Sadrugu’s cane fields dream!
Thank you so much Waisale Koroiwasa for sharing Taniela Sadrugu’s rugby journey. I’ve been following Sadrugu since he was roped into the Suva provincial rugby team, and from an unknown player in the Skipper Cup, he made a name for himself as a result of his hard work, vigour, discipline, determination and commitment. It’s a pity that he missed out on a spot to the Tokyo Olympics, but he has a long way to go, and I’m adamant that he will make a statement on the field. Koroiwasa, via his sports story titled “Sadrugu’s cane fields dream takes a twist” (FT 22/09), shared the challenges and obstacles that Sadrugu went through, his feelings after being dropped by 7s coach Gareth Baber and why he opted to go for rugby league. I would have loved to see Sadrugu don the Fijian Drua jumper, but I guess God has other plans for the soft-spoken, but rugged and versatile player. I wish Sadrugu all the best for his future plan! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
What’s in a name?
Now that the Bill has been passed, I believe we the normal people are rest assured there will be no more issues in the next election regarding names. I am still wondering though that come next election, I will not be aware of my chosen candidates registered or nom de plume. He can be Jackson, Jacky, Jack or Jill. The only requirement for me as a voter will be to know the candidates’ number. The only identification of the candidate on the voting paper will be a number. I will only vote for a number. I believe how I choose that number will depend on the level of honesty, integrity, respect in the society, education level, and the level of humanity left in the candidate but certainly not their name. So what’s in a name? Rajendra Prasad Nakasi
Feel hope
In reading the FT lately, I feel hope beneath the exposure of the latest revelations of what I regard as oppression. All these autocratic actions, in my view, only solidify prove that something is deeply, ethically askew in Fiji. Perhaps even something hideous and sinister; but this will not defeat hope for better in the Fiji we dream of. And keep in sight. As Fiji Day on October 10, 2021 approaches, we are not thrown or alarmed by such activity. No, the opposite is true, within us. It clears our vision. Smokescreens evaporate as wisps of the air. Our hope is seen in the many wide-ranging voices of folks in Fiji across our beautiful varied spectrum, who have a better vision of what Fiji can be. Yes. Hold on! These voices encourage me to hope, these wonderfully true strong voices. Thank you to Savenaca Narube, for your open statements about the unwarranted actions by FijiFirst lately. Your courage and determination to bring this to light. Thank you Mahendra Chaudhry, sir, for raising a question about the numbers of registered voters. Thank you to Allen Lockington for your candid questions about who’s running the joint in reality. Good question Tau. Thank you to 654321, (aka Dr Paul Geraghty) for reminding us about the fact that though history keeps sadly repeating itself, we don’t give up. The similarities we see here today, will not define us; no. We must recognise any wrongdoing and call it out, for a better fairer day. We will see this. This motivates us all to remain free from, and stand against such injustices. Professor Wadan Narsey too, thank you for beseeching us to have integrity above all else in light of what is happening to our expert messengers, like Mr Naiqama; thank you sir. And to all other folks who hope for a better Fiji, even through our COVID challenges, hold on to your ideals and integrity. Don’t lose sight of these in a democratic vision for Fiji. As October 10, 2021 approaches, go over in your heart again, what democracy means for us all. And remain determined, steadfast to change things. History proves we will prevail — especially whenever there is oppression. Nations always overcome it. It only strengthens resolve, clears our vision, to know what we do want in contrast; and makes us determined to persevere for a better, freer, just Fiji. Jean H. Hatch Sawau St, Nabua, Suva
No jab, no job
While I am fully vaccinated, but I feel the no jab, no job policy is a violation of human rights. If an individual chooses not to be vaxxed, I believe it’s their personal choice and no one has the right to enforce whatever any person wishes to do. And those saying, government cares about their health is not a good statement. The same government allows the sale of tobacco which also kills people, the same government allows the sale of alcohol which also has many health problems. And of course sale of junk food also deteriorates one’s health. While getting vaccinated is the way to progress, I feel it should be people’s choice. So yes to vaccination, and no to no jab, no job policy. MOSES MANI Auckland, New Zealand
About poverty
I REFER to Jan Nissar (FT 17/09) titled “About poverty”. Although we know he is out of reality on the ground on our shores and is harping away from his wonderland, I must say the amount of ignorance he shows can be rated more in percentage than the poverty level being deducted in the recent BOS survey. Mr Nissar poverty has been here for long but why for so long and why nothing is being done? Is it because when people try to open their mouths, they are being shut by cartoons like you who have a one mind track? You further go on to say that “people in Fiji are getting free water, free power, free food, free money, free vaccines and unlimited foreign aid” from governments, NGOs and families from overseas. You also stated people who are renting are going free for 18 months or so. Whatever free people here are getting is because of the hardship that is thrown at us by this pandemic. For your information, just in case you don’t know this basic thing, Fiji is a “developing country”, with lots of hardship being faced. Nothing has affected the whole world more than this pandemic and Fiji is one worst hit nation as well. All those free stuff are things given rightfully to the rightful and needy people. I believe the Government is not giving those stuff from their pockets so get that straight. If not now than when? How much have you contributed towards our country personally? As for renting free, I am aware of many tenants still paying their rent in these hard times. Stop assuming mate. The hardship here is far worse than your imagination. If you can be of no help then the least, you can do is keep your rattling 2 cents in your pocket while enjoying life in your wonderland. Poverty will be tackled. Don’t worry about the freebies being given, rather worry about what can be done to bring us back on track. KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
Duty of employers towards workers
In response to the letter dated 18/09/21 by Satish Nakched regarding Health and Safety at Work, I would like to clarify some of the issues that he highlighted regarding one of my workers on that particular day. First of all I acknowledge his views on this enslavement type of operation as he claims. With reference to this I would like to state that this type of work is noble and humbling in nature as it is good for the citizens of Suva to experience streets that are clean and pleasant to walk on. OHS issues are not new to the work industry and are part and parcel of everyday operational requirements for any employer. As a contractor for Suva City Council, we are obliged to meet these OHS requirements and this is embedded in our contracts. To say that it is not, is far fetched and is unbecoming of the writer to be conclusive without any clear evidence or proof. The Suva City Council in outsourcing contractual works involving grass cutting and street cleaning have not excluded this requirement in the contracts and it becomes every contractors’ responsibility to ensure that this is complied with at all times. Our company is a locally-owned business with over 15 years of experience and we fully abide by all laws of the country. As an employer, my workers are provided with all the PPEs as per OHS requirement and in every possible way, we strive to comply with these requirements. It is probably at certain days as highlighted in the letter that these employees tend to be casual in their daily duties and in doing so fail to adhere to these requirements, which is not acceptable at any time. PPEs are vital in this type of industry and have to be worn at all times. However, I must thank Mr Nakched for being observant in these areas and highlighting these issues which will only help us to improve the quality of services that we provide for the ratepayers of Suva. Finally, despite the effects of the pandemic crisis, I have managed to keep these employees employed and helped them to support their families. Alan C Toorak, Suva
Vaccine factor
I believe we often fail to realise that the current batch of vaccines have, and are, being developed using a totally new approach which combines the newer genetic method with the more traditional well tried method. The vaccination we had all received in the past against the likes of smallpox, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and so on, were with vaccines manufactured under the traditional method of using a form of an inactive or dead virus or part of a weakened live virus. However, we are told that under the new genetic method we are only injected with the virus’s genetic material or code and not the virus itself. The main aim of both method is course to develop immunity against such a viral pathogen when it invades the next time. I wonder if things would be any different, if we were all given a “heads up” on vaccine development and the current state of play in terms of efficacy. Granted, there is a whole host of information online and in print, but unfortunately not as widely accessible and not in a language the general public can fully understand and comprehend. I am sure “vaccine hesitancy” and ignorance would be much less than it is now and I think “herd immunity” would have been reached way earlier. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Breaking news
I find it amazing that individuals living overseas can accurately break news on social media relating to significant events in Fiji before they get reported by local mainstream media. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Power issue
I believe once you get into a position of power, one of the hardest thing is someday you have to give it up. Dan Urai Lautoka
My bills
With the discussion of different Bills being passed in Parliament, I’m just concerned about two. My electricity bill and water bill. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Public relations
I believe that under the current governance and with a former military man as Police Commissioner, the Fiji Police Force has dearly lost a fundamental and respected role — public relations. AREKI DAWAI Suva
S-G sent home
Is this the beginning of the end? Dan Urai Lautoka
A reminder
Many a times we hear mostly from one or two honourable members in our august House remind their audiences that “previous governments used to do it this way and nobody complained” or “they did it this way in the past and it was alright then”. Perhaps they have not heard of the sayings, “two wrongs don’t make a right” and “once bitten twice shy”. Emosi Balei Suva
Population
So what’s the actual population of Fiji? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
What now
Where is Shamima Ali now? Won’t she ask SODELPA member of Parliament Mitieli Bulanauca to resign over comments regarding sex offenders. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
The law
With this new voter registration law coming into effect soon, apart from our married women who have taken their husband’s name which they’ve been using on all their documents for years, will now need to re-register to match their BC. This will also include those whose full names isn’t on their voter registration. We are surely better than this, I know we are. Scribe you will need to add your six other names to yours, eh Noji? Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
