Letters to the Editor – December 18

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The victorious Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team after beating USA in the Cup fi nal of the Cape Town 7s in South Africa. Picture: MARTIN SERAS LIMA

A historic rugby sevens weekend

Memories of the epic win in Cape Town came alive as I read Rakoko’s piece (F/T 17/12) “A historic weekend”. Rakoko aptly mentioned that out of all the classic victories last weekend’s victory in Cape Town will go down as one for the history books. Fiji had a mountain to climb with an injury to Tuwai and the suspension handed to Nasilasila and Vota and the mammoth task of breaking a 13-year-old losing spell in South Africa and then the loss of experienced hands Paula, Josua, Jasa and Sau and debutants in Botitu, Tuimaba, Vota and Derenalagi. Despite these our boys moved mountains with a classic tale that ignited the days of Ben Ryan. I’m thankful that our senior journalist shed some light on our strength and conditioning coach Tikiko Namaua and how Namaua used his choice of words to inspire our boys, who were loaded with tonnes of fitness. The moment of madness as highlighted by Rakoko was the dash by gasman Naduva to the try-line as the Blitzbokke’s hope of winning their home tournament was over. The final was just another thriller which showed that with ball in hand our boys are capable of toppling the toughest of all. Vinaka vakalevu Rakoko for the wonderful article that has gone in my sports diary! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu.

48-hour meeting

Thank you Sikeli Qounadovu (FT 17/12) for the analysis on how much was saved in that continuous 48-hour level nine strategic meeting, on low hanging fruit. So nice, to see that the Government will now not be having meetings in expensive hotels. Well according to Sikeli at least $30,000 was saved! Yes God bless Fiji. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

Giants among us

Among us are giants who have done so much for our country and duly deserve to be acknowledged for their service. The good thing is that we have recognised their contributions and have elevated them to their rightful status in our communities. To these giants, I wholeheartedly praise you for all that you have done. Yet, lest we forget, also amongst us are those that lurk around in the dark shadows of our communities to catch and “devour” unsuspecting individuals. So while we applaud the giants amongst us, let us also keep a lookout for these people. We need to identify them before they strike because it hurts when they do. Don’t give them a chance, people! Joeli Naleca Natabua, Lautoka

Greetings and gifts

It’s that time of the year when business houses, resorts and hotels visit business clients and colleagues to sing and offer gifts of appreciation for mutual business over the past 12 months! As far as I know and the Bible is very clear on this, is that the love for Jesus and the acknowledgment of his teachings and principles is the reason for the season. Jesus helped people who were poor, sick, and afflicted and he taught us sharing, humility, gratitude and praise for God and not for oneself. So it would be more appropriate for business houses to share the profits of their business with the unfortunate, the needy, and the elderly, to offer them support, greetings and gifts. I believe none of you will become poor or feel threatened by competitors by visiting and giving to those who need it the most. Let’s not forget to keep the true spirit of Christmas. Jesus’ way! Simon Hazelman Savusavu

That smell

IS there a new mini sewage plant along the Kings Rd? Walking over the bridge on the way up to Centerpoint the extract smell of human waste fills the air after the responsible department worked on the bridge some months ago. I wonder how the nearby households continue to hold their lungs filtering the smell from the sewage lines that runs beside them. I hope that someday when the minister responsible drives by the bridge if he can wind down the window and have a perception of the unpleasant smell. AREKI DAWAI Suva

Sebastian’s challenge

I totally concur with Sebastian that the referee stopped the fight too early. I could see that, despite being floored, Sebastian looked like he could recover fast after copping a flurry of punches. The fight should have been allowed to go on. However, the Sniper would have been knocked out later, somewhere around round 4 or 5, and not as it did. I believe he had no chance of winning that fight. The first round was 10-9 to Sniper definitely. Morgan is the best in New Zealand, but would look pedestrian against those British, Mexican or US sluggers. And then Jo Parker weakened Flores with several low blows before taking him out. The sad thing is that the boxing fraternity sees it differently. Parker is a tier two fighter, in my view. As for Sniper, it’s back to our small pond, where he can fry smaller fish than himself! Have a rematch with Rakuro before you get slapped again in another international bout. The guy who took him to Christchurch needs some serious counselling. Donald Singh Lautoka

The Sniper

I watched Sebastian Singh lose his fight against Bowyn Morgan live on Saturday and again on Sunday. The referee was right to stop the fight. However, I believe that Singh is young, talented and dedicated, and should leave our shore and go abroad to further his career. There is nothing here for him if he wants to achieve his golden dreams. Go abroad mate and good luck to you. Usaia Tagi Delainavesi

Taking punches

I would just like to ask Mr Sniper Singh why did he have to stand in one place and keep taking the punches to his head? If you were trying Ali’s rope-a-dope, at least you should have covered your head. I also like to know why your dad who is your trainer was not in the ring during the breaks? Why didn’t you just jab and move? At least you could have gone the distance. Sukha Singh Labasa

Positive education

Around November every year, we get to witness the positive outcome of education through graduations. The ceremonies include kindergarten, primary, secondary and tertiary. Many success stories come to light. Students reap benefits upon fruition of aspirations. In the past few weeks, there was extensive media coverage on graduation ceremonies around the country. Scores of graduation pictures, medals, trophies and certificates. There was one photograph in which the height of the trophy was more than its recipient. The celebrations and happiness starts to dilute once the tertiary students try to fulfil the ultimate goal of academic education. It is to land employment. This journey is much easier for the elite. Education is also a competition where students have to edge out each other by maximising their potential and not just target C-grades. Most students think that employment is automatic upon graduation. If such was the case, unemployment would have been non-existent. It is normal if it becomes a struggle to find employment without connections and experience. Millions of people are part of this group. Graduates should keep scanning the market, do volunteer work, concentrate on building relationships, spend time networking and refrain from complaining. Complaining is a sign of frustration. Frustration is a sign of giving up. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Road condition

I would like to draw the attention of the Fiji Roads Authority on the retrogressive condition of Tuatua Branch Rd in Labasa. May I remind them through this column that the condition is bound to exacerbate during the imminent wet season with rainwater overflowing on the road itself since the drains are clogged. Ravind Chandra Naidu Tuatua Branch Rd, Labasa

What about EFL

Recently workers employed in Fiji Pine/Tropik Wood, Airports Fiji Ltd and Ports Authority Fiji received profit sharing bonuses, what about EFL workers? I believe EFL has also made an after tax profit as well, will the workers here receive their bonuses? Isaac Rounds Kuata St, Simla, Lautoka

Pine success

The turnaround of Fiji Pine Group of Companies (FT 17/12) is remarkable. Group executive chairman Faiz Khan made that bold decision almost eight years ago to throw out a $10 million bailout plan, opting instead for prudent financial management. Slowly but surely, the financial improved. Fiji Pine was able to service its debts, carry out infrastructure upgrades and reward its stakeholders. The amazing thing is that these were achieved without government subsidies. Congratulations, mata. Samu Railoa Tailevu

Climate change

Sorry Mareko Vuli (FT 17/12) I believe the semi-literate Donald Trump is not my reference point on climate change. The eminent natural scientist and environmentalist David Attenborough is because he is an authoritative and respected expert on the subject — which Trump is not. Furthermore nobody needs to paint Trump in a “bad light”. He does that very well himself! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia

Public service

Simon Hazelman’s letter on the above topic praising two ministers (FT 17/12) needs a reply. I believe these two ministers scored some of the lowest polls in the last election, save the vote sharing they became ministers. I believe democracy is about representation and we must follow suit. Amenatave Yaconisau Palm Drive, Delainavesi

Lottery

I’m just wondering why Australian lottery is the preferred lottery in Fiji when in fact American lottery is more generous in giving their prizes. Australian lottery gives only $A50 million or a little more while American lottery is a whopping $US850m. Is it possible to change Australian lottery with American lottery? Dr Joel Trazo Chadwick Rd, Nakasi

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