It is indeed a real worry and major concern that a life-saving equipment at a key hospital is not functional due to underpowered electric circuit, according to PS Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong. 

What is the real reason for such underpowered electric circuits? 

Will some generous donor countries please step forward with backup generators to immediately address this dangerously life-threatening precarious situation? 

This is not good enough. It is a national shame. 

Story By: Ronnie Chang 

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In a recent parliamentary session a picture appeared in the print media showing the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu vigorously shaking hands with a hearty laughter. 

What a great camaraderie between the Government and the Opposition. 

Both the gentlemen must be commended for setting an example of harmony and mutual respect. Great for others to learn. 

Story By: Dewan Chand 

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Now there will be less tax coming from nightclubs as they are forced to close at 1am coupled with reduction in income for work­ers at those establishments.

Such workers will even be more impacted by the rise in 15 per cent VAT with reduction in their wages and salaries due to the early closing hours of their employers.

The blackmarket will start to thrive once again with old haunting grounds coming back into business.

These old drinking spots such as cassava patches and neighbourhood drains will be coming back into operation to compensate for the early closing hours of nightclubs. Posing a potential area for troublespots and noise nuisance for residential neighbour­hoods.

A carefully thought out decision made in­deed.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj

I would like to pay homage to the founder of Sangam Late Sadhu Kuppyswami for laying a great foundation in 1926.

He is indeed a father of the sangam or­ganisation which is the oldest organization (charitable) with over 97 years of existence; was born in 1890 in a surbub in India and sunset in the year 1956.

He was given a name Sevak Ratnam in 1941 for his selfless service for founding father of the Sangam in Fiji, as you can see it has been carried in most overseas countries and branches were created in recent years, as you can see during the sangam games how more and more former residents join togeth­er in unity and be part of it.

He had a vision to see all religions and races to work in peace and harmony and he worked in setting up some education sectors, which he was successful in 1912.

By profession he was a police officer in In­dia before arriving on April 27, 1912, in Fiji as an indentured labourer via sea voyage called Sutleji.

Then India Sanmargya Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) was formed with Kuppuswami as its first president in 1926 and here we cel­ebrate his birthday for the great man. We salute you sir.

I am so fortunate to have attained my pri­mary school education at the Nadi Sangam School (NSS) Primary. It teaches so many values and still uses the language of our an­cestors.

Our hero, the father of Sangam, Shri Sadhu Kuppuswami and a great ombudsman; sa­lute you sir for the great unity.

His remains are in Nadi Temple, as a tem­ple was built in 1956, later moved his remain and relocated the temple at the current loca­tion at end of Nadi Town towards Sigatoka.

We are part of great organisation and re­ally proud of it.

Thank you father Sevak Rathnam.

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I am sort of pleased to see that some people in this column have raised the issue of grog and suki (tobacco) consumption.

There are now articles saying people should consume less of these useless things due to the high cost of living.

The Health Ministry, the Bureau of Statis­tics or any other relevant authorities such as women’s organisations and NGOs should conduct a survey and publish the effects of grog and suki, not only on the economy, but in households.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj

The 15 per cent value added tax (VAT) is not go­ing any time soon.

That’s the reality that consumers in Fiji must face as the coalition Government tackles the coun­try’s debt burden..

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has been active on social media about how Fijians can cushion them­selves from this burden as the cost-of-living increas­es.

“While it’s regrettable that some may experience discomfort, I humbly implore your understanding and unity,” he said.

“Together, we must surmount these trials, rejuve­nate our country.”

As households grapple with the repercussions of a 15 per cent value added tax (VAT) hike, the conversa­tion within our homes becomes vital.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s words serve as the catalyst for discussing financial responsibility with our loved ones.

In the midst of economic challenges, these conver­sations lay the foundation for cultivating a genera­tion of financially sharp individuals, ready to navi­gate budgetary challenges.

By engaging our children and the younger genera­tion in discussions about needs versus wants, we empower them to comprehend the value of sensible spending.

It fosters a mindset that appreciates sim­plicity and health consciousness which are an essential at­tributes for weath­ering the storms of financial uncertainty.

Incorporating these lessons into every­day life transforms our homes into class­rooms of financial literacy.

Adopting practical opportunities, such as involving children in budgeting deci­sions or setting up savings jars, instills a sense of ownership and responsibility.

As they witness firsthand the impact of their choices, they embark on a journey towards becoming conscien­tious champions of their resources.

Mr Rabuka’s call to action transcends mere fiscal policy; it becomes a shared mission to secure our households and communities against economic un­certainty.

As you return to your abode or await the arrival of your precious ones from school, much like a devotion or prayer session, think of organising your family time just for this.

By imparting the wisdom of budgeting and saving, we empower the younger generation to rise above challenges, making informed choices that contribute to their personal growth and the resilience of our na­tion.

The lessons learned within our homes echo not just in our financial well-being but in the promise of a brighter, more economically literate future.

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Your weekend paper said “Bring Back Rod”, a sentiment of the stakeholders.

I am old school and agree that we must not spare the rod, a biblical advice to start with.

Today, I say no to corporal punishment. My reason is simple: our teachers simply don’t know where to stop. A lot of them don’t know how to dish out punishment.

Even with corporal punishment banned now, a few teachers are continuing with actually physically punishing, and in some cases hurting little children out of frustration when they discover their own inadequacies in the job.

So, this topic is better left out of any education summits or workshops at GPH.

Source: Donald Singh

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj 

With everyone in Fiji counting their chickens at the moment, it would appear they want to have their chicken and eat it too!

With so much freedom of speech and no more fear, why don’t all the grog dopeys of Fiji who are not happy about chicken prices and increase in VAT organise a protest march on the streets of each town and city.

I believe there should be protest marches every week for something.

Perhaps it is because they are “chicken”.

These people only have big mouths and no substance. Ask me, I know. They are only capable of thumping their chests in this column.

Source: Jan Nissar

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj 

Just wondering if municipality elections will be held, if yes than when it will happen?

Full revamping needed for all cities and towns.

Source: Vineel Nand

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj  

There was a time when soccer was a religion in this country, players were worshipped, those who wore that white jumper were “gods” to many.

Sadly, now the same sport is a “pass time”.

And the players are not so godly, most only play for beer, our ranking speaks volume.

It’s loud and clear.

I wonder what else our very good Minister of Sports is waiting for.

We the soccer loving public of Fiji are waiting for you now.

You got our votes for next election and that’s for sure…..if you do the impossible………possible

Source: Shariff Shah

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj 

Before the 2023 Rugby World Cup opens, can World Rugby please vet all video referees for impartiality and racism issues? 

Case in point is the Flying Fijians Test match against Japan on Saturday, August 5, 2023, in winning the Pacific Nations Cup. 

This game, apart from Vilimoni Botitu’s HIA exit, was marred by the video referee’s decisions on Fiji’s last four tries and Sireli Maqala’s yellow card. 

TMO – Brendon Pickerill (NZR), the video referee for this Fiji vs Japan game, should have his credentials and impartiality rechecked by World Rugby. His five crucial calls against the Flying Fijians border on racism. 

His call on Tevita Ikanivere’s try for obstruction on his run towards the try line by Peni Ravai on a Japanese player in transition who had no chance of ever catching Ikanivere. 

And yet, when Jone Naikabula scored his first try for Japan, you can clearly see a Japanese player pulling Jiuta Wainiqolo’s jersey and holding on to him to prevent him from tackling Jone. 

But that was never called out by Pickerill? 

Maqala’s yellow card was another concern. Maqala is short and his tackle on the six-foot plus Japanese, who tried to run past him, whereby their shoulders touched first and the Japanese, on forcing his way forward, brushed his face against Maqala’s shoulder and Maqala still managed to pull him down with him. 

In this instance, just because of the referee who mitigated on Maqala’s behalf, he was issued a yellow card for a non-issue! 

Fiji’s last try was again called into question by Pickerill for a potential “forward pass” a minute or so after the try and to the referee’s credit and to prevent his refereeing of this game turning into a farcical entity, awarded the try. 

World Rugby, please use fair officials. “Toso Viti, toso”. 

Story By: Epeli Rabua 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

It’s about time the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA) got a lambasting from a Government minister. 

We all know that FIFA does not approve of any interference with the national football body, but I guess criticism is acceptable. 

How long has the chief executive officer been at the helm of Fiji FA? 

The incumbent president has been with Fiji FA since 2011. It is also foolhardy that the CEO advised the minister on their development plan. It must have an impressive 20-year development plan. 

A classic example is their football academy in Vatuwaqa, Suva. When it rains and their ground is unplayable, the Fiji FA sends its men and women national teams to the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour because that facility has an artificial turf. 

Taking into consideration the Suva weather, Fiji FA could have built an artificial turf with floodlights at the academy and hire out its facility to the community, which would rake in revenue. 

What is the point of building an academy if you cannot accommodate your national teams? 

Fiji FA built a futsal court (cement) at the academy, but someone forgot to advise them of the weather in Suva. Finally, after years of sleeping on the job, they decided to refurbish from cement to an artificial turf. I guess having old timers at the helm takes a while to sink in. 

In terms of funding, Fiji Football is the only organisation here that gets millions from FIFA. Unfortunately, due to the system and processes, FIFA does not get the real picture of the cabal within Fiji FA. 

From its president to executives, most of the executives are there for personal gains. Business class tickets, match tickets to European games, etc; these are the incentives for the officials if they toe in line with the president. Not forgetting the vodka and chasseur during local tournaments. 

Districts are also fearful for speaking out due to victimisation. The whole structure of Fiji FA is meant that people are there for decades rather than leave after serving their respective terms. 

This is a classic example whereby democracies sometimes fall on their own sword, and no matter how deep rooted the issue is, we are only bystanders – helpless to the point of no return. 

Story By: Jagen Prasad 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Some 100 students trek along two kilometres and wade through waters to and from Muaira District School in Naitaisiri, twice a week. 

While most of us complain about the city traffic in rush hour and if we’re going to make it in time for school or work, take a moment to reflect of the challenge faced by students in the interior of Naitasiri. 

The picture tells it all. 

Amidst the urban luxuries of buses and cars transporting our fortunate children, more than a hundred young minds in the heartland of Naitasiri endure a weekly struggle through rain, hail, and sunshine, crossing treacherous rivers just to reach their classrooms. 

And these students, along with their teachers and parents have one common plea to authorities and donors: Build us a bridge. 

The things urban students and residents take for granted are the finer things in life for these rural students. 

And some 100 students trek along two kilometres and wade through waters to get to and from school twice a week. 

Most of the students at Muaira District School are boarders, which eases the burden of travelling. 

But when they do travel to and from school once a week, it can be a life-threatening experience, especially when the weather is unfavourable. 

Jope Lalaga Seru, the dedicated head teacher of Muaira District School in Lutu Village, Wainimala, Naitasiri, bears witness to this plight. 

He says that a bridge spanning the gap at Botenaulu and Waibasaga villages is an intervention that could redefine safety for his students. 

This challenge, he says, is not new and hopes to see the protection and well-being of these budding scholars. 

According to a UN paper, if infrastructure is developed in regions that lack facilities and face resource crunch, these regions may manage to exploit the new production possibilities, and this will help reduce inequality. 

The now postponed Naitasiri Provincial Council meeting at the month end holds the promise of this transformation. 

“Imagine students from Waibasaga waiting for waters to subside before they can journey onward. Such a precarious voyage is a risk we refuse to tolerate,” he added. 

Additionally, parents Etuate Boseiwaqa and Akosita Rokomate also plead with authorities to act swiftly. 

RANOBA BAOA 

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj 

Which teacher training institution in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, or the Common­wealth for that matter, currently promotes the use of the rod to discipline a child?

If it is not being promoted in our teacher training institutes, what qualification would a teacher have to wield the rod? Would it be political?

How fortunate children of Fiji are that the Permanent Secretary for Education is a champion of counselling.

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The planned Fukushima nuclear water dis­charge in the Pacific Ocean is a serious mat­ter.

It can have long term repercussions on the Pacific Island nations, its people and the food resources and the environment.

The Fijian Parliament had discussed the issue and purportedly agreed to oppose it. However, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s video, quoting a report from the Interna­tional Atomic Energy (IAEA), has created disquiet of sorts.

The question is, can the IAEA report be trusted? Do we have the capacity to chal­lenge this at the United Nations level? Did we discuss the matter collectively with other Pacific nations? If not, why not?

I believe the matter can be viewed from many platforms. Thus, different viewpoints will emerge. Thereafter, a consensus should be built and then a conclusion drawn.

To rush into the matter without ample data and discussions may not be wise.

Therefore, the Foreign Affairs department should act on the matter and carry out ample research.

No nuclear contamination should be taken lightly.

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There must be some good reason why the nuclear wastewater is being planned to dump it in the Pacific Ocean.

This water will eventually mix with all the ocean waters, the world over.

They could have put this water in some des­sert or evaporate it. They say it is safe!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

It’s ok by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for Japan to dump nuclear wastewater in the Pacific Ocean (Fiji Sun 7/8).

What do other Pacific Island leaders say about it?

Who should Mr Rabuka be standing with on this issue impacting Pacific Island people?

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There is certainly no thoroughly conclusive evidence that the treated Fukushima nucle­ar wastewater is 100 per cent safe.

In view of this lingering doubt, for the ex­pressed benefit of all future generations of all Pacific islanders, Fiji included, please do not dump, or release the above into the Pa­cific Ocean.

Japan needs to release the wastewater in its own lakes if it is rendered “so safe”.

Nothing else is an acceptable option.

Please, respect us.

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I was asked what I was doing at the court­house building the other day.

Applying for a dissolution of marriage as I cannot cope anymore of being in an abusive relationship with the high cost of living, I said sarcastically.

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I have never met Jagen Prasad, but it seems like coffee with him is nigh.

We’ll probably talk about soccer, Fiji soccer.

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