Courageous captain Kolisi
The Springboks established themselves as the latest dominant force. Courageous captain Siya Kolisi served as an inspirational leader. His ascension to the role of captain deserves praise and celebration. Hailing from the township of Zwide, Kolisi holds the distinction of being the first black Springbok captain. Furthermore, he joins the elite ranks, as only the second individual to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice, a feat previously achieved by the legendary All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in 2011 and 2015. An elated Kolisi was not carried away by the win. He remained humble, paying credit to his boys for the fight. His post-match interview was touching: “People who are not from South Africa don’t understand what it means for our country. It is not just about the game. Our country goes through such a lot. There is so much going wrong in our country, and we are like the last line of defence and we can show that we can achieve so much together. I want to tell the people of South Africa ‘thank you so much’. This team just shows what you can do. As soon as we work together, all is possible, no matter in what sphere — in the field, in offices, it shows what we can do. I am grateful for this team. I am so proud of it.” Bravo courageous captain Kolisi! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji goat milk
“Your business” (FT 31/10), moots the idea that Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture is interested in goat milk production. This is excellent. How many consumers will find goat milk suiting their palates? This has got to be an acquired taste. Furthermore, shelf life for goat milk is reported to be three to 10 days, when refrigerated. Additionally, a goat can produce two to three litres per day. Will someone please “crunch” the numbers required for any viable commercial production? Once done, what does a consumer pay per litre? Feasibility studies, please. What quantities are required daily to make this industry viable and successful? Some food for thought, going forward. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Clear mind-set
Areki Dawai’s letter (FT 30/10) is indeed relevant. Some busybodies always in the habit to cross-path or being seen with the PM’s entourage like bodyguards, photographers etc. Keep abreast! He needs a clear mindset to focus on impromptu interviews perhaps and so much more in speeches. Leave him alone. He plans for the good of the nation. ‘By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.’ – Benjamin Franklin. Jioji O Toronibau Navetau Tunuloa
National vote for Israel
I believe PM Sitiveni Rabuka is a preacher with the Methodist Church of Fiji and it is his belief he is exercising by standing by God’s Word in the Holy Bible thus Fiji’s vote to support Israel in its defence of its people and nation during this war with Hamas. Israel is protected by the great Lord Jehovah 24/7 all year around, look at America and its people, they never hesitated to walk in straight and defend Israel from harm. But I do hope NFP’s Professor Biman Prasad and FLP’s Mahendra Chaudry can take their two-man army and go help defend Hamas if they have the guts to do so or otherwise they can shut up. Again its the prerogative and call of our PM Rabuka. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Sovereignty and choices
Sovereign nations have the right and discretion on whether to take sides in a conflict situation, and may also choose to be neutral. In the ultimate decision a government makes, not everyone will be satisfied. Our democracy is unique. Our nation is unique. I have little to complain about. There’s plenty work going forward. Donald Singh Suva
Fuel price
Will the Minister of Finance put the tax on fuel down to cushion cost for the ordinary people, bus industry and taxi industry? This is the time people need help and every government helped, the Coalition Government, FijiFirst government put the fuel tax down then reintroduced it when fuel price went down. I humbly request if the current government can do the same for our people. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Settling scores
I noticeD that a number of ex-Fiji residents in Sydney are settling scores with Jan Nissar through your columns. So that your column can be freed up for more pressing issues, (and there are many) I am happy to host a lunch for all concerned where they can thrash out their differences and I can act as “referee”. Furthermore bottles of red and white will flow, with grog available for non-drinkers! What sayest thou people! Oliver Vinod Sydney, NSW, Australia
Genuine democracy
Interesting call by the Opposition parliamentarian Faiyaz Koya for the Prime Minister Sitveni Rabuka, “to fire those who are giving him wrong advice”. (FT 31/10/23) Mr Koya may have forgotten that the FijiFirst government is no longer in power, for that was the tactic that it had been practising while claiming that their government had brought true democracy in Fiji. I find it ridiculous. Now we are in an era of genuine democracy where people have the space to raise their voice even if they differ in their own house, unlike with the FijiFirst government where people, media and organisations did not have the space to freely express their views let alone the FijiFirst party members. I also read in The Fiji Times of 31/10 about Premila Kumar’s views raising her concerns over the nation’s vote. My simple question is, if FijiFirst was in power and the former PM Voreqe Bainimarama voted the way the PM Rabuka voted, would Mrs Kumar raise her concern? Well, I doubt it. I would advise Mr Koya that we are in a time where genuine democracy is thriving and in such a state, one does not get fired if he or she differs in opinion or error in judgement, but one is always free to voice their opinion if they differ such as Mrs Kumar and the National Federation Party. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Alarm bells
I wonder if the alarm bells are ringing in the right places or even if they are ringing at all? If they aren’t, it is high time someone oiled the chimes to make them ring on time and in the right places. Our vehicles have become machines of death and destruction on our roads. Not a single day passes by without news of a tumble, a crash, a collision, an injury or a death. Isn’t it high time our stakeholders addressed road safety in a more aggressive way? Not much is being done to curb jaywalking although the law is on paper. Not enough is being done to deter pedestrians to use the roads more responsibly such as not jumping onto pedestrian crossings, waiting for vehicles to stop before crossing, not running across when the red man begins flashing, wearing appropriate clothing in the dark, not crossing behind stationary vehicles and so on. Additionally, one wonders at the licensing process. It appears to be quite lenient in view of the alarming increase in road carnage. More young and inexperienced drivers rule our roads. More irresponsible drivers govern our transport fleets. It would be prudent to implement a more stringent approach to granting licences. Licences should be suspended upon offenses and given only after a fresh driving test. The transport authorities should be held liable for driving hazards on the road. Poor driving reflects laxity on the part of driving schools as well the LTA. The ministry responsible for this should also pull up its socks. None of your current strategies are working! Pushpa Wati Pacific Harbour
New resolution
The UN General Assembly “failed to unequivocally reject and condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on October 7”. Therefore it is imperative that the UN brings another resolution condemning Hamas’ actions and adopted by member States which had earlier failed to adopt the amendment condemning Hamas. This action will make crystal clear how many states support a truce and ceasefire and how many condemn Hamas’ actions. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Stance on Israel
Fiji backs Israel (The Sunday Times 29/10). Malaysia criticises Israel (India News Hour 31/10). Time will tell who had a better grasp of the situation in the Israeli-Hamas war. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Law breakers
I hope that the answer to Nishant Singh’s question on whether drinking in public has been legalised (FT 30/10) is in the negative. We are still a long way from being responsible and mature in that regard. May I also add that the words “law breakers” be included at the end of the last sentence in his letter. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Bus station
Lautoka bus station is full of dust and rubbish every morning and every evening. Ther Lautoka City Council is either late for cleaning the bus station or they just don’t care about the environment. Can the Minister for Local Government please look into it? Ashmeet kumar Nadi
Not happy
It looks like the National Federation Party was not consulted before the Coalition Government voted against the ceasefire. They can walk away but will probably think of the benefits of being in the Government for the first time. Sukha Singh Labasa
Wrong advice
I disagree with Opposition FijiFirst MP Faiyaz Koya’s call for the firing of those responsible for giving Prime Minister Rabuka wrong advice (FT 31/10). The buck stops with Mr Rabuka. He must take responsibility for the wrong decisions he makes. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
