Clinical Bati performance stuns Kumuls!
Hats off to the Fiji Bati for producing a clinical performance to stun the Papua New Guinea Kumuls 43-16 at Santos National Football Stadium. The hosts, who looked fatigued and made numerous crucial errors, found it difficult to match the speed and class in attack from the Bati. The likes of Maika Sivo, Brandon Wakeham, Waqa Blake, Kurt Donoghoe, Tui Kamikamica, Caleb Navale and Test debutant Jason Qareqare were impressive for the Bati. The win was a good outing for the young Fiji Bati who believed in themselves. The boys made a statement. Our boys were better defensively and kicked better unlike the Justin Holbrook coached Kumuls who were poor in discipline and made errors. Congratulations to the Bati for the win! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
My challenge
Yes, Inoke Vakalabure, Jan Nissar is prone to criticising the 7s code as Mickey Mouse keeps attacking our Government and calls Fijians grog dopeys. As you mentioned the other newspaper has published a picture of Jan 25/10 who spews so much hatred towards our tiny beautiful island nation called Fiji. The picture pose tells me that he is the biggest grog dopey and much more in his eyes. After eating so much crocodile meat in Australia he cannot digest the fact the mighty Flying Fijians demolished his two-time world champion Wallabies that for the first time could not make it to the quarters. The fact of the matter is that I believe Jan Nissar pens most of his letters from South Seas Club Lautoka and addressing them from Sydney. In the meantime, I am in Sydney to visit my lovely mum who celebrated her 86th birthday and repeatedly asks about Fiji’s back-to-back historic Olympic gold medal wins and her favourite Serevi. As of late, I have not been responding to Jan’s many letters, waiting for his reply whereby he boasted about refereeing 90-minute club football in Sydney. Likewise my seven-minute run challenge from South Seas Club towards Lautoka Golf Club. Finally Inoke, I am ready to challenge Jan Nissar for a snooker match with the loser to donate $10,000 towards WOWS Kids Fiji. Again I ask Jan to take me on. All I can say is that he has got a rudderless motor. Raymond Singh Doonside, Sydney, Australia
NFP hits back?
The National Federation Party claims they are not afraid of criticism. So, here is some valuable feedback.You hitting back at Fiji’s vote against a United Nations resolution advocating for a truce and ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate humanitarian aid is irrelevant. Since you are a part of the Coalition Government, you become part of the decision to oppose the resolution. You hitting back at the same decision is laughable. There is a Hindi saying, muh upar kar ke thukiyo to tumre upar giri, which loosely translates to “if you spit while looking up, it will fall back on your face”. That is the situation you are in at the moment. That’s not good for NFP. That’s not good for the Coalition Government. That’s not good for Fiji. SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Breaking ranks
Allow me to share my personal opinion regarding the National Federation Party’s public statement in opposing a Government decision after Fiji voted against the United Nations resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war so that humanitarian supplies can be delivered. The Fiji Times of 30/10/23 in its front page writes “NFP break ranks with Coalition Government over UN vote” and many others on social media share their opinion that the Coalition Government is breaking up. However, I believe the stand taken by the NFP demonstrates genuine democracy in Fiji today. People, media or parties are not afraid to raise their voice if they differ on matters concerning Government, unlike with the previous government such space is dangerous for you can be taken to task. The general secretary of the NFP, Kamal Iyer, clearly laid it out saying: “The NFP makes it absolutely clear that the party’s public position on this issue in no way undermines either the Coalition or its government.” To me what Mr Iyer said indicates that genuine democracy is alive and not NFP breaking ranks with the Coalition Government as the The Fiji Times reported. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Informal settlements
Plans are underway by the Coalition Government as articulated by the DPM and the Minister of Finance Brother Biman Prasad, The Fiji Times of Saturday, October 28, 2023. This can be achieved through the affordable housing concept. The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project would ensure the eradication of squatter settlements by providing access to low coast homes for people who cannot afford decent homes in the outskirts of the urban centres of towns and cities. For this the DPM and the Minister of Finance must be congratulated and commended for bringing about affordable home concepts for the low and middle income household families. This project was lacking for too long. According to the Prof Biman Prasad there are more than 200 squatter or informal settlements thoughout the country. This is equivalent to the country’s 15 per cent urban population living in informal settlements which needs urgent government attention. This percentage of Fiji’s population cannot afford to buy decent houses, thus Government through low cost homes would provide the opportunities to these people. The Coalition Government is the people’s government and its people’s choice. Give them an opportune time to do their best, thus eradicate informal settlements in Fiji. May God bless the Coalition Government. INDAR DEO BISUN Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
A solution?
Respecting (both) every country’s position and every individual reaction to the various positions taken in regards to the United Nations resolution (Middle East crisis), I am yet to spot a single suggestion for a permanent solution to the crises which actually started ages ago. Likewise, permanent solutions for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the countless human rights violations which have been going on in various parts of the world. The whole world knows they exist and continue on a daily basis but they never stop. And how will it stop forever? Unrelated to any specific incident(s), I think temporary solutions become the perfect fuel for future episodes of madness. Madness founded on rage and revenge. Where taking sides is completely wrong, how can side-stepping be any different? There have been many marches and unfortunately some have turned violent. Many resolutions at the highest levels have been passed. But still no change. With so much noise being made in Fiji now, let’s see if we can raise the volume on permanent solutions. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Right or wrong?
So our Government is not denouncing the Chinese government’s crimes against humanity committed against Uyghurs and Turkie Muslim communities in the Xinjiang region? Human rights violations such as mass arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, cultural and religious persecution, separation of families, forced labour, sexual violence and violations of reproductive rights. Our bilateral relation with China must be more important than supporting the joint declaration condemning the human rights violations in Xinjiang. While religious values play a major role in almost all Fijians lives, the Fijian three-legged government seems to approve that the unnecessary mistreatment of humans is not sinful nor morally wrong. Shame on you! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Price of China’s aid
Darker days ahead as after Fiji Government’s vote to continue the genocide in Palestine, it has now chosen to step away from being a party to the Joint Statement on Human Rights Violations in Xinjiang, China. We are all aware of how much aid Fiji receives from China so it is obliged to keep quiet. However, this timid and cowardly approach by the government brands it as a servant to its donors. This reminds me of the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”. In Fiji’s case, it has cost them their voice against oppression – a very heavy price indeed! Nadia Naaz Aslam Ba
Decision time
It’s a national shame that Fiji has voted against the majority in the United Nations General Assembly, and is supporting rather than condemning Israel’s war crimes in Gaza. By denying millions of innocent Palestinians access to adequate water, food and medicine, and by bombing their homes, shelters and hospitals, the Israelis are forfeiting their right to our sympathy for the carnage and kidnapping caused by Hamas. The Israelis’ military actions in Gaza indicate a broader assault against all Palestinians living in Gaza, on the pretext of eliminating Hamas. Fiji should not be a party to such brutal deceit, but should stand with the majority of nations in calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, and at least for adequate water, food and aid to flow in to Gaza. Aren Nunnink Hooper St, Savusavu
Shut up issue!
In his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad sordidly telling critics to “shut up” is absolutely unacceptable and offensive to a certain scope (FT 30/10). I wonder if he picked up such traits from the previous two-man FijiFirst regime. Biman needs to be distinctly reminded of the rudimentary principles of democracy and that every Fijian has the fundamental freedom to express their sentiments on matters of national significance. If the good professor cannot handle the heat, he can step out of the kitchen. Anyway, since it is my day off, I better “shut up” now and concentrate on my cooking. Lamb chops curry for dinner anyone? Nishant Singh Lautoka
FY8E wishes
WISHING all the Year 8 students in Fiji the very best as they tackle their exams today. Your hard work will shine through in the end, and your future is full of promise. With prayers and blessings. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
A pattern
I was comforted by FijiFirst party’s response to the Coalition Government’s vote against humanitarian truce and civilians being killed in Gaza (FT 30/10). It was also good to see that Kamal Iyer, the NFP spokesman distancing his party from the “against vote” of the Government. As for the PM’s “five word response” (FT 30/10), it reveals a rather superficial understanding of the complex issue of Palestine and his leanings towards Israel and the USA. This follows a pattern in his recent utterances which includes support for the Japanese contamination of the Pacific Ocean with the release of the radioactive Fukushima water, Australia’s continued development of fossil resources in the midst of climate change, and AUKUS. Vijay Naidu Suva
State terrorism
The brutal Hamas killings inside Israel on October 7 is the work of a terrorist organisation. The Israeli bombings and killings of the civilian population, including children, in Gaza is that not state terrorism? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Good judgment
PEOPLE around and moving with the Prime Minister, please always position yourselves standing tiptoe at the edge of a cliff. As a Prime Minister leading a nation, his position warrants people who are filled with sound advice, peculiar guidance, great recommendations and excellent suggestions so that good judgement will take place and prevail for the sake of democracy. “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”. – Alan Lakein. AREKI DAWAI Suva