Good investments

Soccer World Cup

FINALLY, all 32 teams for the World Cup soccer scheduled to be held in Qatar from November 18 to December 20, 2022 have been decided. Last to join in the mega competition are teams Australia and Costa Rica.

Unfortunately, New Zealand will not be partaking because they did not qualify.

Let’s get our TV sets in order so that those of us who love soccer don’t miss the action. The best disciplined team will take the prestigious World Cup and the competition is going to be lively there is no doubt about that.

SURESH CHAND

Nadi

Local alternatives

IN the past few weeks, there have been alternatives suggested via this column and occasionally on mainstream media too.

An article was also published on FBC’s website with local alternatives such as cassava, uto, kumala and even dalo stated to have potential to be converted into flour.

This sounds really good and I am happy to learn that we have local alternatives available that is not affected by what’s happening between Russia and Ukraine.

However, after converting into flour, will a kg of the end product from any of these alternatives cost cheaper or even equal to what the price per kg of wheat flour currently is?

Cassava, being one of the cheapest alternative, costs on average $5 a heap, which may weigh about 2kg to 3kg.

After going through the necessary processing and say we attain a minimum of 2kg flour from a $5 bundle, the selling price, on a conservative note, after factoring in the cost of production and necessary markup will exceed $5!

This also does not account for price hike because of excess demand! And because of the price, I suggest we rather not talk about converting root crops such as dalo into flour.

I believe touters of local alternatives appear more so rhetorical and perfunctory, unless they work out the total production cost and confirm the cost advantages.

Flour from wheat may still be cheaper option.

BIMAL PRASAD

Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi

A real man

“A REAL man wouldn’t lay a finger on a woman. He treats his partner with respect, love and support. Men have no place abusing that power. Everyone has problems, and arguments happen, but that’s when a real man uses his intelligence to talk it out.” ~ Matt Lanter

I’m ashamed to be called a man, if I’m causing violence against my wife or partner. No women and girls deserve to be treated this way, never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable. My seven line sentence awareness, for this weekend.

#STOP violence Against Women & Girls in Fiji.

JIOJI M CAKACAKA

Tadra - Votualevu, Nadi

Quick response

IT’S interesting to see in The Fiji Times the burglary suspect with an umbrella, sheltering to hide his identity inside a supermarket, seen on CCTV camera (FT 13/6). Thanks to the Fiji Police Intelligence team’s quick response in arresting the suspect. We all have to face the high cost of living with ongoing price rise and crime crisis. Does poverty lead to crime?

Crime prevention is everybody’s business.

TAHIR ALI

Hamilton, New Zealand

I CANNOT imagine what it would have been like if the Navakai Bypass Rd was not made and the section of Queens Rd from Martintar to Nadi International Airport had not been converted into four-lane. A major traffic issue has been addressed by carrying out these projects costing millions of dollars for which we are grateful.

Money aside, this is how places grow. Tourists are also impressed seeing such developments taking place anywhere.

Investment of this nature is never regrettable because the benefit outweighs cost. For that matter, any tourist destination to survive in this competitive world must constantly be working towards upgrading and beautifying the place.

People want to visit places that are safe and secure to move around.

Of course, the Bula smile and warm hospitality are the irreplaceable trademark as our success in the tourism sector speaks for itself.

So, let’s maintain that and keep all tourist oriented amenities in check at all times. Thank you.

SURESH CHAND

Nadi

100 nights

MY mate Cameron and his cousin Penaia Samisoni have abstained from yaqona for 100 nights and that ends today.

A tradition that has remained intact for millennia following the passing of a family member.

As they will enter, pale, hesitating, and evidently oppressed at heart; as their eyes rested for one brief moment on the full tanoa, they will feel for the first time in their lives, and trembling, acknowledge that they are home.

WISE MUAVONO

Balawa, Lautoka