Letters to the Editor – August 4, 2020

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Ba’s Saula Waqa keeps possession away from Suva’s Filipe Baravilala at the Fiji Football Academy ground in Ba. Picture: SUPPLIED

Hope for young soccer team

Congratulation to the young Ba team for the victory over the previously unbeaten Suva side. After being dumped by Nadi and lowly Nasinu, Ba had to bounce back. Victory over Labasa and Suva has put Ba on 15 points and second on the table behind leaders Rewa. The Ba team is a team in transition and I would urge all Ba supporters to be patient and give them time. We must not lose hope and continue to have faith in coach Roneel Kumar. With proper guidance, motivation and strategy, the team will deliver. All the best to Navua and Ba in the BOG. SHAD ALFAZ ALI Navua

Vision on the road

I was driving past Lokia Rd junction towards the crossing when suddenly someone crossed the road. I fail to understand why those in authority plant flowers that grow above the road dividers and blocks the vision of road users on both sides? Can those in authority uproot the plants that are blocking the view of divers and road users before an accident happens? Even at the Lokia roundabout, as a driver, we may not see oncoming vehicles coming from your right towards the roundabout as the fence has been blocked by overgrown plants. Roads should be clear to see oncoming vehicles on opposite sides even though there are road barriers but instead plants with leaves have been blocking the view on both sides. Tagi Vonolagi Nausori

Make up your mind

A letter writer stated: “I have got to agree with the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, that some publications including The Fiji Times do not get Government’s comments before running stories from economic and political commentators (FT 01/08)”. On the other hand, he is curious about which side is the problem coming from, The Fiji Times or the Government. I believe this writer has already made up his mind which clearly reflects in his first sentence. He seems certain yet is questioning. I think it will be wise if he can make up his mind. Kirti Patel Lautoka

Protective suits

I was shocked to see pictures of people carrying the coffin of a 66-year-old man who died of coronavirus-related complications, on The Sunday Times of August 2, 2020, on Page 3, because I believe none of them were wearing protective suits for burial at the Tavakubu Cemetery in Lautoka. Maybe the Minister for Health or head of health protection can enlighten us on Fiji’s level of protection because I believe that picture says otherwise. In India and other overseas countries, you will see that those tasked with taking bodies for cremation and not burial are wearing protective suits to ensure that they protect themselves from this virus. Anyway my condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace. Jioji Masivesi Cakacaka Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi

Many views

AS a regular reader and an ardent supporter of The Fiji Times, I hardly miss reading the ‘Letters to the Editor’ section. Very interesting indeed when you get the views of so many from different parts of the world. Many times I agree and respect the views expressed by Simon Hazelman of Savusavu. But one of his letters on Saturday (01/08) disturbed me a bit when he tried to defend Hon Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for not getting his share of comments in defence. As a regular reader, I may have seen more pictures of the top two FijiFirst leaders than any other politician in Fiji. Regarding the third party commentators, I believe The Fiji Times always referred to the relevant ministry in the Government for their response but without any result. Now how can we blame The Fiji Times for failing in its part. I believe over 80 per cent of our population know that The Fiji Times is not that popular in the FijiFirst camp. Some of them have been attacking this popular messenger for years now, but this has made this paper much stronger and the volume of its circulation and readers increase. I also believe that The Fiji Times’ ‘haters’ are also reading this newspaper. As long as democracy prevails and The Fiji Times maintains its standard, no other media will ever be able to remove it from its present top position. VIJAY MAHARAJ Navua

Soccer interest

This week, those who still have interest in local soccer are gearing up for the first tournament. As usual, some repeated discussions are taking place. Two days ago, I heard them again so the billion mark is not too far away. About referees, linesmen, teams getting favoured, money making, players changing teams at will, homegrown talent, district pride, ticket price, food quality etc. My ear started aching so I raised a question, “which is the best team?” Two suggestions came forward without reason. I dug further, “what pattern of soccer do they play?” I sensed wonderment until we heard dago bhago. Most of us have access to internet. I’d sincerely urge people to search Fiji’s past soccer achievements and compare it with Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island countries and other smaller nations around the world. Immense eye-opening information is available. While the kick and run soccer festival, deceptive goat meat flavoured rice palau (Consumer Council of Fiji?), labelling the referee as murgi chor and G-positive liquid will flow, it is high time we thoroughly analyse the current state of Fiji soccer and its future direction. This soccer weekend cannot be a picnic. It cannot be a day out with family and friends. It shall be a weekend where soccer minds gather in search of lost glory. Fijian soccer has some golden moments but it has slipped into barren territory. When will we start looking at the bigger picture? The first soccer world cup was played 90 years ago. How do we rescue Fiji soccer from the clutches of doom? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Senior citizens

This poem is dedicated to our many senior citizens, during these particularly trying times: So fast the years have gone by, life seems more difficult each day, despite how hard you try, at least what helps one through each day, is that the children, now adults, have a better life now on their own and away, you had struggle to put food on the table and give them a good education, so that they can be good and honest citizens in our nation, now that they are busy with their own families and their own lives, one is comforted that, unlike you, they do not have to strive, but we are all now facing trying and difficult days, its unprecedented, as they say, so we all need to remain positive and don’t despair, because there are still many opportunities out there, to generate a small and steady income and a garden in the backyard, to help one survive each day, especially now when times are hard, so to all our loyal senior citizens who have served this country faithfully, do the best you can, while you still have time on your hand, at home, or in you little plot of land, remember, as the sun sets in your twilight days, it always rises brightly the very next day. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour

Conspiracy theories

Why is there so much of conspiracy theories, fake news and disinformation? What can we do about it? Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi

Hindus celebrate

After Raksha Bandhan, Hindus will celebrate Krishna Janmashtami from tonight. I wish all Hindu brothers and sisters a blessed celebration. Rakhi was celebrated with a lot of joy. I hope Hindus will use this year’s Krishna Janmashtami to foster healthy race relations and renew their family ties! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Congratulations mate

Congratulations to my good mate Cameron for asking his girlfriend’s hand (Zoe William) in marriage. Wishing you both an eternity of love and happiness together. My late wife definitely would have been proud of this initiation of engagement. To celebrate, I will make you a one stone lovo this weekend. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

Please inform

As a matter of concern, I wanted to find out the progress made on the process reviewing the Local Government Act. Request if the minister responsible can shed some light on this undertaking which I would believe has taken a lot of time already. It is always good to keep your people informed on such matters that is of national interest. Thank you. Suresh Chand Nadi

Lunch issue

Our government provides all but lunch free. I guess at least the parents can provide the lunch. Too much spoonfeeding is not good. Sharif Shah Savusavu

Sugar industry

I believe the most effective way to improve the sugar industry and attract more canefarmers is to pay farmers on delivering of their cane to the mills. The current system of payment ensures the decline of the industry. Dan Urai Lautoka

Media factor

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is facing trial for corruption. And, there is mass public protest demanding he step down. So what does Netanyahu do? He blames the media for the protests! I believe that has an all too familiar ring. Leaders blaming the media when they themselves stuff up. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia

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