Maika Bolatiki M: (679) 9990732 Email: maikab@fijisun.com.fj between THE LINES

PRAISE THE FFA

You have to give praise where it is deserved. Fiji Football has done well to host this year’s player annual awards at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Nadi, next month with a high-profile chief guest in former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. This is an improvement from the drab Suva Chinese restaurant it was held in last year. FFA should remember, at all times, that player welfare comes first.

Fiji Rugby Union spared no expense to host a gala awards event last Friday. Everyone had a wonderful time at the FRU player awards at Suva’s top venue, the Grand Pacific Hotel. Players who shed blood, sweat and tears deserve the best.

Good to see Fiji Football following the FRU example.

WRONG RIVER STORY

International editor on a Sigatoka River Safari was surprised to hear a guide complaining to visitors what a hard time villagers had with their children crossing the river.

Not quite what the largely Australian and New Zealand group expected.

Jay White, take note please.

SUMMIT OF WHAT?

Media meeting in Auckland this week is called the Pacific Media CEOs Summit.

But it was a summit more noted for those not there. Fred Wesley, of the Fiji Times, was the only genuine Fijian news media leader present. In fact. Mr Wesley was the only Pacific Islands newspaper leader of any substance to turn up. Then there was the theme: “Pacific Media Reset”. Perhaps the organisers and their funders should reset their compass and have such a summit actually in the Pacific Islands.

MISSING FROM ACTION

Two men who have played major roles in the past in the country’s security forces have not been seen in their current roles lately.

Word is both are in hospital. We wish these distinguished gentlemen well and look forward to seeing them back at work.