The Fiji Occasions » Letters to the Editor – Saturday, June 11, 2022
Leilani off to play in Japan
One other of our younger expertise, 15-year-old Leilani Nayaga of ACS, left our shores to embark on a three-year rugby scholarship within the Land of the Courageous Blossoms.
Leilani, whose mom Seforosa Munivai performed netball for Fiji, has a wealthy sporting historical past since major college and was a part of the Japanese Saints Rugby Membership’s coaching program.
Her journey was organized by former Flying Fijians captain Seremaia Bai who has been instrumental in unearthing younger skills by way of his membership’s coaching program.
Bai has been by way of the system and he is aware of that rugby is the pathway for younger budding sports activities fans.
Leilani was blessed with a grand alternative in a rustic which takes rugby severely and passionately!
She is going to rub shoulders with gamers vying for a spot within the Sakura 15s rugby workforce.
All one of the best Leilani!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Financial restoration
For sure that every one the world economies are in restoration mode.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, even the world powers such because the US are struggling to outlive.
Quickly after when issues had been getting again on observe, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Costs for meals, gasoline and actually each good and repair is escalating globally.
Fiji has not been spared by this world financial disaster.
Our native communities are feeling the complete brunt of the worth hikes.
It’s projected that the inflation fee is but to succeed in its peak.
How would we survive?
Developed international locations are offering subsidies and concessions.
That is one thing that we as a 3rd world nation can’t afford.
It’s again to the strict monitoring of our bills, selecting an important fundamental wants over desires.
Except issues change now we have to wrestle.
That is the fact.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Concern for our aged
I arrived in Fiji for the primary time in 1957, and adopted this with many repeated visits within the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, and noticed the nice worth that folks of Fiji placed on caring for and defending all members of their households, particularly the aged.
After continuous privileged residency for the previous 27 years, I’ve observed a severe decline within the prolonged household safety dedication.
The aged appear to have been solid right into a class of not being cared for, and are considered by some as an pointless burden that must be handed on to others.
FNPF which was created to offer consolation and safety for individuals of their years of earned retirement appears to be directed to shore up airways, resorts, and unemployment after disasters.
Nonetheless sensible, and typically vital these selections could also be, there may be one motion that is still ignored by the fund.
I consult with cost-of-living changes, COLA.
For example the purpose.
If a pensioner was entitled to a month-to-month cost of $500 monthly 20 years in the past, the buying energy of his revenue has been decreased by inflation to $269 right now, and continues to decrease.
The coffers of FNPF, we’re informed, are nonetheless brim full regardless of the calls for made on them just lately, so why are the deserving pensioners being ignored.
In a yr when Fiji is being requested who they wish to characterize them for the subsequent 4 years, I’m upset to notice that not one political get together cares to handle this matter and embody it of their manifesto.
I imagine that ought to they accomplish that, it will likely be a severe vote gathering train.
I hope to see the day that equity and concern for our aged return to requirements of yesteryear.
Derrick Wadman, Deuba
Street improve
Two months again, I on behalf of the numerous residents within the Lajonia, Wailevu Labasa; communities raised considerations concerning the highway circumstances.
We now seeing the enhancements and close to perfection circumstances.
Because of the papers’ responses.
Jioji O. Toronibau, Labasa
Normal election
Of all of the previous governments … did any of them take into consideration establishing a hospital in Navosa?
No… I’ll most likely go for FijiFirst as a result of they should repay their big loans.
In any case, thanks for the sealed roads.
Cava jiko mada!
Joe Matatolu, Waila 3A
Child growth
These lengthy chilly nights would be the explanation for a child growth in 9 months time.
Particularly when preferring human blanket.
Simple tiger!
Sensible Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Energy outages
We have now all heard about bring-a-plate.
I hear a chunk of inspiration has been taken from this by some swipers in the course of the present frightful chilly nights to improvise and provide you with bring-a-blanket.
Possibly, considered one of them might spare one for the “fault” which continues to seem someplace in our energy provide.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Tobacco
No Tobacco Day has come and gone with no efficient motion.
Deaths will proceed.
I imagine the Authorities ought to have shut down BAT at Nabua and located new jobs for the employees after which helped the tobacco farmers with various and extra profitable crops.
No Tobacco contradicts the spending of taxpayers’ cash on serving to farmers develop extra tobacco.
Fergus Garrett, Vatuwaqa, Suva
PM’s declare
The response of a number of letter writers (FT 4/6) to PM Bainimarama’s declare that his authorities has finest managed the economic system in contrast with all previous governments, jogs my memory of the well-known Abraham Lincoln quote: “You possibly can idiot among the individuals on a regular basis, and all the individuals among the time, however you can’t idiot all the individuals all the time”.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Make a stand I imagine that now could be the time to make a stand and declare which aspect you’ll be on in the course of the normal election this yr.
For among the politicians, it’s so apparent that they’d be leaping ship and but they fight their finest to present the impression that they’re loyal to their political events.
Some have been burdened with court docket instances in any other case they’d be nicely on their option to altering allegiances.
Effectively such is the best way politics weaves its internet.
Simply saying.
Emosi Balei, Suva
Do letters have an effect?
I’ve been writing letters to the editor of The Fiji Occasions for a number of years.
My reply to the above query is Sure and No.
It relies on what considerations the letters handle and who the addressee is.
If the addressee is the Authorities, the reply is invariably No.
It’s a behemoth and the letters are identical to the arrows of the Lilliputians towards Gulliver.
I’m grateful that a few of my letters have had the specified impact.
The Fiji Unbiased Fee In opposition to Corruption (FICAC), in partnership with the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) undertaking, launched the ‘I don’t settle for bribes’ marketing campaign on 9 December 2020 in Suva on Worldwide Anti-Corruption Day.
I wrote a letter pointing to a obvious defect and the marketing campaign was then discontinued.
An organization had younger children made up like adults and utilizing offensive language and sexual innuendo to advertise a product.
The advert was discontinued after I wrote about it and expressed my spouse’s displeasure who cringed every time the advert got here on.
The 70 years plus residents felt it was inane for anybody over 70 to take a driving take a look at.
After a concerted effort from a dedicate group of septuagenarians (yours really included), the LTA lastly relented.
We had a water leak for some time in entrance of our place.
Calls to the WAF didn’t have any impact.
One letter to The Fiji Occasions resulted in the issue being resolve immediately.
It provides me no pleasure to write down these letters but when all else fails…Which doesn’t imply that every one my letters have had an affect.
I’ve provided many wonderful solutions to the Ministry of Schooling however all my solutions have fallen on deaf ears.
It’s nearly like, to make use of an American expression, beating a lifeless horse.
Let’s see if this criticism could have any impact.
For the final one month, the visitors alerts on the intersection of Queens Rd and Brewers Rd in Martintar are usually not working.
To make the scenario worse, there are over a 100 orange cones blocking one of many lanes each methods so automobiles need to merge right into a single lane.
That is particularly aggravating when the visitors will get heavy within the mornings and evenings.
If the intention is to piss off the drivers, the mission is extremely profitable.
Nothing else is occurring.
It nearly appears to be conspiracy amongst EFL, LTA and FRA to steer Fiji unsafely.
Here’s a quote from LTA — “Steering Fiji Safely encapsulates what we imagine to be the core to what LTA stands for. It’s an organisation set as much as enhance land transportation and making certain highway security is enhanced above all else”.
I’m positive the irony of this quote won’t be misplaced on the readers — and extra importantly — the drivers.
Arvind Mani, Nadi
MP salaries, allowances
The Prime Minister goes across the Maritime zone boasting that Authorities has spent tens of millions of {dollars} ($100m plus) for developments of their islands and provinces.
Most individuals don’t perceive and may’t see by way of most of these figures however scratch their heads as a result of they’re the place they’ve been many moons in the past.
Maybe he must also inform the individuals how a lot he and his senior members of Parliament and ministers have individually earned as fundamental salaries, all allowances and different advantages within the equal interval that his so-called “authorities” has been in energy.
I imagine that may present a balanced image of how the nation has benefited and the way people have benefited in delivering their companies to the nation.
Ajai Kumar, Nadi
Waste-free ocean
As we observe World Oceans Day on June 8 “Collective motion for the ocean”, let’s pay specific consideration to plastic particles and different dangerous supplies we unintentionally or purposely dump into the ocean, polluting the water and poisoning the meals we harvest from the ocean.
It must be our worldwide problem for all of us to work to avoid wasting our ocean waste-free and save the environment emission-free for our wholesome dwelling for our wellbeing.
The ocean isn’t the worldwide rubbish bin for us to dump our waste.
We people produce waste that nature can’t digest.
Maintain the ocean waste-free.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Road lights
Reference is made to Norman Yee — FT June 09, 2022 re unrepaired road lights on his road.
Please know you aren’t alone.
I hasten so as to add we discover ourselves in the exact same scenario.
The Queen’s Rd finish of Grey Rd, Mountain View additionally has two extinguished road lights.
We’re closest to 2 bars-cum-tavern.
One morning as I started my hour and 20 minutes early stroll at 5.34am, I used to be startled in pitch darkness by some intoxicated evening revellers.
I firmly imagine insufficient funds limit our service suppliers from repairing extinguished streetlights.
Could I conclude, along with my little write-up on sudden energy outage FT June 9, 2022, EFL inconsistencies repeated itself, annoyingly.
A second outage occurred at roughly at 10.22pm Wednesday, June 8.
It lasted a couple of minutes.
I sit up for South Korean funding in Nabou Inexperienced Vitality coming on-line sooner.
It would deliver us some much-needed reduction.
I imagine EFL is now not the dependable and constant vitality supplier.
Or do I stand corrected?
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
Demolition man
Vinaka coach for choosing my favorite and No.1 scavenger or ball hunter in World Rugby, the demolition man Levani Botia to his rightful place at six or seven.
Levani has confirmed his price and returning him to his most deadly place at flanker is an efficient signal for Fiji rugby.
It can simply elevate the bar to the subsequent stage.
Levani’s presence on the sphere, his aggressive method to ball searching and reaching flip overs triggered by some huge tackles and ball retention is superior to observe.
Go Levani you rock.
A joka of a participant each in play and management.
Shalwyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Good on you
FRA the bus shelter on the CWM Hospital adjoining to the maternity ward is up and prepared to be used quickly.
Thanks FRA and people concerned.
A lot appreciated.
Vijay P. Madhava, Borron Rd, Suva
Cotter names stable combine!
Flying Fijians coach Vern Cotter has named a powerful 34-member squad for the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup subsequent month.
The Pacific Nations Cup might be contested by the Flying Fijians, Australia A, Samoa and Tonga between July 2 to July 16.
Ten gamers named within the squad are in line to debut for the nationwide rugby workforce.
Cotter reiterated how vital the PNC was and that the Flying Fijians could be enjoying at dwelling for the primary time in a very long time and it was vital to do nicely.
Cotter, who has a mammoth activity forward of him, has a well-balanced teaching panel for the competitors with the likes of Daryl Gibson, Jason Ryan, Glen Jackson and Ritchie Grey.
Hetet, Mawi, Matavesi, Ikanivere, Dolokoto, Tagi, Doge, Saulo, Ratuva, Mayanavanua, Nasilasila, Rotuisolia, Ratuniyarawa, Tuisue, Botia, Kunavula, Cirikidaveta, Nasove, Lomani, Kuruvoli, Matawalu, Volavola, Tela, Tamanivalu, Botitu, Vota, Nayacalevu, Ravouvou, Wainiqolo, Tuisova, Habosi, Mataele, Tuicuvu and Droasese will carry our hopes.
Toso Viti!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
FANCA 2022
FANCA 2022 is at present being performed at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
The match returns after a lapse of a yr or two due to the pandemic.
Historical past will present that the match has been organised and run very nicely to date.
So far as FANCA was involved, I don’t assume every other venue within the nation has hosted the match greater than the Prince Charles Park has.
We thank the organisers for having the boldness bringing a match of this magnitude to the jet set city of Nadi as soon as once more.
We admire the financial enhance the match helps generate in our city throughout these tough occasions.
At this juncture, I take the chance to welcome the numerous offshore guests and pray that your keep is a memorable one.
Benefit from the sporting actions and luxuriate in our heat hospitality on the identical time.
I want all of the members a cheerful outing.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
Each day commuters
The automobiles,vans and buses, crawling impatiently, in a line that stops and begins, within the solar and rain every morning.
Staff and faculty children, commuting every weekday.
It has all the time been like this, however what can they do or say.
Sweaty staff, agitated and cross, arrive at work to earn their pay and hope for an understanding boss, when typically late on these days.
The kids typically arrive late, however with out affordable excuse, have to simply accept what awaits, a destiny they can’t refuse.
Travelling earlier, is less complicated stated than finished, particularly when it’s a lot colder, and manner earlier than the rising solar.
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
COVID-19 protocols
Enable me, most respectfully, to share my views on the MOH consideration to evaluate sure COVID-19 protocols.
Ought to our very personal realized MOH officers led by Dr James Fong be serious about eager to “drop their guards” and make it simpler for the unvaccinated to attend church, I’m afraid I encourage to vary.
Why, are we even considering of watering this down now?
I don’t perceive.
Peer stress?
I discover it extraordinarily more durable to know buses stuffed with unmasked passengers.
I really feel most uncomfortable.
I fear.
Letting such conditions stick with it will sooner or later hit us again actual laborious.
Ample precautions are much better than being reactive, in hindsight.
Procrastination is all the time the thief of time.
I hope I don’t stay and say: “I informed you so.”
Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Trailblazing to the highest
“My recommendation to every other feminine or pupil is to do not forget that God is all the time there, in good and in addition in unhealthy times- all the time imagine in yourselves and your objective in life.”
This was Wati Tomasi Mocevakaca’s message through yesterday’s Folks column.
Wati’s story was shared by journalist Wata Shaw.
It took Wati about 5 and a half years to finish her Bachelors in veterinary science at FNU and he or she thought-about it considered one of her biggest achievements as she set to work with so many clever women and men within the science subject.
Wati confronted many hardships, however by way of a number of prayers and protecting a powerful religion she managed to finish her research.
It is a real-life lesson for many who are aspiring for achievement.
Wati suggested younger formidable girls to not restrict themselves to labels or alternatives, however goal additional than their goals, and take one step at a time.
She shared that God’s grace and love bought her by way of some darkish occasions alongside along with her robust energy and the assist of her household and pals.
Good on you Wati!
Thanks Wata Shaw and The Fiji Occasions for sharing one other unique, highly effective and inspirational piece!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Too many politicians
THERE are too many political events on our little island nation and with the quantity of soar ships and deserters, of politicians and supporters, it doubts the thoughts if these new political events will final.
Makes me surprise if the voters will keep loyal to a celebration or would the illness of disloyalty have an effect on the individuals too!
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Males can cry too
“Feminism isn’t exclusionary. It consists of the concept that males are denied entry to emotional expression,” unquote Lauren Duca.
So is it okay or fairly regular for us males to cry?
Jioji M Cakacaka, Tadra, Votualevu, Nadi
Worthy interviews
Many because of Vijay Maharaj of Sydney for his letter final Saturday (FT 4/6) giving a well-deserved plug for Sashi Singh’s Speaking Level (SSTP) streamed stay around the globe on Fb.
I eschew Fb and was heretofore unaware of the SSTP applications.
However because of Vijay I found all episodes of SSTP can be found on Youtube so now have a lot to meet up with.
There are over 20 thus far and most of them two or three hours lengthy so it ought to take about 60 hours to view all of them.
I’ve simply begun with the longest of the lot at practically 4 hours and value each minute: episode 17 with Professor Wadan Narsey.
Up to now SSTP has featured in-depth interviews with Graham Leung, Anita Handley, Biman Prasad, Mahendra Chaudhry, Savenaca Narube, Sitiveni Rabuka, Viliame Gavoka, Pio Tikoduadua, Felix Anthony, Richard Naidu, Shamima Ali, Sashi Kiran, Niel Sharma, Nilesh Gounder, Graham Davis, Filimoni Vosarogo, Wadan Narsey, Lenora Qereqeretabua, Lynda Tabuya, Nikhil Singh and Sirimi Turaga.
Sydney lawyer Sashi Singh is a top-notch presenter and interviewer.
I imagine he is identical extraordinarily well-spoken Sashimendra Singh who hosted many FBC radio applications again within the day when Fiji was dubbed “the best way the world must be”.
The Fiji Occasions would do nicely to interview him.
Willard Miller, Ellis Place, Suva
Nice option to heighten curiosity
Inoke ‘Knox’ Kalounisiga acknowledged the sponsors for the Domo Vou Talei unique tune competitors because the competitors would heighten curiosity in composing new songs.
I agree with ‘Knox’ that the $5000 prize-money from The Fiji Occasions and $3000 from Westpac for the Folks’s Selection Award will coax the hidden skills Fiji has.
The sum of cash on provide is a gorgeous monetary enticement and I urge younger songwriters to come back out of the shadows and convey their voice to the world.
Entries shut subsequent Tuesday and this chance comes hardly ever so music lovers and songwriters should take the provide with each fingers.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fall on deaf ears
Regardless of the variety of calls and criticism levelled towards PM Bainimarama and his FF-led Authorities from the opposition, NGOs together with us writers, it appears to all fall on deaf ears.
I assume they’ll solely pay attention or reply when Fijians go to the ballot come the 2022 Normal Election, which remains to be saved a secret from us the voters.
Very unusual.
Jioji M Cakacaka, Tadra- Votualevu, Nadi
World Setting Day
With World Setting Day on June 5, many together with all inhabitants of our planet Earth are elevating their voices #For Nature.
As we construct again higher throughout these tough occasions, let’s put nature on the coronary heart of our decision-making and name for a more healthy, extra sustainable planet that works for everybody, in all places on a regular basis.
Jadon Eroni Masivesi, QVS, Nukuvuto
Oceans and irony
I used to be completely happy to examine reviews of World Oceans Day being celebrated throughout the nation by faculties, communities, non-governmental organisations, authorities departments and lots of different stakeholders.
Whereas this occasion raised consciousness on the worth of our oceans and wish to guard it for future generations, there’s a main irony these days.
It seems like our individuals will wrestle to afford seafood as the costs have shot up inside a brief span of time as a result of rising gasoline prices.
For instance, a bundle of rockcod value no less than $60 whereas a bundle of snapper has now elevated from $25 to $40.
The worth of A grade fish is a joke for center revenue earners.
As of now, I’ve determined to go evening diving for malea and eels in recent water creeks.
I might be smiling if we come throughout some prawns however for now I might not thoughts a glass of wine after evening diving because the chilly climate is an excessive amount of for a child combine or else, I would get up the subsequent morning appearing like an enormous child.
Blessed weekend and let’s proceed to worth our oceans.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Emphasis on mats
I significantly keep in mind my early days again within the village when individuals used to position numerous emphasis on mats.
No matter get collectively we had, our moms would all the time make sure that good mats had been unfold for the upcoming events.
Effectively, the mat was the place they’d all sit down and the place they had been all equal it doesn’t matter what their positions had been locally.
Other than emphasising the significance of oneness, the mat was additionally the place they used to take a seat down collectively and work issues out earlier than transferring ahead.
The idea of ‘mat’ is so vital now due to the turbulent occasions we’re going by way of.
Hey, can’t we simply sit down collectively, speak and transfer ahead as one?
Lest we overlook, after we transfer ahead collectively, success takes care of itself.
Simply one thing to consider!
Joeli Naleca, Natabua, Lautoka
Ease of service
Financial institution clients these days don’t frequent the financial institution a lot as they did up to now as a result of a lot of their banking wants are fulfilled by utilizing the Computerized Teller Machines (ATM).
Not like banks, these machines present service 24/7 to the shoppers.
For the comfort of their clients, banks have put in these electronically operated units as far and as vast as attainable.
I’ve seen these machines being usually utilized by majority of shoppers wherever I went.
Little doubt crowding in banks is considerably eased as a result of introduction of ATMs.
So far as attainable, banks attempt finding the ATM at secure and simply accessible locations, nevertheless, as a consumer you need to do your individual homework to make sure you don’t fall sufferer of foul play.
The mission is to be aborted as quickly as you sense any hazard.
Don’t grow to be a straightforward goal for would-be thieves.
All the time play secure whereas taking out cash from the ATM.
For the utilization of ATM, I imagine, in case you are a buyer of that financial institution, you don’t pay any charges however in case you are not a buyer then the utilization carries a cost.
I imagine the price is from $1 per transaction.
Nonetheless, I imagine, as soon as different banks have established extra of their very own machines, the price downside will routinely go away.
At this juncture we present our appreciation to the banks for his or her caring angle and repair generally.
Thanks for making our banking even simpler.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
