Draunidalo’s outburst

Rakesh Chandra, Nasinu

It’s really disappointing to see a respected member of the National Federation Party, Roko Tupou Draunidalo resorting to such tactics to outwit the Education Minister.

As an ardent supporter, I’m really outraged to see NFP being the cause of racial intolerance. NFP has always been the uniting force for the people of Fiji in the darkest of times.

Roko Tupou’s actions are against the very principles that NFP has stood for over the years.

It’s high time that NFP does some soul-searching to see where it is going wrong and correct the wrongs. A good start would be party executives putting their egos aside and apologising for the grave mistake that was committed by Roko Tupou rather than defending her silly action.

As Alexander Pope said: ‘A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying… that he is wiser today than he was yesterday’. Ditch the ego and pride and apologise.

Exam well wishers

Apenisa Koli,  Nadi

As our learning journey comes to an end for Semester One of the year, I would like to wish all my friends at the University of The South Pacific the very best on their final examinations this week.

A big vinaka vakalevu to you all Anaseini Daurewa, Ilaitia Matadradra and Adi Ana Wara. All the best guys.

Parking Meter

Neelz Singh,  Lami

Issue regarding with parking metres in capital reading: ‘Use the next machine available’. And there isn’t within the range and the number given when called is engaged. What next?

This seems to be the issue when motorists find themselves in a hurrying situation. The Suva City Council (SCC) should address the contingency plan? Vinaka.

Roll sellers

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

It has being highlighted before and it will be again and to no avail it continues. All criminal offences have been planned before it actually happens and so as roll-selling. There seems to be a second phase to everything if the first one doesn’t work.

In Suva, there are sellers in almost every corner of the market and at the Bus Station. And there are the bean carts where smokers gather around most. With the prices of cigarette  sky-rocketing,  people are just trying to get a quick puff somehow by getting to a place where they can easily get a roll. There has even been cases of people who are just minding their own business and someone walks up to them and asks to buy a roll off them.

And for the spot fines for failure by retailers to display the ‘No selling of cigarette to Under 18 years’ signage at the point of sale, in some shops, during the weekends,  it’s these young kids serving at the counters of their parents outlets who handling cigarette sales are much younger than 18.

Shouldn’t there be a signage for shop owners for underage shop attendees to not handle the sale of cigarettes?

Tribute to Muhammed Ali

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Delainavesi

I refer to the tribute to Muhhamed Ali by Ajay Bhai Amrit (FS 6/6/16) and Taitusi Sokiveta’s letter on the same is also relevant.

I commiserate with the sporting world with the sad passing away of sports ‘Greatest’ Muhhamed Ali (Cassius Clay) who ruled the heavyweight division  when great champs like Sonny Liston, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Ken Norton, graced the enclosures.

A man who revolutionised boxing; a talker, doer, but sting like a bee and still a caring guy. He touched many lives in the world transcending boxing.

Commiserations and outpouring of condolences  came from world VIPs and the ordinary person on the road have expressed sadness.  He taught many on self-belief and to do the impossible and move mountains.

To me, he is the defender of the constitution in America.  He expressed his belief with bravery just like Jesus and it cost him three years of his prime years.

But he was not afraid to pursue the truth.  Today, the constitutional rights of American citizens have improved especially when it comes to racial issues and equal protection of the law especially for fellow African-Americans.

As a boxer, he revolutionised sports and changing the perception from a brutal one to big time business that drew crowds because of his talking ability.  He’ll make you buy a ticket to just watch his promises come true.

I am sure Frazier, Drew Bundini Brown, and Johnny Dundee, are looking forward to welcome him.  Rest in Peace Muhammed Cassis Clay. To me you never die.

SODELPA’s nose dive

Tukai Lagonilakeba,  Namaka

Many voters identified themselves with the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi during the 2014 September General Election and voted for SODELPA. But that is the only reason they are in Parliament today.

Through her exit it will now see to the demise of this political party from which Fijians have now witnessed to the vast differences between the SODELPA as opposed to our governing FijiFirst Party which is led by Voreqe Bainimarama on its all-inclusive service delivery to all Fijians together with their Parliamentary performances.

Sitiveni Rabuka will contribute to SODELPA not winning any seat whatsoever in our 2018 General Elections. People don’t have to look too far than the result of the 1999 elections where the SVT was badly relegated to the opposition benches by the coalition of the Fiji Labour Party.

Rambo resigned from politics in 1999 because he could not see himself relegated as leader of the Opposition. And 17 years later this question Fijians will ask: ‘Is he relevant to the desire of the majority for a modern Fiji? We did not trust the father of all Fiji’s Coups in the election of 1999 and why should we now?

His time has ‘Gone with the Wind’.

Simply put, we Fijians are now empowered and we will not be easily misled because we know the truth. And we are well-versed with our rights through our 2013 Constitution and our country’s current affairs at home and in the international arena through the people’s Voreqe Bainimarama-led FijiFirst Government.

The truth is, there is no leadership at the SODELPA house. Game over SODELPA.

There is just simply no comparison to our PM Voreqe Bainimarama’s leadership in his current ranking and achievements in the world arena for our people and country to that of Sitiveni Rabuka.

Get real Rambo, Fiji will reject you outright come the 2018 General Election.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Live life from a love perspective

Our letter writer of the week Thomas Johansen says people should stop living life from a point of fear and instead live it from a perception of love.

“Deep down inside we are governed by two emotions, fear and love. It’s from these two emotions that we base our life decisions on,” he said.

Mr Johansen said he was inspired to write the letter through Jarryd Hayne’s message of living one’s dreams through the power of God.

“I was inspired by Jarryd Hayne’s message and every other person out there who inspire other people to do more than just follow the society’s status quo,” he said.

“People like Jarryd Hayne, who live from their heart and soul and not from others who tell him what to do. People like him who go and break barriers.”

The 34-year-old father of two said he even named his now six-year-old son, Jarryd Johansen, after the former NFL San Francisco 49ers star.

Mr Johansen took a big leap of faith earlier this year when he decided to resign from his job at the Bank of South Pacific in Papua New Guinea to find deeper meaning in life.

“Sometimes you just got to take that big leap of faith. I gotta start walking the talk,” he said.

“I was living a very comfortable life. The money offered was good but it did not really fulfil me.

“Chasing money doesn’t bring you happiness, chasing worldly goods doesn’t bring you happiness. So what does that tell you? Stop chasing worldly goods.

“Look first to the God that is within you, find what your purpose is in this life and then from there which is your foundation go out into the world.”

Mr Johansen believes the purpose for every single soul is to help one another.

“There would be no starvation on earth; there would be no wars if we all see ourselves as one big worldwide family. The world is our home,” he said.

The modest former banker of over 12 years said he was also inspired to continue to write on other issues and urged letter writers to pen their positivity instead of negative criticism into words of encouragement.

Filipe Naigulevu

Feedback: filipe.naigulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Better than Mr Bean

Amrit Singh,

Nausori

Fiji’s Parliament sitting is better than Mr Bean’s comedy TV series.

While the Opposition is rowdy and laughing like it’s their home, our elected party seems to always defeat the motion by Opposition. Parliament is not a joke arena. Hence, Fiji is developing then why is our Parliament full of high tension and amusement?

We need to learn from overseas Parliament sitting to improve standards. We do not want to view television where our MP’s are not to standard. Very few are working hard. We pay electricity bills, dedicate our time, commitment to watch Parliament sittings. It’s a request to those in power to do justice to their work. I wonder how many years will the tables last in our Parliament due to the beatings it gets during proceedings once or twice in a month.

I hope the next time I turn on my television to watch Parliament sitting, there are some improvements.

Sky Pacific programmes

Shameem Ibrahim Khan,

Suva

It seems like there’s lot happening at the Sky Pacific (Digicel) Company and to its programmes and channels after the ownership change-over.

Firstly, the office relocation, which is now located at Kadavu House, Digicel Office, then the channels providing programmes.

Several channels have the same programmes showing (occupying space), some new programmes which are actually old and some programmes completely removed.

As a subscriber of the Sky Pacific, I am particularly concerned of the removal of a particular programme, the “TBN”, Channel. I was very frustrated several evening ago, when I switched on my TV, moving from channel to channel to locate the TBN programme, but to no avail. I was very sad and angered.

Please Sky Pacific (Digicel) show your customers the programmes they prefer to view and NOT what you want or choose.

Kindly reinstate the TBN programme and continue to receive the blessings.

What of freeway road?

Nardeo Mishra,

Valelevu

I travel on the Suva/Nausori corridor everyday and the traffic congestion is getting worse day by day.

Just imagine how much fuel and manpower hours are lost because of this and not forgetting the wear and tear of the vehicles and accidents.

Though we have made this section of the road from single each way lane to two-way, still we are not able to solve the problem.

I would appreciate to know what happened to the Master Plan to build a Freeway from Dilkusha, Nausori to Mead Road in Nabua, connecting to Ratu Mara Road through the Fiji Muslim League land.

This section of the country is not yet developed and before we have houses built, the survey for the Freeway must be done and provisions made so that the road has the potential to have three lanes each way.

We must think ahead not for only ten years but fifty plus. Our Government has done so many positive things in a short period of time and this can be another feather to their achievements.

Suva on sale

Raymond Naidu,

Suva

As I was walking through Suva City looking for some good items that would be on sale, what I saw was pathetic.

Majority of the shops are selling 90 per cent obsolete items or old stock just to recover the cost. I urge customers to be more careful when buying anything.

As an accountant I just carried out a survey with some shop owners who have said themselves that ‘SUVA ON SALE’ is when many shop owners take advantage of getting rid of their junk items just to recover cost.

I just hope that people do not spend unwisely.

Job equality!

Herleen Emily Kumar,

Nadi

While making my way to school in the morning, there was a big traffic ahead of the bus.

Along the road there was a ‘bottle collector’ who was awake early in the morning collecting empty bottles for his income. As the traffic jam continued motorists shouted, teased and sounded their car horns to the man who was just doing his job, who was not even disturbing anyone.

I grew so emotional for the man and thought is there no respect for jobs like this in our society? Are we discriminating poor people like this in our society? Firstly, he was trying to earn money for himself and secondly, he was trying to keep our surrounding/environment clean and beautiful.

To this, there can only be one conclusion made – our society still consists of uncivilised and immoral people.

There seems to be discrimination in ‘job equality’.

Toll roads

Manoa Kaleca,

Nailuva

With the number of vehicles on our roads today, it would be a good idea if ‘Toll Roads’ are created to ease congestion.

A toll road is basically a public or private road that you have to pay a fee to use.  I believe that this is a great way of discouraging commuters from using their own vehicles to travel to and from work.  Instead, they would opt to travel on public transportation and this means fewer vehicles on our roads.  It is frustrating sometimes when we travel on our roads only to get stuck in traffic jams that are miles long.

If the Government would set up ‘Toll Booths’ at the main entries into Suva, Lautoka, Labasa, etc, this would in turn help rake in thousands of dollars in revenue and most importantly create less traffic jams.

SODELPA’s nose dive

Simon Hazelman,

Savusavu

Tukai Lagonilakeba’s view of SODELPA and its future is spot on (FS:07/06).

Marama Roko Tui Dreketi’s exit will simply see the Party nose-dive into oblivion!

Including Sitiveni Rabuka into the fold basically speeds up the plunge!

The ignorance from those within merely reveals the poor social and professional position of the party.

The demise of SODELPA began after the 2014 elections and it has just gotten worse.

The saying “out with the old and in with the new” has come into fruition!

If the 2014 election result wasn’t enough then 2018 will not only be a revelation but a confirmation!

Homeless

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Some weeks ago I was told that the homeless problem in Lautoka never existed.

I believe it has gone from bad to worse because some people have started to sleep on the bus bay area and some even fight over a particular space to sleep on.

Sometime back I requested the minister responsible to come and see for herself and I was willing to give her free tour on the places where I normally see the homeless people sleeping.

Elderly rape accused

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,

Canada

There has been an increase of rape cases in Fiji including the elderly raping young girls.

Normally, when one becomes a grandparent, one will love their grandchildren, spoiling them with goodies and offering to them the best of everything.

Likewise, the grandchild will love to be with their grandparents because they can do what they want.

But what has happened to us Fijians that at an age where one is looked upon as old and considered to be a grandfather, some commit a heinous crime of raping a young child that could be their own grandchild?

The learned Dr Sharma wrote the other day that all this battering about man abusing women and girls kind of paints a bad picture of us men, as most of us are not guilty at all.

But I would say in cases of old rapists, now our own daughters will not trust to release their children to their own grandparents, or even leaving them alone with an elderly relative.

Families with young children need to be more vigilant today and do not listen to the reminder on TV which says ‘It’s now 10pm do you know where your children are’?

Rather at every hour and at all times know where your children are, check that they are safe, as it is always best to be safe than sorry.

BSP Samabula

Akhila Nand,

Suva

Only commercial banking is done at the Bank South Pacific’s (BSP) Samabula branch.

If BSP customers want to deposit money in their savings account they have to go to Dominion House in Suva or any other BSP branch.

Only one thousand dollars can be withdrawn from BSP automatic teller machines (ATM) at one time. It is too dangerous to carry large sums of money for fear of being robbed.

Can the management of Bank South Pacific explain why its Samabula branch savings account is closed?

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Counselling in schools

Fergus Garrett, Vatuwaqa

The following is a quote from the Ministry: “All teachers are to be given full teaching load in their respective subject areas.  All teachers are expected to have some basic knowledge of counselling …”

This decree opens up serious questions. Just where will all teachers get “a basic knowledge of counselling”?  And just when will they be able to use that knowledge, since they are to have a “full teaching load”?

A basic knowledge of counselling is of no use without an empathetic personality and about 40 hours of skill training:  “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”.

In the past some secondary schools have had full-time counsellors, and they actually needed to work full-time.

Surely the district counsellors cannot handle that load for all the secondary schools in the district: a counselling session lasts 40-50 minutes, meaning a maximum of about 8-10 students can be dealt with in a day by one person.

With changes in disciplinary procedures and growing urban problems for families, the number of students needing help is escalating.

Pray for Israel

Sir James Ah Koy, Suva

It is my belief that every Judeo-Christian living in Fiji should at this hour pray for Israel as she undergoes attacks from her neighbours.

This is occurring on a daily basis. The biblical text of Psalm 122:6-9 reads ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; May those who love you prosper; peace be within your ramparts and prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of these my brothers and my friends, I shall say, ‘Peace be within you’. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God I shall pray for your wellbeing. This is the prayer Judeo-Christians should offer right now.

Rape culture

Damodaran Nadan, Lautoka

Another week and another news of rape.

Almost every week we hear that someone is raped. It’s like a trend that mostly the victims are between the ages of 9 to 12 years, which is very shocking.

It seems that it’s getting out of control. Its spreading like cancer in our society and it has to stop.

When I was a young boy growing up one day in town I saw a man walking very differently from others. I asked my father and he told me that he was caned while in jail. I didn’t understand it at the time what he meant. I think the Government should re-introduce this form of punishment for rapists, and that to in public otherwise it will be too late.

Let the human rights activists jump up and down because the victim is also a human, and what about their rights. It’s not too late yet.

LTA bookings

Vinesh Prasad, Nausori

It is rather sad to read that Land Transport Authority (LTA) personnel are booking taxi drivers for wearing hats while driving.

I know that LTA is right but couldn’t they just give a warning to drivers and book them if they continue to do so? I believe LTA has more serious issues to address like:

1). Overloaded vehicles using our roads causing damages to the road and bridges;

2). Overloading of passengers on buses on busy routes;

3). Bus drivers not issuing bus fare tickets to passengers. There was so much hype on this issue some two years ago, where LTA marshals’ were conducting regular checks. When passengers demand tickets, they are simply told by the driver that the tickets are being printed.

4). Bus and taxi drivers using mobile phones while driving when their vehicles are not carrying passengers. Is this allowed?

5). Bus companies are unable to service their routes on time. They have no backup buses in cases when there is a bus break-down.

I firmly believe that the above are serious issues that LTA should concrete on so that our nation does not waste taxpayers funds on damaged infrastructure like roads and bridges, road deaths, etc through the negligence of the controlling body.

Vodafone network

Amrit Singh, Nausori

Vodafone calls its network number 1.

But during Sundays downloads become slower and data is gone in minutes. Whenever I call their customer care they tell me Digicel’s network is interfering with Vodafone’s network.

Well I guess Fiji doesn’t even have a million citizens, and Vodafone cannot supply required amount of network speed.

I wonder how New Zealand and other countries supply their services.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Our Letter of the Month winner is a self-described ‘island girl’ as well as being ‘passionate about animals and really wanting to help people understand more about animals’.

For Vivien Counsell Mitchell, animal welfare and awareness is something she feels  that needs to be thought about more closely than just raising the awareness.

“I’ve retired several times,” she laughed.

“I had a surf shop in Sigatoka for a while and a few others. But my main interest is with the SPCA because I love animal welfare and want to teach and educate people about animals.

“I’d like people to get to know their pets better and to appreciate them more.

“Dogs and cats don’t ask anything more apart from a little bit of food. If you give them love and affection, they’ll be happy and they give you so much back.”

Mrs Mitchell, originally from Bermuda, moved here in 1996, found love, did a bit of business mainly in tourism along the coastline of the Western Division, and also has a background in health education.

Her letter titled ‘Sugar Dilemma’ raises an interesting argument and paradox between our reliance on the sugar industry, and a campaign on reducing our consumption to help prevent non-communicable diseases.

Though short, yet precise, it gives the reader food for thought and something to debate about.

Once a week, she travels from Waidroka along Serua to Suva to get supplies. She and husband, Ian, live with their five rescue dogs.

So it will not come as a surprise that she is the trustee of Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA).

Lately, Mrs Mitchell has been prepping for interesting projects for the society to get people more involved with their animals.

She has travelled extensively in the US, Canada, Europe and more.

Her move to Fiji was somewhat inspired from reading a book written by an Englishman in the colonial days who was assigned to work in the then Gilbert & Ellice Islands (now Kiribati and Tuvalu respectively).

“Each chapter had an interesting drawing (of island life). And to an 11-year-old child this was fascinating and I thought one day I’m going to go to the South Pacific.”

And she did just that. Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj

Opposition parties

Viliame Gavoka,

Nadroga

Tukai Lagonilakeba and Simon Hazelman have somehow convinced themselves that SODELPA is heading towards oblivion.

Nothing could be further from the truth. One should remember that the 2014 general election was projected by pundits to be a 50-nil thumping of all political parties. But, it came out as 32-18, and with only four months of campaigning by the Opposition parties.

Now, with four years to work with, what makes the two gentlemen believe that we cannot get another eight seats, and thereby, rule?

Perhaps they believe that everyone is a ‘die hard’ supporter of the ruling party, but that is not true as many are ‘swing voters’, and could go the way of SODELPA and NFP in sufficient numbers, to form a new government.

Bring back TBN

Josaia Rayawa,

Savusavu

As a Sky TV customer, I seek clarification from Digicel Sky as to why the TBN channel has been replaced by ‘Paramount Pictures’.

All these old rerun movies, we already have and frankly speaking, they don’t add any value to our lives. Why don’t they remove one of their other useless channels, if Paramount is there to stay and put TBN back on instead.

TBN is the single most influential Christian TV channel representing a broad-based selection of almost all major Christian denomination across the globe, majority of whom are represented in Fiji. I am only highlighting this because it has a very active viewing audience in Fiji.

Even from a commercial standpoint, I cannot understand why Digicel does not take this into consideration.

For me, TBN is one of the only two reasons I have Sky. The other is CNN to keep track with world news. If Digicel is serious about making a real difference in the lives of people in Fiji, then keep TBN on air.

Impatient drivers!

Herlene Kumar,

Nadi

With the ongoing news of buses being overloaded with passengers, there is another issue that I wish to highlight.

While a passenger(s) is or are boarding a bus, the drivers are too quick to take off leaving the passenger(s) to stumble their way to their seat.

In the process, passengers lose their balance and end up falling. Aren’t these drivers taught the virtues of being patient?

I have experienced this myself and I am sure other passengers as well. When I did stumble, the other passengers started laughing and I believe that is one reason why the bus drivers continue to do the same thing.

If the public stopped boarding buses, how will these drivers get their source of income?

Coming back to the way the passengers reacted to me stumbling, it just shows they too were inconsiderate.

Vodafone gift

Kiniviliame Pai Koroi,

Suva

The Bainimarama FijiFirst Government will be spending $2.6million in the upcoming Crusaders-Chiefs Super Rugby match on July 1, and another $9m for the Fijian International Golf Tournament in October.

At the same time, the FijiFirst Government through the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and Vodafone paid a mere $75,000 to our national 7s rugby team after winning the 2015/2016 World Sevens Series title. This will be shared by the 30-odd players and officials. Where is the justice here?

To add salt to the wound, multi-million dollar shopping chains provide (cheap) $100 shopping vouchers plus Samsung packs from Vodafone and return flights by Fiji Airways to any of its destinations.

What these major players including the Government, FRU, Vodafone and Fiji Airways should remember is how much they have benefitted from the sporting and ambassadorial achievements and international publicity of our 7s team, directly and indirectly. Have they been fair to our 7s heroes, their families and our country?

Our national 7s rugby team’s achievement is more important to all Fijians then the Super Rugby match between Crusaders and Chiefs, and the Fijian International Golf Tournament at Natadola.

These proposed events should be immediately reviewed, and in the national interest of all Fijians it should be scrapped.

The funds dedicated to these extravagances should be directed to providing fair and just rewards for our 7s heroes, provide incentives and rewards for medal recipients at the Olympic Games in Rio, and improve and establish priority facilities. I believe the management and players of the Chiefs and Crusaders, and international golfers will understand, and will appreciate what our genuine priorities should be.

I look forward to some drastic improvements before we send our young sports people to the Rio Olympics. I also look forward to more views on this subject.

New Fiji Flag

Frank B Shaw,

Lami

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has done more for Fiji than any other Fijian leader in the past.

He is indeed a beacon of hope not only for the present generation, but also for the future of our beloved country.

A new flag will only tarnish his impeccable record as Prime Minister and champion of the poor. It will also set a dangerous precedent. A new Prime Minister may wish to change the flag again in the future. (Actually the National Flag should not be changed without the approval of at least 75 per cent of the electorate).

Normally a flag is designed and used as a symbol of a people fighting for their freedom and identity, for example, the natives of West Papua, Aborigines in Australia, etc.  We have our freedom and our identity, so there is nothing to fight for.

England is part of our history and our heritage.  It was the missionaries from England who converted the Fijians from a savage state into a docile and peaceful people.

The English also saved the Fijian race from intimation from the measles epidemic and other diseases (not to mention from the Americans).

In this regard it might be worth noting the words of Churchill, ‘The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.’

To remove the Union Jack from our flag would be the height of ingratitude.  In any case what would we gain?

Will it reduce the cost of living?

So I ask Government to please reconsider its decision to change the Fiji flag.

Taxi and accents

Floyd Robinson,

Nasinu

If there is a search for local actors then taxi drivers in Nadi should be included.

Having stayed in Nadi recently, I encountered several drivers who not only offered transportation, but came up suddenly with a wide range of accents including the Australian, the Kiwi and English accent.

Some had some funny kind of accent. Ironically, upon noticing that they were talking to a local, their accent went back to normal.

LTA Savusavu

Simon Hazelman,

Savusavu

Of all the locations to have their office, LTA choose a spot along our one main town street.

The authority that is supposed to promote land transportation safety causes continuous traffic congestion in front of their Savusavu office.

Their work of conducting driving tests and motor vehicle inspections is carried out from this very spot and it is turning out to be a daily nuisance.

The industrial area in Naqere has several vacant spots that would suit LTA perfectly.

I’m amused that senior LTA officials don’t see the problem?

Bridge saga

Tukai Lagonilakeba,

Nadi

The Tamavua-i-Wai bridge saga is a total inconvenience to Fijian commuters every day.

I was also subjected to this on Tuesday and it took me one hour and 15 minutes from the Nadi end of the Suvavou bridge to cross the Tamavua-i-Wai bridge. This is absurd! And I was late to my meeting and very upset, but what about the everyday travelers?

As far as I am concerned Rory Garland, the CEO of Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), and Naisa Tuinaceva, CEO of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) should both be blamed for sleeping on the job.

The duty of care rests solely on both of them to police the upkeep and maintenance of our roads.

Both men don’t get a hefty $100k+pay to sleep at the wheel, and realistically  they should come up with a quick fix, get a temporary bailey bridge done up to solve the traffic congestion.

The LTA boss is just as equally responsible for his collection of our road levies.

Donald Trump would have immediately said to both of them, “You are fired”, because he does not believe in one’s nonsense and negativity. He believes in what you can positively do about a situation in finding a solution and rightly so.

Please, also watch out for the Suvavou bridge, it has long shown signs of neglect.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

More time in traffic jams

Param Singh, Navua

We continue to spend more time in traffic gridlock and this increases by the day as the never ending new vehicles continue to enter our road infrastructure.

This increases stress level, accidents, major environmental catastrophes and the cost of the commute.

Whilst no authorities are taking serious steps to curb this man-made phenomenon the sad irony is that shortly we will have no room on roads for ambulance, fire and Police.

The thought of double lanes is far-fetched at inter-sections and busy main roads.

A proper consultative research by international experts is now the only answer, and let’s hope we are not too late.

It’s a frightening prospect but it is true, so, let’s start here.

TV coverage

Bob Kishore, Nakasi

Once again all the renowned TV service providers have failed to bring a world class event, especially the Euro 2016 to our door steps.

To make it worse, even Digicel’s Sky Pacific could not afford what a small TV service provider could do. I assume they will provide some coverage in some areas on Euro 2016.

These are a few changes that Digicel had promised to its everlasting loyal customers, which is to completely remove international and world class events such as Euro 2016 from their channels and get free and cheap line channels from nearby countries.

I wonder if the Cross-Carriage of Designated Events Decree will apply in this scenario. One thing for sure is that we all know who can come to our rescue in this situation.

Happy viewing for the Euro 2016 to those who will and can watch. Please do post the results otherwise I will do with Fiji FA’s Euro 2016 in Labasa the Fiji FACT.

Mid-Year

Sachida Rao, Nausori

We are almost in the middle of the year and the days are getting shorter. Comparatively, the dark hours are more than the light hours. After six months, the light hours will be more. The journey of our life is similar to this cycle. All days are not the same.

Thus, we can say that Nature is a very good teacher and why not give the same respect to this humble teacher and learn the valuable lessons. These lessons are provided free and this self-sacrificing teacher never demands any remuneration. Only, we will have to become smart, respectful and a watchful observer.

Anyway, let’s see what the second half of 2016 has in store for all of us. Certainly, I will share the story of the playful Grasshopper and the wise and hardworking Ant to my children.

Our attitude

Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka

We must remember at all times that we are mortals and will perish one day.

No amount of our emotions and ego will assist during the last days. All our knowledge and powers will be useless one day. Believing that the world as cognised during the waking state is real and that the highest goal is the attainment of happiness in that world, man accumulates the instruments and symbols of that happiness; he fashions after his own taste and inclination according to the dictates of his own reason, laws, ideals, institutions and principles that would bolster that happiness. This attempt leads to a philosophy of westernisation.

When we have understood our reality we must avoid the error of condemning the points of view held dear by others. I am not always right is the ideal thinking a scholar at any level should hold. He should give value to all aspects, consider all views and understand and believe that there is no clear cut distinction between mine and thine.

Truth must be discovered by analysing the complex mass of facts and things that are real. Our drivers in Fiji, the rubbish disposers, consumers and producers, policy makers and leaders must appreciate the diversity amongst us. React professionally to situations and produce a realistic environment for sustainable living.

To the advocates of banning plastics, please take note that plastic has its usefulness (ask those affected by cyclones) but its disposal is a curse. Thus respond appropriately. It is easy to become a knowledgeable person but not easy at all to become a wise one.

Swing voters

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Mr Gavoka is most probably in dreamland in stating that many of the 2014 FijiFirst voters are “swing voters” and could go SODELPA/NFP way in 2018 (FS:10/06).

The point that Tukai and I were getting at was that the exiting of Ro Teimumu Kepa and the inclusion of Sitiveni Rabuka simply weakens if not demises SODELPA’s status towards 2018.

Thirty-five per cent of the total SODELPA votes in 2014 belonged to Ro Teimumu Kepa and if Mr Gavoka wants to talk “swing voters” it will come from here with most going towards FijiFirst!

And the simple thought of Sitiveni Rabuka getting back into the fold raises the red flag! No need to indulge in his forte for he simply started all the mess. Regardless of what critics say about FijiFirst the fact of the matter is this Government is literally doing what they promised they would do, unlike all others. No government in the world is perfect but the better ones standout with the amount of work they do for the nation.

Mr Gavoka, as I openly predicted in both the daily papers leading up to the 2014 election, FijiFirst would see victory by a good majority, I once again prophecy that FijiFirst will not only win but do better in 2018 and that SODELPA’s failure will be more evident.

You will slowly come to realise that my prophecies are more genuine compared to yours!

Gavoka’s tune

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

His Jerusalem is the Opposition team’s picture of his biblical truth.

Bill Gavoka should be preaching his Christian belief to help change the all negative attitude, mindset and characters of his peers.

It is his ardent belief that everyone else must comply with his biblical truth and he loves listening to his pathological nonsense.

Look around you Viliame, you are fighting a losing battle. Your numbers are dwindling with the empty chairs from your side as evidence.

The Marama Roko Tui Dreketi will not be standing in the next election and she is smart. She exits politics knowing full well that SODELPA will never survive the onslaught of being subjected to a humiliation of not wining any seat come the next election.

Let me put it this way, if our Lord Jehovah was ever listening to you and Karavaki’s tune there will be evidence of the truth but where is it? Remember what the great King David said in his acknowledgement of his Lord in Psalm 139:20, they are your enemies Lord, they misuse your name and they misuse it for their own evil purpose.

Nothing can be further from the truth when you relentlessly use God’s name in vain. At the Opposition house you all look a very frustrated lot, but I will not be the least surprised if there will be no one left in the Opposition before we go to the polls again in 2018.

That is a clear cut evidence of being rejected through the majority power of the Fijian people.

Right to disconnect

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

The right to disconnect has taken an interesting twist in France.

Legally, it is against the law to send work emails after hours or on holidays for companies with 50 or more employees.

Meanwhile for some employees in Fiji connecting even after working hours is a must as companies depend on their reputation 24 hours a day, to generate revenue.

Whatever one’s views, don’t forget to connect with families and loved ones at the weekend.

Power and criticism

Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ

When someone is in power, they should learn to take criticism as sportingly as they take compliments.

Telling others to shut their mouth, or closing one’s ears and eyes will not stop people from talking. As I can’t openly take names, this reflects on my freedom of expression.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

PM’s gift

Anthony Sahai, Ovalau

Just one simple, humble request to our most Honourable PM, Voreqe Bainimarama.

Sir, can I have the rugby ball that was gifted to you by the NZ PM, John Key?

You know the one that was signed by the World Champion Mighty All Blacks?

Areh, loloma mada man, kerekere.

I bet you can’t?

Opposition parties

Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga

Messers Tukai Lagonilakeba and Simon Hazelman are obviously talking to people who believe the ruling party is the only party worth having.

On our part we are talking to people who regretted having voted for the ruling party.

It is therefore premature to be making any prophecy as the situation is quite fluid. Perhaps we wait closer to the elections as then people will start making serious decisions.

What we believe very strongly, however, is that the segment of the population (40 per cent), who didn’t vote for the ruling party will not vote for them come what may.

If the ruling party could not get their votes after eight years of unopposed rule, they are not getting their votes after four years of scrutiny in parliament.

As for the Marama, her supporters are telling her that they will vote for whoever she recommends to them, so really, whether she is there or not, she will still earn votes for SODELPA.

As to the empty seats Mr Lagonilakeba sees on our side of the House, the NZ visitors who visited of late, had quipped that if the standards applied to the Honourable Tui Cakau and Honourable Draunidalo were observed in NZ, Parliament there would be very empty in no time.

Isa Muh’d Ali

Dhrendra Prasad, Lautoka

You may have been the greatest and the most furious and feared in the ring, but have been the best known human being with such background.

You have left a legacy with a very large vacuum which is a real challenge to be filled by anyone else.

Seeing his memorial service on BBC I was really touched by what this boxer was made of. I have known many boxers, but no one dared to be a human like him.

The name Muhammad Ali signifies a legacy and a character to be desired to be.

A well-balanced aggressor at the extreme and a human is something unimaginable in a person. But Ali proved that being human and enlightener is what made Ali the Ali of the world.

To our boxers, boxing is not to demean the not so strong but to use the strength for the betterment of humanity. Fight and be furious in the ring but in the ring of life, be a human for the humankind.

Demolish your opponents fairly but praise them for being your opponents for without them you won’t be the champion anyway.

Dance like a butterfly and sting like a bee.

RIP Ali. Your commitment and dedication is a source f inspiration for all.

Weather forecast

Satish Nakched, Suva

It is not very informational for the TV and the radio stations when reading out the weather forecast after the main news item to just mention that there will be cool nights when forecasting the night temperature.

Different people have different perception of the word cool nights.

This has been ongoing since the early days of the radio when due to the infant stage of the technology it was extremely difficult to  predict the night temperature and as a generic explanation based on the previous night’s condition it was left it as cool nights.

Weather prediction is now very accurate and there are so many sources available to extract the information.

I believe the media personnel needs to improve their reporting skills through research so the wider public can be informed of the forecasted condition in degrees with more accuracy.

Sugar industry reform

Saimoni Lutu, Namosi

We the people of Fiji, the 800,000 plus of us are the true blue owners of the 30,239,160 shares held in stewardship by the Government.

We the people now demand that these shares be returned to us as individuals so that at 500 shares per person, there will be 60,478 Fijians will now own shares in the Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd instead of the 2060 Fijian elites who now monopolise the share register.

Same story with ATH. Here 145,932,209 shares are similarly held in stewardship by the Government for us the people.

We demand these shares back similarly distributed to us individually. At 500 shares per Fijian person translates to 291,864 new Fijians will be brought to ownership of the wealth of this nation.

So with only two companies, FSC and ATH, a total of 352,342 Fijians for the first time in our history and comprising almost 50 per cent of our population will have access to the wealth of this nation.

When Fiji Airways, FEA, AFL, FPCL, Fiji Pine Ltd and so on and so on are returned to the rightful owners, we the people, the whole Fijian population –  women, men and children will own at least 500 shares in the companies of this country.

In such scenario 100 per cent of our population will own and control 100 per cent of the wealth of this nation. We the people are speaking.

Workers pledge

Lawrence Narayan, Suva

Over the years there has always been a tendency for certain workers to deceive their employers through fraudulent activities.

However, in recent months these numbers have grown to a large proportion, so much so that in many cases groups of workers in larger institutions plan and defraud their employers who actually feed them and their families.

These workers probably think they will never be caught but the Bible says, “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17). True to the Word, their names and photos are displayed publicly through local newspapers and they also lose their jobs.

So it would not be wrong to say that this is becoming a major concern both for employers as well as many families who suffer silently from these types of dishonest activities. I am even more surprised that church going workers are into this kind of activity when they are supposed to be faithful and leading others by example.

So to my Christian brothers and sisters if you really care about your masters (employers) and your own families then I urge you to work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). You must strive for excellence in whatever your hand finds to do, do it with honesty and all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Fiji football

Arien Vikash Kumar, Nadi

Next week is Fiji FACT, it will come and go like any other tournament.

As usual soccer loving fans will march in the stadium for their district support foregoing some of their basic needs and wants just for soccer.

While their smile on the face is always determined by the overall performance of their team or the outcome of each game, one that always keeps on smiling after any tournament no matter who wins or lose is “FFA”.

Despite having biggest smile (always), they (FFA) fail to deliver to even those who are the reasons behind their smiles. Thus Fiji soccer standards are going down day by day, tournament by tournament and year by year.

Where we were decades ago and where we are today is really shocking as we are going backwards in standard delivery.

FFA will soon be running tournaments with empty stadiums and without sponsors if we continue to produce such results, which is alarming.

If the power expectancy for our Government is up to four years to produce and deliver than why some of the FFA officials remain in power for years and years without bringing any constructive change.

Simply it’s time for them to give chance to others and see.

Government intervention at this stage is very much needed otherwise replace all “soccer balls” with “rugby balls” in schools, clubs and districts. Seriously, interest from soccer is diverting to rugby pretty fast for many soccer fans.

Kings of Judea

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

It’s amazing how young the Kings of Judah in the bible.

The youngest was Joash who was only seven years old 2 Chronicle 24(1)  Manasseh was merely 12 years old; 2 Chronicle 33(1) and Uzziah was 16 years old  when he became King; 2 Chronicle 26(3).

The oldest was probably King Jehosophat who was 35 years old; 2 Chronicle 20(31).

The wisdom to consult older people was always there but Kings (Leaders) tend to prefer young advice 2 Chronicle 10(6-18).

For the young Kings of Judah, it was gods promise to David and Solomon that their ancestors will always rule; 2 Chronicle 7(17-22). But it had conditions including doing his laws and not to worship other gods.  A good lesson for traditional leaders!

SODELPA president

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the SODELPA president is my kind of leader in recognising the happy faces of his people and spoke highly of the PM’s development programmes (FS 11/6).

I pray that other SODELPA voters including MP’s would do the same every once in a while, instead of ignoring the plain truth but quickly fires the gun when the Government allegedly does something wrong.

The praise kind of raises the bar of the FijiFirst development programmes and service delivery to the people of Fiji at a high level, which means SODELPA will have to come up with something really good in the 2018 General Election to swing the majority the other way.

The Opposition MP’s keep complaining that every issue they present in Parliament keeps getting knocked out because the Government side has a clear majority.

Praise the PM and AG, the Ministers and even the Speaker every once in a while for all the work they are doing to lift and add value to the lives of Fijians and a breakthrough will happen.

Some call it “You scratch my back and I will scratch yours.”

Opposition parties

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

This time Mr Gavoka is missing my point!

Without being too assertive I am literally prophesying that FijiFirst will come out clear winners and SODELPA will fail miserably in the 2018 election.

Mr Gavoka simply needs to take note of what I’ve prophesied and wait for its fulfilment. He shall hear from me immediately after it happens!

Unlike his false tsunami prophecy, this will convince him that my source of divine power is genuine!

Only time will tell so just relax for now Mr Gavoka and while you’re at it, please question your source and its integrity!

My prayers will be with you!

Water pressure

Amrit Singh, Nausori

Again another week has gone by with the water pressure problem still not fixed.

Water pressure along Bau Road is still low. For some months now residents here are faced with this difficulty. Are the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) people doing their work or sleeping on the job?

I call on the Minister for Infrastructure to look into this matter, please.

People in our area are facing many problems of late and we are getting excuses and told all the time that WAF is doing their best to normalise water pressure.

I hope our elected minister does justice because we are not happy about the low water pressure problem here.

Kepa’s apology

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

What mileage did Ro Teimumu Kepa gain from her apology to the NZ PM on behalf of our Prime Minister?

Has she now become his official spokeswomen? What was her motive, and why?

Mr Bainimarama has said what he deems necessary relevant to his feelings of what he thinks of the NZ media and it is no different to the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi’s outbursts against the Fiji Sun in her dissatisfaction on what they report about her.

Now we know why as reported in the Fiji Sun front page 11th June, the apology was an old baited trick from the Rewa Delta to get John Key not to support Fiji’s bid for our nominee, Peter Thomson, to be the next president of the UN’s General Assembly. It is an ill conceived political agenda and what a shame it is coming from her. What is she really trying to prove here? Voters will remember this childish act going to the polls in 2018, which the NZ PM rightly rejected.

I personally feel that Ro Teimumu should first start with her two suspended Opposition members in Roko Tupou Draunidalo and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu to publicly apologise to the Madam Speaker and Mahendra Reddy respectively if she can command the respect from her unruly members.

The NZ PM did not expect any apology or sympathy for that matter because he is fully aware of what is happening around him.

Politics of race!

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

As a student, watching Parliament debates is an interesting topic for me.

But what saddens me the most is that despite so much hard work put in by our PM to eradicate ‘’racial discrimination’’ in the country, discrimination still exists.

When the Government is working so hard to break down all barriers of racial discrimination, to have a better future for Fiji, the ‘’racial’’ weapons are still used in Parliament. Is this how Fiji will prosper?

Political debates are factors to improve the Government on what shall be done and what areas need consideration, not for racial debates.

If this issue is looked at, then we as youths will enjoy watching Parliament sitting and won’t feel irritated by racist words.

Nigel Owens

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

It was a pleasure watching the world’s number one rugby referee – Nigel Owens – control the Fiji and Tonga rugby match. Vinaka.

Suicides

Lawrence Narayan, Suva

According to a report on suicide by Geraldine Coutts/Michael Smith of Fiji’s National Committee on the Prevention of Suicide (FNCPS) number of suicides between 2000 to 2010, almost 200 suicides per year mostly among young Fijians of Indian descents.

These numbers may have increased over the years.

The causes of suicides is well documented in the Bible in various scriptures as demon possession which is the seizure of a human being by a demonic being to such a degree that the individual is controlled in whole or in part by the demon (Matt. 8;28-32, Mark 1:23-27, Luke 9:37-42) etc.

The person who is demon possessed can manifest demonic qualities one minute and then be back in his right mind the next.

The disease known as schizophrenia could, in certain individuals, be demon possession. This could be the case in instances where the person may speak in different voices and act in bizarre ways.

One minute he could be a nice, calm, normal individual, and the next minute he could rage, foam at the mouth, and speak in an entirely different voice, blaspheming God.

In certain instances, demon-possessed individuals actually communicate with demons they hear voices that tell them to kill somebody, commit suicide, or undertake various kinds of sins.

If the Christian’s foremost duty is help his fellowmen in need then we simply cannot turn a blind eye to the demonic activities around us.

We need to be part of God’s ministry in casting out tormenting demons in Jesus name (Acts 16:18).

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Rubbish ignorance

Amrit Singh, Nausori

While travelling towards Nausori Town from Bau Road one can see near the Nausori International Airport fence area a lot of rubbish that are being dumped carelessly by people. You can see baby diapers all around the side of the entrance towards Bau Road even though there’s a sign saying those caught dumping rubbish along Bau Road will be fined.

One may ask why? But the answer is those motorists who park vehicles near the airport fence while waiting for their families flights to land munch on meals. I think they are not waiting for planes to land so they can board their families home but they come prepared with piles of rubbish.

It’s a request to Nausori Town Council to have a look at the piles of rubbish that is being dumped. Since the road has been upgraded along the airport can Government put speed cameras there? It would be an advantage to catch speedy drivers and rubbish throwers. Come on relevant authorities the road looks world class then why not add a camera for final icing on the cake?

Cibi’s still has it

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

Watching the Vodafone Flying Fijians on my laptop out here with the cameraman taking the shots from up front when performing the cibi as they challenged the Tongans, I’d say from a Fijian and iTaukei perspective, our cibi still has it.

After feeling my hair standing from the passion and intensity of the cibi, I said to myself: ‘Bring on the Ikale Tahi’.

There has been attempts to modify the cibi with added moves but I believe the challenge is in the words and the passion it is delivered.

The Flying Fijians looked confident but did not click in the first-half but came firing during the second-half to catch up and win by 23-18.

We were promised to see the open style running rugby from the Flying Fijians, which we did see but there were some kicking away of ball possession, which should be used to set up attacks.

The Tongans led during the first-half of the game because they kept the ball alive and looked for openings to breakthrough.

I am looking forward to watching more open play for Fijian rugby in the next game against Samoa. Go Fiji go!

Narrow victory

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi, Suva

The narrow escape (23-18) from the jaws of defeat to the Tongan Ikale Tahi is a typical brutal affair between the two sides.  We must thank John McKee, management and the Fiji Rugby Union for the victory.  Samoa this week will be no walk over after the draw with Georgia last week. Georgia is by no means a slouch.

In the meantime Wales almost ended the 60-year-old jinx by defeating the All Blacks in their own turf but unfortunately they fell short.  Our very own Waisake Naholo was in devastating form with two tries to his credit and we hope to see more of him soon.

The Irish continue to peep into the keyhole of international rugby after their near miss in the Rugby World Cup 2015 affair after defeating old nemesis South Africa with only 13 men on the ground.  It was definitely an upset considering the 56 years they haven’t beaten them.

More rugby upsets this week.

Prayer congestion

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

With all due respect to our Muslim brothers I continue to find that their midday prayers is at this time holding traffic in Labasa and Savusavu towns.

The other day as I drove through Labasa at midday and found myself yet again caught up in a traffic jam before the mosque besides ASCO Motors and the fuel station. All types of vehicles were parked everywhere and anywhere, even up over the curb, blocking the busstop area and causing congestion. The same goes for Savusavu.

Now as much as we honour our Muslim brotherhood I ask why isn’t LTA and the Police doing anything about it? As for Savusavu the LTA Office is right next door to the Mosque?

Consideration, understanding and most of all obeying the law will be much appreciated.

Orlando shooting

Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ

Last week, Americans were scared of gays in public restroom and mourning the death of a muslim sport’s figure. This week they suddenly care about the death of 50 slain gays and are afraid of the muslims. Behold! The power of mainstream media.

The NFP evolution

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

The National Federation Party (NFP) was founded and initially run by some noble names like A D Patel, K C Ramrakha,  S M Koya Ratu Julian Toganivalu, Mrs Irene Jai Narayan, Jai Ram Reddy and many more. Its founding motto was: ‘One Country, One Nation, One People’.

It is amazing to stand today and look back at the evolution of NFP. A party founded on multi-racialism, equality, honesty and fairness by descendants of indentured labourers and Indian immigrants who have become victims of two coups have now chosen to sleep with SODELPA on their “racially polarised” master bed.

First, they install a president who is the daughter of a man who assisted Sitiveni Rabuka in the 1987 coup which victimised Indo-Fijians and later became a minister in the SDL government.

For many years she disguised herself as a moderate. Totally opposed to her father’s ideals, but what transpired in Parliament exposed her true colors.

She discredited and insulted a hardworking descendant of a Girmitya and son of a cane farmer who struggled all his life to become a PhD graduate in his own right. This person has groomed and guided thousands of students many of whom now hold leading roles in our Pacific region.  Yet she called him a ‘fool’ and lied that he insulted the iTaukei people by calling us ‘dumb natives’ to incite racism.

I ask myself a few times, “Why ?” (With no personal attack intended). Then I recall that this lady was born with a silver spoon. She has never understood true struggles in her privileged life. Her mother was the paramount chief of one of Fiji’s 14 provinces.  Her father was a Colonel in the army and later became a government minister and her step father was a former Prime Minister. How more elite can one be?

The founders of the NFP would turn in their graves if they see how the party they founded almost fifty years ago with noble ideals is evolving now.

Seasonal workers

Vosori Tunaqumu, Ra

I heard over the radio a couple of weeks ago that people from areas that have been hit hard by Winston namely Ra, Koro and the coast of Tailevu will be the main priority for seasonal work on farms.

To my utter disbelief and amazement after reading one of the dailies on 07/06/16 that the Honourable Minister has returned from six islands in Lau and is going to cover Lomaiviti, Rotuma, Cikobia and Kadavu in the near future. Why try and send all the villagers from Kadavu for seasonal work when they are well off while their ‘tauvu’ in Ra are still struggling to rebuild and trying to pick up the broken pieces and move on? Really sad indeed!

We are born and bred in the sugarcane farms and all these years we have been toiling in the fields from dawn till dusk, in the rain and under the sun, to meet the requirements. We have to hit the ground running every morning because the more we achieve the more we earn. Aren’t these the qualities the Government needs for seasonal work?

Years of hard labour have toughened our minds and the seasonal work programme will just be a walk in the park for us here in Ra.

Honourable Minister, I have been knocking on that door for two years now and I am physically, mentally and spiritually ready to lead a group from Ra for seasonal work and compete with groups from other provinces. Which province will tarnish the standards and reputation set by our pilot workers who have taken the lead?

Our children in tent classrooms and our struggling families back home will be the motivation and driving force that will keep us going come what may.

Give us a chance and we will work to the best of our capabilities. We will not let you, our village and our country down. Certainly we will put a smile on the faces of our employers thus paving the way for more of our brothers and sisters to follow.

Meet you in Rakiraki soon.

VAT and related issues

Norman Yee, Nadi

The budget submission by Dr Raju of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on VAT and related issues is fully supported.

I have myself submitted my views on this to the Budget Committee.

We have been led to believe and looked forward to consumer prices dropping due to the reduction of VAT from 15 per cent to nine per cent. However, because of the greed of many merchants there was only an imperceptible reduction in living costs. While it was stated that inspectors would be out to check on prices, I could not see what resources the authorities can muster to check every shop in every town.

I have seen price tags in two small hardware shops that still displayed the old prices, but managed to get a discount.

While Government’s intentions to help the consumer, the merchants had unfortunately negated this.

But surprisingly while the VAT was reduced the service turnover tax (STT) was increased to 10 per cent, and a new Levy the Environmental Levy (EL) of six per cent was also imposed ostensibly to ‘apply mostly to visitors.’ We find that this had widespread application to a large segment of the population that uses entertainment such as cinemas, nightclubs, coffee shops, bistros and restaurants and even taxis. This was shown on the FRCA website.

So it seemed a large number of the population is thus affected. With reduction of VAT by six per cent but add to that a new levy of six per cent with an increase of five per cent of STT, the total effect is an increase of five per cent overall, not a reduction.

It is not surprising that the tourism people had to ask that Fiji must remain competitive to continue to attract visitors to our shores.

The recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) appears to support this conviction that there has been a 6.3 per cent increase in the CPI in recent months.

The effects of Cyclone Winston had further aggravated food prices.

I am appealing to the Government to reduce the STT to the previous level of 5 per cent and retain the EL if need be so that status quo is maintained so that the VAT reduction can be properly felt. Later, these charges (STT & EL) could be raised incrementally, not in 100 per cent leaps, but like two per cent so it will be hardly felt.

I have been impressed by Government’s many initiatives to help the people, but being human one can make mistakes and I believe this aspect of the tax regime is a mistake that needs to be reviewed downwards.

I have hopes that these remarks would be considered and taken into account.

Agriculture

Amrit Singh, Nausori

Daily we hear or read in the news that food is getting scarce worldwide.

In Fiji, the shortage of food also comes when a cyclone or draught hits the nation. Government is spending so much money to upgrade roads, but it should also focus on the agricultural sector.

As of now Fiji is lagging in this sector where money could be made with ease. While travelling around Fiji near Navua, Rewa, Korotari Labasa, Naitasiri, Bau, Korociri, there are many vacant lands left idle. The Government should identify such places as ideal farming lands because they are flat lands.

Therefore the Ministry of Agriculture is failing in its part. Fiji doesn’t lack the land, it lacks people with ideas and an eye for prosperity. Our dairy and ginger industry can be our major earner with sugarcane industry just like New Zealand has sheep, apple and the potato industry thriving.

We have the land, we can upgrade roads later. We need to first stabilise our agricultural sector and the rural roads first rather than wasting money on the Nausori to Suva corridor because it can work properly the next 10 years.

If a farmer is hungry and poor the entire nation is hungry and poor.

Parental interview

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

When we have parent’s day in school, I have noticed that some students are too shy to bring their parents for interview.

Sometimes I do not understand why children react in this manner – an issue which gives a pause of thought to each individual youth out there.

From knowing this, I made an oral survey and I came to know that some of the students’ parents were old. Some of them said their parents did not work in a good place and there were other reasons linked to the issue.

I wish to inform the children that their parents are equivalent to ‘God’ because they are the ones who have bought them into this world, nurtured them, provided shelter, food and so forth.

Today, I wish to tell each student in Fiji not to be shy in bringing their parents, not only for parental interview, but in any event of your life. So the next time your school has a parental interview, be happy to welcome your parents to the school.

Key’s rejection

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Again Bill Gavoka, Ro Teimumu Kepa and Salote Radrodro will have learned that their irresponsible and unwarranted political request to John Key will not be entertained by him and his country in their endeavour to reset, mend and rekindle the Fiji-NZ government’s diplomatic relations.

In their meeting at the Opposition’s office during Mr Key’s Fiji visit last week he has taught them a very valuable valid lesson to Ro Teimumu and co. That he will not be dragged into their Opposition petty childish politics that is not relevant to his Government’s agenda and priority, but he will support Fiji in its nominee for the Presidency of UN General Assembly.

Gavoka might want to explain why their hidden agenda was exposed by Mr Key to his Fijian counterpart Mr Bainimarama as recorded by the Fiji Sun on June 11, but it was great to see the Opposition’s dirty linen brought out in the open for all Fijians to see and specifically to those very little disappointed SODELPA supporters left.

My only regret is that we cannot have elections today to support my colleague, Simon Hazelman’s prophecy of another overwhelming mandated FijiFirst party majority win to again govern for another four years and prove a point to those who still cannot and will not accept, but reconfirm why the Bainimarama-led Government and leadership is the best, respected and trusted in moving our country forward to greater heights that is beneficial to all Fijians inclusively irrespective.

This SODELPA gang have definitely got their hearts and priorities in the wrong place again, very disappointing.

Blueberry picking

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

It is strange that out here, a blueberry farmer is desperate for more workers to pick blue berries in his big farm and the situation will get worse when other blue berry farms go on a recruitment drive.

This farmer has four buses to pick and drop workers and it is amazing to see the hardworking seniors both male and female, originally from Punjab.

In Fiji, we would not allow old people to work in the farm, but out here they have beautiful big houses, but still love the extra cash through seasonal blueberry picking.

The other day, it was drizzling with rain and I thought that no work should be done, but these old people kept working until the downpour got heavy.

Fijians who can get a visa to come out this way should do so because it would be a win-win situation for both sides.

I am told that the Serevi Invitation Sevens will be held here in July, so one can use this 7s tournament to apply for a visa now and once here, you can earn double or more what you spent just picking blueberries for four months.

Let’s rubbish Fiji

Adrian Sofield, Nadi

To the owner of vehicle number DG190 who threw two bags of rubbish into the Nadi River from the bridge on the Nadi Back Road at 0800, Wednesday, June 15, you obviously have no concern about ours and your environment.

Expect the authorities to come looking for you.

Headscarf issue

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

The decision by a Methodist Church-run school in Sigatoka to reprimand a group of Muslim students for wearing religious head-wear to school is interesting.

Does the school allow students who wear turbans to attend classes?

I believe that it is important for students to wear its school uniform, but should allow turbans and headscarves to embrace multi culturalism, irrespective of the school.

Another question that readers would like to know is if this is the first case of Muslim students wearing headscarves to school.

If these students have not been wearing headscarves in the past then the decision by the school is appropriate unless if it’s a mufti day.

From a Christian perspective, Christian schools should be the platform where non-Christian students come to learn about Christ and the Christian hope and lifestyle.

Let us be sensitive because we do not want non-Christians pulling out of our schools because of minor matters like the wearing of headscarves by Muslim female students.

Opposition parties

Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga

I did not realise that Mr Hazelman’s prophecy was divinely inspired.

I thought he was making that prophecy based on his assessment of facts on the ground. And I would hasten to add that the party that brought secularism to Fiji is not likely to be divinely blessed.

Mr Hazelman makes light of the tsunami prophecy that led to my incarceration and prosecution in 2010. Let me remind him that it was a vision by a renowned man of the cloth, which churches took seriously.

People prayed and fasted over it all over Fiji, for instance, an Indo-Fijian pastor had his church fasting for 42 days!

Some months later when a tsunami hit Japan killing some 20,000 people, we were grateful that the man of the cloth had the courage to relentlessly share his vision (he was ridiculed by the authorities and incarcerated) with his brethren and got them to seek God’s intervention.

As for me, I was CEO of the Fiji Visitors Bureau when that dreadful tsunami hit Asia on Boxing Day 2004, killing some 200,000 people, a good number of them tourists.

Being a tourism person I alerted the industry to the vision, knowing fully well that they would scoff, and that’s how I got on the wrong side of the authorities. I would do it again tomorrow as the lives of people are worth more to me than my reputation.

Now, to politics, in 2014 our voice was drowned out by the behemoth that was, and is, FijiFirst; not so in 2018, as with four years in Parliament, even though we are outvoted on everything, people know what we stand for, such as: free tuition for universities and technical colleges, supplementary income for tourism workers through the service tax, full insurance for soldiers on overseas assignment, etc.

Mr Hazelman questions the integrity of my assumptions and I am sure he can relate to what an American president once said about the difference between the one being fully engaged and being bloodied in the arena, and the one commenting from the grandstand.

Coalition

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

Writers to this column who criticise our parliamentarians (parties) for their bed partners should note that making political choices is a bill of right under section 23 of our Constitution.

Having coalition with other parties is an electoral choice of parties given this right. They feel that people who choose them will be better off with a particular party.

There were reasons they formed the coalition. Do not adopt a spoilt child’s attitude that if you do not play my way I will not play at all.

They should learn to live with the disagreement and live it through to 2018. Not go home and have none of it.

It certainly is not an opportunity to judge a person and spit upon them.

Meanwhile, it’s a dreadful thing that Viliame Gavoka (MP) has been attacked.

It’s a wonder people make statements without knowing people’s welfare especially how people benefit from programmes.

They don’t even know their current state of affair and whether their standard of living has improved.

God, save us from the poisonous venom of such people who turn people against each other.

E-Ticketing

Neelz Singh, Lami

What has happened to the E-ticketing plan?

Seem only two per cent of the bus company allow the e-ticketing scheme while the other operators have machines that are not working or have no machines at all.

It seems like some bus owners are not transparent with accountability and yet they complain and want more tax rebates from Government.

SODELPA leadership

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Great to note that the Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has publicly admitted he will not be returning to politics for the 2018 elections.

He says his age will not allow him to do so, but note worthy is his praise of the developments made by the FijiFirst Voreqe Bainimarama-led Government for the Naitasiri Province. Ratu Naiqama has fallen short of acknowledging the massive indiscriminate development carried out by our Government in the Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata [CBM] province respectively and I sincerely do hope he is not trying to buy sympathy. He has certainly softened and mellowed down during his two-year suspension from Parliament.

The Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa will be joining him in exiting from the SODELPA camp politics for the same reason and aided by Rabuka’s keen interest to return and try his luck once more in the political arena.

I am personally not convinced that neither of the current incumbents from these SODELPA hopefuls who will be competing to take over the reins is capable of successfully creating a positive impact for their political party.

Apart from Sitiveni Rabuka, Anare Jale and Ratu Isoa Tikoca, the tussle would be between Ro Kiniviliame Kiliraki and Viliame Gavoka, but the questions their very small supporters will be asking is do they seriously have the leadership to at least win them one seat in our next Fijian democratic election?

It is also very surprising, unchristian like and disturbing to note the inability of the Opposition party members to acknowledge and say thanks to Government for all the good it is doing throughout our country and in the International arena under these trying times. A very ungrateful lot indeed!

But there is one good we can all collectively gather and appreciate in their call to retire from politics. These two paramount chiefs realistically agree to the sentiments always echoed by our PM pre and post election in that our chiefs must all go back to their respective vanua and villages to help guide and direct our iTaukei people in the right direction.

Politics should be left to the ordinary Fijians and what Mr Bainimarama meant was that the chiefs are still very relevant. They have their place in our multiracial society and role in our new democracy including their contribution to our country’s future economic well being and its development.

Vinaka, A-G

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

Going through past years of our political history and comparing it with today’s political status, there has been a vast number of changes.

At this point, I wish to applaud the honourable Minister for Finance, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, for the work he has been putting in the past few weeks.

As a student, I have noticed that as the Minister for Finance, you are taking in every individual’s opinion in preparing the Budget. Vinaka, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

Disallowing students

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

There have been numerous complaints from concerned parents and guardians regarding students being disallowed to catch any other bus unless it’s the school bus.

This is especially in the mornings when the students would like to beat the traffic and be in school on time. This ongoing issue has to be ironed out by the Land Transport Authority and Ministry of Education before a bus driver gets a morning glory high five to his face.

21st Century

Amrit Singh, Nausori

The reason for our fast developing century is due to technology and ideas floating that are changing and eroding our lifestyle.

Our cars are keyless, stoves fireless, phones wireless, relationships meaningless, love truth-less, kids manner-less, drinks sugarless, clothes sleeveless, wife fearless and prayers mercy-less.

So as we can see our 21st century is more than meaningless. I hope the readers get a fair idea of how our world is like right now in 21st century. Vinaka!

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

The Vodafone Flying Fijians captain Sunia Koto has dedicated Saturday’s clash against Samoa to the students of Fiji Society for the Blind School.

“We feel its right to dedicate this next game to the students here, to the children of Fiji and to everyone,” the Yadrana native from Lakeba said.

This followed their visit to the Vatuwaqa-based school in Suva yesterday with fellow team members Seremaia Bai, Samisoni Viriviri and Leone Nakarawa.

Koto said they were preparing accordingly to match the Samoan side in the second round of the 2016 Pacific Nations Cup and also the first round of the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

“The coaches have come up with a game plan to counter the strong Samoan team. We’ve worked on our weaknesses last week,” he added,

Bai, who now plays for elite European club Leicester Tigers, said they would make sure that they don’t repeat the same mistake against Samoa.

“We keep on reminding ourselves of last week’s game. We had a slow start. They are a very good side so we will be preparing well physically but more importantly mentally.”

The veteran utility back is also expected to don the national jumper one last time in the Series before hanging his boots at the end of the year.

“For me, it’s all about what I can bring to the team in terms of doing my job. We all know the importance of this game which is one of our main goals and that is to qualify for the 2019 World Cup,” he said.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback:  filipe.naigulevu@fijisun.com.fj

Farewell Berenado

Frank Shaw, Lami

The passing of Berenado Vunibobo marks the end of an era.

He was the last of the great Fijian leaders following independence to overcome the trials and tribulation of colonialism and pave the way for a better future for us all in Fiji and indeed the Pacific region as a whole. (He coined the phrase ‘The Pacific Community’ which brought us all so much closer together.)

He not only contributed significantly in making our voice heard (and noticed) in the international arena, but also made Fiji a model country for the other smaller states in the Pacific to emulate.  He was indeed a ‘Beacon of Hope’ for us all.  (I feel he should have been knighted)

I remember conversing with Berenado (and Brother Wara) in Lambert Hall during our Diamond Jubilee celebration on October  16, 2012.  He told me that at our age we should start taking things easy. (He had turned 80 earlier in the year).  Little did I know that within three short years both Berenado and Brother Wara (one older, the other younger than me) would be gone.

Fate can be so unpredictable. So until we meet again, farewell Berenado!

‘OMG’ saga

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

OMG, what is so wrong about people saying “OMG”.

Mr Raniga very clearly is trying to make a point in his letter regarding the mobile internet data having short expiry dates which we don’t have any control over. But lo and behold Mr Tokalau has to pay more attention on Mr Raniga’s “OMG” than the content of his letter, which is the concern of many.

He is telling Mr Raniga to be man enough and accept this issue and move on rather than thinking of ways this particular issue can be solved. So basically he is trying to say that all the consumers who are not happy with whatever consumer issues they have, to be man enough and just “accept” the situations. Well thank you Mr Raniga, at least by you writing “OMG”, we say God’s name apart from our normal prayers. Besides I just hope that something is done regarding the main content of your letter, which is the main thing here.

Let’s hope Vodafone can show some improvements. It’s like showing us the free- bees which looks very enjoyable in the beginning, but is gone in just no time without our approval.

Who knows maybe your “OMG” can make things right. After all it’s just something holy to say.

Bio-fuel

Neelz Singh, Lami

I hope that one day Fiji will be manufacturing bio fuel to fuel its own economy. Cassava and coconut plant plans yet to take off. It seems there will be a way forward to generated fuel from other local resources that will be environmental friendly. What options are there? Any suggestions from the locals that could help benefit the industry as whole, and be an income-generator?

Sandals without socks

Amrit Singh, Nausori

It’s a shame that some schools are not allowing students to wear socks on sandals. We are in the cold season now and early morning students wear socks on sandals to keep their feet warm. Socks should be allowed during these cold times, but when students wear coloured socks teachers tell them only white coloured ones are allowed. One school I know of dictates to students what coloured socks or designed jersey to wear. Is this the mentality our teachers have now?

Fiji has dusty roads so wouldn’t wearing white socks get dirty? And by the way it’s the cold season.

Students should be allowed to wear the socks they feel will keep them warm either long or ankle socks. One more problem is that some schools I heard of late are not allowing students to wear designed or fancy jersey or jackets. It’s a shame and only in Fiji teachers are bothered about socks and what type of jersey students wear.

If such harsh rules are for students that do not wear socks on sandals during colder months then I ask the Ministry of Education to make rules for teachers attire as well. Long sleeve shirts and tie with dressing shoe, and ties during hotter months neatly tucked in for male teachers; for female teachers, long pants with tucked in shirt and no skirts but a tie.

I bet teachers will get a lesson in hotter months. Thus they will never ask students not to wear socks on sandals again.

Child labour

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Can the authorities concerned check on young children working around municipality markets around the country?

I have seen children as young as 12 years old working around different markets in our country who only earn $25 a week.

So much hype about the minimum wages guidelines, but I believe there is less enforcement on child labour.

Signed rugby ball

Sukha Singh, Labasa

Could the New Zealand High Commissioner ask Mr John Key, the New Zealand Prime Minister, to get another rugby ball signed by the All Blacks and present it to the greatest All Blacks fan from Ovalau?

Could you also send this letter “Just one simple, humble request to our most honorable PM. Sir, can I have the rugby ball that was gifted to you by the NZ PM? You know the one that was signed by the world champion mighty All Blacks? Areh, loloma mada mehn, kerekere. I bet you can’t” to the NZ PM? Anthony Sahai, Ovalau.

Sexual preferences

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

We are requested not to use religion as an excuse to judge those who have different sexual preferences like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) communities.

I find it interesting that the group activist speaker mentioned that “There are so many restrictions that God finds punishable by death,” and that we should not only focus on them.

When we believe in God and the Bible then we should know that we are moral beings and that He is a moral Creator who has given His creation a moral set of laws to live happily in.

When we use our freedom of choice to choose a sexual preference that He did not design or approve then we have breached His moral law and as judge, the death penalty is ours if we do not repent and get back on His moral track.

God loves all of us so much that He gave His Son to become a human being, walk this earth, tempted with all manner of sin, but was sinless so He could die a sacrificial redeeming death on the cross for us.

If God the Father is willing to sacrifice His Son to save a sinful immoral world then He is able to save us, no matter what our sexual preference is or situation we are in, if we choose to believe in Christ.

God as a just and merciful judge has already given the death sentence on all who willingly choose to disobey His moral law and this does not change even if the Fiji Parliament or Church Leaders say otherwise.

Sexual preference is the decision of the mind; submit to God in prayer and fasting to transform and empower the mind and one will be amazed that the sexual preference would change to be in line with God’s original intention of human sexuality.

False prophesies

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Lautoka

Bill Gavoka’s tsunami prophecy with his man of the cloth of 2010 was meant for the Japanese people and I fail to understand why he didn’t warn them directly.

The tsunami was never meant for Fiji but why did he wrongly warn the people of Fiji and subject our nation to his nonsense. I do not care if he and they prayed and fasted over it because if it was not the great Lord Jehovah’s will that it was never meant for Fiji than may his will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Where was Gavoka’s prophetic intuition with his fasting and prayer group when the warning was in place following the devastation left behind by the Category 5 TC Winston and the preceding floods?

Why did you not foretell and precisely warn those Fijians badly affected from its devastation?

I guess God was not listening to your lot because that was his will.

His letter FS June 16th claims that a pastor and his church fasted over it for 42 days and he was grateful to the man of the cloth that courageously and relentlessly shared his vision with his brethren to seek God’s intervention. May I ask where all these buddies of his were? Were they sleeping on the job this time around when TC Winston was making its way to our country?

In his letter Gavoka claims SODELPA stood for free tuition for universities and technical college’s needs to be corrected.

Free tuition for universities is easier said than done but where is the evidence because our country’s economy is too small to sustain his ill conceived cheap politics, but please come up with something concrete and of the truth, and our smart caring government has got its priorities in the right place.

Do the Fijian people know that Gavoka was one of the first from the Opposition to speak out against the introduction by our Government through our Minister for Education, Mahendra Reddy, for some schools to be converted into technical colleges?

He even brought a petition from Nadroga to Parliament signed by the many that were ill advised by him in their rejection of this very noble idea. Where are they now? They have accepted the truth and appreciative aren’t they.

Please Gavoka, do not bulldoze your Christian faith to justify your wrong assumptions. Keep it to yourself, Fiji is a secular State. Accept it.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Operation Cavuraka

Sachida Rao, Nausori

The finding of thousands of marijuana plants is just alarming, shocking, terrifying, worrying, frightening, upsetting and disturbing.

It is beyond imagination. Let’s support the ‘Operation Cavuraka’ and save our future generation. It’s now or it will be too late. Take this as a wake up call for all of us.

Scathing remarks

Sailesh Singh, Nasinu

Abdul Khan’s belittling response against the union and the farmers, calling them to “stay away” is exactly the kind of leadership the Fijian people do not need.

The issues surrounding mill closures and FSC’s strategic mission objective can be addressed and probably solved using arbitration approach.

However, name calling and disrespecting the concerned parties is not the way to go, Mr Chairman. In addition, utilising speeches to make fruitless claims is probably the worst avenue.

As a concerned citizen, I hope to see an apology; or at least a public desire to work collectively for the sugar industry and Fiji.

FEA reform

Saimoni Lutu, Namosi

We, us the people of Fiji are the owners of FEA.

The State is merely the custodian of such property either real or personal and being custodian and not owner, it has no authority to deal or dispose of such property or it will be in breach of our Constitution Section 25.

It will be seen as a ‘land grab’ pure and simple. In this 21st Century such stunts are just not done in civilised such as ours.

Therefore, we the people demand that as part of the process of Government reform of this market, FEA be immediately corporatised and 440million shares issued at 50 cents per share (similar to that at ATH) and distributed to all the Fijians, women, men, boys and girls!

Can you imagine what this wealth transfer will do to our own people? With a population of say 900,000 we will own at least 500 shares in FEA, not to mention Fiji Airways, FSC, AFL,ATH and the list goes on and on. This must be a fair and just way than selling the farm to some foreign Oligarchs whose only motivation is to get our property and resell them again to the highest bidder.

In the event some of these corporations are disposed off to some Oligarchs without our specific approval, we the people reserve the right in due season to repossess the same at absolutely no cost to us!

Beware of the typical spin that these Oligarchs usually come up with, that they are the only ones who have the technology, etc. Ownership is sacrosanct, period and we the people restate our ownership of these institutions/companies.

With ownership intact and secured, technology and hired servants can be purchased on the world market. Don’t fall for the spin!

False prophecies

Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga

Tukai Lagonilakeba was not born yesterday, he is in his fifties and he knows that the vision about the tsunami (around June 2010) was about Fiji and not Japan.

Either he is very forgetful or does not care much about the truth. Nevertheless, for further edification; it was in March 2011 that a tsunami hit Japan with walls of water devastating vast coastlines of Japan. This horror seen on TV, visualised for us what could have happened in Fiji. Believers like me were grateful that someone was given a vision which he shared with other believers and we prayed and fasted for God to intervene, thus saving Fiji. Tukai refers to Winston and one cannot provide an answer to that, but I would urge Tukai, even though he is a secularist, not to scoff at such things.

On free tuition at USP, FNU, University of Fiji and technical colleges, the cost would be around $110million each year and we are talking about some 55,000 students. Government’s yearly budget is some $3.5billion and we at SODELPA believe that with better realignment of priorities, we can provide free tuition to our youths, on whom hang the future of our nation.

TELS or the student loan scheme is a recipe for disaster as we are burdening our young with a debt load they will have difficulty carrying. Today in America, the student loan scheme is unravelling as the debt burden for the youths have exceeded $1trillion. The youths are protesting in very strong terms and their voices will determine the outcome of the presidential election in November.

Sri Lanka, a relatively small nation, provides free university education to its youths and we see the result of that by the many we hire from that country. There is no reason we can’t do likewise.

The technical college at Nadroga was handled very badly as the parents found out through their children that the school was closing. I am sure Tukai is a parent and would have been grieved by the manner it was all done. In any event, I stood in Parliament to personally explain, as allowed to members, that I was not against the technical college, but sought a compromise whereby both the Nadroga/Navosa College and the technical college would run side by side. But, it was not to be, as Tukai’s people believe in my way or the highway!

Community policing

Satish Nakched, Suva

It is a daunting task for Police officers to deal and handle the escalating level of offences that are now committed including serious ones like rape.

The alarming statistics and the reports in the media is now a bothering issue in the society and it was fortunate that these cases were exposed and bought before the courts.

I believe that there are other unreported offences. Apart from that there are so many other serious reported cases that are filed within the short span of time because of insufficient evidence.

The Police alone do not have the capacity to carry out further investigation as they have very limited leads to probe in detail. This type of investigation requires a good networking within the communities and that can only be cultivated if there is an excellent relationship both ways.

So many community policing fail after sometime as the initiator the Police team loses focus and brings the concept to a premature death. Probably there is insufficient interest from the members of the public who prefer to lead their own private lives without the unnecessary involvement. But there is a huge potential resource out in the communities that can be tapped into to bring in the continuous improvement and make this concept work.

There are retired prominent people like civil servants, former Police officers and other dedicated and passionate people when involved can be of great assistance to bring down the crime rate. Some of the neighbourhood watch schemes are done on an ad hoc basis and at the initial stage there will be an increased interest, but short-lived because of the lack of support.

I believe it is an appropriate time to revamp the concept and the right civilian people identified to spearhead this in the community they residence at. The Police department needs to narrow the gap between communities to their advantages. They alone cannot do this and must involve the free resources that are available.

There needs to be a detailed planning, execution and monitoring phases to be successful in the community policing concept.

Mini island FSC Labasa

Joji Toronibau, Vunivau

This week I was urged to write on this column regarding the state of a mini-island triangle towards FSC Labasa before the mill heralds its crushing season on Wednesday.

But I was beaten by some very apt designer’s foresight to uplift the state-of-the art mini colonial train, the surroundings and put brush on to paint to rejuvenate its textures and shine for yet another decade. It looks cool, Bro! I wished a little elevation on the mini machine to evade elements. Just as well the Qawa estuary is a mile away.

Yes, the mill is fully churning away with heavy white giveaways into the heavens.

Cheap thinkers!

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

While having a debate with a classmate, I came to know that humanitarian is less in existence in the society.

The debate topic started in a Family Life class where students were debating on domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment happening to girls and women in our society.

I found out that some male students have a negative perspective of women in the society.

They believed that women and girls were causes of rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment. That due to women and girls walking on the streets at night was one factor that caused these issues.

Aren’t we humans? Or being men they lust for sex and cannot control themselves from a girl passing by? Why we do not permit girls to walk in the night?

If men say this, then why can’t men be prohibited from walking in town at night? Won’t that minimise rape in the country? Why girls?

A lot of questions triggered my mind while arguing during the debate. Some of them went on to say that girls aged seven months were at fault. Come on people, wake up! What does an innocent seven-month child have to do with these issues?

Our society needs to be shaken up and it will only happen if the parents instil moral values on their children.

Nadi-San Francisco

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

Another milestone achievement made by our national airline, Fiji Airways, for flying into San Francisco as the airline, as stated, have been selling well and seen good forward intakes.

We also have a great marketing and sales tool with us now and that of former San Francisco 49ers player, Jarryd Hayne, who could lure people to Fiji.

As the flights will run for three months till August and from December to February we should have some satisfied travellers who use alternative routes to get to San Francisco previously.

Students loitering

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

One only has to go to a bus station after school in any town or city and see the number of students loitering in their uniforms.

Aren’t they supposed to be at home with their parents? At the bus stand it’s an eyesore. Aren’t the parents of these students worried?

That’s not all, at the bus station one can hear the kind of language used by the students. It’s like they have no regards of the people standing around them.

This goes to show the indiscipline of some schools. Are they taught to behave like hooligans outside the school?

Some parents seem to be too busy to make arrangements for their children to be home on time. It’s only matter of time something terrible happens. Students must realise they are not painting a good picture of their schools and parents by behaving like hooligans or showing inappropriate behaviours after school and in their uniforms.

I hope something is done to minimise this issue. Someone has to make a stand here.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Kava bill

Utiko Nabunobuno, Lautoka

I find it ridiculous the call by some yaqona farmers in the North for the introduction of kava legislation to protect them from being ripped-off by vendors or re-sellers.

Shortly after the spike in yaqona prices supposedly brought about by the havoc Winston wreaked, a farmer was overheard questioning why market vendors are selling Kava for $80-$100 when farmers sell it to them for $50-$60. I thought he was plain stupid or maybe he doesn’t understand the dynamics of business.

How else would a market vendor or re-seller make a living if he re-sells his purchase by the purchasing price?

I think what the farmer does not understand is that the kava dealer has to pay a business license, pay market/stall fees, pay taxes on his income, and other charges, while the farmer in contrast pays a meagre amount.

Fiji continues to lag behind because we have an outdated taxation system in the economics of our development, because of the continued use of VAT. We are only accounting for activities that resemble some sort of value adding to the primary products. We need to introduce Goods and Services Tax, so that Government can capture the real volume of economic activity that is happening in our nation.

As it is, many activities are unaccounted for, like the farmer who is crying foul. If the Government accounts for, and taxes all economic activity, it will portray a true picture of its economic standings, and be able to have a more correct indicator of the people’s standard of living or the per capita income.

Many of these farmers don’t pay taxes, but cry foul over the lack of Government services or regulations. The way we do business in our small economy is over-regulated as it is I think, and if there is legislation for kava to be introduced, then it would do good to criminalise it.

God

Dushah Pockvigum, Europe

God has no shape. Nature has no stationary shape. Only your mind produces forms inside of it. God, nature – words don’t matter – have no names. God is everywhere. So, nobody cares about your prayers. Only yourself. Words are just words. Nature is not about words, it’s about existence.

Fiji win

Saiasi Mocelutu, Lautoka

Just want to thank our Vodafone Flying Fijians for another good come-back win against Samoa.

Big Vinaka vakalevu to Eremasi Radrodro.

Sugar industry

Rattan Sharma, Ba

It was disgraceful and disheartening to see and hear the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) chief executive repeatedly using abusive words on television.

First of all there should be a disciplinary action taken against him for using such words in public. It’s a shame for the sugar industry as a whole.

He thinks of the sugar industry as a joke and whatever he says will be tolerated. Secondly, he claims that the sugar industry is better off than before. Can he explain that better? After Cyclone Winston has the FSC field officers consulted individual farmers on the property damage incurred let alone the crop damage? The labour quarters and farming equipment were damaged during the cyclone and no subsidy was given to farmers for rebuilding and getting back on their feet for the new crushing season, especially in the Western Division by FSC.

The labourers are demanding good housing so how can the FSC expect farmers to start harvesting on time under these circumstances?

Katonibau out of Rio

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

I just can’t believe it.

A very impact player and vocal especially before entering the field; makes opponents not want to be near him.

And at times he springs out a trick which has won games for Fiji in the dying stages of a tournament.

Hope Ben gives him time to recover and gives him another opportunity.

Isa ‘kerekere Ben’ and ‘veilomani’.

Seasonal workers lament

Joji Toronibau, Tunuloa

After reading the newspapers yesterday I was a little bit paranoid that our earthlings in the Northern Division were never mentioned or overlooked at, in the priority listings for the seasonal workers programme.

Especially, Qamea, Taveuni, the coastal areas from Nakobo to Savusavu, the Southern Bua areas, etc.

Please, Mr Minister, our habitation and space here are like war zones as well after post-Cyclone Winston.

Raj and Tuks, please rescue your brethren’s up here.

Sports coverage

Nilesh Lal, Suva

I wonder if Fiji One, the nation’s oldest and biggest television station, is even aware that a major football tournament is being played at the moment. Football is a favourite sport for many Fijians and the interest intensifies during weekends when tournaments are played.

Fiji One, however, appears to be oblivious to the Fiji FACT fever sweeping the country. Or perhaps for them, sport is synonymous with rugby. So much for inclusive programming!

World’s safest places

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Our tourist destination neighbour friend and competitor, New Zealand, is rated fourth in the top five safest countries in the world.

Fiji is nowhere any closer as reported in the FS, page 34 June 17. Tourist trends and travellers upon being interviewed will mostly say and confirm their reasons for travelling to a particular destination are – safety and security, honesty, clean, beautiful and picture risqué, lovely food and friendly people, affordable and excellent service, sports tourism, clean ocean, world class surfing, diving and game fishing, fantastic hotel and resort rooms etc.

We have daily reported cases of rapes, murder, thieving, suicide and narcotics drugs smuggling, etc hitting the headlines. The list goes on in our newspapers and TV for everyone to know. These are cases that do not help much in our endeavour to create an atmosphere conducive to lure in as many tourists as we can to our shores so we can hit the billion mark compared to other destinations.

Is Fiji realistically a friendly country? But we are not ranked up there with the rest of our competitors from around the world or maybe we are doing very well in other facets of what tourists like about our country’s tourism industry, which makes us unique.

Perhaps the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Minister for Tourism with Tourism Fiji and other stakeholders might want to put together a special tourism taskforce group and find ways where we can smartly collaborate with other Governmental regulatory authorities, our various chiefly tikina councils and their respective bose vanua and effectively come up with a collective long-term solution. Or is it maybe that our social structures and our country’s many religious organisations are not as effective as they should be.

I would like to encourage our fellow writers to contribute positively by writing in with your valuable thoughts and inputs so that in a small way we can all contribute in making Fiji a better, safer and beautiful place to enjoy.

Thank you

Amrit Singh, Nausori

I would like to thank the Water Authority of Fiji for their quick response in fixing the water pressure problem for residents living along Bau Road.

The people are now satisfied that the water pressure is back to normal again. Now there won’t be any problems for those who are cleaning up their homes and so on.

Thank you for the quick action and vinaka, Mr Joji, who is general manager at WAF for the follow-up.

Christian vandals

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Would Jesus Christ command His church to vandalise temples and places where non-Christians worship?

Please Christian Church leaders and all Christians let us respect the freedom of religion and worship of all Fijians even though we are a majority. We are a secular state, meaning that the Government looks at all religious faith as equal on a level playing field.

God does not approve the vandalising of non-Christian places of worship but Christians have been commanded to be Christ’s witnesses in sharing the Gospel Commission.

Jesus stated in Matthew 24: 14 that the Gospel truth is to be preached to the entire world, before Christ returns, as a witness.

We all have the gift of choice and the Bible states that a lot of people will miss eternal life because they have chosen not to accept the Good News. Let us be witnesses please, as Christianity as a whole gets a bad name, including our Lord Jesus Christ, when being accused of vandalising temples and non Christian places of worship.

Kava drinking age

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Mr Ritesh Kumar, the chairperson for the Suva Market Vendors Association, has made a submission where the age should be 25 years before anyone can partake in the consumption of kava.

I believe, if we all give our views, it will be 18 and over, while those who do not drink kava will call for a total ban.

Yaqona, kava, grog or whatever name you want to call it has been branded as our national drink and to me we cannot call it our national brew if only those of a certain age are allowed to drink it.

I suggest that we forget about regulating a legal consumption age but to continue to talk to our young people and all grog consumers to be temperate in all things.

It is human nature that when something is regulated to be enjoyed only by people above a certain age, those below will find their own private session as well.

Awareness of the elders

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

I recently applaud the Albinism Awareness and with this awareness for the elders what a great initiative.

The awareness has always been part of the Fijian culture and is still very much alive in our villages. Saying this, presently during meal times we are still seated according to the age – the elders are still seated at the top end of the table, likewise in family meetings the elders always seat up front. In our churches especially in the Methodist Church the elders are allocated special seats in the front row. During a yaqona session the elders always drink first. There are even times when the elders are in a talanoa session we the younger ones can say we cannot fit in well in their conversation.

In our villages they are respected and cared for, still. This is because of the way they were raised in a family. With almost nothing to access in the past life everything seems to be at the doorstep for many of them now.

Moving to urban areas they are still respected. Inside a public transport, public seating areas like hospitals, banks, bus stations, etc. There are those who still care for our elders.

The most uncaring and disrespectful people I’d say are those who move their elderly parents to a care home.

The Minister of Women, Rosy Akbar, has been vocal on this issue and I believe many in Fiji will agree with her.

They don’t have much to live up to but to love and care for them as they have shown us. I was caught by surprise when the minister said our elders have been completely forgotten by their families. I just can’t believe it.

I hope the awareness will shake up some human sense. And if there are people who are always keeping their distance from the elders I believe this would be the best opportunity to welcome the elders back to the society.

For those who show love and care for our elders our God Almighty will never forget you. God bless the elders.

Fuel stations

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

There is a high operational standard for fuel stations in Fiji.

However, many stations have slipped away from these strict regulations. The lack of compliance control by authorities is a real worry.

Here in Savusavu the three town fuel stations need to check compliance to make sure there is no disaster waiting to happen.

The lack of awareness by those businesses stationed in and around these stations also needs attention.

No double standards, but strict compliance is required from all those in authority.

I will not be surprised if disaster strikes some day soon!

Tariff cuts on imported clothing

Utiko Nabunobuno, Lautoka

I beg to differ on the opinion of Consumer Council of Fiji (last week) regarding the lowering of tariffs for imported clothing in a bid to access quality clothing and related services to the public.

On one hand we are trying to promote Fijian-Made products, and on the other we are trying to make it easy for imported products to be cheaply available, therefore indirectly reducing demand on locally produced goods.

It is not surprising to enter any random supermarket or store and see that imported products are far less expensive than the Fijian-Made ones.

We understand that big overseas companies have greater economies of scale compared to our local producers, but how do we protect local production to sustain the livelihoods of the majority of the Fijian population?

We need Government to tighten its fiscal policies on goods and services that can be or are being produced locally.

Fiji 7s

Amrit Singh, Nausori

As our Vodafone Fijian 7s team continues their preparation for Rio one issue still bothers me.

Can our 7s team compete against Samoa and South Africa if we face them at the tournament.

Africa and Samoa have beaten our team in recent tournaments with high scores as well. I think we need to better our defence strategy. Fiji is number one in the World Sevens Series but we are number one with errors per game and defence is weak.

The Olympics is a venue where any team can prevail and therefore will do anything to win gold. Our team should be well organised in defence and ball handling.

I wish our 7s champions all the best in Rio.

Teachers behaviour

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

As a student, I have noticed that some teachers do not appreciate a child’s success or achievement.

I believe as teachers their responsibility is to encourage a child to achieve more. I am not trying to point the finger on any teacher nor am I going against the teaching system here in Fiji. In one bag of potatoes, there may be some rotten ones.

What I am trying to point out is that a child will be more than happy to receive a word of appreciation from their teachers. It’s just the thought of being considerate because at the end of the day, a teacher’s act/teaching will determine a child’s future.

Vinaka

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Vinaka, Vodafone Flying Fijians. Areh, go Fiji, go.

Soccer standards

Sukha Singh, Labasa

It only took Suva three games to improve their scoring skills.

I am just wondering, why only score six goals in the last game?

Fiji Football squad selection

Nilesh Lal, Suva

The Fiji football national coach, Frank Farina, has caused a huge uproar on social media following his naming of the national squad to play the touring Malaysian side next Sunday.

While a lot of optimism surrounded Farina’s appointment as national coach, his first outing as the national coach during the recent OFC Nations Cup has been a disaster, resulting in Fiji sliding further down the FIFA rankings chart from its already embarrassing position.

A main reason for this frustration was that fans felt that Farina did not select the best players to represent the country, resulting in a national team less capable than was possible.

The focus on players from a certain district prompt questions of whether there is undue interference from the top.

In Farina’s latest selection, not a single player from the Northern districts of Labasa and Dreketi has been selected, despite the former reaching the semi finals of the Fiji FACT.

In contrast, seven players from a certain low performing district have been called up. Interestingly, four of these are defenders selected from their performance in three matches where they conceded four goals (only one other team conceded more than 4 goals).

Therefore, the core of Fiji’s defence this Sunday will be from a team with a relatively weak defence. While the selection largely defies logic, we remain hopeful that Farina has a plan to bring glory.

Congrats MOB

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Nothing remains the same in life specifically with commercial developments and progress, the MOB, Marist Brothers High School, PTA and the School Board and Management would have weighed the pros and cons of their development plan which should be of utmost benefit to MBHS’ future existence, the surrounding community and neighbourhood, daily commuters, the general public and the business community.

If the shopping mall will create employment for our thousands of school leavers why not, the developers will have already complied with all our government’s relevant regulatory authorities including an EIA if applicable and will have respectively obtained their permits accordingly.

It is their right; the Marist Brothers can do whatever they feel like with their property and prime real estate for as long as they are not encroaching into these objectors land, this lot will soon get tired of their rhetoric.

Late last year some residents of Lautoka city were jumping up and down objecting to their last breath as if the world was about to end during the public consultations for the proposed PMegji Hotel Development site at Shirley Park, the majority of us supported it for the same reason and that development is already on the roll which will benefit everyone and the city of Lautoka.

The bigger picture should always be about our country but it should not be just about some few and this smart business project will positively contribute to our economy.

I also take note from the Fiji Sun report of June 17 on Page 10 that some of those objecting may all be feeling very insecure from the healthy competition your development will bring into the fore or will it force most of them to upgrade some of those 200-year-old buildings still standing to date at Flagstaff. The building should be condemned.

But hey, don’t you all feel the new buildings when completed will be beautiful, it brings in something new, a total overhaul of the area, it will be iconic, a modern new face lift for Flagstaff and most importantly the development will take commercial competition to another level, but please I beg to don’t forget to give the old boys and the college of knowledge “Marist Club” a complete totally new make up too.

This is a milestone achievement from this great institution and it is a credit to all those many good souls and leadership brains that were cultured and nurtured at one time in Marist, they simply are just giving back part of their achievements to the very school that was responsible for moulding them to become responsible productive proud Fijian leaders of our nation.

I do hope other schools can emulate and learn from the MOB wisdom, wishing your project every success. Go Red Fire; go get it because that is an excellent commercial business decision.

The Z Factor

Norman Yee, Nadi

It is so sad to hear that ‘Ice’ has been left out of the team due to ‘chronic Injury’. He had been a tower of strength for the team and support to the captain.

No doubt  Ben will have in mind to improve our ball retention at kick offs which seemed sporadic at times. Hope we have standby kickers to Ravouvou as well, since we now have a kicking coach.

A strategy to prevent the ‘Z Factor’ occurring at critical moments is a must since in Rio we have that one chance to win a gold. Losing focus even for a second to be beaten by Kenya, Samoa, or South Africa, etc, is not an option for us. We’ll be fasting and praying for Ben, the boys, the management and the coaching team that all will go well during training and the best will be selected to do us proud.

Go for Gold, Fiji!

God and nature

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Dushah Pockvigum attempts to throw our way of belief that God has no shape. That nature has no stationary shape and because God is everywhere, God and nature is all that matters (FS 19/6).

In his belief system, prayer does not exist as no one cares because to him, nature is not about words but it’s about existence.

For us Christians, we believe that the Word, who existed with God and is also God, was the active agent representing the Godhead in the creation of nature including humanity. (John 1:1-3)

The Word spoke the world and nature into existence but made and shaped man from the dust of the ground in the image of God and breathed into him the breath of life.

We humans are moral beings, knowing what is right and wrong because we have a moral God who has given us a set of moral laws to enjoy life in.

Before the Word became flesh and blood to redeem humanity, He was a Spirit and talked with Adam and Eve face to face, before they chose to believe in the deceiver and disbelieve the Creator.

The Bible is full of stories where people talked to God through prayer and Him answering prayer. Even today, Christians will testify to daily answers to prayer when one prays to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ.

Our individual lives will reflect how we view God and while those who don’t talk to their God will feel like He is like an all powerful one way up high on His throne; those who have a loving intimate relationship with Him will love conversing with Him in prayer and listening to His word.

The Word who became flesh to redeem us, has taken to heaven the same glorified body He had while on this earth to be forever identified with humanity.

God has done everything to save us, but He still respects our individual choices to decline the wide open door of salvation and eternal life He has opened for us.

Man that time forgot

Amrit Singh, Nausori

One of the sevens best at his time was Semisi Nayevo.

Around two metres in height he was a joy to watch during the Serevi era. He won restarts with ease during 2005/2006 world sevens series and darted towards try lines fending off defenders like sponges.

Those were the skills, precision and power that our sevens team at that time had, with a player like Semisi Nayevo.

He never smiled during restarts but only had an eye for the oval ball.

A beast of a man and if he didn’t win the ball then he did knock it back for players like William Ryder or Vucago to run to the try line.

Fiji sevens would be blessed if he was still young and could play at the Rio Olympics. The current team lacks the player of Nayevo’s calibre.

Watching him play during my primary school days was just fantastic.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Bhawani reunion
Prameeta Chand, Suva
As a former student it gives me immense pleasure to learn that the old scholars association of Bhawani Dayal Arya College is organising a reunion in Auckland, New Zealand, at India Gate Hall, Epsom, on Saturday 25th June 2016.
The purpose and the mission are to re-connect with former school mates and also to raise funds for the current needy students. Old scholars are travelling from various corners of the world for this inaugural meeting.
For this very special occasion they have invited their former distinguished Principal, Dewan Chand, under whose leadership many positive changes were seen. He introduced the text book bank scheme, computer laboratory, new havan room (prayer) and injected the spirit of competition in all facets of college life. Regular leadership training with the help of Apex Club of Nasinu was a successful project. It produced many fine leaders over the years. Mr Chand is remembered for his public speaking skills and the ability to motivate others. Apart from examination results the college also excelled in sports and other extra-curricular activities.
I wish the old scholars association and Mr Chand every success in their endeavours in Auckland.
May God bless the family of Bhawani Dayal Arya College in years to come!

Loloma streetlights
Rocky Sahay, Tavua
For more than three months after Tropical Cyclone Winston about 50 per cent of the street lights in Tavua Town were out of order. There are five street lights along Loloma Street alone. Nothing has been done by the authorities concerned.
When I enquired at Tavua Town Council about the lights they said the contractors are getting materials from overseas and it will take time.
Nothing has been done so far and nobody knows when the materials will arrive.
I hereby humbly request the concerned authorities to fix the lights before any mishap to any of the residents. For the time being, I am thinking of hanging a kerosene lamp at Loloma Street.

 
Budget to the people first

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

The Opposition Finance spokesperson claims the 2016-2017 Budget is politically motivated having more politics than economics, while the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has labelled it as “a very balanced document” (FS 23/6).
The Opposition Finance spokesperson said that the budget was very limited focus on investment.
He has forgotten that the Fijian people are still on the recovery and rebuilding mode after the devastation of Severe Cyclone Winston and any reasonable thinking Government would invest in getting its people back on track to revive the economy.
Maybe when they get into power, they will have more investments in their budget while Fijians are in poverty and struggling to survive daily.
He further alleges that Fijians were affected by Government’s 2016 Budget where the Value Added Tax (VAT) on basic food items from zero rate to nine per cent.
Again TC Winston is to be blamed for the current struggles, as low income earners were happy with the 2016 Budget because Government had invested and helped households with free education, text books, bus fares and other goodies.
As for the debt piling up, I believe and trust in the A-G whom I have observed to be a very smart person; if he could reduce our debt in the years before the General Elections in 2014, I believe he can orchestrate the nations’ finances to bring down our debt level once we Fijians are up and running again on our own two feet.

Tourism chairman
Josaia Rayawa, Savusavu

CEO Fiji Airways Andre Viljoen’s recent appointment as Chairman of Tourism Fiji is a great move.
Synergising the work of the national airline and the National Tourist office is critical now, more than ever. In this process, however, I do hope that the contribution of other airlines to Fiji will also be considered in cooperative marketing efforts with our national tourist office.
Welcome Andre. Vinaka, Truman for your efforts. I am sure it was not an easy role to balance over the last few years. All the best!

Hayne critics
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

There will always be negative and positive armchair critics perfectly well placed or misplaced to discourage or to motivate one.
But the good of it all is to prove them wrong. No one knows your capability best except you Jarryd.
Most of those critics don’t even know your upbringing and background like most of us do, this is probably the only time in your life where you will be able to be given a chance to participate in the world’s largest and greatest sporting event so please Jared close your ears to the outside world and compete for your place in our final 13-men Fijian 7s team for Rio and show them.
Someone said to me last week that he must be out of his mind to leave behind a lucrative NFL sporting deal in America, but that is exactly the stuff he is made of; unpredictable I would say.
I am personally convinced you will make the cut as your current and past sporting history and achievements speak volumes of your resilient character. Your other rugby league playing buddy, Semi Radradra, is in the country for a well earned break and Ben might want to have a look at him joining the team’s training camp at Pacific Harbour.
It is my fervent wish that our Minister for Defence and Immigration, Timoci Lesi Natuva, grant Jarryd Hayne a Fijian passport and his Dual Fiji Citizenship Certification after the gold medal presentation at the Rio Olympics.
This is all about giving Ben Ryan the best available pool of talented Fijian 7s players to pick from in his quest for our first Fijian Olympic gold medal. What a way to send Ben off in his last assignment for his now adopted country oops, sorry two Rio gold medals. Don’t forget the unpredictable Tanivula coached Fijiana 7s Team, “Vucukia Tai, Hakwasia Viti”.

Vegetable price
Amrit Singh, Nausori

One may argue that vegetable prices are high. A bundle of ‘moda’ or ‘choraiya’ cost $2, English cabbage $5 per head, and some radio announcers I heard talking said that two chillies cost $2 at the Nausori Market.
Well we need vegetables to keep our internal system operational and to stay healthy. But why do people argue about vegetable prices?
If lamb chops costs $18 or fish $30 and chicken $16 people still buy them and nobody argues about its prices.
We should also think about the farmers and how they toil in this rogue weather that Fiji is facing currently.
Life cannot be sustained without vegetables; meat is just a want, not a need. Our local farmers toil hard to grow vegetables to feed our nation.
Please support local produce, buy more vegetables, buy Fijian produce and stop arguing about the vegetable price because when you waste $18 on lamb chops or fish the next time. Remember you can buy at least five days of vegetables with that $18 you spent to feed your family once with meat.
Think about the vegetable price the next time you buy meat.
Greens are rather cheap with much nutritional value.

Extended hours
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

The removal of laws that prohibit businesses from opening for extended hours is not only a boost for the private sector.
The budget announcement also encouraged mums and dads to earn extra by getting two jobs. What will happen to those who still can’t find work? Will they be affected or are we making the rich richer and the poor poorer?
The extended hours will be encouraging teenagers to roam around more at night, which leads to drugs and crime.

Unfortunate weekend

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Was it an unfortunate weekend for Samoan rugby?
After controlling much of the first half against the Vodafone Flying Fijians which just could not get their act together on Saturday, all seemed to crumble for them once their ace kicker did not return to the rugby paddock in the second half.
The Flying Fijians stamped their authority when Patrick Osborne weaved his way through a small gap, smiling all the way to the try line. His smile went as far as Lau.
In terms of 7s rugby, just when one thought another Pacific nation would qualify for Rio Olympics the opposite happened. To most fans disbelief, the Spanish side created a major upset by overpowering a much fancied Samoan side. Well, all in all if a team does not win or draw, unfortunate results arise.

Police vehicles
Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Good to know that the Police force received 33 new vehicles to help reduce crime.
My only worry is when the public are told that the Police vehicles don’t have enough fuel when they are called and crime reported. Hope that’s not an excuse this time around!
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

What of the tourism industry?

Josaia Rayawa Savusavu

It’s a pity that Government did not address the concerns of the tourism industry about the environmental levy being put entirely on the shoulders of visitors to our country.

Protecting the environment is not an issue of contention for me and neither is it, amongst the majority of those in the tourism industry.

I am concerned though, that, for such an important issue like the environment, I fail to see how any of the other industries can be excluded with any sense of justification that their industry has no impact, whatsoever on the environment and therefore are not liable. That is exactly what Government is suggesting by this decision.

We are all equally responsible. Placing this responsibility solely on the visitors to this country, is like inviting a visitor to your home for dinner and then expect them to clean up your kitchen while you rest in the lounge.

True, some may relish the thought, but you are not going to have any visitor coming to your home when the word gets around.

No matter what man ‘cooks up’ to avoid and pass on the responsibility of cost to someone else, natural law of justice always returns to its course. We can take your cue from history to assure us that it does.

Much like throwing a knife in the air, and thinking it will not come down. The law of gravity assures us that it is going to come down and most likely injure you in the process.

So, rather than going about this long way, why couldn’t Government simply accord the appropriate laws where people are made responsible for their own mess of the environment?

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t discount the idea of an environmental levy.

That is important if the levy is used for preventative measures and not to clean up someone else’s mess. Clean up work and it’s cost must only be borne by those who mess up. That is natural justice at work.

However, if this revenue-generating exercise is for something else, then just say what it is for.

There is no harm in being up front about it. That still does not get one off the hook. We still reap what we sow  Oh, I should remind us that the law of sowing and reaping is another natural law unto itself. No man can change that, no matter creative we think, we are.

Happy budget

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

The 2016-2017 Budget is definitely the topic of discussion around the grog bowl as individuals share their own interpretations.

The other day one overheard a Tevita from Lami asking his grog gang for the best type of budget as the discussions went on and on for about three hours. Finally, the quietest of them Rifle Range (Lautoka) abruptly said my best budget is to smile and laugh each day. As simple and cheap as it may seem, one can be sure that such a budget will bring happiness despite whatever challenge the day brings.

PM’s new building

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The new wing at Government Buildings, Suva, which also houses the PM’s Office is an outdated and dirty old-fashioned building.

It no longer fits in today’s modern era of business, but it must also depict and represent our new Fiji with its direction and architecture. Realistically it requires a total facelift.

Of course many of our past Prime Minister’s have gone through it some 50 years ago, but I support the notion of a new building.

It is in order for our current PM and those who follow to all benefit from this bold grand idea in the many later years to come which I fervently hope the Opposition will not be too arrogant to push for this new building for it to go to our Parliament and subject it to a time wasting vote to seek the august House’s endorsement.

The President, Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, has a lot of our Government’s State Crown Land and unused prime real estate available in his Presidential compound which Government can use to build a totally new complex altogether from what has been allocated for that purpose.

The area has a magnificent view of the ocean, Suva Bay, Draunibota plus it is accessible to the general public.

From the $5million budgeted our Government can allocate funds to renovate and upgrade the current building, which still has a place in our country’s history to house other Government offices and the balance of the monies for a new state of the art building.

No doubt there will always be opposition to any positive move from what our Government will want to selectively carry out, however it must forge ahead with its agenda as it can only benefit our country.

The rebuilding and the reconstruction of those affected by Cyclone Winston and other Government-related development projects will all run simultaneously together with the construction of our PM’s new building, etc and life progresses.

A realistic and visionary practical 2016/ 2017 National Budget indeed.

Sports Day

Sukha Singh, Labasa

It is so nice for Government to give us a National Sports Day.

I would urge the Government to talk to the Fiji Football Association and the Labasa Football Association and find out why they are so reluctant to organise club soccer.

I am writing this letter for the thousands of soccer players who are being denied the chance to showcase their talents and be chosen to represent their respective districts.

I have noticed that the Fiji Football Association is only interested in games that make money for them.

Isa, my Fiji

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

As an iTaukei, it saddens me to read the online dailies of the high number of iTaukei youths and men who are being convicted and will spend time in prison.

The crimes range from rape, cultivating marijuana, murder, assault and other offences which get them a couple of months to up to ten years and some to life in prison.

Then we have our iTaukei youth and men who die senseless deaths from night club brawls and even from drunk parties gone wrong. What would be the solution for us iTaukei, who most of us consider themselves to be Christian?

My mother always reminded me, when she sees her civil servant son turning out to be a drunk and alcoholic, “Save mo lotu, veitalia se lotu cava, mo lotu ga!” (Save, I want you to go to church, I do not care which church you go to, as long as you go to church).

My father was a lay Methodist preacher who started a home church at our Vaturua Lane, Government Quarters, in Suva.

This was before the other families built a temporary church hall beside our home and now, a beautiful double storey Service Street Methodist Church sits.

He was not impressed when I got involved with a Pentecostal Church in 1975 before becoming a Seventh-day Adventist in 1980, but my mother was happy to see me change.

To my iTaukei people, our church heritage does not change us, it is Jesus Christ who transforms our lives into His character and empowers us to live holy lives in line with the law of the land.

Valelevu landmark

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

The Valelevu Police Station looks like an old Western movie building; it’s in a central location, but nothing has been done about renovating it.

It has been mentioned in a previous budget announcements yet nothing has been done about it.

The present Police station would be an ideal venue for a divisional base because of its spacious location and easy access. With Nasinu becoming a very highly populated area in Fiji now we expect all public services to be up to par with the growing communities.

The area has the Land Transport Authority headquarters on one end, the Housing Authority headquarters on the other, a Post Office, hospital, tax free zone, has all the biggest shopping chain of supermarkets, the HART head office, a university, a well versed fire station, but lacks a proper Police Station.

Hope our present Government will seriously look into this and hopefully they have something already up their sleeves.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj