Drua comes off with mesmerising effort
The Fijian Drua side produced another mesmerising performance to seal a dramatic win against the Vikings on Saturday. I was quite pleased with the level of resistance shown by the team as they are amateurs and are performing outstandingly in a competition played by professionals of Australia. It will be a wonderful feeling to host the semi-final and I think this will give the opportunity for a country like Fiji to show the greatness of this rugby-mad nation. Congrats to the Drua and hope that they succeed in their semi-final clash at home! RAYNAV CHAND, Nakasi
Myths and speculations
Dr Sharma’s article “Myths and speculations” (FT 07/10) is a welcome respite from the much more popular mantra. It’s a reality check, albeit unpopular. I agree with the suggestion that there is a dire need to change the focus of attention towards the requirements of climate science, infrastructural development and proper analysis of the real climate data. I believe that the change will enable a better understanding of global climate trends which will only auger well for the implementation of relevant actions and solutions to correctly address issues. Unfortunately, those who promote such views have often been ridiculed and ostracised by others. Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour, Deuba
Spot checks
I am delighted to hear that the relevant authority has been and will be going out and carrying out spot checks in buses to ensure no misuse of free bus fare initiative by the State. In fact, this has been witnessed. Great job to LTA! In doing so, perhaps LTA can also check on bus card holders by school students along with pensioners and people living with disability as well. For the purpose of accountability and responsibility, bus card holders issued and funded by the State should be spot checked regularly each month to avoid not only misuse of taxpayers’ money for assistance purpose. Moreover, these spot checks are vital as they ensure that this initiative continues to be financially sustainable; and into the future, if this initiative does continue into the future for the school students, pensioners and people living with disability. Anything that involves taxpayers’ money, funded projects and initiatives, must at all time be accountable, used responsibly and sustainably. Irene Young Delainavesi
Campaign tactic
My friend Sukha Singh wants to know why the FijiFirst poster has only one picture and that of PM Voreqe Bainimarama and in the last election he had the largest number of votes? (FT 06/10). He asks if the other parties also try this tactic to win more votes for their parties. The 2014 FijiFirst party general election campaign game plan was just that, to have all Fijians vote for the PM because he has a proven leadership track record. Even though each FijiFirst party candidate was given individual election pamphlets to distribute, we were told to get the voting public to vote for the Prime Minister. Our one vote system is very fair and it is more about voting for the political party than the individual candidates. So if 70 per cent of voters vote for our PM then he has pulled 70 per cent of the seats in Parliament. The total votes for the other FijiFirst candidates will be added up to calculate how many of the remaining 30 per cent of the seats in Parliament to be added to the seats already won by the PM. There is nothing stopping the other political parties in doing the same. One other thing, we FijiFirst party candidates were not allowed to do public interviews because we played as a team and that only the PM and A-G plus serving MPs were allowed to do debates and interviews. As an iTaukei, a Christian and a Fijian, I believe that despite all the negatives being compiled by the opposition forces to discredit the FijiFirst Government, it is best to allow them to continue moving Fiji forward as we soar to greater heights. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Suva
Great comeback
Sharp 3am and my good mobile phone woke me up. The stage was set for the ultimate test between the Springboks and the All Blacks at a patriotic and jam-packed Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria! As predicted the hosts kept the visitors pinned in their own half and took a comfortable 30-13 lead. However, the last 20 minutes proved crucial as the attacking brains in the ABs team settled their nerves, gained confidence and put some fantastic hits, strength, power and pace. This fired up the visitors who got two more in the last five minutes. Hence, the ability of the All Blacks to finish given opportunities gave them the upper hand and created the momentum for the great comeback. While the All Blacks showed important components
of rugby, which are game management, possession and patience, the phenomenal game was a heartbreaker for the Boks. On the other hand, the “never say die” attitude, massive defence, physicality and intensity of the ABs culminated in a dramatic and intimidating victory. Fireworks sparked and
the scenes of triumph erased memories of the bitter loss at the Cake Tin. Well done All Blacks! Finally, the Red Devils produced a spectacular
comeback to beat Newcastle 3-2 at Old Trafford. Down 2-0 Jose Mourinho inspired Manchester United to deliver three wonderful goals and restore some
dignity! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Christian denominations
Sorry Dan but I was simply stating the fact and truth about how it is ‘within’ the Catholic and Methodist churches! One has got to be blind not to notice the disfunction and unchristian-like behaviour that has been practised within these organisations! Believers ought to see a decreasing pattern of sin in their lives. Sin is obvious Dan and while this is not the forum to talk details I would rather we talk about how the two leaders and their followers ought to live their lives. A Christian walks in the light and not in darkness Dan! A Christian obeys God’s word. A Christian’s life is characterised by doing what is right. A Christian walks the walk and not just talks the talk. And most importantly, Dan, a Christian demonstrates love for all others. If Archbishop Chong believes that the gap between the rich and the poor including poverty has increased, then he and his followers ought to get out more and put into practice what they preach! Here in Fiji poverty is nothing more than a choice. It is not a biblical principle for it goes against everything the Bible teaches and it finds its roots, causes and effects through evil doing. We sure can say and confirm that the poverty Archbishop Chong is talking about has also come about from the failure in part of the two major Christian church denominations. As for trade unionists cautioning their supposed followers to vote responsibly, history has shown us that followers did vote responsibly, against unionists! Simon Hazelman Savusavu
Political right
I would like to respond to Simon Hazelman’s letter to this column titled ‘Cautious vote’ (FT 06/10) where he negatively commented on the heads of the Methodist and Catholic churches in Fiji, questioning the importance of their calling when they advised their members about the importance of exercising political right and responsibility to vote wisely. Reading Mr Hazelman’s recommendation saying that “As church leaders, I believe their one and main responsibility is to provide spiritual leadership …, to prepare sermons, preach, conduct services, and interpret scripture….”, tells me how shallow his understanding is about the history of the church especially in knowing Christ, who did not only preach during his days but stood up to be the voice of truth and justice challenging political power structures that are creating injustices in society. Well Simon, isn’t that the reason why they hated Christ so much, speaking the truth? Are you angry that they are telling the truth about our political structure in Fiji? To conclude, I would like to advise Mr Hazelman that he must get his facts right before putting out comments like such especially when he said that the two church leaders ought to remain consumed in worship, praise …., than getting involved in politics, for advising their members to vote wisely is in their mandate as leaders and there is no politics in it at all. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Navutu streetlights
Any reason why there are no streetlights from the Navutu roundabout to the Balawa junction? Over to you Fiji Roads Authority. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Pioneer players
It was great to see that Fiji Football Association honoured the pioneer players of Fiji national soccer team members who defeated the Australian national team in Nadi in 1988. Thank you Fiji Football for giving the recognition to the players and the officials for their service and sacrifice. May be next year they will consider honouring the pioneers of the first gold medal winners from the Pacific Games in 1990 in PNG. Thank you. Nardeo Mishra Suva
Youth votes
I wanted to say “Well, duh!” When I read Professor Vijay Naidu’s comment that political parties will need to seriously contest for youth votes. And the rest of us? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Donu story
This is one fish story that doesn’t seem to get away. Mere Lagilagi Lovu
Bus fares
Can LTA please check why some bus drivers are actually charging full bus fares for elderly and social welfare recipients. I found out since the so-called $40 free top-up for the elderly came into effect, bus drivers are charging full bus fares. I am sure the recharging agency can easily find out and help LTA in finding out the bus drivers or bus companies that charge extra fare or is it that since this free $40 top up came into effect the bus drivers can charge full fares? LTA can you please look into this! Narayan Reddy Lautoka
All Blacks mana
Even at their “worst”, the world champion mighty All Blacks were able to churn out a win against the Springboks, ref, assistant ref, TMO and the “extra support” from the woeful Wallabies camp. Cheers. Ooooolala! Anthony Sahai Suva
