Chinese Embassy number
Joe Smith, Pacific Harbour
The Suva Chinese Embassy telephone number 3300215, as listed, has no response despite repeated calls.
The Telecom Fiji Limited (TFL) complaints operator is unable to do anything because she explained the owner of the number has to lodge a service complaint.
The Chinese Embassy staff members are unaware of the trauma felt by the calling public.
Food ration distribution
Indar Jit, Navua
Reading through a daily newspaper, it has been noted that a villager from Taveuni has made a complaint that distribution of food rations to cyclone-affected people have not gone well. The villager also claims that food rations are issued out on the basis of ‘who-you-know’ system.
This villager claims that victims in the south-end of the island received less food compared to those living at the upper North-end.
He further claims that people living in the South-End suffered much more than those living around the upper North-end of the island.
Food rations and other relief assistances are provided by international countries, Fijian Government plus Non-Government Organisations.
Rations should be fairly distributed to all cyclone-affected people. There should be no ‘whom you know’ system.
However, if this villager’s claim is genuine, the Commissioner Northern should arrange for a team to investigate.
Such reports do not read pleasing to anyone.
Mixed emotions
Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi
The recent outing by our Vodafone Fijian 7s team has raised mixed emotions amongst fans. While we did tremendously well to win Las Vegas, we bowed out in the semis and were placed fourth at the Vancouver 7s.
On a positive note, we are still leading the World Seven Series although the margin has been cut short. We have two players making the dream team and Kitione Taliga topped the player’s performance tracker list at the Vancouver 7s. I believe Taliga and Dakuwaqa were the new find for our 7s team in this leg. This is a testimony in itself that our players are raising the bar.
On the other hand, it is also a good time to reflect on what we have achieved and what we ought to achieve.
We always cannot be winning tournaments. However what we look for is consistent performance.
Food for thought for Ben Ryan and the team, have we reached our full potential yet? Are teams catching up fast on us? Is it at times when under pressure we are running short of ideas?
With the Rio Olympics in sight, I believe Ben is fully aware of this is and surely going to orchestrate this well come, the Olympics.
Vancouver 7s
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
We did well in the American leg by winning the Las Vegas 7s, but despite the enormous support in Canada we weren’t able to materialise on certain aspects of the game.
We had the people feel for our Cyclone Winston victims and the Canadians donating a large sum of money and the indoor playing environment was sensational.
But to top them all is Ben Ryan’s new find – Dakuwaqa and Taliga. What an outstanding performance for the two rising stars.
Coach Ryan will now have a difficult task selecting the final squad for the remaining leg and Rio.
Nonetheless, the Vodafone Fijian 7s team still lead the World Sevens Series despite being placed fourth in Canada, and we are all here to support them all the way.
God bless the boys and their families.
Direction
Neelz Singh, Lami
Are we heading in the right direction to Rio or trips to Delhi just curious? Vinaka!
Moving on
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
First of all I would like to thank the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) for restoring our power supply.
Feels good to have power restored. The FEA were and are working tirelessly to supply the public with electricity to the best of their abilities.
My heartfelt sympathy for all those affected by Cyclone Winston and those who have lost loved ones. People in Lautoka didn’t see much damage done, but we can only imagine the pain and suffering of those severely affected.
I practically cried while reading all the news about the cyclone and am sure others did too.
I hope God will give strength to all those affected in this difficult time.
Thank you to the Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy for giving a week’s time off for schools to get back on track and also for resuming classes at some schools.
Hope this helped the students take their mind off the cyclone.
Life has to move on but it is easier with people helping and supporting financially or emotionally. There are many help coming our way and we can only hope that the right things reach those in need.
Thank you to the many people who have helped or helping our Fijians in need either personally or through organisations.
To our neighbouring countries and international friends who have and are still helping we can’t thank you enough. For those who have been criticising them for their lack of assistance open your eyes and see.
To our Government you are amazing. Thank you very much.
I salute our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for his down-to-earth personality which is reflecting well throughout the country. We get to learn so much from such tragedies.
Today, we have people around who have lost almost everything. We are fortunate enough to raise our hands for them.
Every little contribution counts and if people cannot give anything the least they can do is pray for them.
I hope some of people will be recognised for their bravery during the cyclone.
Back in Parliament House, thank you Madam Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni for removing those wigs and gowns. It was long overdue.
To our 7s heroes all the best and may God bless you all.
Support for teachers
Floyd Robinson, Nasinu
While the path to recovery commenced in our primary and secondary schools, there is perhaps a need to reflect on our teachers who were among community members who experienced the direct impacts of severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Are we allowing opportunities and space for teachers to speak about their experiences and how this may have influenced their behaviour in a short span of time?
How best can they cope with this, let alone trying to get back to their roles as teachers? Once our teachers go back to school they will be subjected to increased amounts of pressure.
Firstly, they will have to help children settle back to school life.
Are they aided with necessary support of parents and guardians as this is not a responsibility of teachers only?
With lost time following the temporary closure of schools for up to two weeks, teachers will be under enormous pressure to cover topics per subject with remaining limited time frames and prior to end of school terms or examinations.
Are the facilities at school such as water supplies and toilets fully functioning?
All in all, the community at large has high expectations of teachers.
Let’s be frank and spare a few moments by putting ourselves in their situations and supporting them in whatever possible manner we can.
Canada seasonal work
Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada
I thank Saivasa Luvuwaqa for his letter on the above subject urging the Government to sit down with the New Zealand and Australian governments to speed up the seasonal workers scheme.
Canada’s Minister for International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau has revealed that Canada’s total humanitarian assistance to Fiji is $CA1m ($F1.56m).
For someone who is interested in finding work for skilled and seasonal workers in Fiji, like Saivasa Luvuwaqa, I urge the Government to sit with the Canadian government and seek the approval for Fijians to do seasonal work here as part of their humanitarian assistance to Fiji’s recovery process.
Winter is nearly over and spring will see a lot of activity in the Agricultural Sector. By summer and autumn, it is harvest time.
It is a fact that Canada has a lot of work opportunities but less workers. Here in BC, you will see signs on most farms requesting for workers or pickers during harvest.
There is no harm in asking at Government level for the Bible says: Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened to you.
Our late hero
Wise Muavono , Lautoka
Rest in peace Seru Rabeni. May the love and mercy of our Lord bestowed upon your family during this unfortunate time.