Bound for stardom
Victorian Ratu Meli Derenalagi made yesterday’s front page after Gareth Baber singled out him as the player to watch. The son of Vuniani “White Shark” Derenalagi and the nephew of tall timber Semisi Naevo, Meli was a star for the QVS rugby team and his performance earned him a spot in the national under-20 team that won the U20 trophy in Romania. He was then drafted into the national 7s team and was named as the 13th player but an injury to Jerry Tuwai prompted the team management to include him in the team and yes, he made an impact — those huge runs and big hits reminded me of the way Naevo ploughed his way into opposition half before scoring some scintillating tries. Derenalagi has done the whole of Nawaka proud and eyes will be on the giant this week to capture a huge performance. Finally, Derenalagi’s teacher Wame Rokomatu was proud of the achievement of Ratu Meli and wishes him all the best for the Cape Town 7s and I am sure that he will turn heads this weekend in Cape Town! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Derenalagi and Baber
The front page of The Fiiji Times 06/12 highlighted a sport article titled, “Baber rates Derenalagi highly” with the picture of the handsome young man. Even though I am grateful for Derenalagi, however, I find it difficult to believe Baber’s statement to be true, for if he really rated the young man highly, why then was he given minimum time to display his talents in the Dubai tournament? I hope Derenalagi will not be a last-minute substitute in Cape Town especially if he is rated highly by the coach. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Slaughter inspections
In the article (FT 6/12/12) entitled “Ministry urges slaughter inspections” Avinesh Dayal, acting director animal health and production, Ministry of Agriculture said that “when animals are slaughtered at functions it is recommended that the ministry’s livestock officers be informed and invited to inspect the animals to ensure that they are fit for human consumption”. The ministry would then ensure a trained meat inspector is present at such functions without any charge. Meat inspectors are trained to inspect animals before and during slaughter to ensure that animals slaughtered for their meat are thoroughly inspected to ensure the meat is safe for human consumption. I only hope that the ministry’s livestock officers and meat inspectors are also trained to ensure that the poor animals concerned are also transported and slaughtered in the most humane manner possible. Tim Howick-Smith Lami
Yellow vests
The “yellow vests” protests in France has certainly shown how difficult it would be to implement some of the proposed carbon emission reduction measures at the national level in the more industrialised countries. More so, when they affect those already burdened by the high costs of living. The COP24 certainly will have their work to reduce carbon emissions even harder than it is already. They will only hope that the protests will not spread outside Europe. I believe that the French protests is just a harbinger of more wider events in the future on the climate change issue. I also believe that more direct focus and purpose should now be aimed towards green energy non- fossil fuel sources and technologies for a cleaner environment, rather than less direct measures like fuel tax increases, if just to avoid the public backlash. Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour
True gentleman
Former US Secretary of State, James Baker, summed up in a few sentences the legacy of President George HW Bush, the 41st President of the United States of America, who passed away a couple of days ago. He said against great odds Mr Bush became the President of America by simply being nice to people. He said Mr Bush was a genuinely beautiful, wonderful, compassionate, and kind human being. He said you won’t hear anybody say any bad things about Mr Bush because no body believed bad things about him. He knew how to reach across the aisle and he made many friends on both sides of the house. Mr Baker completed his statement by questioning how we can get back to that in today’s politics, and said, that it’s a nice legacy for politicians of today to focus on. It is rare these days to come across a man who takes great care of himself, is strong in character, living life with integrity, honesty, empathy, and patience. There is indeed a great need for many of us to live a gentleman’s lifestyle. Simon Hazelman Savusavu
COP23 comments
After citing the COP23 Presidency Trust Fund second semi-annual report, I’d like to revisit the comments of the outgoing Conference of the Parties (COP23) president on November 24, 2017 at the welcome ceremony of the Fijian contingent from COP23 in Bonn, Germany at Draiba. The outgoing president said, “his proudest moment, however, and he thought many in the delegation would share this sentiment, came when they were able to share the best of Fiji with the world”. But I believe $8,686,717 was used for external professional services (consultants), these included strategic advice, negotiations support, capacity building, logistical support, communication and documentation drafting. It seems an extensive amount of capital was diverted to consultants who took over the role of capable civil servants and experts in Fiji and the region. So this COP23, was like the best of three “external professional consultants”. I believe these are the firms Baker McKenzie, Systemiq and Qorvis. Not the best of Fiji!? Peter Waqavonovono
Suva Career awaits 101 nurses
Smiles, hugs, warm wishes and excitement lit the TISI Sangam School of Nursing graduation ceremony as 101 nurses graduated and raised their hands to serve in the various hospitals around our country. We can never dispute the important roles nurses play in hospitals with the enormous challenges that would be faced by them. Pacific Community (SPC) director of education and quality assessment Dr Michelle Belise reminded the graduating nurses to use their knowledge and work with those around to solve the challenges that would be faced and that there was always more to learn. As I congratulate the 101 nurses, I wish them all the best for a colourful career and I also thank the TISI board for developing the TISI Sangam School of Nursing in the North that has provided an opportunity for those aspiring to become nurses and also for the existing diploma holders to upgrade their qualification. God bless TISI! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Tsunami test
I totally agree with the director for the National Disaster Management Office, Anare Leweniqila, tests should not be broadcast to the public. Anyway, this was to analyse the readiness status of those living along coastal areas. I read on Facebook the many comments from people who thought it was an inconvenience and that people should be warned when it’s a test. Excuse me, if you knew it was a test would you hurry to safety? Take it easy and be safe, the tests and warnings could just save your life one day. All I say is to think positive about the tsunami warnings, it’s not put in place for fun! Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Our government
May I remind my boy Narayan Reddy that it is not his government (FT 06/12). Nor is it Bainimarama’s government. It is our government, the Fijian government. Get it right my boy. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Personal attacks
I believe personal attacks against others is a common strategy used to hide the truth and also to cover up a person’s weakness from others. They leave the issue aside and go personal. In Latin, this is referred to as Argumentum ad hominem. Please take note people! Joeli Naleca Natabua, Lautoka
New minister
IT is encouraging that the new Minister for Education promises to work together with teachers and their representatives to improve the mess in the ministry. Dan Urai Lautoka
Opposition team
We saw them in the Opposition, debating on standing orders, presenting on the President’s speech and enjoying themselves. This meant that they had accepted the election result by taking their place on the opposite side. Then why challenge the electoral process and election result? While the legal proceedings will take its course, they will continue to be seen as the Opposition. Our amazing politicians. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Dubai 7s
Dubai 7s wasn’t our bounce of the ball to say the least. Against the Americans, who were quite on top of their game but like all games go, they turned out on top so we had to go into the plate, or a lower place in the semis. Well we came out victorious so vinaka ra boys. Another tournament to go. Our prayers are still in line and with you all in spirit. Phil. 4.13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” so never say die. Still a lot of legs to go and we just need to have the right players on the field and stick to the game plan. That’s all. You guys have the ammo to get the job done. Toso Viti, toso. Richard M. Abel Suva
Differences aside
Competition against each other has been the norm in our country for so long. My humble plea is for all of us to put aside our personal differences, abandon competition and endorse co-operation. And if this starts off in our Parliament, oh, what a future we would all have! Joeli Naleca Natabua, Lautoka
