Death penalty is not the answer
Jean Hatch, Nadi
Several readers have written in asking for the death penalty for rapists, or castration even.
However, research does not bear this ‘eye for an eye’ revenge attitude as a suitable deterrent at all.
In fact, the opposite outcome is true. In many states that use the death penalty for murders and rape – the direct correlation is that the crimes become progressively more violent too.
That is, in societies that practise the death penalty or capital punishment for heinous crimes – there is a direct increase in the violence of crimes in these societies.
Please readers, stop reacting.
It is natural to feel emotional, but irresponsible to suggest castration and the death penalty for rape or murder. These are barbaric practises too.
Our legislation needs to reflect our ethics and humanity, surely?
Do some research before suggesting more violence as a means to end violence. These are issues worthy of more intelligence than plain vengeance.
Any person is capable of revenge. But what kind of society will that produce? And what if someone is wrongly accused? What room is there for acquittal then?
Violent sentences only increase violent crimes.That’s a fact.
Punishment that fits the crime – yes; but by incarceration and due legal process…. not capital punishment. Otherwise, our society becomes as barbaric as its perpetrators.
Winston Donations
Jason Verma , Suva
A lot have been said and read in the news media about donations that came in from other countries and even condemning some countries for not doing more after Cyclone Winston.
These were the comments from people staying in the glass house, but as far as our nation is concerned, we are very grateful for your contributions and especially the farmers whose house was blown away and all the crop destroyed and the poor villagers who sacrificed all to provide a decent dwelling for his family.
Not everything could be written in the news papers as some people were too distraught to even speak and did not know what to say.
My heart goes to the people of Fiji for doing as much as they could do and to all those who remained anonymous, what came out of this disaster was that we are still united regardless of race or religion.
Come what may, we are stronger than cyclones.
To the Government of the day, despite the criticisms, you have really shown that you care for the people, regardless of race or creed.
Thank you Prime Minister Bainimarama and the team for the job well done.
A big vinaka vakalevu to all others.
Development and progress
Wise Muavono , Lautoka
‘Development’ and ‘progress’ are among the key words in our national vocabulary. The modern man now carries carbon monoxide in his blood, pesticides in his fat and asbestos in his lungs. A little more of this ‘progress’ and ‘development’, and this man will be dead.
Rawaca factor
Tomasi Boginiso, Nasinu
Last week at a funeral gathering I managed to meet the sevens star Savenaca Rawaca who was a pall bearer and not knowing that we were both related to the deceased.
The size of this star was unbelievable and just to be told by him that he was just 23 and going on 24 later this year.
Clearly seen was the discipline that has been put in place for them by Ben Ryan.
He did everything at the funeral as he was one of pall bearers, he grabbed a spade at the burial, he pounded the yaqona and served yaqona at the hall till he departed.
It is unbelievable witnessing the player being a star and bringing himself down to earth to be among the fans that have only watched him on television.
But throughout his presence he never refused in accepting to have a photo taken or selfie with fans of all ages.
During the handshake during his departure back to Suva the villagers wished him all the best for the remaining leg and their blessing are with Save.
To Ben thanks for the discipline you have instilled that could be clearly seen in Rawaca and no wonder they carry out their task professionally whenever they are told to do so.Go Fiji Go.
Marriage
Amenatave Yaconisau, Suva
I encourage Tourism of Fiji to explore other avenues of getting young people to get married. Sunset weddings are so common , something new please.
Meanwhile the turaga-ni-koro (village headman) is usually known as a yes man job (Rusiate Nayacakalou; Leadership in Fiji) and normally holds allegiance to the village chief on decision making (lewa) and the Bose vakoro (village councils). The wellbeing of the village is in his hands apart from his other duties in religion (lotu) and Government (matanitu)
The recent Tropical Cyclone Winston has catapulted his role from the above to heading the administration of ration supplies coordinating with all humanitarian organisation under the chiefs direction.
The turaga-ni-koro appears to be an important link to the villages.
On utility supplies, disconnection has reappeared in Delainavesi recently with no explanation at all.
Both Electricity and Water.
On Saturday March 19, electricity was disconnected from 5pm to 9pm and people take it with a stride and suffer silently because this seem to be the order of the day.
We take a lot of forbearance in view of the burden hovering the country but this is a cruel treatment and degrades our emotional and physical wellbeing.
I hope this weekend it will not be the same. Such competencies is unacceptable.