Death trap!
It’s a pity that the villagers of Waivaka in the interior of Namosi had to close the pedestrian bridge and resort to using bilibili rafts to cross the river (FT: 05/02). The decision to close the bridge was made because of the deteriorating state of the bridge and it posed a risk to the villagers. It’s shocking that the bridge, which was officially opened in 2015 by the former PM at a cost of $320,000, has given way and the floorboards are falling apart, some have rotted and are unsafe for people crossing. It also poses a threat to the visitors who go up to the waterfall. The closure of the bridge is having a negative impact on the village’s hike and rock-climbing business. I plead with the people’s Coalition Government to address the issue and assist the villagers of Waivaka in Namosi who deserve better. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Education fiasco
The recent incidents regarding teacher appointments to schools is shocking. This indicates that the whole education system is in a mess. It seems the PR section is in disarray. They don’t seem to have a process chart to follow so each step is covered. A process chart flow would ensure that mistakes don’t happen. Question … do they have a process chart? If not, hire a consultant to do up these charts. It’s amazing that there are two teachers’ unions so things can go awry. Who is listening to who? Maybe they are part of the problem too. They should unite under one banner. Being a trade union leader once and involved in process line developments, I know what I am talking about. I hope the honourable Minister for Education and permanent secretary and the two trade unions would consider these comments seriously. Norman Yee Martintar, Nadi
Land issue
I totally agree with the Public Works Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, for deciding to first resolve land issues regarding the Viria Treatment Plant. Previously, it usually happened prior and after government infrastructure projects were completed. It seemed to be the usual practice that landowners were the last to be dealt with. And when a resolution is at hand, it takes quite some time for the solution to be consensually adhered to. Let us be hopeful that our Coalition Government will always put their “priorities right”, with genuine commitment. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Rugby 7s
No one is talking rugby sevens, 10 days after the Perth 7s and the 17 World Series drought continues. We are six months away from the Paris Olympics. There is no road plan, no vision, mission statement, let alone who will be head coach, manager and above, what will our lineup look like? Believe you me, this Olympic 7s gold will be fiercely competitive compared with the past two games. We have series leaders Argentina, Ireland and even Spain making head way. Gone are the days when Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa dominated the series. Australia is another dark horse. Can we start ringing the bells and start the talanoa? Otherwise with much regret we may even slip out of the quarters. Shame it would be. It starts now or never. Vacava tacina? Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Name and shame
Despite being repetitively cautioned not to engage in unscrupulous practices, some retail chains continue to flout such warnings and continue to swindle vulnerable consumers (fbcnews.com). According to the Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, they are now in discussions with the Trade Ministry to reveal habitual offenders. Why is it so difficult to overtly name them now Seema Shandil? Why go through these so-called deliberations and delay the process? Where’s the transparency? Just last Saturday, I had purchased an item from a once renowned supermarket located in Lautoka and ended up forking out an extra dollar because of price discrepancies. The marked price of that specific item was $8.20 and the receipt stated $9.20. Having an eagle eye (despite wearing glasses), I quickly singled out the error and immediately probed the friendly cashier on the amount of irregularities in their pricing structure, only to be promptly advised that the price ticket displayed ($8.20) was incorrect and the accurate price was $9.20. An inadvertent “oversight” on their part. Such BS! I did not buy her flimsy clarification and being of a short fuse, I demanded that I be charged the marked price, to which she fretfully complied. I believe the ‘name and shame’ campaign should proceed without any hindrance and delay, or else these unethical retailers and businesses will continue to wring the necks of the already struggling public in broad daylight. Too many thieves nowadays! NISHANT SINGH
Lautoka
Congrats ladies
VOIVOI or the pandanus plant of the variety of the screw pine family and used locally for weaving is what Alisi Valenuku and Kalisiana Tarairawa of Wainigadru Village in Cakaudrove have been flown to the mainland for, to represent their women’s group. Under the theme of ‘women’s resilience to disaster’, the women raised awareness in recognition of the ability of the voivoi as a disaster resilient plant to earn an income for them after a disaster. The two women representatives raised eyebrows, being applicants of a subpartnering agreement with femLink, for thinking of a local product which could be used as a means to an income after a disaster, in a period where there is usually a drought in income revival particularly at the village level. Application approved! Well done ladies! NOLEEN BILLINGS SAVUSAVU
Excessive load
If you were to spot an overloaded cane truck, you would notice it struggling to move. Something similar happens with school children these days. In recent days, the number of exercise books and its usage has hit the headlines. But there are so many parents in Fiji and surely (and discreetly) they must have asked the same question about standard recommendations from the ministry. I will add another scenario here. Record keeping requirements for teachers. Has this ever made the headline? In new and free Fiji, I think current teachers will reveal more about its productivity in the coming days as we have a very approachable and accommodative new education minister. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Mission Paris!
As the Digicel-sponsored Kula side departed for Samoa to take part in the battle for the Olympic qualifiers, head coach Angeline Chua proudly shared the strides her team had made in the four weeks leading up to the Olympic qualifiers (FT: 06/02). Chua, who has proved her credentials with the Kulas, shared that the players’ commitment was to take ‘it one match at a time’, as the side aimed to top the group. Reading her interview, I gather that the Kulas have prepared well for the qualifiers and team-bonding and cohesion are there within the team. The Kulas have united in purpose and spirit, and their journey to the Olympic qualifiers has become not just a pursuit of victory, but a collective effort to showcase the strength that will make Fiji proud. Indeed, with each player contributing their skills and experience, the Kulas are ready to conquer the stage. I extend my sincere wishes to the Kulas! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Give Senirusi a chance
Senirusi Seruvakula has proven himself and rose from the rank. Wherever he set foot in, an impact is seen and that speaks for itself. Naitasiri, Vatukoula, Fiji Warriors and Fijiana Drua are some records that are very hard to overlook. Undisputable! The backing of all the provincial rugby unions will be there and it will also boost his campaign. I’m pretty sure Seruvakula will never fail to impress. Cody Vuniwaqa Nasese, Suva
Back scoring
Roy the Joy Krishna is back scoring as his table toppers Odisha FC thrashed Hyderabad 3-0 last weekend. Roy scored a sizzler and his Brazilian partner scored a brace. This is Roy’s 51st goal and believe you me he is now the third highest all time goal scorer in ISL. Although Odisha has played few games more than the rest of the teams they are now number 1 on the table. Go Krishna, another milestone under your belt. Krishna is a adored as the soccer god of India noting Lord Krishna is adored by millions in India. With this current form Krishna will be hard to replace and his progress in India will definitely see another struggling club putting their hands up to poach him. Go Krishna! Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Merewalesi
With reference to Edward Blakelock’s query (5/2) as to whether the name Merewalesi originates from Mary Wallis, the answer is yes. Mary Wallis herself refers in her book ‘Life in Feejee’ to namesakes in Viwa, Bau and Nadi (Bua), and the connection was pointed out by former director of the Fiji Museum Fergus Clunie when the Fiji Museum reprinted the book in 1983. The origin of this and many other Fijian names, both personal names and toponyms, is now taught in the postgraduate USP course FJ412 ‘iBalebale ni Yaca’. Paul Geraghty USP, Suva
Cyber bullying
Of the 61.44% of women that faced cyber bullying in Fiji last year, I can safely assume that majority of the bullying was done by women. iTaukei women to be precise. One only has to log onto Facebook groups such as Chat Fiji to realise how unpleasant the posts are. Our iTaukei cultural and religious values seem to no longer exist. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Get well soon
Jan Nissar should have his brain checked every two months. I feel for this man. His Mickey Mouse thoughts are pathetic. I think after the last election results, he lost it. Isa get help mate while our players do wonders on the field. No one wins all the time. Fiji stands proud and tall when it comes to rugby. Toso Viti. Kirti Patel Mohan Singh Pl, Lautoka
Drug challenge
Despite two drug busts in Nadi a few weeks ago, marijuana and meth seizures seem to fill the daily news. I believe awareness in every dialect has been conducted throughout the country. The question is, what more is needed to be done to reduce this issue? S Vuniwaqa Nasese, Suva
Assistant ministers
I refer to the Street Talk question “What do you think of the idea of having assistant ministers to be based in the West?” (FT6/2). Why does Fiji with a population of less than one million have so many assistant ministers? Is it job for political mates? The idea of having them based in the West is parochial thinking as one respondent points out by asking why not in the North? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Greener pastures
Skilled migration is an ongoing global phenomenon which causes every nation unrest in every field of employment. Be it auxiliary, educational, medical, vocational, technical, agricultural all suffer the consequences of labour shortage. People migrate for various reasons — some under family pressure and some in search of greener pastures. This ongoing trend will not come to a halt but every government of the day ought to work out a plan to curb and control this mass exodus. Labourers skilled or unskilled are the herders of society which strides the nation so why not give them opportunities and incentives to graze our lands locally. Be it an employer or employee, one must remember “every skill and pay must be met and matched according to the demand of the day”. “There is always a way”! Prameeta Chand Suva
