Fiji is not lost

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

I applaud all military personnel from Australia, New Zealand and now China for sacrificing time with their families, other recreations for the cause of rebuilding Fiji.

Most of them have gone to remote parts of Fiji to assist in the rebuilding and reconstruction process.

They do not get newspapers, movies or television, but kava and a few mosquitoes and centipedes. Most of the properties and source of living in rural areas and villages on the track of Tropical Cyclone Winston have been ruined and damaged, and restoration is the objective.

The entire aspects of villages have completely changed.

Tens of thousands learned during the horror that dreaded evening of February 20 that we are powerless against nature and the will of God.

No army armed for battle could stand up to it. Even the house of God (valenilotu) has been damaged alongside the Reverends’ (talatala) house.

Some sections of villages are empty and now look like a ghost town at night with people clustering together against threats.

Those who survived that terrible night woke up to a distressful Sunday morning looking at the debris left behind by the monster storm.  They were fully aware that they had bid farewell forever to their beloved village.

Because the damage is enormous it has taken away the character and tradition of their village, once an integral part of their life; the only world they know that brought them up.

Everywhere there is indescribable destruction as if someone dropped a bomb and flattened everything.

But the sad thing is you can’t take anyone to court for murder or wilful damage of property.  You can only look up for help.

A night that will be etched forever in our minds as long as we live; the story shall be told to our descendents for years to come.

In the meantime we welcome the co-ordinated efforts to rebuild Fiji

You can only ask for mercy.

North Korea next

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

If I remember correctly, USA went to war in Iraq to save the world from the use of “Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)” despite Saddam Hussein’s denial that they don’t have any.

After the war, no WMD was found but only tens of thousands of innocent civilians were killed and lives of millions shattered, economy destroyed and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) who are worse than the Taliban takes control.

Today, North Korea is declaring that they have WMD and will not hesitate to use it against any aggressor including the USA. They are also about to test their long range missile they claim is capable of delivering those warheads.

Shall we assume the USA will invade North Korea next to again “save the world” since President Kim’s open admission of being in possession of WMDs?

I can imagine the smiles and excitement in the offices of chief executives of large US Arms producers sensing some huge paydays ahead.

What a sick world we have made this to be.

Urai’s condemnation

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

His letter in the other newspaper-14/03/14 titled “Union’s Role”, he has condemned and labelled all International and local donor hypocrites because in his own words: “They had made public their assistance to Fiji”  for those devastated by Tropical Cyclone Winston except for his Fiji Hotel Workers Union which had absolutely donated nothing.

Those right thinking and caring Fiji Teachers Union executives quickly donated and made public their positive humanitarian assistance of $20k post TC Winston as their contribution for relief assistance to their members affected and yet Urai calls them hypocrites.

If you can’t contribute positively to the sufferings of our many devastated fellow Fijians, Dan, don’t talk, while we continue to help our fellow suffering countrymen, women and children indiscriminately.

Every other donor must be thanked and acknowledged for their millions of dollars worth of relief assistance.

Making their donations public is all about transparency and accountability to the Fijian people, it is above board and “Power to the People affected”; they will be appreciated and respected for their worthy much appreciated humanitarian assistance.

Dan’s ungrateful and disrespectful condemnation is not necessary, unwarranted and ill conceived; these donors deserve all the respect and praise because their kind deed is Godly.

Climate Change prospect

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

As most of the areas destroyed by Cyclone Winston are coastal and islands, I think we should all put our minds together for the rebuilding of their homes.

They were previously located in the low lying areas and it would be wise to relocate on higher grounds after the aftermath of this monster storm.

The destruction weren’t just from the cyclone but most of the coastal areas were hit by tidal waves during the cyclone.

These are definite signs of how close the people are living from the water lines.

With the rising sea level homes yet to be rebuild the best time to relocate is now.

A few villages had the idea of relocating in mind way before Cyclone Winston hit us and had mixed feelings of how. This is the best opportunity having in mind the future of our younger generations.

Easter supplement is very informative

Jason Verma,  Suva

Thank you Fiji Sun for the highlights on Easter for a very informative supplement, I am sure a lot of people will now know the true meaning of Easter and those who would have turned lukewarm, must have been revived.

How can we miss the greatest sacrifice done for the mankind’s redemption.

Vinaka, Sun.

Not enough done against perpetrators

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Delainavesi

I refer to your headline titled ‘Police have one suspect’ by Aqela Susu (FS 17/3/16) in regards to the horrific murder of Mere Ailevu in Loloma Beach Pacific Harbour.  Your headline article by Aqela Susu and Litia Cawa is also relevant.(FS 18/3/16).

In view of the series of violent crimes perpetrated against our women especially small girls we cannot continue to blame each other as to who is responsible.  Our society must be safe for everyone at all times.

I believe the wishes of the public should be communicated to our lawmakers that the current penalty in our justice system is not protective enough.  Telling people to be more responsible and warning parents of their responsibility will take us no where.

Submissions from bodies like the Police, women’s rights movements, Ministry of Women should be directed to the sub-committee on Law, Justice and Order to review such penalties that will curb such crimes.

At the moment we are powerless to protect our women and children from such predators and its infuriating people that nothing is done. Someone help please.

Castrate, life term for child rapists

Ronald Welsh , Pacific Harbour

I believe that it is essential to alter our Penal Code to include surgical castration of all men and youths, regardless of the age of the female so defiled, and that for the rape of a child castration and jail for the rest of their lives, I have lived in Fiji for 63-years, and I am appalled at the incidence of rape.

It has to stop! The only way to stop it is a deterrent sentence so harsh that it does deter.

I would like to see the death penalty applied when a child is raped and murdered, but I doubt if Fiji law makers would consider that.

I do sincerely hope that my views will be supported by other concerned people.

Rape has to STOP right now.

Words and deeds

Tukai Lagonilakeba,  Namaka

Suliasi Tamanalevu’s comment on the other newspaper on March 17  titled “Deeds not Words” was good, he rightly heaped praises for our neighbours from Kiwi land and the Aussies for both their immediate timely assistance post Tropical Cyclone Winston but his criticism of our governments “Look North” policy is unwarranted, disrespectful and untimely.

My emotional tauvu is arrogantly demanding China and Russia send five warships each over to Fiji to bring in their humanitarian supplies but certainly not weaponry; beggar’s can’t be choosers and demanding tauvu.

All these gigantic humongous ships and aeroplanes arriving in our country and bringing in their assistance will all have to be thoroughly co-ordinated and meticulously planned by government to ensure safety at all times as our wharves and airports infrastructure was not made to accommodate and ensure all can land and anchor at any one time.

All our International development partners and their respective government will decide after consultations with our Fijian government when it will best suit them to arrive with their assistance, geographically New Zealand and Australia are only a stone’s throw away but as for our dear friends in Russia and China, they are some 20 hours away.

Let us not panic but be patient, they will cer ainly arrive with a big “Bang” but it is certainly not about who gets in first or last, these big boys had already registered with our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama their support in our time of need and they will reach us.

We Fijians should all be very grateful to any humanitarian assistance great or small, but I do hope that he will be content and not surprised at what is in store when they get here.

Our Government’s policy to look North, look South, look East, look West and look Central are all good as we are all part of one big global family.

Vinaka vakalevu to all who have committed to helping alleviate our sufferings post TC Winston.

“Ke drau vaka udolu na yame ni lewei viti, ia me yame ga ni vakavina vinaka”vei Jiova na Tamada.” (If there be thousands of voices of the people of Fiji, they are to be for thanksgiving to Jehovah our Father.)

Thank you all

Timoci Gaunavinaka,  Nausori

Thank you China for the huge assistance you have delivered for our people affected by Cyclone Winston. We also thank India for their timely assistance. We thank Nauru, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and other countries I missed out.

A big vinaka vakalevu to Australia and New Zealand for your generosity and care and for revitalising our historical ties.  These ties were written in blood by our fathers and those before them from the last two World Wars, Malayan campaign and more.

We thank the hardworking officers of National Disaster Management Office, our Military, Police, wardens and fire officers who were the first to arrive at the scene of various devastations around the country.

We thank all the hard working people of the media some of whom took risks to do their work and who without them, we would have no idea of what is happening around us.

The doctors and nurses in various hospitals and health centres played a superb and crucial role under most severe conditions. We also thank teachers and school managements.

Thank you Biman Prasad and members of the National Federation Party for putting politics aside and joining hands with government to assist our people. We also thank the SODELPA members who visit various areas to assist.

We thank former Fiji residents abroad and our sports people for their big contributions. We thank those government ministers co-ordinating assessment and ration distributions around the country.

A big thank you to our various business houses for the various donations in cash and in kind you provided to our affected people in Fiji’s most darkest hours.  We also thank all the Government Ministries, Non-Governmental Organisations and various groups who assisted.

Thank you Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for the hard work of extraordinary proportion and for absorbing the pressure and impatience of some of our people and still provide the best services.

My biggest thanks be to God for giving us a Prime Minister and a Leader who led us by example and whose strong stand taken many years ago made the world see Fiji the way they do now.

Despite being hit and devastated by the second strongest cyclone in recorded history, you have all somehow made us see a flickering light at the end of the tunnel.

Security officer

Indar Jit,  Navua

As a security guard, ones primary duty revolves around protecting his or her employer’s property.

Security officers can work in a variety of settings such as buildings, banks, airports, hospitals, museums, universities, schools, supermarkets, etc.

Day to day a security officer’s job depends on the type of location he or she is working. Duties of a security officer also varies depending whether one officer is on mobile patrol or is a stationary guard.

Generally, security officers become responsible for upholding safety, enforcing rules and responding to security problems. Security officers are employed to prevent security problems. They are trained to communicate with public and respond to any incidents.

Majority of these security officers work in banks, hospitals, universities, government offices, schools, supermarket, airports, etc, who are qualified and properly trained officers. Reading through the daily newspaper, it is noted that a former security officer was sentenced by the Suva court.  The 22-year-old security officer on January 9 this year broke into the Parliament staff office and stole a Samsung phone valued at $900.

There are many in Fiji who are unemployed and looking for jobs. Fortunate are those who are on employment. People should understand that once a person is hired for job, their employer expects them to be loyal, faithful and trustworthy.

Doing something which is against the law will never help anybody but ruin a person’s reputation in the society. People of Fiji, as our Prime Minister has said, corruption will never help any human being. So let us work hand in hand and keep Fiji safe from all sorts of crime.

Tertiary Education

Loan Scheme board

Shavneel Kumar,  Nadi

This letter is in regards to the TELS board. As a student at Fiji National University I applied for accommodation support and other expenses which is promised to be paid under TELS.

I did apply it in Week Four of this trimester and yet there is no response from these people and its Week Nine now.

Not only me but also my friend did apply but none of them are getting it so my plea to these people is to hurry up, as it may result in school dropouts which is not the aim for this government.

Responsibility of nurses

Indar Jit,  Navua

The Health and Medical Services Minister Jone Usamate is urging nurses to treat their patients with the uttermost care.

He urged the nurses after receiving the number of reports from the public on lack of compassion shown by nursing staff.

Every profession has a code of ethics that outlines the ethical responsibilities of practicing as a member of that profession. Code of ethics for the nursing profession tend to focus on the professional behaviour and making sure that decision-making is patient-driven as much as possible.

A nurse must respect the dignity and value of patients and colleagues,and treat all equally regardless of personal attributes or medical condition.

Related to this is the responsibility to always respect the patients’ rights to self-determination in his/her medical care.

One of the nurses’ primary ethical responsibilities is to work with the patient to provide care that enables the maximum physical, emotional and social well being of the patient.

A nurse is also responsible for protecting and advocating for patients’ safety and rights,especially in terms of upholding the highest standard of patients’ privacy and confidentiality according to the law.

While enlisting, a nurse should understand that he or she is joining a workforce where they will be required to deal with many kinds of sickly patients.

They should understand their attitude and behaviour and show respect to every patients.

Walk the talk

Timoci Gaunavinaka,  Nausori

It is really irritating to read comments by people who continue to criticise foreign governments as if they have done anything significant themselves.

These countries have given millions of dollars worth of assistance to our people. What has any of these big mouth critics done for our people affected by severe Tropical Cyclone Winston ?

If you cannot contribute anything positive like these foreign countries, Fiji Government, various organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGO), businesshouses, civil groups, etc, have done then please zip it.

Right now, Fiji needs people who can walk the talk. Not those who can just talk the walk.

Pill free

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,  Delta, BC, Canada

There has been a lot said about antibiotics in the dailies lately and it seems that we as a nation are kind of promoting it.

Lest we forget, our parents and fore-fathers never popped a pill or sought antibiotics when they were not feeling well.

They either had a good rest, changed their diet, drank plenty of water, reached out for known herbal remedies and were back on their feet.

Today, we ignore the simple God-inspired health rules and follow the western lifestyle of abusing our health and taking pills to fix our sickness.

Our body’s immune system is strengthened when we look after it through good nutrition from plant-based foods, exercise, drinking water, exposure to sunlight, good rest and being temperate in all things.

When we understand God’s simple health rules, we will kind of know that feeling sick is the result of breaking one or more of the health rules which could be reversed when we do the right thing.

Pills including antibiotics are man-made and have its side effects.

When we adults ignore living a healthy lifestyle and start popping pills in our system for every discomfort or pain, our children will follow suit and our statistics for Non-Communicable Diseases will keep increasing.

Need help

Samuela Kailawadoko, Nadi

Recently most of the remote parts of Tova Settlement,Vunikavikaloa in the Ra province and Coplott Street at the back of the fire station at Naiyala in Ra have been badly affected by Cyclone Winston.

Houses have been badly damaged, some are still homeless till date and some are still in evacuation centres.

They are in need of relief supports like food, tarpaulins, blankets, clothing, medicare measures etc.

They need a permanent shelter where they will live with their loved ones.

These areas have not been visited and I am appealing to  non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) and those making assessment and distribution on the ground to quickly visit these areas and extend your kind co-operation for the victims of Cyclone Winston.

Tribute to Rabeni

Pranil Ram,  Nadi

I am sure the rugby world and the rugby-loving public of Fiji are still in a state of shock after hearing the news of untimely death of one of the greats of modern day rugby, Seru Rabeni.

A true Fijian warrior who had his country at heart, representing Fiji in two Rugby World Cups, was surely an amazing feat.

I believe he had so much to offer to rugby but God had other plans for him. His teammates described him as an unbelievable player and even a better person off the field. He had quick legs, and fantastic step and off course a massive man. I am sure for some he was a hero.

He has left a lasting footprint for our budding rugby players. RIP Rabeni.

Bad taste

Samu Railoa,  Nadi

Mere’s death in Navua last week was hurtful and it touched many hearts.

It is rather unfortunate however that when the family is trying to get closure at her tragic passing, The Fiji Sun runs the story a day after her burial with the title ‘Raped Mere Buried’.

The headline is derisive of the young girl and her family and hints at a lack of creativity and sensitivity on the part of the newspaper.

I ask you to do the right thing.

Editor’s note: See Editorial on page opposite  headlined‎ ‘Rape is a brutal problem; It’s time to be outraged and do something.’

Safety and children

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

While one sympathises with family members and friends of the late Mere Ailevu                 , the manner in which her life was taken has certainly sent shock waves across the nation.

Many are still trying to come to terms with this case, raising some questions. How safe are our children in our communities or neighbourhoods? Whom can we trust? What has happened to the values in society?

One hopes that individuals with information come forward by approaching Police immediately, who are possibly working around clock to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Zero litter enforcement

Wise Muavono,  Lautoka

A question was asked on why the Nadi Market is cleaner than the Lautoka Market.

He should have instead rephrased his question and ask, “Why are all the municipal markets in Fiji cleaner than the Lautoka Market?”

Now let me inform you why. There is no enforcement of the market by-laws on littering at the Lautoka Market. Laxity has become a norm in enforcing litter laws hence the vendors litter whenever and wherever. The $40 spot fine warnings might as well be removed, it is just for decoration.

End of the day, it is the cleaners that suffer; getting blamed for the untidiness even though they work to their utmost ability to keep the market premises clean.

They’re always picking up discarded vegetables, root crop peelings, etc, that the vendors throw left right and centre even though the empty bins are just beside their tables.

When you enter the fish market you will notice vendors gutting and scaling fish like they were out in the open sea. There are warnings on the walls but hey, why worry when there is zero enforcement.

Enter the new market extension and guess what, it ain’t new anymore. It will take a 15s rugby team to keep it neat and tidy on a daily basis considering the amount of littering by the vendors.

This issue on zero enforcement has been kept silent for sometime but not anymore. Yes, it will cause certain people to dislike me but I don’t really care. These are facts and I have photos to prove it.

To my friend the Minister of Local Government, please stay tuned in for more on the litter enforcement-free Lautoka Market.

1. Part 2 I will be more in depth into the daily operation of the Lautoka market.

Palm Sunday, Easter

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,  Canada

Palm Sunday in 2016 would be remembered for a long time as Fijians recovering from the devastation of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston look back at Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a colt.

In doing so, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy and sent out a message that He was the promised Messiah the Jews were waiting for.

But the pre-conceived idea of the people in their wrong interpretation of Scriptures, expecting a Messiah who will lead a revolt to free them from Roman leadership, turned the cries of “Hosanna to the Son of David” to “Crucify Him”, just five days later.

As we enjoy and remember Palm Sunday despite the devastation and hardships, let us not forget that every step Jesus took beginning on that Palm Sunday over 2000 years ago, was a step towards His redeeming death for the salvation of mankind.

Neither Satan nor any power on earth could stop His death as this was His rescue mission for humanity.

He did not throw in the towel for you and I and whatever situation we are in after the devastation of TC Winston, He will never give up on any of us who genuinely believe and trust in Him.

He rose on the third day and the empty tomb is the subject of the new movie Risen.

Christ’s life, death and resurrection is an example of what believers will go through when they accept Him as Lord and Saviour.

Despite the devastation, Christ will give us a new life and we will rise again here on earth and again when He comes to take His people home.

Teacher’s attitude

Tukai Lagonilakeba,  Nadi

That 24-year-old teacher, Sharita Kumar, epitomises the highest level of commitment, passion, dedication, discipline, courage, guts, resilience, selflessness and the love for her noble teaching profession.

She outshines and is setting a standard with a glowing example of patriotism to her childish colleagues from QVS and others.

That is a show of sacrifice and a display of a positive attitude. Ms Kumar, although you teach in one of our remote islands, you seem to display a love and respect for those many Mavana school students you teach; they are your children and our future leaders in the many years to come.

Although you were severely hurt from the monster cyclone and airlifted to Suva for urgent medical treatment, your radiant picture in our dailies returning by ship to Vanuabalavu on  Sunday, March 13 is a show of women power, strength and true to one’s calling to serve and deliver our Ministry of Education services at your faraway school.

This is indicative and is a credit to your great parent’s upbringing, such good parents you have Lewa.

You are a shining example of one with good leadership qualities and a role model to those struggling unfortunate school children from the northern Lau and I am sure they will welcome you back with open arms despite their island struggles.

I would like to request Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, the President of the Republic of Fiji and his College of Honours, to please kindly bestow a Medal of the Order of Fiji to Ms Kumar for being exemplary, courageous and sincere to her call of duty as a teacher in the face of hopelessness and devastation from the rubbles post TC Winston.

I stand ready as her nominee to the Honours Sir; we need more teachers in the likes of Sharita Kumar.

Rape is about violence not sex

Jean Hatch,  Nadi

Thank you for your editorial today (yesterday) urging awareness through the media to bring public attention to the issue of rape; whether it is perpetrated against children, women or men.

Rape is not about sex or lust or clothing. It is about violence, domination and abuse.  Attitudes to sexuality, including misogyny and patriarchy, violence and abuse of the most vulnerable in any society, reflect core issues deeply entrenched within a society – and our being. Don’t they? . . . attitudes that dehumanise either gender.

Education about violence and its connection to rape needs to be understood in our homes as well as in schools, in legislation, in prison rehab programmes, in religious groups / institutions everywhere – so that it is never tolerated, no matter what.

Even in our religious institutions, there is often poor teaching that wrongly condone violence as a means for submission – opposed to discipline. Or that dehumanise sexuality to something not linked indelibly to our human identity as men and women. This is appalling and plainly wrong.

If we allow or foster by denial, any cultural values that lend themselves to abuses, even by ignorance, and we do not question such abuses of power by whomever wields it – the end result is continued violence; even at its worst in gang rape and murder.

Each and everyone of us is accountable for our choices and actions, or lack of them; our denial by hiding things. If we don’t look to change some of our fundamental attitudes and denials that condone violence or abuse in our home families – then rape will be a natural extension of this, because its about violence, and degrading our humanity – not sex or lust.Rape is about violence and domination of another human being – not sex.

It has little to do with clothing, or lust or any such excuse.

 Child Rape in Fiji

Zeba Ali,  Sigatoka

Child rape has been rapidly increasing in our country. From a nine-month-old, nine-year-old, 14 to 16-years-old.

The innocent girls are raped and thrown. What are the actions taken against this?

The maximum penalty should be life imprisonment. Do you even believe that this punishment is sufficient for such an inhumane crime. Certainly not!

We need harsher penalties like death penalty. A harsher penalty will set an example to rapists!

People relate rape with the dressing style. So to that, instead of diapers what should baby girls be given to wear?? Long dress.

I personally feel that we need to make our country safe for the girl child as well as the ladies. The mentality of such lustful men needs to change.

I have one question to Fiji Women’s Right Movement, do you guys think pamphlets and posters can eradicate a crime like rape?

Why aren’t we, ladies, asking for a harsher penalty for crimes like rape.

A humble request to the Government, please look at this issue. It’s not a small crime.

The girls are no longer safe in our country. There is a greater need to eradicate the crime as well the criminal.

Please place a harsher penalty, if possible, then bring such child rapists to the public and let them feel ashamed for their inhumane act. A strict action is vital to ensure safety in our society for girl child.

Thank you FEA workers

Mira Nadan, Ba

I am writing this simple note to thank all the FEA workers around the country.

I have seen some of them struggle during the day….heat waves, rain and then to top it all . . . they work during the night with very little support.

It is truly amazing how they have coped as everyone wants to know when they will have power restoration in their areas.

I can’t thank you guys enough. True Heroes!!!

Estimation

Wise Muavono,  Lautoka

All Fijians connected to the Fiji Eelectricity Authority grid must have expected a drop in their monthly bill because to the days/weeks of blackout experienced Fiji wide post Tropical Cyclone Wilson.

Well this ain’t the case. FEA must have just did an estimation on all it’s customers, hence you pay roughly the same amount, even though our usage was much less. Sad eh ?

QVS name change

Tukai Lagonilakeba,  Nadi

May be our Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy might want to contemplate on changing the Queen Victoria School name to that of our kai Sabeto from Nadi after a cabinet approval and rename it the “Dr Satendra Nandan College”.

He is a scholar, a locally and internationally acclaimed academic, a poet, a guru in written English literature, a prolific writer, an ardent contributor to our dailies and author to the many written books of his, now and that of yester years.

QVS is basically an all boys boarding institution, but it would have been appropriate if it was named after an all girls school.

Many had opposed our country’s world acclaimed 2013 Constitution, they are the same people opposing our new Fijian flag and national identity.

They are the very same ones and groups that are working against our Government’s desire to make a better Fiji, a literate and modern sovereign Pacific Country.

Change is inevitable, we will all have to move with the time and accept the FijiFirst Government’s mandated agenda.

Heroic tales

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Suva

The heroic tales of many people who give their life on behalf of others is unbelieveable. Some are almost crazy and madness.

Their conscience tells them that danger is at hand; yet they ignore it   They go out of their way just to help others as if everything will be okay.  This is a sure sign in their trust in God for whatever Tropical Cyclone Wilson will dish out they are not afraid and whatever the future brings is of little effect.

He trusts his God will keep him and not let go.  The same kind of valor found in battlefield.On  a mourning note I thank the Fiji Rugby Union  for farewelling  our rugby warrior  in his final march carried  by former RKS mates and FRU mates .  It will be one way march for all of us one day.

The token of sympathy (tabua) by Paula Biu on behalf of the FRU speaks a lot of the joint sympathy they hold for such a fine young man  who departed prematurely and suddenly.

He would have been happy to know that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Francis Kean are involved in the rehabilitation of Fiji.  RIP Seru.

Lautoka Market

Harry Prasad,  Lautoka

With reference to one Wise’s letter regarding the cleanliness of Lautoka Market, let me correct him.

The Lautoka Market is always clean because if you ever go there at five in the morning, you will see the hardworking cleaners cleaning the outside and  bus stand every day.

In my observation, the vendors do throw rubbish everywhere and expect the hard working cleaners to clean up.

Lautoka City has been winning the clean city award for sometime and they are doing a great job in keeping the town clean.

I request Wise to accompany me on an all-expenses paid trip to see other markets around Fiji, to see for himself before saying that Lautoka is the dirtiest market.

By the way Allen Lockington do you even know where the rubbish from Nadi Market is dumped at before commenting? I feel these two gentleman need to get their priorities right to qualify their statement. Don’t generalise.

An absolute mismatch

Pranil Ram,  Nadi

Judging the result from this year’s World Rugby Pacific challenge, makes me wonder how our Fijian Warriors Rugby team was totally unmatched and unchallenged right from the start of the tournament till the final.

Even in the final, the Fijian Warriors seemed like they accounted for Samoa A easily and a 36 nil score line is a testimony for this. Is it that we were just too good for these other teams?

Even a Rugby 7s final of recent times has not got a score like this. Even some of the tackles I have been watching over television surely warrants not a few matches but rather few weeks’ suspension.

Surely the credibility of the whole tournament is in question. Probably that’s why Argentina pampers and Canada A pulled out and chose to participate in another tournament.

Are teams just bringing in their make shift squad assembled just few days before the start of the tournament?

My plea to World Rugby and Fiji Rugby Union, please can we see that in future we have quality oppositions to play against.

Expanding the tournament by bringing in more teams will do no good, when we do not have quality oppositions to play against and measure our performance.

Pray for  Mere

Pramesh Sharma ,  Suva

I was appalled to read in the Fiji Sun over the last few days with the graphic details of how a 14-year-old innocent girl was raped and murdered.

It is absolutely sad and shocking.

It concerns any individual that in the absence of a Court process, the Police has provided detailed report to the media of how the poor innocent little girl was murdered and in detail how she was raped.

This is not what a victim’s parent would expect.

It is further concerning that the Fiji Sun has continued to run this story again and again with the graphic details of this heinous crime with total disregard to how the family would be feeling. The whole of Fiji is sympathising with the family of little Mere Ailevu and certainly there are silent prayers being said asking for comfort towards the family.

There is a lot of very angry people who are very concerned about this incident in our beautiful country.

I urge the media to be sensitive to the information they publish in the interest of the sensitivity and the manner the family of innocent little Mere will feel.

I applaud the Commissioner of Police for dedicating maximum resources to identify and bring to justice those that are involved. I request that the Commissioner reviews the information the media cell provides to the media for publication.

A simple information as a girl was raped and murdered, investigations are underway, should suffice.

At least the family will not have to deal with graphic details of how their loved ones were treated through the media.

I pray for little Mere and her family at this very difficult time.

Amalgamated Laws

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori.

With all due respect to Alipate Qetaki’s views and Amenatave Yaconisau’s support on wastage of resources on Government’s intention of amalgamating all Laws and process to be followed, I beg to differ.

In 2004, I was invited to make a presentation to government cabinet chaired by the then prime minister Laisenia Qarase himself and attended by all his ministers in regard to the Fiji Wetlands Working Group proposition for Fiji to rectify the Ramsar Convention.

I was accompanied by the then director of Environment Epeli Nasome and Minister Pio Wong.

In my presentation, I stated that one of the challenges faced by Fiji is the structure of our laws.

There are so many overlaps and to put it in simple terms, it’s a mess.

Today, if we consider mangrove areas for example, they come under the jurisdiction of the Lands Act because they are below the high water mark.

But this same mangroves are the “kanakana” and “qoliqoli” of various mataqali (sub-clan) and yavusa (clan) and is demarcated and controlled by the Native Land and Fisheries Commission under the iTaukei Affairs Act.

If someone wants to catch crabs or fish in this same mangrove area for commercial purpose, then that is covered in the Fisheries Act.

If you want to log the same mangroves to sell them as firewood, then that is covered in the Forests Act.

Since these mangroves have rivers and meanders they are therefore also covered in the Rivers and Stream Act.

If a major development is to be carried out in this same mangrove area, then an Environment Impact Assessment in accordance with the Environment Management Act is to be carried out.

This is just an example and there are dozens more of such overlaps in the laws of Fiji.

This overlaps and intertwining legislations are the main causes of bureaucratic bottlenecks in governance.

A process that should take just a week, end up taking a few months because various ministries have to be consulted since the issue is covered in their legislation.

In reading the final report produced by these various ministries after all the consultations and etc, you will notice that a University of the South Pacific or Fiji National University graduate with one year field experience could have easily wrote that report in a couple of days.

At the end, it is the people of Fiji who suffers.

This eventually slows our development and progress as a nation.

This problem we face is also faced by other countries including developed nations and some of them are worse than ours.

So let us not think that there is a perfect “World Standard” benchmark for synchronising laws out there.

We must produce one that is custom-designed to our needs.

Many of our laws have been reviewed and some still yet to, but what we need is for the whole laws of Fiji to be restructured in such a way that they synchronise with one another with minimum or no overlaps and is workable practically.

If our current Government can achieve that, it will be the greatest legal achievement in our history as a sovereign nation.

FEA subsidy

Nirbhay Singh,  Labasa

Fiji Electricity Authority’s clarification is sought where in the bill it states that you ought not to exceed on daily usage of 3.12units and will not qualify even if you are within limit.

Under domestic category, it only states not exceeding 95kWh and nothing more.

How would a consumer know where to draw the line and monitor usage when only a bigger picture reference is give as 95kWh.

This is misleading information as far as your billing tariff category at the back of bill details outline.

Your urgent clarification is sought in this regard.

Death penalty is not the answer

Jean Hatch,  Nadi

Several readers have written in asking for the death penalty for rapists, or castration even.

However, research does not bear this ‘eye for an eye’ revenge attitude as a suitable deterrent at all.

In fact, the opposite outcome is true. In many states that use the death penalty for murders and rape – the direct correlation is that the crimes become progressively more violent too.

That is, in societies that practise the death penalty or capital punishment for heinous crimes – there is a direct increase in the violence of crimes in these societies.

Please readers, stop reacting.

It is natural to feel emotional, but irresponsible to suggest castration and the death penalty for rape or murder. These are barbaric practises too.

Our legislation needs to reflect our ethics and humanity, surely?

Do some research before suggesting more violence as a means to end violence. These are issues worthy of more intelligence than plain vengeance.

Any person is capable of revenge. But what kind of society will that produce? And what if someone is wrongly accused? What room is there for acquittal then?

Violent sentences only increase violent crimes.That’s a fact.

Punishment that fits the crime – yes; but by incarceration and due legal process…. not capital punishment. Otherwise, our society  becomes as barbaric as its perpetrators.

Winston donations

Jason Verma ,  Suva

A lot have been said and read in the news media about donations that came in from other countries and even condemning some countries for not doing more after Cyclone Winston.

These were the comments from people staying in the glass house, but as far as our nation is concerned, we are very grateful for your contributions and especially the  farmers whose house was blown away and all the crop destroyed and the poor villagers who sacrificed all to provide a decent dwelling for his family.

Not everything could be written in the news papers as some people were too distraught to even speak and did not know what to say.

My heart goes to the people of Fiji for doing as much as they could do and to all those who remained anonymous, what came out of this disaster was that we are still united regardless of race or religion.

Come what may, we are stronger than cyclones.

To the Government of the day, despite the criticisms,  you have really shown that you care for the people, regardless of race or creed.

Thank you Prime Minister Bainimarama and the team for the job well done.

A big vinaka vakalevu to all others.

Development and progress

Wise Muavono ,  Lautoka

‘Development’ and ‘progress’ are among the key words in our national vocabulary. The modern man now carries carbon monoxide in his blood, pesticides in his fat and asbestos in his lungs. A little more of this ‘progress’ and ‘development’, and this man will be dead.

Rawaca factor

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

Last week at a funeral gathering I managed to meet the sevens star Savenaca Rawaca who was a pall bearer and not knowing that we were both related to the deceased.

The size of this star was unbelievable and just to be told by him that he was just 23 and going on 24 later this year.

Clearly seen was the discipline that has been put in place for them by Ben Ryan.

He did everything at the funeral as he was one of pall bearers, he grabbed a spade at the burial, he pounded the yaqona and served yaqona at the hall till he departed.

It is unbelievable witnessing the player being a star and bringing himself down to earth to be among the fans that have only watched him on television.

But throughout his presence he never refused in accepting to have a photo taken or selfie with fans of all ages.

During the handshake during his departure back to Suva the villagers wished him all the best for the remaining leg and their blessing are with Save.

To Ben thanks for the discipline you have instilled that could be clearly seen in Rawaca and no wonder they carry out their task professionally whenever they are told to do so.Go Fiji Go.

Marriage

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I encourage Tourism of Fiji  to explore other avenues of getting young people to get married.  Sunset weddings are so common , something new please.

Meanwhile the turaga-ni-koro (village headman) is usually known as a yes man job (Rusiate Nayacakalou; Leadership in  Fiji) and normally holds allegiance  to the village chief on decision making (lewa) and the Bose vakoro (village councils).  The wellbeing of the village is in his hands  apart from his other duties in religion (lotu) and Government (matanitu)

The recent Tropical Cyclone Winston has catapulted his role from  the above to heading the administration  of ration supplies coordinating with all humanitarian organisation under the chiefs direction.

The turaga-ni-koro appears to be an important link to the villages.

On utility supplies, disconnection has reappeared in Delainavesi recently with no explanation at all.

Both Electricity and Water.

On Saturday March 19, electricity was disconnected from 5pm to 9pm and people take it with a stride and suffer silently because this seem to be the order of the day.

We take a lot of forbearance  in view  of the burden  hovering the country but this is a cruel treatment and degrades our emotional and physical wellbeing.

I hope this weekend it will not be the same. Such competencies is unacceptable.

Living in Fiji for the last 63 years, Ronald Gordon Welsh has visited 90 per cent of the islands in Fiji.

The 93-year-old is the first winner of Fiji Sun’s letter of the week competition.

Mr Welsh in his letter titled ‘Castrate, life term for child rapists’ said the appalling incidence of rape must stop and the only way it could be done was through harsh penalties to perpetrators.

Mr Welsh wrote his letter to Fiji Sun after reading an article on Mere Ailevu’s rape and murder.

He is saddened by the incident where 14-year-old Mere, a student of Lomary Catholic Primary School was found dead with a Tee-shirt tied around her neck at Loloma Beach, Pacific Harbour.

He won himself a Parker pen from Fiji Sun.

“I was shocked after reading the Fiji Sun,” he said.

“I felt the issue of rape was appalling and something should be done about it.”

He also sent the same letter to The Fiji Times but they did not publish the letter, he said.

“In terms of letters The Fiji Times coverage is not as good as Fiji Sun,” he said.

Mr Welsh said for the last two weeks he had been taking interest in reading ‘Letter to Editor’ sections in the two newspapers and their content is different.

“I hope to write more letters on different issues to Fiji Sun,” he said.

About Mr Welsh

Originally from England, Mr Welsh has been residing in Fiji for the last 63 years. His father was Scottish-Irish and his mother was of English-French descent.

At the age of 14 in 1937 Mr Welsh was still in school and worked part-time at an electrical company in Britain.

It was during Easter in the same year, he decided to do something different.

While working he saw some boys filling in forms to join the army. He decided to leave school and join the British Army.

As an army man he served in countries like Malaysia, Burma, Sri Lanka, India, United Kingdom and parts of East Pakistan. He was a Sergeant in the army where met his wife Muriel who was a Corporal in the army.

They got married in 1948 and had a daughter Susan who now resides in Ireland. Mr Welsh was part of World War II.

After WWII he and his family came to Fiji on February 28, 1953 and he worked at a local company, Millers Limited, now part of Morris Hedstrom, as a hardware manager.

His wife Muriel passed away 21-years-ago in Fiji and he now lives alone with his 7-year-old dog named Charlie.

He resided at Colo-i-Suva before moving to Pacific Habour in 1986.

After retirement from Millers Limited, Mr Welsh became a commercial diver and he was a dive guide for the BBC series Nomads of the Wind which took place in 1992.

The retired army sergeant, manager and diver is also interested in sports and has won numerous medals.

In 1971, he represented Fiji in the South Pacific Games in Tahiti and won a team gold medal in archery. The four member team included, Mr Welsh, Arnie Anfinson, Les Thompson and Prem Singh.

Mr Welsh is a good carpenter and built a boat known as Blue Dolphin, and others, alone.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

Death penalty is not the answer

Jean Hatch,  Nadi

Several readers have written in asking for the death penalty for rapists, or castration even.

However, research does not bear this ‘eye for an eye’ revenge attitude as a suitable deterrent at all.

In fact, the opposite outcome is true. In many states that use the death penalty for murders and rape – the direct correlation is that the crimes become progressively more violent too.

That is, in societies that practise the death penalty or capital punishment for heinous crimes – there is a direct increase in the violence of crimes in these societies.

Please readers, stop reacting.

It is natural to feel emotional, but irresponsible to suggest castration and the death penalty for rape or murder. These are barbaric practises too.

Our legislation needs to reflect our ethics and humanity, surely?

Do some research before suggesting more violence as a means to end violence. These are issues worthy of more intelligence than plain vengeance.

Any person is capable of revenge. But what kind of society will that produce? And what if someone is wrongly accused? What room is there for acquittal then?

Violent sentences only increase violent crimes.That’s a fact.

Punishment that fits the crime – yes; but by incarceration and due legal process…. not capital punishment. Otherwise, our society  becomes as barbaric as its perpetrators.

Winston Donations

Jason Verma ,  Suva

A lot have been said and read in the news media about donations that came in from other countries and even condemning some countries for not doing more after Cyclone Winston.

These were the comments from people staying in the glass house, but as far as our nation is concerned, we are very grateful for your contributions and especially the  farmers whose house was blown away and all the crop destroyed and the poor villagers who sacrificed all to provide a decent dwelling for his family.

Not everything could be written in the news papers as some people were too distraught to even speak and did not know what to say.

My heart goes to the people of Fiji for doing as much as they could do and to all those who remained anonymous, what came out of this disaster was that we are still united regardless of race or religion.

Come what may, we are stronger than cyclones.

To the Government of the day, despite the criticisms,  you have really shown that you care for the people, regardless of race or creed.

Thank you Prime Minister Bainimarama and the team for the job well done.

A big vinaka vakalevu to all others.

Development and progress

Wise Muavono ,   Lautoka

‘Development’ and ‘progress’ are among the key words in our national vocabulary. The modern man now carries carbon monoxide in his blood, pesticides in his fat and asbestos in his lungs. A little more of this ‘progress’ and ‘development’, and this man will be dead.

Rawaca factor

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

Last week at a funeral gathering I managed to meet the sevens star Savenaca Rawaca who was a pall bearer and not knowing that we were both related to the deceased.

The size of this star was unbelievable and just to be told by him that he was just 23 and going on 24 later this year.

Clearly seen was the discipline that has been put in place for them by Ben Ryan.

He did everything at the funeral as he was one of pall bearers, he grabbed a spade at the burial, he pounded the yaqona and served yaqona at the hall till he departed.

It is unbelievable witnessing the player being a star and bringing himself down to earth to be among the fans that have only watched him on television.

But throughout his presence he never refused in accepting to have a photo taken or selfie with fans of all ages.

During the handshake during his departure back to Suva the villagers wished him all the best for the remaining leg and their blessing are with Save.

To Ben thanks for the discipline you have instilled that could be clearly seen in Rawaca and no wonder they carry out their task professionally whenever they are told to do so.Go Fiji Go.

Marriage

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I encourage Tourism of Fiji  to explore other avenues of getting young people to get married.  Sunset weddings are so common , something new please.

Meanwhile the turaga-ni-koro (village headman) is usually known as a yes man job (Rusiate Nayacakalou; Leadership in  Fiji) and normally holds allegiance  to the village chief on decision making (lewa) and the Bose vakoro (village councils).  The wellbeing of the village is in his hands  apart from his other duties in religion (lotu) and Government (matanitu)

The recent Tropical Cyclone Winston has catapulted his role from  the above to heading the administration  of ration supplies coordinating with all humanitarian organisation under the chiefs direction.

The turaga-ni-koro appears to be an important link to the villages.

On utility supplies, disconnection has reappeared in Delainavesi recently with no explanation at all.

Both Electricity and Water.

On Saturday March 19, electricity was disconnected from 5pm to 9pm and people take it with a stride and suffer silently because this seem to be the order of the day.

We take a lot of forbearance  in view  of the burden  hovering the country but this is a cruel treatment and degrades our emotional and physical wellbeing.

I hope this weekend it will not be the same. Such competencies is unacceptable.

Good Friday

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,  Delta, BC, Canada

As the world enjoys the long Easter break, beginning today; why is it that in the Christian tradition, it is called Good Friday?

In a nutshell, on a Friday over 2000 years ago, the Lamb of God, the One typified by all the animal sacrifices for the remission of sin, died a sacrificial death on a cross at Calvary to redeem humanity from the curse of eternal death that hangs over our heads.

Fijians will remember the power of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston for a long time but it is nothing compared to the power of all the demonic forces combined as they worked on Jesus to give up His mission on behalf of His created beings.

Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” had Satan himself moving among the crowd, orchestrating Christ’s torture which spilled a lot of blood, but Jesus did not throw in the towel.

There was silence in Heaven as His angels looked on, ready to come to the rescue of their Heavenly Commander at the whisper of His voice.

By the time He was forced to carry His cross to Calvary, Jesus had lost a lot of blood and had no strength to carry it, and a bystander had to carry it for Him.

On that Friday afternoon as Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed to His Father to forgive all those who had a hand in His suffering and death.

Darkness covered the area as the Father could not watch His Son’s death when all the sins of humanity are laid on Him.

Abraham’s call to sacrifice his son Isaac typified the ultimate sacrifice God the Father would do to save fallen human beings through His Son Jesus Christ.

Good Friday is synonymous with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Sin separates and as Christ became sin for us and become our sin bearer, He felt for the first time the separation from His Father, which broke His heart after crying out, “Father, why have you forsaken me?”

As we enjoy Good Friday, pause for a moment to remember what Christ did on our behalf, not giving up on us, and as beautifully expressed in the song, “When He was on the cross, I was on His mind.”

Paul’s response should be ours also when he reasoned that we should all have died, but Christ died so that we should live and that because of this fact, we should live for Him who died for us (2 Cor. 5: 15)

Have a blessed Good Friday and Easter break, Fiji.

Cyclone homes

Christopher Jackson Mar,   Nadi

Both Government and structural engineers have expressed the need to build homes that can withstand Category five cyclones.

To ensure that home owners and the nation do not sustain the level of damage experienced during Cyclone Winston and the enormous costs of reinstatement, practical steps need to be taken now before too much reinstatement and rebuilding takes place.

Revised structural details in various languages need to be widely distributed and Government officials/village elders need to provide advice/supervision to builders/home owners to ensure that the higher standards are enforced during the various stages of construction.

In addition, the thickness of roofing iron has been very thin compared to those in the 1960s. Government should set minimum thickness standards for manufacturers and importers. The price of roofing screws are expensive and should be investigated.

Government should seek funding for the difference in costs to achieve the higher standard from the global funds to compensate small nations for negative effects of climate change.

Opinion leaders

Amenatave Yaconisau ,   Suva

I’m glad we have ‘me too’ opinion leaders amongst our columnist.

Whatever your reporters/journalist say they also agree and acknowledge. No criticism but praise.

Such positive thinking will be a good source of virtue and they don’t criticise anything but full of praise that shape positively anything.

But criticism is an old value of democracy inculcated by the education system where one is free to criticise as long as there are reasons to support it. A university education sharpens this critical ability but can also be deviant.

One of the great US Presidents, Thomas Jefferson, said that “We must not be afraid to follow the truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate an error as long as there are reasons to combat it”.  I entirely agree.

But there is a difference between the above and those who criticise merely with the intension of being destructive and mischievous.

The difference is obvious and we are glad this newspaper upholds proper freedom of the press and will not tolerate those who breach it.

On violence against young girls and women I’m surprised that the Minister for Women, Rosy Akbar, seems to be putting the blame for lack of monitoring by parents. This is nothing short of ignoring social problems pervading the country now making people furious for lack of action.

There is widespread emotion about the poor girl as reported by this newspaper and other similar cases in the past that should compel the ministry to recommend stiffer penalties.

Yet she looks for other reasons. If they can’t measure peoples’ opinion on this, take a public opinion poll. No one feels their women are secure. Ecclesiates 8:11 says that when a crime is not quickly punished, others are encouraged to break the law.

I hope it does not reach that level.

Frontline ‘A team’

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi.

They are the best, highly qualified Permanent Secretaries chosen after going through an interview process from a panel of judges, thus the tag “A Team”.

Great to see a mixture of expatriates and locals working together to implement our Government’s reform policies and I believe every Fijian will benefit from their appointments.

I would like to encourage all right-thinking Fijians to assist and support them in their endeavour to rid off corruption by reporting any public servant with a corrupt nature.

We are all equally responsible for making sure we achieve our Government’s ultimatum in making our country a safe, better, modern and economically sound Fiji.

It is our hope that we the current generation can guarantee that for all our future Fijians.

It’s a positive indicator on their appointment and I am equally confident that it will result in good delivery of government services at the expected standard of excellence to all citizens of this beautiful nation.

Vinaka vakalevu to Government for setting a standard of good accountable and transparent governance and leadership.

Walking the talk, if it is about Fiji then every Fijian must be held accountable for our nation’s progress, and why not? That’s our responsibility.

Rape sensitivities

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

I could not agree more with the Fiji Sun editorials and its many front page headlines on Mere Alievu’s brutally abused and violated body.

Thank you for freely doing the right thing by her family, you need not apologise to anybody for the words used. She was raped and with no respect for human life, she was brutally killed after the suspect or suspects had finished with her. What a disrespectful inhuman way to end a little girl’s innocent life.

The Old Testament [KJV] in the book of Leviticus chapter 3, it teaches us a Law of Moses which is still used and observed in some parts of the world today – “An eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth”, which simply translates to, “you kill rape and sodomise my child”. I have all the right to do the same to you, but this must be done publicly and it may be a deterrent.

Our 2013 Constitution does not allow for the guillotine or the hangman. I would like to ask Government to remove any pornographic site from the internet hub in Fiji.

This may be a start and perhaps the laws should be changed to allow the immediate families of the victim to dish the perpetrator the necessary punishment.

The Bible does not allow that people must die in that manner.

It is ungodly, unchristian and so very wrong, what a horrific way to end an innocent little girls life.

I would like to ask the relatives of all those missing men from the Vunibuabua and the Lepanoni settlement’s next to Pacific Harbour to call COMPOL and report their man or boy’s missing from their respective homes since the incident so they can be apprehended and be dealt with accordingly.

This unthinkable and outrageous crime is insane and violent, but one question has just come to mind, what if the culprit is caught in the act of rape?

Why can’t the relative of the girl in his defence to save and protect the victim ended up killing the idiot? Will the law protect the girl and her relative or the dead animal?

Morally wrong!

Sinless life

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

As we enjoy the Easter break, we must not be misled into focusing alone on Christ’s death and resurrection.

In order for His rescue mission to succeed, an important factor had to be fulfilled and that is Him living a sinless life.

Human sin was temporarily forgiven when the sinner brought in a sacrifice that was without blemish to die on his behalf, a sinless dying for a sinner.

Jesus lived a sinless life and His sacrificial death on our behalf was accepted by Heaven, resulting in the resurrection.

If Jesus died with one sin in His life, His mission would have failed, He would not have been resurrected and our very existence ends when we exit this life.

Let us not deceive ourselves by trying to show how deeply moved we are in Christ’s death on our behalf and His resurrection, but after this Easter break, walk contrary to the way Jesus walked on earth.

A meaty weekend

Floyd Robinson , Nasinu

With electricity cuts anticipated over the long Easter weekend, one can expect households to bring out meat from the fridge and prepare meals.

With electric cuts, there are threats of meat going off, because bacteria would be quick to work.

As we prepare for more sources of light let’s watch the diet because one can expect a meaty weekend.

Power on

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

After five weeks of living without power, Tuvu was finally reconnected to the FEA grid.

Two residence named “Dragon’s Cave” and the “Owl’s Perch” have grown accustomed to the dark that now the bright lights blind their eyes.

I hear that they now can mix their favourite beverage with their eyes closed. De ninja!

Bank cards

Sukha Singh , Labasa

How does it feel when you surrender your bank card to a money lender?

Could someone clarify the interest rates? Are they weekly interest rates or annually?

I hope no one sues anyone.

Holi and Easter

Ashneel J Prasad , New  Zealand

Do you know why we put colours on people on Holi? It is because, when we put colour on people’s face, they become unrecognisable, looks the same as person next to them.

We all become one. That’s how it should be. We all have the same rights, and should be given the same privileges.

No one should be classified as a second rate citizen.

Holi symbolises the victory of good over evil. Wishing everyone a happy Holi!

When Jesus was crucified, do you know what colour of blood was he bleeding? Red. Even Jesus taught us, we all are the same. We all bleed red.

If a God doesn’t discriminate, then who are we to discriminate others in his name?

Easter is not just a time for the long weekend; it’s a time for reflection.

Resilient vegetable

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Having recently purchased vegetables at the Lautoka and Suva municipal markets, I note that there is a decline in supplies.

Increased price tags are attached to the vegetables. However, there was one vegetable which appeared resilient having withstood the down pours and strong winds associated with Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

For some reason the ‘bhaji’ or ‘moca’ remains abundant in supply and is sold at reasonable prices.

It might be a small plant but stood tall even though a number of other vegetables were battered if not destroyed in the wind and rain.

More importantly, at a time when food security is a stake, the ‘moca’ or ‘bhaji’ offers much value.

Love the vegetable and when prepared with a touch of a recipe from Vanua Levu, one simply cannot get enough.

Where to invest

Sukha Singh, Labasa

The Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) just paid out $100,000,000 to 85,000 members.

FNPF should think about investing in electricity, food and nightclubs.

Sky Pacific

Ronald Welsh, Pacific Harbour

Sky Pacific at the moment is Sky Pathetic.

Apart from having a technical problem of some magnitude it also has THE DRUM.

This precedes all programmes, Woomf Woomf, Woomf Woomf, ad nauseum, it is also present during all programmes whenever there is a pause.

It interferes constantly.

I would never have imagined a professional transmitting organisation to be so amateurish. I sincerely hope that all problems and the Drum will be rectified when Sky is taken over on the April, 1.

PS: The dates a worry. April Fool’s Day!

Conjunctivitis

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

Conjunctivitis is a bacterial or viral affection on the inner eyelid which causes blood vessels to become inflamed resulting in eyes appearing reddish or pink.

It has been around for some time now and is spreading like wild fire among Fijians because we tend to socialise a lot.

Everyone is affected – children, teens and adults; and looks unstoppable once it starts. People, the way to prevent this contagious disease from spreading is to stop visiting friends or relatives for the time being until it is safe to do so.

Natural disasters

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

Allow me to give my two cents opinion on the subject discussed in the dailies by Korina Waibuta and Reverend Akuila Yabaki regarding the statement “Natural occurrences such as cyclones should not be attributed to God or acts of God” extracted from Reverend James Bhagwan’s sermon.

We all agree that God is in control and He knows everything that happens in this world.

Does this mean that He is the one who orchestrates natural disasters? Definitely not!

Read the Book of Job and we will find that God allowed Satan to use nature’s elements but not to take away Job’s life.

Satan has one aim and that is to destroy humanity before they could repent, but God being in control turns the tide and uses natural disasters and other calamities in life to give us a wake-up call and get right with Him.

Our relationship and standing with God will reveal where we stand on the question if natural disasters are an act or judgment of God or not.

‘A Team’ appointment

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The Government armchair critic, Dan Urai, had raised his concern on March 28.

Again, this time, contradicting himself on a baseless fact to which he is good at just so to prove his inability to appreciate the developments with its truth of which he is oblivion to what is positively happening daily around him.

For the information of Urai, Fiji’s ANZ Bank chief executive officer (CEO) is the chairperson of our Public Service Commission (PSC) and through him an overseas company was specifically appointed and tasked by Government to oversee the interview process from those applicants who had registered their interests for all the PS (Permanent Secretary) positions as advertised in our local media.

All those former Permanent Secretary terms were to expire early March 2016 and Government saw it fit to appoint an independent consultant panel to conduct and oversee independently the interviews and recommend to the PSC the best most suitable highly qualified candidates.

Accordingly the PSC chairman will then present their recommendations to the Minister for Public Service who will in turn make known the PS appointments to Cabinet for their endorsement which is normal government business.

For the sake of transparency, past and current governments including that of the 1999 Senior Chaudhry-led Labour government to which Dan was a critical part of will from time to time appoint such independent consultants to carry out specific tasks in the nation’s best interests.

Almost all current Permanent Secretaries are new appointments to their respective Government ministry’s but are certainly the best most highly qualified thus the tag ‘A Team’, and why not.

I’m personally saddened by the fact that Dan Urai did not personally submit his interest for the same as he would have been subjected to such high level scrutiny by those specialist panels of judges whereby he can personally appreciate why he will not qualify in such circumstance.

Driver’s plea

Neelz Singh, Lami

Five hundred and fifty-six traffic offences were recorded by Police during the Easter break.

Most of them were drunk driving, speeding, careless driving, other running offenses.

Thanks to Easter bunny there were NO road fatalities!

It seems traffic offences committed by provisional drivers were on rise.

Where are their defensive skills? What happened to driving courtesy?

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) should focus on educational awareness programme.

Crime penalty

Akhila Nand, Suva

The Bainimarama-led Government should consider re-introducing the death penalty. Any person found guilty of rape, murder and other serious crimes should be hanged.

Earlier this month I was robbed of two hundred dollars, shopping list, BSP ATM card and MHCC flash and gain card along Nina Street near the pharmacy.

I was on my way to the supermarket to do my monthly shopping and the time was 10.40am.

It was taken from my shirt pocket and it was inside an envelope.

I did not report the matter to Police because a few years back my wife was robbed of one hundred dollars cash and necklace. Although she had reported the matter to Police, no action has come about to date.

The robbers, I believe, are working in gangs and they rob people very fast and run away.

I also believe that the Police and Army should work together so that criminals are caught and punished by law.

Queen’s invitation

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I am glad that the HOS Mechanical Engineering Joji Marau has been invited to attend Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday banquet (27/3/16).

While Fiji is going through the process of severing links with the crown on its flag we are thankful that the Queen still has fond memories of us as its former colony, especially the retention of our cultural aspects in the Norwich museum.

The impact of British colonial domination here is obvious including its Westminster model of government, religion, education and national language that make us part of the free world until now.

Britain even had one of its frigates named HMS Fiji built in Scotland but was unfortunately sunk by German fockwulfe fighters in 1941 during the battle for Crete in 1941.

I wish Joji Marau an enjoyable trip on behalf of Fiji.

On terrorism it seems that the military may interfere in politics to protect its citizens in the face of danger and insatiable blood appetite of terrorists.

If violence especially the killing of innocent people continues citizens challenge to the right to rule by civilian government will start to erupt.

Such act of insubordination is obvious in Brussels where rowdy protesters were controlled by Belgian Police.

We have to fight to have the liberty of having a long natural life not be murdered by these bloodthirsty beings.

It will just be a matter of time when the army will confront these helpless civilian governments if such carnage is not stopped.

The army will just add to its strength by its enthusiasm to defend its citizens against extremist.

Pacific Rugby

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

We along side Samoa, Tonga seems to the forgotten in the Rugby world. We might not have the money that the World Rugby is after but we have the guts to take anyone on the field.

The Pacific blood is present in every powerhouse Rugby nation of the world, and most have become stronger and stronger through the Pacific ties.

The forgotten Pacific was clearly notice when a Japanese and Argentina side were part of the Super Rugby this year. Fiji was part of the introduction of the Super Rugby.

Fiji and Samoa has been dominating the Sevens Rugby but has not given a chance to host a Rugby seven series.

With the recent action by the World Rugby towards the Tongan Rugby Union seems childish and the are suppose to developing Rugby to the nation rather than holding them responsible to something beyond their control.

We should get behind the future of Rugby in the Pacific and protest in whichever way we can to show solidarity.

Seasonal work woes

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

Allow me to share my opinion as a recruitment agent on the seasonal work woes, where we have Fijian seasonal workers in Australia walking out because of being underpaid and exploited.

I believe the Ministry of Labour did not perform its due diligence when they sent out the Fijian seasonal workers to Australia.

They have a law whereby all recruitment agents are to pay a bond of $20,000 as a safety measure should any problems happen to our Fijian workers and that before leaving the country, the employer, worker and the MOL should sign a contract, ensuring that the work is genuine, the pay and other necessary details.

I believe this was not done because the ministry is the governing body, does not have to pay the $20,000 bond and is allowed not to follow its own laws.

Anyone who has done seasonal work will know that fruit picking is not an hourly paid job.

Workers are paid by the quantity, where the more one picks the more money one earns.

I believe the workers were not explained this, and to be taxed on top of it really hurts. But all this is avoidable had the ministry did its due diligence in the first place.

Seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand should be handled by the private sector who paid a bond of $20,000 to get their recruitment licence and who are willing to have its own people working in the farms to ensure our people are happy.

But as it is, Government has its own recruitment agency and the seasonal work agreement made with Australia and New Zealand cuts off Fijian recruitment agents who have paid their $20,000 bond.

I believe Fiji can be sending seasonal workers by the hundreds if our own recruitment agents are given a piece of the pie.

Cika

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

A husband contracted the “cika” and the wife didn’t allow him to share the same bed with her. After a few unsuccessful attempts like suggesting to just lie facing the other way, tying a cloth over his eyes etc, their son just quipped, “Ta, dara ga nomu welding shield.” (Dad, just wear your welding shield).

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

For the love of trees

Vivien Counsell Mitchell, Serua

How many of us are horrified at the deplorable destruction of our large trees in urban landscapes?

For some time we have watched as mangroves and/or the wetlands that form their natural habitat in the Lami area have been sacrificed in the name of development. We are now seeing tragic destruction of the magnificent trees at Albert Park in Suva, at Shirley Park in Lautoka and elsewhere. That it should be by human hand, of an asset that should be protected, not destroyed makes it even more tragic. Trees have never been more important to the planet, and to us, its inhabitants.

Now that we are truly feeling the effects of climate change how is it that some of us still fails to see (or perhaps choosing not to) how important trees are, particularly in urban areas?  I, for one, find no appeal in an urban jungle without the aesthetic appeal of large trees, not to mention their importance in carbon dioxide/oxygen exchange.

How really beautiful are the huge rain-trees in Ratu Sukuna Park?  Are they at risk, I wonder?

The Albert Park development plan, as presented to the public, showed trees. Did we all make the mistaken assumption that these were the trees already there? Now it appears, if in fact trees really are a part of the design concept, any greenery/landscaping will be new plants instead. Why on earth would anyone in their right mind cut down large trees and replace them with small ones?

I’d like to respectfully remind the Suva City Council that they are responsible for the assets owned by the people they represent. They do not own these assets. It is not for them to decide to remove large trees without public consultation, accompanied by a compelling argument for their case. I repeat,  ‘compelling’.

Given the importance to the urban environment of large trees, our town planners, architects, landscapers must be required to incorporate existing large trees into any new plans for urban development.

The Albert Park trees were at the periphery, so why were they decimated? I know I’m not alone in my outrage over the wholesale destruction of these trees. A great many cities overseas protect their trees and take proper care of them. I do not wish to hear excuses (whether fact or fiction) that they were diseased. There is an abundance of evidence that in urban areas overseas trees are properly cared for, and diseases are treated. Tree surgeons can prune or remove sections of trees without killing them off.

It is long past time we established an urban tree protection scheme, and enforced it. We may be the victims, environmentally speaking, of the actions of first world countries, but that cannot excuse any contribution we may make towards global warming ourselves.

No more ring-barking or cutting down of large trees in Suva, Lautoka or any other urban area in this country, when with a little professional imagination they can be incorporated into plans for development.

I strongly urge, beg even, anyone who feels similarly, to speak out loudly and continually until we see a change in attitude and law.

Homeless problem

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

I am beginning to realise why people prefer to sleep at bus stands and on the streets.

Some of them are served breakfast as early as 5am, which consists of boiled eggs, half loaves of bread with butter, muffins and a hot cup of coffee or tea. Some usually have buffet lunch and dinner which is provided by some ‘Good Samaritans’ and religious groups.

While speaking to so of them early yesterday morning I found out some prefer not to do any work because they usually beg for money that will provide them with liquor, grog and even glue to get high on.

With food and drinks provided these so-called street people prefer not to do any work. With such attitude the long-aged problem of beggars and street kids will be an everlasting problem.

Road accidents, deaths

Indar Jit, Navua

The increasing number of road accidents and deaths on our roads is a matter of great concern.

The law enforcement agencies have been raising awareness and issuing warnings on road safety, but how much of their advice and warnings are followed remains to be answered.

Looking back from year 2010 to April 2015, the report released by the law enforcement agency shows that 249 lives were lost because of road accidents. Out of these 249 cases, 141 involved speeding. In November last year there were 60 road deaths. Most of these deaths were related speeding as well.

In the first two week this year there were four road deaths recorded. The number keeps increasing and people are less bothered about road safety.

During the Easter Holidays, the Fiji Police Force booked 556 traffic related offences, out of which 424 were booked for speeding. A number of drivers did spend their Easter Holidays inside the Police cell.

The Fiji Roads Authority has signs advising drivers, how fast they can drive their vehicles. Majority of the roads are two-way traffic. Driving beyond the speed limit signs, it is obvious that accident will occur.

As said by the chief executive officer of the Land Transport Authority, there are still many idiot drivers out there. As said, after the accidents, vehicles can be repaired but if one’s life is lost because of road accidents, the life will be lost forever.

We all must understand that road safety is designed for the safety of everyone. Pedestrians and the drivers should be vigilant when using the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding and careless driving have caused many accidents.

The law enforcement agency is trying its bets to tackle the problem first-hand. However, looking at the figures released by Police, one has to agree that many of the drivers need to change their attitude.

They have to understand that the safety of the public on our roads remains entirely in their hands.

Many of these drivers need to change their attitude and poor habits.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

The winner of our Letters to the Editor column this week, Reverend Cliff Bird, believes that ‘Respect’ should not be a hindrance to reporting crimes.

He said this issue was prevalent in most Pacific Islands.

His letter titled ‘Eternal rest’ won him a Parker pen. Reverend Bird is our second weekly winner to date.

“Respect for people should not silence people who should be reporting these criminals,” he said.

“We cover up so many evil and injustices under the word respect,” he said.

Reverend Bird said respect had its place thus it was imperative to condemn cases that affected people.

“We need to start from grassroots level and that is by teaching our youngsters on the importance of attitude and respect,” he said.

Reverend Cliff Bird is the Uniting World Regional Co-ordinator which facilitates the Uniting Church’s international partnerships.

Source: Litia Cava

Aiana programme

Avinesh Sen, Nasinu

I wish to comment on the ‘Aaina’ programme that came over the air on Wednesday, March 30.

The guest on the show was Shamima Ali, who, throughout the programme, spoke at length about the sexual harassment issues at the evacuation centres around the country.

To my amazement, and during the whole time she spoke, not a single data was presented as evidence to the listeners to quantify the actual problem. We all know that evidence is the key to substantiate any allegation and hear say cannot be accepted by the educated public listening out there.

I am not disputing the fact that such things can happen at the evacuation centres, but what I am concerned about is the way this issue is being presented to the public.

I am aware that there are some who would like to make a real issue out of nothing and I hope this issue does not fall in these criteria.

A small advice also to the host, please ensure that the contents of such programmes are fact-based and supported through evidence or else it does not make any sense.

Call lines were open for victims to make calls and share stories but not even a single victim called over. The only data that has been made public by the Police is just one such incident that happened in Savusavu.

Please do not let such an auspicious programme become a medium for struggling NGOs to make noises.

We, the public need facts and not fictitious stories.

Sunshades on tracks

Joji Toronibau, Tunuloa

While on a routine errand I saw an athletics zone meet at the All Saints Secondary School ground yesterday.

It was amazing to see students jumping and stomping the grounds cheering for their teams and I thought, I was watching Usain Bolt in blistering pace on the tracks with his famous sunshades because most of the students taking part were wearing sunglasses.

But with a Bati Ni Tanoa anecdote that evening, I was informed that conjuctivities or ‘Red Eye’ was the order of the day.

Hope the eye drop medicine will not be a problem soon.

Semi Radradra

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The devastating super league winger deserves all the support he can get from all rugby league crazy Fijians and specifically from our very own FRL officials. The only other former Fijian player to grace both the State of Origins and to have represented Australia on many historical occasions was the legendary Petero Civoniceva.

To Semi, this is realistically about his dream as a young man, the dollars, his family security and their future welfare as he can only play the game for a certain number of years before he is prematurely injured or retires and it’s his only opportunity, the moment of truth his been waiting for.

Fiji rugby league has absolutely nothing to lose from Semi’s success as there are many other professional players and locals who can do better and take over from him in representing our country at international level, it’s an excellent career opportunity for another blockbusting Fijian to rise up to the occasion and prove his worth.

Radradra has played and served his country with distinction, but it is time to move on, go you good bloke, the sky is the limit.

Home remedies

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

I’ve been hearing different types of home remedies that will prevent and combat the red eye disease.

From using herbal leaves, rubbing vapor rub below the eyes, rinsing the eyes with water and turmeric and even breast milk.

Well good luck to whichever one you’re comfortable with. For those that’ll prefer the breast milk remedy, please don’t try helping yourself. It will be redeye to black eye.

Scrap metal

Sukha Singh, Labasa

If there are any scrap metal dealers around please contact me.

I have a Sky dish and a Sky decoder to give away since they no longer can catch Fiji One.

Law and grace

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

We now have in custody an alleged serial rapist and murderer, and from the information supplied in the dailies, this was allowed to happen because those who knew what was happening wanted to apply the Biblical teaching of law and grace themselves.

Don’t get me wrong, Christians who have been saved by grace should apply that same grace to others who wrong them, but when a serious crime has been committed and the law of the land has been broken, we are aiding and abetting the same if we apply grace and sweep it under the carpet.

In this case, the alleged serial rapist and murderer did not learn from his mistakes but kept doing his thing without any respect of the law and the rights of individuals.

We should follow the principles of law and grace applied by some Fijians, who when a criminal offence has been committed to one of his family members and the offending party comes up using the iTaukei way of seeking forgiveness, he would say: “I have forgiven you for the pain and suffering you have caused my family but because this is a criminal offence, I will let the Police handle the matter concerning the breach of the law.”

Simione

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

Isa, I read with sadness in FS 30/3/16 the untimely death of Simione Naikarua, my fellow kingsmen from Burenitu, Nalawa, RA .

He was such a fine gentleman who has been involved widely in private and public sector management the last of which as CEO for Nasinu Town Council where I had the privilege of working with him. He was also engaged with the Uluda holdings the company of the RA province.

To me he exemplifies the best of Fijian managers and does things simply with people more important than anything. He would be best described as a human talent manager and leaves room for people to grow. Such a loss to the country and to his vanua of Ra.

May he rest in peace.  Sa moce Simione.

Weather forecast

Julius Kamali, Nadi

So often we constantly hear updates of where the eye of the cyclone is located or moving.

This mode of communication best suits mariners.

Location codes like degrees, west-south-west and the likes are unknown to the majority of rural dwellers and some urban dwellers, like myself, who struggle to figure out where the eye of the cyclone is.

It’s time to modify this to the benefit of all cross sections of Fiji and the Pacific.

By now the names of all the villages and settlements in Fiji are well known to all forms of the media – radio, TV, mobile phones and newspapers.

When the path of the cyclone is known or expected, the names of all the affected villages should be announced so that all those directly impacted will take heed accordingly, especially the young, old and vulnerable.

Cricket Fiji

Mohammed Zubaid Jameel, Lautoka

As a cricketer it is a sorry sight to see that the enhancement of cricket in Fiji is really slow.

Considering the Fijian Under-19 team taking part in the cricket World Cup in Bangladesh at the beginning of the year, I firmly believe that cricket should be taken seriously in Fiji and more initiative should be taken by Fiji Cricket Association to build a better base for cricket in the country.

Secondary school cricket is currently dead in the country and I’d like that the cricket association to do something about it because there must be quite a lot of teenagers willing to take part in the sport.

As a secondary school student I want cricket to be one of the most played sport in the country like the way rugby, soccer and netball is played, but if the Fiji Cricket Association doesn’t take initiative there won’t be a improvement done. Time for improvement!

Telecom service

Conan Hatch, Nadi

I write this rather reluctantly and as a last resort about getting my telephone line fixed.

My telephone had started giving a strange beeping sound about two weeks before the cyclone and I lodged a fault complaint with the Telecom Namaka branch at the same time.

The internet data connection is working but cuts out every two minutes or so.

Since then, it’s been about seven weeks but no one from Telecom has visited to fix the fault.

I have visited the Telecom Namaka branch over four times during the seven weeks and spoke to the staff there about this but it’s been to no avail.

In my profession, I have to use the phone a lot along with emails and internet via the same line so it’s been quite a frustrating experience for me as well as people trying to contact me.

My only other alternative has been to use my mobile phone and pray a lot while using the internet connection.

It is really like living on a deserted island where Telecom has the only boat anchored out at the reef.

You can see it but it’s no use to you or anyone else. I am sending this message in a bottle and I hope you get it.

Maybe Telecom might come closer to land and rescue me before you get this message.

Blocked drains

Neelz Singh, Lami

Every time it rains heavily the blocked drains and sideways emerges of pile of rubbish, bottles, cartons, house-hold and industrial waste.

Don’t blame the drains; it’s the rubbish that people throw everywhere ends up in drains. Litter awareness seems to be neglected.

Police data

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I acknowledge the Fiji Police Force for producing crime statistics in this newspaper (FS 31/3/16).

The Police should tell the public how it attempts to lower it instead of attributing women and child crime to parental negligence and cultural norms.

Whether it improves community policing, recommend stiffer penalties to elected representatives people need to know what is being done to curb crime and protect them.  It may be useful to find out why crime happens more in May June, July periods.

Suggestion from women’s movement and Save the Children organisation will give people a more direct influence over crime statistics. It’s part of handling women’s, girls and gender rights in Fiji.

To do nothing would be inviting chaos if peoples’ wishes are not heard. I am sure Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho will do something about it.

SODELPA

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

A fellow disappointed letter writer is insisting that it does not make good sense and undemocratic for Ro Teimumu, as Leader of the Opposition, to be disregarded and overlooked by our ruling FijiFirst Government in its quest to boost their ‘kerekere’ coffers to rich nations for our rehab assistance post severe TC Winston.

If one thinks the SODELPA Opposition leader can prove a whole world of difference during our country’s time of need in its rebuilding and reconstruction phase post TC Winston than she is more than welcome to show Fijians her plans on how best she can contribute constructively and more meaningfully.

Our FijiFirst government was overwhelmingly voted in by the majority and mandated to govern, reengineer and manage our economy, clear the backlogs, weed corruption and strictly not to engage with Ro Teimumu’s Opposition for the next four years as it will be politically suicidal.

Please, let us not politicise our current situation but concentrate on the task at hand because it is absolutely nonsense when our fellow dear Fijians affected are still suffering and reeling from the aftermath, destruction, shock, trauma and devastation from the Monster TC Winston.

Just a reminder to those that have forgotten, SODELPA and Ro Teimumu were voted into the Opposition by their supporters but not to govern. That is simply where they belong until the 2018 elections. It is the Fijian peoples’ verdict and so will the FijiFirst government’s political agenda.

In hindsight, all these international donors will synchronise, collaborate as they only recognise the legitimate ruling FijiFirst government of the day but not the Opposition; it has always been like that ever since in any circumstance.

The ultimate cornerstone and demonstration of our Fijian made democracy was when Ro Teimumu’s vote of no confidence against Voreqe Bainimarama’s tested leadership was overwhelmingly defeated during our last Parliament session.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Rebuild it better

Edward Anderson, Suva

Cyclone Winston laid a swathe of destruction over Northern Lau and lands along the Vatu-i-Ra passage.

Suva escaped with only minor damage. It could have been much worse if the cyclone struck Suva with its full force.

I have been studying pictures of the construction of homes and schools in the worst affected areas. Why were some homes completely destroyed, others left standing in the same area?

It appears that many homes and some public structures were not built to resist cyclones. Most of the homes had short timber posts supporting a wooden floor, a rectangular framed main structure above that, and a peaked roof and roofing iron kept the water out. The walls are sometimes made of roofing iron and sometimes of wood. This structure is OK for the weight of the house and its contents, but it is inadequate for sidewise forces or lifting forces such as strong winds.

A rectangle is good for supporting weight, but only a triangle resists forces from any direction. The lack of diagonal bracing and steel tie plates to connect the main structure to the posts and the rafters to the roof, led then destruction of many homes. Roofing iron often blows away because it is fastened with widely spaced nails, not roofing screws. When the corrugated iron blows away, much of the diagonal strength is gone. The house will begin to break up. Keep the lid on!

Many cement block houses suffered a similar fate. Iron reinforcement would reduce the damage.

Job audit

Joe Smith, Pacific Harbour

Staff members from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) with Eftpos machines in the Western Division are physically tracing farmers seeking unpaid rents.

Perhaps this new policy devised by the Board might pay dividends.

Similarly there should also be a job audit especially for regional managers whose tables are piled up with long pending files and holding up revenue.

Adopt-A-School

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

It is working. A great many thanks to our Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, in his foresight to ask our international development partners and non government organisations that they adopt a Fijian school devastated by the Cyclone Winston.

Of special mention is Queen Victoria School (QVS) that has benefitted with the Indonesian government now finalising arrangements on key issues to adopt and fully reconstruct this boarding school.

It is a noble gesture and it will see our Fijian children benefit many folds from this opportunity and arrangements.

I have yet to hear a word of vina du riki to our PM and Mahendra Reddy from those ungrateful QVS Parents and Teachers Association and the Old Scholars Association.

Out of the total 42 primary schools damaged, our mates from Australia have opted to adopt 26 schools from the Western and Northern divisions with a budget of $1.6million.

Thank you to both governments and their lovely people for their generousity. Your countries have contributed tremendously to rescue and uplift Fiji’s education sector.

7s for Hollywood

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

Many say that Hong Kong is the ‘Mecca of Sevens Rugby’.

Some people in Fiji believe that winning Hong Kong alone is more important than winning everything else. But this belief cannot be true this year as Ben Ryan has already correctly pointed out.

We have the Rio Olympics in August as our top priority where he needs his players to be in top form.

Defending the World Sevens Series is our second priority. Although winning Honk Kong is important to achieving the second priority, it does not hold the same significance in our attempt to achieve our first priority.

We can beat everyone in Hong Kong but still fail to qualify for the semifinals in Rio.

The Rio Olympics will be a totally different ball game this year. Many countries will send in their ‘Dream Teams’ and star athletes in various sports and Usain Bolt will be running for Jamaica. Even Manny Pacquo is hopeful of representing the Philippines in boxing.

To make the 7s rugby competition tougher, England, Wales and Scotland will now combine and play as Great Britain.

Star professional rugby players like Sonny Bill Williams, Akira Iowane, Brian Habana, Quade Cooper, etc are now plucked out of their Super Rugby teams to help New Zealand, South African and Australian rugby unions attempt for gold at Rio.

But Ben Ryan’s wish of securing the services of Nakarawa or other players like Nayacalevu or Nemani Nadolo is now just a dream. The Fiji rugby Union (FRU) and Ben cannot secure their release. Samoa and Tonga also suffered similar shortfalls.

But despite this already uneven playing field in Rio, Ben is confident that his boys will make us proud.

He believes that the true value of a team can only be measured from the sum of a team’s combined commitment and ability to work together smoothly and effectively. Not from the sum of the value of its individual parts.

If Fiji wins gold in Rio this year, it will be a perfect conclusion to a Hollywood blockbuster where Ben Ryan’s character starts with a unpaid coaching contract, then the 44-0 thumping of the Kiwis, the World Sevens Series win, then to Cyclone Winston and then finally to Rio.

Who knows? If properly directed, the movie may win an Oscar.

Priorities

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Some towns are flooded and still we see people in town doing their normal things in flood waters.

I was informed that some businesses were forcing employees to move their stock to higher ground to prevent stock being damaged. What is more important, a person’s life or stock?

Many people have died during Cyclone Winston and I request the authorities to look into this before more lives are lost.

Bad weather

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

Bad weather is upon us, and after what we went through in February, it will be stupid not to follow the current weather situation.

Flooding is taking its toll and the heavy rain bands are making life difficult for our students. There is simply no point in students going to school and having to return home in our current weather conditions.

I hope the Minister for Education looks into this thoroughly and makes the right decision to keep the children at home unless it feels safe to send them back. This simply is not a joke.

The rivers and creeks have swollen and the strong currents are unpredictable.

We don’t want to see more damage and destruction this time around thus it will be better to take all the warnings seriously.

We simply cannot control the weather and showing laxity now will have consequences. We have learned a lot from Cyclone Winston and we should start preparing well in advance.

If the scenario changes and there is improvement in weather then good for all, but otherwise let’s be on our toes.

Let’s hope all goes well, and all parents, please keep a close watch on your children. It pays to be prepared.

Let’s pray for Fiji and its people. We simply cannot afford another destruction, especially now.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Flood casualties

Suresh Chand, Nadi

The widespread flooding experienced in the Western Division over the past two days has left Police worried because one is dead and another is missing in the Sabeto River in Nadi.

They become the first reported casualties of the present bad weather pattern. Police say they will consider enforcing stricter movement laws if people keep crossing flooded rivers. I fully support the idea.

Police should not delay enforcing such laws if they are really concerned saving lives of our people. We will never be able to stop the people coming near the flood waters unless the laws are enforced seriously as mooted by Police immediately.

To enforce the laws is another thing as the area is vast and remote and Police can’t be in all the places all the time. But they can try.

Let’s hope there are no further casualties like this.

Privileges of democracy

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

Your newspaper has published many letters on this column written by people of different backgrounds.

Some write what they think. Some write about what they know and some write about what they wish.

There are also those who write to press a point and no matter how insignificant their point is compared to the facts of the matter, they will try to charm and sweet talk readers to convince them that they have a valid point no matter how irrelevant that point is to facts of the whole issue.

With today’s technology, it is amazing when you check up such people’s backgrounds you find out that they have no experience or qualification to give them any clue of what they are talking about.

These are the privileges of democracy.

Revelation, media freedom

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I acknowledge the revelation in this newspaper by the Attorney-General (A-G) that more than $3million has already been collected by the PMs Relief and Rehabilitation funds (FS 2/4/16).

I think the public need to know the total amount collected and the purpose it’s been used for. This is all about accountability.

On media freedom I think ‘Coconut Wireless’ should be taught the difference between citizen and ethnicity before making irresponsible and conceited comments in the ‘Coconut Wireless’ of this newspaper.

It will only make people furious if culture unique to their ethnicity has been undermined. Our Constitution recognises this differences in its preamble particularly the unique culture, customs, traditions, and language including that of ancestors of Indentured labourers from British India. But it also declares that we are all Fijians by citizenry according to section (5)(1) of the  Constitution.

We simply cannot usurp others cultural identity because it’s contrary to what the Constitution dictates. It’s unique to their own community. Such freedom of speech can only create anger.  The Constitution cannot be ignored and dominated by such arrogance. Be sensitive for the sake of this newspaper please. I plead with the editor to monitor this column well.

Climate change

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

It is real!

Climate change is the end result of the human race abuse emanating from our inability to respect and manage this magnificent planet earth with its wonderful biodiversity, ecosystem coupled with its fabulous environment which was given in an all perfect complete state by His Holiness the Lord God our creator.

It is an illness of the mind where there is out of all, no respect for what was never ours in the first place and it now equates to natural disasters in our own making through floods, cyclones, earthquakes, tsunami, whirlwind, drought, holocaust and nuclear war.

There are only two things that rule this world; they are either a decision or indecision.

The harsh reality we are now faced with is, our divine Lord Jehovah punishes mankind by returning to the human race our own irresponsible garbage resulting from our mismanagement and disrespectful nature so we may learn and relook at our own ways. So let us stop blaming our Maker when something goes wrong and we all must stop asking him for mercy and forgiveness as we are only making ourselves look like idiots.

Let’s go back to the ‘Great Flood’ during Noah’s lifetime. Jehovah had promised mankind there will never again be a flood of the same magnitude. Every now and then the Lord reminds us of the same through his indescribable rainbow, but what is happening now? It is from our very own ignorant arrogant carelessness.

There is certainly just too much pride at stake and it belongs to the fools, but may I ask, is God really obliged to listen to our prayers? No, he doesn’t. He selectively chooses because in the Book of Psalms it confirms in Chapter 139 verses 1 it reads: Lord you have seen what is in my heart, you know all about me. 2. You know my highs and my low; you know what I am thinking even though you are far away. 3. You know when I go out to work and when I come back home; you know exactly how I live. 4. Lord even before I speak a word, you know all about it. 5. You are all around me, you are behind me and in front of me; you hold me in your power. 6. I am amazed at how well you know me lord; it’s more than I can understand.

From Adam and Eve to you and me he tested us all. He knew us well before we were born says King David in Psalms 139:13.

Collectively, I am confident that the current generation can holistically make a change to guarantee a better world for our future Fijians and beyond? Or do we really deserve this once majestic planet.

‘Cika’ and church

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Donald Singh raised an important question regarding believers who still go to church with conjunctivitis (red eye).

From experience, I would say that from the day one gets infected up to the day one feels that the infection begins to heal and move towards normalcy, he or she should not be mingling with people.

This should be the one time believers should stay at home while their minds are in church.

Those with ‘Cika’ who still make it to church kind of sends a message that they love their Lord and Saviour and infected eyes are not stopping them.

On the other hand, it would be a perfect excuse for the 50-50 Christian to rest at home but managed to get to work on time with their dark glasses during the week.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Sky TV

Bob Kishore, Nakasi

A lot was promised and shrieked during the transition and transaction time by Digicel when acquiring Sky Pacific.

I ear wigged and expected the following from their announcements.

1. Restoration of Spanish and Italian league
2. Restoration of Champions and Europa League
3. Restoration of Hindi Movie Channels

I even don’t mind paying the 15 per cent VAT if I can get the above.

To date I have seen none. I can’t understand anything currently being screened on TVWAN.

TVWAN sports are just highlights and news from sports which I can also see to FBCTV. I hope it’s not going to be from bad to worse.

Let us all hope and pray that it improves with the weather.

Just relax and have fun

Norman Yee , Nadi

It was heart-stopping watching our Vodafone Fijian 7s team play against Canada.

It gave me the feeling that they were too serious and hyped up about winning in Hong Kong and Rio.

Forget about the results, boys, just relax, toss the ball around and have fun like you used to.

The results will look after itself!

Go, Fiji go!

Mind Your Language

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

It will be a super exciting weekend of rugby as national teams clash head to head at the ‘Mecca of Sevens’ rugby, the Hong Kong Sevens Tournament.

As usual emotions are likely to run high as fans have their views of favourite teams and players performances.

All in all, don’t forget to mind your language when watching those nerve wrecking matches, especially when innocent children and infants are around.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to watching new movies like the Huntsman Winters War.

Also looking forward to updates from Luisa and Maxy on the movie ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’.

Opportunists

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Most market vendors in the Western Division have raised the price of fruits, root crops and vegetables.

Some vegetable prices were increased about 600 per cent, and believe me I am talking about old stock.

One heap of eggplant which was sold for $1 before is four dollars.

Long bean is $6, before the flood it used to be $1.

On the same note many shops will be selling damaged items and consumers better be on the lookout for those items because of warranty.

My advice, be careful of some traders who will try and make money in anyway they can!

Division of Earth

Lawrence Narayan, Suva

According to scientists, global warming is the result of large parts of oceans becoming warmer every year which is drastically affecting our natural habitat causing cyclones and other natural disasters.

Incidentally, the Bible teaches us that when God created the Earth it was “DRY LAND” with four rivers and small bodies of water called seas (Genesis 1:10).

The four large oceans were not part of the Creation act but because of sin, God sends the ‘Great Flood’ in Noah’s time. Sometime later He confuses the languages of the people who initially spoke only one language.

Then God splits the earth into seven separate continents that was previously one piece of land mass.

Both creationists and evolutionists agree that there was originally one super continent called Pangea. Here is a link that explains how the continents were formed after the Great Flood https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HDb9Ijynfo

The Bible supports this view in Genesis 10:25 it states “Two sons were born to Eber, one was named Peleg because in his time the earth was divided.”

Peleg (which means divide) was born 100 years after the flood and lived for 239 years. The division of the earth is said to have taken place during Peleg’s lifetime.

Panama Paper leaks

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

The Panama Paper leaks  as reported by The Daily Mail, The Guardian , New York Times, Aljazeera, and Indian Express newspapers printed in the Fiji Sun 8/4/16 indicates the level of accountability of some world leaders.

It shows the murky world of tax evasion, money-laundering and corruption by top public officials. It involves top leaders, PMs, Presidents and their relatives amongst others.

Sukha Singh’s letter on the same is relevant.

I remember the submission of the military to the constitution committee that included a section on ethical conduct of public officers that aims to eradicate corruption of public officials.

That became section 149  more particularly section 149(f) of the constitution  where public officers and their direct relatives  are required to surrender all financial interest  annually to the Accountability and Transparency Commission and for such information to made accessible to the public.

It’s almost two years now that has not happened.  Animal farm gain?

2018 poll candidates

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

The media has reminded potential 2018 Election candidates of the 18-month residential requirement under the Constitution and Electoral Decree.

To qualify, one must be present and living in Fiji for no less than 18 months in the two year period which may possibly be calculated backwards from any date between April 6, 2018 and October 13, 2018.

I believe some election candidates were ruled out in the 2014 General Elections because of this rule.

Thank you media, and the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, for the timely reminder to all would-be 2018 election candidates.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj