Letters to the Editor | Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Bounce of the ball

Rugby is truly a bounce your luck game noting the ball is oval and can go anywhere. Our win over the Wallabies was a masterclass but a week later we are reminded with another awkward bounce where we can fall. Believe you me the first half performance against Georgia was no where close to how we have played in the last two months. Losing continued and alarming five line-out throws, disarray in kicking for touch, losing territory and overplaying the ball, scrums at times being pushed back will certainly disturb any work rate. Where did we go wrong? We have fit players but after 80 minutes our boys were exhausted and tired, more than 100 tackles against the stocky but full of strength Georgians. Even the Bus had no room to move. With the same set of players playing again, the Georgians had 11 days to analyse the strength and weakness of each player and this immensely showed their desire and commitment. The long break in days also resulted in a lack of focus and continuity. All in all, the unlucky forward pass just before half time stopped the Georgian resurgence and the Teti Tela drop goal attempt when we were surging for a bonus point try on the 78th minute could have been better managed. Can we review the No 10 position and revamp? We also need Ravouvou and Matawalu in the mix as impact players. Joka dina boys with the last game against no nonsense Portugal will be a nail-biter. Vacava tacina? Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva

Subrail Park

As we all know how rich in history and tradition this above ground is, how important is this park not only to the people of Labasa but Vanua Levu as a whole. I have been playing there since 1980. Same shocking and filthy toilet facilities, poor ground conditions, actually 50 per cent is total soil and no grass, poor flood lights, poor visibility during night games, wooden seats which causes body aches and back pains, absolutely congested car park and the list goes on. I wonder what are the relevant authorities such as the Fiji Sports Council and Labasa Town Council doing about it? I just did not see any improvement at all from the past 20 years. I wonder how OHS even allows people to use this facility especially the toilets. Can someone from the above authorities please shed some light if they are having some “hidden plans” for the above park. Savusavu’s Ganilau Park is worse. Please stop having games in these two venues. It’s not worth it. A SHARIFF SHAH Savusavu

Global warming to boiling

The Fiji Times reports “you need to listen to bigger countries” to work together as advised by Pacific activists (FT 26/9) which is a global concern as we are heading from global warming to global boiling. Let’s face it. At one stage we were working forward towards economical development with deforestation rather than afforestation as we export timber in the global supply and demand market. How to recover is another issue. It’s just like taking five steps forward and six steps backward at the expense of natural resources from warming to boiling. “The forest was shrinking but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe was clever and convinced the trees that because his handle was made of wood he was one of them” – Turkish proverb. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand

Prophet Mohammed!

As we celebrated Prophet Mohammed’s birthday yesterday, it is important to reflect on his principles. Prophet Mohammed was the perfect role model for us, as he demonstrated high ethical standards. He was an exemplary figure who showed honesty, consistency, compassion, empathy, humility, and resourcefulness throughout his lifetime. His inspiring example teaches us more than just wisdom. It inspires us to practise these virtues in our daily lives and pursue a life of virtue and integrity to live with purpose and honour. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Child abuse

Abusers of children and wives all need to attend a STEP program of Alcoholics Anonymous daily. The problem in Fiji, I believe, is there is not enough recovery programs or rehabilitation centres to help abusers with emotional and mental problems. So going to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings might be the only choice to talk about and recover from abusing women and children. We also need psychiatrists and therapists to talk to abusers of children and women on how to deal with their emotional problems. The important thing about any 12 STEP recovery program is that it was inspired by God, and two alcoholics who were in a hopeless state of mind and body, and God healed them. They started the first 12 STEP recovery program in 1935 in Ankron, Ohio, USA. The rest is history. Taitusi Sokiveta Phoniex, Arizona, USA

Medical cannabis

The subject of producing medicinal cannabis on a commercial scale has once again reared its ugly head for discussion. The Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprise, Manoa Kamikamica, has cautiously reopened the subject which was left behind by the previous government. Medicinal cannabis is a multi billion dollar industry world wide and everyone seems to be bent upon cashing on it. It certainly will be a big boost to the economic growth of the country. However, we should also understand the downside and devastating flow on effect of this industry. I believe it is highly addictive and will spread like wildfire. Government has appointed a number of task force committees to look into the possibility of introducing this industry in Fiji. From Fiji’s track record of failures in controlling local marijuana, it is a tall order for the minister to claim for safeguards in its importation of seedlings, growing under secure conditions, processing and then exporting to global consuming centres. In my view this is a highly risk prone industry and once the flood gates are open it will be impossible to arrest the spread. No one can guarantee the safety of the local Fijian population. In the name of human rights they will also demand access to medicinal cannabis. What will the Government do then? I do not doubt the high end economic benefits of medicinal cannabis, however, we need to carry out research to find out the status of the countries where medicinal cannabis has been legalised. I have seen the devastating effect of this in the United States of America. It will send shivers down your spine! We would like to trust the judgment of our government in pursuing this venture. Maybe the religious organisations need to do their homework and advise the Government accordingly. I rest my case! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva

Hear ye! Hear ye!

The fair winds of change have swung Jetset Nadi’s way. The INKK Farebrother Trophy moves down to the tourist capital of Fiji, Nadi. It has taken us all of 40 years to beat Nadroga on Hakwa turf and territory. Nadi 22 – 20 Nadroga. I salute Cohen Politini for coaching our home team Nadi in this successful challenge. Congrats Nadi. Commiserations Nadro. Vina du na leda saravou. O Nadi ko. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi

Fighting NCDs

As highlighted by MOH permanent secretary Dr James Fong on untimely deaths (FT 30/9), we all have a role to play for the care and safety and be responsible to control NCDs. The medical authorities have a lot to offer with alertness, awareness and wake up calls. Small changes in our lifestyles can reduce risks of these killer diseases. Risk factors such as tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity and eating unhealthy diets should be everyone’s concern as emphasised by medical authorities. Prevention at all costs will save us for a happy, healthy life. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand

Aboriginal referendum

For the information of Rakesh Sharma ( ST 2/10 ) I have been a campaigner for Indigenous Voice to Parliament since day one of the declaration of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017. The previous government rejected it. But upon his election PM Albanese announced full commitment to it and the referendum is evidence of that commitment. I have been a ‘Yes’ campaigner all the time and have had some letters published in the Australian national newspapers. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia

Thank you

Home visit, factory reset, perfect picture, many thanks Walesi. Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka

UNGA meetings

Refer to UNGA meetings recently in which Bharat’s (India) External Affairs Minister reminded leaders that “Rules Based Order” designed by a few cannot be used to subjugate poor countries (Global South). He also said that countries should not harbour terrorists and use them as leverage in conducting foreign affairs. It appears now that the USA and its allies in a desperate bid to maintain their ‘ status quo’ are resorting to incorrect representation of facts to sully the rise of countries. Bharat was basking in glory after a successful G20 meeting in New Dehli. Canada’s claim of Bharat’s involvement in Khalistani terrorists death was a sham. It provided no evidence. This is a classic case of pseudo friendship by Western allies. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi