Valelevu health centre

Satish Nakched, Suva

It is very good news for Nasinu residents and surrounding areas to have a health centre that will now operate on a 24-hour basis.

I believe this will also take off an enormous load at the CWM Hospital in Suva, and thank the administrators for implementing this timely assistance at Valelevu.

I also note with great concern the safety of people who come to the centre.

I believe that anyone who comes on foot are exposed to traffic hazards caused by the permanent closure of two pedestrian gates located along Daniva Road.

There is only one large entrance located at Daniva Road I meant for vehicles, including ambulances and, patients with mobility problems who need to be dropped off as close as possible to the doctors’ examination room.

After these drop-offs, motorists have to exit by reversing because there is insufficient room for turning.

The hazard here is that vehicles and pedestrians using the same entrance.

The pedestrian gate next to the pharmacy and the X-ray building is kept locked at all times.

This is the safest and the most convenient route and I believe it must be opened up for use for the safety of all who visits the health centre.

An average of 900 people visit the health centre each day.

Top vote for FBC TV

Dharmendra Kumar , Nausori

Fiji Broadcasting Corporation television is no doubt the number one news channel in Fiji. It has the largest audience. It is also very informative, inspiring and the news is very credible.

The news presenter is confident and has excellent communication skills with a very strong personality.

If I have to make one recommendation.

I request the management to include international news at the end of the local news bulletin.

Even a summary would do.

Losing the litter fight

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

There has been much talk but little action when it comes to a solution to the problem of civic pride and managing the litter problem in the country.

Our litter strategy has failed.

Period. Sad, eh?

Riyaz vs Felix

Arun Prasad , Nausori

I commend the Fiji Sun [January 17 issue] for aptly quoting Fiji Trades Union Congress general secretary Felix Anthony and Air Terminal Services board chairman Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

The article was interesting and entertaining.

However, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s comment that “Mr Anthony should get his head checked” is nothing but argumentum ad hominem.

I believe the basic tenet of any debate is that you attack the issue, not the person.

Ministerial appointments

Amenatave Yaconisau , Delainavesi

With many challenges facing the nation, we will soon see many ministerial portfolios created by the Prime Minister, according to Section 95 of the Constitution.

We already have the Minister for Waterways and Drainage. Soon we will have a Minister for Climate Change.

And probably a Minister for Loneliness, too.

Tough 7s choice

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa , Suva

Is it just me or are there other Fijian 7s fans who are not too confident or impressed with the team that has been named on Thursday to represent Fiji in Sydney and Hamilton?

I believe that one reason of having sevens tournaments in Fiji is to pick sevens players who are in top form to join the Fiji an 7s squad.

Also, since we are currently 11 out of 15 in terms of fielding seasoned players, 7s tournaments should be an opening for identifying ex-Fijian 7s players who are still on top of their game.

I believe that our team needs big, fast, skilled and disciplined players to match the other top teams.

I guess coach Baber knows best and we all pray that our boys will give it their all in Sydney and Hamilton.

So I guess our young Fijian 7s team is out to prove to the sevens world a point and that is “Fiji is a Sevens Country and any Fijian 7s team full of rookies have the ability to bring down big guns and win tournaments.

Go boys! Show them the magic of Fiji sevens rugby at its best!

Stop Stop! Stop! ATS workers

Taitusi Sokiveta, Phoenix Arizona, USA

All go back to work.

End the strike.

The company has given a deadline date for everyone to return to work or lose their current jobs and re-apply with new applicants meaning the company can hire new employees and will not re-hire you.

If you miss the deadline to return to work they have every right to do that.

In 1971 Kiwi United South Pacific Limited in Walu Bay Suva, half of its employees went on strike.

There was trade a unionist James Anthony.

I remember he came into the factory floor.

I was one of the youngest employees back then and my elder brother Keith Smith who was an accountant for the company now lives in Sydney Australia told me not to go on strike.

He reminded me that he gave me the job.

I listened to my elder brother and obeyed him.

None of the strikers were rehired.

James Anthony could not give them back their jobs.

He disappeared in thin air, we were a skeleton crew that stayed and worked.

I don’t know if they are still alive today but despite threats from strikers they courageously worked.

I remember some of them from memory Jese Ratubuli (Kadavu), Joe Andrea (Rotuma), foreman Dennis Fong, Mr Motorcycle supervisor Jackup Fasala (Rotuma) boiler room, a tireless worker Narayan from Rewa street, Peter Sorby forklift driver from Raiwaqa, Saula ex Policemen from Tailevu who travelled daily from Tailevu to Walu Bay Suva and never missed work, Kathy Joe Andrea’s niece who married a New Zealander and now lives there. Ah Sam the supervisor.

If it wasn’t for these workers and others, Kiwi United Company would have packed up their bags and left Fiji because no one would be left to run the company.

Kiwi United now moved its factory to Newtown or Kinoya that’s what I heard. ATS workers please go back to work and save your jobs

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj