Letters to the Editor – Sunday, July 21, 2019

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David and Michelle Paul died of a mysterious illness while vacationing in Fiji. Picture: SUPPLIED/ABC News

American couple

I DON’T know whether the handling of the death of the American couple in Fiji was a “PR disaster” (FT 17/07).

I believe it certainly was handled clumsily.

It was a bad look for the Fijian authorities as many letter writers pointed out.

I believe treating the dead and their bereaved family with the dignity that was called for was absent.

That’s tragic and not “the Pacific way”.

Again The Fiji Times is to be applauded for acting responsibly by keeping the spotlight* on the case.

I believe the editorial comment ‘Mysterious turn of events’ of July 17 had in no small measure impacted on getting the State authorities to respond responsibly.

Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia (* “If someone, or something comes under the spotlight, they are thoroughly examined by journalists and the public” – Collins English Dictionary. I believe that’s what happened in this case on account of The Fiji Times due diligence).

Farebrother Trophy

HAKWA Nadro.

Hakwa Nadro.

Congrats Nadro Stallions for a successful defence of Fiji’s prized silverware 24-13.

Awesome Suva challenge.

With scores level 8-8 at the breather, the Nahigatoka giants stormed on to neutral ground, Prince Charles Park like men possessed and ran riot with immense passion, pride and true grit to overcome a somewhat indisciplined Capital City side.

Heartiest congratulations Nadroga.

Commiserations Suva.

Vina du vo mutou kece na haravou Nadroga-Navoha e jia na qaqa kohile.

E jia na waqe hara vina du.

Ronnie Chand, Nadi

Election claim

THE new Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) president Ro Filipe Tuisawau has claimed “what failed the party in the last general election was that a high number of voters could not vote during pre-poll and most of them were their supporters”.

Sir, could you kindly share the source of this information, the exact number of voters, their identities and why they could not vote?

Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka

EFL rate increase

ISA, I would love it very much if EFL could increase their rates, but only if the wages could be increased first.

My point makes sense because things should balance, if you get my drift.

Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

Soccer suspension

DID I read right?

A fine and suspension?

That’s a double whammy!

Dan Urai, Lautoka

Bus numbers

AS an expat in Suva for more than one year, I have long been confused, as many, by the bus system in this city, the capital of Fiji.

The first thing is that there are no clear numbers on buses, which made each of my rare rides adventures.

For a few times I got on wrong buses.

Could the numbers of buses, if they have, be displayed clearly on the body and the head, as most places in the world do?

Secondly, the Nasese bus going along part of Queen Elizabeth Drive is only running in one direction, which means I could never wait for a bus going back.

Isn’t it weird?

Last but not least, why don’t the buses here close the doors in running?

Isn’t it dangerous?

Benjamin Fu, Suva

Issue of democracy

THE beauty about the democratic system is that people have the ability to change government periodically.

I believe people’s view of government was shown in the last election where they won, rather controversially, a two seat majority compared with the 2014 election.

I believe the next election results may not be too surprising.

Dan Urai, Lautoka

Gem story

AFTER reading about the gemstone found by Taito Vugakoto, it reminded me of how the diamond mines started in South Africa.

The stone, believed to be a rainbow gemstone, was found by Mr Vugakoto in the shallow waters of the village river one afternoon after returning from his plantation.

The story of diamonds in Cape Colony South Africa began between December 1866 and February 1867 when 15-year-old Erasmus Jacobs found a transparent rock on his father’s farm, on the south bank of the Orange River. (source: The History of Diamonds, Capetown)

All the rest is history, South Africa is one of the largest producers of diamonds.

The gemstone found by Taito has now generated interest.

Could we get more information on this rainbow gemstone please?

If proven to be real, then let’s look for more, if not, then it was a gem of a story.

Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

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