Sevens teaching
Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka
Sevens rugby in Fiji has given the code a new definition altogether. It signifies a dignified and respected coach, a real faithful and fit captain and players who are diligent and fitter than the fittest subordinates. This fully describes an excellent workplace where justice prevails with reality in action. No amount of personal bickering and selfishness catches any attraction, but genuine attributes of a true sports person.
Of course the golden path had its share of real challenges in terms of sacrifice. Sacrifice in terms of food, family time, personal habits, time management, adaptation to new demands, following instructions, uncertainty, facing the reality checks, body conditioning and the usual in the sun life.
The flow of each drop of sweat during the training at the famous sand dunes must be tasting much sweeter than honey now. The teamwork of the team is what the country needs now. Let the captain lead with one aim – success, nothing less for all Fijians.
It took one man called Ben Ryan to work out the right formula with the best materials to get on top of the world of sporting and create history.
No doubt, team Fiji sevens is exemplary to all other teams in the country. I hope soccer would not be so proud of that one goal scored with the highest number of goals against it in the name of learning at that level. Stop learning at the competitions but learn during the training sessions with your coaches. It is not you as an individual but collectively that can bring glory. Do not forget the almighty at any cost.
Winning has never been so sweet than this gold medal win in Rio. Vinaka boys. You deserve your awards and rewards. To all students: Follow the dedicated pathway the sevens team at your study level and you will gain gold definitely.
Celebration venue
Sukha Singh, Labasa
Could we have the “first gold medal” celebrations at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes.
We could even give the sand dunes to Ben Ryan and the boys and Ben could set up a training camp there and live happily in Fiji.
Golden Fiji
Praneet Singh, Sacramento, CA
To the people of Fiji and the Fijian diaspora, the gold medal Fiji won in Rio is worth more than the 990 odd gold medals USA has won since the modern Olympics began.
It’s our moon landing event. Every man, woman and child will remember where they were when this happened (not working of course!)
Equally fitting for the occasion was the humbleness, gratitude and respect shown by the Fijian players while accepting their medals.
While any other team would have rushed the podium to beat their chest as gold medalists, how magnanimous of the Fijian boys to include the silver and bronze medal winners in their moment of glory.
That is the Fijian spirit the Pope once opined as the way the world should be.
Vinaka Vakalevu for uniting Fijians into one happy family.
Noble banner blue
Tom Davis, Tamavua
Well, what a thrill. My eyes filled with tears when I watched the Fiji Flag flying proudly high above those of Great Britain and South Africa in the breeze at the stadium in Brazil this morning.
Please honorable Prime Minister don’t change our flag.
In the presence of royalty
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
Fijian rugby players have shown Britain’s Princess Anne the deepest respect during their award ceremony after they walked away with the nation’s first ever Olympics medal.
On Friday, the rugby sevens team sang in celebration after claiming victory over Britain 43-7; the first Olympics rugby win in 92 years.
As she did, each player knelt down on the podium and clapped three times out of respect for the royal.
Some of the players clasped their hands together and took in the moment, while other shared a few words with Princess Anne before she moved on.
Fijian Captain Osea Kolinisau led the defending Sevens World Series Champions in their ruthless win.
Reform VAT /GST
Saimoni Lutu, Namosi
In 1979 or 1989, some 20 to 30 plus years ago, VAT was first introduced to Fiji. Little or no reform has been enacted to this consumption tax and the same baggage that came with the initiation of the policy continues. For example exemption of exports and other zero ratings mean that the vulnerable of our society that is the poor will carry a disproportionately heavy burden from this tax than others.
To remove this injustice and unfairness, all zero rated activities, particularly exports must be subject to a rate of say three per cent harmonised over all other activities.
In other words by eliminating all zero rated activities, a critical mass is achieved of the order of magnitude almost two times or even more as then of previously.
With that sorts of number a lower rate of VAT / GST for example three per cent, is within the realm of possibility. Sure beats the present high nine per cent nah? The windfall of course is the total rake from this tax of $800 million annually will not be reduced; more likely it will increase!
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj