Fijian storm looms
Excitement continues to build in Hamilton and at home as we count hours to the Hamilton 7s. Our veteran journalist in Hamilton Maikeli Seru is leading an excellent buildup and I’m sure that he will team up with another veteran (Rama) to bring all the thrills to our doorsteps. Although we are away from Hamilton, I’m thankful that readers of our number one newspaper are getting the latest updates as our boys prepare to swing into action. In Tuesday’s The Fiji Times, Baber mentioned that Fijians perform well with no distraction. In the past, 7s fans have noticed the “sleepy attitude” of our boys resulting in losing crucial games because of lapse in concentration. Furthermore, Baber did not mince his words when he mentioned that Fijian players were the best in the world when they were free to think and they were removed from distractions and whether the Welshman agrees or no, fans want nothing else but a win in Hamilton so Baber will have to psychologically tune our warriors for a tremendous performance in terms of defence and attack. Our boys were in full smiles (FT 22/01) as they departed for Hamilton and I hope that they will maintain their cool and composure in Hamilton and deliver something incredible just as was seen in the heart of Africa! As for now it’s time to relax and reflect on the coming Hamilton 7s! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Favourite hunting ground
I’d say the best win in the series last year was in Hamilton. Hamilton seems to be one of Fiji’s favourite ground not only of the ground condition but the atmosphere is similar to our home ground as most Fijians are at the grounds than any other country. I believe there would be more Fijians than last year as most from Fiji are heading to Hamilton this weekend to see Fiji retaining glory. The boys are raring to go and the fans are ready as always and we should be in for a treat this weekend. My prayers and support are with the boys. Nasoko and the boys show it to them. Go Fiji, go. Tomasi Boginiso Nepani, Nasinu
Go Fiji, go
The Fiji Times deputy sports editor Maikeli Seru and evergreen photo man Rama with their write-ups and photos will add firepower to our defence of the Hamilton Sevens. A mud bath storm looms and no doubt the fan base will spark the resurgence. Go Fiji, go chants and shouts will continue until the last minute. Top commentators say we are the gold mine in sevens and we can produce an abundance of talent in any tournament. We are producing talents all around the globe in sevens. The top two teams in the series, USA and NZ, rode on the back of Fijian talent to claim recent victories. Rama and Seru will not only showcase our local talent but also give us a true indication of Fijian talent around the globe. Thank you The Fiji Times for reaching out to the world. Joka Viti kei na vuravura, mana magic. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Police recruitment
A relative of mine who attended the police recruitment event at Nasova in Suva this week shared how inconsiderate the police were when thousands of young men and women spent hours around the Fiji Police Training Academy in Nasova either in the hot sun or heavy rain without shelter or even some form of refreshment. Some of these youths travelled great distances to attend the recruitment drive and spent most of the few days this week out in the open, at times seeking shelter from other offices across the road. I believe greater planning to provide the proper environment would not be amiss to make life a little easier for the aspiring candidates especially since this is what they come across every time the police recruits. Emosi Balei Suva
Unfortunate disclosure
The disclosure about the unfortunate situation of 55 people from a village in Navua is unacceptable in the 21st century. They have endured this for decades. These villagers need assistance from their unsanitary living which could be detrimental to their health. It is deleterious, insalubrious and inhumane. As unbelievable as it is, Navua is only a few kilometres from the thriving Capital City. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Stray dogs
I am writing to express my growing concern and excruciating dilemma regarding the stray dogs in our Waiyavi community. Recently, there has been a sudden increase in the population of stray dogs in our neighbourhood. Vicious-looking dogs roam the neighbourhood in packs and this phenomenon is causing terror to spread among the residents. It is not only the sight of the dogs that are frightening the people, but also the reported cases of residents being bitten and chased. The hungry wild dogs frequently mess up the rubbish in rubbish bins by knocking them over and tearing the plastic bags used to hold the trash. Not only is it making the roads and alleys dirty and smelly, such occurrences also attract flies, rats and other pests. It is also disgusting to see dog poop on the streets, while on my walk I stepped on dog poop down the street to the shop and having to dodge, step or even trip into a pile of dog poop. During the night-time, these dogs cause a nuisance as they bark and cry, forcing residents to lose sleep. Some of the dogs look infected and diseased and I fear they may spread terrible diseases such as rabies to residents. I sincerely hope that the Lautoka City Council will look into our problem seriously, before it exacerbates and they will soon provide us with relief. Nelson Narayan Lautoka
Reflection, prayer
After much thought, silent reflection and prayer, I am now of the self-belief that the impasse, without vital prior consultation between the permanent secretary for Education, Alison Burchell, reform consultant Jane Curran and the Catholic Church under our good shepherd, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong that this heavy-handedness involving our respected principals from both our Western Division secondary schools, Xavier College in Ba and St Thomas High in Lautoka, can be amicably resolved, the Pacific way. In the true spirit of the internationally acclaimed COP23 “talanoa session” and recently mentioned “Vuvale Partnership”, a bati ni tanoa vosa matua between the right honourable prime minister and his grace, the Archbishop is the only way forward. Respecfully, we do not need foreigners or expatriates to preach to us about secularism, human rights and anti-discrimination. Generally, we are peace-loving and law-abiding citizens in a land dubbed “the way the world should be”. We are patient, tolerant and understanding. We are older and wiser enough to handle this sad impasse “our Pacific way” without all this undue fear, favour, bias, malice and hurtful exchanges. I pray good sense prevails. Ronnie Chang Nadi
Policy defence
Even allowing for typographical error (“Scared Heart” not “Sacred Heart”) and dubious grammar not her own making, Alison Burchell’s policy defence statement (FT 19/1) misses the point. Religion or faith in schools, the permanent secretary says, is “value-added”. A sort of top-up. Take it or leave it according to taste. Yet that’s not how believers such as Catholic teachers, parents, and a lot of others see it. Faith to them and others like them is not an “extra” or add-on. It is the ground on which education — knowledge and understanding of the world- is built. Ms Burchell has it the other way round. She’s erases what (like it or not) is essentially Fijian: religiosity, its emotional support, moral compass, and social cement. There is a difference between religion and faith. You can be knowledgeable about another’s religion without believing in it. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices concerning what is good and godly. Faith is personal and collective belief in such a system. I believe for this reason faith-based schools such as the Catholic ones, insist on principals and head teachers who adhere to and practise their faith. Practices that include being open and respectful to people of other faiths, including those studying or teaching in their own schools. I believe if faith-based schools in Fiji not barred to teachers of other faiths cannot be led by good educationists who are persons of faith then policy and sectors of the community will remain at loggerheads. In Catholic eyes, faith is a necessity but not sufficient qualification when it comes to school leadership. Ipso facto technical qualifications alone are insufficient, evidential faith is also required. The record of Catholic education about which others have eloquently attested, and which for generations has served inter-faith tolerance and respect, speaks for itself. Politicians and policymakers should listen more closely and speak up. Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
Plastic fish
Your article about more plastic than fish by 2050 is a warning to us and the world (FT 9/1). This is very serious. This is no longer a joke. It’s happening around the world and it’s going to happen here in Fiji too. Believe it or not. The seconds, minutes, hours, weeks, months and the years will never wait for us. The “time bomb” is ticking (day and night) and it’s going fast. Vili Yaranamua Nadi
Among winners
While I congratulate the various winners of The Fiji Times “Back to School” promotion (FT 22/01), I must say it was a delight to see former school principal and academic Bhagwanji Bhindi win the Nataraj and Mendoza school stationery hamper. A guru by profession, Mr Bhindi continues to inspire young writers and I believe the down-to-earth gentleman has a lot to offer to our young generation. Best wishes Mr Bhindi! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Flooded drains
Now that we will be having heavier downfalls, the engineers can gauge how big the drains should be. Nausori flooded, it has drains approved by engineers. You get what I mean? Now widen all the drains or keep them clean and clear. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka Rugby 7s The Hamilton 7s is just days away and Fiji fans are hopeful for the best outcome on Sunday evening. I will be most interested in the performance of young Vilimoni Botitu at rover. Let’s wait and enjoy. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Plastic bags
Experts tell us there may be more plastic bags than fish in our oceans. I believe instead of stopping manufacture of plastic bags, the Government increases levy for use of plastic bags from 10 cents to 20 cents. Dan Urai Lautoka
Road conditions
Road conditions after a heavy downpour seem to be common on our roads nowadays. In some scenarios the long traffic queues are caused by vehicles slowing down because of potholes. In some areas you cannot turn away from potholes because they are everywhere. Hopefully the new roads under construction have included the theory of not having potholes in heavy rain. The filling that is done by the relevant authority is not a solution because these fills get washed away during heavy rain. Hopefully they have other methods of solving this problem. Tomasi Boginiso Nepani, Nasinu
