Dangerous drivers

Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka

Dangerous drivers.

They do not have signal lights in their vehicles it seems, as they never use it. These bulbs may be as good as new as they are never used.

Making a U-turn is a game for them as they make such turns anywhere, irrespective of vehicles approaching. In fact, the vehicles on the correct lanes have to duck to save their face.

The speed, wow. They can drive in Hollywood movies. To make things worse, our hybrid vehicles can fly. I think the monitoring on our roads needs new and innovative ideas.

The current methods fail to capture these drivers as they continue to force onto the traffic flow as they wish.

Remember, it is not only the duty of our Police to keep our roads safe. It is us, the drivers, to ensure every road user is safe.

Please, drive within the laws to ensure that each individual lives his or her full life, at least not killed on the road by your carelessness.

You will never be pardoned no matter how much you pray for killing someone through your ignorance and stupidity on the road.

Too much praise

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

There is certainly too much hype and praise for our Flying Fijians team before the Rugby World Cup in the Land of the Rising Sun.

And I am not sure whether that is a good omen or not.

We have many old iTaukei sayings and two of them goes like this: “Me sivi mada na Wavu qai Kalu” (When you’ve passed the bridge, then whistle) and the other one is; “O Vaka qoqoroya tiko na nomu Toa ni Vala qai Veka” (Don’t count your chickens before they hatch).

The Japanese 15s rugby team just taught us a lesson or two in Japan a month back by giving us a taste of our medicine and playing open running rugby. Please, swallow your pride and keep your heads down until that ‘Fat Lady’ starts to sing.

Be on the ball and concentrate on the job at hand, please.

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

True status of our economy

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

Opposition parties and their supporters are spreading rumours that Government has no money.

They are claiming that life in Fiji is getting worse day by day. The consistent Police road blocks throwing fines left right and centre, thousand dollar fines thrown by FNPF for any small sign of non-compliance and busi­ness licence fees demanded from all small businesses including “Kai” sellers are con­veniently used as indicators that Govern­ment coffers are running dry. Some civil servants are fanning the flames of these rumours making it spread like the Amazon wild fires.

But the bigger picture many choose not to see shows something different.

1. Our thousands of civil servants are still getting well paid.
2. Free education and free bus fares for our school children still applies.
3. New hospitals and health centres are be­ing built.
4. New markets and bus stations, new Police stations, court houses, fire stations, new and renovated schools are being constructed .
5. Roads, bridges, Jetties and airports are being constructed or upgraded.
6. Social welfare payments and poverty assistance to our under privileged are still paid.
7. We have hosted a record number of re­gional and international sporting events.
8. We have hosted a record number of inter­national and regional conferences.
9. Investors are pumping in billions of dol­lars showing their confidence in our econo­my.
10. We have a record number of grass roots people buying their own cars as a result of Government economic policies.
11. We have a record number of grass-roots people graduating from universities because of Government assistance to the wider cross section of our people?
12. We have a record number of our rural people being employed offshore by countries who usually shut their doors on us?
13. No one is dying from starvation or hun­ger in Fiji but our people are dying in their thousands every year from NCDs caused mainly by over eating and lack of exercise.
14. Land owners are getting paid for miner­als extracted from their lands for the first time which now includes bauxite and iron sand in addition to gold, gravel and etc.
15. Landowners today have the option to get much better deals in the leasing of their land under the Land Bank which even some opposition party parliamentarians are tak­ing advantage of.
16. Distribution of native land leases are now done in a more fair way benefiting a wider cross section of the Mataqali and Ya­vusa and not just a few elites.
17. Increase in our tax threshold to $30,000 surpassing even those of Australia and New Zealand.
18. Our indigenous people own over 90 per cent of the land and the 2013 constitution guarantees that it will always remain that way in contrast with the natives of Austral­ia, New Zealand and the U.S.
19. Fiji became the first Small Island De­veloping State (SIDS) to be elected to the Presidency of Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP) and at the same time President of the UN General Assembly.

No developing nation has come anywhere near what we have achieved and we did it through good governance that the opposi­tion find too hard to swallow. Today they try to convince our people that all these great Government deeds are bad for them.

Let us hope that they do not tell us that even the air we breathe under the Bainimarama Government is bad for our health and we should stop breathing it.

Martintar’s public convenience

Ronnie Chang, Nadi

For the strongest benefit of all members of the public, locals and tourists alike, will the Nadi Health and Environment Authorities concerned, please ensure this ugly eye-sore is immediately condemned and sealed.

It is a real concern for far too many regula­tory officers have turned a blind eye for far too long.

It would have been applauded if our own Chamber of Commerce officials had risen to the occasion and paid greater attention to our municipal environment.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

e-Passport wait is over

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

At last the wait is over for all those who have been complaining and become impatient over ePassports.

The technologically-advanced and digitised book where all your travel records are kept in a database and its whereabouts can also be traced via GPS.

Thank you to our FijiFirst Government for revolutionising our travel requirements with the best international practices.

Take action, stop negligence

Penitiko Taoi, Suva

As a concerned citizen and parent it is really frustrating to see the number of children who are left unattended along the roadside in urban and semi-urban areas.

What is more frustrating is that these chil­dren often play beside the roads where traffic is high.

In several situations, I have noticed parents and guardians not holding onto their chil­dren’s hands when crossing the road.

This is a sign of carelessness and ignorance on the adult’s part.

The Fiji Sun this year highlighted that child negligence topped the list after a survey was carried out in 2018 for child-related abuse cas­es.

It stated that the Ministry of Women, Chil­dren and Poverty alleviation has been actively organising workshops, awareness campaigns and training to help eradicate such issues.

So what more can the Government do?

As parents and guardians, the main priority is our children, the future of this nation.

Let’s stop the trend in society where the blame is always on the Government and law enforce­ment authorities.

Let’s pull our socks up and take extra care of our young ones.

United Fiji

Joan McGoon, Nadi

Social Media is ablaze with comments by in­dividuals responding to a question from His Excellency, the President, on what the Consti­tution means to them. Many are negative while many others are much more positive.

The Constitution is meant to bring freedom and liberty to all and this can only be estab­lished if it is practised. Not just believed or mentioned.

As we all bask in our constitutional rights granted by our forefathers to bring unity and peace for all who reside within Fiji’s borders, may we remember that we are only as strong as our weakest link.

Thus, we must strengthen our weak ones and together build a strong and united Fiji.

Bizzare expectations

Joji Toronibau, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove

After spending a week in Labasa trying to get a few Registration of Birth Certificates for my grannies, I was flabbergasted by the tune of the service providers at the department.

Birth certificates were not correct. For ex­ample, the name of another Mataqali was inadvertently scripted on my grannie’s birth certificate.

Are the systems not linked? What angered me was that in order to change a word, you need to pay $10.50 excluding the B/Certificate itself. Asking assistance again, I was blatantly told that; “it was from the top”.

Are people in Viti Levu facing the same? I have a feeling that people react viciously to this and, believe me, there must have been few “punch –ups” along some office.

I have a feeling that these institutions are ser­vice providers, but gone are those days.

Are they now a money-generating institu­tion?

Yes, I understand, that for processing there is a fee but not too exorbitant as to what we are witnessing now at the RBDM. I rest my case.

Motorists must show respect

Spencer Robinson, Suva

Can the authorities do something about careless motorists who use Domain Road in Nasese, Suva?

I have come across many irresponsible driv­ers while taking a walk along this road.

The speed I tell you, it is like they driving on the highway. It is like they own the road, they drive full speed, pass you smiling and I can im­agine in their minds they are saying ‘this is my turf!’

May I sincerely request all motorists using this frequented road to be cautious and be mindful too of pedestrians who also use this route to work or for their morning and after­noon walks or jogs.

Please stop this reckless driving and do the needful, be considerate!

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Unethical behaviour

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Very saddening to see people posting and sharing photos on social media of the guy found dead near the Lautoka FSC mill.

So many words of blessings I could have used to refer to this type of people, but it wouldn’t be printed.

My condolences to the family.

Bring back the death penalty

Amrit Singh, Nausori

The crime rate has risen in Fiji in recent months and there is no shortage of the types of criminal endeavours at the moment.

Brutal stabbings are the main criminal of­fence for August and September.

There is a need for a change of laws in Fiji.

It may sound harsh, but the death penalty by hanging in Fiji needs to be passed on account of the severity of the offence.

It will serve as a lesson to the people of Fiji that you cannot escape the law’s brutality.

Fiji is becoming a drama show.

Husbands stabbing wives, fathers murder­ing children, rape and drug cases plaguing the country.

It is like a virus that has taken charge of brains in Fiji.

The Parliament should be just and this topic needs to be addressed.

Criminals who commit murder in Fiji walk free in 25 years.

No matter how much human rights activ­ists shout that criminals have human rights, let’s just remember that activists cannot bring back a life once it’s gone.

Death by hanging should be legalised for those who murder someone brutally.

It will serve as a lesson to all those who want to slaughter a loved one or a friend.

Too much freedom is good, but it is becoming a liability for Fiji.

Every week rape, suicide, murder by stab­bing or domestic violence case is heard and read through the media.

Anger and hatred have filled the minds and hearts of people of Fiji and it is now evident.

Through violence and the resultant deaths, we are showing other countries how low we have stooped in the 21st Century.

Stop violence and criminal activities be­cause the director is looking at us from the heavens.

At least love the God you pray to and stop violence.

Pride and Passion

Pranil Ram, Nadi

I have greatly admired the pride and passion shown by Semi Radradra in representing the Flying Fijians at the world cup.

Radradra is a phenomenal athlete.

Once a most sought about rugby star by dif­ferent rugby clubs, Radradra continues to make headlines.

His ability to break first-up tackles is the trademark of his game.

A player with a sublime skill set who could have easily chosen Australia over Fiji, consid­ering the fact that he has already played for Kangroos.

He could have preferred much higher pay package than what he may get in Fiji.

I deeply believe that his strong commitment and passion to represent his country of birth deserves heaps of accolades.

I am sure this dedication is inspiring and has inspired many young rugby players.

He is truly a national hero.

No matter the result he will be remembered as one of the greatest rugby players.

Whenever he touches the ball we all are excited as we know he is capable of turning things around.

Let’s hope and pray that he has a big part to play as we plot the Wallabies demise.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Interantional Day of Democracy

Neelz Singh, Lami

Democracy is a universal value based on the freely spoken and expressed will of peo­ple to determine their own political, eco­nomic, social and cultural systems in all aspects of their lives.

Evolved over centuries, democracies share many common features but cannot be re­duced to a single model.

In short, democracy pertains the idea that everyone has the right to have their own be­liefs and to say and write what they think.

This September 15 observed Democracy is an opportunity to look for ways to invigor­ate democracy and seek answers to the sys­temic challenges it faces.

This includes tackling economic and po­litical inequalities, making democracies more inclusive by bringing the young and marginalized into the political system, and making democracies more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges such as migration and climate change.

While also celebrating the positive values of democracy, the International Day of De­mocracy will also offer an opportunity for a review of democracy in the modern world.

Politicians and the Bible

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

It is good and important to know what the Bible says, but that alone is not enough. We must take the Word into our heart and apply it to every situation we face.

We cannot be spiritually mature and equipped for the work God has called us to do apart from His Word.

The devil is delighted if we fall into the trap of equating more knowledge about the Bible with spiritual growth.

Knowing what God said is important, but alone it is not enough. We must then apply what we have learned to our daily lives. The best way to deepen our relationship with God’s Word is to put it into practice day af­ter day, and allowing what it says to control how we live.

Library Week

Tomasi Boginiso, Fiji

Very important for our kids to read books and to remind the kids by the Library Week are just perfect.

Our children need to read and read as much as they could because the future mainly de­pends on how much they read.

Whatever costume they put together for the week reflect what the future holds for them and hopefully it can guide throughout the school duration.

Bagasse ashes

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Can a study please be carried out on the health effects of breathing in the bagasse ashes from the FSC mill?

Particles are so tiny it even goes through the gauzed windows.

To protect himself, my mate Cameron has started wearing his welding shield over a dust mask when riding his motorcycle.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Clean Up

Amol Kumar, Lautoka

The clean-up in Lautoka was supposed to be conducted last weekend according to the flyers distributed by Lautoka City Council. It just shows that Lautoka City Council cannot do work on time.

Almost half of the city area has not been cleaned yet and some people have started to burn the decaying rubbish.

Can the new special administration team please get outside contractors to clean up. These LCC workers remind me of the old PWD workers.

Brave Blossoms

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

After defeating the Flying Fijians (34-21), the Tongan Ikale Tahi (41-7), the American Eagles (34-20), and winning the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup, one sensed something special was to follow leading towards the Rugby World Cup.

The Brave Blossoms looked faster, sharper and more inventive throughout the Pacific Nations Cup and throughout their Pool-A matches in the World Cup. A scintillating display of attacking rugby.

What an amazing achievement so far. They toppled Russia (30-10), world No.2 ranked, Ireland (19-12), Samoa (38-19), and Scotland (28-21) to top Pool-A with 19 points, 1 point from the maximum of 20 points.

The Brave Blossoms gave 150 per cent effort, showed resilience, confidence, belief, and trust in each other, to make it this far into the 2019 World Cup.

South Africa beckons an enticing quarterfinal for the host nation. Beat the Springboks like they did in 2015, and they face either Wales or France in the Semifinals. Win that match and they will achieve the impossible in hosting the finals with either England, Ireland, Australia, or most likely the mighty All Blacks.

They and their passionate 127 million citizens have showed the world that it can be done. Whatever the outcome, the brave Blossoms, are as tough and hearty as they come.

Stand up and admire what it takes!

Plastic ban

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

The turtle consumed pieces of plastic bag and was found ashore dead. There are many sea creatures who go through the same thing. Poor innocent creatures who pay because of our mistake.

Other plastics are found floating either in drains, creeks or open seas. Till we have a complete ban in plastics, such scenarios will keep popping up.

Fijiana

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Was it merely a pleasure trip for our Fijiana team who recently took part in the Women’s Sevens Series in Glendale ?

Bonus payment

Sukha Singh, Labasa

How can EFL pay its workers $1.9m bonus and still want a tariff increase? I would like the FCCC to re look into the tariff increase it granted the EFL .

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

36 Years Wait is Over for Waibalavu Village

Tomasi Lomaniviti, Suva

I refer to an article in the Fiji Sun on Saturday 2/11/19 in which a rural village in the highlands of Naitasiri was finally connected to the electricity grid by the FijiFirst Government.

The official opening by the Prime Minister marks a milestone achievement for Waibalavu Village with 55 households.

The village is just one of the many villages and settlements in Fiji that has benefited over the years from the rural electrification initiatives by our Government.

For those of us who have been living in urban areas with proper water and electricity supplies, I can only imagine the smiles and relieve that our Government has brought to this village.

Being brought up in my village back in those days without electricity and the struggle to complete my education, I always support rural developments like roads, health centers, electricity, water and education services to improve the lives of our rural dwellers.

It is indeed true when the Prime Minister told the people of Waibalavu that gone are the days of watching electricity cables run past their village since the Monasavu Hydro project completed back in the early 1980s. These are some of the villages in the upper Wainimala River who have been neglected by previous governments, but are now happy to be connected to the national electricity grid.

Thank you FijiFirst and our Honourable Prime Minister for understanding the needs and looking after everyone in Fiji, especially our rural dwellers.

My prayers that our Almighty God will bless you and your family.

Divide and rule

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

Siya Kolisi in his victory speech said “We can achieve anything if we work together as one”.

I think this is exactly what the FijiFirst party stands for. Unfortunately the rest of the politicians just want to divide the people of this country to push their own agendas.

For some to divide and rule is simply a game. We are merely pawns and they keep us busy fighting each other.

Oh, how I wish these politicians really believed in the Bible. They simply fail to understand that everyone was made in the image of God. Attacking any individual means you are going against God.

Who in their right mind wants to go against God?

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

e-Ticket machine

Jaheed Buksh, Sigatoka

Can Vodafone Fiji paste a notice at the Sigatoka Bus Station’s E-Transport vending machine, which reads ‘Out of Order’?

Many people continue to use the machine despite the problem because they are not aware that is not operating. Or better still, can Vodafone Fiji fix the problem soon?

Korovou Corrections facility

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

We have seen the demolition of the old Korovou Corrections facility; hence I believe the time is right to relocate the facility away from Suva City.

Children and parenting

Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka

A lot of issues have surfaced with reference to our children.

Whether they are at school, at home or elsewhere, they are not behaving well as we want. It is evident through the various behaviour displayed by our children everywhere.

The lack of feelings for others such as their fellow disciplined ones, adults, the elderly and even the resources of all kinds within their reach. Many a times I have personally noticed young adults (in their teens/or high school students and surprisingly primary school students) loitering around the villages and settlements, along footpaths and roads. They are basically doing nothing but shouting and engaged in pick pocketing.

The most significant questions here is, where are their parents? A little delay of my child in his arrival makes me concerned. As a father or custodian of a child or any child under my care it becomes my responsibility to react accordingly to ensure that he is located and escorted back.

It is only when the loitering and misbehaving child becomes a victim himself then we will see the father or the mother (if not both) express their frustration and anger on the law enforcers. Then only that child becomes precious.

Up until that time these so-called parents are nowhere in the lives of their children apart from a level of catering for food and maybe providing a house, but not a home.

It is not our children who should be blamed, but it is us parents who should be ashamed for failing to capture their minds from the beginning. Negligent parents of loitering children should be brought to task as they are not only neglecting their basic responsibility of inculcating the necessary values of life and habits, but creating the next generation of criminals either knowingly or unknowingly.

Give them guns they will fight, but give them a Bible they will love and love sincerely, their life. By the way, there are hundreds of exceptional parents with exceptional children who need to be commended for their national duty of embedding good values of human kind to become desirable citizens of this beautiful nation. No family is beautiful because of the house quality and colour, but because of the quality of people making that same house a home.

God bless our families.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Food, food and food

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

If there is one particular thing that governs our whole being that we worship above all other things, it is food. It has become a god to us as we have developed into emotional eaters.

Our very physical characteristics in this time and age not only reveal that fact, but they show just how unhealthy we have become as a people.

We are overindulging in food that’s too fat, salty, spicy, sugary, and caffeinated, and we do so to the extreme that our body struggles to cope with the overload.

Despite this, each day we choose to torture our bodies with the same craving habit until sickness eventually sets in.

Unprocessed food was given to us to fuel our bodies.

It is our choices of the quality, quantity, preparation and combination of these food types that can either lead to our health and happiness or sickness and demise.

We need to start making the right choices for either life or death.

Sitting on the fence is a dangerous position to be in due to our inclination to choose more the unhealthy rather than the healthy!

We need to stop living to eat and start eating to live!

Guilty Conscience?

Sainimili Saukuru, Suva

We find it intriguing how the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) leadership has repeatedly publicly thanked Dovi through media public forums.

We ask why? We wonder if the conscience has been pricked and a “mind video screen has been replayed repeatedly” showing how FRU treated him like a “rag doll” shifting him from Fijiana 15’s coach, to Fijiana 7’s coach, back to Fijiana 15’s coach and the recent well maneuvered “exit” all as an allowance-based volunteer coach since 2016.

This is despite qualifying the Fijiana to its first ever World Cup, a key performance indicator of his “free” services.

Is FRU transparent to show forth insights on the process of human resource management of Dovi’s engagement, since 2016?

We have accepted the decision from the FRU interview panel and at the same time wish to raise our concern on a fundamental issue.

This culture that seems to be entrenched and deep rooted in organisations, lived out and advanced by leaders, needs to be uprooted and called out as a practice that is inhibiting and does not empower and inspire any human being.

As part of a very close-knit family, we find it very inhumane how an organisation’s decision makers can make such resolutions over a prolonged period of time and still wake up daily with a clear conscience!

We speak out with the hope that this practice is reviewed because we don’t wish any citizen of this nation to go through.

Vinaka.

Questionable judgement

Jan Nissar, Australia

The leader of the National Federation Party (NFP) wants the Prime Minister to intervene in the hiring and re-hiring of staff by Fiji Airways.

A few points to make;

1. Should the PM limit his intervention to Fiji Airways or should he intervene in all the other statutory bodies?

2. I thought Fiji Airways was a lost cause according to the leader of NFP.

3. What happened to his review of the financial reports of Fiji Airways for the last 10 years?

Your comments are not very well thought out Mr Prasad and your judgement as the leader of a political party is questionable, after your recent shenanigans with SODELPA.

Alleged Police brutality

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

Why something keeps popping up in terms of Police brutality? If the serious stern has been placed and worked upon, what is the problem? It is not good to always come across this situation.

People are dying for God’s sake. Can we have some thorough investigation in this matter?

Zoo-brail Park

Sukha Singh, Labasa

Could the Minister for Local Government change the name of Subrail Park to Zoo-brail Park in honour of the Babasiga Lions, the Labasa soccer team?

Mr Subrail was a prominent businessman in the sixties.

He was also a president of the Labasa Club. Incidentally these lions were from Savusavu.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Netball has been a big part of Kinisalote Drasuna’s life.

Growing up in a family that loved netball, she continued to pursue her career in administration following in her mother’s footsteps.

Kinisalote, is Netball Fiji’s administrator, and she’s based at the NF office in Raiwaqa.

She hails from Galoa, Lekutu in Bua and shares maternal links to Narocivo, Nayau, Lau

She comes from a netball family; her mum, Sala, was a former Fiji rep and also a former Netball Fiji executive.

She has five other siblings.

Her two sisters are also involved with netball, one of which is Akanisi Lupe Drasuna, who was the coach of the Punja’s Thundersbirds during the Digicel Punja’s Reset Netball Championship last year.

“Netball is my passion. It has been a major part of my life growing up as my mum was an ardent netballer as well,” Kinisalote said.

“My sisters followed suit and this is also where lifelong friends who have become family were forged.

“At any given time that we (my sisters, mum and I) would be together, netball was top of the agenda. That is how important it is,” Kinisalote added.

She took up the role of being Netball Fiji’s administrator last year, with the leadership of president RubyAnn Sorovaki.

“Taking up this role in August last year hasbeen a blessing, especially after COVID-19, and also challenging.

“My work with NF, to list a few, entails managing the day to day running of our new office in Raiwaqa, coordinating meetings with stakeholders, the executive committee.

“It also includes handling bookings for national competitions, national squad training, purchase of merchandise and equipment and ensuring what we do is in compliance with our processes and policies and all regulations,” she said.

Being in the netball arena for quite some time, Drasuna indicated that sports is not only for the sake of playing games but to build relationships, networks and to be empowered.

“The participation of women in sports in Fiji is valuable because while it ensures physical activity, for some it provides a safe space

“A place where networks are created or enhanced, girls and women empowered and provides opportunities for employment and a career.

“It is a level playing field where any woman with the passion can succeed,” Kinisalote said.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj

Thank You, Fiji Sun

Imi Waqa, Suva

I would like to thank the Fiji Sun for publishing the worksheet for our students this year.

I say thank you because:

1. Last year, not all students who returned to classes had a worksheet with them.
2. Not all families have laptops, touch screen phones or TV sets.
3. Some of them do not have data or internet connectivity to download the many worksheets or Learning HUB app.
4. Not all areas in Fiji have internet connectivity; and
5. Even drawing the diagram from the phone or laptop to the A4 paper or book was a bit difficult for Year 1 worksheet, like how my Year 1 niece experienced.

Furthermore, with the Fiji Sun publishing them, the students can access them by just spending a dollar or more.

Can you imagine the time spent and expenses to get these worksheets printed?

Writing down the worksheets as well can get boring for the students too.

Now, parents and guardians around the country will have the opportunity to spend time with their children doing the school activities, compliments of a newspaper. Vinaka Fiji Sun.

Also, kudos to the People’s Republic of China Embassy here in Fiji for your gracious support. Not forgetting the Ministry of Education, as well.

Thumbs Up For Worksheets

Mesake Saqa, Nabua

Thank you, Fiji Sun, for doing a great public service to us parents nationwide.

Your efforts have made it easier for parents, especially in the rural areas, who are unable to access the worksheets (let alone print them), for their children.

I am sure many children around the country today will be doing these worksheets as we speak. And I am sure they will be looking forward to more.

As a grandparent, my grandchildren were more than pleased about catching up on some school activities.

Thank you to the Ministry of Education and the People’s Republic of China for making this happen.

Great Initiative

Premila Prasad, Suva

Thank you, Fiji Sun, for the extra learning materials in the newspaper.

Now this is a great example of going above and beyond to assist students.

We all know that many parents can buy extra books for their children to help them with extra learning.

Now, similar extra learning materials are provided for $1!

I applaud this initiative and look forward to seeing more of this.

Grateful Parents

Emele Vakarau, Suva

This is such a good initiative and we as parents are grateful.

With the COVID-19 restrictions in place, some parents do not have access to the internet, let alone printing.

Having the worksheets available as inserts is a great solution which I believe will give our children that push that they need since they have been away from school for an exceptionally long time.

Kudos Fiji Sun

Jessica Sharma, Suva

My nephew who is in kindergarten was happily attempting the worksheets for Year 1 in Fiji Sun.

It kept him busy for an hour and was a good bonding exercise for us.

Thank you, Fiji Sun, for this. Will save his handiwork for many years to come.

Bubble Trouble

Prameeta, Suva

We as a nation are into round two of the COVID-19 pandemic seeing loss of jobs, lives and an increase in domestic violence.

Protocols have been put in place to control the spread of the virus, yet we hear of daily violations.

The emphasis on getting vaccinated and of wearing a mask when out of the house and avoiding social or religious gatherings has been on-going via the media daily.

Even a curfew has been put in place for movement restrictions, but we hear of regular perpetrators breaching the curfew.

All these general and personal hygiene protocols should not only be practised when out in public but should begin at home!

Covering one’s cough or sneeze and thorough washing of hands at all required intervals and non-sharing of utensils.

What guarantee is there of safety if these protocols are not followed within the walls and among the people that you live with?

Irrespective of relations bacteria exists in every person which our systems cannot always resist.

If the protocols are not adhered to, one need not step out of one’s bubble.

The trouble can begin in your own bubble.

Safety and practice begin at home.

Regular practice leads to habituality!

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

I have noticed that there are some lawyers from the legal fraternity habitually criticising the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for his comments, explanations, and policies both on economic and legal issues.

The likes of Graham Leung, John Apted, and Richard-Naidu just to name a few and of course not forgetting our good professor, are always ready to bombard the A-G with their empty rhetoric to damage his reputation and credibility as the man in charge of Fiji’s economy.

They love to hate him, and their envy is due to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s  huge progress in life and the great stride he made to where he is today.

Love him or hate him this man has steered Fiji out of a possible economic collapse due to the impacts of Covid-19 and now the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is holding two especially important portfolios normally held by one and has managed it exceptionally well.

If you look at past Attorney-Generals like Sir Vijay, John Falvey, Andrew Deoki, Manikam Pillai, Jai Ram Reddy and Alipate Qetaki they all were just A-G’s.

Herein lies the root cause of jealousy. Whether the A-G is successful in managing the economy is a secondary matter, but the reality is his fellow legal colleagues couldn’t match his great heights from being an ordinary lawyer to now A-G, the country’s chief legal officer plus the Minister of Economy.

As for his success it can only be measured by the country’s ability to avoid any pay cuts to its huge civil servants and to continue to provide social welfare assistance during these challenging times where government has lost at least 60 per cent of its revenue.

History will remember him as a great servant.

Editors Note: The above is the views of the author of this letter Mr. Tarun Tikaram

Opposition parties and anti-government economists are harping about national debt to score political points. All countries in the world have national debt.

The United States has a debt of about 30 tril­lion dollars and about 40 million people live in poverty, more than the combined popula­tion of South Pacific countries.

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Story By: Raj Kumar

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com

Allow me, without fear and/or favour, to join the chorus of praises proudly showered upon our very own, brave military chief and Commander, Major General Ro Jone Ka­louniwai.

How much prouder you have made Fiji for your exemplary bravery especially during these times of 2022 general election cam­paign when some unkind and harsh words are expressed, daily. I salute you, Sir.

Thank you on behalf of most peace-loving and law-abiding citizens. You are truly exem­plary and a beacon of hope, peace and jus­tice.

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Story By: Ronnie Chang

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While parents are free at last to enrol their children at any school of their choice, it’s impact will be felt in several different ways.

The removal of the zoning policy makes it possible First and foremost, it will increase the competition to get into the top best schools.

Those schools obviously will admit the best students with very high minimum entry marks. What it means is that parents who can afford to pay for increased transport costs and live say in Navua, can send their children to Suva or Nausori schools of their choice.

The Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has reaffirmed that the free bus fare initiative inherited from the previous Government will continue.

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Story By: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj

Let’s keep dirty politics out of this Saturday’s Fiji Rugby Union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Tanoa Waterfront in Lautoka.

Good sense must prevail. Rugby should be the win­ner at the end of the day.

Former and current FRU board of directors and management were and continue to be committed to implement new structures and governance path­ways that are compliant with the requirements of World Rugby.

One of FRU’s biggest achievements was securing a seat at the World Rugby Council in 2019. This was after playing the sport for over 100 years.

Earlier in 2017 was the formation of the Fijian Drua that participated in the Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) and won the title the following year.

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Story By: Leone Cabenatabua

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

This week, kindergartens in schools and inde­pendent day care centres celebrated a signifi­cant annual event in the education system’s calendar, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Week.

The week’s theme was Early Learning matters: Learning Through Connection, an apt and timely re­minder of the vital role that education and tradition hold for our future generation.

At the heart of this is tradition.

The celebration in schools were nothing short of inspiring, particularly for one kindy in Baulevu, out­side Nausori.

After a three-week preparation, the ECE students of Natoaika Village School did something unique.

The tiny tots there welcomed their guests from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs with a complete tradi­tional welcome ceremony.

From the vakasobu and vakamamaca both done with the kamunaga (whale’s tooth), the serving of the kava to the guest, to the presentation of gifts and its conclusion, this part of the iTaukei tradition re­quires precision and sincerity.

Despite their high-pitched voices and stature, you’d have thought that adults were carrying out the for­mality.

You could hear the faint voices of guests, parents, and guardians in awe of what unfolded before their eyes.

These tiny tots’ confidence and performance were all down to a T.

The ceremony pictures and videos were uploaded on the ministry’s page as well as the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, which have now become viral.

Teaching our children from an early age just how important tradition is in education is crucial.

Let’s face it, you may have the highest degree there is in your community, you may be the first doctor or pilot but if you don’t know your tradition and your role in it you may as well be considered a lost soul.

We commend the teachers who played a part behind the scenes, especially to the one who guided them throughout this journey.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is essential to strike a balance between preserving our rich cul­tural traditions and equipping our children with a solid educational foundation to ensure their future success.

By keeping our children grounded in tradition, we instil in them a sense of identity, values, and belong­ing.

Understanding and respecting their cultural herit­age not only fosters a strong sense of pride but also promotes empathy and open-mindedness towards di­verse perspectives.

By providing them with a robust education, we equip them with the tools to adapt, innovate, and ex­cel in various fields, thus securing their future op­portunities and prosperity.

Emphasising both tradition and education creates well-rounded individuals, firmly rooted in their cul­tural heritage while confidently embracing the chal­lenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj

How long will this 15 per cent VAT last? Is it four years the term of our coalition Government? 

Going to the market today (yesterday) and listening to parents talking about the impact, it is very interesting, but knowingly in life, some things have to give way. 

I even overheard that many locally made items are more expensive than the overseas imported products. 

Just need some vosota mada vakalailai (sacrifice for a little while) or sacrifices as this has to be done now or we are heading for worse as our Minister for Finance Biman Prasad had alluded to. 

Story By: Tukai Lagonilakeba 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj