NCDs crisis
The concern expressed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad in regards to NCDs is understandable. Recently, a discussion on diabetes arose in a barber shop and I being a diabetic myself realised how little knowledge people had of this condition. It was worrying how ignorant people were of NCDs. I related to the gentlemen present that my son, a doctor has always advised me that being diabetic is not a death sentence. If one manages diabetes well, one can have a long happy life. It is now almost 14 years since I was diagnosed with diabetes. In 2018, I had an open heart bypass. But today I am still actively using a brush cutter, carpentry tools, weeding, digging in vegetable and flower gardens apart from my daily walks. I now urge the Ministry of Health to launch a massive health campaign to educate people on health issues.
Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Blues end Stallions winning run!
Winning at Lawaqa Park in front of ardent and passionate Nadroga fans is always special. That special feeling was felt by Suva and their fans, as they beat Nadroga 31-22 and ended the Stallions winning run. Nadroga was favoured to win the battle, but Suva played their cards right and finished every opportunity that was handed to them, unlike Nadroga which blew up scoring opportunities. Suva used their set-pieces to perfection and their defence was strong. The likes of Mosese Naiova, who captained the side, Terio Tamani, who was a thorn and menace, Enele Malele, Levani Kurumudu, veteran John Stewart, Inia Tawalo, Watisoni Sevutia and Sakiusa Siqila stood out for the visitors. It is back to the drawing board for the Stallions which must regroup and come out firing in their next match. The chance to seal top spot in the Skipper Cup competition has gone, but the Stallions must regroup and set their focus on winning the Cup. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Road congestion
I have just arrived back after a decade overseas and I see the road congestion problems into Lautoka City especially from Nadi Airport are too much to be solved immediately in light of the big debts our Government is trying to deal with. That means the traffic congestion problem is going to get worse day by day if it is not addressed any sooner. I believe the only other available option right now is to start the train service between the highly clogged traffic areas between Lautoka and Nadi and between Suva and Nausori. I believe there are genuine investors out there who would like to throw their money down on this investment. All in all, something has to be done soon before things get really worse.
Meli Bogileka Natabua, Lautoka
Fiji time
The Fiji Rugby Union is 100 per cent on the world reknowned ‘Fiji time’. ‘Fiji time’ is very much alive and well. The naming of the Flying Fijians head coach is being procrastinated — due to “unexplained technical issues”. Meanwhile, the rugby world awaits the naming of our head coach.
Isa! It’s now or never.Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Up against the Hurricane
The Fijian Drua fans are looking forward to watching the game between our boys and the Hurricanes this Friday. I read on FB a story about a die hard Fijian Drua fan who did extra work inside and outside of their house last week, just to get her husband to buy her Drua T-shirt and tickets for the Hurricanes game. The husband gave a big kaila when he learnt that the game will be on this Friday and not last week Friday! The Hurricanes have won all their last seven games and we should not be surprised if they upset the Fijian Drua fans with another win. But, we know what our Drua boys are capable of doing in front of their home crowd when they click and control every facet of the game. Last week, the Rebels who have lost all their games this season, won their last game against the Fijian Drua women’s team. Can the Fijian Drua be the first team this season to defeat the Hurricanes? We will know on Friday. Toso Drua toso! Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
Traffic lights
Whenever there is a sporting event at Churchill Park, police pointsmen direct traffic and pedestrians the whole day at the Lautoka Municipal Market intersection. The functional traffic lights which motorists and pedestrians follow are disturbed with police pointsmen signalling in wrong directions. DAVID SUSHIL LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Poor lighting at pedestrian crossing
Drivers should by now understand the rules of the road when it comes to the subject of pedestrian crossings. They must cut down their speed and are not supposed to overtake any vehicle when approaching a pedestrian crossing. All vehicles should be ready to stop. Pedestrians do not know rules of road crossing. All they know is that the lines are for them to use whenever they want to cross over to the other side of the road! I sincerely feel all pedestrian crossings, by now, should have been hooked up to the standard lights of red, green, and orange. This is safer than the continuous flicking orange lights that we see at some pedestrian crossings. Another very serious concern is the very poor or no lights at all especially when crossing at night. When pedestrians wear those common dark clothes at night, there is a very high risk indeed. There must be brighter lighting on pedestrian crossings to help drivers see people in dark materials at night. Not all of us are aware of rules, so it is a sincere request to authorities if all crossings have the standard lights and proper brighter lighting too! Our lives are precious! Once it is gone, it is gone for ever and there is only one life! Isikeli Nakato Toroca Raiwaqa, Suva
Beautiful article
Isa, vinaka vakalevu master Arvind Mani for your beautiful article (FT 15/04). Many of us who are in our twilight years would say, “amen” to that because you spoke for many of us. I’m a few years behind you in my 70s but I get you. But yes, in the blink of an eye, everything changes especially when old age begins reminding us of our yester years when we could do so much with such ease and virtually little effort. And now it’s a nuisance to even put our socks and shoes on let alone get in and out of chairs and cars. And having to navigate the technological space for us “oldies” can sometimes be a nightmare. Our 8-year-old granddaughter was helping me with something I was trying to do on my cell phone the other day. She could see I was getting a little frustrated and cranky so she asked if she could help. She was kind enough to show me because I hadn’t a clue what to do. But she was very sweet and patient and showed me step by step. As for the aches and pains, we’ve learned to manage it thanks to a gift from our younger son. It’s a portable hand held massager and works wonders in taking the edge off. Yes, we all carry regrets and disappointments. I suppose it’s just a part of living and learning about life. I wish I’d done lots of things differently when I was younger when I made lots of mistakes. But that’s life. Thanks again and happy belated birthday. Colin Deoki Australia
Elderlies’ bus cards
Our elderly people of Fiji who get the purple cards topped up with $25 a month, are now silently bearing the injustice being done. At the very beginning the $40 a month would still be given to us when we missed out of the month top up. The system now is too distressing and upsetting indeed. Why should I be penalised for putting my money on the purple card? Travelling to Lautoka costs $24. Spending Easter with a sick cousin and returning on Sunday 31st March, the card must be topped up for bus travel back to Suva. So, another $25 needed. Monday 1st April, also a public holiday presenting my card on the following Monday 8th April I got shocked when Vodafone only topped up $2. I was told to complain to welfare office in Toorak. Explanation given that I must not top up the purple card with my own money. I should also carry a red card! No help could be given on this! The question to ask here is any dirty work or fraud involved like school cards? Our $25 a month is a must! Not $2 or $8, if I used my own money. Land Transport Authority people are doing checks inside buses for receipts? No body owns up on whose instructions! Isikeli Nakato Toroca Raiwaqa
Drinking in schools
The question is why take alcohol to school in juice bottles and drink in school? Why can’t these kids just drink at home? Sukha Singh
Labasa
Blame game
Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau is sounding like a broken record because he keeps blaming the FijiFirst government for the ailing water infrastructure. Bau oca! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
In unity
The Fiji Times picture of the plaque of Fiji Bank Eployees Union Building (FT 12/4) reminds and alerts those affected in terms of transparency and fair dealings. The employment contracts should always be carefully drafted and implemented. Fair and balanced deserving deals between employees and employers should always stand. Divided we fall. Employees and employers alike have learned that in union there is strength.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Think about it
Vandal attacks on public amenities are quite prevalent not only in Fiji but in other parts of the world too. Unfortunately, instead of coming down it is going upwards all the time. Ask any municipal council, they will tell you how bad the situation is in terms of labour and costs incurred each time the facilities are damaged, to keep them operational. Even developed countries are faced with the same problem. Unless people change their attitude and show respect towards the facilities that are made specifically to serve them, the problem will not ease. Monitoring everyone everywhere all the time is unthinkable. We can, however, explore other avenues like placing appropriate warning signs and implementing security measures that work favourably. Above all there is a need to educate people on how to treat the facilities built for the general good of public. Think about it. Suresh Chand Nadi
Our democracy
LEADERS, please do not make a mockery of our democracy just to protect your dignity and positions. AREKI DAWAI Maharaj Pl, Suva
Modern economy
No world economy can be improved overnight. Such is also the case in a third-world country like ours. The outbursts of critics and failed politicians is not helping the current situation at all. Especially when the current government inherited the so-called “boom” and billions in debt due to “smart borrowings” from its predecessors. DINESH KUMAR Ba
