Stats on ethnicity
I am surprised that no one has pointed out that we need ethnic stats on poverty, not for immediate relief, but for investigation into the very different types of poverty being experienced and their very different causes and their very different remedies. FERGUS GARRETT, Vatuwaqa, Suva
Frustratingly slow
I WELCOME the move by the Government to vaccinate children aged 15-17 years. However, it should not come at the cost of wasting an entire day or two waiting at four different counters to get the jab. Even those who have registered their children online have to go through many counters and wait in long queues. Such a tedious process it looks like I am buying a house. The process is frustratingly slow, annoying and sadly there was no social distancing. I am urging MOHMS to have more than one vaccination site for children in Ba and do consider a drive-through vaccination. Let’s keep it short and simple please and encourage parents and children to show up for the second jab. NADIA NAAZ Ba
Busy shelters
LAUTOKA City Council has constructed shelters at Marine Drive for relaxation purposes. With the scenic ocean view, Marine Drive has been a hot spot for relaxation. Many have been unable to since those homeless have been occupying these shelters night and day. They also use tree trunks to relieve themselves which doesn’t allow for sitting. We do feel sorry for the homeless and request Lautoka City Council and Ministry of Social Welfare for alternatives to relocate the homeless. This will allow others to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at Marine Drive. DAVID SUSHIL LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Drua’s signings
FANS were delighted when the Fijian Drua unveiled their first new signings for next year’s Super Rugby debut. Five rugged and versatile players have been signed to play for the Drua. Former Nadroga and Fiji 7s and 15s powerhouse Nemani Nagusa, who plays for Newcastle Falcons, Tailevu’s scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli, who played for the Fiji U20 team and for the Flying Fijians against Georgia and the mighty All Blacks this year, former Namosi pace-man and current Bay of Plenty wing Onisi Ratave, hooker Tevita Ikanivere, who made his debut for the Flying Fijians against Georgia, and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Napolioni Bolaca have been pencilled in by the management. This is a positive sign as we look forward to other big names being signed. I’m adamant that players from Nadroga, Naitasiri, Suva and Namosi who impressed in the Skipper Cup competition will also make the cut. Let’s be fair to our local boys. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
No jab, no job
IN reply to Rouhit Karan Singh’s letter regarding the ‘no jab no job’ policy, let me remind Mr Singh that the health of all workers needs to be protected. Imagine if a company has 50 workers and five don’t want to be vaccinated, one from that five catches COVID and then spreads it to others. Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, that’s why my Government made that rule. NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Fiji soccer
DURING Dr Sahu Khan and JD Maharaj’s soccer time at Fiji FA, our ranking was at an all-time best of below 100 at one stage. When will our national team play Brazil? The answer, never dream of it. Going to Qatar is a waste of time and resources since there is no Fiji soccer team at the moment. Can Fiji FA inform the soccer loving people of the selection criteria and timeline of the preparation period? To start with, what is the size of the ground at the soccer academy in Ba? ASISH VINAY PRASAD Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
My name
EVER since I became eligible to vote, I have registered as Allen Lockington. My middle name is Malcolm. My voter card says Allen Lockington, does that change anything? What a whole lotta’ hullabaloo. I wonder how many people are registered with a different name from that on their BC, coupla’ thousands, women included would make it tens of thousands. And if they get their way, and we have to pay, wooooooo that’s a lotta’ saqamoli. Oops, did I say too much. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Lautoka
Some points
SUSANA Tuisawau had made very valid points (ST 19/09) about the inequity in the value of votes imposed by the d’Hondt electoral system used in Fiji, emphasising among other things, the easy passage of candidates into Parliament with much lesser votes than the unsuccessful ones. In my opinion, the d’Hondt method promotes the election of political parties rather than individual candidates. The objectives of this system, in my view, actually boil down to voting for one’s political party preference. Which party attracts the most votes according to which, seats are allocated. In my humble opinion, it would therefore be much simpler for voters and cheaper for the administrators if political parties were listed on the ballot papers (maybe 10 in all) and voters tick their choice. Political parties would lodge their 51 candidates (total number of seats) in order of preferred priority before the elections. Imagine how easy it would be for voters to remember and locate the party name of their choice and how costs would be saved with a one A4 page ballot paper. Just saying. EMOSI BALEI Suva
International Day of Peace
Peace means so much more than the absence of war. More ordinary conflicts arise from disputes with family, colleagues and neighbours and these disturb our sense of peace. Making peace with one person today, even if it is just with yourself, is a fitting way to mark the day. Light a candle, reflect, forgive and enjoy being tranquil. The International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The “Peace Day” provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to undertake acts of peace and kindness. People across the globe engage in diverse and meaningful ways: from observing a minute of silence, attending peace education events and writing peace poetry, to participating in peace marches, yoga and meditation. It provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. The war and hate between countries, cities, religion and neighbours will not only harm self-being but will divide so, this Peace Day let’s open our hearts to take personal responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings and choices. Peace needs building, not just celebrating. Make everyday your day of peace as you work towards harmony at home, school, work and in the community. There are many ways you can take part in promoting peace. Let’s come together to celebrate peace, I live you with a quote “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without”. – Buddha. Wishing the greetings of “Happy World Peace Day” to all the people and readers. Neelz Singh Lami
COVID deaths
There are growing instances where COVID-19 deaths are reported over a month or two later. Like the other day (20/09/2021), they reported there were zero deaths for the day but nine deaths from 12/07/2021 to 09/08/2021. Not a medical expert but I think you need to determine the cause of death before the body is cremated or buried. And the deceased would be quite disappointed knowing that his family is blaming his death on smoking, alcohol, and diet when actually it was the virus. Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
Wrong box
Occasionally, I receive mails belonging to others in my post office box. These mails are from business houses for example commercial banks, a furniture company and office of local government. Mistakenly, I open these envelopes which rightfully don’t belong to me. Indicating in written regarding these documents posted on wrong box number, I post them back to the sender. Few times I hand delivered some of these documents to the bank. Despite all these, I still receive bank statements of the same customers in my post box from good several years. Also mails have been strewn about within the post office area, probably sent to others’ postal addresses. I hope employees from business houses take extra care to look into their customers’ correct addresses, maintaining their confidentiality and reliability. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
My picture
If I presented my birth certificate to the SOE or anybody else how could they tell if it is mine? I would love to have my picture on my birth certificate. I would love to have the photo renewed every year. Sukha Singh Labasa
Vaxx issue
Is something wrong with the organisers of the school vaccination program that is happening at Tilak High School in Lautoka? At 8.30am the line reached Vomo St and the school gate was still blocked. What happened to the social distancing and more then 2 metre law? Looks like the vaccination program organisers still got a lot to learn. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Our population
Is it 864,132 or 884,887? Interesting to know how many migrated or moved out and working abroad, since 2017 against our birth rate? Dan Urai Lautoka
Water for COVID
Is the Dawasamu waters still available? Perhaps it can cure the coronavirus. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Legal name
Really, only the name you are born with as per birth certificate? A slap in the face for all married women and citizens who had changed their names legally! All a change by law needs to say “a legal name”. That would exclude a commonly used name for voting. Hans-Bernd Boernke Savusavu
Rugby number
The All Blacks allocate a number to each and every new All Black they recruit, this number is their’s forever. The late great Jonah Lomu’s was 941, our very own sweet city export, Bernie Fraser’s number was 797. The announcement of the Drua’s recruits seem to be following the same, I’m just wondering if Fiji Rugby have the same type of system. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
EPL finds rhythm
The English Premier League has heated up and found its rhythm, as Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United contest for first position. All the three teams are unbeaten and have 13 points each — their goal difference separates them. Brighton is on fourth spot, followed by Manchester City, Everton and Spurs. The Red Devils came from behind to defeat West Ham away from home 2-1 and extend their unbeaten run in away games. Chelsea showed their class and dominance as they thumped Spurs 3-0 away from home, while Liverpool thumped Crystal Palace 3-0. Fans are in for another football treat this weekend! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
