Call to wear gold ribbon
The message from WOWS (Walk On Walk Strong) Kids Fiji was clear — wear a gold ribbon this month and raise awareness on childhood cancer.
Hence, wearing a gold ribbon would mean supporting a child who is battling cancer. WOWS Kids Fiji has also rolled out a ‘Saqamoli Drive’ to continue raising funds to provide essential support and services for kids battling cancer.
Besides the fundraising drive, WOWS Kids Fiji is also actively engaging in raising awareness of childhood cancer to parents and guardians so they understand their roles when it comes to early detection of the deadly disease and the support systems in place for kids living with cancer.
Bravo WOWS Kids Fiji for this great initiative and we must help the group raise funds.
So fellow Fijians, remember your saqamoli and please wear a gold ribbon.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Swab test
So one would now be compelled to fork out a whooping $300 for a COVID-19 swab test (FT 12/08).
Another added financial burden on individuals who ponder on their next meal in this difficult period of uncertainty.
I would rather take my chances with this virus then to pay up this ridiculously substantial amount.
Why can’t the Government subsidise these tests?
NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Double trouble
Many concerned citizens of this most beautiful island nation would have been little surprised to learn from Fiji Airways’ CEO that banks are “everything but eager to help you” and “totally disinterested” about our problems.
A friend of mine who is also a judoka once told me that you have to use you enemy’s strength against himself.
What about we just call it quits?
The bank will have to pay all maintenance fees, and as so many more airline companies will go bankrupt soon, there will be a lot of opportunities out there one day. All we need to restart is a small fleet to connect Air New Zealand flights to Savusavu, Taveuni or Vunisea.
And perhaps a few helicopters to bring tourists to those tiny islands where bikinis are allowed.
Later on we could have medium-sized planes going to the kingdom of Tonga, the empire of Tuvalu or simply Vanuatu
. Now I can see one problem — politics.
The opposition and the government have to come up together and take a difficult decision. Are we heading the right way or not? This is a very exceptional situation and we need to take the right decision… now!
MATHIEU PELLETIER Namosi
Juvenile crimes
The senior welfare officer, Alfreda Vakarewakobau, of the Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre has drawn our attention to the increasing problem of juvenile crimes in our society during this time of coronavirus pandemic.
It is a matter of great concern for all of us. Therefore, it is urgently required that we focus our attention on this issue.
Juveniles have been involved with sex offences such as rape, sexual assault, theft and burglary. This is serious and mind-boggling!
The prime responsibility of looking after and taking care of juveniles is that of the parents.
However, many parents are going through very difficult times during this crisis.
Therefore, to blame them for neglect and dereliction of duty may not be completely fair.
Many parents are trying to make ends meet with the meager resources at hand.
Schools, teachers and faith-based groups have also been called upon to pay attention to this serious juvenile problem.
Schools, teachers, and faith-based organisations have their own limitations.
They cannot supervise juveniles per se. One of the greatest impacts on juvenile delinquency has been the role of television and other communications technology such as mobile phones and video games.
They are all addictive. I am pleased to note that the Juvenile Rehabilitation and Development Centre teaches the offending juveniles the survival skills so that they may become responsible members of our society. Left on their own they will become hardened criminals. No one wants that happening.
DEWAN CHAND, Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Thank you
Congratulations and thank you to Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu for putting his foot down in the case in Nausori.
A nurse was reportedly punched by police and he ordered an investigation into the incident.
No one is above the law and anyone breaking the law will be dealt with.
Thank you sir for your comments about having to uphold the law by leading by example, not expecting public to obey the law and they don’t.
EDWIN RF SANDYS Padam Lala Rd, Suva
Bringing back memories
My early years in Fiji were enlivened by the voices and actions of those stalwart politicians whose names have been brought to mind by the passing of Apisai Tora.
Among them all Apisai Tora stood tall, a loud and persistent voice for human rights especially those of the workers.
He lived at a time of freedom of expression that has gone. Whether or not we entirely agreed with his words and actions, we always admired his determination to stand for the rights of others without concern for himself.
My thanks to Graham Leung for his article emphasising the humanity and the humility of this remarkable politician and human rights advocate.
TESSA MACKENZIE Suva
A complex personality
Tributes continue to pour in for a fallen warrior and renowned politician the late Apisai Tora who has been described as a staunch nationalist and rugged politician of his time.
I took time to read the article that Graham Leung had penned in yesterday’s daily and I thank Graham and The Fiji Times for providing an interesting insight into the late Apisai Tora’s political career and life as a gentleman.
After reading the article I had to agree with Nishant Singh (FT 12/08) that the late Apisai was a ‘Bongo mircha’ (fiery chilli) of a politician and a contentious yet fearless individual who fought for what he believed in. Graham, in his article, shared that Mr Tora was a champion of the underdog and that his life was devoted to this singular cause.
Graham also shared the jovial moments in the life of Mr Tora.
As we mourn the passing away of a veteran politician, I thank his family for his life and I express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the grieving family. May Apisai Tora’s soul find peace and solace!
RIP Apisai Tora!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Media briefings
Would the Ministry of Health revive the regular media briefings on Fiji’s coronavirus infection updated information as they did since the first case was detected?
I feel that this information is needed for Fijians who may have by now relaxed their alert level in observing and following the instructions by Government.
Right now we do not know whether the eight cases last reported weeks back have recovered or have there been new cases.
Fijians in my view need to be constantly reminded of this dangerous virus to maintain vigilance and keep Fiji safe. I do not mean the regular TV broadcasts on washing of hands but actual infections and their status.
EMOSI BALEI Kini St, Suva
