Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in www.connectme.com.fj/news/opinion. I thank Allen and Connect for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.Three in One
I. Rugby Memories
Bill Gavoka's comments on rugby critics made me laugh and brought back some memories.
One time I was watching club rugby in Nadi and pressure was building in one of the games. Of course some players will get the jitters when the tackles are hard and bordering on the dangerous. Each time the ball would fall, this spectator would yell out, “Setiseti, sa lamu o ka ya.” (That fellow is frightened).
This happened a few times with him calling out different remarks.Then the halfback got hammered and the man yelled out again.“Va cava ya?” (How about that?).
An old lady, sitting in the front stood up and said, “How about you take his place.” That was the end of the man’s comments. Yes, for us who have been critical - “lai tovolea mada.”
One time I was watching club rugby in Nadi and pressure was building in one of the games. Of course some players will get the jitters when the tackles are hard and bordering on the dangerous. Each time the ball would fall, this spectator would yell out, “Setiseti, sa lamu o ka ya.” (That fellow is frightened).
This happened a few times with him calling out different remarks.Then the halfback got hammered and the man yelled out again.“Va cava ya?” (How about that?).
An old lady, sitting in the front stood up and said, “How about you take his place.” That was the end of the man’s comments. Yes, for us who have been critical - “lai tovolea mada.”
II. Lautoka to the Airport and Back
A taxi charge from Waiyavi, Lautoka, to Nadi Airport costs $25. However, a trip from the Airport to Waiyavi costs $35. Same distance. What’s the difference?
My sister arrived from New Zealand and came on an airport taxi. On the way to Lautoka the driver moaned so much about how life was hard and the cost of living was rising every day, that she gave him an extra $5 so that he would stop his whining. In her best Kiwi twang she lamented with the driver. The trip cost $40. When she got off at Waiyavi, she said thank you and added a few more words in Fiji Hindi.The driver looked a little stunned.
But isn’t it interesting that the fare to and from are different. Either Nadi is a privileged town or we look like tourists.
But, I must say that the driver’s skill of conversational persuasion were just like it was learnt. We also have a few sales people in Nadi who have been accused of touting. I wonder if they, together with the driver, have read the book “The Good Con Guide,” by J H Brennan, or "Laugh Your Way to the Bank" by Bill East.
III.Overstayers Love Fiji
I found it rather quaint that we have some people who have decided to overstay in Fiji.People are leaving in droves, yet these people have found a home. Fiji must have something good for them to want to stay.I can just see a headline in an overseas paper screaming, “Overstayers love Fiji.” Fiji is safe - overstayers. Wow.
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