Letters to the Editor – July 15, 2020

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St George Illawara and Fiji Bati winger Mikaele Ravalawa in action. Picture: loverugbyleague

Rugby league’s ‘Magic Dragon’

While Maika Sivo’s success with the Parramatta Eels makes him a special player, former Fiji under-18 7s captain, Fiji Bati winger and St George Illawarra flyer Mikaele Ravalawa, who has been labelled ‘The Magic Dragon’, has been flying. ‘The Magic Dragon’ played an instrumental role in the Dragons drubbing of the Manly Sea Eagles. The ‘big hits’ and the ‘flying legs’ of Mika will add spice to the Fiji Bati squad and the good news is that FNRL acting CEO Don Natabe has stated that the Galoa, Serua native has been pencilled in for next year’s RLWC. Mika, who is Fiji’s blooming talent, should be an asset for the Fiji Bati alongside Suliasi Vunivalu and Maika Sivo, who is worshipped by Parramatta Eels fans. Mika has a long way to go in the NRL campaign and I wish our ‘flying jet’ all the best! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Football’s reality check

To strengthen their squads and remain competitive teams, use transfer windows to buy players. But I think our football governing body needs to re-look at the objectives and rationale behind the transfer window. As a developing football nation can we afford these number of transfer windows? It seems like for some players it is a season in one club and the next in the other. Are some players holding clubs to ransom and putting in excessive demands? Losing more than half the squad or the core players for clubs may not do any favour to this sport. There are some clubs who have developed players but are not able to retain them as the offers by others are much bigger. I am sure Fiji FA is doing its best to see that these processes are as fair as possible and none of the parties are disadvantaged. Is money taking over all other priorities? Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi

Think tank

I find it hard for my friend from Savusavu, Mr Hazelman to accept and swallow the fact that as human beings we tend to make mistakes and will make mistakes during our lifetime simply because we are humans. There are no human beings I have ever known past, present or future who will never make a mistake or wrong decision in life. Unless you are some kind of superpower that makes you different from us, humans. I believe Shamima Ali was merely speaking on the need for our government to open up its doors for people outside parliament who can contribute effectively during a crisis such as the one we’re facing. It is not only our economy such as the agriculture sector which is suggested by Mr Hazelman but other social issues as well created by the crisis. I believe that is where the idea of bipartisanship arose. I believe our government is well known for taking a hard stance on bipartisanship. An old saying by C. S. Lewis “Two heads are better than ione”. Matter opens. Jioji Masivesi Cakacaka Nadi

Rohal’s story

Reading the story about Rohal Ram who is a Year 13 student and working as well to support his special brother and himself was emotional. Indeed great support from Elia who works with Rohal has proven that there is still humanity in this world. Such care for his brother and great help from a family has given him and his brother a new life. I think NGOs, the media and Government should support these kinds of cases in Fiji. Just to think we are struggling even with $100 weekly then imagine how hard it is for this teenager in these difficult times. I thank The Fiji Times for telling the public about this story as I’m sure supporters are on the way. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu Sigatoka

Living in denial

Living in false assumptions Not wanting to believe the truth Prejudiced ideas deepening the denial Denying their responsibilities But some denying everything Denying even the true facts And that’s a fact one cannot deny But denial a false effort to cling to false hopes Denial a purposeful ignorance When denial reigns truth is unrecognisable But denial cannot conceal truth Denial doesn’t give peace of mind Denial doesn’t solve any problems But denial too overpowering Now sinking into deception and self-denial And remaining more and more in denial Denying the fact that one is in denial And still living in denial. Bhagwanji Bhindi Nasinu

Thank you

Thank you Prof Vijay Naidu for calling on goment to diversify its economy during the Reset Fiji. An initiative aimed to provide a platform for robust discussions around ideas, innovations and solutions. I believe you’re not alone in thinking that and neither it’s the first to come forward with the suggestion. I believe several calls have been made in the past but yet all seemed to have  fallen on deaf years or perhaps
that goment gave little to no thought at all! I believe Fiji’s contemporary economic situation cannot be blamed on the COVID-19 alone. I strongly believe that the economic crisis our nation is in now had been projected way before the pandemic broke out. I believe there were economic indicators that were
showing unhealthy signs of the direction our economy was heading. I believe economists and concerned members of the public have been warning government to reduce its expenses and prioritise infrastructure
development and social assistance programs that have simply been a spending exercise  with very little to no impact at all. I earlier learnt in Year 11 geography class where tourism was one of  the syllables covered that the industry is never stable and cannot be relied heavily upon. Political instability and geothermal factors and a global pandemic breakout could severely impact the industry but alas, instead I believe our goment put all its eggs in that one basket and now facing problems stemming from it. Revive the sugar industry, clothing and textile industry, green economy, agriculture and horticulture. Meat industry and so
forth. These are all local  driven and goment needs to invest in these. I could go on ‘till the  cows come home but what’s the logic when you’re not being listened to? Along with Unity Fiji  party leader’s alternative budget response, all I can say is that the ball is safely now in the goment’s court and it’s totally up to them from now on. May commonsense prevail! ALIPATE TUBERI, Suva

Humbling issue

I was humbled to read Alipate Tuberi’s article in the Letter to Editor (FT 14/07) titled “My opinion”. Being ranked among the best writers across Fiji made me feel deeply honoured. Credit where due, The Fiji Times is the reason writers are able to express themselves freely. So much more to learn and explore. Vinaka Alipate and The Fiji Times! Raynav Chand Nakasi

Ideal platform

This is with reference to Alipate Tuberi’s opinion and line-up of people who according to him seem to know solutions to our country’s problems. As a matter of fact, when people engage in conversations, at some point they discuss problems in Fiji and suggest solutions. The setback is that those types of opinions remain between a pair or confined to a small group. Constructive opinions deserve a much wider audience. This column provides an ideal platform. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Line-up of writers

Take a bow Alipate Tuberi. Now let me try and put some ministerial posts against those names. Fred Wesley – Commander in Chief; Kirti Patel – Prime Minister /Minister for women; Rajnesh Lingam – Education; Kiniviliame Keteca – Agriculture; Wise Muavono – Roads (he owns a grader); Moses Mani – Swimming pools and real estate; Sukha Singh – Energy; Daniel Urai – Labour; Simon Hazelman – Fisheries; Richard Naidu – Chief Justice; Pranil Ram – Sports; Vijay Naidu – Finance; Rajend Naidu – Foreign Affairs; Nishant Singh – Law and Order; Satish Nakched – OHS and safety; Arvind Mani – Heritage and Arts; and Mohammed Imraz Janif – Local Government. The names mentioned are what I have gauged via the topics they write about and more. Most write about various topics that matter. Too all the other honourable contributors – perhaps foreign diplomatic postings. Allen Lockington – Look after the tanoa and serve grog, because that’s the arena where Government and the Opposition come together during breaks and the real deal is often talked about. Thank you Alipate Tuberi for taking the time to pen that letter — to you I bestore the title of Sergeant at Arms. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka

New political party

Alipate Tuberi has proposed a list of writers to the Letters to the Editor of The Fiji Times to make up a political party to contest the next general elections (FT 14/07). While it’s an honour to be included in the list I suggest we also include gentleman Alipate Tuberi to be part of this team. If there is one time in our history that a new political party is needed, it’s right now. The writers mentioned by Mr Tuberi have been very critical about our country’s problems, and also with each other, and have been providing solutions on a daily basis. There are several in the list who would make great leaders. Great minds indeed. We simply need to do it for half the current costs and we need good financial backers. Nothing is impossible! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu

World class

Recently, I read some articles that highlighted Tuvatu as a potential “world-class” mine. With the struggles of so many recently unemployed in the West, maybe they can push their project aggressively forward and start employing more locals in base work and other preparatory structural construction. This might help to restore the Nadi/Lautoka economy. Now, that would be “world class”. Conan Hatch Nadi Airport

FNPF members

THE initiative led by Ministry of Agriculture to encourage farmers to become voluntary members of FNPF is a great idea. However, it’s not clear who will meet the mandatory employer contribution since most of them are self-employed. Will this scheme also be extended to canecutters? Again it raises the issue of employer contribution? SELWA NANDAN Lautoka

No response

Still no response from authorities regarding my cone query. The deafening silence! Nishant Singh Lautoka

Race for roads

With the never-ending complaints about the potholes on our roads, I suggest that we organise marathons in municipalities. Allen should be the judge with SS from Labasa! Haha! Bill Kunavatu Misson Hill, Levuka

Real struggle

There’s a saying “the struggle is real”, but oh boy! It really is and you don’t have to look far. Gimme a buzz, let’s work this out together. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka

Caubati junction

This area has become an accident prone zone in recent times. I hope the relevant authorities are doing something to improve road safety there. Installation of appropriate lights, I feel, will go a long way to minimising chances of future accidents. Viliame V Savou Lautoka

Heavy trucks

Wairabetia Rd in Lautoka is now being used by all heavy trucks and machinery because of the weak Velovelo bridge. This is understandable but why can’t they fix the Wairabetia Rd which is in a pathetic condition? The road has sunk in many places. It needs grading and gravelling. The drains on both sides need cleaning. I think this road needs to be tarsealed. The concerned authorities must look into this with some urgency. Paras Naidu Lautoka

Party rules

Jan Nissar (FT 14/07) the simple answer is: A bad process constitutes attempts to circumvent the rules under the provisions of SODELPA’s constitution. Dan Urai Lautoka

Crisis centre

In a radio talkback show last week, the guest highlighted that the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre caters for the male population as well. While I do not know what percentage of the male population is already aware of this revelation, in today’s age, it’s high time Fiji has a corresponding organisation to address men’s needs. Something like Fiji Men’s Crisis Centre. This will surprise us. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

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