Letters to the Editor – November 22, 2019

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Fijian war dance, the ‘cibi’. Picture: SUPPLIED

Flying Fijians’ cibi

I have been watching our Flying Fijians performing the “cibi”. To me they are saying it so fast. It would be nice if it is said in a not so fast pace so we could understand what is being said. When it comes to ‘rai tu mai,rai tu mai’, they should be pointing their hands to the opposition teams. They are not doing it. Is it possible to have a new version of the “cibi” or are we going to “bear with us” for the time being. If I am correct it is more than four decades now. Those at the ‘white house’ are you reading this? Vili Yaranamua Nadi

Traffic lights

How come none of the traffic lights work well in Lautoka? It’s either one light not working at one traffic light, traffic light not in a position for motorists to see properly, and one works on timer and continues lighting up for pedestrians when no pedestrian is around. With the fat share of the national budget given to Fiji Roads Authority, it’s sad to see the condition of streetlights in Lautoka. John Brown Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka

For the record

Interesting that our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is condemning domestic violence perpetrators (FT 20/11). In his words he said, “Let me be clear, that men who perpetrate physical and sexual violence and who employ psychological intimidation, and as well as apologist who defend them, are all the same breed of cowards”. His words remind me of his case where he verbally abused and physically manhandled honourable Pio Tikoduadua, and all the people who defended him. Just for the record. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua

Just fix our roads

The Fiji Roads Authority said it had terminated the contract for the delivery of the Suva Arterial Road Upgrading Project 2. This is the project that was to rehabilitate 17 seriously deteriorated roads within greater Suva area. The question the FRA chief executive officer needs to tell the people of Suva is when will these roads be repaired because we are just tired of driving on these bad, bumpy roads with tonnes of potholes. Nailuva Rd, Karsanji Rd, Brown St, Ratu Sukuna Rd, Fletcher Rd, Milverton Rd, Augustus St, Amy St, Nairai Rd, Robertson Rd, Gordon St, Ratu Mara Rd near Nabua and the list goes on and on. We have had enough of the hiring and firing stories, please just fix the roads. The buck stops with you, please take responsibility and please get the roads repaired. It doesn’t make sense to me that when so many roads in Suva are in bad shape then we go ahead in upgrading Nasese foreshore, confused. DHARMENDRA KUMAR Rewa St, Suva

Young athletes

The performances by our young athletes in the 2019 Chow Games in Suva, just shows the abundance of raw talent that we have in our primary schools today. The sheer determination and the enthusiasm shown by these athletes, is indeed a sight to behold. It’s even more surprising when we realise the financial hardship, the very basic facilities and the often difficult conditions that they have to contend with, as well as the isolation and distances that exist, just to compete at one of these meets. I am sure that with proper training on techniques and strategies and regular exposure to the high level of competition, these young athletes will definitely be forces to reckon with in the future. Oftentimes, it is usually the lack of these basics, along with the absence of the appropriate support structures, that unfortunately dampens the initial enthusiasm and the determination and will to continue competing beyond the primary school level, or if lucky, beyond secondary school level. The annual Chow Games not being held for the past years, has not helped either. I am sure statistics will show that only a handful of these athletes reach Pacific Games and international standards, from the initial enthusiastic thousands. I think that one of the many ways to resolve this gap, is probably to have our own sports academy or a high performance type of institution for athletes, to enable a smooth transition from the primary school level to the international stage. This will enable a third stream to be available to our youngsters. Such a stream could capture, for a better future, all those youngsters, who may not qualify to continue in the academic field or alternatively in the trade and technical fields. Otherwise, they would have just fall by the wayside, become unemployed
and a liability to society. This can become a win -win situation for everyone in the end, if indeed something like this come into fruition. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour

Tough battle

Last year, Police defeated Army (41-17) in the Sukuna Bowl challenge after dominating play throughout the game giving no chance for the Army side to retaliate. Police scored tries through Sauvoli, Matai, Keponi Paul, Waqatabu, Kurukavu and player of the match Radrodro while Army’s tries were scored by Levula and Raidre. Building up to the thrilling encounter, fans should expect a tough and enterprising battle, especially after the success of the Flying Fijians against the Barbarians. The sale of T-shirts, banners and flags is expected to take fans by storm and fans can expect the ANZ Stadium to be a sea of red, green and blue as Army and Police fans will be pouring in huge numbers to witness the ancient rivalry between the forces. It all looks good and fans can expect “fast and furious” hits that should keep them on the edge of their seats. Police will be aiming for their 32nd title in the thrilling encounter while Army will be out to capture lost glory. Both teams have named exciting sides to play each other and I extend my best wishes to the traditional rivals! I’m predicting a tight one! As I conclude, my best wishes to our students and teachers who are going on a well-deserved vacation! Cheers! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Sukuna Bowl

Sukuna Bowl challenge rugby is an annual tradition when two teams come to mind, who not only played in the prestigious challenge but later went on to represent the nation in rugby. The Sukuna Bowl is an annual rugby union fixture that usually takes place in Suva, Fiji. The game is usually played at the ANZ Stadium. The Sukuna Bowl is contested between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. This big event has a large audience and it’s about sportsmanship. Every team has a game plan and every audience has its own favourite player. Now we see who will thrive at the end of this season. The heat is on so “don’t hate the player, hate the game”. Let the game begin, all the best for both teams. Neelz Singh Lami

Parliament sittings

The Parliament sittings for next year is now reduced to six sittings or five days per sitting. My question to our elected representatives is, will it be worth the debate? Or every Bill and law made will be fast-tracked? I believe our Parliament is fast losing people’s confidence nowadays. It’s becoming more like a place of using numbers rather than healthy and constructive debates before passing Bills. We the people will be accountable to whatever laws made by you our representatives. And I believe no one wants to be trapped in a fast-tracked law later. Pita Soroaqali Nadarivatu

Measles issue

Can the Ministry of Health explain why they are very selective on those to be vaccinated during the measles outbreak? Or what message they want to convey to the public? Very confusing aye! Pita Soroaqali Nadarivatu

Minister’s inefficiency

Forty-eight students in a class. One wonders how teachers cope amid what I believe is the minister’s inefficiency. Dan Urai Lautoka

Six sittings

I hear there will be only six parliamentary sittings next year. Reasons have been stated. Views have been aired and floated around. May I be permitted to add mine as well. I think the heatwaves from the Opposition side are increasing in height. Perhaps because of an overheated debate chamber. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Thank you

I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to all members of NSSOSA Ra branch for the wonderful vakacirisalusalu and end of the year party which was held over the weekend. To those of you who were present and made this dream happen, I wish to say thank you very much for setting yet another standard. It’s a sign of teamwork though some of us were not available because of various commitments. To other branches and former scholars out there, we the members of Ra branch have now set the standard and platform to revive our commitment to a school which I believe moulded most of us to where we are today. To other branches out there, we invite you to take your cue from us. There’s no turning back now for us as we wanted to keep the momentum rolling and flying towards the 2020 meeting. It’s only onwards and upwards from here. Pita Soroaqali Nadarivatu

Carpet problem

Another issue seemingly brushed aside. The carpet must be getting too small to cover all the trash being swept under it. Pssst, I have two here in Kava Place for you FOC when you run out of carpets. My advice, you will run out of carpets, soon! Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka

Pay of canecutters

One reason local people do not want to cut cane could be the wages are too little compared with the hard work required. Sukha Singh Labasa

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