Today, September 7, the country was supposed to commemorate Constitution Day.

A day that bemoans the sad truth of having to remember a constitution forced on Fijian people in 2013.

Sixteen years of military then civilian rule has highlighted to the Fijian people a constitution made to order for those in power then. A day that is as fake as the 2013 foundational statutes that govern a nation was made.

No consultations and a burning of what was supposed to be a great constitution for all Fijians was replaced.

This, with one that was added to and amended whenever an arm of government or its officials found it difficult to contend with common sense and legally correct laws.

Our current Government is now trying to cull all the supposedly legal stupidities enacted since 2013.

Today’s new Government, new Fiji and all Fijians deserve a new Constitution.

This Constitution Day should be remembered for when we throw out the forced 2013 constitution and have a look at instituting a better constitution for all Fijians.

God bless Fiji.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

According to the chief executive officer of Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), the Butoni wind farm is generating only seven per cent of energy compared to the world standard of 20 per cent.

And he goes on to arrogantly say that “we have to live with whatever it gives”. No!

Please, tell why the performance is poor and whether there is any benefit to continue operating it?

I am sure he knows what cost/benefit means.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Even if we don’t litter, have we ever stopped to ask ourselves why littering is bad?

Other than just being unsightly, litter has serious consequences for the environment and our community.

It endangers our environment, wildlife, and economy. It pollutes our neighborhoods, can reduce property values, and destroys our city’s and country’s natural beauty.

In addition to water and land pollution, litter also pollutes the air.

Littering along the Nausori Town corridor.

Researchers estimate that more than 40 per cent of the world’s litter is burned in the open air (a common practice in Fiji), which can release toxic emissions.

There are other disadvantages, but it’s simply an eyesore to see scattered rubbish around the country.

So, beloved Fijians, why don’t we all become trash heroes and be practical about putting our rubbish in bins.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

This is disturbing and surprising news to all.

If this is filtering down into school environments, it’s giving a strong negative signal to the stakeholders.

This are the results of children exposed to social media; what they see happening around them freely, the home backgrounds that children are coming from and other kinds of environment they are exposed to, like clubbing, social functions, etc.

Since the nation is grappling with the influx of social problems, it’s the best time to take appropriate measures to rectify the situation.

Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran.

The Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has brought up the concerning issues and it is now best for stakeholders to address the pertaining issues.

Ms Kiran must be commended for her honesty to make the issue public so that the nation can wake up and get engaged to help resolve the matter.

If children in primary schools are exploring sex, what else can we expect from them?

Many other social problems will definitely trigger them in near future.

Let’s collectively work out plans to resolve and de-escalate the matter.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

I have lost count of the number of times since being elected in December 2022, where the Minister of Home Affairs has reassured us all that there will be no coups and Fiji is safe.

People do not need to worry! Fiji was secure, and everyone should get on with their lives of freedom and no more fear. I am sure he has lost count as well. I have wondered what else he does in his job.

With so many reassurances on an almost weekly basis I am beginning to get worried and insecure.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

To the Water Authority of Fiji, what is the logic of cutting off water supply to Hedstrom Pl, Balawa, in Lautoka, daily from midnight to 5am?

Don’t you want us to go to the loo at this time? It would be understandable if the water cut was during the day.

I would have pulled out all my hair trying to make sense of this perplexing

situation but luckily, I have the same hairstyle as that fellow Dan Urai.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Welsh firebrand; bad tempered and foul-mouthed, Dan Biggar should not escape sanction for bad language he “fired” out just before half time, in our first match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

World Rugby needs to pay greater attention, in my humble view.

How do we ‘keep rugby clean’ with his disrespectful attitude? Biggar ought to know best. He brings gross disrespect on the international sporting stage.

The referee was bias against Fiji for consistent Welsh infringements did no justice at all.

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians gallantly fought against 16 Wales players for most of the second 40 minutes.

How can the ‘F’ word man and bad tempered Biggar be the man of the match?

This unworthy ref definitely helped Wales win 32 – 26. Fiji proudly went down fighting until the bitter end. Pity, Semi Radradra faltered when it mattered most.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The alarming figure revealed by WOWS Kids Fiji finance director, Anabel Ali is something to ponder about and the actions needed the most: That 14 children succumbed to cancer to date this year and lives have lost.

The youngest patient is six-month old infant who is battling for life. This very sad and surprising news to all the citizens of Fiji.

According to WOWS Kids Fiji, every year cancer claims lives of about 20 children. The most common type of cancer among the teenagers is Leukemia. Therefore, what is “Leukemia”?

Leukemia is the cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

It is in the hands of the relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate actions are taken now or it will be a sad day for Fiji to combat against Leukemia. A thorough research must be carried out on causes of Leukemia as soon as possible in order to tackle cancer cases among teenagers in Fiji.

May God bless the cancer teenagers in Fiji and show godly mercy to the six-month old cancer patient.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

It is really sad and shocking to see that a concern I had raised with Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) a few weeks earlier had turned into a reality.

I emailed a few people in WAF explaining and requesting for them to not send the steel water truck that deliver rusty water that is the root cause of so many of us getting sick and now some are even dead.

Despite WAF denying the claims, it gives us no form of reassurance and we strongly believe that WAF is negligent towards us citizens.

This letter is a plea for help to request for the water carts to be food grade stainless steel or aluminum, so the water we receive poses no threat to our health

Requesting WAF to look into getting food grade stainless steel water carts and stop sending rusty steel water carts.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Weak officiating proved costly for Fiji at the Rugby World Cup Flying Fijians vs Wales Pool C match on Monday.

The whistle man, Mathew Carley, throughout the contest, was weak in his officiating, including his touchline assistants and TMO officials.

Despite the heavy dependence on technology present at the stadium, the Flying Fijians were robbed by the English whistle man, in my opinion.

Many international radio presenters and journalists commented that these were the result of human error, but why the inconsistency.

I know the Flying Fijians will bounce back strongly from the loss, but I sincerely hope the RWC officials will do the same and officiate all matches fairly.

Please, World Rugby, do justice to all participating teams at the World Cup.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The grand finale of the Oceania championship and Olympic qualification was a whitewash.

It should be a wake-up call for officials of the Fiji Football Association, to step down and make way for youngsters with fresh minds and ideas.

The difference is clear – the overseas-based players were the difference for our team, which Fiji FA claims as development, which is wrong.

Give credit where it’s due, please!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The rise of the Flying Fijians on their journey to the finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023 is on.

We could not upset the status quo in the first game. For 81 full minutes and some, we were in the game till the final whistle.

In pursuing greatness, things will become difficult. The objects before you are greater but surmountable. The focus now is on the Wallabies. The Flying Fijians have the men, the fitness, the temerity, the size, and talent to get that win.

They continue to dare and push their supposed boundaries. In today’s rugby world for the Flying Fijians, there are no boundaries.

The Flying Fijian players are ready. The coaching panel will need to manage our substitutes wisely.

Put them in early in the second half as they are all world class players.

In this way, the team never falters as you will just be substituting upwards in terms of continuity of speed, stamina, talent, and experience.

We dare, we win. Vuka Viti, vuka (Fly Fiji, fly)!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Fiji is a happy place consisting of people from different cultural backgrounds, living happily together.

However, drowning is a casualty that has left many families shattered today.

The recent drowning victim was a four-year-old. These incidents happen as a result of parental negligence.

These incidents are avoidable if they were under adult supervision. Therefore, if there were any form of laws that could justify the course of action to the failing parents or guardian then I reckon it should be enforced.

I call on the relevant authorities address the matter with urgency and perhaps make swimming a compulsory outdoor activity for all schools – primary and secondary – to adopt.

No one, even a child, should be denied the right to life.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The exodus of teachers and nurses continues unabated, it was revealed in the Parliament.

Will we ever be able to arrest this trend? From the statistics provided it seems the trend will continue, regardless.

The working conditions of teachers in our schools are horrifying – oversized classes, poor facilities, and draconian laws, which send a chill down teachers’ spine.

They are overloaded with paperwork and high demands for extra-curricular activities. They have to work according to the school timetable hence the stress factor keeps mounting.

Nervous breakdown is a reality. Teachers are caged in like prisoners without fair remunerations for extra work that they have to put in.

Therefore, the best thing is to move to greener pastures and work in a more relaxed condition.

To re-employ retired teachers is not a solution to the problem. The quality of education will continue to suffer. The solution is to attend to the core problems such as class sizes and salaries and employment terms and conditions.

These issues have been festering in the education system for years, but nothing has been done to relax the situation.

Nurses too are working under trying circumstances – poorly paid and over worked.

There is a high demand for their services in Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.

Therefore, at the first opportunity, they move onto greener pastures. Can you really blame them? No! It is fair to get better paid jobs for the family’s financial security.

So, they move on and with ample money in their pockets; they can always come back home for family commitments. Air travel is so easy these days.

Government has a serious problem on hand to retain the skilled labour with technical expertise and professional cadre, with recognised qualifications.

It is an uphill battle despite what the ministers may say.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

It is alarming to see the rudeness of some landowners shutting down a water source, depriving thousands of people from a basic need required to sustain lives.

I believe this is a cowardly act from the landowners of Natolatibitbiti and Tibititi clan in Taganikula, Macuata.

I wish to question the two landowners: Did they create this water source? I believe they are all Christians, but are not actioning it.

What would happen should the water source dry out?

I urge the landowners to consider their Christian values and put a stop to victimizing the communities that need water.

Remember, God is watching them and hearing the cries of those suffering.

Instead of closing the water source, may I suggest that they take their grievances to the right people.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Returning to Fiji made me feel I was back home. The friendly bula smiles and people still have time for each other.

Despite the high cost of living, people are still smiling.

A humble request to those in power to implement overseas standards by involving local people who have vast experience of what is happening here on the ground.

Fiji has changed in terms of culture, language, the lifestyle and different ethnic groups. Work with locals who can improve any sector in the country.

Bringing in expertise from overseas will not provide any positive outcome. Let’s invest the same money on our locals and we will see growth and prosperity.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Fiji Sun recently copped a lot of backlashes from stakeholders with one issue of national interest – the EbayShop Online Recruitment.  

The Consumer Council of Fiji, in several media releases, also warned Fijians the dangers of signing into the platform without being fully informed.  

Even social media influencer, Taniela Leweniqila, who goes by the name Dan Fiji, now living in the United States, also warned Fijians in several posts meticulously explaining how it works against a member.  

Additionally, the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF), the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission as well as Vodafone Fiji also highlighted the dangers of getting involved in the platform.  

We sought comments from the Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, and he confirmed Government would launch an investigation. 

The EbayShop Online Recruitment agents strongly had hit back when we highlighted how the platform was yet another pyramid scheme.  

They claimed it was legitimate adding that it was benefitting them and members.  

Some members we knew, but have chosen to keep their identities anonymous, had even gone to the extent of resigning from their jobs.  

Yet here we are. What seemed too good to be true, really, was too good to be true!  

When they have negotiated with you enough to the point you’ve earned their trust, they will do the exact opposite.  

When you have little to no understanding of the complexities of cryptocurrency while the unknown person sitting behind the keyboard controls it, you’re in danger.  

When you have a Jane or John Doe circulating and controlling your money as they please for their benefit, they will eventually make a run for it.  

And run they have, for the highest benefactor from this Ponzi scheme is to date, unknown.  

The climax of it all was vindicated when the platform crashed on Sunday leaving hundreds of Fijians with empty wallets and asking the questions, they should have in the first place.  

The Financial Intelligence Unit, Police and other relevant bodies are urging members and agents to continue lodging their complaints.  

They are pooling their resources together to crackdown on this complicated saga for who knows, the money lost may never be recovered.  

Even the agents who so passionately testified and heaped praises on the platform are left dumbfounded and cooperating with authorities.  

They too need to be investigated as from what we understand, while they were not the biggest winners, they allegedly facilitated the wheels of this platform and also allegedly earned substantial sums from it. Had it not been for media organisations and the learned to highlight this issue, who knows when it would have continued and how many more Fijians would have been duped.  

At the heart of this is our duty to the public to make wise and informed decisions about their lives. As authorities forge on with investigations, let’s hope that this is a lesson for Fijians to be more vigilant and to seek advice before jumping on a bandwagon bound to collapse.  

Let common sense prevail 

Story By: ranoba.baoa@fijisun.com.fj 

The Speaker of the Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has called on parliamentarians to seek solutions to the parental neglect of children.  

And rightly so too, coming from the highest law-making body of the country and most powerful voices in the nation.  

If they can’t find solutions to this issue, no one will.  

Ratu Naiqama has not raised a new issue. It has been around for years and people have been pontificating about it, in and outside parliament.  

Non-governmental organisations have also been adding their concerns.  

Several campaigns have been launched but to no effect, simply because it lacked the political will to do something.  

The question is, what thing? Mere talking and blaming parents or enforcing stricter punishments find a solution? I’m afraid it will not!  

Religious organisations for all practical purposes are a lame duck. You cannot expect a solution from them.  

They are too caught up with their own internal bickering’s to do any good to the street kids.  

Street children are a barometer, which reflects the extent of poverty in our country. So much so that parents find it difficult to fend for their own children.  

These neglected children leave home to fend for themselves and get trapped in all sorts of vicious circles – pimping, prostitution, drugs, glue sniffing, pick pocketing, bag snatching or even begging.  

Should we not hang our heads in shame? We have let these children down.  

In my view, a strong support system from government is needed.  

In all major urban centres, they must build homes where such children can be catered and cared for.  

At such centres, they can be given skills training. However, we should be careful not to attach any stigma to such children’s homes.  

Therefore, if we really treat these street children as our future (as the Speaker says) we have no option but to embark on this project seriously.  

Funding for this worthy project can be sourced from funding agencies overseas.  

The Speaker must be commended for provoking discussion on this vital subject 

Story By: Dewan Chand 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Those who are complaining to the authorities about their loss in investing in EBayShop should drown themselves in the nearest pool.  

Why complain now when the decision to part with their money was theirs? It is like any other investment; you take the risk and you either win or lose. You have only yourselves to blame.  

On the other hand, I am sure the Reserve Bank of Fiji’ Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Consumer Council of Fiji knew way before about the existence of the illegal scheme, but they would do nothing about it.  

We are a passive and reactive society; matters need to be reported to them before they will act. The police is no different. 

Story By: Ajai Kumar 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Some years ago, a mother and her three year-old daughter tragically died at the Suva bus stand from numerous skull fractures, neck dislocation and swelling to their brains as a result of the impact of the accident.  

They died instantly when they were crushed between two buses. As a result, a bus checker was charged and later given a an eight-year jail term.  

This accident prompted the Suva City Council and Fiji Bus Operators Association to work at improving safety for members of the public at the Suva Bus Stand.  

Immediately, the walkways and railings were constructed to safeguard pedestrians at the bus terminal, and no one was allowed to cross anywhere on the tarmac.  

The peanut sellers were instructed to wear a reflector vest and enforcement officers were present during peak hours to control pedestrian flow and buses entering the tarmac, with the aid of a whistle.  

The entire operation was controlled, and the exercise acted as an informative learning in safety. And the commuters slowly began to adhere to the instructions.  

The safety initiative taken by the Suva City Council faded with time.  

Now, the Suva Bus Terminal is a total mess again.  

People can cross from anywhere, buses enter the tarmac with great speed and peanut sellers, without any reflective vest, are seen maneuvering recklessly among the parked buses.  

I asked a peanut seller why he was not wearing a reflector vest for safety reasons. He said there was no need because the Government had changed.  

I also noticed a council staff, with the words Enforcement Officer at the back of his reflector vest, with a book in his hand.  

I believe that the sole objective of his presence there was to book bus drivers not switching off bus engines when they parked. The responsibilities of the SCC administration is to ensure the municipal services such as public safety, transportation, and utilities are provided to residents.  

They have a duty of care to ensure anyone within their jurisdiction are safe and cared for, including the bus terminal.  

I believe it is an opportune time for the minister concerned to intervene and demand safety for the public using public transport as the mode of travel.  

The municipal desperately lacks a proactive approach in their modus operandi. 

Story By: Satish Nakched 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj