Have teams broken rugby jinx
Have other provincial rugby teams finally broken the jinx on Nadroga? The painful defeat delivered by Namosi and narrow loss by Suva is perhaps writing a new chapter in Fiji’s rugby history. For once, Nadroga seemed almost invincible backed by a steady development program and strong support from the vanua. One can be sure that Nadroga will be back but for now the double claim by Namosi last Saturday, surely has opened up opportunities for other challengers. Rugby cannot get any more exciting and one can imagine the amount of diehard fans from Naitasiri who will be there to support their favourite side. FLOYD ROBINSON, Toorak, Suva
BOG with a difference
I believe this year’s BOG will be of a different kind as the seating capacity has been reduced to 50 per cent and social distancing made mandatory. I only anticipate that everything will go without any hiccups and the fans will not have to face any embarrassment. Recent performances of teams suggest that there is no outright favourite. Teams have prepared well despite the COVID-19 setback. We are expecting firing encounters and teams fighting tooth and nail. Not only this I also believe football is also a battle of the coaches these days. Thanks to FBC TV for showing some of the matches live. With teams including some young blood in their squad, it will be a good opportunity for them to shine. Accolades to The Fiji Times for the wonderful coverage of preparation for the BOG by the players and teams throughout this week. We expect more pictures of the spills and thrills right from the park in its coming editions. Let’s once again hope that football is the winner at the end of the day. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
People page
The Viti Times powerful kaukauwa people page had the singing story and journey of Wise Baledrokadroka. Exposed to music at a young age Wise was able to travel the world with his singing journey. He has played and sung with the best in Fiji. During these tough and challenging times we need the music of Wise and many more talents to lift the spirits of all Fijians especially our tourist destinations who have suffered for a few months now. We need to lift the spirits of every Fijian and music is the way the Viti the world should see. Go, Viti, our living and breathing nation joka dina. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Healthy debates
There is an ongoing trend of debates by our Christian faith-based leaders which was on Mai TV and Viti FM lately. That moots the idea and notion if our politicians can debate openly in a free and safe space rather than in Parliament. Let the public decide who come out victors. Our Finance Minister versus the leader of Unity Fiji party Savenaca Narube or Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry while our PM versus SODELPA or NFP party leaders? Minister of Women, Assistant Minister of iTaukei Affairs and Minister of Education or Minister of Housing against the two ladies from Kadavu, Lynda and Lenora, Salote Radrodro and Adi Litia Qionibaravi. We can have an academic from USP to be the moderator while my fellow writer friend Rajnesh Lingam to be the timekeeper. What an exciting event and I can’t wait to see it eventuate. Jioji Masivesi Cakacaka Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi
Free lunch
I agree with Sharif Shah (FT 04/08) regarding free lunch. It is true that our Government has done so much for the students with nonpayment of fees as being the major factor. Even before this pandemic, some people were complaining about sending their kids to school because of some minor issues. Yes, spoonfeeding is not so good. We are very thankful to various religious and other organisations who have stepped in to help with free lunches for some students who apparently cannot go to school with proper lunches, however, what if they were home, would they still be without lunch? The point is what if the government was not providing all that is being given now? Why complain about little things like school sandals, bags and stationery? We cannot rely on government for every little thing for school. Remember there was a time when we paid our own school fees including every little necessity for school. We all know that times are hard but some are just in the habit of asking or taking advantage of the situation. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Stay informed, stay connected
Reading the article titled “Your views matter”, reminds me of the ad that appears in The Fiji Times, ‘Stay informed, stay connected’. I salute the editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for the powerful and well-coined opinion “Your views matter”. There’s no doubt that the newspaper faces a great challenge in living up to the ideals of journalism but hats off to the dynamic editor-in-chief and his able crew that the task has so far been accomplished successfully despite the mountain of hurdles. I commend the newspaper for ensuring balance, fairness and accuracy, for valuing journalism and what it stands for, doing the best to portray a balance in their coverage, and upholding the values of good journalism. I agree with Fred Wesley that, “There is also the element of democracy, and the important role the media plays in holding power to account.” I also agree with him that The Fiji Times will not be able to satisfy everyone. Thank you Wesley for clarifying the position of our number one newspaper! Sir, you’re facing hurdles now — you’ll have the last laugh. The newspaper’s 150 years of existence in our beloved Fiji suggests that no matter the circumstance it will survive the battle. I acknowledge senior writer Kini for his powerful letter titled “Ideals of good journalism” (FT: 06/08). Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji Times
Imagine a Fiji without The Fiji Times. Dan Urai Lautoka
Owe you nothing
I’m reminded of a story, it’s of a parent, who told his grown-up son, that he still owes him, for all the school and uni fees, etc and all sacrifices that was done for him to-date and he should be thankful and do as he is told. The son’s response was, for all you did and doing for me, I thank you, but I owe you nothing, for it is something that you’re supposed to do, it is your responsibility to ensure you do all you can, with whatever you have, to provide for me and to do your level best to prepare me for life. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Talk of the town
Heard some groggers at Lautoka market asking each other: “Do you wear clothes?” “Duty is down, buy some clothes for yourself.” Amol Kumar Lautoka
Familiar sounds
A familiar sound which used to disturb the peaceful nights is back. Drunkards shouting. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Conway Beg
It’s official, congratulations to Conway Beg the new Fiji Rugby Union chairman. To all rugby unions in Fiji, please give your full support to this smiling gentleman. To Conway, we wish you the best of the best during your time with Fiji Rugby Union. From all those who know you, cheers! Vili Yaranamua Tamavua, Suva
All the best
I wish Fiji FA and all the participating teams, officials, referees, ball boys, ground committees, law enforcing officers and fans the very best for this weekend and next. I also look forward to a much higher standard of commentary. To the players, please play to enjoy. The results will come. There will always be only one winner. Sharif Shah Savusavu
Right thing
I believe politics stop politicians from doing the right thing. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
My say
A month or so ago I asked if I can do anything for the Government. The Government said to load the careFIJI app. I have loaded the app. Is there anything else you want me to do? My friend Allen Lockington, if you could send me your bank account number and the price of the cheapest smartphone, I would try my best to send you the money. Sukha Singh Labasa
COVID rules
Are local rugby matches exempted from social distancing regulations? And do all the spectators attending have the careFIJI app installed on their phones? Can the concerned authorities please confirm on how this is being policed? Nishant Singh Lautoka
Curfew option
THE government is treading on the Bula Bubble working to get international visitors into our shores. Fair enough the tourism industry needs it but having a curfew for the members of the public, what purpose then is this Government working on? Will the Government lift the curfew for the foreign visitors or for Fijians? AREKI DAWAI Suva
