World Cup coverage
Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar are household soccer stars. They represent the big spending giants of soccer- Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germaine. We are so fortunate to watch these stars live every morning on FBC TV and Fiji One. While Ronaldo had the best start to this year’s World Cup as he grabbed a hat-trick, Neymar and Messi were not on the scoresheet. Both missed some good sitters and the latter having missed a penalty against Iceland. Other soccer stars such as Lukaku and Kane were spot on scoring two goals for their countries. On the other hand, I feel for the likes of Simon Hazelman who does not have access to the glorious entertainment from the World Cup soccer. I believe Simon has written a number of letters regarding television coverage in the North but sadly these have fallen on deaf ears. Similarly, subscribers to Digicel’s Sky Pacific in Fiji are crying foul that despite paying $49 per month, Sky has so far not been able to provide live viewing of World Cup soccer matches. I sympathise with those who do not have access to live coverage.It reminds me of the ’90s when I had to listen to commentaries via the radio as Wainikoro had no access to Fiji One. I never missed Graham Eden’s commentaries and listened excitedly as Fiji won the Melrose Cup and was in pain when France beat Brazil in the ’98 World Cup final! Isa, those days, eh! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu.
Jazz man stands tall
THE Jazz man Jasa Veremalua is the only surviving forwards member of our gold winning Olympian team of 2016 still playing for Fiji after Rio. The rest either were playing overseas or have left to play there. The Jazz man truly has Fiji at heart and no doubt him declining lucrative offers shows he is a family man with a never say die for Fiji in his heart. Jasa you have my vote to the Rugby World Cup Sevens as you have just proven to the world and Fiji that home-grown talent living and breathing in Fiji are still alive and can make it to the pinnacle of sports. Just imagine if we had another 12 home-grown talent like Jasa, why go overseas to scout? Go Fiji go, promoting home-grown talent that is why we are a champion in natural flair and talent. Joka kece! SHALWYN PRASAD, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva.
Being alert
I must compliment Customs officers’ for the rummaging of vessels and 26 of the 68 searches resulted in anomalies being detected. As a former customs officer I wish to say thank you for being alert at our borders. The volume of arriving vessels, aircraft, passengers and cargo has increased the workload of Customs officers worldwide and at the same time increased the potential threat for smuggling and trafficking of illicit items across borders. Border control officers have to be aware of world trends, new technologies because people who deal in illicit trade find ways to do things. Back in the day we depended on tip-offs, the officers’ general knowledge and skills honed over the years. My overseas training did wonders for me. And I leave you with a funny note. One day we were drinking grog at the Lautoka Customs building and someone brought his sevusevu in plastic bags. I picked them up and sniffed them for quality. I had worked with the police canine unit at Nadi airport and one of the lads said, “Boso, is it quality grog?” I said yes. Someone said, “Well they taught you well at the Canine unit.” Sniffer dog ga! But thank you guys for staying alert. ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka.
Men-C dose
ACCORDING to the WHO, meningococcal disease is potentially life-threatening and the suspected person should be given appropriate antibiotics within 30 minutes (FT 20/6). Given the seriousness of the disease I am wondering whether all our hospitals and health centres particularly those in remote and maritime areas are adequately equipped to treat the patients in time to save their lives. What about our private medical practitioners? Any delay caused by the referral of the suspects to main hospitals could prove fatal. I believe we need to treat this matter with great urgency and utmost priority. SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka.
Freebies issue
My dear uncle Allen, the mentality becomes contagious as for the mere fact that it is offered; time and time again. Don’t get me wrong. It is the noblest of acts of selflessness and a genuine desire to assist those in need; but the desire should be for pure and the most moral of purposes. Albeit, I believe some of those who are not necessarily in need of these “freebies” are driven by greed. I believe we can say the same about some of those who offer these also. So, in that manner, I believe “the mental contagiousness” works both ways. Will leave it to your imagination to fill in the blank. Poignant in your friend’s case would be the age-old adage, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. Cheers uncle. MANOJ LAL PATEL, Drasa Avenue, Lautoka.
A view of the future
I read with interest the article penned by Matilda Simmons titled “A view of the future” (F/T 14/06) and I was startled to read the predictions made by our young citizens while marking Environment Day in June in 1976. I realised too soon that they were spot on with their predictions. Hussan Bano of Nadi, for instance, said “People will have to do more work to support their families. Students will not obey the school rules.” On the other hand, Sanaila Se was quoted saying “….and people will be sad because many war machines will be invented and people will get ready every day for their turn to fight for their freedom.” Kamal Kuar said that “At that time there will be so many diseases that doctors curing patients will become sick themselves. Roads will be a hunting place.” Kamal further added that “The students will be too modernised to come to school and do their school work.” Then there was this touching prediction by Hussan Bano “There will be no strikes and nobody will ask Fijians of Indian descent to leave Fiji.” It seemed that Hussan Bano had spoken the mind of the descendants of the indentured labourers. While these citizens spoke their mind, my attitude and belief were strengthened by the words of Kamlesh Lata: “As there is harmony, goodwill, tolerance and cooperation in this multiracial society, it occurs to my mind that this discipline and character of the people will continue further and further.” Time has passed since the Environment Day celebrations in 1976 but the legacy of our elders remains rooted to Fiji’s history. God bless Fiji! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu.
Breathtaking goals
The soccer World Cup in Russia started with some breathtaking goals. The twinkle toe Ronaldo free kick was a masterclass. The Spanish Nacho long range shot was freakish and the list keeps going on. If you analyse these goals closely, most were long range outside the penalty box strikes. The game has changed and most players are executing their strikes long range giving the defenders and the goal keepers less time to guard the goal line. It’s time to shift the goalpost strategy now and teams need to look at innovative ways to defend these long range strikes. Lastly the video referee analyses have started so players must note they are being monitored every second and the drama of falling with a big scream on their faces and standing up minutes later is an old trick now. Happy football another three weeks to go and may the most innovative team win in Russia. Go Denmark. Let’s not forget the coaches and referees as well… joka kece! Shalwyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva.
Japanese message
Japanese fans celebrating the win over Columbia by collecting rubbish after the game, in Russia, was indeed unique, thoughtful and a challenge to other fans attending the World Cup games. Dan Urai, Lautoka.
Soccer World Cup
To be a hero is the shortest profession a man can have. So very true in Lionel Messi’s case. Ronaldo is not very far off. A SHARIFF SHAH, Savusavu.
Support Flying Fijians
It was sad to see that the two Flying Fijians matches in Suva were not at full capacity. It cannot be the ticket prices because the Super Rugby is always at full capacity. So much for patriotism! So come on westerners, come out in numbers this Saturday and support our Flying Fijians tackle the Ikale Tahi. I will be there with my white bucket and don’t be shy to ask for a bowl. Areh, go Fiji go. Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka.
Brothers in arms
It is true that what you do for yourself dies with you but what you do for others’ lives forever. To the two beautiful souls whose lives were claimed by the Sigatoka River at the weekend, your selfless act will live on forever. A life demonstrated what true friends is all about, even in the face of death you have taught us a great lesson. And that is to rise together and fall together like true brothers in arms. Adieu and RIP Mo and Lai. Pita Soroaqali, Nadarivatu.
Plastics and straws
To eliminate the plastic and straw syndrome, we must be bold and stop it at source. Government levy, institutional and personal pledges not to use it are all quick fix solutions. Just stop the production and manufacturing of these products in Fiji. Period! It will save our environment and future generation. Ilaitia Bose, Suva.
Big thank you
A very big thanks to Goundar Shipping for providing consistent service to the North… especially to Taveuni. One can only imagine what will happen or what the people will go through if GS for some reason does not reach the island for a week. A. SHARIFF SHAH, Savusavu.
