Culture of Abuse
Robert Michael Gepp, Tavarau, Ba
I want to compliment Nemani Delaibatiki for his analysis yesterday in the Fiji Sun on “Culture of Abuse”. The issue was mentioned in the Budget Speech by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
The analysis was thoughtful and well written. My fear though is that the people that it needs to reach will not either read it or be inclined to change their habits.
I live, facing the sea, at Tavarau, Ba, and witnessed Cyclone Winston and all of its incredible power. There was certainly massive damage especially to properties that had not been built to cyclone standards.
The Government and other agencies were quick to respond. It was also gratifying to see, within a few days, an endless stream of private cars heading past my place loaded up with tools and food, on their way to Rakiraki where the worst of the damage was concentrated.
Sadly, there were also marauders entering their neighbours’ properties to take advantage of others’ misfortune. Looters, in other words.
Many of these same people were showing up in droves in Ba and Lautoka, and other centres, to queue up for cash handouts. This was a circus with the accompanying tents and entertainment.
Fiji has a unique system of government, where the concerns of individuals can be heard by Government through their advisory councillors and DO (District Officers).
It would not have been hard for these people to assess the various degrees of loss and report accordingly. In fact, in my area, they did do that. It was shameful that those that needed a helping hand, were lumped in with greedy people without morals or honesty, happy to line up and lie for monetary gain.
It is almost guaranteed that we will be hit again by more cyclones and we should all be building, by law, to category 5 standards.
Government should be ready to provide assistance when the next one hits, but, hopefully, not giving handouts to those happy to stand in line and lie.
New 7s King
Dharmendra Kumar, Suva
Jerry Tuwai said that “he cannot be compared to maestro Waisele Serevi.” and he went on to further say “I will never be able to match Serevi . He is the king of 7s and until I die,I will still not be able to match him.”
We all know of Jerry Tuwai’s humility, but it’s time for the coronation of the ‘new king of sevens’.
He has achieved what no other sevens player has achieved and he is simply a polished diamond.
The debates of who’s a better player will always be in people’s mind but it’s important to retain Jerry Tuwai until the Olympic Games next year.
Jerry Tuwai is a truly special player. Every time he touches the ball something magical happens and that’s why it’s so important that the Fiji Rugby Union and the rugby mad fans find a way to keep little Jerry till the 2020 Olympic Games.
I think we can all agree that Jerry Tuwai is a rare breed of rugby player. He still embodies the loyalty most people expect, but loyalty alone is not enough.
The Fiji Rugby Union and the Fijian Government must reward Jerry with a new house.
I believe that there is nothing cheap about loyalty. Rather loyalty must be rewarded. Iliesa Delana got a house for one gold medal and so should Jerry for 18 Gold medals.
The FRU should allow rugby fans to donate a saqamoli each to reward and retain him.
The Fijian Government and the FRU must come up with something.
If Jerry leaves he will lose his form so will the gold medal slip. Get him a house and let fans donate to keep him till Olympics 2020.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj