Importance of libraries
It was a delight to read that the editor-in-chief of The Fiji Times Fred Wesley was invited to be the chief guest during the closing ceremony at Gospel High School. While urging the students to think outside the box and place some value on the little old library near them, Wesley informed the students that a library, which was an important cornerstone of all achievements and success, contains a wealth of knowledge which gives people an opportunity to find jobs, explore medical research, experience new ideas and provide a place for gathering. Indeed, wise words from our editor Wesley! The theme for this year’s Library Week was “Libraries — Strong Communities” and I believe as elders we must reinforce the role a school library plays in nurturing the life of a child. As a student I remember spending my free periods in the school library and reading the famous Hardy Boys series and so far whenever I have free time I rekindle those moments in secondary school be reading Frank and Joe’s mystery cases. Our children are lucky to have upgraded school libraries and I urge them to make use of the fiction, non-fiction, reference books and periodicals to build their depth and knowledge and to write well. Writing requires an array of ideas and this will only come through exploring books and comics. This week students dressed up in their favourite characters costumes and went to school in high spirits but the importance of a school library must be stressed! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Reader survey data
The recent publication of reader survey data by a daily paper raises several questions, an important one being the validity of the survey in question and the accuracy of the data collected. There are issues of sample size, geographical and income distribution, etc, which must be handled by an experienced/qualified professional entity. Surely these results cannot be considered independent, if the newspaper in question has solicited or even paid for this survey! In many other countries, including in our larger developed neighbours, an independent audited bureau of circulation (often called ABCs) exists, something which must be seriously considered here in order to ensure inaccurate and misleading information is not being collected and disseminated. In my own network, the majority of readers prefer a different newspaper and not the one referred to above! Korina Waibuta Knollys St, Suva
Kava’s writing
I don’t know who Dylan Kava is but from his writing (FT 13/9) he is apparently a clear thinking person. It is hard to come across people like that in a politically contaminated environment as the investigation into the alleged assault by the PM on another MP by the parliamentary privileges committee attests. I am sure an impartial and independent thinker like Dr Mahendra Reddy would have found Dylan Kava’s letter very illuminating. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
WOWS Kids
While the WOWS Kids Fiji must be commended, we need to ask one simple question and that is, “Why are our children getting cancer?” We can go on collecting and raising funds to support children with cancer and their families but it will not stop children from getting cancer if we don’t come to realise what’s causing it. A child inherits cancer mainly because of the poor lifestyle of the child’s parents and even grandparents. A child does not just get cancer for no reason. Children inherit DNA mutation changes from parents or a parent that increases the risk of many types of cancers. I’m aware of two children who have cancer and their parents have total disregard of their own wellbeing. They have been grogging every night for years, they smoke, they have regular beer parties, they obviously eat too much as they are well above and over their weight limits and the only exercise they are doing is in their arms, mixing grog and lifting beer glasses. What do we expect if both or one parent is living a very poor and unhealthy lifestyle and teaching their children likewise? When we replace water with anything else that has the same property of being a liquid but which we may term as contaminated water, and we replace fresh healthy foods with packaged unhealthy foods then expect problems! If you slowly introduce gasoline into a diesel vehicle, the diesel vehicle will eventually cease to operate. The same can be said about us. We adults are our children’s biggest problem! We’ve created sick children by our very own doing. All the money in the world will not make a difference to this cause unless the attitudes of adults change for the better and education and practice walk hand in hand! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
The Flying Fijians
Allow me to convey my best wishes to the Flying Fijians that will be carrying the hopes of the Pasifika at the 2020 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo. It is going to be a massive event with thousands of Fijian supporters or fans across the globe supporting the team till the final whistle. Fiji as usual is relatively in a tough pool where they meet the Kangaroos in the opening match. They will also meet the ever improving Dragons that will probably decide the second team to qualify to the next stage. The Flying Fijians have an enormous task ahead in taming the two rugby nations in a span of 80 minutes. I also believe that John McKee and his coaching panel will unleash all weapons from their armoury to ensure that the world remembers the team and the warriors in the white jumper. As excitement is building, I also feel that this year’s Rugby World Cup would be a very competitive one and chances are also high that some champion sides will taste defeat. The dark horses of this world cup could be the Irish, Pumas, French, Dragons, England and the ever improving Japanese. Obviously, countries representing in the The Rugby Championship and the six nations will always have added advantage coming into this tournament. I hope the players have been taken good care of by the parent body and the coaching panel and their sacrifices will always be adored. There is so much a player has to sacrifice to be part of the contingent. Discipline will be paramount as a 10-minute sin bin can cost us the game. Bone crunching tackles, legal tackles, smart play, talanoa and utilising all the opportunities will definitely make us win. On the contrary, if we fail to convert the opportunities into valuable points, we would lose. Every player must support each other for a good outing. Let us all join hands and cheer for our team so that we qualify from the pool stages. I am sure there will be some surprises from the Pacific nations. Toso Viti. Naveen Dutt Wainibokasi
Pride and passion
I greatly admire the pride and passion shown by Semi Radradra in representing the Flying Fijians at the world cup. Radradra is a phenomenal athlete. Once a most sought after rugby star by different rugby clubs, Radradra continues to make headlines. His ability to break first up tackles is a trademark of his game. A player with sublime skill set who could have easily chosen Australia over Fiji, considering the fact that he has already played for Kangroos. He could have preferred much higher pay package than what he may get in Fiji. I deeply believe that his strong commitment and passion to represent his country of birth deserves heaps of accolades. I am sure this dedication is inspiring and has inspired many young rugby players. Truly a national hero. No matter what the result is, he will be remembered as one of the greatest rugby players. Whenever he touches the ball we all are excited as we know he is capable of turning things around. Let’s hope and pray that he has a big part to play as we plot the Wallabies’ demise. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Those termites
Open fires now don’t seem to attract termites. We witnessed this on Thursday evening. They seem to prefer the brightness of streetlights only. We were discussing this beside our open fire when one Lyndon O’Connor quipped, “They must have had a near death experience with open fires that now they just stick to streetlights.” Hahaha! Any comment from BAF on this behavioural change? Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Dylan’s letter
I refer to Dylan Kava’s letter on Page 9 of yesterday’s (13/9/19) The Fiji Times. Particularly the last paragraph which stated: “I believe another case of cognitive dissonance where Government sets the rules for others but don’t abide by it themselves.” Well, such action also demonstrates hypocrisy and absence of integrity. Pita K Nacuva Tamavua Ward, Suva
Tuna sausages
I chuckled reading the introduction of “tuna sausages” by a renowned local company. One wonders what gets ground into mince and made into sausages as a sausage is produced in a process by which meat is ground, chopped, diced, emulsified, or reduced to minute particles to be made into sausage. I would rather go for fresh tuna as I can see and taste the real thing. I guess everything looks good in a sausage! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Social media
One has to see the amount of hatred in our social media platforms or forums which is creeping into my nerves. I guess this is one of the main disadvantages of using social media. The amount of hatred, racial vilification and swear is just sickening and uncalled for. When is it going to stop? Only time will tell. Since our previous and current government sends our family members to other war-torn countries as peacekeepers, we need this urgently in Fiji. We need peacebuilders and peacekeepers in Fiji. Jioji Masivesi Nadi
Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian did not fall short of destruction and devastation in the Bahamas. Whilst one’s thoughts goes out to those affected directly by the hurricane, one can only hope for the best as we approach the hurricane season. All in all, hurricanes have a devastating impact but this is a reality of life and we should take precautionary measures at all times, not just during the hurricane season. Floyd Robinson Toorak, Suva
Global warming
Can someone tell me when was the first meeting to discus global warming and climate change held? Was it like last year or light years ago? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
