Shital pushes through!
Thank you so much Jioji Cakacaka for your letter titled “Pinktober pledges” where you shared the story of your beloved wife who is a cancer survivor.
The letter was heart-touching, and I’m glad The Fiji Times has provided space for cancer survivors to share their stories and experiences which is never easy to do.
After reading Jioji’s letter, I was touched by Wanshika Kumar’s story titled “Shital pushes through”, and I salute Shital and the women in our society for standing up to obstacles faced in life and for supporting their families.
Her message was an eye opener to many, “Life is like a coin, sometimes you get a heads and sometimes a tail, and this basically teaches you that you cannot always win. Your loss makes you more strong, so be a person who learns from failure, and you will succeed.”
This inspirational message should be the driving factor.
Thank you Jioji, Wanshika and The Fiji Times for the motivational pieces! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Special medal
I wish to congratulate the recipients of this award. They have all served Fiji well. Vinaka vakalevu.
I am particularly happy with the award made to Lance-Cpl Netani Navutovuto QGM. He was awarded a Queens Gallantry Medal for tending to Lebanese civilians injured in an artillery strike against the occupants of a Lebanese village.
With no regard for his personal safety he went forward under hostile artillery fire to tender medical aid to injured Lebanese civilians.
The report of his behaviour under fire was forwarded to the Court of Saint James in London and Her Majesty the Queen graciously approved the award of the Queens Gallantry Medal to him.
It is indeed one of many stories of extraordinary conduct by men and women who have won international respect for Fiji through their selfless service. Jim Sanday Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Wearing masks
Two weeks ago there was a statement by the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Health Dr James Fong that people who jog along the seawall do not have to wear masks. This was repeated this week and also mentioned by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
He even went further to point out that walking at the seawall, going for jogging and walking for exercises; for all these activities there is no need for masks. Is this based in Suva only?
There are other areas right on the sea, whole villages and towns along the sea — how about those areas? With almost 86 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, shouldn’t the wearing of masks outdoors be rather voluntary than mandatory by now?
Besides, with the new COVID cases lately reported, I’m curious how many of them are fully vaccinated, half vaccinated or not vaccinated at all? Hans B Boernke Savusavu
White goods
The Nadi Town Council (NTC) is presently collecting garden refuse within its boundary.
The refuse thrown by residents not only includes green refuse, but all sorts of discarded white goods as well. There are TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and a number of Sky TV dishes.
If they are being just dumped with trees and branches, when would they decay? We are dealing with elimination of plastics from the environment but never consider the effects of dumping white goods.
Why are the relevant government authorities not concerned and taking appropriate action to stop uncontrolled dumping of these white goods. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Taiwan issue
I believe a vast majority of countries do not recognise Taiwan as a country in order to not upset China.
I believe every country is scared to break diplomatic ties with China.
However, what if all the countries decided to recognise Taiwan as an independent country at the same time?
What can China do? Isolate itself from the rest of the world? Start a fight with every country? I believe that seems unlikely as China is very much dependent on the rest of the world too.
Therefore, a simplistic view of the situation is “united we stand, divided we fall”. Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
Animal trapping campaign
Should I be surprised? Probably not but I am outraged.
The announcement (FT 26/10) by the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy that the ministry, in a joint operation, plans to carry out an animal trapping campaign is very upsetting; not because animals will be trapped but rather in the manner the minister failed to outline how this “operation” will be undertaken and neglected to involve animal welfare organisations in the country in consultations or decision-making.
There is no reference, even to having engaged with municipal administrative bodies such as the Suva City Council who have, for a long time, been engaging with the SPCA on trapping of animals in the urban area.
The Ministry of Agriculture has brought in the cavalry here of the likes of the police and military in a joint operation of the scale of “massive” dimensions; the minister’s word. I fear for the animals who may, on the whole, be simply starving and desperate for food and water.
That would be enough to cause them to roam, to eat crops and to stray into the road.
I pray that there is compassion shown and these animals are treated in a humane manner. More so, it would be of some comfort to know that this entire operation is overseen by a team of qualified veterinarians to ensure there is no animal cruelty carried out. Julie Sutherland Tamavua, Suva
Education system
Dewan Chand’s observations on the Education Minister’s presentations on Leadership Training Workshop (FT 25/10) should be a great concern for principles and teacher associations, as they should also have some voice on recruiting new already trained and qualified teachers.
There is always room for further transformations in the teaching learning process.
Education is always viewed and implemented in partnership with teachers, school managements, community and parents with MoE.
Children develop education for life at various stages. Our education system needs to give equal importance to the intellect and the heart. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
