Facebook

Devika Darshani Nanda, Lautoka

I strongly believe that Facebook is a distraction for students these days. They spend ample time socialising with people online rather  than spending maximum on studies, which is crucial for them especially at this age.

Facebook is an online site where you interact with your friends and families not having online relationship. Most of the students are using Facebook to let other people know about things happening in their life, their personal feelings or self harming for an unknown.

The main motive Facebook was invented is for communication not for having relationship and updating status which is not even necessary for students.

As a student I also use Facebook but at certain times instead of using daily and getting addicted. I urge all students to focus on school work because school life will never come back where as Facebook is always there. Build up your future, students!

Two contrasting outcomes

Pranil Ram , Nadi

The recent outing in the first game of the OFC by two of our district teams produced two different outcomes.

Suva exceptionally did well, keeping in mind Team Wellington’s achievement, which included last year’s OFC losing finalist and recently winning New Zealand’s domestic competition and that too beating Pacific’s powerhouse Auckland City.

Suva were competitive in most part of the game only to give away two quality goals in the last 20 minutes. They also created and had their chances. They were quite competitive. Both of our teams almost faced team with similar style of play.

While both lost their games the notable difference was the score margin. Nadi seemed to be in for a complete mismatch and had a good soccer lesson to learn.

The game clearly showed they lacked structure badly. While cyclone and flooding could have hindered their preparations, however poor performance under the guise of cyclone and flooding is not acceptable. In fact these events should be inspiring them to do better.

It may be not right to comment too soon while two matches are left. Let’s see what strategies do coaches and players adopt to bring back some lost pride.

Unworthy doctors

Mohammed Zubaid Jameel , Lautoka

The Ministry of Health should take under consideration that some of the doctors in Fiji are probably not worthy to be doctors.

A recent incident that occurred in one of the Government hospitals is that a Doctor had failed to do their duty the way they were supposed to and later found out that some of the internal organs of a baby were damaged during the delivery. Is this the lack of knowledge that the doctors have or is it just the carelessness of the doctors? God knows!

But if a doctor is unable to do their work properly or don’t have the required knowledge they need to make the right decision – DON’T BE A DOCTOR. Because of their carelessness a baby is suffering in hospital.

Pray for the poor soul.

Kava teller

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

With the volume of kava some of us consume, very soon just by drinking one bowl we are able to know where it comes from and how long it’s been grown for. LOL!

Background check

Fulori Turaga, Bayview Heights

It was very interesting to note Timoci (FS08/04), that there are people who actually do a background check on writers of this column.

Freedom of speech

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I don’t want to make this a debate on freedom of speech concerned with having prior qualification and experience before making comments on certain topics (FS 8/4/16).

It certainly is not a privilege of democracy. Only if it incites violence, advocates hatred according to section 17(2) of the Constitution that it’s not democracy.

I appreciate the point made but the freedom of expression as stipulated under section 17(1) of the Constitution does not include qualification and experience  as pre-requisites for making comments. Anybody can make comments irrespective of whatever background.

We cannot renounce people who don’t have qualification and experience as undeserving of our attention. Everyone has a story to tell desiderata say.

Wisdom is not confined to those with qualification and experience often ordinary people can teach us things if just you care to listen.

For Christians Paul reminded the Romans to be willing to associate with everyone (Romans 12). Such poisonous nonsense is bad indeed and should be rooted out as it undermines the morale and right of people of this country if only certain people can make comments on certain topics.

FEA right sizing

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

A company’s restructure, streamlining or right sizing is a smart sensible business decision that a company board of directors will make.

This is based in terms of how they prefer their business moves forward in a direction that is professionally more structured and efficient to ensure on time service delivery according to demand, accountability and good bottom line figures. Most importantly, the removal of those unproductive people! This is a global practice.

Dan Urai is one who has been in constant criticism of his former employer FEA in its performance post TC Winston. In his own words he wrote titled “Power Blackout” in the other newspaper April 6th; “slowly its returning…the frequent power blackouts, years ago when FEA went through its so called right-sizing programmes, the “FEWA” or union had warned of what Fiji is now experiencing and no one listened”.

Can Urai specifically explain what exactly did his than FEWA union warn some 20 years back?, it is such a long time back as FEA has evolved and progressed a million fold. As far as Fijians are concerned, the current power outages was caused by the destruction of category 5 Winston and the right sizing of FEA has absolutely got nothing to do with the damages done to our power infrastructure as alluded to by Dan.

Electricity demand is attributed to the growth in investment and our economy, urban drift, public utilities development and the least goes on with technology forever changing.

However, if he is talking about him predicting TC Winston with its outcome and destruction then Urai must possess special extra-terrestrial powers.

There is a vast difference in the managing of the affairs of state owned business with almost some millions of dollars in budget and incomes with employees that number a thousand as opposed to Dan Urai’s small scale Fiji Hotel Workers Union that have only four paid workers.

Nevertheless, under the current circumstance, all those tireless and hardworking FEA personals must be applauded for doing an incredible job. Unless Dan can freely chip in his fifty cents outdated expired FIT electrical diploma expertise and draw up a better plan that can assist these professional’s achieve better results.

Vinaka vakalevu to Hasmukh Patel, and his highly qualified FEA technical personnel for the sacrifice and working overtime to ensure repairs to the damaged infrastructure.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Good news

Raymond  Kalyan Chandra ,
Kamloops, Canada

When Filipe Bole, a veteran and a long time Minister for Education abolished the Fiji Year Six, Year Eight and Year 10 external examinations five years ago, some people said it was good news.

When Mahendra Reddy, the current Minister for Education, reinstated these examinations in 2014 some people said it was good news.

If the next Minister for Education abolishes these examinations, some people will say it is good news.

Eighth man

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,
Delta, BC, Canada

Congratulations to Ben Ryan and the Vodafone Fiji Sevens team for successfully defending the Hong Kong Sevens title.

We must applaud the New Zealand Sevens team who managed to scrape through to the Cup final with only 10 players.

Captain Osea Kolinisau’s words is so true when he said after their win that God is still in control, who strengthened and enabled them to scrape through with Canada and Kenya and the extra energy to defeat the All Blacks in the final.

The Eighth Man is a reality for those who believe and we give Him all the glory for lifting the spirits of all Fijians in these tough times.

Vinaka boys and God bless Fiji!

New houses

Amenatave Yaconisau ,
Delainavesi

I refer to your headline titled ‘$70 m home help’ and your editorial comment on the same topic by Maika Bolatiki (FS 10/4/16) .

No news is good news they say but when the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama spoke recently of Government’s initiative to rebuild houses; it invigorated peoples’ hope from the anxiety and doom it once had.

For almost two months people were left in the dark on how their homes will be rebuilt.  Promises were not good enough for them.  More than 9000 houses in Fiji; what an undertaking by Government and we don’t care how much it costs and where the money is obtained as long as it’s done.

This is the best news coming their way since the destruction of Tropical Cyclone Winston; a brilliant action by the PM and his team.

A magnificient effort indeed!

A timely reminder also that people are the responsibility of Government at all times; good or bad.

Party politics is there for the taking, come election time.

Thousands of people have lost their homes and have nothing left.

Now they know the place to put their loyalty especially amongst the lower income bracket (below $50,000) who felt the full brunt of the hurricane.

I agree with Maika Bolatiki that this announcement has really lifted  the morale of those affected (FS 10/4/16; editorial).

In the same vein I applaud the PM’s point ‘that we cannot leave behind any affected Fijian family or household’.

We can also assume that village boys will enter the job market and be trained as skilled workers for the building industry as it is  happening in Koro Island.

This also will be a welcome responsibility of Government, the provision of available labour.

They can be accepted later as trade skilled workers.

This is the most comprehensive plan ever done since this Government came to power.

Some of these houses existed since grandfathers were alive and would not have been rebuilt if it was not for the cyclone.

Some of these houses will be a wonder.  They will be built to last.

My only request if the housing policy and plan can be revealed for public consumption please.

Especially the role of the turaga ni koro (village headman) in supplying accurate data and the steps to be taken in procuring a new house.

Implicit to this is the supervisory role of the village council (Bose vakoro) and the local chief.

We request the best companies to supply materials during this process.

“We are depending on you to be honest and we don’t want this scheme to be delayed because we have to check every claim and every roof,” the PM says.

The mobility functions of the Australian and New Zealand armies in supplying materials to remote areas of Fiji during the process will be highly appreciated.

They will be cutting edge in terms of turn-around time before the next cyclone.

I hope there will be no unnecessary profiteering in this process and; more so housing standards will be well supervised by the Fiji Institute of Engineers.  Good luck to this effort.

$70m rebuild assistance

Tukai Lagonilakeba,
Namaka

A caring FijiFirst Government, not in any Fijian’s wildest dreams did we expect that those devastated by the monster Tropical Cyclone Winston who got their homes damaged will be rebuilt from the latest announcement by our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama last week.

The majority of Fijians have tried their very best through withdrawals from their Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to assist ones family affected but this is icing on the cake.

“Help for Homes” initiative from $1500 limit for partial roofing damage, $3000 for serious roofing damage and $7000 for completely damaged homes respectively.

In the history of our sovereign independent nation this has never ever happened before, but again this calls for responsible honest Fijians to do the right thing and not abuse, it must benefit the right people.

Psychologically, the announcement will boost morale and confidence; it will alleviate stress and bring back quick recovery and smiles to our many families that survived the wrath of TC Winston.

I am very grateful to our Government for the political will to make this big difference and contribution to those Fijian souls who were affected.

No faith?

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Former Police officer Henry Brown’s recent comments through the media that he has no faith in our current Police chief is uncalled for and rather childish!

He is  barking such comments from Western Suburbs in Sydney.

The question that needs to be asked is why did Brown leave the moment he was put on leave?

In the short time that Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho has taken office he has already done enough to give us  faith in his capability and the Police force at large, something we’ve never had in decades, something at which Brown and others failed so miserably!

It’s obvious that our current chief is a disciplinarian and a man of his words who doesn’t mess around and never wastes time.

It is exactly what is needed in a Police force that has, over time, become complacent, unreliable and disjointed.

For once we are starting to have faith in the Police force thanks mainly to Mr Qiliho.

As for Mr Brown I believe this outburst is simply to gain him leverage for his application to reside in Australia permanently, never to return!

I see no other reason!

All I can conclude with a little bit of alteration from a well known nursery rhyme, “Mr Brown ran out of town with his trousers upside down!”

Watching the 7s in style

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

During the Hong Kong sevens, I decided to watch it in a different environment and see what the reaction would like.

I wouldn’t stop laughing, especially the game against Kenya.

It was after lunch on Sunday, while a few mothers were watching they were at the same time trying to put their babies to sleep .

They were full asleep when the final try by Savenaca Rawaca came.

The mothers themselves jumped for joy and banged on the wooden floor as loud as they could, forgetting who they just put to sleep.

While the mothers were yelling for joy the babies were crying to a shock not knowing what has just happened.

I even notice a gentleman leaping for joy leaving his sulu behind , and there were also a few silverware in the cupboards that took to the floor as if an earthquake struck.

It was so entertaining that I burst into laughter throughout the finals and there were those who stood up through the game especially during crunch moments .

Well done Fiji supporters, and maybe there would be a time we will bring a house down just through the enjoyment.

JP services

Indar Jit, Navua

There were several letters written in newspapers regarding some Justice of Peace charging fees to provide services like certifying or signing documents from needy people.

Some people from Labasa raised their concern that they paid as much as $ 2 to $ 5 fees for JP’s to certify their documents.

There is a Code of Conduct for all JP’s and the services they provide should be free of charge.

Previously there has been complaints made to Consumer Council of Fiji on several JP’s. After investigation, they were found wrong and their services has been  de- registered.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is urging people to come forward and give the names of those JP’s who are involved into this unfair conducts.

Unless the Consumer Council is provided with the names of these JP’s, they will be in no position to investigate and submit their recommendation and report to the minister for Justice for his appropriate action.

I urge people, if they face difficulty and come across some JP’s who deny or charge fees for services to make complaints to the Consumer Council of Fiji.

People should provide the full names of the JP’s when making complaints.

Finally, if any JP who is charging fees and conducting this unethical practice, his services should  be de- registered.

There are so many other honest and respectable persons in our community, those who qualify to be appointed as Justice of Peace.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Electricity bill

Hasmukh Patel, chief executive officer, FEA

We refer to a letter titled ‘Electricity Bill’ published in the media on Wednesday April 13, written by Manpreet Kaur. Firstly, we do not have an electricity customer known as Manpreet Kaur in our billing system.

Secondly, the Fiji Electricity Authority did not bill customers whose homes were badly damaged and still without power. Customers who had their power supply restored, their meters were read and billed accordingly.

Customers in Ba Town had their power supply restored around the March 10. We read those meters on Thursday March 17, and they were billed accordingly.

We believe

Epeli Rabua, Suva

We believe Ben Ryan and his Fiji Knights of the 7s realm can win gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics!

There was no malice this time in their win over the goliaths of rugby, the New Zealanders and all who came before them. It was just an old fashioned thumping.

And yes, there were some hair-raising moments, but the simple belief in that “they could do all things in God, who strengthened them” was the motivating factor in their defeating all and standing tall in the aftermath of the third day at So Kon Po.

That the Fiji 7s team, came, saw and conquered all in Hong Kong and continued to praise His name in the glory of their victory, not only consolidated Ben’s and their belief, but ours also as a nation that in God’s name we trust and can win!

Now that we have the spiritual aspect of training innate in all our players, Ben has concentrated on the mental and physical attributes of training, imparting knowledge on laws of the game this is putting into effect their latent gladiatorial instincts and harnessing them in the 7s arena through their belief, that they are worthy champions!

Go for gold Ben, go for gold our Fiji 7s knights, we believe!!!

Equality for women and girls

Indar Jit, Navua

All human beings are born with equal rights. Equality between men and women means healthier, safer and just societies. While men and women are born equal, gender inequality still persists in our society.

The deep-rooted belief that women and girls do not deserve equal treatment underpins violence against women and used to deny girls and women fair access to education, health, employment, property and influence.

The failure to root out the prejudice against women and girls is one of the major barriers of progress and prosperity. Gender discrimination also breaches International Human Rights Agreement and Domestic Laws in most countries. We can see signs of progress. Women and girls are breaking out of the barriers which has held them for so long. Gender equality is increasingly understood to be major policy priority of the Government and its realisation is one of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In our country, we can see now that many of the women and girls have broken the barriers.

They are working from leadership jobs to cashier job in shops and supermarkets. A number of women are working as Ministers, Speaker of Parliament House, in the medical profession, in teaching profession etc.

Women and girls are proving that they are no longer dependent and behind the men. It is we mankind to understand that God has created this world.

Every human being born is born with equal rights. Discriminating and bringing inequality against our women and girls will harm healthier and safer relationships.

Day after day we go along reading that women and girls are becoming the targets of domestic violence, sexual assaults and rape. This sort of news neither reads good nor is it fair for our women and girls. Women and girls should be loved, cared and protected from all wrong doings and evil.

We must care for them and treat them equally.

Election call

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

The Supervisor of Election is reminding Fijians that we have reached the halfway point or two years of FijiFirst Government rule and that those who intend to be an election candidate need to be in Fiji for 18 months in the next 24 months.

Prime Minister Bainimarama and his FijiFirst team won the 2014 General Election by a landslide victory and I believe the whole nation thank God. Even those who did not vote for the ruling party, that our current Government has been consistent in its service to the people, even in the current crisis caused by severe Tropical Cyclone Winston and the flooding and threat of TC Zena.

The announcement of the $70 million rebuilding assistance is just one current example of the FijiFirst Government putting Fijians first.

Is there a law in our Constitution whereby the people can request for the next General Election to be scrapped because they want the current Government to continue its service delivery to the people?

One does not have to be a brain surgeon to predict that there will be another landslide victory for the FijiFirst Party, a bigger one, come the 2018 General Elections.

Imagine all the money and time saved if the people could just make the election call to allow the current PM and FijiFirst Government to continue moving Fiji forward without the hassles of a General Election, which they will win with a landslide victory anyway?

Mysterious force in Sevens

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

I applaud Ben Ryan and the boys for their rather capricious performance in Hong Kong.  We almost lost two matches for playing risky games; we escaped the spear of Kenyan headhunters and released from Canadian gaolers.  Some mysterious force was involved to let us off in extra time.  Even the South Africans were put aside by the All Blacks.

Apart from that thumbs up for the tight defence and the new nickname bestowed on Savenaca Rawaca (the smiling assasin).  Kitione Taliga was again the saviour of the tournament and we encourage Ben to keep on developing him.

Ben has made them feel special, and the country has recognised their performance, now we await Fiji Rugby Union and Vodafone to do their job and support them financially.

Go Fiji Go!

Justice be served

Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ

I knew Sofina Nikat. The 22-year-old mother of 14-month old Sanya Sakib, who has been charged for her daughter’s murder. We were in the same class. She was quiet, polite and always nice to other people.

And today I received a distressing news that Police had arrested her in Melbourne in suspicion of killing her own baby. I’m shocked beyond belief and really distressed about the whole ordeal. I’m just not ready to accept in my heart, that a girl I grew up with, and spent six years of my life in primary school could do something like this.

Maybe I could be wrong. Maybe she did kill her baby. Or maybe not. I just hope justice be served.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Minister’s directive

Arun Prasad, Nausori

Ram Naumi is celebrated to mark the birthday of Lord Rama.

Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy’s directive on Monday April 11, that all schools remain open had sent shock waves to the teachers and children who are devotees of Lord Rama.

The directive was most unprecedented as in the past all Hindu schools remained closed to allow the devotees to celebrate the occasion.

However, I must thank the Minister for revisiting his earlier directive and now announcing that all Hindu schools will remain close to allow teachers and students to partake in the celebrations.

Swami Sivananda, in his discourse said: “One who approaches Sri Rama with love and worshipfulness becomes large hearted, pure in spirit, good natured and dispassionate in thought, word and deed.”

I take this opportunity to wish everyone a meaningful Ram Naumi celebrations and may the Lords blessing be upon us all.

Common sense

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

Reading a writers concern about the flood affecting Nadi area just simply makes me realise how true the saying ‘common sense is not common anymore’ is.

Constant warning of possible flooding was being aired continuously in times of low pressure which was bringing heavy rains. But it does not seem enough for some people. Also what other sense is needed to follow simple things for a flood prone area where situations normally get so worse often in times of heavy rains.

Either be prepared to your best knowing your situations in adverse weather and be safe or keep waiting for the media and keep complaining. The choice is yours.

Also as far I know and believe this is an open forum where anyone can send in their two cents after reading people’s concerns regardless of where they reside. One need not be a genius to know those simple things.

7s support

Wise Muavono , Lautoka

How lovely reading all the Hong Kong 7s win congratulatory messages on this column and social media sites.

If only our 7s warriors are also shown this much support whenever they lose a tournament. Wouldn’t that be great? Nah; as my friend Michelle often tell me, “That’s wishful thinking Wise.”

Best coach in Fiji

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

As the dust settles at So Kon Po and Fiji triumphs once again, the world is forced to take note of the development currently in place in our preparation for Rio.

Fiji is now setting the benchmark in world rugby as far as 7s is concerned and the consistency which had been our weakness for many decades is now becoming a thing of the past.

The talents we have are nothing new as Fiji has produced generation after generations of legends in the abbreviated code.

From our first generation of 7s players like Robert Howard, Pio Bosco, Ilaitia Tuisese and Sela Gutugutuwai. A generation later came in Acura Niuqila, Paula Nawalu “Honda” and Aliposo followed by Lemeki Koroi, Luke Erenavula, Aminiasi Naituyaga. Then in comes the “Maestro” and later with the Rauluni brothers, Tomasi Cama, Mesake Rasari then to Satala, Vunibaka, Naevo then to Ryder and etc.

In all those years, Fiji showed sparks of brilliance then the flame burned out. There was no consistency. In the five years from 1985 to 1989, Fiji never won at Hong Kong.

Today, Fiji has not only gained consistency but has taken a very scientific approach and thanks to our sports scientists in Ben Ryan and his team.

From the food our players eat, the type of training they do at different times to prepare them for different game plans and different opponents, their recovery strategies, mental preparations, how to counter jet legs and etc. are all taken into account.

Fiji probably has the best 7s rugby coach in the world today in Ben Ryan and it is a far- fetched dream to say that we can now have a local replacement. If New Zealand can hold on to Gordon Tiejen for over two decades to produce what no other coach in the world has done, why can’t Fiji hold on to Ben Ryan for what he has proven so far ?

My only kerekere to FRU, please do not repeat the blunder this year and forget to nominate Ben again for Best Coach Awards in 2016.

Vinakavakalevu Ben. You may not be officially recognised as the Best Coach in Fiji for 2015, but to the people of this country, you are, and we salute you.

Mission Rio

Samuela Kailawadoko, Nadi

Mission Rio seems to be on target. A memory that will last forever for Ben Ryan, our 7s boys, country and fans all over the world is winning ‘gold’ in the Olympics.

The selection for the best 12 or 14, the agreements and disagreements, inside information and public opinions are some of the things we’ll go through before Rio.

I guess the ultimate decision have to be done by Ben Ryan.

Our current 7s team has a very impressive line-up; Hong Kong has given us a snap-shot of who is going to wear our traditional black and white in Rio.

Airline bonus

Sukha Singh, Labasa

The National Airline made a profit of $70.2 million. $3300 was paid to non-management staff and $7700 to management staff as bonus.

I would like to know why the management staff were paid more and how many management staff does the airline have in comparison to the non-management staff?

One of the company I used to work for, the chief executive officer used to get the highest bonus because he had the highest salary. Wouldn’t it have been a great team building if they all got $3300 and the rest went to Prime Minister’s hurricane relief fund.

Safe strong houses

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Namaka

Maybe our Minister for National Disaster Management Inia Seruiratu might want to ponder upon and consider in the long-term his ministry should build one large safe concrete strong house inside a cave and extended outwards for all Fijian iTaukei villages and settlements to escape to for shelter in case of another cyclone.

I am pretty sure most villagers will have a cave which our ancestors frequent and used for these purpose during their lifetime and it is very simple, get the structural engineers and architects to carry out an assessment and recommend the best building structure and solution.

As for villagers on the seaside Government can build away from the village inside a dugout cave so the villagers can always conveniently shelter in case of a hurricane combined with tidal or tsunami waves for safety precautionary measures.

The upkeep of these strong safe houses and its keys must be kept with all the relevant district officers and only all the registered village Turaga ni Koro which should only be used with the consent of the DO before or when a situation of national disaster will occur.

Cyclones, hurricanes and floods have become a yearly occurrence in Fiji resulting from climate change and we Fijians have become accustomed to it as a way of life for us from October to April each year.

Untreated timber

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Untreated timber was found among a pile to be used at Gandhi Bhawan Primary School. I am not surprised that the school’s president said the outside layer seemed to be treated but the inside of the timber remained untreated.

The question is how much of these type of timber have been used by people. The Forestry Department blames the timber millers but who are the regulators?

It’s easy to start the blame game but nobody comes to compensate the people whose houses are damaged because of untreated timber. It’s about time Government officials checked all timber treatment plants.

Stop it now!

Mohammed Zubaid Jameel , Lautoka

With the increase in the numbers of rape cases and molestation of females and males it’s high time something needs to be done to STOP these.

People of Fiji should be sensible enough to not indulge themselves in such a reprehensible acts because in the end what do they get from these, a moment of pleasure? But little do they know that it’s a lifetime’s disgrace in their lives and it also affects the victims.

According to a statement made by a girl on FBC news on April 14, 2016, in India the rape victim has rights to harm (not kill) the rapist and not be charged for it, so I firmly believe that this law should be enforced so that persons thinking of doing such a ‘stupid’ act would be petrified and not commit rape.

That’s if we all decide to take a firm stand against perpetrators when encountering any sort of abuse.

If everybody starts to speak up for their rights and not be afraid, this world and our beautiful nation Fiji would be a better and a safer place to live in.

Visitor Questions

Arien V Kumar, Nadi

There is a sudden change in the visitor questions, probably some may have noticed or will soon encounter. The most common questions mostly asked by any visitor prior to making a visit to relatives or friends was,

“We are planning to make a visit, are you home today? Will you be home this weekend?

We are on our way, do you need anything? Etc,etc”.

However, the recent and common question now is that “Do you guys have power (electricity) at home because we wanting to make a visit? Ours if off here what about you people?”.

Is electricity (power) really determining a person’s visit today? Something to think about.

Applaud Fiji Airways family

Tukai Lagonilakeba , Nadi

I vividly recall some more than five years back when the board of the then Air Pacific and the now revamped national airline Fiji Airways was contemplating the recruitment of a specialist expatriate to join and take over as CEO of our ailing airline and included was the replacing of the ageing outdated leased Jumbo Boeing 747s with the more robust modern Airbus A330s models which is now a trend the world over.

Our Government had to quickly interfere to protect the bigger interest of our economy, our very national airline and our tourism industry including the removal of the archaic Qantas majority shareholding that was manipulated by its hidden agendas which benefited a foreign airline but not our nation and the Fijian people.

The phasing out of the Boeing 747s saw the arrival of our new state-of-the-art Airbus A330s with changes to two past key specialist expatriate chief executive officers (CEOs) combined with a re-engineered slim and vibrant operations.

All at the Fiji Airways family must be applauded for their commitment to its unique Fijian service delivery and their tireless combined efforts in ensuring two consecutive years of good bottom-line figures and profitability.

As usual, there were also fear mongers from those negative elements within Fiji Airways who are very good at creating and spreading unfounded gossip with allegations from those who did not want to accept the changes to be effected for the betterment of the organisation but with time all have now come to pass with its employees all being appreciated through monetary incentives for their successes.

The political will to make changes with the necessary reforms must be applauded by all.

Our visionary Government with its leadership, a prudent smart world class CEO with his executive team and the board of directors of Fiji Airways past and present must all be commended for their modern innovative management system conducive with international best business practice.

A much better result is expected in the next financial year. Go get it; in this instance the Fiji Airways family is certainly stronger than Category Five Tropical Cyclone Winston in the commercial sense.

Climate Change Irony

Floyd Robinson, Suva

As per the international community, small islands which often experience the direct impacts of climate change have many opportunities to access funding from a range of international donors.

At large international conferences representatives including directors, prime ministers and presidents are often invited to sit at the main dais and are given much prominence.

Yet, the reality national representatives face when they go back home is the same. The criteria of donors are complicated.

Sometimes the amount of technical details required becomes a burden to these islands, which are often limited in resources, let alone having available necessary technical reports.

All in all, climate change funding opportunities are so challenging that it becomes an irony. The most affected countries struggle to access funding, often set up to support them. Others call it a reality.

Only in Fiji

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

My younger brother has returned to the USA after spending three weeks in Fiji.

To make me laugh, he shared a true story about some people who had applied for $1000 from the FNPF to go towards rebuilding their homes.

The nearby watering hole from the FNPF office in Suva is able to cash the $1000 cheque if the payee bought a carton of beer at the pub.

My brother said that it was sad to see the people flood this watering hole and some were bled dry by the ladies and men of the night.

What really got him laughing were the three cheers for FNPF and the chant “Go FNPF Go” from the drunken FNPF members and their friends.

This was followed by someone toasting three cheers for our Prime Minister.

Only in Fiji!

Who owns which TV?

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

I request the Telecommunications Commission to inform the TV watching audience of Fiji as to who owns TV Wan and TV Wan Sports, both of which have suddenly appeared for public consumption

The public should demand the commission through the Minister for Communications its ownership and the necessity of having another station on top of the ones we already have.

While I understand TV progammes need competition from others, I wonder if the stations have been approved by Parliament.

I also wonder if consumers have a choice or has it been shoved down our throats.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

QVS name change

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.

Mr Lagonilakeba will receive a Micromax Mobile Phone from the Fiji Sun as our Letter of the Month winner

Julius – Happy to share and save a life

Fiji Sun letter writer of the week Julius Sean Kamali, 48, chooses to write only on topics he thinks will make a difference in society.

In his winning letter titled ‘Weather forecast’ he highlighted that the weather reports failed to connect with a good portion of the populace in the details of the approach, movement and devastation by Tropical Cyclone Winston on February 20.

“For the rural sector they don’t know where it’s (cyclone) really located with the way its told and I feel the educated people need to tell them in simple language so they understand and I feel the way the media tells us the cyclone is located is for mariners understanding,” Mr Kamali said.

“I chose the topic I want to write on and I only write when I feel there is a topic I can contribute to that concerns our society but I am not a weekly or monthly writer.”

Mr Kamali was surprised and happy to win a Parker pen.

“I am happy I had something to share that could save somebody else’s life which was the main message,” Mr Kamali said.

His winning letter was published in the Fiji Sun on Monday April 11.

Mr Kamali is from Wallis and Futuna and works at Pacific Centrecom Fiji Ltd as a travel manager.

JESSICA GOUNDER

Bred Bank service

Aviney Prasad, Suva

I was really impressed with the kind of services provided by the staff of Bred Bank of Suva Branch.

They go out of their way to serve the customers. I know many may say that, that is there job but in my opinion they are really going with their slogan “It’s All About You”.

Amen, credit manager and the rest of you really deserve gratitude from your customers for being so attentive.

With this kind of service definitely your bank will be one of the best in years to come.

Of course to all customers “It’s all about you”.

Rape victim identity

Premila Devi,  Nausori

I am appalled that during a news segment few days back, the journalist reported the name of a man who had raped his daughter.

Do we not have a law in place? Hundreds of thousands of listeners now know which person and from which area, which was also announced, raped which daughter.

I went online to check if I was indeed correct in what I heard and there it was, online for even those living overseas to read the name of this father, the area he is from and when he raped his daughter.

Is Shamima Ali listening? Can she take this matter seriously? How could the identity of an innocent girl who has her entire life ahead of her be revealed? Disgusted!

Haka memory

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,  Canada

I am a die-hard Fijian supporter and outside of this, Australia is my second team.

But I never dreamed that a Haka, performed by the members of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) as they farewell the people of Vanuabalavu would drive me to tears.

My other half is from Vanuabalavu and reading the news of the tremendous and tireless work done by the members of the NZDF, we all agree with the people, that we are indeed indebted to the Kiwis.

Watching and listening to the farewell song “Isa Isa vulagi lasa dina” sung by the students of Adi Maopa Secondary School was sad enough, but the Haka response by the Kiwis just touches the heart.

Normally the Kiwis perform the Haka as a challenge before a test match and in 7s rugby; they would perform it again whenever they win a tournament.

I guess the message they relayed in the Haka was that they came to meet a challenge, gave it their all, they won the hearts of Fijians in Vanuabalavu and Fiji and now it’s time to be of service elsewhere.

God bless the members of the New Zealand Defense Force and a big thank you to the New Zealand government.

Bus service

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

The Nausori-Narere service has been the worse ever in the last three months and no one seems to care or have it reported to better the service.

On Thursday in trying to connect these services to visit some relatives in Muanikoso getting to the Nausori bus terminal at 12:30pm I decided to wait thinking it is yet to arrive.

I managed to ask a bus terminal marshall of the service and he explained that the last it was seen was at 9:30am and has never been again seen.

Just as we were talking a bus from the similar company but of a different route pulled in and the driver came to us.

We asked him about the service and to our surprise the driver mention that the particular bus broke down a few hours ago and might not be in service for the rest of the day.

More surprising the driver mentioned that the driver concerned knew that the bus had problems but never liked to change buses. He always over ruled what was decided.

The marshall mentioned that the passengers of the route concerned either get to Makoi and find their way home from there or get to Suva and catch the bus from Suva which is surely more expensive than the normal direct fare.

The company concern does the similar route from Suva and is regarded as one of best and fastest service from the Suva Bus Terminal, but it’s totally the opposite from Nausori.

CAAF warnings

Tukai Lagonilakeba,  Nadi

It should be a concern for every responsible Fijian to report any sightings of those people using infra and laser lights directing it at aeroplanes that are trying to land at the Nadi and Nausori International airports respectively.

A plane crash full of some 300 passengers resulting from these careless actions can be catastrophic to the country’s economy, loss of employment and detrimental to our tourism industry which has already been affected by Cyclone Winston and the floods.

There are sophisticated state of the art technologies in security cameras available that can be bought by the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) to identify who these people are.

I encourage and call upon friends and families of those tampering with the law to please hand these people over to the Police so that they can be dealt with accordingly.

This is no game nor a joke for that matter and rightfully concerned the CAAF is paying some thousands for dollars in TV adverts in carrying out its role to protect the safety and the interests of the travelling public to and from our nation.

Please let’s get serious because this is about our country’s reputation, its livelihood and our national security.

Climate change irony

Floyd Robinson,  Nasinu

As per the international community, small islands which often experience the direct impacts of climate change, have many opportunities to access funding opportunities from a range of international donors.

At large international conferences representatives including directors, prime ministers and presidents are often invited to sit at the main dais and are given much prominence.

Yet, the reality national representatives face when they go back home is the same.

The criteria of donors are complicated.

Sometimes the amount of technical details required becomes a burden to these islands, which are often limited in resources, let alone having available necessary technical reports.

All in all, climate change funding opportunities are so challenging that it becomes an irony.

The most affected countries struggle to access funding, often set up to support them. Others call it a reality.

Joy ride

Sachida Rao,  Nausori

The reduction of fuel price is much appreciated. Surely there will be some savings, which means some drivers will go for more joy rides.

Do remember the burning of fossil fuels is one of the causes of the depletion of the o-zone layer resulting in climate change.

Coincidental meet

Floyd Robinson,  Nasinu

Was it coincidental that Fiji met Canada in its first pool game during the Hong Kong Sevens tournament?

Whatever one’s views, we owe much to Canada.

They certainly woke us up in the first game, testing our confidence and resilience.

This certainly set the pace for the remaining matches. Looking forward to another week of sevens rugby.

FNPF abuse

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

As there has been a lot of talk concerning the Fiji National Provident Fund payout for the Cyclone Winston relief, there were a lot of people who did not use the money to what it was intended for. A lot of businesses thrived during the payout.

It is a fact that quite a lot of opinion put forward that the funds were his and hers and whatever way they spend it is entirely their own decision.

Looking at the other fact that this is what happens when the system in place is so difficult, rules so tight and lots of procedures and requirements are needed to get to the cake.

But as the rules are changed suddenly in the case of Winston, the members even though not affected, saw the doors suddenly open and the opportunity was there to grab not anyone else’s share but his or her very own.

But there were those who never even bothered, because they had other savings or maybe they would like to enjoy the whole cake at the end.

We had been saying all along of being a Christian state or of what we regularly hear to live together in peace and harmony what a better way of giving some of your cake to someone who is really in need of a piece and for the rest of the cake you do whatever.

Lighter phone

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

A certain someone asked for all the messages in his mobile phone to be deleted because the inbox was full. When all deleted and given back to him, he said, “Thanks, phone feels lighter now.” Au le !

Apartheid in World Rugby

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

More than any other small Island Nation to date, third World country, developing nation or cyclone ravaged, whatever the name you may want to call our Fiji, the fact is we have contributed very well to the development of this great sport in the international arena both in 15’s and 7s, but with very less recognition from its World governing body.

Our country’s Fijian rugby is used as pawns by those at World Rugby house and the International Sevens Rugby parent body when it suites their agenda, it is always a one way journey, because our rugby is at their mercy; we take and accept what they give us.

Let’s take this for a start, Fiji is still considered a tier two rugby nation; we are denied games against tier one rugby nations and our Fiji Rugby Union is made to beg for monies and games against them in our development, we have the best Fijian boys plying their trades offshore, whom are good enough to represent other overseas super 15’s team and club’s as well as they can opt to play for their adopted Nations in both Rugby League and Union.

One cannot help but notice a discriminatory application in the salary scale for our boys, although our Fijian rugger’s have proven better players than their overseas counterparts in the same club, their salary is still much lesser simply because they come from tier two nations

Let’s look at the abbreviated code in 7s rugby, our nation has been pivotal through its participation defeating and wining against the giants in the game contributing tremendously to its popularity and development, but its parent body sees it fit to not allocate any single international tournament to be played in Fiji, despite the fact we are the best including world champions.

Another classic example is the composition of the World Rugby Board, Fiji until today does not have a single seat to be represented and acknowledged, I am inclined to feel this board of elites are discriminatory, corrupt, self centred and racist to the extreme.

Fiji has proven itself on both codes and in fact most of this big rugby playing nations owe their success to the Flying Fijians from the very early days.

From the late 1970’s until today our majestic 7s team have graced the many international rugby paddocks, won and revolutionised the shortened code, but there is still a big disparity as witnessed in the then IRB budget allocations and its distribution, the tier ones get some so many fat millions whilst the tier two get peanuts for their faithful input, what a great imbalance.

This is what I term as “IRB Apartheid” in our modern world of rugby, it is so very wrong, get real World Rugby House and assist FRU to comply, so it maximise on its potential and the full benefits for the sake of the tier two nations.

Health laws

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC; Canada

One thing that one picks up quickly out here when watching television is the bombardment of viewers with all the different kinds of advertising for pills to take for the different sickness we have.

It is like a drug company or brand competition.

Some ads are very transparent saying that if usage of this drug causes side effects like so and so, discontinue and see your doctor.

Then we have law firms announcing that people who have suffered such and such diseases from using a certain drug should call their office and they could be eligible for compensation.

It is sad that Fijians are catching on quickly with this mentality, as people take pills for any ache or pain they have.

Our health resolution should be to diligently follow the simple health laws (New start) and if sickness comes, check which of the health laws you have abused and do the right thing.

Known herbal medicine should be used if the sickness persist and if there is no change, then opt for a prescribed medicine from the doctor.

We will be controlled by the drug companies, if we do not look after our health, or use the simple natural remedies the Creator has provided for us

Kenya celebrates

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

The finals of the Singapore 7s was definitely one proud moment for every Kenyan. Finally the nation has won a HSBC World Rugby Series 7s tournament and in a fashion that closed the flood gates for Fiji. All in all, way to go Kenya.

Meanwhile one has to give credit to the Vodafone Fijian 7s team for pulsating performances against Australia and South Africa. Has Fiji found a potential first five eight or centre for fifteens rugby? Kitione Taliga has the makings of a world class centre. For now Kenyans across the globe have every reason to celebrate.

Humbling defeat

Samuela Kailawadoko, Nadi

One of the most humbling of defeats for the Vodafone Fijian 7s came on Sunday when Kenya smashed our team with as weak a team as anyone could recall putting into the field. But, that is the plan, to try out players in other positions, run on new players and rest half of the regular players.

Unfortunately, seven good players do not necessarily make a good team, and this was the case with the Kenyans.

Our boys did not seem to understand each other’s methods and some of the tries scored against them were due to a complete lack of understanding between members of the defence.

Such weaknesses were inevitably exploited by Kenya. It must been a sweet sound for the Kenyans when the referee blew full-time and an occasion for rejoicing over the victory.

We have had our share of victories – we are still leading the series with a comfortable lead, so from tottering on the brink of defeat against Kenya, I am confident our boys will recover to astound the sevens fans in the globe in both the IRB sevens series 2015/2016 and the “Gold’ in Rio.

Disillusioned SODELPA

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Namaka

Very grateful to Maraia Vula’s report (FS April 16 on page 16)  “Lack of Drive to Join Opposition Office” exposing the utter disappointment and frustration from the SODELPA house to the lack of interest and distrust shown in response to its many Opposition party’s vacancies that appeared in our local dailies.

It is great to note a change of mindset in the SODELPA ranks, they are now talking to our country’s largest newspaper with the biggest circulation which they had boycotted for some childish reasons, but have now come to their senses and have finally admitted that their political party is now truly heading for an automated self destruction which I have previously predicted in my many past articles.

This is not about the SODELPA party being no longer popular, it is because they cannot identify with their relevancy to contribute positively and constructively to nation building and be seen proactively supporting the caring Voreqe Bainimarama FijiFirst government’s various inclusive policies in moving our country forward to creating a better and modern Fiji for all.

Fijians are now smarter and know the difference, they reject outright nonsense and they have very little or no time for a political party that thrives on everything so negative about the very truth that people have now come to fully appreciate, they are truly simply; “Fed up”.

There have been calls from some of our most ardent letter writers with very short memories to include Ro Teimumu, the leader of opposition in our current reconstruction, rebuilding phase and its rehabilitation post TC Winston, but for what role may I ask?

The Marama Roko Tui Dreketi is being used as a political pawn by her own members, but she should  expect neither favour nor respect from our Prime Minister and Government after failing miserably on a vote of no confidence in parliament against the PM, she is a picture of, divisive policies, is against our world acclaimed 2013 Constitution, discriminating, an extremist nationalist, non inclusive and most importantly she cannot be trusted to manage our multi-racial country with SODELPA party policies depicting what they believed and stood for that are recorded in their party manifestoes.

Still in my possession is five of each PDP, Labour, NFP, SODELPA and Independent candidates respective Political Party’s Manifestos from the last election, I peruse it every now and then against the FijiFirst government agenda and manifesto to ascertain if any from the above has ever delivered on their 2014 election promise.

I am still adamant there will not be an opposition post September 2018 election. Record this please.

Sky Pacific dish

Kirti Patel , Lautoka

We took our Sky Pacific dish out just before Cyclone Winston and again right after the warning of Cyclone Zena. We did try to put it back but this time something went wrong and I believe the Sky Pacific personnel themselves have to come and look into it as we don’t want any further complications and problems.

My dad went personally and lodged the complaint with them in the Lautoka Office and they said it will take them 2 weeks time to come and look into it.

This is my direct question to the chief executive officer  of this company, why is it taking them so long whereas when previously owned, the company was a bit efficient? What is the process whereby it takes the workers a good two weeks to come and have a look at least?

Also if the company director can let us know if we will be charged for this time frame where-by we are waiting for the Sky Pacific personnel to come over for checkup.

The natural disaster strikes, something we have no control over and see how some people show their laxity in their service.

Please we are not using your service at the present stage and we should not be paying for nothing. I hope to hear from the authorities pretty soon.

PNG corruption

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Delainavesi

The uprightness of Papua New Guinea’s head of  anti-corruption unit Matthew Dumaru  has resulted in the arrest  of the country’s  Attorney-General and Justice Minister Ano Palo (FS 14/4/16; RNZI).

He has dealt a huge blow on PNG’s Judiciary and power politik.  In fact his investigations  has led to other arrests including the supreme court judge Bernard Sakora and Peter Oneill’s lawyer Paraka.  He is only a step closer to arresting PNG’s PM Peter O’Neill and a network of high profile people.

His honesty and desire to do the right thing must be applauded even in the face of intimidation. I take my hat off for him, I thought only Jesus was the upsetter, until Dumaru appeared.  He has stood firm to protect the civil liberties and constitutional rights of Papua New Guineans against corruptive behaviour.

He risks being dismissed if power nests are disturbed.  It’s very rare to find such people around which is a lesson to learn.

Comfort over profit

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

The cramped up spacing between rows of seats in the economy class of our national airlines seems to be getting even smaller.

Known as the pitch, this distance varies between airlines. Our national airline has listed its economy class pitching distance on seatguru.com as 31 inches. I doubt it is.

Now with 31 inches, a 182cm tall person’s knee would touch the seat in front of him. Presently to get to the aisle for those sitting close to or by the window seats, all the persons next to and to the outside of them has to get out of their seat in order to make way for them to get in and out. It gets even worse when the passenger in front reclines their seat. It is by far the most uncomfortable seating arrangement I’ve experienced.

With a profit of $70million the airline can surely increase the pitch to somewhere between 36-40 inches and make it comfortable for all?

After all it’s the economy class passengers who foot the majority cost and through their patronage make the most profit.

At present it’s simply the sardine principle, pack ‘em in as tight as possible to get the maximised profit, close the door and get them across!

Please try comfort over profit and I can assure you an increase in sales!

Response to Dan Urai

Justice Mohamed Ajmeer,
Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission chairperson
The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission writes in response to a letter by Dan Urai that appeared in the Fiji Times on Saturday April 16, 2016.

The Commission contributed $10,000 to the Prime Minister’s National Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Funds post Tropical Cyclone Winston from its accumulated budgetary savings from its 2015 financial year.

The Commission had decided to contribute to the Prime Minister’s disaster relief fund at a time of necessity.

The funds are purely from the Commission’s savings.

Everyone is contributing irrespective of their political position and it should not be viewed politically.

It was an independent decision of the Commission to contribute.

The contribution to the disaster relief initiative will not compromise the independence of the Commission.

Through this contribution, ultimately, the  affected Fijians will benefit. It was in this spirit that the Commission proceeded to make a contribution.

This decision to contribute to relief assistance is consistent with the past practice of the Commission.

Should Mr Urai or any member of the public have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Commission.

‘Hybernating’ Urai

Parmeshwaran Prasad, Nausori

Our nation is in crisis post TC Winston and this Dan Urai is playing politics.

Instead of questioning how and where the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission got the money to donate to the Government, can you tell the public, a very few of whom you claim to represent, where were you all this while? Oh yeah…hibernating.

Get your act together. Help the Government in its efforts to rebuild our nation or just shut up and hibernate.

You are another one of those voices in isolation and that’s where you belong.

My plea to NGO’s and civil society groups-put politics aside.

Take heed of the Commission’s leadership and contribute towards rebuilding our beloved nation.

Kudos to the Commission

Arti Romana, Lami

Kudos to Human Rights Commission for the timely donation towards rebuilding our nation.

Please ignore dupes like Dan Urai, who have nothing constructive to offer.  So the Commission is back!!

Good luck

Stop being gullible

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

I’m on social media sites often. As a result, I see the whole gamut of hoaxes, scams, “like” bait, you name it. The internet has given tricksters and scam artists the power to reach millions of people though one click.

Unfortunately these posts are being shared by too many, which leads me to the main reason for writing this. I’d like to make an appeal for everyone to stop being gullible and spreading the garbage. Just stop. Sa rauta mada.

NZ Defence Forces: Our buddies

Joji Toronibau, Tunuloa

Skimming across yesterday’s dailies, I was almost in tears as well whilst reading Viliame Keteca’s letter on New Zealand Defence Forces’ (NZDF’s) stint on Vanuabalavu and farewell.

An old buddy Sergeant Neumai Moce, whom I was well acquainted with during our stint at the RFMF Engineers Corps in the 80’s-90’s, must be on his way home as well. If you are reading ‘my buddy’, so long ‘brother man Sir’.

No mention of Ryan at sports award

Fulori Turaga,  Suva

Why was there no mention of Ben Ryan at last week’s 2015 Fiji Sports Awards night?

There was mention of the Vodafone Fijian 7’s team as the Team of the Year, mention of the Telecom Fijiana team manager as one of the nominees to the Administrator of the Year Award, but no mention of Ben Ryan at all.

He was not even nominated to the Coach of the Year category.

Is this for real? After all he has done for rugby and for this country and this is what he gets?

Still our heroes

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

Even though our boys, the Vodafone Fiji 7s team were rattled and outplayed by Kenya in the cup final of the Singapore 7s, they still made Fiji proud and remain our heroes.

The come from behind wins in the quarter final with Australia and South Africa in the semi final is just heart attack and jolted to life stuff.

The final with Kenya was interesting to watch as the Kenyan’s were all fired up and hungry for their first ever cup win in the history of the HSBC 7s World Series.

On the other hand, our boys did their best but just could not contain the onslaught of the big, tall, fit, fast, and strong Kenyans.

We all hope Coach Ben Ryan has figured out a plan to counter this big Kenyan outfit that seems to be a big threat to all the top teams on this road towards Rio.

Go Fiji go.

Why co-generation?

Sukha Singh, Labasa

Fiji Sugar Corporation has been supplying power to the Labasa grid and also to the mill itself.

Right now, FSC has the capacity to supply Labasa .

The only problem they have is there is no bagasse dryer and a back feed conveyor from the bagasse dump to the steam generation plant .

I would be very grateful if the FSC management can tell us why they need $25million.

Pot holes

Ashwini Basant,  Nausori

Why do the China Railway (CRFG) have to fix pot holes  from 5pm to 6pm which is peak hours and cause traffic jam?

So many people leave work after 4.30pm and we all have to reach home on time, but fixing small pot holes at peak hours causes traffic jam.

There are so many pot holes in Vuci Road Nausori. It is very dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians. Appreciate if the relevant authorities could get it fixed as soon as possible before any serious accident takes place. Lets avoid getting this fixed at peak hours so that traffic jam is avoided.

Sick sheet saga

Narayan Naidu, Suva

In light of the ongoing abuse in issuing bogus sick sheets by some medical practioners, it is vital for the Ministry of Labour to apply stringent measures to amend the labour laws.

My suggestion would be to leagalise paid sick leave for one day only per month irrespective of the number of days stated in the sick sheet. Of course, negative impact from some employees and trade unions are expected.If implemented, this method would greatly reduce unwanted absenteeism at workplace and assist employers to maintain the productivity levels at par.

Churches and halls

Tomasi Boginiso, Suva

I could clearly see what the Government is getting to but during a disaster most people rely manly on these two building if the disaster worsen.

For  the people of Narewa in Nadi the safest place to be in a flooding is their own church. The best places to run to if there are no school in the area would be these two places.

Government should just say for places that uses churches and hall as evacuation center should be checked, strengthen if required and to be pleased that it has saved live in the pass.

My village community hall was declared by the Government as a Evacuation Centre in case of a disaster , this two storey structure was build over 40 years ago and declared an Evacuation Centre five years ago.

And I believe the best the Government possibly do is just by not building a new one but just to be repair and strengthen the existing structure. It has saved lives and it will continue to do so.

PNG Corruption

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Suva

Further to my letter on the above topic  printed by this good newspaper on the (FS 19/4/16) I wish to comment further on your article ‘PNG Police Chief Flawed: Amet’ dated the same (RNZI).

The revelation by former PNG Chief Justice  Sir Arnold Amet of the Police Commisionner’s (PC’s) claim that he had to have prior approval of any fraud squad investigation is flawed reveals the extent of arbitrary powers  that can be exercised  by the police  outside the provisions of the constitution.

I agree entirely with Sir Arnold  that in the exercise of the PC’s power and functions the Anti-Corruption head  should be independent  and should not be subjected to any authority.  Maybe the court only.

I dont know what the PNG constitution says  but if it specifies the PCs power to be briefed on the arrest then it must prevail.  As it is I can smell the rot and it is starting from the top.

We are glad that our constitution  specifies that under section 115(6)(7) and that is the standard required under  the United Nations against corruption.

It looks like the investigation  will strain the relations between the PNG judiciary and political leaders, if it hasn’t already has I’ll be surprised..

I hope the judiciary will not be dismissed after it upheld the responsibilities of the Anti-Corruption Unit (FS 19/4/16; RNZI)

These judges of the court must be applauded for being undeterred and supporting democratic principles  in the face of being sanctioned.  That is bravery by the absolute meaning of the word.

However, the decisions for the anti-corruption unit looks gloomy  if the PC exercises arbitrary powers  outside the PNG constitution.And if the judiciary legitimises dominance of certain politicians  then there is no check on the behaviour  of high powered people who ride roughsod  over others rights.

I agree with PNG Transparency International  Lawrence Stephens  that the people are particularly horrified  because of the interference with justice(FS 20/4/16; Xinhua).

Politicians must not  dictate over the judiciary and they must be seen to be impartial by the people to maintain respect.

Funds donation

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Someone named Dan Urai questioned how and where the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission got the money to donate to the PM’s post Tropical Cyclone Winston Relief Funds (FT 16/4). Is this fellow for real ?

He definitely needs a tight mix to chill.

Have a heart, Urai

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Dan Urai was the first in his letter to the other newspaper congratulating Ashwin Raj on his appointment as chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti Discrimination Committee.

He is also the first one on record to question the Chairperson on where did the commission managed to get their $10k fund contribution to the Prime Ministers National Disaster Relief Funds.

Urai is very fond of making a mockery of himself, he has made it a point he will question and criticise any organisation or person contributing constructively towards the rehab, reconstruction and the rebuilding process post Tropical Cyclone Winston to our fellow countrymen, women and children devastated from its effect.

The Fiji Teachers Union, Fijian Teachers Association, Fiji Tourism Hotel Association and the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission have all donated their shares on humanitarian grounds.

But the Fiji Tourism Hotel Workers Union had given absolutely nothing to which Dan Urai is the general secretary except that he can only contribute negatively as a critic with no positive solution whatsoever.

Letters (FS 20/4/16) titled “Response to Dan Urai” written by Justice Mohamed Ajmeer-Suva and “Hibernating Urai” by Parmeshwaran Prasad of Nausori are warranted and self explanatory, it does  makes very good sensible reading.

I would like to plead with my friend Dan to have a heart and please be sensitive, take into consideration the many hurting Fijian soul’s who are still suffering silently as a direct effect of the cyclone and flooding that have  devastated their livelihoods to which they are still trying their level best under the circumstance to recover from the experience.

Most of them still grieving from losing their loved ones, but to those that were not affected, please be grateful and in whatever small way we can.

Lets contribute positively to the alleviation of their sorrow, trauma, stress and hopelessness, let’s be there in their time of need, show love and compassion towards these fellow human beings if that is the least I can ask for which is much greater than the dollar value and ones too many pride which certainly belongs to fools.

Sick sheet scam

Babita Kumar

Nadera

Thank you Fiji Sun for exposing such unethical professionals around in the country.

We sincerely look forward to a tight stand from Ministry of Health.

This unethical, dishonest practice seriously needs to stop for a better Fiji.

Ignorant drivers

Jone Batiniika,

Nausori

Despite the fact that drivers are given numerous tests before receiving their licence, some drivers still do not know how to use the road, let alone follow road rules.

They are either too careless or too ignorant to pay attention.

I will give you a fair example.

Last week as I was heading to Tengy Cement Factory, I exited from the Samoan community in Lami, 50 metres ahead I was hit by a Lami Town Council rubbish dump truck.

The driver was racing with another truck and they were trying to overtake each other in double lane road.

The driver stopped 20 metres from the accident site and started accusing me of driving too slowly, he claimed he was driving at 80kmph.

At that moment I was perplexed and stunned. This was a 60km zone and the driver claimed he was in the right when he was exceeding the speed limit.

Witnesses at the site declared that this was a day to day practice. Apparently the Lami Town Council rubbish dump truck drivers were always speeding and racing each other along the road.

Fortunately there were no pedestrians on the road or any vehicle on the other lane at the time of the accident, but my company van was smashed and greatly damaged.

It’s these type of drivers that spoil the reputation of all drivers.

A word of advice to employers, don’t hire drivers simply because they have a licence. Also consider their behaviour on the road and their knowledge of road traffic laws.

And to all drivers remember the road does not belong to you. Human life is priceless so value it, be it a pedestrian or another driver, we all have a common goal and that is to reach our destination alive.

Road repairs

Rishi Deo

Nausori

There was a big traffic jam from 9 miles to the Rewa Bridge on April 20.

Thinking it might be  due to a big accident but coming closer to Davuilevu at Lelean Memorial School, it was seen about 15-20 China Railway First Group (CRFG) employees were manning and repairing about 10 potholes.

While towards Suva at about 4pm, I noticed that the same people were sitting at the bus stop opposite Lelean School laughing and at about 6pm while coming back the same bunch were working on the potholes, using a 1.5 litre coke bottle to spray water on the patch and using one small machine to patch the pothole.

The rest of the employees were taking shelter or holding to a spade and the driver was sleeping fullswing.

The responsible authorities should realise the fact that after 5pm, it is peak traffic hours when so many people have to reach home after work.

Working on roads at that time and causing such traffic is just not on and shows that they are just making overtime money.

The Minister responsible is requested to look into this matter and consult the company immediately to solve this issue and stop further disruptions at such peak hours. I hope this matter is solved.

Enjoy the Games

Sachida Rao,

Nausori

Through this column I wish to appeal to all non-government organisations and sporting organisations to consider giving sports equipment to the victims of Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Especially students and schools.  Even, indoor games will bring some excitement and joy to all the psychologically disturbed.

Ministry of Education is doing its utmost to deliver resources to offset the gap caused by TC Winston.  Probably the ministries and organisations that are directly responsible  for sports and youth development such as Fiji Football Association, Fiji Rugby Union, Netball Fiji, Cricket Association to name a few could kindly come forward and bring back the cheering and “Hip Hip Hooray.”

A volleyball net and ball can change the mood in the village.  A carom board game in the afternoon within family will create a different environment.

We need our children to move forward and enjoy the games.  Let’s enjoy the coming Coca-Cola Games

Bombing Rio

Timoci Gaunavinaka

Nausori

The battle of Singapore may have been lost, but it has gained us vital points to extend our lead in the IRB Sevens Series War.

The same strategy was applied some seventy years ago. The Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur surrendered the Philippines and South East Asia to invading Japanese Army, retreated and regrouped in Darwin (North Australia) before pushing back up north to eventually win the war.

We welcome the testing of a few overseas players in the last leg of the series. Players like Nakarawa, Nayacalevu and etc, are now given a chance to prove their worth. It will take an extremely superb performance by any of them in Paris and London to unseat any of our local boys on the plane to Rio. Whoever may be chosen will definitely add firepower to our team in Rio.

Our local boys have set the benchmark to lead the IRB Series table by eight points. At this same time last year, we were still trailing South Africa.

Ben Ryan’s timing is just perfect. After London, the team will have almost three months to recover, regroup, bond, make final adjustments, refocus then launch our final assault.

In August 1945, nuclear bombs were dropped at Hirosima and Naqasaki to end the war in the Pacific and showcase the might of America. In August 2016, Fiji will drop its 7s Rugby bomb in Rio to show the world the might of the Fijians.

Thank you FRU

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa

Delta, BC, Canada

The Fiji Rugby Union should be thanked for clearing the air regarding the Savenaca Rawaca hospital saga.

It is good to know that all the Fiji Rugby Union teams both in the 7s and in the 15s Code that participate in any World Rugby sanctioned tournaments are covered by the Travel and on Field Medical Insurance policy which is a mandatory requirement from World Rugby to allow for participation.

In Rawaca’s case, his physician advised him to continue treatment as an outpatient in the Outpatients Department at the Suva Private Hospital which FRU had facilitated.

This is where the Fijian Teachers Union, having compassion on our Fiji 7s speedster thought it best to pay for his six-day rest and recovery at the Suva Private Hospital.

To the FTA, you are commended for being a Good Samaritan, doing what you felt was right, which was even appreciated by the 7s star.

Thank you FRU for letting die-hard Fiji rugby fans know that those intending to assist national team players in a similar circumstance to contact FRU to avoid similar predicaments.

The Singapore connection

Tukai Lagonilakeba,

Namaka

A tested model, a first world country, the only island city state in the world, it is called the Lion or Garden City.

Just a little bit bigger than the size of Taveuni (167.5 sq miles, 10,000 people) with a population of more than 5 million, the Republic of Singapore (265.11sq miles) is a story of the many sacrifices and successes emanating from an iron fist ruler with a determined and tested leadership some 59 years through their late Founding Father of the Modern Singapore from 1959 until 1990.

Lee Kuan Yew was its first visionary Prime Minister ¬- the envy of many developing nations.

Their economy is on an unprecedented high and stable, GDP is good, the country is clean, multiracial and inclusive, their successful peaceful democracy is homemade and is 60 years old.

It is thriving and has withstood the test of time but all are the fruits of their honest labour, sacrifice and perseverance “se na vosota ena yalodina kei na vua ni cakacaka vinaka ka vakaidina”.

Our national airline Fiji Airways’ maiden direct flight to Changi International Airport, which is rated the best airport in the world, was met with many Hooray and Kailas from Singaporeans as it touched down to signify our confirmed first direct trade link with this wonderful island nation and together we Fijians are going to be testimony to this fabulous incredible Island City as we fly in and out to appreciate its splendour and to also understand why our PM Voreqe Bainimarama and his Government is so keen on taking Fiji in the Singapore way.

And why not?

Lee Hsien Loong is the eldest son of the founding father of Singapore and is the third PM since its independence from one of the world’s most respected economy and democracy, but now with the HSBC World 7’s series returning to the Singapore National Stadium every year, it is expected that many Fijians will now accept and begin to slowly implement and appreciate the good they will experience from the Lion City.

Their first PM Mr Lee in his vision for his people, the Singapore Statesman could not care less for 30 years on what was going on in the outside world. But he had set his sight on building his country to make it a better place for all those who will call Singapore their home, but look at what this island city is today? Why not Fiji? Of course we can do it.

Vinaka vakalevu to our smart Government policy for another excellent business and trade opportunity. It will certainly complement our nation’s economy, a great Look North Policy as Fiji Airways will benefit greatly and add value in also representing and the many proud Flags of our Pacific Regional Island Families.

Thank you so much for the opportunity Singapore.

Good work, Tukai

Steven Singh, Sydney, Australia

I am an avid reader of the Fiji Sun and always look forward to the letters to the editor column.

I would like to commend Tukai Lagonilakeba of Namaka for always writing great letters.

He covers almost all aspects of current affairs and his views are positive for the country and the well being of fellow Fijians.

Keep up the good work Tukai.

‘Less of Us Is More of Him’

Josaia Rayawa, Savusavu

On Friday night I dropped by the Total Service station at Lami Town and there was this young girl of say around 10 years old selling roti and curry parcels at 10pm.

I cautioned her that she ought not be around as late as she was and selling roti parcels on her own. I was told by the taxi driver that girls or boys are doing that more often in the main centres. (Taxi drivers are first-hand source of the kind of ‘shit’ that happens when the sun goes down. Excuse the use of the word here).

Whether these are little scams or genuine efforts to make a buck, it still remains a real concern when there are children involved, especially when it is 10pm.

I don’t know the full solution as I’m led to believe it is bigger than it looks, but on this occasion, service station providers must do their part as well by calling social services to report the matter and not just palm it off with a comment like, “Oh these brats come around all the time”.

They must be from somewhere close by because there were four children hanging around in the background.

Let’s not resolve the issue in our minds with what we want done to the irresponsible parents. Yes we all know it is their fault already, if a child is out there alone. It’s what we can do at the moment.

I think this is where the community at large ought to play a starting role. If the general public are buying things from these kids, because we feel ‘sorry’ for them or we just want them out of our hair, or simply turn a blind eye, then the public are just as irresponsible as the irresponsible parents or adults responsible for these unruly children.

I know things are changing in Fiji with values, etc and with the many influences competing for one’s attention, but I still like to believe there is still goodness and genuine concern that exist in our communities to ‘step in the gap’.

It’s not always the job of Government to bail us out of our social woes. I mean you only have to look at the rest of the world and the many examples of total reliance on governments, to realise that it cannot work.

We, as a community, become ineffective in our role when we just don’t do our part and the Gospel of Jesus Christ only become a preaching point to many out there rather than a point of difference in their lives, because as far as they are concerned they do not see ‘Christ’ in our works. Why can’t church groups do more? This is a reminder of the Spiritual Paradox that “Less of us is More of Him”.

This paradox may just help us see the most immediate needs in our community better.

Understanding loans

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

In the business section of the Fiji Sun (23/04) Peter Fuata of HFC Bank gives us an analysis of how to understand loans!

Mr Fuata took up half a page to do that! I have just one sentence!

When you take a loan you are in-debt and when you are in debt you become a slave to the provider of the loan!

It is as simple as that!

Boss mentality

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

To me, the fact that a national survey conducted by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre found that three in five women believe that a ‘good wife’ should obey her husband, and that disobedience was seen by one in four women as a good reason for a man to hit his wife/partner, means that we will continue to have violence against women.

With all the laws and warnings, even from the Prime Minister; it is sad that Fijians still have the misinterpreted Bible teaching that at marriage, the man is the boss and whatever he does to his wife/partner is none of our business.

In this day and age, this boss mentality has to change – both in men and women.

For Christian men, the Bible reminds us to love our wives, partners, and children as Christ loves us and gave His life for His people, His church.

The married woman should also love her husband/partner but should report domestic violence to the Police.

To us men, God has appointed each of us to be the head of our own families, but this boss mentality does not include violence against the woman whom you vowed to God and all present during marriage to love and cherish ‘until death do us part’.

Yasawa norm

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

I called my Tavale the Turaga Tui Naviti a few days after TC Winston had past to check and ask if all was well at Soso Village in Naviti.

His reply was: “Io tavale, o keimami mai Yasawa e sa matau tu na kana Cagilaba e na vei yabaki  sa oti yani kei na kena e se bera mai” meaning – “yes we survived and we are used to being hit by hurricanes year in and year out , we are accustomed to such wrath.”

He also mentioned that for first timers it will be difficult for them, but the most important thing was to be prepared and plant crops in a mature and responsible manner anticipating that it can sustain cyclones.

Cyclones, the rise in sea level, being battered by huge waves and coastal battering has become a norm; it is a way of life for our relatives in the Yasawas similar to those in Nadi through the many massive floods that sweep through the district every year.

It is now an acceptance because there is no choice but to be prepared.

There are so many committees being put up in Nadi to mitigate and find ways to lessen the impact of flooding in the Nadi basin.

We hear a lot of too much talk and reasoning from highly qualified professionals and stakeholders from the Nadi community, but I haven’t witnessed any action and yet they are still talking.

Climate Change is real; it is through our arrogance, our blatant disregard and irresponsible disrespectful abuse of our biodiversity and environment.

When are we going to learn?

Replacing power lines

Sukha Singh, Labasa

Hasmukh Patel, the chief executive of the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) said on the Aina programme that underground cables and overhead lines have to be replaced after a certain number of years.

I think he must have meant when a cable exceeds it load carrying capacity than it should be changed. For a place like Fiji if you have a lead covered cable and your joints are water tight they can last forever.

In 1974 a cable joining expert told me it is very hard to make plastic covered cables water tight. I am not sure if the technology has come up with some glue that can make plastic cables as water tight as lead cables.

Disillusioned

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

All people who preach the removal of any Opposition party come election 2018 must realise that the Constitution mandates political rights (section 23).

The President will also dissolve this Government after three years and six months from the day of its first meeting according to section 58(3) of the Constitution.

If they feel strongly for the good performance of a certain party then there is a procedure for amendment under the Constitution (section 160) where they can remove the rights of people to form parties and differ. This will only degrade the rights of people of this country and is unjust.

This is democracy (pluralistic society) not a totalitarian government where you shove things down people’s throats.

Meanwhile, I congratulate Mahendra Ved on his appointment as the new President of Commonwealth Journalists (FS 19/4/16).

I agree with him that there is no democracy without journalism but newspapers must also observe the rules of fairness, and the right of people to reply to articles (no editorial bias), and more so to be sensitive to religious and cultural values.

I wish him well as defender of truth and justice.

Scouts And Primary Curriculum

Ritesh Prasad,

Lautoka

Scouting has now being extended to the whole primary school year levels from Years 1 to 8. Now we are having the JOEYS from Year 1 and 2, cubs from Year 3 to 5, scouts from Year 6 to 8 as a co-curricular programme all year round. Apart from this we are also having venture scouting from Year 9 to 12 and rover scouting from Year 13 until the age of 26.

Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy is including scouts formally in the primary curriculum for Year 6 and 8 to ensure that all students transiting from the middle primary level to upper primary level and secondary level partake in a profound knowledge and understanding based activities. It is designed with vital life skills that scouting unveils as in Term 2 the curriculum coverage is completed giving a great opportune moment to use the rest of Term 3 in engaging students in scouting skills.

Year 7 has scouting every fortnight throughout the year just as Year 1 to 8 has it.

Fiji Scouts has numerous girls registered in scouting. In all our rallies we formally include girls. A girl scout went to Australia attending Australian Scouts Jamboree. We also have numerous female scout leaders in districts all over Fiji.

We are also proud of Scout Moms who support scouting.

In Fiji, we have termly school based camps after which we have cluster based camps moving on to the district rallies. We also have district cubs rally, district scouts rally, district venturer rally, district rover rally, district scout awards camp and Gilwell reunions. Now we also have district community outreach scout programmes.

We have an active green scouts movement in which the boys and girls help save mother nature by carrying out clean-up campaigns, mangrove planting, and putting up of scout billboards creating positive awareness.

There are hundreds of scout leaders who are well experienced, qualified and skilled. It’s a normal trend for the districts in collaboration with the Fiji Scouts headquarters to carry out numerous basic training courses leading up to the wood badge course.

Leaders are well equipped with first aid requirements and are skilled with swimming also. The scout leaders of Fiji are well experienced as they are equipped with local and overseas training.

Currently, there are four leaders in Australia getting scouting experience in the Australian Jamboree 2016. The scouting qualifications are not just a paper qualification for teacher advancement but a passion for scouting. All primary schools already have scout leaders.

In Fiji, the boys and girls in scouting gains experience of outdoor adventure, bush skills, and self-reliance. I thank Scouts Australia for their immense help, guidance and support to Fiji Scouts.

The senior education officer policy Satyendra Kumar and his team has developed a great Scouting and guiding policy for primary schools and are currently on a journey of a policy consultation workshops throughout Fiji. This is a commendable effort.

The Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy is doing a remarkably superb work to support and uplift scouting in Fiji through the Primary schools.

For decades, scouting in Fiji has come a long way through primary schools. This is the 102nd year of scouting in Fiji.

I am delightedly gratified of the current positive changes brought to the Fiji’s Scouting arena.

Reading culture

Avitesh Kumar,

Ba

With the fast paced technological era, certain things have totally or is in the brink of getting diminished.

One such thing is reading among school students. Nowadays students seem to be immersed in the latest gadgets and new and exciting games at the cost of their education. Reading used to be a hobby for many as people queued in libraries and bookshops to get their favourite books.

Reading not only enhances ones speech, it also develops ones vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Gone are the days when parents used to buy story books for their children and read bed time stories.

Today, every member in each household carries a mobile phone. What baffles me is that once a flourishing hobby is slowly dying out. The reading culture needs to be maintained in order to have a more confident and a more knowledgeable society.

I, for one, fondly recall my high school days, where we would be consumed into reading books during library classes. Reading really helped me and I’m sure it will help everyone if all embrace this magnificent hobby.

Team Rio

Shad Alfaz Ali,

Navua

Congratulations to Ben and brigade for reaching the final of the Singapore Sevens.

The loss to Kenya could be a blessing in disguise in our quest for gold at Rio.

It is an indicator to Ben that he needs to have the best prepared team with the availability of all our top players. South Africa with speed and New Zealand with strategy would prove to be a more than formidable opponents for our boys.

We must not limit our selection to local boys but pick the best available players based on form. New Zealand with the Ioane brothers, Savea, Ben Lam and SBW (if selected) would be hard to beat and favourites for gold. In addition to hunting Nemani Nadolo down we need to add Leone Nakarawa and Josua Tuisova to our ranks.

I wish all the best to Ben and the boys for the final leg of the sevens series.

Report fairly, accurately

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,

Delta, BC, Canada

The Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni told those who attended the Parliamentary Masterclass training for journalists at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva that Parliamentary debates should be reported accurately and fairly.

To us the Fijian public who rely on the information released by the media, we want all media reports to be the truth and nothing but the truth.

What we read, hear and see is what we normally share with others and it is embarrassing to be caught sharing a lie, which we thought was the truth.

While we Fijians know that the Fijian media organisations can be trusted with its news reports; I have a laugh listening to Donald Trump’s election campaign rallies, where he would point to all the media cameras pointing at him saying, “Some of these media are a bunch of liars.”

To all Fijian journalists and reporters, thank you for reporting accurately and fairly and I hope that we, the public will never point the finger at you and use Donald Trump’s words.

Your past is history

Tukai Lagonilakeba

Nadi

Life is lived looking forward and learnt looking back, the two old Scholars Lelean Memorial School, Peni Veidreyaki and Epeli Lagiloa have been subjecting our super national 7s coach Ben Ryan to their 50 cents rugby tutorials in our local dailies as of late.

They are both former successful national 7s coaches in their own right, but that is past and is history now,  good reading though master Epeli’s articles FS April 24 whereby he specifically articulates his thoughts which he feels can contribute better to the preparations of our current in form Ben Ryan coached team.

I would have preferred both of our former coaches to contact Fiji Rugby Union direct, so they both can make arrangements for the three of them to meet person to person and exchange ideas as our rugby can only win from such healthy constructive meetings, our current coach does not read and rely on media speculations as such.

Master Epeli must respect and understand that the current proven and tested team in Ben Ryan, trainer Cawanibuka and Cathy Wong put together simply outweighs master Epeli’s CV, but no disrespect to him. I would like to ask my old scholar teacher to please apply those tactics to your current Tokatoka Westfield Dragons team, because as of late, their current success record in our local tournament leaves less to be desired relevant to your professional recommendations.

In the composition of our many past and current Fijian 7s representatives, I must commend both Peni Veidreyaki and Epeli Lagiloa for their contribution and input to the developments of those many players that have made it through to the national teams in both 15s and 7s respectively. But right now leave Ben and his team alone, he knows what he’s doing and lets all stand by him, go get the Rio Gold Ben.

Real mother

Sachida Rao,

Nausori

Could we all stand and salute  Mrs Nand Kumari, mother of Lieutenant-Colonel Avinesh Kumar who is heading to Sinai for military duties as a commanding officer?

Lieutenant-Colonel Kumar lost his father when he was only three months. Now he has attained a masters qualification at the age of 37 and visited several countries. Indeed this is a remarkable achievement.

The success behind this attainment is the nature of the upbringing by the respected mother who is a role model to our society.

I really liked her thoughts when said: “I have always taught my children when they were young to be humble; no matter what you achieve in life; remember to always be humble and don’t look down on other people.”

That reminds me of my mother who hardly had any schoolings but cherished values and education.

I wish the good Lord will give strength to all the mothers have and are overcoming the challenges and hardship.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.

Chain of disasters

Tomasi Boginiso,

Nasinu

It should be ringing in everyone’s mind of what is yet to come. We have been affected by two cyclones and the highest record of rainfall which has caused flooding in most of the regularly affected areas.

And throughout the Pacific there has been earthquakes recorded in Solomons, Vanuatu, Kiribati and most recently Norfolk Island.

And with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii warning that a great earthquake is likely to strike the areas within the Pacific Rim of Fire which Fiji is part of, these should be in everyone’s mind of what is likely to come.

The recent tidal surges in the outer islands is an indication that earthquakes are happening in the ocean base. As words of relocation of villages and settlements to higher and secure grounds is the decision of their lifetime and action is required now more than words.

But we should be always prepared and be praying for our own protection and future.

Introduction of the ‘pledge’

Kirti Patel,

Lautoka

While we do acknowledge the effort of the Minister for Education on the above initiative, does one really think, it will help curb the issue of student behaviour and discipline? Disciplinary issues have to be rectified and acted upon.

Just recently the news is being highlighted of a former Police officer acquitted in an alleged rape case. I’m quite sure he would have taken some sort of oath as well.

I am sorry but if the pledge is the reason to bring about the positive effects in our children, what is wrong with the morning prayer in schools? I’m sure all schools have some sort of prayer before they start with their daily classes.

Doesn’t that have any impact on our children?

Can children continuously be saying something daily and bring about the positive changes in within them?

From where I see, any pledge is not going to make any difference unless and until the students instill such things in themselves. It has to come from within them. We can take the horse to the river but we cannot make it drink.

Also what is the reason for the delay in putting into practice the Minister’s proposal. Cyclone Winston cannot be the reason because if it really was then the idea of introducing this would not cross one’s mind in the present scenario.

Let’s hope to really see some difference in our students, with or without the pledge.

School pledge

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,

Delta, BC, Canada

While we all agree with the Minister for Education for the introduction of the eight-point national students’ pledge, to be recited by Fijian students from Year Six to Year 13 in schools daily, I believe this pledge is missing one key ingredient for it to work perfectly.

The parents and guardians of each student should sign the pledge, so that when the students make the promise every morning they have the full backing and support of their parents and guardians.

The end of next term will give us a fair indication if the students making the pledge, with the support of their families, are really walking the talk or just doing lip service.

Fijian 7s calender

Arien Vikash Kumar,

Nadi

Whenever and wherever there is talk about Rugby 7s in the World, Fiji’s name will be talked about; no doubt about that.

Fijian 7s, over the years, have done wonders and have made history several times in the world rugby circuit.

Tournament by tournament, year by year a new star is born in the Fijian 7s squad. Some are born gifted with the ability to do “magic or miracle” on the field and some become the role models of the youths of this nation.

However players come and go as some join overseas clubs, some take early retirement, some quit because of family commitments and most importantly the ones who have to quit because of ‘permanent injury’ or ‘untimely death’.

These stars that are born today are easily forgotten tomorrow if they are no longer in the game. All their hard work, commitment and sacrifices goes unrecognised within a very short period of time.

What if FRU starts publishing a ‘yearly calender’ which include a players’ list (name and photo) for each tournament from the last HSBC Series with other relevant information about the tournament and the series and this calendar goes on sale to all.

I bet every household will wish to have one without any second thoughts. As they will turn the calendar on monthly basis they will learn, remember and cherish every special moment of the Fijian 7s team for that year. Some will start collecting it on yearly basis just to show it to the next generation.

The money collected from the sale of this can be used for the welfare and assistance of the unfortunate heroes who had to quit unwillingly because of injuries and other genuine reasons. The families of the players who had died could also be assisted through these funds.

Wouldn’t this be ‘one stone killing many birds’?

Immigration check-up

Joe Smith,

Deuba

The Attorney-General recently made a public statement that the Government Titles Office would very soon incorporate an on-line system whereby the public could access details of all Fiji registered titles and leases. We are still waiting.

Can we also have an online check-up of our immigration watch listing in case our names appear without our knowledge?

Games title

Wise Muavono,

Lautoka

It gives me great pleasure to announce that this year’s Coca-Cola Games boys’ and girls’ titles will once again be retained in the Central Division; in Kaunikuila and Sawani respectively. Hahaha!

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Rubbish collection

Conan Hatch, Nadi

Litter collection facilities are virtually non-existent in semi-rural/semi-urban and squatter areas.

For example, on some of my visits to the Nadi Back Rd areas, I have seen that residential properties are quite small and so home owners are reluctant to dig a large hole in their compound to bury their household rubbish. And with no rubbish collection made available by the authorities, their rubbish ends up in drains, on beaches and anywhere outside these properties.

I am certainly not excusing people’s lack of care for the environment but no one wants to keep rubbish in their own back yard or close to their homes. Nadi Back Rd is only one example.

There are hundreds of similar areas around Fiji and all their rubbish would add up to thousands of tons of garbage. I have been on rubbish picking and clearing teams but they are only very short term fixes. We need a co-ordinated and sustained approach to this issue.

So rather than harping on and on about the rubbish epidemic in Fiji, why don’t the councils and Local Government Ministry start setting up a proper rubbish collection system for these areas. The urban areas are mostly covered well enough by the local councils.

Maybe the advisory committees in each area can be empowered to make arrangements with some of the cost charged monthly to households and the rest paid out of the local Government or Environment Ministry budget.

Say it as it is

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

The increase of NCDs throughout our nation no doubt stems from our unhealthy diets and lifestyles.

The excessive consumption of harmful carbonated and alcoholic beverages is evident and it’s getting worse.

Our society is being bombarded through all platforms of advertisement of these unhealthy beverages and it continues to go unchecked, mercilessly and without any consideration to the harmful effects it has on our bodies.

It’s about time Government puts into immediate effect a policy to manage such gross promotions.

I suggest for every advertisement made by these companies and for every product produced, that it be made legislation that the harmful effects of the product be made known to consumers and the information included in the advertisement and printed on the product label.

Time we wake up! Stop commercialising our bodies!

FEA subsidy

Nirbhay Singh, Labasa

To date there is no response from the Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA) after the Consumer Council’s request of disclosers on this issue; almost three weeks now.

Secretly we see a re-printed detailed bill’s outlining these queries rectified in new bills.

Come on FEA, the Consumer Council is awaiting your comments on my earlier request that was: FEA’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 consumer know where to draw the line and monitor usage when only bigger picture reference is given as 95kWh?

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

Coke games

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Is the turf at the ANZ National Stadium cooling down or warming up?

Whatever ones views, excitement and anticipation to the Coca-Cola Games is almost reaching boiling point.

Athletes cannot wait to get on to the tracks, and participate in field events. One looks forward to surprise performances as well as records broken. Can Natabua High School and Jasper Williams Secondary hold on to their titles as defending champions? Only time will tell, but for now, many athletes and fans cannot wait any longer.

Sewer leak

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Can the authorities concerned please look into a sewer leak at Marlow Street, opposite Tilak High School in Lautoka?

The raw sewer has been leaking in drains and even onto the main road. Many school children use that road daily and the water from the drain connects to Vunato.

The villagers of Vunato use that river daily, catching fish, crabs and even swim in the same river. Wake up Water Authority!

Community outreach

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Thank you, Josaia Rayawa, for your letter titled ‘Less of Us is More of Him’, urging Christians to not only preach Christ but for the community to see Christ in our response to their needs (FS 24/4).

The letter had my undivided attention because I am just about to complete translating the third quarter 2016 Sabbath School Lesson titled ‘The Role of the Church in the Community’.

This lesson contains practical Biblical teachings of God’s mercy and justice in the Old Testament and His desire for His chosen people to reflect the same in their communities.

The bulk of the lesson is about Christ’s community outreach, where He mingled with the people, desired their good, showed sympathy, ministered to their needs, won their confidence, before bidding them, “Follow Me.”

The last two lessons teaches us practical ways of reaching out and meeting the needs of the urban communities in these last days, and the divine instructions of what we should be doing while waiting for Christ’s return.

I recommend this lesson, which will be available soon on-line, to all Christians and churches, and together we can impact our communities by adding value to their lives and they in turn thank Christ who is reflected in you.

Virtual reality

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

So good and heartening to read in the Fiji Sun another new original initiative by the Minister for Education, National Heritage Culture and Arts.

Mahendra Reddy in taking e-learning another notch outside of our country’s main urban centres to those in rural and maritime Fijian students who would not have afforded a visit to our only Museum in Suva.

Virtual Museum is a great idea and an excellent learning tool, a very smart concept. It is inclusive, a level playing field for all citizens, accessible, affordable and available upfront to our school children for as long as they have a set of computers with internet access.

For those students who have to travel in groups to Suva from schools in Rakiraki, Naitasiri, Tavua, Ba, Tailevi, Lautoka, Nadi, Nadroga and Navosa, Yasawas, Kadavu, Lau, Taveuni, Malolo group, Lomaiviti and Vanua Levu, this is God-sent and a blessing for these children. There schools and parents realistically do not have to fundraise for their travel costs to Suva.

For these stakeholders to be able to see and learn first up artefacts relevant to their country’s past directly from the Fiji Museum and read their respective descriptions at the same time, it will rekindle their interests and bring joy to them including adults from their respective communities. This is about ownership, knowledge, power, information, it is their right and is progressive.

This will create in them a sense of patriotism, love and respect for their country where they will now be able to visit the museum online and research.

I am sure three quarters of our Fijian population who live here or abroad have never visited our own Fiji Museum in Suva let alone they don’t even know if one exists. However, I am certain they will be proud to do so now with a press of a button online.

Vinaka vakalevu Mr Reddy, the majority Fijians fully support and also await your office decision to quickly fast track and implement that important positive schools pledge for the sake of our future Fijian generations.

It is a move in the right direction, Mr Reddy.

Mosquito repellant

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

There seems to be a war over which repellent is the best.

This has happened after the most popular and most purchased brand ‘Goldeer’ seems to be out of stock in retail shops.

There have been a lot of choices to make in trying to decide which one is next in line after ‘Goldeer’. Some people have their own choices and there are those who intend to use the electrical repellent.

It seems the mosquito repellent is part of our daily lives and there have been sleepless nights without the repellents. The most ignored once are the smelly ones and secondly the ones that don’t do a good job.

There is one best way to reduce the mosquito population – by cleaning your area daily and destroying all breeding grounds.

This awareness has been advertised regularly.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Different prices  Epi Satavu, Waila

I used to buy a strip of diclofenac tablet (100g) for $1 elsewere but at Nausori Pharmacy its $1.10. Why the difference? I don’t know! …

Scouts and girl guides in schools

Susana Tuisawau, Suva

I thank Ritesh Prasad for all the information in his letter regarding the scouting movement in schools and fully endorse the sentiments expressed. May I thank and congratulate the Ministry of Education and especially the honourable Minister, for eventually seeing the value of the scouting movement to mainstream it back into the school programme.

For years the teachers of Fiji had been strongly advocating for the due recognition and strengthening of these valuable extra-curricular activities such as Scouting and Girl Guides in the schools. The reason for their being re-introduced being that they contribute to character building and valuable life skills which the academic subjects are unable to fulfill.

May I add that there were other extremely valuable extra-curricular activities which some schools-especially secondary schools, used to offer that students greatly enjoyed and which achieved outstanding results. These were :  The Duke of Edinburgh  Scheme; Rangers; Clubs e.g. Young Farmers Club, Music/Choral Club; Arts Club; Science Club to name only a few.

What had happened was that attention had somewhat been diverted away from these very valuable, character building extra -curricular activities for various reasons.

Some reasons given were because of OHS; teachers’ workload and the overemphasis on academic excellence.

However, what some of us had noticed with great concern has been the replacement of these valuable extra-curricular activities with military cadetship in secondary schools.

This is the militarisation of civilian society which is a concern as it runs contrary to the principles of a democracy and the promotion of a democratic society.

Indeed, it would distract attention and much needed time in the schools’ program to support the ministry’s initiative to build up the positive civilian movements in the schools such as Scouting  and  Girl Guides; etc.

I salute you Scouts and Girl Guides and wish you a much brighter future in the schools!

True to life visit to North

Joji. O Toronibau, Tunuloa

While skimming across the dailies and watching the television footages of the recent visit in the North by the PM, I was convinced that we the earthlings of this little stretch infrastructure will soon be enjoying the same road transport utilities as enjoyed by almost everone in Fiji.

This is espescially the Natewa Bay side of Tunuloa from Wailevu Primary School to link up to the Napuka Catholic Mission Secondary Government road. For too long school children had to walk, wade and steaming across the seas for education, sick senior citizens to health clinics plus economic trading activities are quite difficult to face each day.We deservedly want Police presence as well on wheels at times to lessen illegal activities.

If only

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Good to see our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the Leader of the Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa talking when the PM was handed the cheque from the Opposition MP’s contribution towards the PM’s relief and rehabilitation fund.

I am of the view that IF ONLY these two can work together, Fiji will be renamed as “Fiji the way the world should be”!

Valuable document

Arien Kumar, Nadi

It’s not only birth certificates, passports or TIN letters are important and valuable documents that one should keep safe at all times.

Safe keeping of “Exam Result Transcripts” (external exams) is also very important as this is more valuable than any other documents in our lives because this document (exam results transcript) come a day will be the decider of one’s future.

Parents, teachers, schools and especially the students, if we all can treat exams (either internal or external) with very high importance and priority  then we also should treat the safe keeping of external exam result transcripts with high or even higher importance and priority.

It’s often seen that students forget to collect their results from the school after exams and are least bothered about it till the very day they are scheduled to attend a job interview. This would be the day they start calling the schools, teachers, ministry and exams office.

A lesson well learned for some who came for the interview during the Recruitments of Fiji Police Force at Lautoka, Monday, April 25. The majority of the  turnout for the interview didn’t have their exam result transcripts and had to taste the last minute rush at the education office and exams office for their transcripts.

However, this last minute rush could have been easily avoided if only they had kept their result transcripts safely.

Not forgetting to thank the Lautoka Education Office and especially the Examinations Office for facilitating the last minute requests and assisting the needy ones who may have awakened the very last minute. I would like to make a humble request to parents at large to ensure that their child’s result transcripts are safely kept throughout and to the Schools if they can keep any uncollected results up to five years or more.

Also all the best to those who came for the selection into the Fiji Police Force.

Road accidents

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

In the past week we have been having road accidents on a daily basis and has any in the relevant authorities thought of anything to counter these mishaps. The worst is the Samabula fall with the driver still at large.

Have drivers obtained  their licences by  providing themselves or have they passed the tests in flying colours or have they taken shortcuts, favouritism or bribery? Someone needs to have all these checked.

The Police should also have roadblocks or checks in the weekend to check these drunk drivers who seem to rule the road at the wee hours of the morning. The cameras, are they working? Have they so far had any results or anyone being punished through what they are seeing?

And lastly the number of car rentals around has increased quite dramatically and are these  to standard or whether they are just doing business for the sake of money. Recent road fatalities have  been involving rental cars. I hope something concrete is done to stop these kinds of accidents from continuing.

Ben’s ‘best bet’

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

This is not a misgiving critique or a fault -finding trip but who are Ben’s ‘best bet’ if fatigue is the only explanation after playing hard games  one after another .

I agree entirely with Peni Veidreyaki that they lack the killer instinct  and allowed  the Kenyans to dominate  all facets of play.

The great Kenyans who have played us  for years stung us  in Singapore  from the start.  They seem to appear from everwhere as if they had a trail trekker.  They chased us down at all opportunity and we were eventually caught for the celebration.  What a long hunt it took.

Other worrying signals are the rate of simple mistakes committed, absence of speedsters, and moreso the lack of size as shown to us by defeats to Kenya and Samoa.  Their sheer speed and aggression contributed to victory over us.  It was like struggling through a Hurricane barrage.  We just could not counter-fire justifying Peni’s reasons.

But its reassuring that Nakarawa , Nayacalevu,  Pio Tuwai and Jasa Veremalua will be included.  Do not forget Masivesi and Nalaga.

Everyone gets older and slower but its a wonder that Oscar matches younger players taking considerable punishment during the IRB series.  He needs rest maybe the whole team too.

Go Fiji Go

Letters to the Editor

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

For many obvious reasons people will write to express their opinions in your letters to the editor column and from my view point they are;

1] Mainly because the Fiji Sun has a bigger circulation reach to the many readers throughout the country.

2] It is because you are giving the writer their freedom and the opportunity to express their feelings freely on certain issues they feel important about at national level or from a personal experience good or bad which they will want to share so that others may take some positives from in the process.

3] The letters must be simple, factual, well researched and sensibly easy to digest in order you get your message across to your audience through very simple English applications and terminologies making it easy for them to understand and enjoy reading it.

4] It is very important for writers to understand that if ones letter is put through a class room of 100 people there will also accordingly be 100 different interpretations to its meanings; it is simply because that is how they see it from their own perspective and it must be clear cut, constructive and relevant to the issue or point.

An advice to my fellow writers, please do not give up if your letter is not printed but keep writing, it will get printed one day.

Interestingly many readers from around the country tell me that they only buy the Fiji Sun to only read the front page, letters to the editor and the sports news because that kick starts their day.

As ardent critics, we provide a difference in views to your opinions column and your newspaper.

I would also like to one day see the Fiji Sun include a one page letters to the editor translation in the itaukei and Hindustan vernacular for the convenience of others; it will certainly make Fiji Sun more popular.

I am personally grateful to the sponsors from Courts mega store Fiji wide and to your news paper for the opportunity, the made in India Micromax phone is certainly a bonus.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Destroyed churches

Malakai Naduva, Labasa

I applaud and support the Prime Minister’s stand not to rebuild churches that were destroyed by Cyclone Winston.

From a Christian perspective, Christians need to understand that at times God uses what he creates as his weapon of destruction. God created the earth and everything in it. He created the seas, the waters, the wind and the ground. As in the days of Noah, God used the waters as a flood to destroy the earth. He used fire and brimstone to destroy Sodom. God also uses the wind to create destruction in Egypt in the days of Moses. He used the ground to burry Core and his followers for disobeying Moses.

The problem with Christians today is in believing that when destruction comes through hurricanes (wind), earthquakes (ground), tsunamis (seas), flooding (water), they say it is mother nature and do not believe that these are the wrath of God on people who disobey him. That is why God has sent Cyclone Winston to destroy the churches in Fiji because building churches is disobedience to God. The bible says in Act 17: 24, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwell not in temples made with hands.”

The bible clearly states that God no longer dwells in churches made by men’s hands. Christians need to ponder if God is not there, who then is in the churches today?

The book of 2 Thesolonians 2: 3-4 states that the sons of Satan now sit in the churches and are being worshiped as gods.

I urge the Prime Minister to keep up the good work he is doing and not to bow down to those blind Christians who fail to see the light of the word of God.

Thank you

Arien  Kumar, Nadi

A big “vinaka” to the Wesley Church’s Yarawa Circuit for stepping in and helping a needy family of Votualevu, Nadi.

Sleepless nights on cardboards and under the tarpaulin will soon turn into peaceful sleep for the family of Valemasima Settlement in Votualevu, thanks to the Wesley Church.

Also not forgetting to thank the Fiji Muslim League for assisting many families (victims of the TC Winston), in a similar way.

Building a home for the needy without any racial discrimination is truly commendable and eye-opener for one and all. I personally would like to thank Fiji Muslim League for assisting a family in Ba with building materials.

Probably other prominent religious groups are also helping others silently in a similar way or other, so not forgetting to thank them also.

May the good works of these religious groups be noticed by some of our political parties and leaders who always fight for their party, but not for their people.

God Bless Fiji and Fiji is really and truly blessed to have such religious groups who really care for its people without any racial discrimination.

Promote reading

Neelz Singh, Lami

Reading and literacy is matter of great concern in today’s society. Before, it was considered as a hobby and dedication to fetch a story book or a novel from the library was a trend that is becoming obsolete, because of fast hi-tech gadgets and online system.

Especially from primary education to secondary, there are many students who are not aware: of how to spell, write or pronounce some words correctly. Parents should encourage their children to read a story book and do other related outdoor activities instead of spending time watching TV or playing computer or online games or trending social sites. Parents are neglecting spending time with their children and contradicting their priorities.

To identify the level of literacy, numeracy and reading among school students, they should compete in games and create workshops and awareness that might help them to rectify and overcome barriers that the unfortunate ones, who are not able to read, write or pronounce.

This may help them to lead better lives as students and also help them to become responsible citizens of the country.

Longest kaila

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Delta, BC, Canada

Fijians just do not understand the mentality of the Opposition parliamentarians.

The Government has done a big favour to all Fijians, including those who voted the Opposition into Parliament, by using its power to give all Fijians whose names are recorded in the Data Bureau Limited a clean slate and a fresh start.

When all Fijians should be celebrating, the Opposition turns holier than thou, opposing what will bring smiles to those who voted them in, but stand in defence of the Data Bureau who has shut out people with bad credit for a long time.

Come on Opposition, let Fijians enjoy this clean slate, learn from their past mistakes and do the right thing as they move on with their lives.

Reminds me of that village where its co-operative store was empty because all the households in the village were consuming stock but booking it down.

So in a big village meeting, the co-operative manager revealed that there was no cash to buy more supplies, as all the households were not paying their debts.

After a long debate and finger-pointing that lead nowhere, the turaga-ni-koro stood up and said, “Since we all can’t pay what we owe, let us all kaila (shout) to forget what we owe, and after this start fresh all over again.

They all kaila and shouted with joy, but when the people ended their kaila, the turaga-ni-koro’s kaila was the longest.

He owed the most.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj