More time in traffic jams
Param Singh, Navua
We continue to spend more time in traffic gridlock and this increases by the day as the never ending new vehicles continue to enter our road infrastructure.
This increases stress level, accidents, major environmental catastrophes and the cost of the commute.
Whilst no authorities are taking serious steps to curb this man-made phenomenon the sad irony is that shortly we will have no room on roads for ambulance, fire and Police.
The thought of double lanes is far-fetched at inter-sections and busy main roads.
A proper consultative research by international experts is now the only answer, and let’s hope we are not too late.
It’s a frightening prospect but it is true, so, let’s start here.
TV coverage
Bob Kishore, Nakasi
Once again all the renowned TV service providers have failed to bring a world class event, especially the Euro 2016 to our door steps.
To make it worse, even Digicel’s Sky Pacific could not afford what a small TV service provider could do. I assume they will provide some coverage in some areas on Euro 2016.
These are a few changes that Digicel had promised to its everlasting loyal customers, which is to completely remove international and world class events such as Euro 2016 from their channels and get free and cheap line channels from nearby countries.
I wonder if the Cross-Carriage of Designated Events Decree will apply in this scenario. One thing for sure is that we all know who can come to our rescue in this situation.
Happy viewing for the Euro 2016 to those who will and can watch. Please do post the results otherwise I will do with Fiji FA’s Euro 2016 in Labasa the Fiji FACT.
Mid-Year
Sachida Rao, Nausori
We are almost in the middle of the year and the days are getting shorter. Comparatively, the dark hours are more than the light hours. After six months, the light hours will be more. The journey of our life is similar to this cycle. All days are not the same.
Thus, we can say that Nature is a very good teacher and why not give the same respect to this humble teacher and learn the valuable lessons. These lessons are provided free and this self-sacrificing teacher never demands any remuneration. Only, we will have to become smart, respectful and a watchful observer.
Anyway, let’s see what the second half of 2016 has in store for all of us. Certainly, I will share the story of the playful Grasshopper and the wise and hardworking Ant to my children.
Our attitude
Dhirendra Prasad, Lautoka
We must remember at all times that we are mortals and will perish one day.
No amount of our emotions and ego will assist during the last days. All our knowledge and powers will be useless one day. Believing that the world as cognised during the waking state is real and that the highest goal is the attainment of happiness in that world, man accumulates the instruments and symbols of that happiness; he fashions after his own taste and inclination according to the dictates of his own reason, laws, ideals, institutions and principles that would bolster that happiness. This attempt leads to a philosophy of westernisation.
When we have understood our reality we must avoid the error of condemning the points of view held dear by others. I am not always right is the ideal thinking a scholar at any level should hold. He should give value to all aspects, consider all views and understand and believe that there is no clear cut distinction between mine and thine.
Truth must be discovered by analysing the complex mass of facts and things that are real. Our drivers in Fiji, the rubbish disposers, consumers and producers, policy makers and leaders must appreciate the diversity amongst us. React professionally to situations and produce a realistic environment for sustainable living.
To the advocates of banning plastics, please take note that plastic has its usefulness (ask those affected by cyclones) but its disposal is a curse. Thus respond appropriately. It is easy to become a knowledgeable person but not easy at all to become a wise one.
Swing voters
Simon Hazelman, Savusavu
Mr Gavoka is most probably in dreamland in stating that many of the 2014 FijiFirst voters are “swing voters” and could go SODELPA/NFP way in 2018 (FS:10/06).
The point that Tukai and I were getting at was that the exiting of Ro Teimumu Kepa and the inclusion of Sitiveni Rabuka simply weakens if not demises SODELPA’s status towards 2018.
Thirty-five per cent of the total SODELPA votes in 2014 belonged to Ro Teimumu Kepa and if Mr Gavoka wants to talk “swing voters” it will come from here with most going towards FijiFirst!
And the simple thought of Sitiveni Rabuka getting back into the fold raises the red flag! No need to indulge in his forte for he simply started all the mess. Regardless of what critics say about FijiFirst the fact of the matter is this Government is literally doing what they promised they would do, unlike all others. No government in the world is perfect but the better ones standout with the amount of work they do for the nation.
Mr Gavoka, as I openly predicted in both the daily papers leading up to the 2014 election, FijiFirst would see victory by a good majority, I once again prophecy that FijiFirst will not only win but do better in 2018 and that SODELPA’s failure will be more evident.
You will slowly come to realise that my prophecies are more genuine compared to yours!
Gavoka’s tune
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi
His Jerusalem is the Opposition team’s picture of his biblical truth.
Bill Gavoka should be preaching his Christian belief to help change the all negative attitude, mindset and characters of his peers.
It is his ardent belief that everyone else must comply with his biblical truth and he loves listening to his pathological nonsense.
Look around you Viliame, you are fighting a losing battle. Your numbers are dwindling with the empty chairs from your side as evidence.
The Marama Roko Tui Dreketi will not be standing in the next election and she is smart. She exits politics knowing full well that SODELPA will never survive the onslaught of being subjected to a humiliation of not wining any seat come the next election.
Let me put it this way, if our Lord Jehovah was ever listening to you and Karavaki’s tune there will be evidence of the truth but where is it? Remember what the great King David said in his acknowledgement of his Lord in Psalm 139:20, they are your enemies Lord, they misuse your name and they misuse it for their own evil purpose.
Nothing can be further from the truth when you relentlessly use God’s name in vain. At the Opposition house you all look a very frustrated lot, but I will not be the least surprised if there will be no one left in the Opposition before we go to the polls again in 2018.
That is a clear cut evidence of being rejected through the majority power of the Fijian people.
Right to disconnect
Floyd Robinson, Nasinu
The right to disconnect has taken an interesting twist in France.
Legally, it is against the law to send work emails after hours or on holidays for companies with 50 or more employees.
Meanwhile for some employees in Fiji connecting even after working hours is a must as companies depend on their reputation 24 hours a day, to generate revenue.
Whatever one’s views, don’t forget to connect with families and loved ones at the weekend.
Power and criticism
Ashneel J Prasad, Auckland, NZ
When someone is in power, they should learn to take criticism as sportingly as they take compliments.
Telling others to shut their mouth, or closing one’s ears and eyes will not stop people from talking. As I can’t openly take names, this reflects on my freedom of expression.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj