Meeting probe
Abendra Ram Tahal, California, USA
The Attorney-General’s office should hold full and thorough probe into the recent meeting held by the SODELPA Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, in Imanueli Methodist Church in Nadera.
Sitiveni held the meeting as the SODELPA party leader’s capacity yet he claims the meeting was in regard to thanksgiving services.
Sitiveni, being the leader of a political party, should very well know that all political parties, including FijiFirst, SODELPA, NFP, Labour, etc are prohibited from conducting any kind of meetings in the name of political parties in any religious places like churches, mosque and temples under the law.
The Attorney-General’s office should investigate if any laws were broken and more so if the SODELPA party’s name was mentioned in the meeting then the violation was already committed and appropriate action should be taken against Sitiveni and the party. Also the authorities should check if Sitiveni had the proper permit to hold the meeting.
Like any democratic nation state and religion are totally independent and hence Sitiveni should be dismissed by the electoral commission as he still claims that he is Methodist Church lay preacher.
Our Prime Minister, Mr Bainimarama is trying his best to eliminate the racial and discriminatory policies of the past governments.
The Attorney-General’s office should also interview and investigate SODELPA senior members and opposition MPs Aseri Radrodro, Salote Radrodro, Ratu Sela Nanovo and Mikaele Leawere who attended the meeting.
The president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Reverend Tevita Banivanua, is wrong in saying that lay preachers were allowed to be involved in politics.
Fijian umbrella
Arien Vikash Kumar, Nadi
Colourful umbrellas are common eye-catchers during rainy days.
People on streets, roads, to schools, work, etc are usually seen with umbrellas of all sorts and make.
Wouldn’t it be nice to see an umbrella or umbrellas with the “Fijian Jersey Print” on it moving up and down on rainy days?
We have seen Jerseys, Tee-shirts (Fijian prints) hanging in shops or being worn by many, but how about an umbrella with such print?
I bet this could have been the best time for it as Team Fiji is out competing for gold in Rio and it’s raining here in Fiji.
Some would prefer buying and keeping it safe despite getting wet.
We could also sell it across as Fijian made products.
Fiji football
Narayan Reddy, Lautoka
It seems to me that Fiji Soccer has the same old problem of playing 90 minutes of soccer. With goals scored against Fiji in second half only questions the fitness level of some players.
Fiji Sports Council
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Lautoka
The Fiji Sports Council’s announcement to go ahead and draw up a development master plan for their property on Laucala Bay is a welcomed empowered initiative and visionary from its chief executive, Litia Loabuka, and Peter Mazey.
To outsource its financing to run it privately as a business without any government input must be commended as well because it is futuristic and prudent to implement their project so that Fiji can attract international teams and tournaments to our shores.
I can foresee its appreciation and long term impact on our national economy and Fijians.
I would like to recommend the Fijian Holdings CEO and its Board of Directors or the Lau Provincial Council to engage and collaborate with the Fiji Sports Council in a joint venture partnership 100 per cent Fijian owned company whereby all its stakeholders will benefit greatly from this big investment and project.
Our country badly needs a one stop shop concept international standard upmarket sporting infrastructure to attract tournaments of international status and specifically upfront for contention is the World Rugby 7s series we so badly want to bring home, but we lack such facilities to complement our ANZ Stadium, Aquatic Centre with the Vodafone Arena.
It’s a business and will certainly work very well for our economy and we don’t have to look far but learn from the Rio Olympics experience in hosting the world’s biggest sporting event through its upmarket Village accommodations, gym, restaurants, public convenience facilities, different sports stadiums, car parks, sports health facilities, shopping mall, security with international standard hotels such as the Grand Pacific Hotel, Holiday Inn, Peninsula Hotel, The Pearl Pacific Harbour with Taunovo Bay Resort for quality accommodation and the list goes on.
Already in place is the national swimming facility at the Aquatic Centre, Olympic pool, the FMF gymnasium, the Vodafone Arena indoor sporting facility and the ANZ Stadium. There is McDonald’s and the Damodar City right next door to add value and complement our Sports Council’s vision and concept.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s Rio visit will bring back with him many ideas for the Fiji Sports Council overall proposed conceptual master plan, and it could not have come at a better time.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj