Future of boxing in Fiji!
More efforts are needed to revive boxing in Fiji. On Saturday, a huge crowd turned up to watch the boxing battles during the Blue Water Contest of Champions. I believe the war of words between Ubayd Haider (formerly known as Nathan Singh), and Mohammed Ali attracted the crowd. While the bouts lived up to expectations, I plead with boxing promoters to do justice to those who pay money to watch boxing. The body shape and fitness levels of some boxers showed the story as they could not continue with the fight. Mikaele Ravalaca, for instance, knocked out Saimoni Ratu in just the first round, while Junior Manna and Dylan Archer knocked out and floored Fredrick Chand and Jese Ravudi in the fourth and third round, respectively. On the other hand, congratulations to Fiji’s cruiserweight champion Alivereti Kauyaca, who successfully defended his title against prominent boxer Joseph Kwadjo, and though Jr Binnu Singh lost to Zain Adams of New Zealand by unanimous decision, he impressed. The future of boxing looks bright in Fiji. We need more boxing promoters who can organise boxing bouts. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Drug issue
Drugs found in the school premises isn’t surprising news to all. Drug related cases are very much rooted, persistent and prevalent among all the ages in Fiji. It is a bad signal for the security and safety of all Fiji citizens The drugs are very easily available. The worst is in the informal settlements where it’s sold like things sold from supermarket shelves. I believe there are many selling points in the informal settlements. The place where I live is no exception. This is well-known by police and they have even labelled my area as a Red Zone for drugs. It’s a humble request to the honourable Home Affairs Minister and the Police Commissioner to take immediate action in addressing the above issues. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
Booting Ben
Once more, he has done it! The 19th defeat for the Fiji Airways men’s national 7s team under head coach Ben Gollings occurred last weekend. While some continue to blame Gollings, others are accusing players this time. The Olympics are less than five months away, or just 143 days ahead to be exact. We have yet to receive a single win from Gollings. His selection of players is also controversial. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) is being urged by a group of former Fiji sevens representatives known as the Stonewriters to sever Gollings’ contract and name Osea Kolinisau as the replacement coach right away. Osea Kolinisau is unquestionably a talented 7s player. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, he led the Fiji Airways 7s team to their first gold medal. However, coaching is a very different ball game. Will Fiji’s performance suddenly improve as a result of this change? If so, there’s no reason for us to waste any more time. Despite my dissatisfaction with Gollings’s accomplishments thus far, I believe that the FRU is the most suitable administration for making judgements. Is booting Ben at this 11th hour the only option available to us? Maybe, maybe not. Like thousands of fans, I have also had enough of Ben Gollings’ goosesteps. Moce Ben! DINESH KUMAR Clopcott St, Yalalevu, Ba
FNPF factor
The 2024 Parliamentary session began yesterday (04/03/24) and a host of issues will be debated. One of the nagging issues which has been pending for a very long time needs to be debated and brought to a conclusion. Justice must be restored to the FNPF pensioners and whatever is due to them must be paid with immediate effect. The Coalition Government is purportedly a caring and listening government. I am sure it will listen to the plight of the FNPF pensioners, rise to the occasion and right the gross injustice done to them by the previous government. Time is of the essence in this matter as the aged pensioners continue to die! Will our prayers come true in our lifetime? My hunch is it will. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Niggling questions
Niggling questions It’s always best and safest to put a disclaimer in front of any writing, especially when we patriotic folks ever immersed in matters of national interest pen some stuff that could potentially be misinterpreted as being politically motivated. So, this letter is not politically motivated, and my questions do not align with any political thinking or affiliation. First question: Fiji has had a Ministry for Economy for a long time. It was somewhat fair to pin the performance of Fiji’s economy to the Economy Ministry/Minister back then. However, now Fiji does not have a Ministry for Economy but has a Finance Ministry. Therefore, with the change of name of the ministry, does the Ministry of Finance still take ownership for the performance of the economy, that is, without being called the Economy Ministry? Or should we consider reverting back to the formerly Ministry of Economy? How does the name difference matter, or does it matter at all? We need a good and simple answer rather than a smart one. Second question: This is regarding our National Development Plans: Fiji has a current 20-yr DP (2017-2036) and a current 5-yr DP (2022-2026). There are reasons reported for the formulation of the new DPs and most of us would also like to see the streamlining of policies in every industry. With the Government now working on new DPs altogether, including a three-year DP, what is the guarantee that there will be continuity after the next elections? Could the next regime, if different, possibly embark on formulating yet another new set of DPs? So much time, effort and money goes into making these DPs. We certain do not want to be stuck in a vicious cycle of continually changing things that are supposed to be longterm. We can’t be consistently inconsistent. DONALD SINGH SUVA
Road to gold vanishing
Fiji’s recent performance seems to tell us that we are not ready for the Olympics. Players still undecided of how to play and the coach does not have a platform of how to play. Without Rasaku everyone thought that it would have been better but the plays were still the same at the knock-out stages. The pool games seems to be a roll over but fitness is still a factor, players performing well should have been kept longer but were replaced by very inexperienced players at the dying stages of the game and this has taken away the impact of the game Fiji is well known for which is the last second comeback. Also lacking is team work. Players need to know each other well to produce better play and players need to stop being greedy because that cost us the game in a lot of plays. We can go on and on. Some might say it’s the players fault and some would say it’s the coach, at the stage we are in, its everyone’s fault from the top. Tomasi Boginiso Liverpool, NSW, Australia
Positive vibes
TO the Stonewriters, bear in mind that Gollings, Satala and the players need your encouragement, inspiration, support, helping hand, etc., and not your negative vibes! Areki Dawai Maharaj Pl, Suva
Rugby protest
After watching the recent two legs of the World Sevens Series, most of the flak has been targeted at the coach, Ben Gollings. I believe the rugby players should also take part of the blame as their indiscipline, indecision and composure have been tested and found wanting. To be fair on Gollings the players play the game and make decisions on the field, unfortunately some of their decision-making cost them dearly. We’ve had terrible runs in the past, not as terrible as this perhaps, but in the interest of rugby, we have 100 or so players in waiting, burning with desire to don the white jumper and be better than the current crop of players. Players can only learn from their experiences and we the public shouldn’t be too worried about their losing streak. It’s sports after all and sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, we have to accept that. There are more important things in life than sports that we should vehemently protest… like the high cost of living perhaps. Sailosi Naewe Naduru Rd, Nausori
Sevens rugby
SINCE the former Sri Lankan coach became the head coach, I believe we may all be feeling uncomfortable nor has it sunk well within us seeing our national sevens team struggling to win a tournament for two years now. Even the call by some former national sevens reps (Stonewriters) on social media will only paint a bad picture of Fiji’s professional rugby, but we can only hope that it will be a turning point for Ben Gollings, Viliame Satala and the performance of the players. I know it is hard to accept the losses, but we should unconditionally place our support and trust on Gollings, Satala and the boys. Unlike the leadership of Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber, they had a pool of experienced and matured players while Gollings is guiding a mixture of young and inexperienced players. Gollings and Satala, I hope these powerful words will be encouragement to you both and the team and I quote: “It’s an embarrassment. You need to sort yourself out …. and decide where our fate lies.” – Ben Ryan. All the best team Fiji. AREKI DAWAI MAHARAJ PL, SUVA
Bus fare increase
This is totally unjustified. I believe they can afford to buy new buses. If you see some of the bus owners’ vehicles, you will be amazed. All expensive vehicles, not one but many. FCCC should be mindful of the consumers. Paras Naidu Lautoka
I am speechless!
Nineteen tournaments losing streak. I am absolutely dumbfounded. Anthony Sahai, speechless saraga o au my boy! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Clean up force
It’s easier said than done! l feel Savenaca Narube’s call is ridiculous and unrealistic as corrupt and bad police officers have coexisted since time immemorial. No matter what you say or wish to do, that is the nature of being a police officer, where temptations are in front of them always. Can Mr Narube provide realistic solutions? Takai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Mind boggling
NINETEEN tournaments without a win and FRU is happy with the coach. Mind boggling! SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Queen Elizabeth Drive
Who would spend $65m on projects which are not essential and budgeted properly? I totally agree with Prof Biman Prasad during Straight Talk on Fiji Village while responding to the questioning regarding spending of the money. It would be better to spend on refurbishment of CWM Hospital, or more classrooms for rural school. The Government needs to work closely with FRA regarding the matter. VARITEMA TUVUKI Saru, Lautoka
Wolbachia Bacteria
What’s the current status of the pilot program that was aimed at introducing into the wild here, mosquitoes weaponised… sorry… genetically modified in a lab overseas, with the wolbachia bacterium? I recall that these foreign mosquitoes were to neutralize our local mosquitoes carrying diseases like dengue, zika, chikungunya, yellow fever etc. Apparently, we are one of 11 countries picked for this eradication program. So what’s the latest with this Gates Foundation funded project? Mum! has been the word all this time. Maybe, the foreigners could not find or infect the crafty locals. They would already be grog- vaccinated anyway! Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
