The other night, I dreamt that I was in the centre of a cyclone.
Shielding my face as best as I can, I stared up into the sky. Giant white clouds swirl like a spiralling galaxy above me; the eye a tiny dark speck.
It consumed me and I felt my mind taken, memories flooding my thoughts.
The storm rages, throwing out bloody rain like punches.
The wind was so vicious it teared my clothes, cut my skin and almost overturned my basin of grog. Damn!
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We read in The Sydney Morning Herald that “Dozens of high-profile Labor figures, including former premier Bob Carr, have signed an open letter declaring the human rights of Palestinians have been “grossly violated”.
That gross violation has been going on for over seven decades since the dispossession of the Palestinians and Israeli occupation and oppression.
I applaud the conscientious Labor figures for breaking ranks with the mainstream mob to speak out against a grave wrong perpetrated
on the Palestinians by Israeli “domination”.
They are on the right side of history.
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The weight of a person is not important in exercising their duties.
It is the positive mindset, good health and willingness to help to bring about positive change that is vital.
There is a difference between government ministers and the air hostesses.
Even they would not like to be commented as such.
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It was disappointing last weekend not to have the Rugby Sevens on Free to Air TV.
Who let us down? Only those who could afford Sky TV were the lucky ones.
It seems the Government is now looking at how to avoid this in future. I hope so.
Then to note that our men’s team did not do so well either. From comments made in the media, it seems coach Gollings was being assaulted
with opposing advice.
Hence, there was a sense of slackness in the players’ attitudes.
This does not auger well for the next Olympics.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) in disarray is not helping either.
A new coach is desperately needed.
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The perception that most people hold of our police officers is that they are mostly unfit, both physically and mentally, and largely also inefficient.
They do not quickly attend when crimes are reported, and investigations drag on with many remaining unresolved.
In some cases, officers have grown into old horses and stagnant in one police station.
The whole force has no motivation to perform; it’s just a day in and day out ending in happy paydays.
They are well attired, ready to run but not to chase.
We will never get on top of the so-called criminals if the present status quo remains.
Why doesn’t the acting Commissioner think of rewarding hard work and perhaps introduce a performance-based pay in the force?
If he does, you bet the police will up their ante overnight.
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It is that time of the year again, the day anticipated by Fijians and people around the world.
Especially Christians.
It is tomorrow, December 25, a day of joy and celebration.
It does not only marks the end of a working year, but also brings a sense of togetherness and festivity.
Homes, villages, islands, resorts and streets echo the sounds of merrymaking and festivities of Christmas.
Workers are on annual leave, armed with thick paychecks, ready to embark on shopping spree for gifts and best food.
It’s a season of giving, with presents for loved ones and a spread of culinary delights for the grand Christmas feast tomorrow.
For children, the excitement of unwrapping their gifts will be remembered forever.
It is their parents’ way of saying ‘I love you.’
Beyond the material festivities, Christmas is celebrated universally.
A day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ more than two millennia ago.
This Christmas holds a unique significance for the people of Fiji, marking a festive season under a new government.
The year has seen our leaders navigating uncharted waters, plotting our course to prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the New Year.
Amidst the feasts and laughter, Christmas serves as a temporary reminder of the issues that Fiji faced this year.
The season’s spirit of goodwill and joy allows us to set aside the problems, with the hope that the New Year will bring positive change.
As we enjoy the festivities, let us not forget the core message of Christmas love and unity for all.
In a year filled with political, academic, and natural challenges, as well as sporting triumphs, the spirit of togetherness becomes more crucial than ever.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s leadership on the global stage, particularly at COP28 and the Pacific Islands Forum Meeting, showcased Fiji’s presence and influence.
The success of the Flying Fijians at the Rugby World Cup and the impressive performances of the Fijian and Fijiana Drua teams in the Super Rugby Pacific further highlighted our resilience and strength.
However, amidst the celebrations, let’s remember to stay safe.
Spare a thought for those who have departed, whether due to natural causes or unfortunate circumstances.
Consider the vulnerable in our society the orphans, the homeless, and the less fortunate, who may not experience a Christmas feast due to economic hardships.
As we celebrate, let’s do so for a reason to acknowledge our successes and milestones.
Listen to the advice of authorities, ensuring the safety of children and properties, abstaining from drinking and driving, and avoiding conflicts that may escalate into fights or domestic violence.
In the wise words of Theodor Seuss Geisel, let’s welcome Christmas with open hearts and hands clasped together.
As we stand heart to heart and hand in hand, let the true meaning of Christmas, a season of love, unity, and gratitude, resonate in our celebrations.
On behalf of the Fiji Sun, we extend our heartfelt wishes for good tidings to you and your family.
Merry Christmas!
Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj
The end of each year brings in the festive season and it boosts the human spirit.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights is celebrated on a large scale across the globe.
This is closely followed by the Christian festival of Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and to re-enact the goodness of his life.
Milk of human kindness pours out during these festivals.
There is an air of happiness and joy as people renew life itself.
An atmosphere of spirituality prevails as people greet one another with cheerful smiles and share gifts of flowers, toys and food.
The supermarkets are full to capacity as buying and selling goes on at neck break speed. Trolleys are filled to capacity as children cling to their mother’s apron string.
Long queues, chattering customers and busy staff and security shows the seriousness of life.
No one wants to miss out as the jingle music blares: “and the King was born on a Christmas day”.
Taxis make a roaring business.
Television, radio and printed advertisements entice customers to buy more and more. The great Santa Claus is projected as someone who brings all the goodies and happiness to the world.
The picture of Santa riding the sledge pulled by reindeer is particularly captivating.
However, human ingenuity is now showing Santa in many other roles: one shows Santa swimming among the fish in an aquarium.
Children frantically waving at him and enjoying the moment.
There is excitement all around: fire crackers at midnight and the rising lovo smoke spiralling upwards early in the morning.
Family and friends are treated to a sumptuous lunch or dinner.
Some attend grog parties as others hit the beach for a picnic with their families. There is joy in abundance.
This year is particularly joyful as the Coalition Government successfully completes its first year in office.
In my view the coalition has made huge achievements but some blunders as well, for instance, the Fukushima nuclear waste water discharge and the hasty ministerial changes.
However, the Coalition Government must be commended for its many great achievements: Freedom of the press, allowing banned persons to come back home and allowing Dr Brij Lal’s ashes to be brought in for traditional immersion in the Tabia River.
Sixteen years of terror has ended and people can breathe freely and speak their minds.
May this festive season bring joy, happiness and prosperity to all our people and our beloved nation.
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Former PM Voreqe Bainimarama’s Christmas message that it is a time ‘to reflect on the lessons of Jesus Christ’ is truly profound.
Some need to do that at a very personal level in light of the manner in which they treated their fellow citizens in the recent past.
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The prices of goats sold next to Nadi Market pre-Christmas were excessively over-priced.
Sellers must have tried to get rich overnight.
It all back-fired big time.
For about $200, it was almost impossible to get 8-10 kgs of dressed goat…. i.e. $20 to $25:00 per kg.
(Up to $500:00-plus for fully-grown male goats).
This is plain ridiculous, in my view.
I found it cheaper to buy 4kg of imported goat meat for just under $60.
To earn a decent living, be less greedy; sellers of live goats must learn to bring prices down as soon as possible.
It will be impossible to support you otherwise.
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Successful former national 7s rugby coach, Wayne Pivac, mooted the plans for a 20,000-seat stadium in the Nadi area some years ago.
If my fading memory still serves me correctly, the then-powerful Suva rugby union officials, vehemently objected, stating only Nadi would benefit.
They lacked much-needed national vision, then. Or perhaps I humble myself to stand corrected.
The Honourable DPM Gavoka and Minister for Tourism, has recently rekindled the idea. This time with a bigger capacity of 30,000 seats—somewhere in the Nadi Bay area.
There is a fantastic piece of real estate in Vulani, Barara (near Lomolomo).
An easy railway connection from Nadi Airport to avoid busy Queen’s Road is an access worthwhile considering.
Vulani can be easily accessible from Fiji’s tourism capital, Denarau, including Naisoso, by speed boat and luxury ocean-going vessels.
Former prominent executive hotelier and rugby identity in Andrew Thomson is an excellent choice in a feasibility plan, in my view.
Our Minister for Tourism, Ministry of Sports, Fiji Sports Council, Fiji Rugby Union, Pacific Aus Sports, World Rugby, FIFA, TLTB and the Mataqali Sabeto will make up a formidable working force to make this dream a reality, sooner rather than later.
DPM Gavoka predicts 10 to 20 years. I say, respectfully, condense it to three to five. I may not be around in the next 10 to 20 elongated years.
The People’s world-class Republic of China is admirable and proven in its development of world-class sporting complexes and stadiums, from planning, drawing, and building.
Beneficiaries to date include HFC Bank Stadium in Suva; a complex in Apia, Samoa; and the recently completed Pacific Games complex in Honiara, Solomon Islands, to name a few. Vanuatu included.
China is unsurpassed in building sporting complexes in the South Pacific.
I recommend them without hesitation.
Vulani lies idle.
This piece of fantastic real estate is an excellent venue, with acres of space needed for parking.
A hundred-room accommodation complex for all athletes, sportsmen and women; a modern multi-purpose gymnasium; an Olympic-sized swimming pool; a modern medical facility; and a modern shopping mall are easily accommodated in this spacious idle property.
An all-weather athletic track and field event facilities should be included, along with administration facilities. A weight-lifting complex is envisaged.
I recommend 100 per cent solar power for this complex, as EFL’s record for unplanned outages is not acceptable.
Additionally, a modern desalination plant is a prerequisite.
Such an ambitious complex is needed for the West now.
As I think well outside the box, I plead for immediate brainstorming as I hear Fiji is interested in hosting the 2031 Pacific Games.
This is within reach.
My views, shared free of charge as a caring Kai Nadi and retiree, understand that this plan is ambitious. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Let us keep our feet firmly planted on the ground as we reach for the stars.
Ambitious dreams are free.
They do come true.
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The imprisonment of Alexie Navalny, the opposition leader and most outspoken critic of Russian President Putin, in a notorious penal colony in Kharp is meant to send a clear message to the Russian people that this is what can happen to you if you get on the wrong side of me.
Putin has steadily restored the Stalinist state based on the politics of fear.
Old-style communism is alive and well in Putin’s Russia.
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I am not sure about anyone else, but parading pardoned prisoners in their kalavata at the President’s State House together with people holding high office all celebrating makes perfect sense to me.
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Santa Claus is the most popular and beloved icon of the Christian world.
He dominates the Christmas celebration. In the name of Santa, business houses carry out a roaring business, which runs into billions of dollars.
However, the question remains: “Is Santa Claus real or a fiction”?
History tells us that the modern-day Santa Claus is markedly different from the original Sinter Klaas: nickname for Saint Nicholas who was born in Turkey.
He was known for his philanthropic work in saving children living in poverty and sailors.
His popularity spread far and wide, and his values were admired by many.
The concept of giving gifts to children and friends was inspired by St. Nicholas through his work.
However, as the Dutch settlers settled in North America the modern-day Santa Claus or Father Christmas evolved.
He is seen as a fat guy wearing a long white beard, wearing a funny hat with a broad belt and riding a sledge on snow pulled by reindeers.
His main purpose once a year was to give gifts and spread happiness: his big broad smile tells it all!
Business houses realised the selling power of Santa Claus. Thus emerged a variety of figurines regarding Santa.
Children are told that Santa will bring sweets in socks and other gifts for them.
They wait with expectation and excitement.
And upon receiving the gifts there is profu-sion of joy all around.
Human ingenuity is operating at full speed. We have seen Santa swimming amongst fish in an aquarium where children frantically wave at him. What an imagination.
We also see cartoon Santas dancing and enjoying himself. Even animal cartoons open gifts and get thrilled by it.
It is for you to decide if the world’s greatest icon is a fact or a fiction?
Smile and be happy: enjoy the rest of the festive season.
A casino will surely come with huge risks and consequences.
I believe in thinking big and outside the box, but the outward result should always be considered.
Fiji is still a developing country with many minds still unable to observe changes at that level.
One would debate by not having thrown these types of big ideas and developments will never help develop our country.
The point here is the mindset change and the proper usage. So, we are discussing public consultations on the above topic and restrict the same from entering such premises.
We talk about boosting tourism industry while attracting them to such lavish developments, ignoring the fact that the locals will be interested and inquisitive at the same time.
A pathway opening for many other problems like drugs being escalated adding more to the existent issues that are being highly looked at for solutions.
How strict the laws in operation to the Casino will be followed is another issue. The good and the big picture, comes the negativity and destruction as well if not handled well for a “developing country” as ours.
There is a right time for everything. Is the time right for Fiji to have a casino?
What is happening with the Lautoka swimming pool? The FNU campus in Labasa? The Shirley Park reclamation? Or the improvements required for our public hospitals?
While getting new ideas, please do not forget the unfinished projects. We have high hopes for it to be taken into consideration.
I’m not against developments but prioritising it accordingly with risk analysis should be paramount.
Happy New Year to all.
An artist’s impression of the David Group’s casino project.
From the book of Genesis to Revelation, one of the main principles that is preached about in the Bible is faith and self-reliance.
Yet, we depend on handouts and continually wait for the Government to assist us in our endeavours or situations.
Or abdicate our responsibility to a third party to provide services.
Does that go against God’s Word?
The end of the year signals the start of an age-old tradition; setting a New Year’s resolution that will likely prove unattainable.
Many will be welcoming the new year with familiar resolutions such as living healthier, saving more and in general improving one’s life.
As we all vow to do a whole host of things most of us will not follow through.
Some will fail to attain their New Year resolution while others will give up before the end of January.
You should start with an enthusiastic commitment, but that “can do” attitude is quickly followed by waning interest.
Eventually you give up your goal and end up on a big fat guilt trip.
Try looking at resolutions in a new light. Instead of thinking about what’s wrong with you, imagine what it would like to be exactly the way you want and have exactly what you want.
But be careful because some New Year resolutions tend to fizzle out faster than an old bottle of champagne.
The trade minister Manoa Kamikamica said casinos would bring drugs and prostitution.
Mr Sandeep Singh of the David Group countered that by saying that the minister should have faith in your police and surveillance authority.
We already have drugs and prostitution in Fiji.
May be we do not want the mafia entering Fiji.
In the meantime, you can go to your local clubs and play poker.
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
The casino debate in Fiji rages on and our minds are flooded with names such as Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, Macau, Atlantic City, Reno, etc.
These are the big entertainment and gambling centres of the world.
Reading reports on them does not inspire confidence in establishing a casino in Fiji.
It will open a floodgate of problems associated with casinos – the centres of glitz and glamour.
Those who support the idea will talk of its huge economic benefits to the nation and job opportunities for local communities.
Increased retail businesses and huge tax returns for the government coffers.
Increased tourist dollars and foreign exchange.
However, no one will tell you about the pathological gambling, crimes associated with drugs, alcohol, prostitution, murders, family violence, child abuse: verbal, physical, emotional and associated problems of family budgeting and divorces.
Decreased productivity at work, problems with friends and family are a reality.
Casual gambling and entertainment can lead to addiction and compulsive gamblers have little control on their emotions, particularly anger which impairs the judgement.
The temptation to win is so huge that it is practically impossible to get out of the trap.
Therefore, the stand taken by the Methodist Church and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is justified.
However, the question of guidelines does not arise as we should not allow a casino in Fiji.
Once the Pandora’s box is opened it will be impossible to stop it. No amount of pontificating will help.
Read reports on communities around big cassinos.
They are devastated as crimes in car parks increase and the value of properties plummets.
The area gets neglected and polluted. It is not a pretty picture.
In my view, this proposal must be nipped in the bud!
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj
Trying to contact the Fiji Sports Council is a big problem, but this should not be.
I Googled the contacts and the first number advertised was (679) 331217. I dialled and it sounded like it is a fax-telephone number.
So, I checked and found another number
(679) 3312177. It rang and a woman answered, and transferred the call, or so she said.
The transfer-call was answered but no one spoke; then they hung up.
Is this the phone courtesy that our people at the Fiji Sports Council displays? If it is, then they need to lift their standard of customer service.
What the staff needs to understand is that the phone is the eyes and ears of any company; and the first impression is a lasting one.
It clearly shows the staff attitude is a negative one and portrays the company’s image.
I rang from my mobile and was disappointed with the Fiji Sports Council wasting my time and money.
To the chief executive officer of the Fiji Sports Council, I urge you to address this issue urgently as your image is at stake here.
Firstly, the first number advertised is short by one digit, hence it sounded like the fax machine.
Secondly, the service portrayed is pathetic and rude.
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Dr Afia Zahin, the senior medical officer at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva, said:
“We found young patients who used the drug without knowing that it was COPEN. The worry is that this is a common choice of snack that school children buy, which is very difficult for a young person to know what it is- whether it is COPEN or mango skin.”
So, my million-dollar question is, why isn’t this item not a prohibited import?
If it is so harmful, how did those in authority allow its import?
An immediate investigation must be facilitated without fail. The highest authority must act, post haste.
It must be urgently removed from all shelves in shops immediately, if not yet done so.
Children as young as 12 years old are being treated at the St Giles Hospital for COPEN substance.
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