The proposed departure of Flying Fijians coach Simon Raiwalui has both its positives and negatives.

If he is adamant to vacate this position, he must be thanked for his services, given the congratulatory accolades that he deserves and wished successful endeavours in his future.

Fiji did extremely well in the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign, reaching the quarterfinals even though it fell short in two critical pool games that could have been won.

One must question, however, the style of rugby that Fiji played, seemingly a typical Northern Hemisphere-type game of lots of high kicks when in possession, instead of the traditional running style of Fijian rugby, where they seem to excel.

Fiji kicked away too much possession instead of using the ball in our traditional style of running, which, I think, creates lots of opportunities.

Please promote Seruvakula to head coach, Flying Fijians. He is a good exponent of using Fiji’s greatest asset, running rugby! His record speaks for itself.

Toso, Viti, Toso.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

I am writing in regards to a matter that has deeply distressed our nation.

This plea is directed to the Fiji Government urging their intervention in a situation that pertains to social responsibility, particularly in the context of rugby.

We are deeply troubled by recent actions carried out by FM96, a radio station operating under Communications Fiji Limited.

The issue is the inappropriate social media posts that have sparked collective anger and disappointment among Fijian citizens.

These posts, insensitive in nature, have been made after Fiji’s participation in the RWC 2023 quarterfinal.

The first post targeted one of Fiji’s rugby representatives and inappropriately made fun of a photo labelling it “Sapui Punch Action.” This was particularly disheartening, as it coincided with Fiji’s loss in the quarterfinals, where “unconscious bias” decisions by the referee were widely contested.

FM96 further exacerbated the situation with a second post on the same day, which demonstrated a marked lack of empathy for the emotional toll the game had on our nation.

The post in question read, “Imagine if there was an emotional support fund distributed to everyone affected by Fiji’s game. It’s not going to happen, but imagine.

Screenshot of FM96 post. Photo: Facebook

The social media pages of FM96 have since been overwhelmed with expressions of public outrage and frustration, underscoring the need for immediate intervention to address this situation.

Our plea is that the Fiji Government take action to safeguard our national interests.

In a nation where rugby is not just a sport but a cornerstone of our national identity, it is imperative that media entities like FM96 exercise the highest level of social responsibility and sensitivity, particularly when dealing with matters of national importance. It is imperative that our media outlets respect the sentiments of our people.

We kindly implore you to facilitate a constructive dialogue with FM96. We have faith that your intervention will lead FM96 to adopt a more sensitive and considerate approach in their future communications.

We request that FM96 extend a formal apology to both the player who was the subject of their inappropriate social media post and the people of Fiji.

We kindly seek your assistance in addressing this matter as a united nation committed to the values that rugby represents for Fiji.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Unfair and biased refs are now being “exposed,” including the 16th man, with the Fiji Water Flying Fijians’ nemesis in our gallant campaign in the 2023 RWC.

We fell short. I hate pointing fingers at refs, but many millions of rugby fans throughout the world saw the same through similar lenses.

I thank our Captain Courageous, for speaking up, especially in the post-match interview against England.

Several fouls against us seemed to go unnoticed and not sanctioned. There was much unfair bias towards our national team at the RWC 2023.

The close results against Wales, Portugal and England speak volumes, as public perceptions confirm.

Almost all Fijians are proud of our players’ brave efforts.

Come RWC 2027 in Australia, the Flying Fijians will be a greater force to reckon with. Fiji will not be an easy pushover.

Still on rugby, let’s give a big shout out to Pacific Australia Sports for the huge $52 million sponsorship of the Fiji Drua and Fijiana Drua over the next four years.

This support is massive. We cannot thank you enough. Fiji is indebted to you immensely.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The plight of residents at Sakoca Stage 2 settlement, Tamavua, have been raised by me, as the area’s District Advisory Councillor and community leader, to many forums.

This includes the Ministry of Housing.

To date, no positive responses, nor any action(s) have taken place.

Residents have voiced concerns to me verbally or by email, to the Ministry of Housing, or staff members of the developers. Yet, no assistance have been forthcoming.

The land development in question is located at Lakha Singh Rd, Tacirua East Sakoca Settlement, Tamavua.

The development works started on the eve of the last election in November 2022.

During that time, residents had no idea who the contractors, designers, and engineers of this project were.

To date, we now know the name of the developer while other information are vague on the information board. There is no site office to refer our queries to.

The gruesome outlook of the works by the contractor are as follows:

1. The roads in the area are swampy when it rains;

2. Garbage bins for residents to use have been misplaced and later taken away;

3. Water mains have been broken;

4. Road construction materials have been unloaded on the road;

5. Private driveways have been blocked;

6. Open sewer chambers are posing health risks to people and pets;

7. No clear signs at drainage sites;

8. Proper culverts not installed;

9. Preliminary pegs removed;

10. Religious structures damaged;

11. Without any warning, fences and other things in a residential compound are destroyed; and

12. Poor and rogue works have caused substantial damage to the environment.

I suggest that local authorities and the media, at its earliest, should come and inspect the area and the works done to understand the concerns of residents.

Other remedies that I wish to seek for and on behalf of the concerned residents are risk mitigation and immediate action to repair the damage caused and to call on the rogue developer to account for its actions.

I write these issues of grave concern needing urgent attention by the parties concerned.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

I don’t see the logic behind the new World Rugby sanctioned competition to include Canada and the United States of America (U.S.A.) in the Pacific series.

Canada and U.S.A. failed to qualify for the World Cup and the level displayed by Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji was a class above.

Is it to benefit the Pacific teams or the Americans?

The right thing now would be to include Tier 1 teams – Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Fiji in a Southern Hemisphere competition.

Tier 2 to include Samoa, Japan, Tonga, U.S.A., and Canada in a new Pacific series.

With these series running together on a promotion/relegation basis for the following year, I can only imagine the level of rugby displayed with teams from Tier 1 avoiding being relegated and teams from Tier 2 striving to be promoted.

Wishful thinking!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Forging signatures for the “Dead” and “Members of the Mataqali (clan)” or “Tokatoka (sub clan)” who are alive is a long-term sickness and a common conniving culture within the iTaukei landowners, especially here in the West.

Many cases have been reported to Police and dealt with according to the law, and even ending up in jail.

When will landowners learn?

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Recently, there’s been a lot of hue and cry about the Cabinet reshuffle.

The Fiji Law Society and other opponents have aired their views on disagreement of appointments.

Law applies and is meant to be upheld by all irrespective of status, position, or calibre.

When Fiji is moving forward as a nation with democracy then we can’t hang onto hierarchy and bureaucracy.

What I do not understand if the 2013 Constitution, Bills and Acts don’t match then why aren’t they amended to avoid this clash?

It can’t happen overnight, but one needs to give it a start.

Governments come and go and when this clash occurs opinions are stated and tagged along.

Time needs to be given to amend these laws if they are seen as the cause of abuse of power.

When we can rely on financial, technical assistance why not open up to rightful and knowledgeable personnel, local or international, applicable for the job?

Only then will we be able to enhance service delivery. What good is “Prerogative when it can’t be Active”?

When serving under a selected governance one can neither be dictatorial or lax.

Differential opinions are expected thus one has to be referral, approachable, attentive and amendments of certain legislations need to be done without deferral.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

As a third night in-patient at the Nadi Hospital, in my many restful moments, my mind “calculates” many things in life.

As part of the old colonial era, hand-me-down mentality, over many decades, the Ministry of Health continues unabatedly to practice the “same old; same old.”

Best modern practices need exploring. We are now 21st century living specimens. Times have changed, tenfold or more. Please learn?

Move on for a better and more vibrant Fiji, Mr Prime Minister – the captain of the ship.

Steer us to newer modern shores, please? The call can be yours.

The labour costs incurred in producing three meals in our hospitals is condensed and tightly compacted into a one eight-hour shift:

Breakfast 8am;

Lunch 12midday; and

Dinner at 4pm;

Who, in their right mind, has dinner at 4pm? Anyone? Except patients who have no say. I want to be their voice.

This is a challenge from my Nadi Hospital bed to the Ministry for Health; the Ministry of Finance and National Budgetary Planning, to seriously think “outside the box” for refreshing changes to thousands of patients, each day, every day x 365 (till Kingdom come).

I am not an economist, most respectfully and/or a national planner but just an ordinary kai Nadi, who cares for the multitudes.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team finished third in the recent Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship in Brisbane, Australia.

This week, they again with the inclusion of new players under coach, Sireli Bobo, play in the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

After reviewing the players’ performance, head coach Ben Gollings is expected to name his squad for the opening tournaments of the 2023/24 HSBC SVNS.

First on the calendar, is the Dubai Sevens from December 2-3 at the Sevens Stadium where the Fijians are in Pool C with France, United States of America and Great Britain. Then it is followed by the South Africa Sevens tournament in Cape Town from December 9-10 before the competition resumes early next year.

On the brighter note the return of elusive utility back Kaminieli Rasaku from club rugby in France and Jerry Matana from injury have boosted the national training squad.

However, there is a growing concern on the absence of two-time Olympic Games gold medallists Jerry Tuwai.

Last month, Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman, Peter Mazey said that Tuwai had been helping out with the Fijiana women’s 7s team for the Oceania Rugby Sevens tournament, which was also a qualifying event for next year’s Olympics. Now with our women’s side qualified, there are still questions on Tuwai’s absence.

The veteran halfback has been actively involved with his boxing promotions and recently was announced the ambassador of one the country’s leading hardware companies.

When Golling’s was appointed national sevens head coach in 2021, Viliame Satala and Tuwai were also announced as assistant coaches. Now, Bobo has been brought in to work with Satala and Gollings with questions on what has become of Tuwai?

Again questions emailed to Mazey and Gollings last week about Tuwai’s absence remained unanswered.

So what is really happening?

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and remain hopeful that Tuwai makes the squad for the Dubai and Cape Town tournaments.

His experience is very much-needed to lead from the front just like he did when they retained the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

It seems the hero of yesterday at USP has now become the villain.

They were celebrating this foreign VC to Laucala, but now wants him gone.

So, it seems the former government’s actions in getting rid of him from our beloved country was a justified one.

The past actions of this person spat on the face of the host country as he challenged the national interests of our beloved country.

Such foreigners should be shown short shrift and bundled into the next flight out.

Also, get rid of USP and channel Fiji’s financial contribution to its government owned university – the Fiji National University (FNU).

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

He is on the news again.

This is months after the government reinstated him as Vice Chancellor, with a little bit of the push and shove from NFP’s Biman Prasad.

And the USP fraternity celebrated and congratulated him.

Now, the USP Staff Association is not happy with pay issues and wants Prof Ahluwalia’s work permit revoked and employment contract terminated?

It will be difficult as Deputy PM Prasad is a strong supporter of the professor.

So why did the FijiFirst government terminate Professor Ahluwalia?

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

When the top eight teams in the recent Rugby World Cup lost in the quarterfinals, four coaches resigned straight away.

No complaints.

The same happened in the FIFA World Cup.

Not only the coaches, but also some presidents and managers too resigned.

So, why does this not happen with Fiji Football Association?

I was totally surprised when the FIFA president uttered his rubbish.

After all, FIFA is corrupt too.

The legacy of former FIFA presidentsm speaks volumes.

The Fiji Football Association is no exception

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Samoa is in the process of checkmating Fiji in moving the University of the South Pacific (USP) headquarters to Apia.

They’re just waiting for the right moment to pounce.

The incumbent vice chancellor of the institution provided such an opportunity.

Luckily for Fiji, we have our own university, which is owned by our government.

This is the far-sightedness of the past government that eventually this regional project will unravel due to competing national interests.

Now, our country should try its hardest to maintain the UN regional offices here in If it moves to Apia or Port Vila, then Fiji’s diplomatic clout and regional standings goes down in the regional pecking order.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

It’s nice to note that health officials are out monitoring health and safety standards of food outlets.

This will certainly keep food caterers on their toes if this act is practiced widely and regularly.

Just grading them is not sufficient; placingfines or even closure of operations on those that do not adhere to safety protocols till health measures are met.

Whatever choice the customer makes it’s the caterer that handles from start to finish.

Consumption starts with preparation – as it all matters.

Be vigilant. Health matters!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Can the indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of weedicides, pesticides and crop fertilizers be a certain cause for the reported increase of cancers in Viti Levu?

I am thinking outside the box.

Today, town and city councils’ resort to weedicides, too readily for its convenience.

The maintenance of the outer-most boundaries and drains at the Nadi International Airport; leading to Newtown and Wailoaloa, are good examples of the almost uncontrolled use of weedicides.

In 70s and 80s, both Wailoaloa and Newtown beaches had much seaweed, shellfish, and the like.

They have disappeared, sadly.

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Can some university scientist undertake some study, in this direction, please? Any findings will be beneficial, in my layman’s view.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

As a Saint I believe there is no point in wearing black on Thursday because we cannot do what the worldly system does.

Ephesians 2: 19 reads “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

The Bible also says; “Though we are in this world, we are not of this world. Our citizen is from Heaven.”

As Christians we must all know that the “whole world lies under the sway of the wicked.”

By wearing black on Thursday doesn’t please God but men.

We must please God at all times by being obedient to His world.

If God made us female, be like a female.

If God made us man, be man.

There are only two genders, and that is male and female and apart from that, all is ungodly.

So saints wearing black on Thursday will not change anything.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

This Weekend we Shine A Light on a questionable matter that was brought to our attention only recently.

Upon enquiring, our Investigative editor and senior journalist, Ivamere Nataro, found that more than five years after monies were released under the Help for Homes initiative, many villagers in Tailevu have not received building materials to date.

The spotlight is on two hardware companies, whose executives and representatives have yet to answer our queries.

Many Fijians and people all over the world will remember the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Winston which devastated our economy and took the lives of 44 people on February 7, 2016.

Such was the magnitude of the Category 5 cyclone that hundreds of homes were destroyed.

It was a cyclone that Fiji wasn’t prepared for.

The Government immediately declared a state of emergency and humanitarian organisations and international financial institutions reached out and opened their coffers to respond to the call.

Many of those whose homes were destroyed were forced to live in tents while others collected what was left of their homes to rebuild them.

Still, the Government and stakeholders were adamant that if Fiji was to go through another cyclone as strong as Winston, it was best to mitigate the risks rather than face another devastating blow in the future.

And so, the Help for Homes initiative was born.

It was aimed at helping those who were not in the financial position to build back better and more importantly, to ensure that the next time around, the homes would be built to withstand a Category 5 cyclone.

Two years later, depending on the damage to one’s home, $1500, $3000 or $7000 were released to the successful applicants.

In order to see that this money was not misused by recipients, Government sent out an Expression of Interest to hardware companies for the supply of the building materials.

It is safe to say that some recipients did receive the building materials however, many have not.

Then Opposition Member of Parliament, Biman Prasad, was so impassioned about their plight that he demanded what the then Bainimarama Government was doing about it.

However, now the Minister for Finance, Mr Prasad has not yet given a comment on the matter.

Yet here we are at a time when the country is going through another cyclone season, with much uncertainty, and the answers for these poor villagers remain unanswered.

Ms Nataro visited some villages in Tailevu which were supposed to receive the building materials.

In one of the villages, it’s hard to miss the signage illustrating how to build a cyclone-proof home.

But behind that signage, homes looking the very opposite of this illustration is apparent.

Upon further findings, Ms Nataro noted that these homes were built by the villagers at their own expense because they could no longer wait for the rest or all of the building materials to arrive.

They claim to have taken their complaints to relevant authorities but it has fallen on deaf ears. Until now.

And villagers are demanding answers.

They want to know why they have not received the building materials, let alone where the millions of dollars injected into the initiative, have gone to?

This series does not end here.

Watch this space as we shed more light on this saga in our upcoming Shine A Light editions.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Almost 50 years ago, the late Dr Martin Luther King Jr said: “Eleven o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of America.”

This is the same for Fiji.

Many today are worshiping ‘at the attendance altar’ by being too focused on numbers and are ‘obsessed’ with the Sunday collection.

No wonder people are leaving the church, and in many respects, young people are demanding more truth, more teaching, and less entertainment.

We are not interested in shallow expressions of religion and who should be leading the spirituals among religions.

Now, some are even offering entertainment in the place of worship. Have they too lost their spiritual compass? Or is it a hard pill to swallow?

While the others seek deliverance, preachers amuse themselves with secular ideology and have terribly missed the true meaning of Sunday mass.

Feedback: letters@fijiaun.com.fj

So the Permanent Secretary for Finance (PS Finance) exercised his powers under the Financial Management Act, 2004, and authorised the balance of funds amounting to $18.5m to be kept by Vodafone and Digicel in their respective wallets.

We know that individuals who use these wallets and have funds in them are not paid any interest; however, they pay a fee for cash withdrawals, that is pay to use their own funds.

If the unused funds were retrieved by the ministry and placed in a term deposit, would it not yield a return? Or did it?

What kind of stewardship is PS Finance practising?

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

I love the game of soccer and also love watching them and overseas especially EPL, Laliga etcetera.

It seems our players have mixed feelings and mixed techniques because our coaches did not have much time in investing for long term success.

They just come and go at will. It’s hire and fire.

They don’t stay long in Fiji. Just a though

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj