Soccer, election and role model
Soccer loss
FIJI lost again in soccer and this time 1-7 to New Zealand. The high flying Fiji FA officials must be waiting for the next funding from Oceania and FIFA to be used for purposes they see fit, but it all goes down the drain. Some of our district reps who are also part of the Fiji team are overseas playing club level bazaar tournament to make some money for them while Fiji FA can only suspend and fine players.
My question is when will Fiji soccer ever win against Solomon, New Zealand, Vanuatu and Australia. All the funding must be going in wrong hands.
ASHMEET KUMAR
Lautoka
Fiji soccer
FIRST it was the Bula boys now it is the Kulas that got deleted by 1-7. On social media one can see Fiji FA going to primary schools, kindergarten and high school to teach soccer, but we still failed. Where is the problem? OK. I might be wrong but don’t you think Fiji FA needs new young people to help run the association? New ideas, new generation and new strategies. Too much I scratch your back and you scratch my back in Fiji soccer.
GEOFFREY CHAND
Lautoka
Artificial intelligence
I READ with interest the article titled “Artificial Intelligence” in FT 17 /02.
However, what was not mentioned in detail, was the very high possibility of AI becoming sentient and self-aware soon, or if it has not done so already!
This frightening capability to operate beyond and outside of human control, evidentially makes AI the greatest existential threat to human existence, even moreso than any of the commonly known ones.
That danger obviously surpasses and outweigh any of the advantages stated therein, which I see as mere steps - albeit taken at an exponential rate - towards the final outcome of possible world dominance by independent sentient selfreplicating machines.
The sad thing is that in our development and progress, we are either knowingly or unknowingly blind, to the real end game here! EDWARD BLAKELOCK
Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Unsafe World Cup
THERE was a lot of global commotion when Qatar were announced as hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, mainly due to their human rights issues, most of which I thought was unnecessary as the event was one of the best in recent times. However, I am genuinely concerned about the upcoming World Cup in the United States of America in 2026, given the high rate of gun incidents and killings that take place in the country.
Just a few days after the Kansas Chiefs Super Bowl victory, fans turned up for the team’s parade, which later erupted into a massive brawl. Eventually, it turned deadly as gunshots were exchanged amongst fans, claiming the life of a mother of two. It was also confirmed that 22 other people were left injured, with their ages ranging between eight and 47 years old.
This was an event held at their national level, yet it caused so much stir. Just imagine the chaos when millions of fans from all over the world gather in the United States in two years.
American gun policies need a massive shakeup, as the public’s safety is almost always at risk with such massive events.
RAYNAV CHAND
Nakasi
Poll exercise!
I SALUTE the Acting Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa and her team for launching the School Election Toolkit (SET) pilot program. Rishikul Sanatan College, which is the pride of Nasinu, is one of the recipients alongside Bau Central College, which is located outside Nausori town. The initiative, which allowed the students to have firsthand experience in the electoral process and practise the democratic principles of electing their student body leaders at a young age, will instil in the youth a sense of civic pride and patriotism and enhance their understanding of the election process before they enter the General Election. I thank Ms Mataiciwa for acting on the findings from the last General Election which recorded a low youth turnout. Our youth need to vote and choose their leaders. They must have a voice in the running of the government, as decisions made affect them. Thank you, Ms Mataiciwa, for extending the SET program to schools nationwide next year after the review of this year’s piloting program. This will allow students to choose their leaders in schools in a democratic way. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Inspiring volunteers
IT’S heartening to read in The Fiji Times that an 88-year-old lady is volunteering to teach dancing as charitable work. (Collin DeokiFTLTE- 16/2). Her secret is to keep moving and enjoy every moment of our life with our loved ones. Age is no barrier. She is a good role model for all of us, especially the younger generation towards fighting NCDs.
A doctor once advised to stay healthy for your wellbeing, get upmove-move faster.
Good health is the best wealth, sound mind and sound body.
TAHIR ALI
Hamilton, New Zealand