Better days ahead
I’M pleased with the efforts shown by Fiji Bati coach Brandon Costin as he led the Fiji Bati to two thunderous wins over Toa Samoa and the PNG Kumuls. After belting Samoa (44-18), the Bati did not waste time outclassing the Kumuls (22-20) to gain automatic promotion and battle the Kiwis and the Mate Ma’a (meaning die for Tonga) Tongans. At least this will give our Bati quality matches before the 2021 RLWC in England. Fiji has failed to progress beyond the semis as our boys lost to the Kangaroos in the past two RLWCs but Costin has the boys capable of playing in the final. Indeed, better days ahead! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Our version of Big Ben
OUR version of London’s Big Ben stands atop our very own Government Buildings. It has four faces and the faces are lit and people can tell the time even in the dark. However, pictures of it that have been published in The Fiji Times over time, has shown it shows different times on the four faces. When looking back at our sometimes laid-back life which has been referred to as “Fiji time” and the more fancied one called “malua fever”, I said to myself, “That’s the Fiji time and malua fever that many people live their life by.” So don’t fix the clock, leave it like that — it’s telling us of our sometimes lazy lifestyle. And now that we have daylight saving, it’s even gone more malua than ever. Or should that be totolo? (faster) ALLEN LOCKINGTON Lautoka
World Diabetes Day
ON November 14 each year, World Diabetes Day aims to increase awareness of the effects of diabetes and the complications caused by the disease. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations around the world. These organisations arrange events at international, national and local levels. Events include: l Conferences, workshops and seminars for health and public policy professionals; l The distribution of information to encourage at risk individuals to be screened for diabetes; l Events to highlight diabetes in local and national media, including television, newspapers and internet publications; and l The World Diabetes Day bike races to increase awareness of diabetes. Diabetes is the common name for a range of conditions including diabetes mellitus type 1 and diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetes insipidus and gestational diabetes. These are all conditions, which affect how the pancreas (an organ in the digestive system) secretes insulin or how the body reacts to this hormone. Depending on the type and severity, diabetes is controlled by dietary measures, weight loss, oral medication or injected or inhaled insulin. There is a wide range of short and long-term complications of diabetes including foot and eye problems and vascular diseases. About 40 per cent of the Pacific Island region’s population of 9.7 million has been diagnosed with a non-communicable disease, notably cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension. These diseases account for three quarters of all deaths across the Pacific archipelago and 40–60 per cent of total healthcare expenditure, according to a meeting on obesity prevention and control strategies. Promotion of traditional foods has fallen by the wayside. They are unable to compete with the glamour and flashiness of imported foods, in Pacific Islands may know what constitutes healthy eating but, as in many parts of the world, governments struggle to change people’s behaviour. The occasion aimed to raise awareness of diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition need. Governments, non-governmental organisations and private businesses are encouraged to increase awareness of the disease, particularly among the general population and the media. World Diabetes Day was first commemorated on November 14, 2007, and is observed annually. Civil leaders around the world issue proclamations on World Diabetes Day to raise awareness of diabetes in their communities. Many events aim to raise money for research into treatments for diabetes. Exercising regularly and eating healthy diet will bring the best out of you. Vinaka NEELZ SINGH Lami
Barbarians vs Fiji
TWO weeks after the 2019 RWC, Fiji takes on the Barbarians on the famous Twickenham turf in London, United Kingdom. Respectfully, to clear negative perceptions, without fear and favour, allow me to ask, with courage, the real purpose of such an expensive outing, halfway across our earthly South Pacific under “failed” RWC coach John McKee? Who pays? Is there any real value in our World Rugby rankings so very soon after the 2019 RWC? Or is this another fancy expensive outing at someone’s expense? Sometimes, tough unpalatable learned questions must be asked if democracy is indeed alive and well here at home, in true vuvale spirit. Without any animosity and rancour, I await answers with desired civility, please. Will the Fiji Rugby Union respond amicably, please? Thank you in advanced earnest anticipation. RONNIE CHANG Martintar Nadi
Australian roads
I TRAVEL often to Australia to visit kinfolk who have made Darwin their home since my grandfather went there as a missionary. One time we drove up from Brisbane which is a 38-hour drive by car. The scenery is breathtaking. We stopped along the way to rest, have lunch or a snack. There are also designated places to stop and rest. The distance is some 3426 kilometres according to our map. The road is tarsealed and beautiful. We don’t see potholes. How do they maintain their roads to such tiptop conditions considering the cost and the distance. And then I come back home and say, “Isa Natabua.” ILIESA BARAVILALA Lautoka
Street sweepers
WHAT happened to all the street sweeping trucks. I can’t see them operating in Lautoka. I wonder who will take the blame for buying all these trucks which I believe have broken down. With new administrators who run successful businesses, I hope that they put that same magic into municipal council affairs and reduce the expenses and increase the output. Remember it’s all about the dollar. Those machines were bought to clean the barren dusty places. JOHN BROWN Lautoka
Grilles on culverts
IT’S about time all municipal councils install grilles on all culvert openings. This will definitely save lives. WISE MUAVONO
Lautoka New potholes
A LOT of new potholes just appeared after slight rain around most streets at Lautoka. Is something wrong with our roads or were the raindrops that strong that it dug up our roads. NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Assault on police
THE rising cases of assault on police officers around the country is setting a dangerous trend. Those attackers are not only attacking Fijians in police uniforms but challenging the law itself. These incidents are going to increase the insecurity felt by members of the public. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Hard questions
IN his letter ”Sidestepping of hard issues” in FT 11/11, Mr Rajend Naidu interestingly stated that “… it has become pretty much the norm for leaders at … international and regional meets to dodge the hard questions requiring of them to do what’s right and to dwell instead on what is politically expedient”. I am also of the opinion that the stance taken on climate change is a classic example. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour
Daylight saving
FOR those managing a small office, just follow normal time. Start work at 9am DST and knock off at 6pm DST. Less traffic congestion and heat bearable to tend to your backyard garden, farm or afternoon walk. DAN URAI Lautoka
Power in check
“TRUMP’S road to impeachment paved by all the president’s yes-men” (Bloomberg, 11/11/19) brings home the peril of having a leader or government surrounded by sycophants rather than honest and frank advisers who point out when the leader or administration is going wayward in their conduct of state affairs. That keeps abuse of power in check and the integrity of democratic governance intact. Without it democracy is damaged. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
