Goodbye Allen Tears Witty shed writer

IT’S good and I hope that the new heads that have taken up that role will do a better job. KUSITINO BEKA Raiwaqa, Suva

SITTING here and listening to the eulogies for our Unkol from family, friends, peers and politicians; I guarantee you all, tears were shed by all.

Some silently, some openly; tears were shed nonetheless.

On his final journey. Rest easy Unkol.

MANOJ LAL PATEL

Lautoka

OH, how much I miss weka Allen and tovata Simon’s letters.

As an avid reader of The Fiji Times, these are two prominent names that I invariably look first for when it comes to the people’s parliament Letters to the Editor column.

Additionally, I had to turn to Google to find a word that best encapsulates Allen’s letters, I found the word “wittiness” to be befitting as it is defined as the ability to be clever and make people laugh. That to me was Allen in a nutshell!

In fact I will remember him for the “very long pipeline” phrase that he coined perhaps during one of his regular follow ups pertaining to the Lautoka $12.6 million swimming pool fiasco and the Shelly Park and Botanical gardens saga.

More importantly, the incumbent Opposition Leader and former prime minister may have a thing or two to learn from his late cousin.

Humility and humanity would be two virtues that Allen would’ve certainly wanted to impart to his cousin.

More interestingly, I wonder what Allen would’ve shared in this column regarding his cousin’s reluctancy to vacate the PM’s official residence.

Another very long pipeline perhaps, unkol?

Chiuu..

ALIPATE TUBERI

Suva away of Allen Lockington who touched the hearts of many Fijians locally and abroad.

I have been reading his inspiring and frank letters in The Fiji Times for quite some time with so many things to learn on various topics.

I have noted many things, even from his talanoa sessions under the Sekeola tree though I have never met him.

Rest in peace Allen — we miss you.

TAHIR ALI

Hamilton, New Zealand he has touched many hearts and also inspired so many others.

Sai Baba said that service to mankind is service to God. It’s only the chosen ones who are picked by God. Surely there is a place waiting for his arrival in Heaven.

You have worked so hard my friend and it’s time for you to take a good rest. So long Allen till we meet again.

SELWA NANDAN

Lautoka