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‘A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself’

- Ronnie Chang, Suva jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna KCMG KBE

Nadi

During a recent visit to the capital city, Suva, I had the occasion, by chance, to spend a few minutes near Government Buildings.

The statue of Fiji’s first Statesman, Ratu Sir Joseva Lala Vanayaliya­li Sukuna KCMG KBE caught my attention.

The paint-work lacked the natural colour of his skin. It looked so unreal; most artificial; very drab, and lacked respect.

I was saddened.

He was a Fijian chief, scholar and soldier truly very distinguis­hed in the annals of Fiji history.

I make this fervent appeal to Suva City’s fathers to please make the necessary “correction­s” to fix this “defect” in the name of utmost respect. The memory Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna deserves far better, in my view.

Can such timely “repairs” be carried out prior to the re-instatemen­t of Ratu Sukuna Day; please? It will be fitting, proper, respectful and dignified.

The services of a profession­al city landscaper, of Dick Phillips’ fame, to beautify the base of this historical monument with colourful miniature unique local shrubs, ferns and flowers will be fitting & enhancing. My recommenda­tion is offered free-of-charge.

A picture does not lie. It speaks a thousand words.

Crumbling infrastruc­ture Meli Matanatoto, Nadi

There are so much efforts being made to remove people from positions of responsibi­lity who were seen as close associates with the former party in power.

Maybe if the same efforts could be channelled into repairing and rebuilding our state of our infrastruc­tures such as our roads. Road usage in Fiji is hazardous as drivers have to navigate other oncoming traffic, stray animals and especially pedestrian­s who sometimes think they should use the road like motor vehicles.

This is compounded by the potholes which practicall­y litter every piece of our roads and highways.

Maybe the new Government might need alternativ­e sources of funding apart from ADB for infrastruc­tural developmen­t around the country as the lowest bidder is always awarded contracts due to the terms and conditions set by the donor.

If not we will be like in the 1990s infrastruc­tures were basically falling apart and some parts of Fiji still have not been accessed by roads.

That is one feather in the cap by the former government as one of its goals is that all Fijians should have accessibil­ity.

Bitter sweet coaching

Floyd Robinson,

Coaching at internatio­nal level has its moments including bitter and sweet occasions, but sadly this happens abruptly for some. Despite a relatively successful experience with England, Eddie Jones was recently sacked. Dave Rennie was also given the boot by Australia.

Sadly, these changes have occurred just months away from the Rugby World Cup. Back at home, Senirusi Seruvakula, is no longer the coach of our promising Fijiana team.

The readers are not interested in him quoting sections from Acts since we don’t carry the law books with us. Tell us in plain English: Is it noise pollution, storm water issues, height of the building, debris, boundary encroachme­nt or what?

There are many explanatio­ns to these changes, but all in all, coaching is a brutal encounter and the best adopt thick skins to survive in these harsh environmen­ts. Appreciati­on to these three coaches for their contributi­ons to internatio­nal rugby and one wishes them the very best in their future endeavours. Meanwhile, fans can say that All Blacks coach, Ian Foster, has barely survived but who knows what the following months hold for him.

After all, coaching is a serious and high risk role.

What breach? Ajai Kumar, Nadi

First it was Premila Kumar attempting to justify four school terms, then it was Bulitavu talking about siding with Government and now Mahendra Reddy religiousl­y reading text likely written by someone else.

For God’s sake, can Reddy be more specific on what breaches of the Environmen­t Laws were committed, if he knows them.

The readers are not interested in him quoting sections from Acts since we don’t carry the law books with us.

Tell us in plain English: Is it noise pollution, storm water issues, height of the building, debris, boundary encroachme­nt or what?

Feedback:

 ?? Photo: Ronnie Chang ?? The statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna in front of Government Buildings in Suva.
Photo: Ronnie Chang The statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna in front of Government Buildings in Suva.

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