Bula IT can be done. This is the take of Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, who says the review of the 2013 Constitution was within the bounds of the law. And despite views that the Constitution cannot be changed, Ro Jone says there’s no harm in testing existing provisions, such as those that require a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a referendum.
“(If) it doesn’t work, then it justifies an alternate course of action that they can do,” he said. That’s the big one on the front page of The Fiji Times for Saturday, August 24. In the second story on Page 1, Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya is not shying away from the controversial topic of death penalty, restating yesterday that Fiji must send out a “loud and clear” message sent to drug cartels and traffickers beyond Fiji’s borders.
While her call for drug lords to be put to death attracted criticism from certain quarters, Ms Tabuya is glad she stirred the pot and got people talking about a scourge that is destroying young and vulnerable people. She said Fiji’s drug woes will toss the country in a state of hopelessness if this issue is not nipped in the bud. Letters to the editor We have seven pages of people’s opinions.
Feel the pulse of the nation. Synopsis What a beauty! What a result! 42-16! Now that was powerful! The fans lapped up that display of constructive rugby, embraced the moment, and lived the magic that comes with a winning start. And what a perfect start that was for the Flying Fijians on a cool and at times windy evening in the Capital City yesterday.
The Laucala Bowl turned up the volume and provided the lung power for feats of magic on the pitch. The carnival-like atmosphere was a perfect backdrop for an evening of 15s rugby! Manu Samoa came off with a strong first half effort to hold a slight 16-15 lead at the break. The stage had been set though in the early part of the week.
The previews marked this down as a clash to watch out for. Samoa versus Fiji rugby tests have long been associated with big hits, aggression and physicality! They are the hallmarks of Pacific rugby anyway. They define these battles and they have been a key part of our clashes for the past 100 years.
It is difficult to shrug aside the history that is ingrained in these Tests which started in 1924. And they are not for the faint hearted either! They mix the basic ingredients of rugby with flair and physicality. Last night’s clash had all the vital mix that placed the clash on a very high plane.
The hype had built up to dizzying heights. National coach Mick Byrne knew this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Skipper and hooker Tevita Ikanivere was ready for a torrid affair.
In the end, a better defensive shape, a strong backline, and enthusiastic backrowers laid the platform for a deserved win. It was a powerful display of running rugby with better structure around the breakdowns. We were enthusiastic in support play and our attacking shape was better co-ordinated.
The challenge now is to stay focused on the rest of the Pacific Nations matches. It is about consistency afterall, and the fans yesterday lapped up an important win. Byrne had named four rookies for the clash.
While there were many heroes for the Flying Fijians, exciting openside flanker Kitione Salawa easily earned the highest accolades. He was on fire! He played a dream game at number 7, providing thrust in the backline, and mixing that with a top effort in the tight, to come off with a blinder on a night of classy rugby. His hat-trick lifted the national side onto a high pedestal.
All eyes are now focused on the next game against the Tongan Ikale Tahi at Nuku’alofa on September 6. The stage is set for what fans hope will be a strong campaign. We say go Fiji, go!.
