Letters to the Editor – July 30, 2020

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Ben Volavola of Fiji attacks against Australia during the Rugby World Cup in Japan. Picture: SUPPLIED

Flying Fijians to join top competition

AS an Irish citizen but resident of Fiji, I am very happy to have confirmed (FT editorial, 29/07) that Fiji will join an expanded Six Nations championship this northern autumn. Just one thing — can it also be confirmed that there will actually be flights from Fiji to Ireland before November? And if there are flights, is there not a massive risk of either another sudden lockdown in Europe (stranding Fijian players there) and/or the nightmare, but not unthinkable possibility, of Fijian players bringing back COVID to our shores? In other words, is the timing of all of this wise? PAT COLGAN Ba Top eight tournament THE FRU board and the outgoing chairperson Francis Kean must be commended for initiating Fiji’s inclusion in a revised eight-team tournament alongside the Cherry Blossoms and the Six Nations teams — England, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This means that our boys will get an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders against the Tier One Six Nations and also against the brave Blossoms who made last year’s RWC quarters as pool winners. Fiji has been named in the pool of death alongside Ireland, Wales and England. The top eight-tournament begins in November and trust me fans are in for a treat of enterprising and fast-flowing rugby especially after the Six Nations tournament was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I’m sure we will enjoy seeing our boys take part in the competitive revised tournament. For now let’s put aside the Nadroga vs Suva result for it is beyond our control as the referee had the final say and the Stallions defended the Farebrother Trophy and gained four points in the Skipper Cup. To my brother Tuberi and the Suva fans, please wait for round two. You’ll get the opportunity for revenge. Until then Hakwa Nadro, hakwa! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Government response

GOVERNMENT doesn’t have to tell us what good they have done, they should respond to what the opposition has noted that can be improved, so improve on it. Don’t tell us about the better health services and the new market and the new bridge. Don’t go on the defensive and counter the opposition. That is your responsibility. RAHUL PRASAD Lautoka

Above criticism

FROM the vitriolic attacks on The Fiji Times, I get a sense that some people in power in Fiji regard themselves above criticism. I should like to point out that even the most powerful man in the world Donald Trump, the President of the United States of America, is not above criticism. He is not only criticised constantly but many books have been written criticising him and his leadership. That’s how democracy works. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia

Friendship poem

FRIENDSHIP is a special bond Nurtured to strengthen and go beyond As it is tested through hard times along To become even stronger and last longer Distances of time and space Do not affect friendships strong place Friends make me realize my potential Wanting me to soar higher than my credentials Friends stand by me in every situation In times of emergencies and tribulation When skies are gloomy and grey Friends show me the way Lighting my way to a glorious day Friends are stars lightening dark pathways Showing me the righteous ways Empowering me with wisdom Sometimes guiding me with criticism Telling me my faults to give new vision Standing by me in joy and strife Friends are a boon to a lonely life A blessing to a depressed many Selflessly sharing time and money Shedding blood, sweat and tears for me Giving memories to live by and remember Friends have taught me many lessons Even giving me much possessions Friends believe in me in full essence And are willing to die for me on any occasion Friends are a mirror of my reflections Of myself, my thoughts and actions Friends mould my true personality Making me what I am today in reality Friends are my life in every endeavour And I pledge my friendship to them forever (This poem is dedicated to International Day of Friendship celebrated on July 30). BHAGWANJI BHINDI Nasinu

Touching story

I WAS touched when a friend shared how The Fiji Times newspaper impacts his son’s education. His son is currently a Year 6 student. And he continues to impress with his schoolwork. He has been taking out the top English prize for their class and either comes first or second in the annual exams. He shared that his son is not interested in reading any other books or stories but The Fiji Times. I asked why is that? His reply was: “Baleta ni levu kina na ka yaga kei na ka ni vuli” it mostly contains important and educational topics. He made special mention about the Letters to the Editor section. Recently a top government official was quoted labelling The Fiji Times newspaper “a joke”. Now if a mere 12-year-old prefers reading The Fiji Times newspaper than any other books, that to me speaks volumes about the The Fiji Times’ worth and how much it means to its readers. May I conclude with saying thank you to our friend for attributing part of his son’s success to The Fiji Times. I wish his son all the best of luck in his education and future endeavours. ALIPATE TUBERI Suva

Fijian views matter

A MONTH before Fiji marks 50 years of independence, The “Your Voice” Fiji Times will complete 151 years of independent publication. As its name suggests, it is everyone’s newspaper. Every Fijian counts. All Fijian views matter. In my many years of reading, I have failed to conclude that The Fiji Times diverted from the vision of it’s founder, George Littleton Griffiths, and developed a culture of “Io saka”.
Under these circumstances, it is quite normal that The Fiji Times receives  negative comments every
now and then. In the simplest of words, it is neither state media nor for the purpose  of serving the interests of a particular group of people. The Fiji Times is unbiased. It even publishes its  own criticism. It belongs to a global family of mainstream media organisations  which live with this  reality every day.
The Fiji Times makes Fijians believe that we have a voice. It is a voice for the poor Fijians crushed by
poverty. It is a voice for the  needy Fijians suffering in silence. It is a voice for suppressed  Fijian individuals and communities who want to open up. From the first editorial: “On this subject our
columns shall give no uncertain sound. We have no party interests to serve and our columns are open on all occasions for free discussion, subject only to the usual restrictions of a free  press” — George Littleton
Griffiths. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka

Budget issues

It is inconceivable and incomprehensible that Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says that our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama should seriously consider removing Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum from managing government finances. I believe to also say that our A-G should be sacked for bringing the economy to its knees just confirms Mr Rabuka’s lack of understanding of economics, an area which he simply cannot comprehend. First and foremost, Mr Rabuka, the Opposition, and everyone else in this country needs to understand that we cannot be measuring and comparing the economies of 1980 with 1990 or 1990 with 2000 or 2000 with 2010 or 2010 with 2020 or 2020 with 2030. There are many factors to consider when we look at the past, the present, and the future. When we look back at the past six-seven decades, economic development presented all countries with many contradictions. There have been unprecedented rises in per capita income with many developing countries such as Fiji. Over this time we’ve crossed the threshold from low-income to middle-income status. Time changes and with it circumstances and we need to respond in a like manner to these underlying forces of change. We should count ourselves lucky to have someone as brilliant as Mr Sayed-Khaiyum taking care of our economy because neither Mr Rakuba, nor anyone in the Opposition can do a better job than that of our Prime Minister, A-G and their clever team. If there is one who should be removed from Parliament most of all, it is Mr Rabuka himself, because I would be very concerned if he was in control. He messed up big time in the past and it sure seems like his thinking has never changed. Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu

Rugby scrum

In the match between Nadroga and Suva last Saturday, Nadroga clearly had the dominant scrum. There is enough evidence from the first whistle to the last. A dominant scrum is a rugby weapon to attack the opposing team. The Suva scrum was consistently pushed back. Their front row consistently infringed because of the pressure. They folded in. They went to ground. They placed their hands on the ground. The referee cannot be blamed for consistent scrum infringements in a rugby match. Unless the referee chooses to pack down with a team which never occurs. It is normal that referees cop it regularly. It is a side effect of their job description. In sports, the losing team and its loyal supporters target the referee. It is out of passion to win. But no team wins all the time. I am not coming up with this as a justification because the prized silverware remains in the West. Although I am an avid follower of local and overseas rugby in many competitions, I just have one team. Fiji. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Choices

Sad to see some countries choosing economic health over people’s health. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

The budget

Because of the current economic conditions the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off. It’s not original but quite appropriate. Pratap Singh Jetha Lal St, Suva

Criticism

I’m not surprised The Fiji Times has been criticised. This is what happens when you tell it like it is. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka

Budget speech

I admire honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua for her budget response speech. She didn’t mince her words. Now that’s a woman that should be prime minister. Vinaka my tauvu, you are a woman of substance. Mere Lagilagi Raviravi, Ba

Thank you

Thank you Lenora Qereqeretabua for your contribution towards the budget. I believe you spoke the truth and told Government what they are doing wrong. Kadavu ga sa rawata. John Brown Lautoka

Hearty thanks

A big vinaka vakalevu to honourable Qereqeretabua for raising the canned fish issue and also hearty thanks for appreciating our two heroes from the Sugar City, Narayan Reddy and Allen Lockington. Amol Kumar Lautoka

Referees

I believe with the live television coverage of football now, our referees are under the spotlight. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi

Clean place

I think Taveuni is one of, if not the cleanest places in Fiji. People of Taveuni take a lot of pride and always keep their surroundings clean. They don’t litter as experienced in some major town and cities. Sharif Shah Savusavu

Issue of respect

When we see the hunger and the suffering firsthand, I believe the bickering by our leaders is disrespectful, much like those that tell the newly unemployed, to pick themselves up, one door closes, etc., but from a platform and security of employment. Be different, be genuine, be respectful and stick to the issue at hand. It’s not “Time for a change”, it’s more “Be the change”. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka

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