WORLD Press Freedom Day
WORLD Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993 after the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.
Since then, May 3, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
It is an opportunity to:
• Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
• Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
• Defend the media from attacks on their independence; and
• Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The theme for 2018 is “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law”.
The theme also aims to explore legislative gaps with regard to freedom of expression and information online, and the risks of regulating online speech.
“A journalist who doesn’t bring a camera is like a warrior who doesn’t carry a sword,” quote by Lucio Tan.
Wishing all the journalists well for their perseverance and hard work.
NEELZ SINGH,
Lami.
That winning try
SPOT on! That cover picture in yesterday’s The Fiji Times front page brought back wonderful memories from Singapore and the fact that our 7s team management has nurtured a star in the making.
Alasio Naduva has become a household name and his blistering pace and tackling abilities despite his size has raised eyebrows.
Recap to the dying seconds of the exciting final as Porch scored for Australia and they led 22-21.
Nervous Fijian fans waited with bated breath. Porch took the restart and the ball came off the hands of Anderson.
Ref ruled knock-on and one last opportunity for Fiji!
Te Nana was quoted saying that time and again Fiji had done it and out of all the teams in the world, Fiji could go the distance and score. Hail the Olympics champion!
We won the scrum and “Eyes” secured possession to pass the ball to Nasilasila who off-loaded to a determined Naduva.
Naduva surged ahead and signalled to Wise.
He side-stepped the defender and sprinted his way to the try line. Game over!
Naduva had just scored an absolute beauty!
Thank you for the scintillating try, kai!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM,
Nadawa, Nasinu.
Historical moment
I THINK we should all be proud that a Fijian team is in the final of the OFC Champions League.
This time it is Lautoka that created history by qualifying for the regional final.
For them, this is a historical moment and achievement.
I commend the Blues team management for assembling and building a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Their place in the final comes after they beat a much-fancied Marist FC side in Honiara last Sunday.
Of course, the result augurs well for the country as far as soccer is concerned.
The Lawson Tama Stadium was jam-packed with home fans but it mattered little to our local giants who were determined and came out victors.
I had the opportunity to watch both the semi-finals which were televised live. I want to sincerely thank the TV station and the sponsors for making this possible.
I request you to show as many sports and games as possible for the benefit of your audience.
Now the Blues prepare to face team Wellington on home and away basis in the final.
I am so happy that we have a park like Churchill Park to host a regional meet of such magnitude.
I am sure soccer fans are just waiting for the arrival of the date of the game. You don’t see such fixtures all the time.
I also believe the western city is well equipped to receive and entertain a big crowd without any problem.
The city fathers are also commended for making the city worthy of hosting the game and entertaining the crowd that comes with it.
A good example of reap what you sow!
My best wishes to Lautoka. Vinaka. SURESH CHAND,
Nadi.
Unsung heroes
HAVE you noticed that in Fiji’s four gold medal victories in the current series, the management team of Baber, Cawanibuka, Kwong and manager Niurua are not seen as part of the celebrations on the victory dais.
This is how humble and simple this management team is and we must give a standing ovation and salute to these unsung heroes who would have celebrated the most in their hearts and are keeping the best for the last — the series and the World Cup 7s.
I can feel the burst of celebration from Baber and co once the series title is won back and the WC triumph in US.
Vinaka Baber and co, we shut the gates on NZ who are now double the points behind.
The Blitzbokke will never make a mistake to send a second string team again.
They will choose the most formidable line up to break the ice. Bring it on, we have our home-grown “Eyes” to break this ice and the little Wise to prom the dice.
Kon roki. Joka kece tukuna boy mana magic.
SHALWYN PRASAD,
Nabua, Suva.
