Hey Fiji, let’s not jump to conclusions about Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s thoughts on Japan’s plans to dump nuclear wastewater in the Pacific Ocean.
Nothing is finalised yet because l am sure that Japan has the technology to convert it into pure drinking water for their consumption and agricultural use.
Our PM is smart and is only trying out his options and hearing the many Fijians before he makes a clearcut decision.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
In a free-market economy where things are determined by supply and demand and based on costs of doing business, for the government to artificially control prices of certain items is untenable.
The prices of these items will change – either increase or decrease – based on market forces, freight costs, warehousing, and transportation costs and the like.
Whether they have VAT or not is not a consideration.
Artificially controlling prices does not make it a free and fair economy but makes it a basket case like North Korea and the former Soviet Union.
We all know what happens in those sorts of countries.
The forces of nature will bring about the right prices, not the FCCC or the government.
So, you just must live with the choices you make.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
If Opposition FijiFirst Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya’s criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s support for nuclear wastewater dumping in the Pacific Ocean by Japan is correct (and I have no reason to doubt it is), then that support on PM Rabuka’s part is perverse given that the Parliament had objected to the dumping plan.
It is good to see the democratic space provided by the media in Fiji for ordinary citizens, civil society, Opposition politicians and others to openly criticise PM Rabuka’s stance on Japan’s nuclear waste dumping in the Pacific Ocean.
The Pacific Ocean is indeed not a dumping ground for any waste matter let alone nuclear waste.
It is a precious source of sustenance for Pacific Island people.
We must protect its integrity uncompromisingly
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
The number of indigenous Fijians do not reach the count of exactly 500,000, according to the Bureau of Statistics.
It’s been like that for some time now.
As we celebrate World Indigenous Day, I would like to ask a question to the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, our Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka why our unmarried iTaukei women can’t register or list their own children born out of wedlock or under their own tokatoka (sub-clan) and mataqali (clan) for that matter.
The iTaukei women mothers are already listed in their own VKB as bona-fide members? So, what is the fuss if they don’t want it registered under the man or fathers in the VKB?
That’s a woman’s right of choice or her Constitutional right to choose what she prefers. You cannot force her against her will?
That’s discrimination and is against our 2023 Constitution. But my concern is, what is the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement doing about it?
The same question goes to the other iTaukei parliamentarians – Honourable Lynda Tabuya and Lenora Qereqeretabua – both from Kadavu, who are always championing women’s rights.
In the eyes of the Lord Jehovah, we are all equal – men and women. So, please Mr PM, can you review and amend this piece of outdated discriminating NLC or TLFC legislation?
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
The subject of parenting has often come under huge emotional discussion from time to time. However, I believe that there is no perfect model of parenting which can be adopted en masse. Places, people and cultures do affect parenting,
The police report that “children in cars & parents in bars” sends a chilling message to modern day parenting. How stressed are parents that they have to go to the bar first for a few drinks (or too many drinks). I do not have stats to back this argument, but the police report can be taken as a basis that not all is well with parenting.
It is often said that parents must spend quality time with their children.
Many parents cannot afford to do this because of work pressures or social commitments with sports, church, temples, mosques and kitty parties.
Such parents leave their children in care of others, Thus denying their children the emotional bonding process. This is a sad state of affairs.
The modern day parents have also abandoned their children to communications technology: smart mobile phones, smart television screens or computer games. Children do get addicted to these at a very young age and lose their verbal communication skills.
They also lose their etiquette & manners in dealing with visitors or elderly people. The parenting system is crumbling if not already crumbled.
The modern day rush for earning to have a decent living, both parents have to work. However, in times gone by the mothers were treated as first teachers and were expected to stay home to provide that much needed bonding with children.
In an ideal home if parents are working the grandparents step in to look after the children. But this is an exception rather than the norm.
When we hear painful stories of teenage pregnancies, children paddling drugs, HIV Aids, cutting classes, sniffing glue or pun pun.
The childhood & teenage problems are mounting at a meteoric rate. Society seems to have gone berserk.
Nothing seems to work. It is time to stop and think of our parenting weaknesses !
Source : Dewan Chand
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
The EFL CEO once said that if people wanted a constant power supply, they should buy their own generators. I describe that as an arrogant and defensive response in view of EFL’s own failure to ensure a reliable power supply.
By the way, where are EFLS’s standby generators? They had a powerhouse at Nadi Airport which was very old and subsequently replaced by several containerised generators.
They are not there any more.
Where are they and what is in EFL’s contingency plan should there be failures at Monasavu or does not come online for a long period due to drought or natural disasters?
Source: Ajai Kumar
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Many people have reacted to the police report on ‘Children in cars and parents in bars’.
The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, and the Co-ordinator of the Women’s Crisis Centre, have also expressed their deep concerns.
No amount of pontification can improve the situation unless the parents themselves are willing to face the reality and are willing to change.
We all are victims of globalisation trends.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Pictures don’t lie!
Many wheelchairs at the Nadi Hospital are in pitiful and dilapidated states. How did they fall apart?
Are there any generous donors in the country who can lend a helping hand, please?
Any non-government organisation (NGO) willing to step forward to “nurse” the chairs back to “health”?
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
It’s shocking to read Reverend Ili Vunisuwai’s call for Fijians not to go and work offshore in Australia and New Zealand.
Is he a big successful businessman that can employ them all with better perks and pay?
This is a free world and if God approves of it, who are we to stop it? Those Fijians will help the country and their families through better Australian or New Zealand dollars they are paid including our GDP, and through remittances to boost our economy.
I find it irresponsible because he is enjoying his nice pay as president of the Methodist Church while his flock are struggling.
He should resign and take up politics, perhaps.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
According to Jan Nissar “In a free-market economy where things are determined by supply and demand and based on costs of doing business, for the government to artificially control prices of certain items is untenable“ – FS 12/8/23.
What really is untenable is the unbridled capitalism Jan subscribes to. It is this unbridled capitalism – the invisible hand of the market forces – that has produced the unequal and divided societies we have around the world.
And, it is in recognition of this fact that Pope Francis described unbridled capitalism as the “dung of the devil“ – The Guardian 10/7/2015.
I suggest Jan reads acclaimed economist John Kenneth Galbraith’s book ‘The Culture of Contentment (1992)’, which critiques the situation in the western industrial world – a world that has increasingly separated into the haves and have-nots – to address his superficial understanding of how capitalism actually works.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
We should advocate an open conversation on the topic for a healthier future.
Fiji is still very much conservative.
We uphold and preserve our traditional institutions, practices, and values at heart.
Therefore, just the mere term of sex, let alone sex education, is considered taboo.
Therein lies the danger and our downfall as parents and adults.
The Ra Provincial Council meeting was an opportune time for its chair, Manoa Seru, to advocate on the importance of families to hold frank and open discussions on the topic.
His comments come amid statistics where 1299 cases of teenage pregnancy were recorded between 2018 and 2020. Of that, 1059 of the cases were iTaukei.
Mr Seru said he was prompted to discuss the topic at a forum as such because he understood how creating dialogue could create a positive outcome.
Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue. These girls miss out on living one of the best phases in their lives and instead carry the weight of becoming parents.
Most turn out to be single mothers because the father of the child does not wish to take responsibility or, in worse case scenarios, the poor little girl was sexually abused.
How they got themselves into those situations, be the former or latter, must also be open for discussion.
But before fixing what’s broken, we can prevent these scenarios if we openly talk about sex and its boundaries at home.
Setting up family time during the week is a start.
Mothers or mother figures can talk to their daughters. The same goes for fathers and father figures.
Parents and guardians should let their young ones know of the boundaries, the impacts, and dangers of having a stranger or person you know touch you in an inappropriate manner.
When that happens, the child must know that they shouldn’t keep it a secret and they will not be punished reassuring them that it’s okay to talk about it.
Mr Seru also pointed out another downfall with some parents today. Many prefer to build their social status over parenting.
Attending social gatherings, leaving behind their little ones in the care of someone they think they trust are signs of bad parenting.
He encourages one parent to at least be responsible while the other attends. But only when it is absolutely necessary.
As much as his advice appears practical, both parents and guardians must, by all means, be emotionally and physically available for their young ones whenever possible.
This builds a foundation of trust and security for the child creating an exceptional example to live by in future.
Furthermore, open, and honest discussions about sex foster a healthy understanding of their bodies, relationship, and consent.
Parents and guardians can create a safe space for questions, drowning out myths and address concerns.
By teaching respect, boundaries and communication, families contribute to the overall wellbeing and informed decision-making of their children.
This as they begin to undergo the complexities of adolescence and adulthood.
Story By: RANOBA BAOA
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
As we celebrate India’s independence, it is crucial to shine a light on the forgotten and often overshadowed pages of history, particularly the indentured era.
This dark chapter, hidden beneath the vastness of time, bears witness to the exploitation and suffering endured by countless souls, even as the world’s attention was fixated on the abolishment of slave trading.
The indentured era, as I often referred to as a “fancy” way of reorganising slavery, remains a haunting testament to the lengths human beings were subjected to in the pursuit of economic gain. Indentured labourers, coerced by circumstances, willingly signed away five to 10 years of their lives, unknowingly embarking on journeys that would separate them from their homeland forever.
The stories of these innocent souls, shipped to distant lands like Fiji, South Africa, Guyana, and more, are a stark reminder of the depths of human suffering.
While the world celebrated the abolishment of the transatlantic slave trade, these narratives were relegated to the shadows.
The ill-treatment and exploitation of indentured labourers, often forced to endure grueling labour, squalid living conditions, and unimaginable hardships, were overlooked.
Unlike the celebrations of freedom that marked India’s independence, these souls had left the shores of their motherland with the heavy realisation that they might never return.
Generations have passed since those dark days, yet the woes and struggles of these forefathers remain largely forgotten.
As we remember the sacrifices that led to India’s freedom, let us also remember the sacrifices of those whose stories were lost to time.
Let us not overlook the pain and resilience of those who toiled far from home, often without a voice to advocate for their rights.
As we revel in the spirit of independence, may we also ensure that the legacy of the indentured era is acknowledged, and the dignity of those who endured it is restored in the annals of history.
India continues to celebrate freedom fighter’s such as Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Tilak, Bose, Pandey, Laxmibai and so many others – India and British ‘raaj’ has to recognise our ancestors too; they too were fighters, fighting for their freedom – fighting for their future generations’ freedom.
Today, children of these indentured labourers live an entitled life (if you have parents, food to eat, an education, access to water – you are entitled), due to our ancestors.
Never forget their pain, dreams, aspirations, struggles – and more importantly; their defeat: Dying in a land far away, never ever to be reunited with their families or their motherland – India.
Never forget!
Story By: Ashneel J Prasad
When someone has been at the helm of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre for some 40 years and the welfare of needy and abused women has not changed in that time, what does that tell you?
Isn’t it time to call it a day and let someone else, with a fresh mind, take things forward?
Story By: Jan Nissar
When I read in the Fiji Sun (16 August) that “prominent local businessman and one of the four current vice-presidents of the Fiji Football Association, Umarji Aiyaz Mohammed Musa [now convicted and jailed in NZ for drug dealing] was elected a member of the FIFA Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee] I was not at all surprised.
FIFA has a fair bit of history in elevating the wrong kind of people to lofty positions in its set up.
Story By: Rajend Naidu
It is important that stakeholders concerned strike a balance between economic progress and environmental preservation.
The proposed development along the coast of Tailevu south is creating a buzz in the villages that concern it.
The Tailevu Provincial Council is in talks with a Chinese developer, the villages, Government and other stakeholders, to approve what is said will be a proposed site for agricultural development, a university and an industrial area.
While the development is all well and good for the future of this part of the province, it would be remiss of the developers not to take into consideration the plight of these villages and their people.
We’re told that talks involve relocating several villages to a new site, to make way for development.
If that is the case, then the villagers are right in raising concerns about their displacement.
Already, many villagers in Fiji have had to be relocated to new sites because of the impacts of climate change. Their sacred grounds and burial sites were destroyed because of coastal inundation and sea level rise.
And villagers in this proposed development, while agreeing to the big project because of its future potential, are unhappy with the logic of relocation.
A concerted effort needs to be made to ensure that the integrity of these villages, their consent or demands, be met before the proposed development takes flight.
Story By: Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
A heart-breaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of caution in adverse weather conditions.
The guardians of a four-year-old are adamant of positive news after their loved one was allegedly swept by currents after an attempt to cross a creek with an adult failed.
The news has shocked the community of Sakoca because it could have been avoided altogether had they been sceptical and cautious.
The unforgiving weather in parts of the Suva-Nausori corridor on Tuesday led to flash-flooding in many low-lying areas.
Creeks and rivers burst their banks; even roads were overflowing with water, holding up traffic and further damaging infrastructure.
What allegedly transpired between the adult, who went with the missing four-year-old, is heart-breaking.
Young Mesake Turaganivalu and the family member had gone to another settlement in the pouring rain.
The pair could have taken the longer route to their destination but instead took the short cut. In another scenario, the pair could have waited a little longer until they could make a move.
These are the scenarios that are probably playing in the minds of this family.
The ‘what ifs’ and ‘if only’ thoughts come to mind. But it’s a little too late to ponder on that.
This is not the first of its kind but is a timely reminder that as adults and decision-makers, whatever we do, should be in the best interest of others and ourselves.
Story By: RANOBA BAOA
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
When will the local government solve the drainage, flooding problem at Nadi Town? It is long overdue.
Despite the river dredging, trust me the problem is only solved temporarily; the Nadi Bus Station needs to be relocated or raise the ground.
Also, can we have overhead crossings built in Nadi? It can be solution to many of our towns and cities.
Story By: Vineel Nand
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Our farmers at continually encouraged to maximise productivity and outputs using the land.
Each year the story is the same but how often do we allow ourselves to sit back and listen to their challenges.
With due respect, farming is demanding and can sometimes inflict high levels of stress on farmers. For example, the increasing cost of fuel is making this a more expensive than business.
Machinery and transportation of farming equipment and produce to the nearest market is becoming more expensive.
The cost of pesticides and chemicals used on farmlands is not decreasing. Pests and diseases leave crops, vegetables, and animals vulnerable. How easy is it for farmers to secure loans from banks? The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of this important sector of our economy.
Unpredictable and changing weather is keeping farmers on their toes, if not incurring huge expenses like when flooding strikes.
All in all, our farmers deserve support, but I am suggesting that authorities support an independent study, which focuses on the stress factors for farmers including largescale to semi subsistence farmers.
This may provide valuable insights, which we could use for planning purposes, reviewing policies, and strengthening courses offered at academic institutions.
Story By: Floyd Robinson
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Why is Fiji rugby successful in its world rankings in 7s and 15s, progressively, while Fiji football lacks miserably?
Fiji football has never reached a Commonwealth gold, Olympics, or any other world standard international competition, let alone win one.
There is a lot of money involved in football compared to rugby, but why the vast difference? I’d be happy if the Government can eliminate football and replace it with cricket!
It can compete with world champions in just five to 10 years if money and the right professional training is provided.
Anyways, big ‘malo’ and congratulations to all my ‘tauvu Ratu Moro’ from Beqa on the arrival of their new Fiji Airways AirbusA350, although they never contributed a single ‘saqamoli’ towards its purchase.
That’s ‘Moro’ magic.
Story By: Tukai Lagonilakeba
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s address to the Bua Provincial Council gathering carried a profound significance, as he invoked the timeless adage “be constant as the Northern Star”.
This choice of metaphor was not random; it traces back to the Roman general and statesman, Julius Caesar. While Caesar’s legacy is often shrouded in controversy in Roman history, his impact remains indisputably potent and far-reaching.
By likening himself to the unwavering North Star, Caesar boldly extolled his unwavering constancy, his unyielding adherence to the law, and his steadfast refusal to be swayed by any form of influence.
In that same vein, Mr Rabuka told the council participants to be steadfast, to have integrity and not be swayed by political motive or agenda but rather to be motivated for the common good. “Thank you!” Mr Rabuka exclaimed, expressing his gratitude for the consistent support extended to every administration.
The people of Vanua Levu, particularly those associated with the CBM (Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata provinces), have proven themselves to be unwavering pillars of support, standing firm beside each administration in power, Mr Rabuka noted.
The reception he received during his visit was marked by deep respect and a sense of tradition, exemplifying the constancy that he urged the council participants to follow.
While weaving the historical significance of the Northern Star metaphor with the present call for steadfastness and unity, Mr Rabuka sought to ignite a flame of enduring commitment among the council members
Story By: Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj