Sevens flair
Now we can see the Fijian flair and unpredictability back with the Fiji 7s team. The influence of the master, Jerry Tuwai, is obvious. Vinaka vakalevu Oscar Kolinisau and the team for restoring our faith.
Toso Viti, toso. SV Tuwai Nasese
7s rugby
What is seriously going on with our 7s rugby? We used to be the undisputed kings of the field, but now we cannot seem to win a game to save our lives, racking up a lovely streak of 22 losses. The Fiji Airways national men’s team dazzled in the pool games of Madrid 7s but then completely falls apart when it counts, failing to make it to the Cup finals. Where did we mess up? Some bright minds are pointing fingers at the referee who officiated the Fiji versus France semi-final. We have already blamed the former coach Ben Gollings, we have blamed the players, and now we are blaming the referees. Who’s next on our blame list? Maybe the physio and the water boys. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Not over yet
What a joy and sweet revenge as our men’s 7s team defeated New Zealand twice in Madrid, Spain. While this brought joy and smiles for fans, unfortunately, the drought in not winning a tournament appears like a spell which we cannot seem to break. When will we overcome our fears and will this be at the 2024 Olympics? On the brighter side, the return of Jerry Tuwai appeared like a leader steadily guiding a flock and instilling more confidence. For now, it’s a matter of patience and trusting our coaching team that come the Olympics they will deliver. Meanwhile, the performance of our women’s side appears to deteriorate as we only managed one victory. With due respect, there is still time for our women to win a medal at the Olympics but a thorough review on their training and preparations is due. I am still banking on our women to perform much better than our men at the 2024 Olympics. Time has run out for our national 7s gladiators who prepare for battle at the Olympics but it is not over yet. If our decisions in the coming days and weeks is strategic, then there is every reason to convert our slim chances into gold come the 2024 Olympics. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Building up for Paris!
Losing 14-21 to France was painful and hard to digest, but I commend the boys for getting their acts together and displaying teamwork and unity to beat the All Blacks 7s 17-10 to grab a bronze medal in Madrid. The performance of the boys under head coach Osea Kolinisau brought back memories of our glory days under Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber and has set the benchmark for the Paris Olympic Games. However, the boys must be wary about the challenges that the hosts will bring to the Olympics, especially after the inclusion of Antoine Dupont who was named the HSBC SVNS WRSS Rookie of the Year. Dupont has made a massive contribution to the game of 7s, and his arrival sparked things up against Fiji. A little more effort and the gold medal from Paris should be ours.
I salute Kolinisau and the boys for the brave effort. The performance in Madrid was the best of our boys. Add Iosefo Masi to the mix, and we are there! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Hibiscus event
I was delighted to read about the return of the Hibiscus Festival. As with most of our lives, the festival has had its highs and lows which I’ve followed with particular interest for 50 years. I extend my good wishes to the many hardworking volunteers who will commit to its return and I hope sponsors provide the support it deserves to revive this historic community event. Michele Cozzi (Michele Smith 1975) Brisbane, Australia
Celebrated return
After a hiatus of five years, the announcement of the festival’s comeback this August has infused the community with a sense of joy and pride. The Hibiscus Festival, often referred to as the mother of all festivals, is not just an event; it is a celebration of our history, our people, and our vibrant culture. It is heartening to see the efforts of the Hibiscus committee chair, Opetaia Ravai, and the Acting Minister for Local Government, Filimoni Vosarogo, in reviving this iconic festival. With activities planned at the revamped Sukuna Park, Suva Foreshore, and the Civic Centre, the festival promises to be a beacon of beauty and entertainment. The decision to feature only the Queen contestant category is a nod to the festival’s glorious past, ensuring that the essence of the event remains focused and true to its roots. The theme “Where Beauty Blooms, Suva Shines” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the festival and the city itself. As we prepare to welcome the festivities from August 31 to September 7, I am confident that this year’s Hibiscus Festival will not only revive cherished memories but also create new ones for generations to come. Tinaimanini Lautoka
Levuka Hospital
The board of the National Trust of Fiji has been directed to assess whether buildings that are part of the old Levuka Hospital can be repaired or recommended for condemnation. (FT 28/05) Simply, the assessment will just be a total waste of time and money. That building, at first glance, should be ‘razed’ to the ground. Even a visually impaired person would agree with me. Then the same article harped on about preserving the designated heritage sites, which obviously have been neglected over the years despite numerous reminders for maintenance/renovation works. Sadly, there was no mention of the progress of rebuilding the Levuka Hospital mortuary which was engulfed in flames approximately five months ago. This Government has seemed to have lost the plot and has its priorities muddled up. And yes, the pothole riddled and muddy Ovalau Circular road requires urgent road works or is Government waiting for a major mishap to occur, such as a laden truck of school students and general passengers, tumbling down a 100 meter slope, prior to taking action? As for those 40 pocket-filling self-serving financially-gluttonous MPs, you’ve lost my respect. Anthony Sahai Levuka, Ovalau
Lost faith
I have lost faith in this PM. He doesn’t seem to know what he is doing and what is happening. He is saying something but the opposite is happening. He is now blaming his advisors and this is not the first time. Sack them before the people sack you. Josefa Tuitubou Vuda By-pass, Lautoka
FijiFirst party constitution
The SOE’s call for the FijiFirst party to change its constitution is interesting. It goes that every constitution should have the means within itself for it’s amendment, but holy moly, I thought the FijiFirst party constitution was untouchable. Samu Railoa Nadi
Biosecurity issue
Seeing biosecurity officers inspect imported empty shipping containers for exotic pests using their mobile phone torch seems unprofessional, inefficient and improper. Can’t the authority equip them with suitable torches? No wonder the Asian subterranean termites managed to enter the country and is now causing havoc to homes. Kemudou! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
New MP remuneration
Since the 17 FijiFirst MPs have been expelled from their party, what happens to their 17 replacements? Will they be paid the new salary or will their party write to the Speaker for them to forfeit the new salary including the new Leader of Opposition? This ongoing Parliament fiasco is making a mockery of our august House. Jioji M Cakacaka Carreras, Votualevu-Nadi
Ratu Sukuna Day
The great statesman and patriot must be turning in his grave to see what nearly all the past governments have done to the iTaukei people’s inheritance, their land. Is it really necessary to still commemorate such a leader? It seems that it does not hold water anymore. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
NZ PM visit
I am sure PM Rabuka is looking forward to the visit by the New Zealand PM this week. I can see with my X-ray eyes that the Kiwi PM will come bearing gifts for the people of Fiji. The Fiji Government must pay for their massive salary increases somehow! What is more, living on the charity of its neighbours is a proud Fijian tradition. And we all know how important it is to maintain traditions. The people of Fiji are not only fortunate, but they are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Rural development
The Fiji Times news on rural development released by the minister Sakiasi Ditoka (FT 30/5) is encouraging for people to work and develop rural areas. They can live a happy and peaceful life with neighbours, friends and relatives. The communal living for many of us is comfortable and rewarding. There may be some looking ahead to migrate to urban areas with the hope of a better life. We should not forget that we can make the best of life through our own effort with whatever facilities we are blessed with. There are a lot of differences as we compare our needs and wants in different environments. It’s good to note that the Coalition Government is taking care of incomplete projects left behind by the previous government. The basic needs of the people should always stay priority wherever we are settled with our family. I recall the story “Town mouse and country mouse” Aesops Fables — when country mouse was influenced by his cousin to live in town but he came back to find that life was more peaceful in the country. Simple and safe is better than extravagant and dangerous. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Poverty situation
The current population of Fiji is 942,518 as of Saturday, June 1, 2024 based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data. In his ministerial statement Agriculture and Waterways Minister Vatimi Rayalu said 24.1 per cent of the population is impacted by poverty (FT 3/6). The figure in poverty cited by the minister is obtained from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey for the period 2019 – 2020. It would be reasonable to extrapolate given the dire economic situation in the country that the population in poverty has increased in 2024. It is good to see a government minister openly acknowledge the acute poverty situation in the country and to call for urgent concerted action to address it. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
World Environment Day
The fifth of June is
A memorable day for
All true nature lovers
The little tree by the old road fence
Grew in the summer sun.
“I want to grow tall”, said the little tree,
“And growing is so much fun”.
The little brook running beneath the bridge
Babbled and sang all day.
“I want to become a river,” it said,
“So I’m hastening on my way.”
The little bird fluttered from out the nest,
And flew far across the yard.
“I’ll be a big bird,” said she and twittered,
“If each day I try real hard.”
The little boy stood on his tiptoes and stretched.
“I’m just like the rest,” said he.
“I want to grow up and see the big world –
And the sooner the better for me!”
Mother nature smiled at all her fledglings,
But she did not bid them stay.
She knew that to live and grow and age
Is forever Nature’s way.
World-wide most people will
Raise a toast to nature on
Environment Day
Please save the green trees
They are our present and future. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand