Women’s rugby under radar
I’m disappointed with the current state of women’s 15s rugby in our country. Head coach Mosese Rauluni could not defend the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s Championship title with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua, leading to a crushing 14-50 defeat against the NSW Waratahs at Ballymore.
Meanwhile, the Vodafone Fijiana lost to Japan but managed a 24-15 victory in their two-match series. However, it was frustrating to see them suffer a heavy 64-5 loss to the Wallaroos, who ended a three-match losing streak with a stellar performance, notably from winger Desiree Miller who scored four tries.
The Fijiana’s performance was disappointing overall, prompting a plea to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to reappoint Senirusi Seruvakula. Concerns about fitness levels, match combinations, set pieces, and basic rugby skills are prevalent. The coaching panel needs to address these issues before women’s rugby in Fiji further deteriorates.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Ballgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fijiana fly-half
It has become increasingly evident that the Fijiana team needs a new fly-half.
Mohammed Imraz Janif
Natabua, Lautoka
Now more than ever
With the peak of social media and digital networking, technology and social applications are now invaluable in our daily lives. Among them is Tiktok, which is growing increasingly popular in Fiji. This app features a wide array of content from diverse creators, making it more than just an entertainment platform.
Driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO), I have become an avid Tiktok user. Recently, I encountered a video belittling women, which triggered and revealed derogatory comments aimed at a woman following a breakup.
It was disheartening to see youths in the comments section criticizing the woman’s past relationships, appearance, career, family, and life choices. What’s even more troubling is that fellow women joined in the public shaming.
Despite ongoing education and awareness about gender equality, mental health, and responsible social media use, patriarchal mindsets persist among our youths. This raises concerns for a future potentially marked by gender-based discrimination and violence.
Where did we go wrong? Basic values and ethical awareness should be taught at home from a young age, a responsibility that falls on parents. Now more than ever, it is crucial to recognize and change these regressive mindsets for a more empowering future focused on building each other up.
Anmol Narayan
Lautoka
Invasive plant
Thank you to Daniel Fatiaki for highlighting the issue of the invasive African tulip plant (The Sunday Times, July 07). For several years, I have tried in vain to bring this matter to the attention of the Conservator of Forests and the Minister for Forestry. The African tulip is increasingly spreading along both the Queens and Kings roads, threatening our indigenous flora and fauna.
Despite numerous well-to-do government employees traversing these highways daily, there seems to be a selective vision — overlooking this serious issue. Perhaps our honorable President and Prime Minister might show urgent concern by initiating eradication programs under the auspices of various provincial councils.
Ronnie Chang
Martintar, Nadi
Water tax
The government should revise the Water Resources Tax to apply only to exports. Domestically, with frequent water cuts and poorly managed water carting services, bottled water is often the only choice for many people. Clean drinking water is a fundamental right and should be accessible and affordable. VAT should be removed from bottled water, making it more affordable than many current VAT-free basic food items.
Has anyone seen ministers drinking tap water supplied by the government-funded Water Authority of Fiji?
Kiran Khatri
Samabula, Suva
One down
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians secured a 21-12 victory against Georgia at Adjarabet Arena. It was a dream debut for winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa, whose two tries uplifted the team’s morale ahead of their clash with the All Blacks in San Diego.
In the match against Georgia, Fiji managed three tries, while Georgia relied on four penalties by Luka Matkava. This win follows their 17-12 victory against The Lelos in Bordeaux during the RWC pool stage. Notably, Tevita Ikanivere had an impressive performance, scoring Fiji’s first try.
Despite Georgia’s strong defense, the Fijians need to improve their kicking game, set pieces, and connectivity between the forwards and backs. As they prepare for the All Blacks, the coaching panel must focus on these areas to avoid another thrashing like the 57-23 and 60-13 defeats in Dunedin and Hamilton.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Ballgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Missing and delayed parcels
In reference to Sukha Singh’s article in The Sunday Times on July 7, I have also faced significant delays in parcel deliveries, some taking up to four months. Despite having tracking notices indicating arrivals in Fiji and clearance by Customs, many parcels remain undelivered or lost.
Why is Post Fiji unable to locate these parcels? Other readers experiencing similar issues should write to the press, so the extent of the problem can be evaluated.
Jackson Mar
Qanville Estate, Nasoso, Nadi
Protesters in Canberra
In Saturday’s The Fiji Times, Palestinian protesters were reported climbing the roof of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, displaying their flag and banners. The Australian Police arrested those involved, causing a temporary shutdown of Parliament.
Similar incidents have occurred, such as a protest at the Red Fort in Delhi, India, where the Indian flag was replaced with a Khalistani flag by farmers. Western media condemned the police’s response. In 2000, our Parliament was occupied by protesters holding members of the Fiji Labour Party government hostage.
These acts of desecration by protesters evoke strong reactions, underscoring the significance of these symbols of democracy.
Rakesh Chand Sharma
Adelaide, Australia