I refer to the news in the Fiji Sun of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, on the largest seizure of drugs worth more than $F2billion, and therefore calls upon the law custodians, in particular police and the custom officers, how this went unnoticed by them from the ports of entries.

This is a classic example of the laxities by the authorities involved, thus the largest size of drugs is shipped into our beloved Fiji shores.

How this has happened and who are all involved in this must be taken to task; all stones must be turned, and roots dug out.

This is the woke call for the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Pio Tikoduadua.

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However, he must be congratulated for coming out clean and honestly declaring that there are loopholes in the existing legislations.

A staggering three tonnes (3000kg) of illicit drugs, believed to be methamphetamine marks the largest drug bust in the country since 2004.

As we are acknowledging weaknesses, there is need to address vulnerabilities and tighten existing measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Otherwise, we Fijians feel unsecured and unprotected for our health and safety if such persist.

However, I acknowledged the Government’s responsibility for ensuring security and for admitting that there is the need for additional efforts to enhance border protection, putting into place effective boarder measures.

The drug haul is a surprise.

Where have we gone wrong!

How have we failed to address this matter?

We must act now!

Opportunists are reaping the benefits and societies are getting corrupt.

Let’s make Fiji a safe place to live as one nation.

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The village of Nakavika in Namosi celebrated the New Year in a unique style.

The women were seated at the top table while the men prepared the meals to washing dishes.

This shows a united effort to honour and respect the women in their community.

The men of Nakavika, with strong Catholic faith, showed their appreciation of women, the role they carry out daily and, on this occasion, it was special.

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Vinaka Nakavika Village.

A very Happy Year to you all.

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I am not sure whether the public is convinced on the arguments put forwarded by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on the need for a new development plan.

Sitiveni Rabuka claims “the five-Year and 20-Year NDP launched in 2017 by the previous government has become obsolete due to unattainable targets, which are inflexible in responding to multifaceted challenges which include geostrategic priorities, climate change, adverse weather conditions, and changes in political mandate.

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“One of the key difficulties in achieving the strategic priorities of the 5-Year and 20-Year development plans launched in 2017 is the lack of a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach to policy monitoring and evaluation following the closure and dis-establishment of the Strategic Planning Office by the previous government.”

Can the Government provide more analysis and specific details on where these are wanting and how these gaps will be fulfilled?

The arguments for a short-term plan is probably justifiable as the last one’s time frame was 2017 – 2022.

But what is wrong with the plans set out in the longer term 20-year horizon, which sets out long terms aspirations and seems to cover most development dimensions for the country?

The arguments are even more startling when one notes that Government has not yet espoused any coherent policy settings in many important areas such as foreign policy, economic development, governance, law and order, climate change, environment, security, health, education, agriculture, marine, forestry etc.

As is evident from the pronouncements by various ministers, there has been little thought and analysis put into policies that would help with overarching national development goals.

Many of these seem to be merely reactive, trying to vilify the FF policies but providing little in the way of alternatives.

The results are costly exercises that are proving burdensome to taxpayers.

This is borne out by the admission of the cost to investigate the previous Chief Justice, for example.

We have hand-picked people, who are friends of ministers and supporters of relevant parties, being appointed to carry out tasks such as serve on education commission, local government, sugar industry, fiscal policy, foreign missions, boards etc.

Now, we have yet more of the ministers’ confidants appointed to lead such important projects.

Are there no other people in the country qualified to be consulted?

We had external experts hoisted on the country from places like Monash University to do the review of the education sector and lead work on other projects.

It seems this is yet another attempt to divert attention from the real issues, which are now facing the country.

Is it surprising therefore that the level of emigration, brain drain, and skills shortage is now reaching epidemic proportions?

The people are voting with their feet as the country is becoming a heaven for expatriates.

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The truth always hurts, and in some ways bring some blemish to its causes.

It is factual, beyond any doubt, Fiji inherited a massive debt burden to the tune of $10 billion-plus.

This is no petty cash for our economy.

Finger-pointing and trying to score Brownie points are not the ideal way forward.

In time, the economy must be given valuable to upright itself.

Much patience, tolerance, goodwill and understanding is needed, more than ever before.

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This $10 billion national debt situation could take up to 10 long, painful and challenging years, with blood, sweat and tears, to fix.

A journey of a thousand miles always begins with the first step.

Distractions and toxicity are not the preferred option, in my humble view.

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Digital scams have been on the rise for some time to come.

Digital wallets may seem convenient and safe but with these so-called glitches technical or manual going cashless is not sensible.

Be it scams, faults or hacks when the service providers cannot assure its customers a hundred per cent protection, isn’t it better to scrap the app till you are certain to provide the service to the users without these defects?

“Wallets, digital or personal, its contents to the owners are valuable!”

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It was quite surprisng and ironic that an oil rich country – United Arab Emirates – in the city of Dubai, hosted COP28.

It was also ironic to note that a conference and all other issues were discussed at this forum by the leaders and officials of all the countries regarding climate change.

The costs must have been millions of dollars for accommodation, meals and transport, etc.

But its peanuts for them.

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What is most ironic is that an oil producing country hosted COP28 in 2023.

It is interesting to note that they might also cease oil production in the near future, which is a major contributor for rising sea levels.

It is quite ironic really that all the people know very well what fossil fuels can do to marine life, reefs and the major contribution to pollution.

And above all, the rise in sea levels in the future.

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I n the heart of Dreketi, Macuata, a community of resilient souls from Nabavatu Village has emerged from a three-year struggle, finding solace and optimism in a new beginning.

Saturday marks a significant chapter for the 37 families, comprising about 300 people, who have weathered the storms of displacement and hardship.

The ordeal began in 2020 when a landslide, triggered by Tropical Cyclone Ana, forced them out from their ancestral home.

For three years, they sought refuge in the compound of the Assemblies of God Church branch at Savadrua.

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They endured cramped conditions, leaky tents, and lack of privacy.

Their cries for help echoed through the corridors of authorities, but the challenge of finding suitable land delayed their relocation.

No one helped.

They stayed on.

Patiently.

Praying and hoping that one day their hope for a new home will come.

The ray of hope came in the dawn of this new year.

On January 21, last year, Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, pledged to relocate Nabavatu Village within the year.

Last Friday, this promise materialised as the villagers participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for their new home in Nadoiviri, just metres away from their original village.

The news of this relocation extends beyond more shelter.

It preserves the cultural identity of Nabavatu.

Founded by their forefathers, the new site ensures that their history remains etched in the land given to them by their ancestors.

This sense of belonging is a powerful source of joy for the villagers.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

As the North anticipates exciting development plans announced by Government, Nabavatu villagers are not only getting a new place to call home, but also becoming a part of a larger vision for progress in the North.

Filomena Ramasi, vice-president of the Nabavatu Women’s Club, expressed the elation of the mothers, boasting their plans for subsistence farming to ensure an abundance of food.

With ample land available, the villagers look forward to engaging in farming activities to sustain their households and generate income.

Government has assured a smooth transition, with plans to construct homes costing about $40,000 each, among other initiatives.

Minister for Rural, Maritime Development, and Disaster Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, has promised support, ensuring smooth transition to their site.

Nabavatu’s story resonates with the spirit of resilience and hope.

Nabavatu villagers’ journey is like a triumphant Year 12 student celebrating his exam pass on Wednesday.

He’s from a religious home, but Celion Dion’s ‘I’m Alive’ hit blasted from the speakers after he received news of his pass.

His parents allowed him to celebrate the moment.

His and Nabavatu’s triumph are success stories against the odds which symbolise the feat of a boy and a community over despair.

With the assurance of Government support and the prospect of the Look North Policy bringing further assistance, Nabavatu stands on the brink of a promising future singing ‘Give me Hope Nadoiviri,’ their promised land.

Feedback: naisak@fijisun.com.fj

Please, all present Government coalition, go home and stay there; resign!

You have been nothing but an inept Government less than a year into your term.

Nothing but a witch hunt into the previous government, criticism of previous overseas travel, cocktails, and travelling abroad, plus the allegations of infidelity within the party, which the present leader cannot comment on?

This Government has failed to walk the talk and do what has been promised.

Please concentrate on the task at home; run the country!

Crime has increased tenfold, and this government seems oblivious too. Murders, intrusions, robberies, and petty theft make our streets virtually unsafe.

This is our turn, which was a political statement issued fueling these issues. Our streets and homes are not safe.

The new allegations of a particular female minister’s behaviour, the sacking of a Cabinet Minister, and the inability of our prime minister to comment due to history warrant this joke of a Government to step down.

Just before you all resign, go and check out casino operations abroad and take the Methodist Church in Fiji delegation only.

The Council of Churches discussion group waited here in Fiji for talks, but there was no show from our Government group.

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Gavoka and his SODELPA side are not very popular although they only won three seats in our last election, but they are the kingmakers in today’s Fiji politics.

Although they hold the balance of power, do they have the right to call for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to step down from the Cabinet after the dismissal of the Minister for Education Radrodro?

The SODELPA camp must rethink its strategy as the country does not need another election as l do not personally believe SODELPA will win another seat and are heading for self-destruction.

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Just a few days ago I forewarned on this esteemed column about the possibility of methamphetamine seized last weekend going missing from the evidence storage.

Lo and behold, now a police officer is charged for allegedly scooping some of the synthetic drugs.

Even before reaching the evidence storage.

Kemudou!

Fiji Police Force have you ever heard of the proverb “Forewarned is forearmed ?”

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The concerning state of medical services at the Nausori Health Centre, which is currently undergoing renovations, leading to a temporary relocation of services under a tent needs to be addressed.

During a recent visit to the health centre, I observed several issues that raised significant concerns regarding patient safety and the overall quality of care provided.

The makeshift flooring, consisting of boards with holes, poses a serious risk to patients, as there is a potential for limbs to become trapped. Such hazardous conditions are unacceptable and demand immediate attention.

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Furthermore, it is disconcerting to note the absence of nursing staff within the temporary tent. Upon attempting to seek assistance in the maternity unit adjacent to the tent, I found no personnel present.

I managed to enter the maternity unit to call for help and to my disappointment no nurse or security was present to stop me at the door since it was a non-visiting hour (this was between 5am to 5.30am).

This lack of supervision creates a security risk, allowing unauthorised access during non-visiting hours. Patient safety should be paramount, and adequate measures must be in place to address this vulnerability.

Additionally, the absence of shelter around the tent raises questions about the well-being of patients, particularly in inclement weather.

Given the current rainy conditions, it is unclear how patients are managing necessary visits to the washroom without adequate protection.

This aspect requires urgent consideration and intervention to ensure the comfort and dignity of those seeking medical assistance.

I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the medical services being provided at Nausori Health Centre and also health centres all around Fiji.

Immediate action must be taken to rectify the aforementioned issues, safeguarding the well-being and safety of patients. Our community deserves a healthcare facility that upholds the highest standards of service, even in temporary circumstances.

Moreover, my recent experience with the ambulance services provided in Nausori to Suva corridor was pathetic.

I called for an ambulance at 7am, one service provider did not answer, the other prominent one was fully busy at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and the third asked me to wait while they “check if any beds are empty at Nausori Health Centre”.

Waiting for quite long and the emergency I had, good neighbours assisted and I visited a private doctor.

With God’s grace, I was able to pay for the private hospital bills, the main concern here is what must be happening with the other fellow people of Fiji who cannot afford a private doctor.

Maybe just die waiting for the admin guys to call and confirm if any bed is empty?

I hope this publication will shed light on the need for improvement in our local healthcare services.

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At about 1.15pm on Friday, January 19, 2024, I was waiting at the traffic lights at the T junction of Cawa Rd and Queens Rd facing Mt St Mary’s School.

As the lights turned green, I was shocked to see a horde of cars streaming across the junction preventing me from moving forward.

They must have continued driving through ignoring the red lights as drivers are wont to do nowadays.

I was so amazed. So, despite this, I drove forward slowly forcing the cars to give way to me.

I wish I could have taken a video of this. But I have the car numbers of some of the cars.

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With the help of volunteers from Fiji and abroad, the Mentor Me Fiji Foundation has achieved amazing results with the girls of St. Christopher’s Home publishing three books with these amazing children who have mums and dads at home but are brought to the Home because they are considered a burden in their own homes.

Now why would anyone punish a child and take away his/her fundamental rights for the problems that he/she has inherited because his/her parent(s) cannot love him/her or look after him/her and find him/her a burden?

And why should a child’s basic freedom of movement be taken away because the government or the police cannot do its job of controlling crimes and criminals?

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Is a curfew ‘just’ for starters?

Is a curfew going to make our children’s future look bright?

Is a curfew going to bring smiles to our children’s faces?

Fiji is a country having its own unique social and cultural dynamics that we need to always take into consideration before attempting to make decisions that will affect us nationwide.

We already have a constrained police force who are challenged to keep crime and criminals in control.

Do we need to add to this?

We don’t have a million kids to control!

To simply take each case by case and gather data on the problem child and find the best possible solution would be the wisest and most affordable way to go.

And just as Mentor Me Fiji Foundation has assisted the children of St Christopher’s Home, help these kids by finding out what their specific issues are before jumping the gun.

And what of those parents who are always there for their children, performing diligently their roles as parents and being responsible for those they have birthed?

Have we considered them and the implications of such a move on them?

We cannot punish a whole nation because of the issues of a few children who are considered burdens to their parents.

And what is being done about these irresponsible parents?

It is really they who need the curfew I reckon!

I close with Arvind Mani’s inspirational story entitled ‘The essence of teaching’ in the FT of 16/01 where he states, ‘If to correct you must humiliate; you don’t know how to teach’.

I wish to add to this by saying, if to teach you have to take away freedom then where is the essence in that?

Following the example of the teacher in Arvind’s story, the Minister would do well to close her eyes, along with the children, and quietly but surely find that stolen watch not knowing who the culprit is herself!

That is the most humane and fair and teachable way of doing it!

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After the last general election, parties were engaged in intense negotiations to explore the possibilities of formation of a coalition government.

The spotlight was on SODELPA, as they held the balance of power.

The entire nation was in a state of uncertainty regarding SODELPA’.s next course of action.

Tense moments filled with anxiety gripped the country as people awaited their decision.

This atmosphere of uncertainty, scepticism and anxiety has resurfaced once more.

This time, it involves the Prime Minister’s dismissal of the education minister on grounds of insubordination.

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Once again, people find themselves pondering the actions that SODELPA might take in response.

A sincere appeal to SODELPA – kindly refrain from making hasty decisions.

Think about the entire country and not the party only. Fiji cannot afford another election.

Whatever course of action you take, please don’t join hands with the opposition.

Don’t let the country return to the dark days of dictatorship.

May thoughtful and wise minds with best interests of the country at heart, make some sensible decisions in the days ahead.

Fiji anxiously awaits the outcome with hope for a positive and stable future.

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Democracy exists in the world, however, Fiji’s version is loosely based upon the same fundamental principles, with a Fijian twist.

We have allowed a government of two to rule the country for 16 years.

As the past government was taking the country to the brink of bankruptcy, warnings and good advice were cast aside by the people themselves as ‘a freebie’ society was enabled.

Free education, free bus-fares, free milk for children in schools and supposedly free withdrawals from your FNPF funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Everything that is given “free” has to be funded from somewhere!

And when we have the semblance of a true democratic government, the people are at a loss as to what this entails.

You have government ministers who cannot write nor reply to letters addressed to them over crucial decisions over a period of 5/6 months, culminating in their termination.

You have people being given a month to vacate their current place of abode where they were squatting and they blame the government for their misfortune.

Prior to 2006 and way before that our parents had to fork out monies for our education and everything else.

We grew up and did the same for our children.

We worked, we had a purpose and like our parents before us, we instilled values of discipline and ethics.

Today’s Fiji people, in a short 16-year span, have taken on this ‘freebies’ attitude and ill discipline.

In having free education, they complain about the price of uniforms!

There seems to be a lack of purpose and direction in Fiji.

Everything not going the people’s way, blame the government.

Democracy begins at home. Have a purpose, dreams.

Work towards them on your own with your government to aid only in times of difficulty.

We, the Fijian people, have got this, and our Coalition Government is the best government Fiji has ever had after the last 16 years, period!

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

The dismissal of SODELPA’s Aseri Radrodro is valid and it is a disgrace to the party’s leadership and hierarchy.

I find it sinister, fishy and unprofessional of SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka to rebuff Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s advice for him to address the insubordination issue with Mr Radrodro since May 2023 till January 2024 – that’s nine months.

Letters were written by PM Rabuka to Mr Gavoka on three occasions to remind him of Mr Radrodro’s conduct, but it fell on deaf years.

Or can 1 call that gross insubordination and disrespectful on his part ?

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I personally feel our PM should not allow Mr Gavoka a lenient free passage because I find him not worthy of being in cabinet.

Kudos to PM Rabuka for addressing the truth in his national address.

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There seems to be collision within the coalition government.

I’m sure when coalitions are formed party legislations are put forward to interact and taken forward when accepted by all.

Forming a coalition means discussing, listening, sharing, reviewing opinions and policies with unity and dignity.

If these ethics are overlooked by any member forget about membership.

How are they to move the nation forward if they collide amongst themselves?

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They ought to resolve their disputes to stride forward and not make any hasty decision, driving the nation backward.

Resolve to evolve or else oaths and promises made to the people will remain null and void.

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How remarkable indeed.

Fiji, today; is blessed to have Jioji Kotobalavu.

He served exemplarily as a permanent secretary, under no less than three prime ministers.

His wisdom, counsel, wealth of knowledge is almost encyclopedic.

Fiji is fortunate to hear his words of caution as this “air of political uncertainty” encircles us all.

Listen to him.

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Take note.

Exercise all due care now.

Thank you, Mr Kotobalavu for your wise counsel.

Our elected leaders must tread extremely cautiously at this time in our political history.

Cheap thrills in the quest for short term “power, fame and fortune” will only lead to certain political oblivion.

By no means, Fiji is on “firm safe ground” just yet.

Some political pundits put us into a $10-billion debt burden and shaky financial status.

This will take time to fix.

Our coalition government is being sorely tested today.

They have a real tough job in the ensuing years.

We must trust Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s experienced leadership.

He is a seasoned politician. He is ably assisted by three good deputies.

There are solutions available for most problems.

Compromises are necessary.

Forgiveness and respect are earned; never given.

The youthful exuberance that brought us into this “sad stalemate” was extremely needless, in the eyes of many women and men, who care for a better Fiji.

Let us all be civil, right-minded, careful in all our thoughts, words and deeds.

Our irresponsible actions can lead us down destructive paths.

Our educated children and grandchildren are listening intently.

They will be our future leaders. Lead them down safer pathways to success, national peace, happiness, prosperity, good health and fortune.

Fiji deserves nothing less. Please, courageously steer away from any disunity.

Our coalition government cannot survive on tender hooks.

Fiji needs to pray for peaceful political solutions now.

There is no other option, for our noble Banner Blue.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

It is very good to know John Grey is going to bring his immense knowledge and experience to raise the standard of soccer in Nadi and in the country.

John was always a warm, friendly, jovial and humble teammate during our playing days for Suva.

There was no arrogance in John.

He would be an asset as a leader for Fiji soccer.

All the best, bro.

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I read with interest a media article headed “Ministry of Environment clarifies policy on whales’ teeth”.

The Acting Director of Environment, Ms Baleicakau, apparently stated that sperm whales are “endemic” to Fiji.

This is quite incorrect as this whale species is found in all the oceans of the world.

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However, the acting director strangely mentioned that “the environmental impact assessment process does not apply to fishing” when in fact the sperm whale is not a fish.

It is a mammal just like us, and deserves our protection, even though it has evolved to swim in our waters rather than gallop on our land.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj