Soccer nightmare
It is a nightmare soccer World Cup for some legends. First it was “Lion man” Messi, who missed the penalty spot kick and now twinkle toe Ronaldo has done the same. Penalty kicks do have an adverse effect on the kicker and if you are a star of the game the pressure goes to the next level. As an alternative to a spot kick a suggestion is similar to rugby, give a goal to the attacking team and resume play from the centre line. Only when teams have played the full match with a draw and still locked nil all after the golden goal period than the dreaded penalty kicks should be taken. Allowing penalty kicks at the peak of the game and a miss has a lifetime impact on the player and team. Just ask Messi and Ronaldo! My pick for the final — wounded Germany vs the French “The Blues”. My favourite Denmark will succumb early … sa dina … Octopus predator! Kon roki, joka kece ..moce Jo! SHALWYN PRASAD, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Shipping services
I strongly support Premila Kumar, the CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji, that there should be a piece of legislation in place to cover the rights and welfare of travelling consumers in the local shipping industry as reported in The Fiji Times 26/06 titled, Shipping Legislation. I commend Ms Kumar’s firm response to Mr Goundar saying that his response to passengers’ complaints, labelling them “fussy”, revealed arrogance and disregard for genuine passenger concerns. I have also witnessed many ill-treatment of passengers by shipping companies, especially a certain company and I believe to put a stop to this issue Ms Kumar and the Consumer Council are on the right track by maintaining the need to prioritise legislation that will clearly spell out the rights and responsibilities of inter-island shipping and vice versa. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Drug awareness
Schools are having drug awareness week for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Students are being provided with information from all departments such as police and health about illegal drugs and the effects of drug use and abuse. Hopefully the information is taken in a positive light and has good effect in the long-term. Our children need to make the right choice and say no to drug use and report those who are using drugs. There was a big drug bust where drugs were found in Nadi and this shows that many hard drugs are now available in Fiji. This shows the extent of the drug problem in Fiji. There are many social, health and economic impacts of drug abuse. There is so much money spent which could have been spent on basic needs and on looking after the family. I believe drug users can develop cancer. The same applies to alcohol, cigarettes and kava which are legal but are being abused in our society. I believe alcohol and cigarettes are being seen as gateway drugs where the consumption of both increases chances of people trying other drugs. Our people need to make the right choice and say no to drugs. Vineet Chand Rakiraki
Dusty bus station
If you walk into the Lautoka City bus station, it is full of dust. On top of that the Lautoka City Council had cement powder sprayed on it. The goods in the bus station market are also covered with dust. I hope the administration of LCC will soon do something about this as well as the buses engine start and smoke all over they should be switched off when parked and only start when they prepare to travel. The “no smoking” sign is very big at the bus station but there is so much smoke. Please concerned authorities, it is very important as our children use this place. Azam Ali Lautoka
Road safety
The Accident Compensation Commission Fiji seems to be doing well. I thank the Government for its “brave decision” to get rid of the ineffective third-party compensation scheme of the past and genuinely assisting those affected from road mishaps. It was reported lately that the commission is planning to use its new budget allocation on road safety awareness. Many will agree that already there is a lot of awareness on road safety but the worrying trend regarding road fatalities remain. While the authorities responsible can continue with the awareness, I suggest Government to consider a major project to improve road condition. I am generally satisfied with the new roads featuring dividers to avoid head-on collisions and jaywalking. Also the proper waiting bays to make safe right turns. We can start with the Queens Rd which at several places does not have proper bus stops and safety bays for right turns. Bus drivers have no choice but to stop in the middle of the highway for passengers to enter and disembark.A divider will avoid this unnecessary lane lane crossing while a proper bay at every junction as well as proper bus stops will help keep respective lanes clear. If we to be like ‘Singapore’ then sooner or later our national speed limit of 80km/ph will need to be reconsidered. We can only move to maybe 100km/ph, if we have safe roads and better driving condition. Road safety awareness alone is not the answer. We must take a serious look at the shortfalls relating to poor road designs. I am certain the public will support the Government if it is to acquire another loan from overseas to undertake a major project to improve our road quality and design. Dorine Narayan, Suva.
‘Genuine’ offer
Reading the front page of The Fiji Times 27/06 titled Help ‘at no cost’ was a delight especially when there is still a country in the world which is willing to assist Fiji and the Pacific Island nations regarding development without expecting anything in return. Israel as a matter of fact, is one of the leading countries in the world that is thriving in agriculture sector, leading innovators, highly advanced technology together with its health system and she wants to share her knowledge with Fiji and the rest of the Pacific without any cost. Furthermore, what strikes me the most in terms of Israel’s offer is that she recognises our potential and she is extending a lending hand to help us maximise it without any strings attached. This brings me to the conclusion to question whether other countries that have been offering assistance to develop Fiji have the same mentality with that of Israel or do they expect something in return? Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Catch 22
With every action, it must be indelibly noted and recorded, there will be a reaction. Nothing, absolutely nothing in life is free. The worthy note of our water woes is honourable. The offer to assist in providing a lasting solution is commendable, and indeed, praiseworthy. In my humble view, in my retirement years, there is a “Catch 22”. That’s the million dollar question. What is it? Only time, good time, will tell. Ronnie CHANG, Nadi
National anthem
Isn’t it so nice to hear the anthem of the countries taking part during the FIFA World Cup? Some were singing, some murmuring, some closing their eyes, some not singing at all, some shouting in between the verses, some feeling sad and some smiling. All their expressions can be seen in their faces. I would love to hear again the anthem of the two finalists come July. If England reach the final, we will be able to hear again God Save the Queen. After all it was our national anthem during the colonial days. Only time will tell. Vili Yaranamua, Nadi
Round 16
AS predicted by soccer pundits England, Belgium, Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Uruguay, France, Croatia and Denmark have reached round 16 of the World Cup. Russia surprised many by sneaking in while Argentina had to rely on that special moment to make round 16. My buddies Navin and Seru had a hard time controlling their excitement when Argentina scored the winner. While results from Group E, F and H are eagerly awaited with bated breath, I’m picking on Germany, Mexico, Colombia, Japan, Switzerland and Brazil to make it. The soccer showdown will make our long weekend exciting! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Super tickets
Unreasonable when minimum wage is less than $3 and ground embankment ticket price is $30 per person. Dan Urai, Lautoka
Town rates
I WANT to thank the Government for the Walesi and making me a shareholder in EFL even though I still haven’t been notified yet. The only thing I am looking forward to is a reduction in my town rates. I hope Mr Bala can look into the town rate reduction. Sukha Singh, Labasa
More games
I concur with Alex Waqalevu that more Flying Fijians’ matches to be held in Lautoka (FT 27/06). Our patriotism is second to none. Fiji Rugby Union please take note! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Nadi road
ISA, my mate Wise must have been really affected by Fiji’s loss to Tonga. Psst! Wise, did you expect the road to run through the shops? Water your grog. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Through Nadi
After reading Wise Muavono’s letter FT/26/6, I am surprised that you just found out that the Queens Highway runs through Nadi Town. Well we already long time ago! Where do you expect it to run? I hope not through the shops! John Brown Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Stray animals
I don’t know about the rights of stray animals as enforced by pressure groups and lobbyists like Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Obviously people’s views expressed in this newspaper (FT 26/6) indicates more needs to be done for strays. Amenatave Yaconisau Palm Drive, Delainavesi
Hospital fire
Lautoka Hospital had another fire which was contained by the National Fire Authority. I am told the debris from the last fire is still not cleaned up because of asbestos found at the site. I wonder if it’s time for a new hospital to be built in Lautoka? Narayan Reddy, Lautoka
Israeli offer
WHAT an offer! Everything for free! Now which government could refuse such offer of development? Our agriculture sector needs help to enable us be self-sufficient in vegetable and fruits. Dan Urai, Lautoka
