Flying Fijians’ line-up for RWC 2019
We’ve watched several games by our national team since the win against the Maori All Blacks. Each game had a different set of players and it’s obvious that coach John McKee is gauging our players and combinations. A good number of players clearly stood out with great performances and are sure to make the cut. One thing is clear for sure and that is our number one team, and by that I mean, the best and first player for each position, has yet to take the field. It’s the world cup and coach McKee must hold his cards close to his chest. It’s not time to criticise but to sympathise and support McKee and our team to do their best on the world stage. The trump card and best combination will be revealed against Australia on September 21 at the Sapporo Dome in Japan. Go Fiji go! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Mobile phone
I know of many people who have been booked for talking on their mobile phones while driving. The officials can see them holding the phone, what about those who are talking on hands-free mobile phones? Is there a law against this also, because they have both hands on the wheel? I am told that talking on a phone and driving can be distracting for the driver, what about if the driver is talking to his passenger? Just asking. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Independence Day
India got its freedom from British Rule on August 15, 1947. Hence, they celebrate their Independence Day on August 15 every year. Independence Day is observed with great enthusiasm and I wish them a prosperous and happy Independence Day. The elders remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence. They pay homage to the great leaders who suffered a lot to win our freedom. This day also inspires us to follow the teachings of peace and non-violence that was preached by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Fiji and India have a long relationship as our forefathers ventured into Fiji. India has supported Fiji with resources and we Fijians bear good diplomatic friendship. Wishing them happy Independence Day. Neelz Singh Lami
Facing challenges
In a world full of life we live in, unfortunately there are challenges we face every day and some of these challenges are so cruel that they are difficult to bear. Reading the article in The Fiji Times (14/08) titled “We will meet again” brought tears to my eyes especially for Toga Kalougata to be able to accept the fate of his beloved wife and son and have great faith within that they will meet again someday. My dear Toga Kalougata, thank you for being so strong and I believe that the whole of Fiji is with you in this time of trial. Your courage is a source of inspiration for many who are going through cruel experiences as such in life and my prayer is that your two beloved may rest in peace, anticipating the day where you will happily meet again. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
10 cent data levy
Now we have a new tax where we will be charged 10 cents for every GB we use. It’s good to see the service providers have agreed to absorb that cost. I believe the Government will make a few thousand dollars from this and obviously the people will pay that indirectly. However, why doesn’t the Government look out of the box and target the internet giant companies that own and manage Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, Skype, etc.? These are the big companies that the Government must target and they must take necessary action in terms of regulations to get tax from them. I know countries such as America, Australia and others have their own regulations where these companies pay billions of dollars in tax. Why can’t we do that so that we can at least get millions in tax? Nardeo Mishra Suva
Nukubalavu Rd sealing
A couple of years ago, Fiji Roads Authority’s Robert Sen responded to a letter of mine about sealing Nukubalavu Rd here in Savusavu. Sen mentioned that this particular road was included in FRA’s Forward Works Program as part of sealed road extension. I’m wondering if this Forward Works Program for sealed road extensions is earmarked for this decade and not the next? Once again I would like to highlight reasons why Nukubalavu Rd here in Savusavu should have been sealed before other roads in and around Savusavu. First and foremost, the road leads to the chiefly village of Nukubalavu, home of the Tui Nasavusavu, the high chief of the region of Savusavu. Secondly, families have lived along this side of the peninsula for more than 200 years. Thirdly, it is the most populated area on the outskirts of Savusavu Town which is just a mere six minutes drive away. Fourthly, it’s situated on the windward side facing the constant Southeasterly trade winds and with the road running along the coastline, residences are faced with having to constantly inhale dust rising because of the ever-increasing traffic. Nukubalavu Rd remains the last road in and around Savusavu to be sealed when it should have rightfully been the first. I hope my granddaughter will live long enough to witness the sealing of Nukubalavu Rd here in paradise! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Some issues
WHILE I may be slightly inaccurate in some details, I recall Government saying that in order to reduce the load on outpatient departments, people after January first this year could visit private doctors for consultations gratis. I believe this did not eventuate. In April I believe we were told it would be happening soon, then we were told it is being reviewed on an area basis. What happened to the original promise that I believe many people looked forward to? Again I may be inaccurate on some details, but on dialysis I recall Government suggesting to lower dialysis costs to $75 from $125 per session in October last year, from the present $250. I believe the necessary surgeries needed for patients to receive treatment were to be given free. I believe that only the Labasa area is receiving these benefits to a greater or lesser extent. What happened to the original promises that many people looked forward to. Everyday the media is covering numerous civil service “workshops” which cost a significant amount of money to stage. Many look as though they are an excuse for participants to play with their mobile phones rather than paying attention to the matters in hand. I believe the public needs to know the aims of the workshops, in what time frame the aims are to be achieved, and what benefits will ensue in efficiencies and monetary gains. Get some KPA, KRA, etc., published so we can see. I believe civil servants seem to spend a lot of time at workshops, if the public at large cannot see any tangible benefits from them then the money should be directed to the health budgets, especially for kids. Allan Loosley Tavua
Black snow
Thank you FSC (Fiji Sugar Corporation) for your timely advertisement (FT 12/8) to people to stop cane fires. Your advertisement which says stop black snow is fantastic and eye catching. Now can you work on the chimney at the Lautoka sugar mill so that we don’t have black snow on our washing, footpaths, veranda, in the rooms and sunned out beddings please. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Brave Kalougata
Toga Kalougata knows the pain he is going through as he lost his wife Taraivosa Kacilala and son Epeli Jeremiah but he did not blame anybody for the ill-fated flight. Toga bid his wife and son farewell and I’m sure he will meet them again someday. Be strong my brother and I pray that God Almighty gives you strength to overcome this ordeal! Rest in peace Taraivosa and Epeli! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Climate change
Pacific Island leaders on low-lying islands should concentrate on running their nations, and not grandstand by telling Australia to curb its greenhouse gas emissions, especially when our emissions are under 2 per cent of global emissions, something Pacific Island leaders predictably appear to be ignorant of, while they exhibit primitive thinking by flying in planes producing carbon dioxide. Rod Matthews Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hibiscus festival
Is the Hibiscus, the mother of all festivals, gradually disappearing? Will there be a Hibiscus Festival in 2020 or a replacement for this festival which was once the pride of the nation? Only time will tell but for now families in and around the Suva area will need to get used to holidays without the hibiscus. Floyd Robinson Toorak, Suva
Don’t lose hope
After Saturday’s performance against Manu Samoa, a lot of people have been barking like dogs in heat. I say calm down, we have until September 21 to make corrections to our team and how they play. Remember it’s our team, we either get behind them or go support another team, because right now the boys and Big John and his team need our support. Calling for a change in the coach or management won’t do any good for the team as time is crucial. So please everyone don’t lose hope let’s keep the faith and believe in them and keep up the support. Good luck in your preparations boys. Toso Viti! Lawrence Wara Santa Rosa
Fishing message
IF our people keep catching donu, can we send a message to the donu not to bite the line, please? We tell them the people are getting into trouble here. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
