Best in her field
Congratulations to Dama villager Venina Rakautoga for her success (ST 21/10). To top this up, the upcoming journalist achieved what most boys achieved during their studies in media and journalism and that was scooping the sports reporter’s award. Venina paid tribute to the struggles and sacrifices that she encountered when she was studying. Bravo Nina! Then the icing on the cake was when she received the award from our editor Fred Wesley. All the best in your future endeavor Nina! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Talking about race
To be frank, I am sick and tired of listening to political parties who are talking about race, race, and nothing else but race. There is no point in trying to eradicate racism when you keep bragging about it and there is no point in boasting a common identity when you are causing fear and disunity. I am humbly requesting these political parties to focus on issues and their manifestos for we want to know: 1. What can you do about the high cost of living? 2. What can you do about unemployment? 3. What can you do about upgrading heath facilities and services? 4. What can you do about workers’ rights? 5. What can you do about just wages? 6. What can you do about VAT? 7. What can you do about indigenous rights? And the list goes. There are many useful issues to talk about and yet all I hear and read is race, race, and nothing else but race. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Census results
Why have all the results of the last census not been released to us the public when we are the people who gave the information? I will not give any census team from the Bureau of Statistics any information next time around. Naca Nabukavou Waqadra, Nadi
Drua team
A big vinaka vakalevu to the Drua team and management. Despite the heavy rain, we made it to Churchill Park. When the game started we were cold and wet. Well into the game my sons said, “Na, we just go back home.” I told them to wait awhile. The Drua went up a notch and guess who were the loudest people cheering. We won 35-28 to the Vikings. The Vikings have ships built to raid and conquer. We also have a sailing vessel — it’s called the mighty Drua and it’s sailing along pretty well. As we filed out of the park my boys said, “Na, next week again?” I didn’t say anything, I just high fived with them. Mate nai lavo! Mere Lagilagi Lovu, Lautoka
Gallant fightback
The Drua versus Vikings clash reminded me of the All Blacks versus Springboks clash where players from the reserve bench made an impact. Hats off to Seruvakula for the timely substitutions that lifted the intensity and firepower in the Drua! My man-of-the-match award had to go to Johnny Dyer who showed immense strength and character and was instrumental in the home semi-final win. The Drua has indeed created history — our boys topped the NRC points table; they wrestled home the Horan-Little Shield; we hosted the NRC semi for the first time and now Fiji prepares to host the final in just our second year of participation. Apart from this, eight members of the super-fit Drua side have made McKee’s northern tour. While the first half saw an error-riddled performance from the Drua, the pep talk during the breather brought life in the team and the boys played like a well-oiled outfit. The knock-ons had disappeared. We were patient with the ball and the tries scored were a delight. The Drua’s win on Saturday reminded me of a top rugby commentator’s quote: “It’s not the start but the finish that counts the most.” The Drua’s ability to finish games on a high has been raised by many and I hope to see a Drua versus Queensland final come next week Saturday. Until then, I’m wishing the fantastic Drua a quick recovery and all the best for our first ever home final. We have certainly made an impact in the championship. Wananavu! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Political correctness
LOOKING back, there in fact was a time in our history where people weren’t wussified by political correctness. No one was offended when someone made a joke about race, colour or creed it was just non-malicious humour. Referring to one’s race was never an issue. Today it’s such an issue that things that matter are put aside and people concentrate on what a person uttered about a particular section of society. Those days are long gone, and never to return. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Tongan support
I was struck by the passionate Tongan fans who made their way to Mt Stadium for the historic Test match against the mighty Kangaroos. Despite the loss, the Tongans must be commended for playing their hearts out and giving the RLWC champions a tough encounter. The sea of red made a lot of noise but this was not enough as Tonga went down. Nonetheless, a good learning experience for our neighbours! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Party decisions
IF the former FijiFirst party candidate claims of only two people making decision in the party can it be therefore concluded all existing government policies were decided by two men. DAN URAI Lautoka
Debate time
With 12 years of experience, I believe Mr Bainimarama should be the most willing political leader to openly debate on commitment to nation-building and multiracialism. I’m sure he will not disappoint voters. Dan Urai Lautoka
Regular writers
Just wondering why none of the regular writers are not contesting the election? I am happy the lady who was awarded the letter of the year Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua is in the elections. I would have loved to see the three wise men from Lautoka — Allen, Wise and Narayan Reddy — in Parliament but I heard they got their own parliament. I hope Lenora can represent the regular writers. Sukha Singh Labasa
Taxi permit
The president of the Fiji Taxi Association was quoted as saying that the new taxi permit for Lautoka was issued when he was not in office. I fail to understand him because sometime back the same president was quoted saying that it was the Government’s decision and he cannot go against it. Looks like the Fiji Taxi Association needs a change too! John Brown Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Retirement age
If a new party comes into power and raises the retirement age to 60, does this mean all who were forced to retire at 55 (when they were still in the prime of their life) be re-employed? Au kaya ga. (Just saying) Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Millionaires
There are some “multi-millionaires” contesting this elections. What for? Don’t they have enough? Or don’t they have enough to pay the taxes that they owe? A. SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu
‘Unacceptable’
Trump: What happened is unacceptable (FT 21/10). No, what happened is criminal. What happened is the cold-blooded murder of a critical journalist (Jamal Khashoggi) by Saudi state apparatchiks. The international community must hold the state terrorists to account. I believe Trump only focused on the lucrative trade deals, including huge arms sale to the Saudis, as if that’s all that really matters. Now that is unacceptable! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Voter’s pen
It must be testing times for some where the future depends on a voter’s pen and handouts do not necessarily mean a vote. Dan Urai Lautoka
