Fiji Sun

Budget and the 2018

general election

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Suva

Reading the 2018-2019 National Budget breakdown online and the response from some politicians including some current FijiFirst Government ministers; my mind was impressed with the thought that the opposition forces were already spinning.

The announced budget is a bold and healthy one for all Fijian families and even though the opposition MPs interviewed called it an election, vote-buying budget, the current Government ministers interviewed were overjoyed and were already laying down plans for the use of their budgeted allocation.

We are told that $20million is set aside for the Elections Office in view of the 2018 general election.

If Fijians are happy with the recent so-called “Freebies” to help families devastated by the recent floods and now we have a National Budget that will surely lift us up and benefit every Fijian family and our current ministers are happy with their allocated budgets; what is the point of having the 2018 general election?

We save $20million for that alone which could be diverted to further improve our standard of living!

The million dollar question is, “If we Fijians are all happy with our current FijiFirst Government, why change it?”

Bottom line, vote FijiFirst to enjoy this budget.

Negative spectacles

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

It is sad how the opposition parties are portraying the 2018 National Budget. They seem to be intimidated by the budget and only have negative things to say when they absolutely know that this is an excellent and consistent budget.

I call this budget the last nails to the opposition’s coffin box.

Negative people need oxygen. If they stay positive, it will take their breath away.

I am glad that the FijiFirst  Government seldom responds to their unjustified comments. The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become.

Amazing things happen when you distance yourself from negativity. I believe life is a reflection of what you think. If your thoughts are negative all the time, the 2018 National Budget will be the same for you.

Journey to heights

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

The domination of one individual in one political party reminds me of a totalitarian regime.

The analysis by Nemani Delaibatiki is a reflection and very relevant.

One should disperse power and not monopolise it. The continued individualism depends on voters. The branch and caucus should concentrate on electoral activities not on such values and attitudes.

World Cup

Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka

Sukha Singh (FS 29/06) is wondering why the Fijian team is not playing at FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The answer is simple. If with that kind of powerful shot you could not lead our team to any world cup then there is no way we can do now as there is none who can equal you.

By the way, we have our own version of the World Cup in terms of Fiji FACT, BOG and IDC. This is our domain. We are still learning after the losses as if there is no learning after wins.

Fiji, next World Cup

Taitusi Sokiveta, Phoenix, Arizona

Fiji should definitely make the next FIFA World Cup. They must make it their main goal in the next four years to beat Australia and New Zealand and become the Oceania champions to advance and qualify to be in one of the groups in the FIFA World Cup four years from now.

I have been following the World Cup since 1966 when Bobby Moore, Sir Bobby Charlton, Gordan Banks, George Best and Jackie Charlton won the World Cup for England in front of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London.

Now I am 67. If Fiji makes it into the next World Cup I will be 71.

I know deep down in my hearts that Fiji can make it if they play like Ratu Kaliapan Naqa, Sanjiva Mani, Naiker Satish Datta, David Simmon, Simmons Gordon, Lee Wai, Jimmy Zoing, Farook Janhman, Waisea Nicholas Rounds and other local football stars who are no longer with us.

Skipper Cup – Nadi

Ronnie Chang, Nadi

Nadi’s steady downward spiral in the Skipper Cup is alarming and, worrying indeed. This should be a huge wake-up call.

I’d really hate to see relegation. The vanua must unite to lift us out of this embarrassing sporting quagmire.

‘Yes’ syndrome

Shariff Shah, Savusavu

I just hope the Fiji Football Association’s “yes man” syndrome is not in force at Weightlifting Fiji.

If you are not a “yes man” the exit door stands inches away.

I just hope this was not the case with our golden girl Eileen Cikamatana.

But if it was not the case, my only advice to our golden girl is.nobody is above the game. Being a hero is the shortest profession anyone can have.

Lautoka Bus terminal

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

The Lautoka Bus Terminal has becoming smaller each day. There are a lot of buses and it is too congested.

This is clearly sending a message that it is time for a bigger and new terminal for Lautoka.

For peak hours typically from 7am and from 4pm to 6pm there are delays.

Those buses coming in and moving out at those times find it hard to move about.

This congestion is further evident because this area is a hub and supermarkets and shops are centred around this area making it a high traffic area.

My suggestion is that long-haul distance buses like to Sigatoka and beyond be relocated to the Catholic Parish hall and buses travelling to Ba and beyond should be stationed close to Namoli Village.

A new bus terminal like the one in Nausori would be ideal.

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