Harsh reality

YOUR SAY

The Act

HOW come the International Labour Organization is compelled to call on the Fiji Government “to review sections of the Public Order Act and Crimes Decree that prohibit and criminalise the right to freedom of expression and right to assembly” (FT 13/5) almost a decade after Fiji’s “return to democracy” following the holding of the first parliamentary elections in 2014 since the coup of 2006?

It makes one wonder what kind of democracy has been restored in the country?

RAJEND NAIDU

Sydney, Australia

Important issues

THANK you honourable Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Industry that despite all the challenges caused by COVID in terms of lockdowns, port closures, shipping schedules and the increased price of fertiliser in excess of $80 per bag, the growers still pay the same price of $20 per bag and more importantly, Government has guaranteed sugar price of $85 per tonne irrespective of the world market sugar price.

Indeed most canefarmers are not left behind which has given security and certainly by supporting their bottom line.

However, 43 per cent of cane growers cut less than 100 tonnes of cane per year thus the need to revitalise the industry.

On a lighter note, I just laughed when Opposition MP Inosi Kuridrani said that the Minister for Agriculture had been giving overworked stray horses to farmers.

Finally, I am just fed up with a number of Government ministers who keep harping about the Opposition’s positive contributions as mainly election gimmicks.

Just hold onto your seat belts, the final verdict will be delivered by the right

THE picture of Sivaniolo Ralogo as per FT of Friday, revealed the harsh reality when he couldn’t control his emotions due to the increase in prices of some basic food items.

Low income earners and those unemployed will suffer more from the recent price hike.

We as individuals can only imagine the suffering of the poor and are unable to fully meet their demands.

We plead with our Government ministers to collaborate with non-government organisations and assist those unfortunate.

Arguing about the reality of poverty by both the government ministers and activists thinking voters on election day.

I conclude by thanking the various NGOs and good Samaritans for their genuine contributions in helping bring the national poverty level down. Leva mind what the World Bank report says, just do an independent survey in the Western Division to see the reality of the matter. RAYMOND SINGH

Golf Links, Lautoka from NGOs (FT 11/05) will never solve the problem unless their differences are solved.

For many decades, many in our country have suffered from meagre wages to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic and unrest between Russia and Ukraine, have resulted in the unexpected increase of basic food items. Once again we humbly request assistance from our Government and NGOs to prevent each one from going to bed on an empty stomach, malnutrition, domestic violence and attempting to end one’s life. SARITA LAL

Malolo St., Lautoka

Raiders honour winger!

THE name Noa Nadruku rocked in Fijian homes in the 90s.

After representing Fiji in rugby union, he switched to play rugby league in Australia for the Canberra Raiders (92 games between 1993 and 1997) and was named as one of the best 25 players for the Raiders’

anniversary. Born in Namatakula, his usual position was running on the sideline, scoring tries, and generally using a cracking goosestep to leave defenders in his wake.

In addition to winning the 1994 Grand Final with the Raiders, in 1993 and 1996, he was the top tryscorer in the League. The “Noa Nadruku Trophy” is awarded to the Australia Fijian Rugby League’s player of the year. Nadruku first played international rugby union for Fiji in 1988 and, while playing in the Rugby League World 7s for Fiji, he was spotted by Canberra Raiders coach Tim Sheens. He had a slow start to the 1993 rugby league season, but by the end of the year he scored a club record 22 tries in 20 games.

He was one of Canberra’s best in their 36-12 victory over Canterbury in the final, scoring a try, and making several powerful runs. He finished his career with the North Queensland Cowboys under his old coach Tim Sheens. Thank you Filipe Marayawa and The Fiji Times for the fitting tribute to a rugby league legend! It always feels great reading about our former stars! All the best Noa!

RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu