Tigers Qualify
Congratulations to Rewa’s Tigers for qualifying for the OFC Champions League after their epic and dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 win over hosts Lautoka. Rewa put up a courageous performance and showed their fighting spirit and character, despite playing away from home. The Tigers played like a team and the words Tabu Soro, which have played a vital role in their success, motivated the boys to edge favourites Lautoka. I also commend the Blues for playing their hearts out. It was unlucky that they conceded a penalty in extra time. For me, stylish Rewa mid-fielder Setareki Hughes stood out with his sublime performance and work rate. He masterminded Rewa to the stunning comeback, much to the delight of our regular correspondent Raynav Chand who is a die-heart Rewa fan. Now that the Tigers have qualified, they must prepare well and emulate Suva’s 2023 success. Tovolea mada Rewa! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Delta Tigers triumph
Once more Fiji will be represented at the OFC Champions League by the Rewa FC. This comes as a result of their winning the national playoff against Lautoka. They defeated Lautoka in their own backyard and booked a spot at the regional meet which will be held in May in Tahiti. The Delta Tigers have already been there, so they know how to prepare themselves to be competitive. I know Lautoka had high hopes of playing in the OFC but, unfortunately, Lady Luck was not on your side. Keep trying nonetheless. Remember where there is will there is a way. Now that the CVC is over and the OFC qualifier has been decided, your focus automatically goes on the National League which is scheduled to commence on February 18. Whichever competition you are going to take part in, it is important that your preparation is line with the expectations. Team bonding and understanding each other is extremely important. Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Rewa all the best. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Building a better Fiji
Assistant minister in the Coalition Government Sashi Kiran told a gathering of Fiji Hindus that “Our government is also trying to set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission … A lot has happened in the past and has hurt us and our community… Our PM has talked about unity and he wants to see our country move forward in unity” (FT 12/2). What’s stopping the government from going ahead with the setting up of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? It is long overdue given the hurt suffered in the past. Isn’t it time to go beyond talking about unity to move the country forward to actually doing what needs to be done to build a better Fiji? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Bhajan, qawali
I believe the relevant heads of religious organisations should start to issue practising certificates to these artists after a thorough interview on their religious scriptures. With that certificate, artists must apply for a licence to appear in public performances. Any misconduct or inappropriate singing must result in licence termination and fines. Recently there was a function in Ba where artists performed at a school and grog, smoke and suki were all allowed right inside the classroom. Someone must ask the headteacher, what all the school went through after the function. Otherwise I see things getting out of hand. Ashis Kumar Ba
Ugly chapter
The alarm bells have already rung following to huge drug busts in Nadi. 4.3 tonnes is no small consignment. Namaka Police need all the support required to do their work diligently, with all levels of professionalism. Manpower, ongoing training; bigger, better modern police station fully equipped with the best of Police K9s. Nothing less. At this juncture in Fiji’s history, I somehow believe many youths are already “hooked” on to this ugly chapter. This is worrisome. On our Martintar roads and streets, there are many intoxicated and dazed youths, men and women, from time to time. They are not definitely kai Nadi. They do not speak our dialect. Our law-makers must act swiftly to find stiff deterrent penalties, with haste. The “Big Fish” are still at large. They may have flown the roost. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Uncouth practice
The other morning after waking up, I peered out my bedroom window to see not a beautiful Suva morning but instead the sight of a man urinating outside his house and in broad daylight just one house away from mine. He didn’t disguise himself or rush inside afterwards. He wasn’t concerned in the slightest about who saw him. It’s common knowledge that dogs will avoid ‘messing’ in their own compound if they can at all avoid it and we’re not just talking about well-trained dogs but all dogs. They know it is inappropriate, it’s instinctive and not in their culture. The conclusion to be drawn here is that dogs are cleaner than humans in such cases and can teach us a thing or two. We need to treat dogs with much more respect than they are receiving and those who think that their backyard serves as a toilet, it is filthy and uncouth so think again. Julie Sutherland, Suva
GCC complex
I hope that the construction company contracted by the government to rebuild the GCC complex will ensure that the new building is mosquito coil fire proof. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Growing rice
In the past cane farmers utilised plots of land to ensure they were self-sufficient in rice. Why can’t government assist all cane farmers to plant their own plots of rice thereby reducing rice imports. Dan Urai Lautoka
No team work
Watched the Fiji Barbarian performance over the weekend in Sigatoka and I must admit that if they continue playing individually without considering team effort, I believe our Fiji sevens men’s team will not be able to win any tournament again this season including the Olympics. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Market realities
A market vendor in Lautoka claims that he now buys a bag of cassava for $100 (FT 11/2). A supplier/farmer told me that the market vendors offer only up to $60 for a bag of cassava. We have a situation at hand where the real estate agent is also the valuer. Hey! Samu Railoa Nadi
Nabua issue
I feel business people in Nabua area should establish a Nabua Retailers Association to improve the area even further. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
A lovely year
Wei lei! It is that time of the year when romance reaches an all time peak as many celebrate Valentine’s Day. Given the high cost of living nowadays, one would rather prefer a lovely cuddle and kisses. Just do not forget that true love lasts beyond a night and a day. A lovely year to all. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Clean-up
The drug busts and what is potentiality out there is diving towards huge corruption. So what did the world famous clean-up campaign achieve? And the mozzies are still flying around in large numbers. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Water safety
As floodwaters can swiftly turn from an inconvenience to a serious threat, safeguarding our children’s well-being becomes paramount. Parents must prevent children from swimming in flooded waters. Rodney Clarence Raj Nalebe, Labasa
LTA service
In reference and support to Ronnie Chang’s letter (FT 12/02) titled “Lousy LTA service”, it was my turn to suffer yesterday with the other hundreds of customers. Everyone talks about the suffering in long waiting times at LTA Backroad Nadi. I had gone in the morning, spent over an hour and had to leave because of another appointment. Went back after 2pm and as I was writing this, it was coming up to 4.15pm and I was still waiting. In the morning, only four of the seven booths were manned by customer service agents. By the afternoon, five of the seven booths were manned. While we are waiting for the new LTA office at Jet Point Nadi to open, could I request the good manager at LTA Backroad to have all the booths manned with customer service agents from opening to closing hours. We are in 2024 now and visiting LTA Backroad Nadi reminds me of visiting government offices back in the early ’80s. Navaulioni Koro Ravai Martintar, Nadi
Torture of civilians
I can only empathise with Professor Vijay Naidu and Richard Naidu for the inhumane treatment they were subjected to at the hands of the security forces (FT 10/2). I believe the late Professor Brij Lal was physically assaulted and abused by a very senior military officer. Do you really think these perpetrators will come forward to publicly confess their crimes and reveal where the orders came from? They will hide behind the immunity cover to protect themselves and their masters. Therefore, in my view the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be a futile exercise as it is not likely to achieve its desired objectives. I believe the reconciliation meeting held during the girmit celebration was cleverly orchestrated to set the stage for the release of the political prisoners. But what I find most perplexing is that on one hand we are advocating for truth and reconciliation and on the other we are brushing aside complaints against certain military personnel as mere “allegations”. Shouldn’t these allegations be investigated to clear the air? Why the reluctance? SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Fiji is leaking
Days after revelation from the Water Authority of Fiji about water losses from undetected pipe leakages, I learn that there exists something call Fiji Leaks. Would Fiji Leaks care to assist the people of Fiji with the water leakages? Water is a scarce basic need. They’ll surely not hide from a community service opportunity. I think the Ministry of Waterways and Environment should contact them immediately. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
