Letters to the Editor: letters@FIJITIMES.COM.FJ
First-timers in the city
IT was captivating to read the coverage of a 10-year-old lad from Tovu, Totoya, in Lau on his first trip to the Capital City to visit and spend Christmas with family and new friends as covered by Siteri Sauvakacolo.
Similar to this island boy’s journey, we also recount an experience of a grandaunt of mine in the last millennium when she took her first journey across the eastern seas to her first footing in Suva at a ripe old age.
Upon her return to the chiefly island in Lau, her experience was shared continuously to us about the urban decoration and lifestyles.
With the increasing boat fare and the economic disadvantage in rural places, there are islanders who may have not set foot outside their domain but we, the urban dwellers (with the support of government/ business houses) in the next event, could initiate to take Christmas to our family back home.
Anyway, season’s greetings and joyful holiday wishes to Matai Matakitoga and the alike.
MICHAEL TUBANAVAU
AREKI DAWAI
Suva
Vetiver grass
WHILE traversing the new Naqali-Vunidawa road a few days ago, I was pleasantly struck by how much understanding my young entourage had of vetiver grass planted along a sloping bank of the road.
Indeed, the root of the vetiver grass is well documented to grow exclusively downward, two or four metres, which is deeper than some tree roots.
This makes vetiver an excellent stabilising hedge for stream banks, terraces and protects the soil from sheet erosion.
The road contractor knows that runoff from the slopes are the main cause of damage on our roads and they definitely know what they are doing to make government’s investment worthwhile, one that will leave a lasting mark on Naitasiri’s landscape.
SAMU RAILOA
Nadi
Suva smog
DRIVING down Mead Rd early Christmas morning, I looked out to the horizon expecting to see Nukulau and Makuluva Islands clearly in the bay.
To my surprise, I saw what appeared to be thick smog smearing this once panoramic view.
It took a few seconds, then it dawned on me. This was smoke from hundreds of lovo pits being lit in the city of Suva.
Maybe we should think twice about making a lovo this New Year’s Day.
Better still have only one lovo per street.
To those who are reading from the internet instructions on how to make a lovo, please do not start.
KORINA WAIBUTA
Suva
PRB flats
IN response to Ilaitia Tutiteci’s letter (FT 30/12), can the PRB CEO advise who is going to sign-off on this controversial project on behalf of PRB? Equally concerned, I cannot recall a response to my letter below titled “PRB Housing Contract” (FT 5/5/13).
I think that it is about time the Housing Minister steps in and issues a definitive statement on the ongoing PRB housing construction saga.
We are talking about a huge sum of taxpayers’ money here, something the country can ill afford to be squandered at this time.
I wonder if the much-talked-about transparency and accountability slogan will attract a response.
RICHARD BROWN
Suva
Bhajan for PM
I TOO had the same question as Sukha Singh regarding the bhajan about the PM, given that I am not too well versed in bhajan.
I wondered whether it would fall under Rama Avtaari or Krishana Avtaari, the two stories of Hindu deity incarnate I hear when someone passes away.
But then someone told me it surely could fall under Guru Sara, or the ballads for a “teacher”. So why not a bhajan for someone whom many regard a teacher in the new-age politics?
Happy new year.
PRANEET SINGH
Sacramento
US
TV shows
IT would be much appreciated if some TV shows are hosted in regards to road safety awareness and motor vehicle tips by relevant authorities.
This show will play a crucial element in broadcasting road safety awareness programs which will benefit many viewers and at the same time vehicle maintenance, tips and emergency situations can also be included.
This will give a fair knowledge to motorists in regards to vehicle maintenance and services which can help them avoid costly damage and repairs.
Hope relevant authorities take heed of the abovementioned situation as it will benefit all modes of road users.
SHAMAL CHAND
Nausori
Health ads
A FEW recent advertisements by the Ministry of Health have actually confused me and no doubt would have left others baffled.
The recent ones on radio are about drinking and driving and on drowning.
I think it’s LTA who should focus on messages such as drinking and driving. Am I wrong?
If not then why is Ministry of Health wasting money on these advertisements?
We and entire Fiji know for a fact that NCDs are rife and recent figures reveal that it’s still going up.
So why can’t Ministry of Health use the money to produce advertisements on NCDs.
Wouldn’t it have been nice to hear advertisements such as effects of alcohol, excessive eating and consumption of meat during Christmas and new year?
Can someone from Ministry of Health please clarify?
ASHMITA DEVI
Nausori
New PA
WE are hearing our PA on Ovalau has been transferred and a new PA to take over soon.
Firstly I wish to thank our outgoing PA for his efforts and work here on Ovalau.
To the new PA the question of road conditions and safety has been for too long causing us great concern.
Could you call a town hall meeting for residents, LTA, NRA and police as soon as possible in order to address the issues of speed and safety etc.
Most of us feel that the national speed limit of 50kph/ 80kph is far too high for our present road conditions and on a single lane mostly loose gravel road at that.
I hope you will take this request in serious consideration as soon possible as the LTA/ NRA/ police etc have long been unable or unwilling to address these issues let alone take responsibility.
MIKE REID
Ovalau
Overload at work
TO someone who raised the question as such “Do we have local employers who overwork their workers?”
Yes, the answer is in highlight and bold. In Fiji this is the mode being followed in most of the places.
Lucky are people who get the understanding boss who knows that work has to be distributed in a way where people find it interesting to work with full dedication.
I am aware of certain places, one place in particular where I have worked myself in my past, people are being overworked.
Some employers can be very understanding and can actually feel the emotion behind their workers and try to help out in whatever way they can.
They try to treat their workers as being one of their own family members.
May God bless good employers who actually have a heart.
For those who make one work like a dog, please I hope you change your attitude.
Overworking one can lead to someone’s death.
KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka
Prosperous year
I WOULD like to wish the The Fiji Times, all contributors to this column and all readers of this daily in Fiji and online, a prosperous 2014.
Christ said: “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life-life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10)
The key to our prosperous new year 2014 is revealed in this text and it is our choice whom we choose to be the captain of our journey this year.
Happy new year Fiji, choose life in all its fullness.
SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA
Nasinu
The year that was
JANUARY came, we were still trying to come to terms with the aftermath of the 2012 flood.
Then it was February when the attention was focused on getting back to school with new books, shoes, scholarships and settling down with work.
By March we were already hyped into the spirit of Easter, that in April we thought we were fooled, but it proved otherwise, when the Ghai’s draft constitution was considered null and void.
May noted some economic progress in the sugar and tourism industry when June settled in with the voter registration preparations that were to be implemented in July.
The month of August seemed to have wiped some bitter memories with moments of frolicking and festivities in the Hibiscus festival, school breaks and carnivals around the country.
September stamped its mark when the constitution was assented to by the President. By middle October the westerners had ascertained its prominence in Fiji’s sporting arena by winning the two prestigious rugby trophies, in athletics and soccer.
We were so engrossed that November skipped past bringing with it joyous celebration of our rugby league success and a sweet victory in Dubai for our sevens team.
Now that we are only hours away from farewelling this year and welcoming 2014 I pay tribute to those who couldn’t make it this far and for us who will be welcoming the new year let’s make those differences that will shape the new year to be what we want it to be for our family and for our nation. Happy new year!
WAISALE RAMOCE
Nasinu
Good memories
I WOULD like to thank The Fiji Times for giving me the opportunity to express my views and opinions on matters of concern throughout 2013.
Through your medium I was able to not only create awareness but also bring change in the lives of those concerned.
Roads in Martintar have been tar sealed, streetlights put on, complaints of various nature heard by relevant authorities, plea for the poor and underprivileged heard and the list just goes on.
The small fights with letter writers, the misunderstandings, the funny letters, and the silly comments will now become a good memory.
As the sun sets on 2013, I promise my fellow readers that I will be back in 2014 with more interesting letters. The Letters to the Editor is the most interesting section of The Fiji Times and will always be.
Thank you The Fiji Times. A big vinaka vakalevu and happy new year.
AVINEEL KUMAR
Nadi
A new beginning
2013 is finally farewelled and heralds a new beginning.
Last year was one filled with myriad challenges but we as a nation has always come out triumphant each time.
This year will irrefutably be a similar one but more promising in a sense that all that has been said will eventuate into something concrete.
Only time will tell how much we have genuinely become humans in all sense of the word human.
I for one feel eveyone needs to learn to do the right thing from this very day so that we are aware of the right to be done.
A blissful 2014 to everyone who calls Fiji their home.
Let us rekindle and rejuvenate our lost hope and love this nation until eternity.
MANPREET KAUR
Ba
QUICK VIEWS
Make or break
IT’s time to make new year resolutions and break them. It’s time to make the same mistakes over and over again. It is time to act crazy and show the world what happiness is all about. Turn a deaf ear to what the others have to say. You just have got one life to live, so live it your way. Have a wacky 2014!
ALA NAQIRI
Nadi
Good year
2013 has been an eventful year and I look forward to 2014 to be even more eventful year. It is the year of our democratic elections and there will be a lot of political activity on the ground. Oh yes, our police force deserves a hearty thanks for a job well done. On this note I wish everyone a very happy and a prosperous new year.
DEWAN CHAND
Suva
Lest we forget
AS we arrive into the new year with much fanfare, let’s say a thanksgiving prayers for our families, careers, friends and good health. Lest we forget, needy and starving children, those that have encountered tragic calamity of a beloved family member, loss of property and fatalities on our roads. May they have peace this new year.
ATELINI BAI
Nadi
Forgiveness
AS we prepare to usher in 2014 and bid farewell to 2013, let’s give thanks and praises for all the good that have come our way and seek forgiveness for all our wrongdoings. As usual, most of us will welcome in the new year with a bang. Let’s hope we don’t overdo it. God bless Fiji and its beautiful people.
LAWRENCE WARA
Suva
99 or 999
WE were taught in school that the fearless Udre Udre made a human “happy meal” out of 99 people. Wikipedia states otherwise, 999 to be precise. Were we taught wrong or is the website exaggerating?
NISHANT SINGH
Lautoka
Thank you
ON behalf of the leader of the Tongan community in Western Viti Levu, Mr Poasi Niu, we’d like to acknowledge our heartfelt appreciation to the Turaga na Taukei Sawaieke, Ratu Tevita Momoedonu, for his outpouring of love for the Patolo family during their recent tragedy. May the Lord continue to richly bless you and the vanua of Vuda.
MELE GUCAKE
Lautoka
Cool ride
THINKING of taking a ride by bus, I took my family for a day out to Nadi. We hopped in a bus travelling down to Nadi. While it was humid outside, we took a cool ride inside the airconditioned bus. Thank you Pacific Transport for providing the luxurious airconditioned Zong-Tong bus in the Lautoka-Nadi corridor.
ARTI VERMA
Lautoka
