Man of the moment
Every evening I stay glued to my TV screen to listen to Dr James Fong, the man of the moment. He brings hope and cheer on our faces. His dissemination of the latest information on the killer COVID-19 virus is chilling indeed. It is frightening that the matter can get out of control. It has already spread in Viti Levu. Some people in the Fijian community do not seem to grasp the gravity of the situation. They continue to violate the protocols laid down by Dr Fong and his team. Some go out on picnics and loiter around without masks. Those who show this lackadaisical attitude must be severely dealt with. I wish to assure Dr Fong that the nation deeply appreciates your team’s effort. We all want to live a COVID-19 free healthy life. Dewan Chand Donu Place, Ragg Ave, Namadi Heights, Suva
You go hero
Just about the same period last year the top brass were a hive of activities in front of the camera when heralding the few new cases of COVID-19. Lots of updates and repeated consequently down the line to Dr Khan. A year later, courageous Dr James Fong is seen fighting it alone. You go hero! Jioji O Toronibau Lajonia, Labasa
Hang in there
JUST when we were beginning to see a glimmer of hope of life returning to normal again the second wave of the deadly virus reared its ugly head. This time with more viciousness. All because of our own laxities. If only the new requirement for travellers to be quarantined in another country before entering Fiji was introduced earlier then perhaps we would not be in the situation we are in today. If only we had been more vigilant at the border and quarantine centres we will be moving freely and earning our living. But the damage has been done. Yet it irks my ire to see people hanging around as if everything was normal. Again people are being arrested for failing to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. When will they realise that their actions are placing others at risk? On a daily basis we read and hear heartbreaking stories of how families are suffering because of the present restrictions. Having lost their jobs and their source of income they are in a state of despair. They must be going through a lot of trauma worrying about where their next meal will come from. I see long queues outside the FNPF office which shows how desperate they are. The timely assistance from good Samaritanssuch as FRIEND Fiji will go a long way in rekindling their hope that they are not forgotten and help is on the way. Once again they have risen to the occasion to reach out to the poor and the hungry. If anybody is having difficulty downloading the application forms please contact me on 9952549. Please hang in there for together we will get through this. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
COVID briefings
I believe our permanent secretary for Health Ministry Dr James Fong is the man of the moment. His explanations are clear and concise during the media briefings on the pandemic. Dr Fong’s subtle skills to articulate answers on the spot are worth noting. He also has high level of emotional intelligence, especially when bombarded with questions from the media, as he hardly allows his emotions to take over his actions. At times he does raise his voice to emphasise to the media the importance of practising COVID-19 safe measures. However, I believe that this is human nature and his passion to see that all Fijians are COVID-free and Fiji is a COVID-19 contained country again. Not only this, his ability to juxtapose by using terms likes “bad apples”, “reality show” and “COVID tsunami” makes understanding easy. While some may say that he comes late to briefings, I think this is done to garner information from all over Fiji so that Fijians have an up to date information and are not misinformed. This man deserves heaps of accolades for the great work done so far. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to The Fiji Times for an in-depth analysis in both words and pictures with the COVID-19 fight. PRANIL RAM, Votualevu, Nadi
Help for poor
“SUPPORT needed for poor –– NFP” (FT 30/4). Of course support is needed for the poor. In America, the world’s richest country, support is needed for the poor and for others who were previously self-sufficient but now face poverty and hardships and need help even for food. The American state recognises this and has provided the necessary support. That’s what a responsible state does. The Fijian state authorities should do the same for its citizens in dire need because of their changed –– precarious –– circumstance brought about by COVID-19. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Valuable contribution
Many readers start their day with the people’s newspaper. Just like them, I start the newspaper by reading the letters to the editor column, as I get to read many educational, informative and enriching letters on a wide range of interesting topics. My instinct has taught me to respect everyone’s view or opinion because their contribution makes the letters to the editor column worth reading. I salute our letters to the editor contributors for educating us on many issues. I salute our letter writers from the Sugar City, the tourism town, the Old Capital, the friendly north and the Central Division. Allen, Dhirendra, Satish, Rouhit, Narayan, Wise, Arvind, Rajend, Selwa, Imraz, Kirti, Dan, Sukha, our poetry experts Mr and Mrs Bhindi, Naveen, Tuberi, Kositatino, Simon, Anthony, Raynav, Russel, Shalwyn, Amol, Jaheed, Pranil, Raymond, Jack, Jean, Edward, Nishant, Areki, Navneet, Tuberi (Chiuu), Rosa, Julie, Doe, Dwarka, Ronnie, Nigel, Dewan, Shamal, Paul, Floyd, Suresh, Vishnu, Steven, Shah, Korina, Bharat, Moses, Bimal, Jan, Tash, Mere, Tarun, Shad, Neelz, Raj, Prameeta, Deepsheka, Willard and Emosi are whole-heartedly thanked and acknowledged for their valuable contribution and insight, and for making the column a hit. Cheers! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Let’s be proactive
Be serious people. A total lockdown will affect many souls. The authorities are doing their part, we should play ours. This is no joke or fun game. Those who are finding it funny and making fun of this virus, I have words for you that you would not like to hear. People are dying and loved ones getting affected both mentally and emotionally. This is a collective move. One might not be bothered about his or her life but there are others connected in this. Some sacrifice now will be beneficial in the long run. Just praying is not enough if we are showing laxity where it matters the most. Today’s struggle will be the reason for the smile tomorrow. Let’s be proactive. United we stand, divided we fall. There’s no better time to reflect on this phrase than now. May God bless us all. Kirti Patel Lautoka
COVID-19 briefings
The daily COVID-19 briefings from our dear doc, echoed the words of our dearly departed elders, you making him sound like a “broken record”. Stay home, stay safe. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Decision-making issue
If people from highly infected nations weren’t allowed to return, we wouldn’t have had this issue. These are decisions the authorities should look at and review. Why the whole country needs to suffer when things could have been done in a more appropriate manner. Navneet Ram Lautoka
Wearing of masks
It’s great to see people wearing masks while shopping in town. Looks like people are following the rules for everyone’s safety. Stay safe folks. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
Hospitality business
Thought I’d share this quote a hotelier sent. “Would you like to know how it feels to be in the hospitality business during this pandemic? Remember when the Titanic was sinking and the band continued to play? Well, we are the band.” Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Worst enemy
Some suggest that we should be treating this virus like our worst enemy, while others advise they wouldn’t wish this upon their worst enemy. However, if we fail to follow the COVID-19 safety procedures then we will be our own worst enemy anyway. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Complying with restrictions
I went to Ba for a supply run and saw the usual welcome scene, of man on horseback, farmer with ploughing cattle, missing from the entrance into Ba. It dawned upon me, they complying to the COVID-19 restrictions. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Face mask
Why have some pharmaceutical companies increased the cost of face mask four times over the past month? It started at $25 a box, then up to $50 a box in just two weeks, and then to $75 a box just as everyone was told to wear them, and I just found out (April 23) that it had gone up to $100+? Stop taking advantage of the situation and trade fairly. And we only talking about face mask here. What a rip off! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
