Coaches and mortuaries

Ovalau and Kadavu mortuary service

History always has a way to repeat itself. The plight of the people of both Ovalau and Kadavu with the dilapidated states of their mortuaries is noted with much grief and sadness. Their predicament is one of immense sadness and should not be happening in this modern day and age. We are no longer in the colonial era.

The dead deserve far better.

In the interim period while waiting for finances to be sorted out by the Ministry of Health, most respectfully, I offer a short term relief. Two donors need to step forward with 2 x 20 feet properlyworking refrigerated ship containers.

If EFL cannot guarantee full time 24/7 x 365 electricity, I appeal to two generous donors for two reliable generators.

Someone must provide the fuel supply needed. Once done, can our very own specialists from the RFMF be approached to fully refurbish and fabricate both containers, to required standards and used as morgues?

I offer a short term solution from Jetset Nadi as a caring retiree, as my little contribution. (It will be uncaring “to look the other way” when Ovalau and Kadavu need immediate morgue solutions).

Additionally, I fully propose for the mortuaries to be 100 percent solar powered for obvious reasons best known to all concerned. The 100 percent no-fail reliability of power supply must be guaranteed in the best interests of all the dearly departed.

This is the time for generous NGOs to step forward too. There are some very generous donor countries who will willingly help our maritime destinations. RONNIE CHANG

Martintar, Nadi

Coaching crossroads!

THANK you, Rodney Duthie, for sharing an insight into the future of the coach for the Fiji Water Flying Fijians.

Indeed, Rodney, in the dynamic world of rugby, where tradition meets innovation, one of the hottest debates reverberating through the rugby fraternity centres around the appointment of the head coach for the Flying Fijians, and the question at the heart of the matter is whether to continue with the trend of selecting expatriate coaches or to invest in local talent.

At the 1987, 2007 and 2023 RWC 15s, locals Josateki Savou, Ilivasi Tabua and Simon Raiwalui took the Flying Fijians into the quarters. Under these locals, our boys left an indelible mark in the tournament.

In 2007, the boys lost 20-37 to the Springboks who won the Webb Ellis Cup. At one stage, both teams were locked 20-all. Last year, Fiji lost 24-30 under controversial circumstances to England’s Roses which went on to lose 15-16 against the champions (South Africa). I believe the battle for the top post is between former Drua coach Senirusi Seruvakula and current Drua coach Mick Byrne.

To me, both are exceptional coaches, having made an impact with the Drua. Both have a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience and are assets. Both coaches can bridge the gap between traditional Fijian flair and modern rugby methodologies. However, the debate over whether to appoint a local coach, or an expatriate coach remains an interesting one.

It is for rugby experts to come and discuss around the talanoa table. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM

Nadawa, Nasinu