In praise of Jack’s of Fiji
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi
The ground floor of the now Nadi Jack’s of Fiji shop was where the old, first and original Jack’s Handicraft Shop was situated sometimes between 1969-1970.
The founder, Jekishan Ratanji Khatri, established what would become a household name from very modern shopping brands, including restaurants, bars, hotel ownership and apartments located throughout the country.
The name Jack’s is the nickname of Jekishan and I personally met this gentleman in his first shop in 1980 when I walked into it with those from the tourism industry.
I met this very kind, likeable, lovable and very generous elder in society.
He passed away in 1983 at the age of 58 years where many of us from Fiji’s tourism industry attended his funeral at their former residence close to the Nadi Bus Station.
His legacy and vision lived on and materialised through his sons Dilip Khatri, Raju Khatri and Kirit Khatri with his many grandsons and granddaughters 50 years later to this year where they celebrated their anniversary with his ageing wife, Mrs Khatri.
I personally would like to commend the Khatri family in that they have never missed a year in commemorating the legacy and hard work of the elder Khatri every year.
At the same time like this in June the family pays for adverts in our dailies to remember and honour his sacrifice for his family and country.
They have never wavered, they have stood strong together through thick and thin, they have never left and migrated offshore where they have lived true to the desire of Jekishan Ratanji Khatri.
A great Fijian family indeed who contributed silently and immensely to the development of our country, as a very close family friend I say vinaka vakalevu to this marvellous Khatri family.
Qamea landslide
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
In December 2016, a landslide occurred at Dreketi Village in Qamea Island, and part of the village was greatly affected.
Luckily no lives were lost. But to this day, nothing has been done to improve the livelihood of the villagers of Dreketi.
What was worst affected are the school children who lost their newly renovated school that was buried in the disaster. Today the students are still attending classes inside their church, which also suffered some damage during the landslide.
The village community hall, which was an evacuation centre, remains completely buried today. The villagers are at risk, should another disaster strike them.
I plea with the Government and relevant authorities to visit the village of Dreketi in Qamea and maybe listen to their cries.
Plastic levy
Joan McGoon, Nadi
As the harmful effects of plastic begin materialising worldwide, efforts are now being put in place for a ban on plastic in the country next year with levy being increased from $0.20 to possibly $0.50.
Seems like RB Patel Supermarket has begun its proactive initiative and begun charging $0.30 a plastic now instead of next year.
They will need a bigger Customer bag shelf though as their current small shelf will not be able to hold all their Customers bags waiting to be filled with groceries.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj