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Letters To The Editor, June 27 2016

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iTaukei anthem

Luisa Cakau, Pacific Harbour

As the Olympic Games in Rio draw closer our 7s warriors prepare themselves physically and mentally surrounded by great mentors in Ben Ryan and many others behind the scenes who we never get to hear or see.

Going to war for the nation means so much to all of us. That heart that beats under the coconut tree on the jerseys that our 7s heroes will wear is all that they have, topped of course by their dancing feet, speed andstrength.

Can we take this pride further and get the warriors singing our national anthem in iTaukei, please? They perform the ‘cibi’ in iTaukei so naturally the anthem should be sung in the same language.

Most countries sing their anthems in their own language profiling themselves and their country with pride to the world.

Sevens rugby has reached a level of popularity and following that is still increasing, but guess what, Fiji are the world champions of this shortened

version of rugby.

I do hope that the powers that be will consider this very seriously before

the warriors head off to war!

 

 

Fijian chant

Edwin Sandys, Suva

We will shortly be seeing a new Fijian flag introduced by the Government to replace the old by the end of the year.

Can I make a suggestion to our 7s gladiators? The chant at the beginning of the games by our boys is also foreign and should be as my daughter-in-law puts it “Fijianised”.

Currently it’s “for” and the team replies “Fiji”. Almost all other teams do it in their mother tongue, so why can’t we?

One chant I heard a previous coach do and he yelled “e rawa se sega” twice and the boys replied “e rawa” and finally he yelled “o cei” and the team replied “o Viti” This is only a suggestion maybe others have something better, but we need to do it in Fijian.

All the best to Ben Ryan and the team and we know you will bring back the gold medal. Toso, Viti!

 

 

Human deeds!

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

Sometimes I wonder why we, as humans, tend to abuse the resources available to us.

Due to our deeds, the next generation will be suffering even more. Climate change is a huge payback to the negative acts of human beings. Some of us may say that we are not experiencing climate change, but look around people, each day we see the signs. The changes are evident and are right before our naked eyes. The weather pattern is changing. It is becoming hotter in cooler days and cooler in hotter days. Isn’t this enough for our justification?

Wake up, people! We need a change and it all starts from us. It may be too late to stop climate change from happening, but it’s not late to discipline ourselves and mend our negativity.

 

 

Church and poverty

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

I totally agree with Malakai Naduva regarding the different money collecting systems Christian churches have in place to raise funds for the church, and is one contributing factor to poverty in the nation.

While many Christian churches teaches that the tithes and offering system instituted by God as outdated and only for the Old Testament Jewish sanctuary services; I believe the practical principle the tithing system contains is the answer to meet the finances of the church and alleviate poverty among believers.

Only 11 of the 12 tribes of Israel were allocated land when they reached the Promised Land. The Levites were chosen by God to minister in the sanctuary and its services and to live on the tithes and offerings returned by the eleven tribes.

The tithe system is very fair as a worker who earns $10 returns to God $1 in tithe, while a wages of $100 calls for a $10 tithe.

The freewill offering on the balance is where believers are tested on their faith in the Giver and Sustainer of life who provides for our needs daily.

As my Christian brother has pointed out, it is wrong for the church to levy a set amount of money from church members while not taking into account their individual financial and health status.

Most churches today are copying the money making TV preachers who use the word of God to con people into sending them money and they will use Bible promises saying they will receive a monetary blessing from God.

God has promised to bless people who return a faithful tithe and offerings but this should not be the reason we Christians return our tithes to God.

We return tithes because we love our Lord and Saviour for what He has done for us and we pray that our tithes and offerings will help pay for the expenses of the church and its continuous work to preach the good news to those who do not know.

Christians in Fiji who are labeled as being in poverty need to re examine their relationship with God, and if they are returning their tithes to the One who has promised to meet our needs and lift our standard of living.

 

Bus shelter

Amrit Singh, Nausori

The new bus shelter along the new Wanibokasi Road as you head towards the Nausori International Airport is very small.

Especially near Vunimono Primary, Vunimono High and Arya school. I saw students standing in the rain soaking wet, with the new bus shelters providing small seats and roof.

It would have been better if the Fiji Roads Authority had made a bigger and better bus shelter, given the large population of school students using these bus shelters.

 

 

Health system

Khalid Ahmed, Suva

It’s shocking to hear that a baby has died and doctors don’t know how. There have been other cases too and only thing the ministry can say is that they will investigate.

I would suggest these doctors should be taken to task and I would suggest to the ministry that they should start hiring specialists from overseas.

Our health head should be a responsible and reliable person and give public a clear answer.

 

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 


Letters To The Editor, June 28 2016

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Unforgiving Fijians

Anasa Tawake, Suva

For the past few days we have been exposed to issues of unforgiveness from our political leaders through the media; politics aside, budget aside, free education aside, rugby aside, etc, etc.

Politicians take note: You must heal in order to lead.  You have to let go of the things that have hurt you to ensure that they don’t rise up and cause pain to someone else.  I realised that meant that leaders have to forgive.

The most inspiring leaders I know aren’t interested in winning—they’re interested in succeeding. I think it’s crucial to remember that sometimes success is not possible if we insist on winning.

There is no weakness in forgiveness. In fact, I think that leadership often begins only where forgiveness begins.

I wonder what values are being inculcated by our politicians into our future generation.

Is it, let’s breed a generation of unforgiving Fijians?

 

 

Deeds not words

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The NFP and SODELPA have again attacked the Ministry of Education allocation from our inspiring and realistic 2016-17 National Budget; our nation’s pearl farm is our education system and its policies and it has to be.

If one was to look back post Independence, Sitiveni Rabuka’s SVT reigned for 12 years [1987-1999] FLP’s Mahendra Chaudhry one year [1999-2000], SDL’s Laisenia Qarase five years [2001-2006] NFP’s Tupou Draunidalo opposition [indecisive] SODELPA’s Ro Teimumu four years in opposition [2014-2018] and all this holistically equates to a total 22 years of wasted time in the wilderness with a racist divisive leadership, corrupt discriminating politics and policies together with their lack of political will to make the necessary Ministry of Educational inclusive policies changes that should have been beneficial to all Fijian children since.

In his 1987 coup, Rabuka single handedly destroyed what his predecessors had achieved post independence from which it took the country back some 50 years.

But can Ro Teimumu, Biman Prasad and now SODELPA party leader Sitiveni Rabuka explain why their past governments had never seen fit to implement MP Bill Gavoka’s suggestion during their term the $110m free tuition for USP, FNU, UOF and technical colleges then?

It is exactly 46 years to date post Independence and the FijiFirst Voreqe Bainimarama Government have for the first time in our history post 2014 election implemented the free milk and Weet-Bix, free bus fares and textbooks, free education policy from kindergarten through primary school until Year 13, TSLB for any student wishing to further his or her education including technical colleges plus the 630 Toppers Scholarship.

Now is it possible, can the NFP and SODELPA party kindly account for some evidence of their achievements implemented from your respective party manifestos post 2014 election and not something your lot have aimlessly hoped for, and verbally stood for but have yet to materialise; “Deeds but not Words.” Your very little supporters left need to know.

 

 

Leader of Opposition

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

The SODELPA executive management board has made its decision to select Sitiveni Rabuka to lead the opposition party on the basis of their belief that this person will bring back voters and hope.

Whether that can be substantiated; as a superior political strategy for national interest I don’t know.  Whether it will bring party loyalties or it is something unwise is something else.

It’s obvious that civilian control in the executive management board is dominant and the involvement of the vanua will only complicate the strain and tension in relationship with further potential for division. Let us be frank, that voters are getting impatient with SODELPA with its divisive politics and if they don’t measure up it will be the beginning of the end.

It’s also discouraging that people have written to this good newspaper with their usual drip of criticism full of wickedness and ignorance with an opportunity to debase people from the past however divisive it may have been.

It’s definitely the political rights of the people to choose their candidates and indeed their party leader not any Tom, Dick or Harry who speak from behind the facade of freedom of the press and theatrical politics of dog whistling.

I wish the SODELPA management all that is best with such appointment.

 

 

Economic idealist

Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga

Joseph Veramu’s opinion piece brands my economic plans as idealistic, meaning it won’t work.

My policies are in large part aimed at increasing the economic pie by engaging the iTaukei in ways that are real and practical, but not taking anything away from other communities.

Quite simply, I am tired of people saying that we are asset rich, but cash poor.

It is sad that what Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew had said in 1988 are still true; to paraphrase, ‘the Constitution will change nothing, the disparity in earning power between the native Fijians and others needs to be addressed’. PM Lee was a very good friend of Fiji and he said that when the leaders of the Commonwealth were trying to help Fiji craft a new constitution following the coup in 1987.

I intend doing something about it.

I have experience in business and have served two years in parliament, so I know what I’m taking about.

I can debate Mr Veramu on this issue at any time it suits him.

 

 

Scooters maybe the solution

Manoa Kaleca, Nailuva

On Friday evening, my children and I went to check out the Fiji Showcase which is currently held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

There were bright lights, live music and good food on offer. The entertainment throughout the evening was really good and the kids really enjoyed it.

However, the main attraction for me was the Asco Motors Yamaha Scooter which was on display in one of the booth.

It is on sale for only $2670 and this price is only available during the showcase period.

With the ever increasing number of vehicles on our roads, I thought that this would be a great alternative in defeating traffic and plus with these scooters, you don’t have to be at the back of the queue.

It is cheap, economical and handy for those living in the urban areas.  It can go to a maximum speed of 100km per hour and has a loading capacity of 168kg.

This is a deal not to be missed and I recommend that you check it out before the showcase event comes to an end.

 

 

Heavy compulsory requirements

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

Upon any programme or function being held in schools, some schools make it compulsory for the school students to come in a particular attire which is suitable for that particular programme or function being held in the school. It has come to my attention that many parents are struggling to find the suitable type of dressing material in the last minute shopping.

Recently the drug awareness day was observed throughout the schools in Fiji. Many school children especially the primary school students were told to come with particular colours of ribbons, socks or scarfs.

One particular school told the students to come in two different colours of socks, that is one in red and the other in blue.

There were many parents who were disturbed of this compulsory requirement as they had to take their time out going around from shop to shop looking for those stuffs which are not available in most of the shops visited. Forking out for those additional expenses is another issue. Such directives normally come from the school itself.

While this type of preparations for the school programme looks good, the authorities have to realise that it’s not easy to do last minute shopping as things are not available every-time in every shops besides cost is a major factor to ponder on.

School uniforms are compulsory, not other things that are used once in a while. Such things if made optional will be fair to all students.

Many parents have raised their concerns and frustrations, and it will be appreciated if the Minister for Education looks into this.

So much for the free school gestures; I hope to hear from the authorities soon or the least expect some understanding.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Letters To The Editor, 29th, June, 2016

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Will not back down

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

Sitiveni Rabuka’s comments that he will not back down from disgruntled SODELPA members is a clear indication of his state of mind!

First it’s ‘forgive me, and now it’s ‘get out of my way’! Both my hands are up, both holding red flags!

To forgive and forget in Fiji is a cliché we all know quite well. How can we ever forget the atrocities that Rabuka dealt to the nation?

It’s not something we can just dump out of our head but something that the majority will never completely forget no matter how forgiving we are!

A past that is better forgotten has now revisited! Indeed a scary realisation!

 

 

Give Rabuka a break!

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

SODELPA has chosen former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as its new party leader and despite his history that we all know, our law allows him to stand for election and participate in politics.

When confirmed in his new position, he presented a tabua, seeking forgiveness and support from his SODELPA members and I believe it was accepted, therefore he deserves a break, to do what he is capable of doing, which got him the nod over other capable leaders.

I believe that we Fijians do not want any more coups, as we have seen that it only takes our nation and economy backwards, turning the lives of ordinary Fijians living below the poverty line into a constant struggle.

Current PM Bainimarama has been branded a coup leader for his part in the 2006 Clean-Up Campaign, but the landslide victory he got in the 2014 General Elections and all the current praises from all Fijians affected by his Governments developments and leadership, kind of relays a message that even coup leaders can turn the nation around to prosperity.

We all know of Rabuka’s leadership qualities and with the right qualified people around him, he could be the answer to the prayers of the Opposition parties, as the weapon to defeat the FijiFirst party come the 2018 General Elections.

We all make mistakes and when forgiven, we will want to do what is right, and in Rabuka’s case, to lead his party and if voted into power, to make amends, build the nation and add value to the lives of Fijians exceeding what we are currently enjoying.

Let us give Rabuka a break at the end of the day, it is the people who will choose whom they want to lead and continue moving the nation forward.

 

 

The SODELPA dream

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

SODELPA members have every right to choose their own leader but their decision will reflect so much about their party’s true stand.

From all their tens of thousands of dedicated members, they choose to bring back a man who is tainted with various scandals, corruptions and even an attempt to overthrow the current PM as military commander.

This same man, although a commoner was elevated to become the chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) via the support of some high ranking chiefs.

These same high chiefs were listed by the Review Magazine for making unsecured and unpaid loans in tens of millions of dollars resulting in the collapse of the National Bank of Fiji.

If this man can collapse the National Bank of Fiji under his government, imagine what he can collapse from the great work the Bainimarama Government has built.

Is SODELPA so deficient of capable leaders that they choose to bring back this tainted man to be their leader? Fiji First may not need to compete against SODELPA in the next elections. The way SODELPA is going now, it appears they will just self-destruct before 2018.

SODELPA is a party of dreamers. A couple of years before the election, a senior member dreamed about a tsunami that never came. Leading up to the election they dreamed about an election victory that never materialised. Then they made a fool of themselves complaining that the election was rigged because the result did not agree with their dreams.

In Parliament they again dreamed about a successful vote of no confidence on the Prime Minister that eventually backfired and made them a laughing stock. Now they choose one of Fiji’s most disliked former PMs to be their leader again dreaming that he will lead them to victory.

To achieve a positive outcome in anything, first you must do the positive hard work. SODELPA choose to do all the negative work and making negative decisions then they pray to God hoping for a divine positive outcome.

FijiFirst does not dream.

They carefully plan and work hard to achieve the best they can do for our people and God’s blessing will just automatically come.

 

 

Other races

Sachida Rao, Nausori

The 2013 Constitution has given equality for all the citizens of Fiji. Thanks to the Bainimarama Government.

On the contrary, I am shocked to hear from a former prime minister boldly talking about other races and their co-existence. I thought we were all Fijian now.

 

 

Lionel Messi and soccer

Ashneel J Prasad, New Zealand

Lionel Messi retires from international soccer at age 29.

In Fiji, many footballers’ run begins at 29 after sitting on the bench for years. That’s the difference between international soccer and Fiji soccer standards. If someone has a talent at age 14, they should play. If someone has a talent at the age 40, they should also play; talent over reservation.

 

 

Canned tuna

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

A special brand of canned tuna is made for export only in Levuka.

I was lucky when a few tins of that tuna were given to me by a good friend. I’m just wondering why a locally manufactured tuna product is not sold in our Fijian market. So much for buy Fijian Made products!

 

Handicap user-friendly

Neelz Singh, Lami

A lot has been said about our fellow friends who are handicapped or people who are disabled; even thanking the Government of the day for their input and giving a lot of incentives programmes in the budget allocations and allowing employers to employ them.

Now we should consider the transportation and improving or accessing means to getting there. Sometimes they don’t like people to assist them in anyway and like to do things for themselves. Public Service Vehicles should have wider doors; lift steps, wider space to move and access to seats all in a comfortable manner, bus shelters with signs and light so they can feel free to live a normal life like everyone else.

Not only in public places but malls, supermarkets, entertainment malls, cafes, counters designed in such a way so they feel welcome, that suite our handicapped and disabled brothers and sisters.

We all have equal rights as humans. Vinaka

 

 

Corporal punishment

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Some believe that classroom behaviour had deteriorated since the abolition of corporal punishment and the education system would only improve with its re-introduction.

It is inevitable that bad classroom behaviour will filter into life outside school. What do you believe Minister for Education Mahendra Reddy?

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, 30th, June, 2016

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Fiji FACT 2016

Radhika Prasad

Suva

If this Saturday, Rewa soccer wants to progress further and register the title under its name, then it should field the same players who played in the pool play against Ba in Labasa.

No unnecessary changes should be made unless it becomes necessary.

Against Ba in Labasa Rewans were leading by two goals to nil and because of the last minute changes in the backline, it backfired and Ba came from behind to level the score.

I sincerely hope careful decisions will be made by the hard working coach Marika Rodu.

 

 

Soccer fans

Vimal Singh

Nausori

When it comes to soccer in Fiji, the atmosphere surrounding the tournaments gets so hyped up and intense as if we are watching World Cup right here at our own town.

Fans from all teams come in numbers and with them comes their creativity be it the flags, the costumes, the saaj baja (musical instruments) or just a passing comment like Oh Bhaye!!! You can always figure out who is supporting who during these games.

Now, fans from Labasa have always taken pride and are never shy to show support for their team but then, there are two types of Labasa fans. The first type, don number 10 red and white stripes and have a flag in a hand, who will shout from their way in till their way out and then there’s other Labasa fans, whom you will see stand up and jump in joy only when the team scores. The funny thing is they will be seated right next to you the whole time and all quiet.

My best wishes for the four teams that will be playing at Ratu Cakobau Park this Saturday.

#Go Tigers!!!

 

 

Bravo Rabuka

Dr. Sushil K Sharma

Lautoka

Some Fijians only appear to have woken up from a slumber since 1987, living in a time-warp as if the 1987 coup d’état only took place this month (Simon Hazelman, FS 29/06/16).

Nearly three decades – yes 30-years have elapsed since 1987 and folks born around that time are even about to become grandparents.

Some have forgotten that Rabuka was accepted back into the fold and became a very charismatic and successful democratically elected third Prime Minister of Fiji, serving from 1992 to 1999.

He went on to serve as chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs, and later served as chairman of the Cakaudrove Provincial Council from 2001 to 2008. He was elected to this position on May 24, 2001 and re-elected for another three-year term on April 13, 2005.

Major-General Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, OBE, MSD, OStJ, born September 13, 1948, emerged from obscurity on May 14, 1987  and from the lesser known second coup in Fiji by him, on September 28, 1987.

Rabuka was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1980 and the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981.

Educated at Queen Victoria School, Rabuka was trained initially in New Zealand army schools, from which he graduated in 1973, and later did postgraduate work at the Indian Defence Services Staff College in 1979, and at the Australian Joint Services Staff College in 1982.

Rabuka became seen as a hero when he overthrew Fiji’s first Indo Fijian dominated government to install an indigenous Fijian ruling class. During the time of the coup, Rabuka was sometimes referred to in the press as “Colonel Steve Rambo.”

In 2006, Rabuka finally apologised for having executed the coups. Fiji Live reported on March 28 that Rabuka had told India’s Ahmedabad Newsline, while visiting India for medical treatment, that he regretted his role in the coups, which he described as “democratically wrong.”

Rabuka has moved full circle in Fijian politics and is very well respected now-days by many, even in the Indo-Fijian community. He appears not to harbour any further nationalists aspirations, and believes in a common identity, universal suffrage and equality for all Fijians.

Like a good wine, he has fully matured over the years, and I strongly believe –whatever anyone says – that he has more ‘grunt under the hood’ than some people give him credit, and that he will remain a very good and formidable politician in Fiji, for many years to come.

Fijians are a forgiving people, and I am sure that many have already forgiven him – and that those who have not; not done so as they have yet to understand him, his visions and aspirations – which do not appear to be any dissimilar to that of the present government’s aspirations.

The style of leadership and government is where we will note differences between individuals. Bainimarama is not  Rabuka and vice-versa – and thus we should not be surprised if Rabuka wants to do things at a different pace or style – as people often disagree on that, even if they all agree on the policy platform.

I say to all Fijians that Rabuka has done his “time” and deserves a full pardon by all – even the Constitutions have done that not only to him but others of 1987, 2000 and 2006.

Who are Fijians to argue over this today in 2016 – 30 years after, the pardon, except for academic interest?  We can no longer right the wrongs – except learn from the past.

I say let’s move Fiji on and give Rabuka a break and let him lead his party as best as he can.  Some Fijians need to get out of the time-machine and stop living in a time-warp. The globalised world in very dynamic and it will not forgive us, if we keep looking back!

I say Bravo Rabuka! Move on and serve Fiji as the best way you can – Fiji needs you too, and others who are still out there on the side-lines! I am  forever ready to listen to your grunt too and say – Bring it on Mate!

 

 

NFP position

Amenatave Yaconisau,

Suva

Tupou Draunidalo’s rejection of Sitiveni Rabuka as Leader of SODELPA during the NFP working committee meeting in Nadi (FS 28/6) is justified given the feeling of voters who pulled her through during the 2014 elections.

This hurt feeling was widely shared by the Indo-Fijian community and as an elected leader Ms Draunidalo has to respect that feeling.

The NFP is better off with a leader who is sensitive to their feelings and one to whom they can look up to for direction. Learning from past experience is only an indicator of what can happen in the future and the SODELPA management should view this as a right of NFP as a coalition partner.

She’s bound to lose votes as a coalition partner come 2018 if she backs the appointment of Rabuka as Leader of SODELPA.  I agree with your Editorial comment by Nemani Delaibatiki that whatever happens in any political party they will go to the people come 2018 to ask for their votes (FS 29/6).  The SODELPA party cannot go on with the coalition with contradictions and conflicting issues for starters.  It has to have reinforcing platforms on major policy matters.

Meanwhile Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa has opted for a strange bed partner totally opposing his party’s position (FS 29/6) so reminicient of Saul’s encounter with God on his way to Damascus when he was converted to Paul.  Rabuka at one time persecuted the community but he must be given a chance.

I agree with Mr Vakaliwaliwa that everyone makes mistakes (FS 29/6) but we must give them a chance to make amends

The current administration calls it the ‘Yellow Ribbon’ approach.

 

Water problem

Amrit Singh, Nausori

Water has always been a problem for the people in the West during the drought season.

We are entering the dry spell now and the boreholes will dry up, including streams. Rather than making adjustments in the budget for cars or liquor, the budget I wanted to hear first was for water rather than anything else.

I have an idea which may help the Government and the Western Division farmers. Government should allocate a budget to make large water holding tanks for western farmers. What I mean is tanks that are the size of Total and Pacific Energy fuel holding tanks which are along Walu Bay. If tanks of that kind can hold fuel then why not water?

There is plenty water during the rainy season that can be pumped into these tanks and used in sugarcane and vegetable farms around Sigatoka, Ba and Tavua.

Fiji can gain more revenue if Government can allocate budgets to build those giant water tanks in the West. Our agriculture is lagging behind due to water irrigation problems.

Thus, people of West will never face water problems if in next budget money is given to build giant water reservoir tanks.

Let’s all hope this development will take place, rather than Hybrid cars getting a good budget. Then what about the Lowbrids?

 

 

Crusaders and Chiefs

Samuela Kailawadoko,

Nadi

The Crusaders and Chiefs have finally both arrived into Suva and the teams are both excited to play here.

There will be some good footy as they both lead the NZ Super 18 conference.

Their arrival at the airport and welcoming ceremony together with their seafront hotel and view will play a greater part in this Super Rugby clash and in their history and folklore than any other single factor in the years of Super Rugby.

Suffice to say at this point that the choice of Fiji for the clash was not only the happiest chance, but also a reciprocation for the generosity of our local fans and players who have represented both the teams.

But,something of a valuable ‘pipe-opener’ for the tourists in preparation for the tougher encounters to come. Not that  one should in any way be patronising about the game, as the shock result every year continues to prove.

Few people realise, too, that in the early years Crusaders certainly held their own with the illustrious Chiefs.

I am sure that both teams will put up good display of rugby and may the best team win.

 

 

Line up mentality

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa

Canada

We Fijians are catching on fast the lifestyle, fashion, speech, gait among others, that we try and copy from the western world as portrayed in the movies, overseas news etc.

Mere Tubuna compared trying to catch the Suva/Nausori mini bus at Rodwell Road with the chaos of Spain’s running of the bull race.

This is not the first time this concern has been raised in the dailies; Do the authorities want someone to die or be seriously injured before they come up with a solution?

One thing we Fijians have not copied is the line-up or queue mentality that is a joy to watch out here and in a lot of countries.

People just automatically form a queue when waiting or boarding a bus, buy tickets, even waiting to use a public toilet.

It’s a shame to see school children after knocking off from school to line-up single file to board their waiting bus, but adults just push and shove, not caring who gets hurt, as long as they get a seat on the minibus during peak hours.

I call upon the Suva City Council and LTA to start the line up or queue mentality at the Suva Bus Stand and at the Suva/Nausori minibus stand.

Suva is the capital of Fiji, let us act like decent people by forming a line when boarding buses and mini buses.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

 

Letters To The Editor, 1st, July, 2016

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Rabuka leadership

Abendra Ram Tahal, California, USA

SODELPA made the most damaging judgement by electing Sitiveni Rabuka to be its leader, who planted the first seed of the coup.

The foundation and policies which SODELPA portrayed until the election of Rabuka as the leader was formed solely based on democratic principles yet now it seems the party has failed to stand by it.

SODELPA has been very critical on the coup culture yet they have embraced Sitiveni as the head of the party, the very person who is responsible for the destruction and demise of our flourishing and healthy economy and social harmony since 1987.

Sitiveni’s leadership role will not only damage the trust among of the board members but more so to its grassroots supporters and its other political affiliation like NFP.

Now the hypocrisy of SODELPA’s policy has been exposed to all the Fijians, especially to the iTaukei community who have been manipulated for generations by SDL, SVT and now SODELPA to win they votes in the past elections.

Sitiveni Rabuka had apologised many times.  The only acceptable apology to be considered in any event would be only when he reveals the name of his co-conspirators and financial supporters of his coup.

Sitiveni also has to unconditionally apologise in the open columns of all the major newspapers in Fiji, especially to the Indo-Fijian community for the, assault, robbery, looting, etc. against them which has  traumatised them all their lives. Also they should be fairly compensated for the loss.

Today many of the families like mine are parted from each other and living in different parts of the world due to acts of May 14, 1987.I would like to commend the former SODELPA leader, Ro Temumu and some of the other brave members of her party for voicing out they opinions against Sitiveni’s nomination. Also NFP stance on this has left them with no option but to divorce the partnership from SODELPA to avoid losing in the integrity and democratic principles.

It is very stunning to see Citizens’ Constitutional Forum who is championing for democratic principles is mum on the matter.

It would be in the best interest of the party’s survival from demise, collapsing and crumbling, the SODELPA leader, Sitiveni should resign immediately to avoid the same fate which he brought to SVT.

God Bless Fiji!

 

Why the fuss about leaders?

Epeli Rabua, Suva

What is the big deal about Mr Sitiveni Rabuka’s successful return to leadership, for the SODELPA political party?

Why are people fretting and gnashing their teeth against a leader, whom from the very beginning of Fiji’s coup culture in 1987 – has admitted to and asked for the nation’s forgiveness, as he carried the ignominious burden of being the very first coup leader of Fiji? Nothing!

Time has moved on. It’s almost 10 years since Fiji’s last “revolution”, as quoted by Mr Bainimarama, when the New Zealand Prime Minister – Mr John Key, visited Fiji two weeks ago. It’s no big deal.

The media and political mileage SODELPA has got from Mr Rabuka’s successful leadership drive, has woken up the iTaukei, who for the last few years have seen their struggle for representation and parity in the political arena, been non-existent or very limited at best. Now, it is every day that we see the new

SODELPA leader, walking, talking and pooling his resources for a new and robust strategy for the party.

And as Fiji has seen fit to accept the Fiji First leadership and Government, so must we all accept SODELPA’s members’ decision to select Mr Rabuka, as their leader. Remember, we have not touched on the biblical side of things yet!

Mr Rabuka’s nomination has brought life into Fiji’s dreary political morass and we all look forward to new life, new decisions and new beginnings for SODELPA and the Fijian people. May Mr Rabuka’s leadership be a fruitful one, not only for SODELPA, but for all its members and Fijians alike in this beautiful nation of Fiji.

 

Forgiveness

Neelz Singh, Lami

Newly appointed SODELPA Leader Sitiveni Rabuka showed his deep regret for the 1987 coups. Rabuka asked for forgiveness from the party president and former leader Ro Teimumu Kepa and other members of the party. What about the people of Fiji and race of other descendent who suffered in 1987?

Rabuka said that this is to ask for forgiveness, those who are still hurt from the coups in 1987 especially from the women of this nation who were victims of brutality. His action in ‘87 got people hurt, and tortured and those who lost their loved ones.

He adds that he regrets starting the coup culture. Do you want this kind of leader to lead Fiji again and this might happen again? The youths of today seek future visionary leaders who are young, dedicated, honest and loyal.

Does he really mean what he says?

Why did the party not include a youth leader in the voting process when the selection was done? Don’t they want youths of today to be part of the party? It seems the party has ignored our youths. Hope our youths have a better say.

 

Tale of two ships

Malakai Naduva, Malau Road

There is a ship called SODELPA and there was a ship called SVT.

SVT had sunk beneath heavy political waves and turbulences and is no more. SODELPA is currently encountering the same course which sank the SVT and is in the midst of political waves and turbulences. Its captain is trying her very best to keep the ship afloat. The ship’s mate and some crew members seeing the dilemma and fearing for the passengers decided to change the captain and find a new one who may sail the ship out of danger. Five captains were short listed.

The SODELPA mates and crews decided to trust the former old captain of SVT even though his ship had sunk. The old captain was tasked to map out a new course for the ship and keep it afloat.

As tasked, the old captain decided to merge with other ships to keep the SODELPA afloat. Immediately the captains of the other ships showed their discontent and distance their ships from SODELPA since the old captain was the one that started it all, the political waves and turbulences.

Fearing for their future, the former captain, some crews and passengers of SODELPA have decided to abandon ship. The old captain is determined that he will keep SODELPA afloat because as soon as he took the helm, huge political waves has entered the ship. Other ships, their captains and passengers are watching with one question in their mind. Will the old captain be able to sail SODELPA out of troubled waters or will he sink it like his former ship? Only time will tell.

 

Students and letters

Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ

I think it’s amazing that more and more students are contributing to this forum and voicing their concerns. More power to them.

I encourage more students to voice their thoughts, your opinion’s are valid – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

Healthy living

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Healthy living seems to be the buzz word in Fiji as it is echoed from our President, the PM and right down to young school children.

It is cute to see the Year 1 to 3 students of Annesley Infant School with their posters during their week long drug abuse, child abuse and non-communicable disease awareness programme that was organised by the Ministry of Education last week.

It is sad to contemplate the reality that all the health awareness drilled into our children becomes worthless, if we adults, parents and guardians, do not walk the talk but continue the unhealthy lifestyle without considering the healthy living our children want to be part of.

 

Vunimono High

Amrit Singh, Nausori

As an old scholar of Vunimono High School (VHS) I am proud that the school is excelling by introducing E-learning model system for students.

One major overhaul that VHS has taken now also is the introduction of a new projector for one of the Year 13 rooms, which can be accessed by touch.

We would have been proud if there was some technology of this nature introduced at my time, but nevertheless it’s quite pleasant to see the school excelling. Lately, a number of students of Year 13 also took part in the national budget consultation at Marist Brothers High School where the A-G was the chief guest.

These are proud moment for VHS. I hope the school will keep up the potential they have shown of late.

 

True fan

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Isa, my friend Emil in Ba.

Now this is what I call a true/die hard Crusaders fan. He is willing to walk to Suva just to catch a glimpse of his favourite Super Rugby team. By hook or by crook, this fellow will be at the ANZ Stadium by 1935 hours today. Godspeed mate!

 

Godly visions

Lawrence Narayan, Suva

A prominent church pastor recently announced that God had given him a vision showing him that Mr Rabuka would be the new leader of SODELPA.

This was after the results were publicly announced.

Incidentally, the biblical method is that the visionary announcements are to be made well before the fulfillment of the actual events as a guide to believers and to prove whether the prophet is true or false depending on the outcome of events.

Furthermore, visions are to be accurate and precise in every detail as though the prophet had been transported into the future and had seen everything as it happened.

Today, in the Church Age not only pastors but all  believers are indwelled by the Spirit of God. There is no mention of visions or dreams being used by God in any of the Epistles to the churches. The Epistles were written to instruct the early churches in all matters of doctrine and practice.

If the visions and dreams that some modern day Christians are having were from God then God would have given us a way to authenticate, interpret and verify them. Obviously, He has not and we must conclude the reason is that modern day visions and revelation are not from God.

It is clear from the above that there is no biblical support for believers having dreams and visions from God in this dispensation. God tells believers in the Bible He now speaks to us through His “Word” (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2Tim 3:16-17).

 

Rugby tickets

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

So many of our people complain about cost of living, but they can still afford tickets to watch Super Rugby!

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, 2nd, July, 2016

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Pouring weekend

Floyd Robinson,  Suva

What a way to start the weekend, with rain pouring and pouring in Suva from the morning.

Well, at least the Chiefs and the Crusaders will get a feel for playing in real Suva weather.

Do stay warm in this rainy and cold weekend. Looks like it will continue pouring until the new week.

 

 

Medical concern

Rakesh Chandra,  Suva

The social media has been bombarded with claims of negligence and ill treatment of the general public by medical professionals in Fiji.

People, who are using the social media platform, have identified lack of action on the part of the relevant health authorities for their decision to resort to such public forums to highlight their grievances.

The media has in the past highlighted many similar cases which the Minister concerned said at the time was under investigation. The results of those investigations remain a mystery. The sorry state of our medical services is no secret to anyone including the Government.

The concern of the general public stems from the fact that there seems to be no genuine effort made to rectify the problems. It’s high time that a general overhaul of the profession is undertaken from the type of people recruited to be trained as medical professionals, the quality of education that they receive to the manner in which grievances are dealt with.

Changing the current set of ministers would be a good start as it seems that both are not suited to the portfolio’s that they are holding.

While it’s clearly understandable that “Rome was not built in a day”, it didn’t take a century either.

 

 

Vinaka FNPF

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

Thank you FNPF for the interest paid to all your members account.

You were their for us during Cyclone Winston and again you are here for us with a very good interest rates, Am sure you will be there when we retire!

 

 

Pay channel

Sachida Rao, Nausori

I suppose any technological advancement or innovations brings better services delivery to the customers.

I was anticipating the same when it was announced that Digicel was going to add on new channels to the current number of channels.

The customers were told to follow simple instructions for the transition.

I tried several times and it did not work. As a result, I got frustrated and then I found an advertisement  to bring over the decoder to unwired at Cumming Street in Suva.

I was there within an hour, joined the queue for half an hour,  the “technician”  pressed some buttons and with a smile handed the decoder.

I was at home and connected the cables, guess what, again no signal. I called the service number, the call goes to the queue, after a  long wait I was told to bring the decoder again to Suva.

The same steps again by the technician. Returned home in Nausori, no signals, I called ,the technicians came over, charged $33 signals came for a while, went away at night, distorted pictures.

Then I went to Kadavu House the, main centre. The queue was longer, doesn’t matter, I waited for my turn, the technician again touched some buttons. I received the smile and the decoder.

With dubious thoughts I went home.

As a customer I have no choice but to suffer silently  because of the monopoly. I am just waiting for some competition in the pay TV service.

 

 

Axion paste

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

I believe a certain supermarket from where we buy the axion paste is selling the wrong paste in the same axion pack.

The reason I am saying is this is my favorite paste, most of the time I use and prefer this paste over others.

It’s been few weeks now I am noticing the changes in it. This paste is really hard and smells different as well.

There are some other people in the same boat as well. Can the authorities please do a spot check unless if this is the new addition to the paste which we are unaware of. If nothing then at-least it will reduce the curiosity of many household.

 

 

Rabuka

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

Some well-informed writers who write to this good newspaper criticising Sitiveni Rabuka’s appointment as SODELPA leader have  made known their belief and perception of him as unworthy of the role.

To them his past seems to have taken preference over his personality, experience, and knowledge.

Their dislike of him includes abusive comments that can only be described as deplorable and insolent to humiliate someone in public without any restraint at all.

It can only annoy people if you provoke them deliberately.

Free speech does not mean free and unrestrained talk.

Everyone has a limit  and the authorities must be there to protect us  from such hostile elements who want to destabilise peace.  We are lucky this freedom of speech is controlled by the Constitution under section 17(2)(b)

This is the most ominous thing  of our politics, to destroy peoples’ character based on their past.  Let SODELPA supporters mind their business.  Whats yours (e cava e nei Eta tiko! Bu?)

Meanwhile the alliance between SODELPA and NFP  coalition seems to be straining more given the different position Tupou Draunidalo hold against SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka in regards the military budget (FS 30/6/16).  Sitiveni Rabuka being a former military man  has stood his ground that the military is doing a sterling job as peacekeepers (FS 30/6/16).

I agree with him that Government should distribute resources  to the military for proper execution of their role.

They must not feel neglected. They are the keepers of the constitutional order in this country.

It not only allows them to do their role properly, it also enhances their public image

Its good to see that the material needs of the military has been considered to promote peace and progress in Fiji

 

 

Same sex marriage

Frank Shaw, Lami

The decision of President Barak Obama to allow same sex marriage in America is shocking a far cry from the Mosaic law whereby homosexuality was punishable by death.

No doubt Obama has deep sympathy for lesbians, homosexuals etc but it would be morally wrong to go against the natural law of God to satisfy the desires of a certain group of people.

There are other ways of tackling the problem.  If those whose sexual orientation is different from the norm are segregated and live a monastic life (men and women together) supervised by a religious organisation and given counselling, they will come to realize their faults and take appropriate action to overcome it.

It is important that all activities (including sports) should be mixed so that men will appreciate the talents of women and vice-versa.  Over time they will pair off and marry in the normal manner.

The Hare Krishna movement in America converted the Hippies and Yippies of the sixties to Hinduism and they now live decent lives in communes all over America.

The Hippie movement has now virtually disappeared from the American scene.

If Obama does the same for those with different sexual orientation, homosexuality will no longer be a problem in America. (Other countries will soon follow suit.)

America is indeed the flagship of the world.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, 3rd July 2016

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Parliament sitting

Vili Yaranamua,  Tamavua

I refer to your Coconut Wireless, Rabuka by Ratuva (FS 28/6). It will be a very interesting affair to see these two former military officers, facing each other in Parliament. I will not miss any Parliament coverage live on TV.

 

Rugby coverage

Manoa Kaleca,  Nailuva

The Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Chiefs on Friday was awesome indeed.  It was a fast-paced game with excellent camera angles and the commentary was first class.

The Fiji Sports Council, Fiji Rugby and the local television companies should now try to keep and maintain that standard and apply it to international matches played in Fiji including the PNC and even (why not?) the local competitions. Just imagine watching a Super Rugby match with only two camera angles like how we normally cover our local games here in Fiji, it would be tragic!

So just think about the effect of using 10 plus cameras like they did yesterday to cover a local game. I bet you 110 per cent that people will be tuned in more to those games. Come on now, this is 2016 not 1916! It is time for a change…TOSO VITI TOSO!!! (translation: MOVE FIJI MOVE).

 

Rabuka’s can of worms

Timoci Gaunavinaka,  Nausori

Dr Sushil Sharma always sees the good side of everyone no matter what their background may be.

He could even write a whole book on the good deeds of Satan himself.

In his profile of Rabuka, he describe in details Rabuka’s military achievements and etc. But even Adolf Hitler won two Iron Crosses (Germany’s highest award for bravery in battle) before he became the leader of NAZI Germany and slaughtered millions of Jews.

Idi Amin was the heavyweight boxing champion of Uganda and attained many military awards before he became President of his country and slaughtered his own people.

It is much easier to grab power than to run a country.

It is what you do with that power that determines who you are.

Rabuka instilled racism and allowed corruption to thrive in a nation that was at peace. Bainimarama removed racism and inequality from a nation that has got addicted to it and installed unity.

Those criticising Rabuka have every right to do so. Tens of thousands of families suffered so much from his racism and injustice. No one can force them to forgive him just because he said “I am sorry”.

The Bainimarama Government is still now trying to repair many of the damages Rabuka caused 29 years ago.

Out of the many senior managers, Rabuka hand-picked Visanti Makrava to manage the National Bank of Fiji (NBF). Makrava built a palace for himself in Rotuma and collapsed NBF which belongs to the citizens of this country which is valued at over $300 million. This is not something you can just say sorry and forget.

Hundreds of inmates now serving years in prison have stolen less than a few thousands of dollars.

But those who were responsible for collapsing our national bank have not spent a single day in prison or stood trial for a minute in court. That is something we must not just bury and forget.

All voters that are now aged 28 and below were not yet born on May 14, 1987 and many have no idea who Rabuka is.

Imagine if Rabuka’s “can of worms” is opened for scrutiny and attached with all the evidences?

Rabuka fully understood this when he took leadership of SODELPA.

Freedom of Speech must go hand in hand with stating the truth. To bury it under the disguise of “forgive and forget” is deceit. Every voting citizen has the right to know who they are voting for. The media must not deny them that right.

 

 

No loose change

Vijay  Madhavan,  Suva

I went to ANZ House to pay my VISA card bill.

The bill was for $247.18 and I tendered $250.00 cash together with my deposit slip.

The lady teller gave me a change of $2.80 with a remark “the two cents are no longer in circulation.”

Later when I checked my deposit slip I noticed it was still for $247.18 although she took $247.20 from me.

I felt cheated and wonder if this has happened to others as well.

 

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

Letters To The Editor, 4th July 2016

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Fiji Football

Nilesh Lal

Suva

Rewa and Labasa, presently, seem to be the only football districts investing in youth development.

This is evident by the number of young players in their run-on teams and it is paying dividends for the two sides.

Unfortunately, the national coach Frank Farina appears to be either oblivious to or have a particular aversion to talents from the northern district.

Given their consistent stellar performances, it is a baffling mystery why players like Manasa Levaci, Ilisoni Lolaivalu and Ratu Anare have not been considered for the Olympics squad.

These young talents need technical guidance to hone their raw talents and presently they are not getting any.

It is also important to note that Mr Farina’s salary is paid for by the Fijian taxpayers through the Fiji Sports Commission and one of the key objectives of this programme is to develop the technical capacity of young sporting talents.

By excluding players from Vanua Levu, which does not even have a football academy, Mr Farina and Fiji FA are failing to meet this objective and should be held accountable by Government.

Investments in sports facilities in the North will also advance Government’s efforts to address the urban drift to the central division, and clearly despite direct grants from public funds, Fiji FA, through its exclusionary actions, are at odds with these objectives.

This is the biggest irony of Mr Farina’s engagement using taxpayer funds.

 

 

Politics today!

Herleen Emily Kumar

Nadi

With many people raising their concerns on the appointment of newly appointed SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka, I think things cannot be easily forgotten.

With his appointment I believe 1987 has come to life, however, I would rather give him a break and witness whether he can make it big in the 2018 elections.

Today, many young Fijians here in Fiji are following politics and I think this is a great time and platform to analyse politics in Fiji.

There may be a lot of influence coming in from many political parties, but at the end of the day a good political analysis would know which party is best to vote for in 2018.

With the current issues that are happening in between party members of NFP and SODELPA, I think these political parties should solve their own differences and not make their argument public because this in return reflects the party and they tend to lose many supporters.

Well all in all, wishing Rabuka the very best with his appointment to SODELPA.

 

 

Phantom wedding ring

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa

Delta, BC, Canada

A story about the forgotten wedding ring made me laugh.

What really made me burst out laughing was because it reminded me of a similar story shared by the late Sunia of Lands Department in Government Buildings in the 1980’s.

Sunia is a well known person in Government Building, because wherever he is, people will be laughing because he had the gift of the gab and his humour and facial expression will convince you that he is telling the truth, when in fact he has pulled a fast one from the hip.

Suva siders will remember that back in the 70s, a batch of cheap phantom rings flooded the market; this was a silver ring with a skull in front, like the one worn by the Phantom in the comic series.

A relative from the village requested Sunia, because he worked in Government Buildings, to be his witness at his civil marriage at the Birth and Marriage Registrar Office.

Sunia said he burst out laughing when the marriage celebrant asked the bridegroom for the wedding ring and he pulled out of his pocket the phantom ring to be worn by the bride. Even the marriage celebrant tried hard to hold back his laughter, but blurted out, “Looks like Phantom is marrying Diana after all!”

 

 

Bulitavu’s nonsense

Tukai Lagonilakeba

Nadi

Will Mosese Bulitavu’s attack of Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, change a thing relevant to his criticism of three ministerial portfolio’s he holds?

This is not about power as alluded to by MP Bulitavu.

Our Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama sees it as critical ministerial Government departments that requires very urgent attention for a mechanical overhaul, re-engineering and wheels re-alignment, but the best most qualified candidate is Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and why not? That is the prerogative and the call of the FijiFirst party Government leader in allocating his cabinet ministers accordingly and it is not the business of the opposition SODELPA MP to dictate to Government, when we need his opinion we will then ask or otherwise get your house in order first and leave the running of Government to the ruling party as mandated to.

This is done to ensure Government sets its priorities in order and meets its obligations to its many election promises from its party manifesto and policies to ensure Government services is progressive, indiscriminately achieved and delivered accordingly irrespective where those long forgotten ordinary Fijians live, we will reach them and remember; “No Fijian Will Be Left Behind” on our way forward and that is also well in line with the provisions of our 2013 Constitution.

  1. As a Minister for Justice and Attorney-General in itself it automatically inherits the functions of the offices of the Judiciary, ODPP, Prosecutions, Solicitor-General and Parliament.
  2. In wearing his hat as Minister for Economy, it is critically important that he is tasked to streamline our civil service and Governments various Public Enterprises in order they maximise on their service delivery of Government products to the Fijian people. Also importantly to maximise on their respective earning capacity to achieve good bottom line figures in return.

Great to note the very large historical profit margins gained in the turnaround of these various Government business entity that has been long neglected.

  1. The Ministry of Communications has long been politicised over the years and have failed to deliver, its function’s needs to be relooked at holistically to benefit the Fijian people.

I realistically do not want to compare the Biodata of the Attorney-General and his critic to justify the appointments.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum is only the executive authority and political appointee of the three Ministerial portfolios he commands.

All in all those Government departments have very highly paid experienced qualified Permanent Secretaries [PS] Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Ministry Directors who daily oversee, regulate, administers and manage their policies to ensure its departments’ smooth running.

Bulitavu’s unwarranted call is unnecessary and is below the belt in that it disrespectfully undermines the integrity  and questions the professionalism of those hardworking and dedicated public servants in Government.

 

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj


Letter Of The Week Winner

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Same sex marriage

The decision of President Barak Obama to allow same sex marriage in America is shocking a far cry from the Mosaic law whereby homosexuality was punishable by death.

No doubt Obama has deep sympathy for lesbians, homosexuals etc but it would be morally wrong to go against the natural law of God to satisfy the desires of a certain group of people.

There are other ways of tackling the problem. If those whose sexual orientation is different from the norm are segregated and live a monastic life (men and women together) supervised by a religious organisation and given counselling, they will come to realize their faults and take appropriate action to overcome it.

It is important that all activities (including sports) should be mixed so that men will appreciate the talents of women and vice-versa. Over time they will pair off and marry in the normal manner.

The Hare Krishna movement in America converted the Hippies and Yippies of the sixties to Hinduism and they now live decent lives in communes all over America.

The Hippie movement has now virtually disappeared from the American scene.

If Obama does the same for those with different sexual orientation, homosexuality will no longer be a problem in America. (Other countries will soon follow suit.)

America is indeed the flagship of the world.

 

Frank Shaw, Lami

He will receive a Parker pen from the Fiji Sun as our Letter of the Week winner.

Letters To The Editor, 5th, July, 2016

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Rabuka’s interview

Fulori Turaga, Suva

I thought Rabuka’s interview on FBC’s ‘4 the Record’ programme Sunday night was very interesting. He looked rather cool, calm and collected all throughout the show. But for a moment there, I thought he was in a court room.

 

 

 

Freedom of speech

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

Sitivesi Rabuka’s crucifixion and rejection continues in this column despite the request to leave the man alone and to cease the persecution.

Since when is a coup and all the ‘bad’ qualities associated with it become a virtue?

Maybe after a democratic election it becomes virtuous. In a democracy like ours we deal with our opponents during elections.  There is just so much bitterness and hatred that intimidates people in a very primitive manner.

If apologist writers have different beliefs from someone, all they have to do is to dissociate from him on grounds of incompatibility of belief, instead of stoning him like they did in the ‘night of the long knives’ against Hitler.

While we want to preserve the greatest degree of freedom of expression, we also have to protect our society from interest that can disturb  peaceful co-existence, ones that provoke a clear and present danger test.

 

 

 

Government loans

Sukha Singh, Labasa

Could somebody explain how many years will it take for the Fijian Government to pay off all its loans and stop increasing taxes on everything every year?

 

 

 

Positive Government works

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

NFP Parliamentary leader Biman Prasad is, as usual, very critical of our progressive and realistic 2016-2017 National Budget.

I personally feel he seems to think that he is the only one most qualified in the country who can set and construct a budget that is flawless and we hear his rhetoric’s every year, but the country moves on and progresses.

His call is below the belt and is disrespectful and belittles the professionalism of so many other economists employed by Government either as consultants or as public servants in our Government’s many respective statutory departments who all rightfully contribute to the Minister for Economy’s yearly budget.

Those very appreciative world governing banking institution like the World Bank, International Monitory Fund [IMF] and the Asian Development Bank [ADB] have put their hands up in support and do agree with our national budget. In this institution, they also employ many highly qualified and respected economic world authorities.

A key factor – these institutions will only provide loans or grants to any government if they agree with a country’s leadership, economic indicators, positive foreign reserves outlooks derived from exports, tourism and remittance, government’s offshore bonds investments together with our compliance in terms of good governance, accountability and their trust in our ability to repay.

 

 

Senseless murder

Dr Sushil Sharma, Lautoka

It brings about a chill up one’s spine, when we think of the murdered Russian couple, in what is known as the tropical paradise of the Pacific.

The Fijian Government cannot sit idle. It needs to repair the damage that this may cause Fiji, as these types of incidents – though rare in Fiji – get publicised internationally and gives a bad reputation of our country, as a not-so-safe tourism destination.

The Fijian Government needs to do all it can to deal with matters at the highest diplomatic, levels, pay fares and bring to Fiji the couple’s immediate relatives – and after a thorough investigation, help with the repatriation of their remains in a dignified manner to Russia.

Police need to ascertain in a speedy manner if the elements behind this horrific and gruesome murder is the work of off-shore elements – like those who the couple may have been connected with in one way or another – or from local criminals, after a few bucks.

The fact that the car and passports and some clothing were left untouched, may mean that this was no petty theft and it is possible that Fijians were not involved – but it was the work of some organised Russian elements, to which the couple may have owed money.

It has been reported that the couple were in dire financial trouble, after the recent tropical cyclone in Fiji that had wiped out their entire crop and business in the highlands.

Whatever the case our heartfelt and sincere sympathy and condolences to both Yuri Shipulin and his wife Natalia’s friends and relatives, both here in Fiji and back home in Russia.

Fijians today are shamed and show their utmost disgust and rebuke for this senseless waste of two lovely lives.

May God give their families comfort at this time of great sorrow and pain, when words cannot do any justice to them, nor soften their hurt and suffering.

 

 

 

Budget

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

After the Government takes enough to balance the budget, the taxpayer has the job of budgeting the balance.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letter Of The Week Winner

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Writing can help alleviate poverty: Frank shaw

Frank Shaw, of Lami, loves writing and reading.

His love for literature drove him to write a book titled ‘Beacon of Hope’, which was published in 2011.

He is currently writing another titled ‘Yesterday’, which will be published later this year.

“I am a retired civil servant and I also worked at the Daily Post a few years back as a proof reader,” the 76-year-old said.

“I enjoy writing letters on certain topics, but age is catching up on me. I believe writers can do a lot for their country, even lift them out of poverty, hunger, etc.”

Mr Shaw thanked the Fiji Sun for the Parker Pen. His winning letter ‘Same sex marriage’ was published last week.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, July 06, 2016

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Rabuka leadership

Gregory Ravoi, Communications officer, CCF, Suva

Citizen’s Constitutional Forum acknowledges concerns raised by Abendra Ram Tahal (in the Fiji Sun, dated July 1, 2016) along with many other Fijians regarding the election of Sitiveni Rabuka as the SODELPA party leader.

We reiterate that CCF is an apolitical non government organisation that does not align itself to any political party.

CCF concerns itself with the functions of Parliament and Government and their alignment with democratic principles.

We do acknowledge the democratic processes that were followed for the appointment of Mr Rabuka as party leader.

A democratic state is one that is ruled by its people. The 2018 election is the platform to determine the state of democracy in Fiji.

 

 

Tongs, not hands

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

People here in Fiji are very fond of Indian-made sweets and therefore are regular buyers of sweets from bean carts.

However, what they don’t realise is that these sellers use their bare hands to serve customers.

Are we as consumers paying attention to what the sellers are serving us with? A question that needs answers.

It came to my attention while buying sweets from a bean cart, and as a student, I believe this is a serious issue because the majority of the buyers are children which could harm their health in years to come.

I mean, we do not know what these sellers are touching and doing with their hands. Not only this but also people who are selling sweets at night along streets, their containers are open and they also use their bare hands to serve.

As all of us know there is air pollution in our surroundings and that too in town where dust is common, which tends to settle on the exposed snacks.

The people who are selling pounded hardi, yaqona, masala and so forth at the markets. Also they do not cover their containers and the containers are open the entire day.

Can you imagine the dust and germs settling in?

If the Ministry of Health would look into this, it would be a great help to the people. I think these sellers should use tongs and not their bare hands.

 

 

EPL up another level

Shad Alfaz Ali, Navua

The arrival of Pep Guardiola to Manchester City and Jose Maurinho to Manchested United has added a new dimension to the English Premier League, especially the latter who has come with a host of superstars in the form of Zlatan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan while awaiting the arrival of Paul Pogba.

Add to that the arrival of Jürgen Kloop and Antonio Conte to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively and we are all set to witness the most exciting soccer league in the world.

Our only hope is for Sky Pacific to provide live coverage of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal games.

 

 

SODELPA supporters

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

In the lead-up to the 2014 election, SODELPA supporters circulated lies about Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum in the media, social media and even through DVDs.

None of those defending Rabuka now said anything then.

Today, some SODELPA supporters are arguing that we must respect their newly elected leader and let bygones be bygones.

They should ask the owners of hundreds of Indo-Fijian businesses built from their hard work and sweat all their lives that were looted, ransacked and a few burnt after May 1987. They should ask the prisoners who now serve years in prison for offences involving less than a few thousands of dollars while those who took millions of dollars from the then National Bank of Fiji walk free.

When you lead a political party, it means that you will most likely lead the nation as Prime Minister if your party wins. This is not some clerical or secretarial job. This is the most important position in the land.  This is why it is vital that all voters must know your full background and who you really are because your decision, big or small, will affect everyone. Those who disagree have every right not to read my letters, but since they keep comenting on it, I assume that  they could not resist reading it.

When Bill Clinton’s extra-marital affair was exposed for the whole world to read, did we hear Americans crying foul or saying that it must not be exposed? No, Bill took it in the chin, apologised and continued as President and people still loved him. But he did not collapse the US Federal Reserve.

Rabuka very well knows that his ‘can of worms’ is bigger and stinks much, much worse than Bill Clinton’s and is well documented over the decades. Those who elected him to be SODELPA leader will now face the full brunt of their decision. Instead of leaving him quietly in his peaceful retirement, they drag him out and now present him to the slaughter house.

The “revelation” Rabuka is getting now is a very small fraction of what is about to come.  They will not be lies like SODELPA spread in 2014. These are well documented records of his deeds. When Rabuka sinks, SODELPA will sink with him.

 

 

 

Budget and actions

Neelz Singh, Lami

Appropriate budget contribution allocated to perspective ministries is good if they consider improving their services and human resources.

Some ideas and positive vibe with structure plan and action is needed.

The Ministry of Health should consider improving the availability of doctors when the need arise, and pharmaceutical medics and proper data base to view and seek patients as they arrive for review or just a medical checkup.

The Ministry of Infrastructure should focus on everyday basic needs to use good and better access to roads and non-corrupt bodies like the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), and Water Authority of FIji (WAF) to mandate its services with proper outcome when approached.

The Ministry of Telecommunication should focus on speed, data transfer and smart concept phones within reasonable price range and try to mandate more competition within the IT industry, also set a proper database of all Civil Services Depts so that the exchange of information are to reach within any branch in Fiji.

The Ministry of Agriculture should conduct workshops with farmers and encourage more people to join the farming industry so that there are less imports on food and vegetables. The land leases and numerous attractive packages within its industry can revive and also be our main backbone.

Other things can be looked at if considered properly.

We also need the right skilled trade and educated people to drive our nation and our economy can grow in the right direction, and we can all prosper.

 

 

Tragic findings

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

It is indeed sad to keep reading about the findings of the decomposed body remains of the Russian couple Yuri Shipulin and Natalia being discovered at Natadola Beach in Sigatoka.

Indeed very tragic. Just a curiosity that can arise is, was Natalia raped before her tragic death? It has been mentioned that only Natalia’s clothes were recovered. It can be anything.

Quite a lot has been happening lately on our paradise and its really not painting a good picture for our country.

The so-called Russian tourists themselves became the victim of this tragic incident. I believe that having CCTV cameras installed in all public places it could make a vast difference, however the cost obviously would be a major factor to ponder on.

We just can’t sit back and let things happen to this extent. Our Government should really pull up their sleeves and start working on this issue. Everyone’s life is precious and we just cannot see it getting lost just like that.

Some thorough  plan is needed. We need more advanced technology to  track down the crimes of this level. It surely is not just one organisation’s job.

We pride ourselves for the slogan “Fiji the way the world should be”, but can we really say that taking into consideration the recent events as much as we would love to?

 

 

Students in tents

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Students are still studying in tents post Cyclone Winston. Yet we still managed to spend $2.3million to host the Chiefs-Crusaders Super Rugby match? Sa yawa!

 

 

Letters To The Editor, 6th July, 2016

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Rabuka leadership

Gregory Ravoi, Communications officer, CCF, Suva

Citizen’s Constitutional Forum acknowledges concerns raised by Abendra Ram Tahal (in the Fiji Sun, dated July 1, 2016) along with many other Fijians regarding the election of Sitiveni Rabuka as the SODELPA party leader.

We reiterate that CCF is an apolitical non government organisation that does not align itself to any political party.

CCF concerns itself with the functions of Parliament and Government and their alignment with democratic principles.

We do acknowledge the democratic processes that were followed for the appointment of Mr Rabuka as party leader.

A democratic state is one that is ruled by its people. The 2018 election is the platform to determine the state of democracy in Fiji.

 

 

Tongs, not hands

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

People here in Fiji are very fond of Indian-made sweets and therefore are regular buyers of sweets from bean carts.

However, what they don’t realise is that these sellers use their bare hands to serve customers.

Are we as consumers paying attention to what the sellers are serving us with? A question that needs answers.

It came to my attention while buying sweets from a bean cart, and as a student, I believe this is a serious issue because the majority of the buyers are children which could harm their health in years to come.

I mean, we do not know what these sellers are touching and doing with their hands. Not only this but also people who are selling sweets at night along streets, their containers are open and they also use their bare hands to serve.

As all of us know there is air pollution in our surroundings and that too in town where dust is common, which tends to settle on the exposed snacks.

The people who are selling pounded hardi, yaqona, masala and so forth at the markets. Also they do not cover their containers and the containers are open the entire day.

Can you imagine the dust and germs settling in?

If the Ministry of Health would look into this, it would be a great help to the people. I think these sellers should use tongs and not their bare hands.

 

 

EPL up another level

Shad Alfaz Ali, Navua

The arrival of Pep Guardiola to Manchester City and Jose Maurinho to Manchested United has added a new dimension to the English Premier League, especially the latter who has come with a host of superstars in the form of Zlatan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan while awaiting the arrival of Paul Pogba.

Add to that the arrival of Jürgen Kloop and Antonio Conte to Liverpool and Chelsea respectively and we are all set to witness the most exciting soccer league in the world.

Our only hope is for Sky Pacific to provide live coverage of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal games.

 

 

SODELPA supporters

Timoci Gaunavinaka, Nausori

In the lead-up to the 2014 election, SODELPA supporters circulated lies about Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum in the media, social media and even through DVDs.

None of those defending Rabuka now said anything then.

Today, some SODELPA supporters are arguing that we must respect their newly elected leader and let bygones be bygones.

They should ask the owners of hundreds of Indo-Fijian businesses built from their hard work and sweat all their lives that were looted, ransacked and a few burnt after May 1987. They should ask the prisoners who now serve years in prison for offences involving less than a few thousands of dollars while those who took millions of dollars from the then National Bank of Fiji walk free.

When you lead a political party, it means that you will most likely lead the nation as Prime Minister if your party wins. This is not some clerical or secretarial job. This is the most important position in the land.  This is why it is vital that all voters must know your full background and who you really are because your decision, big or small, will affect everyone. Those who disagree have every right not to read my letters, but since they keep comenting on it, I assume that  they could not resist reading it.

When Bill Clinton’s extra-marital affair was exposed for the whole world to read, did we hear Americans crying foul or saying that it must not be exposed? No, Bill took it in the chin, apologised and continued as President and people still loved him. But he did not collapse the US Federal Reserve.

Rabuka very well knows that his ‘can of worms’ is bigger and stinks much, much worse than Bill Clinton’s and is well documented over the decades. Those who elected him to be SODELPA leader will now face the full brunt of their decision. Instead of leaving him quietly in his peaceful retirement, they drag him out and now present him to the slaughter house.

The “revelation” Rabuka is getting now is a very small fraction of what is about to come.  They will not be lies like SODELPA spread in 2014. These are well documented records of his deeds. When Rabuka sinks, SODELPA will sink with him.

 

 

 

Budget and actions

Neelz Singh, Lami

Appropriate budget contribution allocated to perspective ministries is good if they consider improving their services and human resources.

Some ideas and positive vibe with structure plan and action is needed.

The Ministry of Health should consider improving the availability of doctors when the need arise, and pharmaceutical medics and proper data base to view and seek patients as they arrive for review or just a medical checkup.

The Ministry of Infrastructure should focus on everyday basic needs to use good and better access to roads and non-corrupt bodies like the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), and Water Authority of FIji (WAF) to mandate its services with proper outcome when approached.

The Ministry of Telecommunication should focus on speed, data transfer and smart concept phones within reasonable price range and try to mandate more competition within the IT industry, also set a proper database of all Civil Services Depts so that the exchange of information are to reach within any branch in Fiji.

The Ministry of Agriculture should conduct workshops with farmers and encourage more people to join the farming industry so that there are less imports on food and vegetables. The land leases and numerous attractive packages within its industry can revive and also be our main backbone.

Other things can be looked at if considered properly.

We also need the right skilled trade and educated people to drive our nation and our economy can grow in the right direction, and we can all prosper.

 

 

Tragic findings

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

It is indeed sad to keep reading about the findings of the decomposed body remains of the Russian couple Yuri Shipulin and Natalia being discovered at Natadola Beach in Sigatoka.

Indeed very tragic. Just a curiosity that can arise is, was Natalia raped before her tragic death? It has been mentioned that only Natalia’s clothes were recovered. It can be anything.

Quite a lot has been happening lately on our paradise and its really not painting a good picture for our country.

The so-called Russian tourists themselves became the victim of this tragic incident. I believe that having CCTV cameras installed in all public places it could make a vast difference, however the cost obviously would be a major factor to ponder on.

We just can’t sit back and let things happen to this extent. Our Government should really pull up their sleeves and start working on this issue. Everyone’s life is precious and we just cannot see it getting lost just like that.

Some thorough  plan is needed. We need more advanced technology to  track down the crimes of this level. It surely is not just one organisation’s job.

We pride ourselves for the slogan “Fiji the way the world should be”, but can we really say that taking into consideration the recent events as much as we would love to?

 

 

Students in tents

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Students are still studying in tents post Cyclone Winston. Yet we still managed to spend $2.3million to host the Chiefs-Crusaders Super Rugby match? Sa yawa!

Letters To The Editor, 7th, July 2016

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4 The Record

Satavu Epi, Nadroga

Is the new system being implemented by ‘4 The Record/Edwin Nand/FBC’ not to have ‘a break’ on the 3rd Sunday night programe which they used along during the previous interviews?

Maybe Edwin was trying very hard to get Mr Rabuka to confess and completely forgot the breaks!

Edwin, be fair to all the interviewers.

 

 

A nation honest with each other

Josaia Rayawa, Savusavu

Economic Blogger, Ben Bernanke, in his comment about how Americans feel about their economy, writes: “While perceptions of economic stress are certainly roiling our national politics, it may also be that our roiled politics are worsening how we collectively perceive the economy.”

There is a lot of truth that resides in that comment. Perhaps it is time we also get a good perspective of our Fijian economy. Understanding of statistics need to be translated into layman’s language so we, as a people, fully grasp what we as citizens are taking responsibility for and what our future generation are going to bear. If we are in trouble we want to know how bad, so all can work together to fix it. It is equally important to also know how ‘economically cushioned’ we are.

Governments don’t have to feel that they hold all answers; they need us just as we need them to lead.

Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance”.

Honesty is always the best policy. Sadly, though, this is the only policy that evades many political fronts on the global front. We don’t have to be like that in Fiji.

The Gospel of Matthew has a good approach, “Let what you say be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’; anything more than this comes from evil”. (Matthew 5:37).

My prayer today is that we pray for each other, so that we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things”. (Hebrews 13:18).

 

 

Employment Ministry blunder

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Allow me to use this column to show my frustration at the Government’s Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations for insisting that my group, who applied for a visitor’s visa to Canada, came out here as workers  in July last year.

The ministry’s insistence that we came out here as workers and not visitors means that we have breached the conditions of our authorisation license as an employment agency and therefore have given them the approval to use our $20,000 bond deposit for the repatriation of any group member who feels they have been stranded here.

For the record, of the 16-member Fijian cultural group members who applied for a visitor’s visa to travel to Canada, 14 have applied for a 12-months visa extension to expire in January 2017.

Two members returned last year to spend Christmas in Fiji and I believe it is their complaints that has misled and justified the Ministry of Employment that we came out here as workers and to use up our $20,000 bond deposit, held in trust by the ministry, for a totally different visa class.

It seems that the Ministry of Employment cannot differentiate between a travel agency and a recruitment agency. We were both and in their eyes because they gave us our recruitment license. All overseas travel and visas arranged from our office is for employment purposes.

Furthermore, in this case, they failed their due diligence in not checking with the Canadian Embassy what were the conditions of the WX-1 Worker Visa that was granted to us when we all simply applied and paid for a visitor’s visa to Canada.

Is it this WX-1 Worker Visa that has closed the mind of the legal officer in the Ministry of Employment, when all this time we kept explaining to the ministry that WX-1 Worker Visa is not a full Work Permit, but allows visitors to accept any donations in kind from those who attend their performance?

From 2008, we have discussed with the officers in the ministry about the seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand and Australia, and the skilled work in PNG through the MSG skill share programme.

The Ministry of Employment advised that for Fijian workers to leave our shores a genuine job offer or contract must be sighted, showing all the terms and conditions of employment, duration, pay, accommodation, hours of work, etc.

Before the worker leaves our shores, the employee, the employer and the Ministry of Employment should sign an agreement to ensure that all the conditions of the contract would be kept by the employer.

I consider myself as a fairly intelligent person and I know in my heart that our group applied for a visitor’s visa, but granted a WX-1 Worker Visa which to us was still a visitor’s visa.

If we were offered a work contract and all the other conditions, we would have applied for a work permit and did the right thing as per our recruitment agency’s terms and conditions with the Ministry of Employment.

But this was not the case; this is just like any other Fijian group visiting overseas with a non work agenda. For the Ministry of Employment to turn around and accuse us for breaching our recruitment license in taking a group of Fijian workers to Canada without proper employment contract and documentation, kind of insults our very intelligence.

I am hoping that the Attorney-General and the Prime Minister would shed some sense into this decision by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, because it seems that their legal officer cannot be corrected in his wrong stance and assumption. Suing and taking the matter further would end up taking the Government that I support dearly to court.

 

 

‘Dirty cop’

Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu

Firstly, in a very opposite approach of appreciation by the Police in thanking the press for bringing the issue to their attention, the public have been encouraged to take their grievances to the Police first before the press.

I believe if we work both ways it will produce results.

In the case of the ‘dirty cop’ he will have to face the consequences of anything he has done.

He was calling as if he was in the insurance company, and for the victims to call the insurance was a step ahead of the cop.

Let this be a warning to other public servant who intend to carry out something similar, the taxpayers of Fiji will be on their heels in getting to the bottom of it with the Police and the media joining hands in solving crimes.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letter Of The Month Winner

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GAVOKA Appreciates the fiji sun

SODELPA Member of Parliament Viliame Gavoka appreciates the Fiji Sun for publishing his letters in the Letters to the Editor Column.

Mr Gavoka is the June letter of the month winner, for his letter “Economic Idealist”.

“I am grateful that you print things without reservations like whatever I put in my letter you print it and I like that and I admire it.

“I read your paper, my wife insists that I read every part of it. Given the pressure of my work I skim through it but then you really have to read it.

“You are part of the major channels of communications for this country, and I don’t shy away from anything because the media is the media.

“So I look at the media as the channel between me and the people.  No one is perfect, they can attack one day and they say something good about you the next day.

“Like I say, any news is good news; any feature is good news because you will learn from what others say about you.  I take that as a way I communicate with the people as part of determining what is right.”

Mr Gavoka is passionate about writing about topics on the economy. He was heavily involved in tourism and rugby as well as business and politics.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj

 


Letters To The Editor, 8th, July, 2016

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Bagasau gun

Steven Singh, Sydney

A storm has been brewing in Melbourne.

Rising superstar and rugby league stalwart Suliasi Vunivalu is quietly make a name for himself. His stealth performance may have gone under the radar but many rugby league legends are being to take notice of this awesome athlete.

While Semi Radradra is shying away from his off field indiscretions, Vunivalu is producing stellar performances. His hat-trick of tries against the Broncos was just pure magic and sensational.

The Bagasau gun, being only 20, has so much to offer to the game and I sincerely hope he remains focused, and has an injury free career.

Thanks for the magic Suliasi. I wish him and his family the very best.

 

 

History

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

Maths and English is one of the compulsory subjects being taught here. However, as a history student, I am concerned that history classes cannot be made compulsory here.

History teaches every individual to become a better citizen in the future. History itself instills virtues and moral values. Many students do not know the history our country; as Fijians they should have knowledge of our past, whether it be politics or any other.

It is acceptable that Social Science is one of the compulsory subjects from Year 9 to 10 however it does not only emphasis history but geography as well.

Fiji has experienced four coups and with the inclusion of compulsory history classes, the students will have a better understanding of democracy and totalitarianism.

 

 

New vehicles for Police Force

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

It is great to know that the Fiji Police Force has received 26 Toyota Hilux vehicles. Many a time, we’ve come across situations where we’re told that no vehicle was available at the time of theft or robbery incident. I have been a victim of that situation who was given the same excuse.   I really am thankful to Government for providing this great initiative. This will surely boost the work of many Police officers. Of course the rules to maintain the new vehicles should be carried out by the various officers who would respectively get the vehicles for their work and effort.

Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho said: “All of you receiving new vehicles today must back me by working hard and showing that their investment in us has been worth every last cent.’’

He added: “I’ve done my part; don’t disappoint me by not doing your part.”

I request Brigadier-General Qiliho if he could remind himself that his part in this role will continue as long as he is in this post. It is great that he has put in suggestions and requests for these vehicles. However, it does not mean that his work is over. Together with the other officers, he is to work alongside them to help guide them.

Getting all the required resources for the Police force is very important and this was long overdue.

Let’s hope there will be some major difference in the service delivery system. After all, the Fiji Police Force is the pillar upon whom we rely for our safety.

 

 

No breaks? Too good

Fulori Turaga, Suva

I actually thought that the strategy used by FBC’s ‘4 The Record’ programme when interviewing Sitiveni Rabuka was impressive.

With no breaks in between, it kept the discussions flowing and the momentum intact. It made viewers like myself glued to the screen right throughout the show and with great interest.

I also thought the host did a tremendous job in the way he conducted the interview.

 

 

 

Fijian parasites

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

With all due respect to MP Mosese Bulitavu, his labelling of Fijians who want to access assistance from funds set aside for the Prime Minister’s Office as parasites, is demeaning and uncalled for. (FS 6/7)

It is sad for an MP to utter such a derogatory word to Fijians, as one does not know how many people that are being labelled as parasites actually voted the MP into Parliament.

If I was an Opposition MP, I would encourage all Fijians to get out there and make use of all the help and opportunities provided by Government to lift their standard of living and add value to their lives.

It does not make sense to call people parasites when it is the Government of the day that is providing the help for Fijians and at the end of the day, it is the Government who is accountable in the repayment of state debt.

 

 

Men’s crisis centre?

Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ

It will be hard for me to provide statistics for men’s abuse cases in Fiji for no men will ever admit to being abused in fear of being ridiculed.

When a woman gets abused, it’s a serious matter. Rightly so, but it’s something unusual if a woman or a man abuses a man.

If you don’t believe me just go on Facebook or YouTube to see any prank or real video in which a man is abused.

About 99 per cent of the comments would be “he deserved it” or “what a loser” or “lol”. Don’t you think men have feelings too or are prone to depression, suicidical thoughts or weak? Or have you made up your mind that men can just implicate havoc on women?

Just because one doesn’t hear or see it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Like we can’t see the oxygen or the ozone layer, but it’s still there, isn’t it?

The festival

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Is the annual Vodafone Hibiscus Festival evolving faster than one has expected since its inception in 1956 as the Mother of all Festivals and pride of the nation?

Previously, the climax of the event was the Ms Hibiscus title but this has expanded to include a Mr Hibiscus. More recently, the Adi Senikau appears to have become the limelight of the festival attracting both locals and overseas-based Fijians. In 2014, Fatima Gyllenhaal Halafini-Kardashian from the Kingdom of Tonga displaced local contestants much to their surprise. This has resulted in an increased interest for Adi Senikau pageants across the Pacific.

Entertainment including traditional as well as contemporary dancing will be on display.  Stalls will offer food, drinks, handicraft and many bargains. All in all it is a time to reflect on 60 years of the Hibiscus Festival. In addition, there are 60 more reasons to enjoy and celebrate the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival

 

 

Healthy living

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

July is marked as the Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) month and it is an effort to raise awareness on prevention of NCDs and healthy living.

As responsible leaders, I reckon our members of the august house should be setting examples of living a healthy lifestyle like having fruits for morning tea and tuna salad, etc for lunch. Sa bau va ya! (iTaukei tactical slang calling for a challenge) Hahaha.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, 9th, July 2016

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Carton doormats

Satish Nakched, Suva

During the wet weather some retails outlets including the big supermarkets attempt to keep their shops clean by placing used flattened cartons at the shop entrance as door mats.

This keeps the dirt, water and other form of pollutant from spreading to other parts of the business.

Shoppers, when entering, are required to use these carton doormats to clean the soles of their footwear. The heavy usage of the door mats allows the water and the moisture to penetrate the cartons and temporarily provides friction and secures the carton to the floor tile.

I believe the problem arises when the cartons tend to lose the moisture contents and dries off quickly. When this occurs the grip disappears and the carton becomes very slippery and this can lead to a person falling.

Apart from the carton doormat the other hazards like the door steps during the fall can be dangerous also. The business owners must refrain from this practise and must use proper anti-slip door mats to ensure that anyone who enters their premises are safe and without risk.

A good quality doormat can trap and hold dirt and allergens, preventing their spread to the rest of the building.

Additionally a proper floor mat is slip resistant and can prevent employees and the customers from slipping on lubricants or water thus preventing a fall. Should such slips and falls take place may result in liable damages.

 

 

 

Football commentary

Bimal Prasad, Nadi

I strongly suggest football commentators should stick to their core task of providing relays and not stretch beyond their work scope to provide personal opinions, which most times are being done to stir up an artificial atmosphere.

During the last day of Fiji FACT pool games, a commentator, while broadcasting the Suva-Nadroga game, questioned why Nadroga players were not running for the ball when Suva scored its third goal. This was followed by a quick blanket claim that he was not trying to prove any sinister motive but just saying what he saw in the game.

This sounded more like a nonsense remark, which did not surprise me at all because this commentator has an impressive record of brazenly incriminating crucial matches during tournaments and insinuating sinister motives.

Nadroga’s tournament performance trends over the last few years made no sense to this commentator, as they have a track record of great game performance during opening stages only to eventually fizzle out during the later stages especially when they play against an experienced side.

I hail his co-commentator who immediately cut this nonsense short and provided sensible explanation that the young and mostly new Nadroga players were subject to fatigue, which indeed has been their common trend in as many tournaments, if I can recall, in last couple of years.

Furthermore, the commentator raised concerns early during the Nadi-Rewa match when he questioned why Antonio Tuivuna did not score when he had a good chance, and rather chose to shoot over the empty goal mouth.

Typically, this commentator safeguarded his liability by claiming he was not trying to say something was wrong! Whatever his personal feelings are, it was definitely outsmarted when the same player successfully scored a goal later in the game.

Apart from the above, I have noticed commentators patronising certain teams (but claim otherwise) and lamenting on their losses or exit from tournaments by blaming referees or by insinuating match fixing by other teams.

They hold power on air, as they practically don’t have live opposition. The nation listens to them and virtually no one is, and never will be, around to debate on air.

Interestingly, as some commentators speak out controversy, a common tag is to claim “I am not saying anything”.

Such absurdity from commentators is enough to create an artificial world of suspicion amongst soccer fans, and recent social media postings bear testimony!

Perhaps it’s high time our commentators streamline themselves and simply concentrate on what work they are meant to do.

I am not saying anything, but just writing what I hear and analyse!

 

 

 

Rabuka no threat

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

I refer to your headline titled ‘ Rabuka no threat-PM’ where the PM responded to Sitiveni Rabuka’s appointment as leader of the SODELPA party.

It reminds me of David when he was challenged by the Phillistians in 1 Samuell 17(45-47), he only boasted the name of the Lord.

Let’s give him a chance. We don’t have to give him a yellow uniform. I know he is not aspiring to privilege and dignity, but to serve. Maybe he is ‘unknown’ and usurped a place he didn’t deserve. But if he is called like Paul no one can stop it.

Paul said in his letter to the Romans 2 ‘How can you be censorious about your fellow men’. You do exactly the same.

 

 

New channels

Shad Alfaz Ali, Navua

I would like to thank Sky Pacific for introducing Discovery, Fight Sports and B4U Movie channels in addition to the wrestling programme.

Thank you Sky Pacific for putting your customer’s interest at the forefront of your business. Vinaka.

 

 

Social media trials

Ashneel J Prasad, NZ

I find it utterly distasteful that pictures of accused of any court case are circulated within the social media sites well before the judge conveys the sentence.

The social media sites and commentators are quick to convict their judgement without knowing if the person is question is even guilty. The harsh comments, the morphing of the pictures and the vile words used against are disturbing.

I have seen numerous cases being brought to order on the social media sites on which later the accused turns out to be innocent.

I urge authorities and the penal code of Fiji to put a restraining order that until a verdict is out, the identity of any accused be subjected to anonymity and shouldn’t be released on any social media sites.

We are not the judge to judge anyone, let the ‘Judge’ judge them.

 

 

 

Food cost, crime rate

Frank Shaw, Lami

The cost of root crops and vegetables in the market generally increases after a cyclone or other natural disaster strikes.

However, people should not use this as an excuse to set a high price for their produce indefinitely.

Government should appoint a modulator to ensure that shoppers are charged a reasonable price for the vegetables, etc. they buy in the market.

The possibility of reducing (or waiving) stall fees for a period of time to enable vendors to stabilise their price should also be considered.

A sudden increase in cost of goods and services will contribute to poverty and an increase in crime rate. Poverty breeds crime.

So to alleviate poverty (and reduce crime rate) it is imperative that the price of food items at least are kept at a reasonable level.

A spiritual question

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Why is it that as boys and girls grow up, the women appear more spiritually focused in their lifestyles?

Somehow men generally appear more interested in fame, power, sports, and consumption of alcohol, parties and martial arts.

Some men tend to associate humility which is at the cornerstone of most faiths, as an indication of weakness.

Generally speaking, men tend to be attracted to glory, attaining more riches and romancing women. In summary, men and women are different in many ways and this includes their attitude towards their spirituality.

For some, the spiritual question is complicated. For others it is not complicated.

 

 

Dialysis allocation

Rakesh Chandra, Nadawa

$9 million is being allocated for a golf tournament, $2.5 million for a two hour Super Rugby match, but only $300,000 for kidney dialysis support?

If that is the way intellectuals and toppers think, I’m better off being a dumber.

 

 

False preachers

Lawrence H Narayan, Suva

Recently some local Christians have come out openly claiming to have had visions from God.

However, God had forewarned believers that there will always be false teachers among us so we must test whether such revelations are actually from God.

Hebrews 1:1-2, Says, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers (our ancestors) by the Prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.” Son in the Bible refers to Jesus Christ who is the Word of God (John 1:1).

This and many other passages of scripture including the Book of Revelation teaches us that while the Bible was being completed, God sent His true prophets with His Word to lead the people. When the Bible was completed, there was no longer any need for God to speak through visions and dreams.

God’s Holy Spirit will never lead anyone contrary to the revealed will of God. This is our safeguard against heresies and false prophets who claim to have received private revelations from God.

The Bible is all we need in every matter of faith, sound doctrine, and spiritual guidance. So Christians be careful of pastors, teachers and preachers who teach you doctrines contrary to the Word of God.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

Letters To The Editor, 10th July 2016

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Clarifying reports

Semi Koroilavesau, Suva

I wish to clarify two points of reporting that the Fiji Times wrote in their column during the Budget debates.

Firstly it was reported that Honourable Salote Radrodro from SODELPA was able to convince me to support her motion in the debate. This is far from the truth and the fact was that I indicated to the Opposition that Hon Radrodro’s response to the increases in the budget by suggesting the transfer of funds to cover the suggested increases was good sense and should be the norm.

I had suggested the above, as the Opposition had complained bitterly about their highly manufactured debt level and on the other hand suggested huge increases that had no basic reason. I had suggested that at the end of the day the Budget has to be balanced.

Secondly the comment on Flotsam and Jetsam on Saturday 9, July seem to suggest that I wanted to support Honourable Alvik Avhikrit Maharaj, and stood to make a point of order. In fact I was testing to see if I will be allowed to make a statement without stating any point in the Standing Order as the Opposition has been doing throughout the proceedings.

I was shouted down by the Opposition which proved my point that any interjections had to be loud to be heard. I could have made a point of order from any of the sections available in the standing order but I deliberately chose not to.

Politics is a very interesting game especially when one wants to portray predetermined results especially when watching from the sideline. I now can confirm the side Fiji Times is supporting in this political football.

 

Illegal taxi operators

Arun Kumar, Davuilevu

The Land Transport Authority says that illegal taxis are operating because there is a demand for taxis which the proprietors are unable to fulfill. Then we can assume that the farmers in Navosa hills cultivating marijuana can also do so because there is a demand for marijuana.

 

Seasonal work opportunities

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

Having lived in Australia and now visiting Canada, Fijians who are able to secure a visa to Australia and here in Canada, could set themselves up doing seasonal work in both countries.

From June to September, one could be involved in picking blueberries out here and from October to March, the different seasonal work available in Australia.

The HSBC World Sevens series will be become even more popular given the inclusion of the Sevens Rugby in the Olympic Games.

One can use the HSBC World Sevens Series as an excuse to apply for a visa to Canada, Australia and New Zealand and one could be lucky to get a multiple travel visa to these countries if you request to make the visit every year.

With Canada, once you enter the country, even if your visa is only for one week, you can stay up to six months, unless if your passport is stamped “must leave on a particular date.”

Once you get a Canadian Visa, you can also apply for a USA Transit Visa, as it is cheaper going through Los Angeles than travelling through Korea to get to Canada.

If you are allowed a USA Transit visa, it would be a multiple travel visa of up to 10 years.

Blueberry farms still need people out here and the Serevi Invitational Sevens to be held here towards the end of this month is one way of coming out here, if you want to kill three birds with one stone.

 

No place for spitting

Herleen Emily Kumar, Nadi

Every morning and afternoon, while heading to town or returning from town to home, I have noticed that many people spit in public areas.

Especially those who are addict tobacco (suki) chewers and after chewing it, they tend to spit it out, which becomes really disgusting.

Well, I really do not know about the implementation of the decree of ‘’no spitting’’ in public areas, however, as humans we all should have a sense of knowledge of not spiting in public areas because there are other people in the surrounding which, may seem disrespectful and it also doesn’t hold a good image for Fiji itself. As Fiji is one of the tourist markets in the world. Indeed a simple request to the people, not to spit.

C’mon Fiji, let’s show the world we are the best!

 

Olympic support

Floyd Robinson, Nasinu

Every athlete and team representing Fiji at the Rio Olympics deserves equal support.  With all due respect, it appears as if our focus to date has primarily been on the national men’s sevens team. What if the team fails to win a medal? What if an unexpected athlete or team wins a medal?

With all due respect, our support should be inclusive extending to football, athletics, national sevens rugby sides (men and women), swimming, table tennis, weight lifting and boxing. Let’s stand by their dreams as their dreams are also our dreams. Best wishes to all teams and individuals who are part taking in the Rio Olympics. Appreciation to their family members, loved ones   and sponsors for their valued support. Rio here, we come. Go Fiji go!

 

Letters To The Editor, 11th July 2016

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Wisdom at Syria Park

Josaia Rayawa, Savusavu

I was so humbled to see the people of Noco do us all proud at the Rewa Day celebrations last Saturday.

What an amazing sight to behold the Hand of God at work. Profound and intimate words were uttered. Deeds were put into action. The outcome can only be described as a miracle of God that was waiting to be released from the Hand of the Almighty, all this time.

After 132 years, the descendants of the survivors of the fateful ship, “Syria” were received traditionally and the powerful exchange can only be described in the iTaukei setting as humbling.  Devoid of any political interference, it shows that people can come together if they so choose too. Wisdom truly prevails in all those who have sought to bring it about.

We must now be committed to living out this example. We, no longer have to be a house that is indifferent and divided, but rather a house with its occupants, free to being different and diverse. Like a family we will fight and squabble, but we still remain united for therein lies our strength.

To paraphrase the words of Harvard & Christian Educator, the late Dr Stephen R. Covey “Our strength lies in our being different, not in our being similar”.

Proud to be a ‘kai Noco’ and proud to be a Rewan.

 

 

Churchill Park

Narayan Reddy, Lautoka

I had the privilege of seeing the upgrade work being carried out at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

It will be the best athletics, soccer and rugby grounds in Fiji when completed. I was surprised to even see the different field event grounds around the main complex. It’s so well designed and I can gladly boast that the people in charge of the ground and surrounding area have done a tremendous job.

I can’t wait to see the end result once completed. Thank you Lautoka City Council for the great work. Your efforts will surely be recognised once everything is completed.

 

 

 

National budget

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

The Opposition NFP and SODELPA MPs have criticised as usual our 2016/2017 National Budget as unrealistic and anti-poor.

They say government is overspending and claims our national debt stands at $5billion but yet they are asking Government to increase that figure, if I am reading correct from their motions raised.

It is very funny and interesting when one is listening to the budget debate after all the finger pointing from them; the Opposition are all asking Government to increase its budgetary allocations in some areas of the budget by the millions to amend and seeking a motion to vote for it. Realistically our Government can only work within their limits according to their forecasted and projected revenues.

After having all their motions defeated, they then turned around and voted against the very budget that will help deliver Government services to all Fijians. They lost it nevertheless but for the government to realistically increase the budget as requested by those Opposition MPs they certainly will be going over the roof.

Is that what these Opposition members were asking for?

I do sympathise with them when they claim our Government uses its numbers to bulldoze their way in Parliament. Of course it is a game of numbers and that is exactly according to the widely accepted mandated majority wishes and instruction from the people of Fiji. That is what they wanted and that is what they are exactly getting.

I have said it before in my many letters, the Opposition members will have to find a way in working cohesively with Government and learn to stop dictating to Government what it should be doing and not.

It will be a very daunting task for the SODELPA leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, to get his current MPs to change their attitude and mindset so that they behave professionally in Parliament and most importantly in their endeavour to get Government to listen. But as we all know and have come to accept, our Fijian Government has its own agenda to achieve as projected in whatever they can under the circumstances before the 2018 national election.

There is no other way for the Opposition MPs but to go with the flow as they can, but at the same time it can be very frustrating for them as witnessed through their many Parliament debates.

 

 

Dangerous precedent

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Canada

The court order in the hands of Police to demolish houses in the Navosa district built from money made in the sale of marijuana sets a dangerous and unfair precedent in my view. (FS 9/7)

We all know that the cultivation of marijuana is illegal and those found guilty will cop heavy fines and even jail sentences.

I have never heard that houses, vehicles and other properties in which marijuana cultivators invested their money in would be confiscated and sold or demolished. Is not the heavy fines and prison sentences enough?

We read of top people guilty of abuse of office and using public funds for personal use and while found guilty and served prison sentences, we do not hear anything of their properties being sold to recover the amount used.

If our law and the Police begin this line of action, then it is unfair to the marijuana cultivators of Navosa, who are being penalised twice for their transgression of the law.

What has the law and the Police done on the high ranking people who bankrupted the then National Bank of Fiji? Have their homes and property been confiscated, sold or demolished to recover money that was loaned from the bank?

If a woman gets pregnant after being raped, should the baby be aborted or killed when born because the rapist father broke the law and is now facing time in prison?

Our current Government believes that all Fijians are on a level playing field and that should include our laws to apply to all fair and square.

Letters To The Editor 12th July 2016

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Dirt clouds of Fiji

Axel C. Mehling, Nacovi

With the cane harvesting season coming up – and the fact that Fiji this year made history by ratifying the Paris UN Climate Change Agreement, thus being a beacon and a showpiece in the South Pacific and the world  for the protection and care of nature, the environment including the quality of air, water etc.

The question that must be asked is: What are now the concrete policies and guidelines for our sugar cane growers?

Additionally:

  1. a) Is the burning of cane fields still allowed? Before and/or after the harvest?
  2. b) Does the cane farmer need permission in each case from the Sugar Cane Growers Council?
  3. c) Who monitors the ‘burning’ – are the Fire Fighting Authorities always in attendance?
  4. d) Who monitors and measures the effect of gases, sod and smoke on Fiji’s air quality?
  5. e) Will there be an ‘air quality warning system’ in place for the Western Division – e.g. like in Beijing, Jakarta?
  6. e) Is the SCG Council responsible and liable if things go wrong (e.g. if other plants, property gets burned) or when kids/people get sick from bad air (Asthma)?

What is the true environmental cost (also image-wise versus our tourists!) of massive burning and how do we explain it to the countries around the world – who thinks that Fiji is the immaculate leader and protector of the environment?

After Fiji’s stellar performance on the world stage and the signing – do we take a look into the mirror and change now our ways?

We must have the guts to talk about this now!

 

Taxi drivers

Senivesi Lutu, Labasa

Can taxi drivers reject to take you if you are going a short distance?

On Saturday 09/07/16, at around 1.40pm we approached a taxi at Nambawan Supermarket, Labasa, registration LT1802, we got in, there was four of us – three adults and a three-year-old girl, when we told the taxi to take us to Labasa College, he said we were overloading the cab and that only four people should be in a taxi.

Now my whole life there has been 4 adults and sometimes more than one child travelling in a taxi, but we still pass through Police or LTA check points if they are on patrol but on this day the taxi driver tells us that it’s overloaded.

So we walked to RB Patel Supermarket hoping to catch a taxi there. We approached the first taxi LT6142 at the taxi base at RB Patel, but he simply told us that he cannot go. We then approached another taxi SUNBIRD LT3858 who told us that he was waiting for his mother.

They both did not want to take us since we told them first-hand to take us to Labasa College. We waited for a while at RB Patel trying to monitor LT3858 since he said he was waiting for his mother. We got on another taxi and the driver was happy to take us to our destination.

Now what’s the point of having a Taxi permit if the driver only chooses his /her customers or which runs he/she will make?

A taxi is also a public vehicle to serve the public’s needs, so these three taxis do not deserve a place at the taxi stand?

 

Hayne announcement

Fulori Turaga, Suva

I was saddened to hear of Jarryd Hayne dropping out of the Vodafone Fijian 7s team to the Rio Olympics.

I was more saddened to know that it was Hayne himself who broke the news through social media.  It makes me wonder if the Fiji Rugby Union, at any one point, was ever intending to publicly make this announcement.

 

Police statement

Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga

I am greatly disturbed with the statement by the Police on Saturday that homes in Navosa built from proceeds of illicit drugs will be demolished.

While I appreciate the work of the Police; and it’s true that the decree allows the authorities to administer such punishment; and also true that the vanua doesn’t condone the cultivation of illicit drugs, I plead that a more humane option be considered.

Perhaps those homes could be turned into dispensaries, kindergartens, libraries, meeting houses, community halls, guest houses for visitors or homes for the old and the weak.

Implementing these options will help strengthen the platform for advancement in Navosa which today is struggling with development. Bulldozing all those homes will definitely set us back. We should also consider the psychological impact of such punishment on the people, especially the children.

 

Most unfortunate

Joji Toronibaun, Tunuloa 

While on an errand in my traditional abode I was adamant to also vouch for the concern of our people regarding the state of road infrastructures along the areas towards Buca Bay, legendarily known as the Hibiscus Highway, areas outside the peripheries of Savusavu Town and the Natewa stretch leading up to the Tunuloa side.

But I am still convinced that we the earthlings of this little stretch will soon be enjoying the same road transport utilities as enjoyed by almost everyone in Fiji.

This is especially the Natewa Bay side of Tunuloa from Wailevu Primary School to link up 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.

In addition to these, there is no television reception except if you can purchase Sky TV and no Vodafone/Digicel link as well.

We deservedly want Police presence as well on wheels at times to lessen illegal activities that I had witnessed recently on a Police raid in our area through ‘Operation Cavuraka’ perhaps.

 

Kai Rewa

Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva

The assurance of the Tui Noco that ancestors of the girmityas  should call themselves kai Rewa is indeed a touching token.

‘Kai’ means belonging to or ‘eating or living from’ (kanakana or iqoliqoli). The reinforcing statement of the Marama Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa seals the matter.

I also agree with Mr Singh when he received the kamunaga (whales tooth) on behalf of the indentured ancestors that it was a sign of peace, progress and prosperity.

But in the preamble of the Constitution they are still being recognised as descendants of indentured laborers from British India.

I hope they will be included as members of mataqali and all the benefits accrued even with this matter in the Constitution which I think is very patronising.

Currently only offsprings of iTaukei women are included as mataqali members.

Be that as it may, these acts are signs of good relations between the iTaukei and the Indo-Fijian communities.

Maybe this is the way the world should really be.  We need to take away the antipathies that drive people apart.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

 

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