather for hours. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
