Turtle slaughter

Simon Hazelman,  Savusavu

It’s one thing to ban the killing of turtles and it’s another to stop a couple of hundred thousand of us from consuming one of our favourite seafood delicacies.

Our craving for turtle meat will never cease to end and no matter what anyone says or tries to do turtles will continue to get slaughtered for food. Kovu vonu (steamed turtle) will continue to be served no matter what!

Instead of this false ban a much more conserted effort is required in order to not only contribute to the survival of our sea turtles but to also feed a few hundred thousand turtle meat consumers.

With a 90 per cent hatching rate and a one per cent survival rate there is definitely a way to cater for its survival and its slaughter.

Turtle sanctuaries outside every shorefront village or settlement Fiji-wide will enable turtles to grow to bigger sizes before being released hence increasing its survival rate.

The sanctuaries will also cater for the much needed supply of turtle meat which will also be a lucrative business.

Growing at least 50 per cent hatchlings into young adults will certainly increase its survival rate allowing at least five to 10 per cent for meat and will put everything way better off than what it currently is with a ban that is not working.

A win-win resolution for sea turtle survival and slaughter!

Rugby plea

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

The rugby players of Naimalavau, Nakelo, Tailevu, were happy to receive new jersey’s from their own brothers now living in Europe.

After recent pleas for a sponsor and help for the unemployed boys of the village of Naimalavau, their prayers were finally answered with a donation of jersey’s and sports equipment.

However, the team still lacks one important thing – a proper ground.

Recently they have been clearing bushes for a training ground but a major soil refilling is required at the location.

If possible a helping hand from any donor for soil refilling will be highly appreciated.