Making opportunities
A PESSIMIST is one who makes difficulties out of his opportunities; an optimist is one who makes opportunities out of his difficulties.” (Robert Mansell). It is important to appreciate life, and live it well. It is important to be happy, and enjoy the provisions that have been given despite the trying times. 2022 will soon be history, and it is vital that we reflect from the year that it was as we march into 2023. The change, which was talked about, is here and the new dawn has brought hope, vigour and enthusiasm. For me, 2022 was memorable. There were ups and downs, but 2022 gave me sense of satisfaction especially the results of the 2022 General Election. For me, Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka is my personality for the year as he made two critical decisions that many had wanted, but waited patiently. Apart from Honourable PM, The Fiji Times is my pick for the best media organisation while winning the Melrose Cup in Cape Town, after 17 years, goes down in the annals of sporting books.
Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka was elected the Prime Minister of Fiji after the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) made the decision that it would team with The People’s Alliance party (PA) and National Federation Party (NFP) to form a coalition government. This put hopes to many doubts and there was huge celebration as the coalition government took charge and the ruling FijiFirst party took charge of the Opposition office. Mr Rabuka was democratically elected as Prime Minister of Fiji, serving from 1992 to 1999. He also served as chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs from 1999 to 2001, and later as chairman of the Cakaudrove Provincial Council from 2001 to 2008. Mr Rabuka was elected as leader of SODELPA in 2016, succeeding the then Leader of the Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa. He was appointed as the Leader of the Opposition to Parliament in 2018, following the 2018 election defeat, but he resigned from Parliament in 2020. He then formed a new political party in 2020, named The People’s Alliance party, to contest the 2022 General Election. Mr Rabuka’s PA amassed 168,581 votes, while he collected 77748 votes, compared to the 77040 votes that he received in 2018 in his capacity as leader of SODELPA. Hence, Mr Rabuka and the coalition signaled the end to Voreqe Bainimarama’s 16 years in power. The appointment of Mr Rabuka also ended 10 days of uncertainty after an election delivered a hung Parliament. The secret Parliamentary vote for PM was closer than had been expected, with 28 members of Parliament voting for Mr Rabuka while 27 voted in support of Voreqe Bainimarama. Immediately after being appointed as PM, he did not waste time and set work to get the ashes of Professor Brij Lal to his beloved motherland. He approved the return of Dr Padma Lal and the University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, to Fiji. Prof Ahluwalia is presently fulfilling his duties from the USP campus in Samoa. In February 2021, he was deported, with the then government saying the actions of Prof Ahluwalia and his wife had violated the terms of their work permits, resulting in their subsequent deportation. The brave decision by the PM to bring him back won thousands of Fijian hearts! The reception, which
Honourable PM received on social media showed how much Fijians wanted justice to be done to Ms Lal and Prof Ahluwalia. Mr Rabuka will also deliver the apology on behalf of Fijians. The PM’s greatness and humility has set the platform for 2023.
does it best
On Thursday, I went to pay my yearly subscription to The Fiji Times, and I’m grateful to Setaita Matavura Ratubalalavu for the efficient service delivery. I’m glad to be part of the brand which is revered and respected by thousands of readers. When my three-month subscription to The Fiji Times was about to end, I received a professional email from the Setaita, who is the circulation officer, and she advised me on the next course of action. In a polite tone and in the most helpful manner, Setaita assisted me with the renewal and within minutes my work was done. I’m glad I’m hooked with The Fiji Times for the whole year. Every morning, The Fiji Times is delivered to my door step, and I take out time to read through the newspaper, which keeps me abreast and up-to-date with current affairs, international and local news and my all-time favourite the sports section. Reading The Fiji Times educates and informs, and provides insights into many things. Thank you so much Setaita for your professional assistance and support! Thank you so much the trusted brand and the people’s newspaper for being part of my life for more than three decades! Thank you so much The Fiji Times for being the voice of the voiceless! I’m proud to be with the brand which has highlighted the plight of the poor, needy and underprivileged. The Fiji Times shared the achievements of ordinary Fijians and reported on issues affecting Fijians. The Fiji Times did not succumb or bow down to pressure, but stood for media ethics. The Fiji Times maintained the liberty of the press. The Fiji Times remained true to its first editorial, “The Fiji Times is now a public good – a practical, useful and honest medium for the support of honour, truth and right.” The Fiji Times honoured and upheld the ideals and ethics of journalism, and for this I salute the dynamic team.
Memories with the Melrose Cup
Fiji last won the Melrose Cup in 2005. It was on Sunday night around 11pm when Fiji and the All Blacks lined-up to battle for the prestigious Melrose Cup. Fiji, which had lost the prestigious Cup in 2001 in Mar del Plata, had a tough battle against the defending champions. Fiji stood tall on the podium, and we celebrated into the early hours of Monday morning. For me, the 1997 win was also special as it ended our losing streak at So Kon Po Stadium. Fiji beat South Africa 21-14. Since the 2005 victory, I have been patiently waiting for the 7s team to bring home the Melrose Cup, but, painfully, I saw Fiji lose in 2009 in UAE to Kenya 7-24 in the Cup quarters and then in 2013 and 2018 to the All Blacks 7s in Russia and US 0-17 and 1722. I watched in pain as Fiji lost the final of the Commonwealth Games 7s and Los Angeles 7s to South Africa 7-31 and the All Blacks 7s 21-28, and I found it hard to contain my emotions from the start of the thrilling battle as Fiji dismantled the All