Remarkable legacy
Scripture, very aptly, teaches us to “love one another, as I have loved you”.
Sadly, Dr Brij Lal was not allowed to return to the land of his birth.
Sometimes life can be so very cruel. We will never understand, why.
Thank you for your scholarly achievements and the richness of your remarkable legacy Dr Lal.
Personally, I am truly saddened Fiji could not treat you any better.
I am at a loss for adequate words.
Rest in perfect eternal peace and everlasting happiness with the Lord your God.
RONNIE CHANG
Rest in Peace Professor Lal
Renowned Fijian academic Prof Brij Lal passed away in Australia.
Professor Brij Lal, who was described as a distinguished son of Fiji, was expelled in 2009.
He helped draft the 1997 Constitution which was abrogated in 2009.
He was a staunch supporter of human rights and dignity, and made this known via his well-penned and thought-provoking articles which featured in the newspaper that carries the voice, hopes and aspirations of Fijians.
He did not mince his words, and never hesitated to call a spade a spade.
It makes one sad to think of the ill-treatment that he went through.
I pray for the departed soul! My heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Mrs Padma Lal and the grieving family!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa. Nasinu
Prohibited immigrant
I gather many have been saddened by Professor Brij Lal’s passing.
As reported by a local media institution, is it true that Professor Lal was declared a prohibited immigrant in 2009 for opposing the then Bainimarama government’s move towards democracy after the events of 2006?
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Serious questions
The alleged shenanigans surrounding the resignation of the chairperson of the Fijian Electoral Commission as exposed by the leader of Fiji Labour Party (FLP) Mahendra Chaudhry in his article titled “Who is responsible?” (FT 26/12) raises serious questions about the integrity of all the public funded institutions concerned.
They have a lot to answer as to why Suresh Chandra’s appointment was not terminated after his practising licence was revoked on July 31, 2020 whereupon he failed to meet the requirements for holding that position.
I believe the taxpayers of this country have a right to know the truth.
It is to be noted that swift actions have been taken against other high office holders, but why the dilly dally in this case.
I wonder what the Fiji Law Society has to say in this matter.
SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
True democracy
There are indeed serious questions regarding the Electoral Commission chairman Suresh Chandra as former prime minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry points out in his opinion piece (FT 25/12).
And if, as Mr Chaudhry informs us, there has been a deafening silence on the part of those responsible for the sordid affair, then clearly something is rotten in the state of post-coup Fiji’s purported “true democracy”.
RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Loyalty reward
The $152 loyalty reward brought joy to the recipients. One such recipient was Joeli Delaibatiki, who said that winning $152 was timely.
The cash came as a blessing for his family as they were trying to overcome the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He shared that his family’s only source of income was from selling vegetables and the little tailoring that his wife did at home.
Delaibatiki was on cloud nine, adding that the win was the best Christmas gift for his family during these trying times.
His daughter told him that his loyalty to The Fiji Times over the years was rewarded.
Thank you The Fiji Times for being a wonderful Samaritan!
Thank you for bringing smiles on faces of Fijians who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic!
The gift they received would be a vital moment of their 2021 festive season experience!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd Nadawa, Nasinu
Joy to the world
CHRISTMAS and Boxing Day was celebrated by Fijians here and abroad.
The rush heading to the festive season calmed down yesterday afternoon as celebrations came to a halt.
We were blessed with sunny weather on Saturday, but rain took its toll on those who were planning to indulge in outdoor activities such as lovo and picnic, and despite skyrocket prices, Fijians enjoyed the Christmas spirit.
For some it was another day of survival. On the other hand, a big vinaka vakalevu to the Samaritans for bringing smiles!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Political Leaders
Ajay Bhai Amrit has suggested a progressive question and answer session (FT 25/12) between the two top political leaders Bainimarama and Rabuka.
Media organisations should follow up on such an event.
Apart from the four questions, may I suggest a fi fth and fi nal question: What are their plans, in the event, they lose the election?
DAN URAI Lautoka
Messi or Ronaldo
Debate has been ongoing for some time now on who of these two superstars of the most loved sport is the all time best player in the world.
While there have been numerous other very good players who have entertained the world in this game called soccer, these two men have done all the magic imaginable on the soccer field.
The world has learned a lot from such people, it’s their discipline that has made them into what they are.
They are very humble people. I have also played some football in my days, and I can claim that it’s not an easy sport to play.
On the local scene, we have seen many good football players come and go.
Upon retirement, they are quickly forgotten, let alone earning some good income while they played.
I hope more will be done in future for the welfare of our soccer players.
Lastly, my choice on the all-time best player, I say with little diffi – culty, but yes it’s the little magician “Leo”.
AJAY KUMAR SINGH Natabua, Lautoka
Pitter-patter cyclone
Pitter-patter of torrential rain, pitter-patter on the delta plains. pitter-patter coming down hard, pitter-patter causing floods.
That’s the story on the windward side, that’s the story on the south-eastside.
But over the mountain range, it’s very different, it can be dry, leading to a drought condition.
But things can change in the cyclone season, it can flood in the West, for that very reason.
In the next few months, that’s a real likelihood, according to the current cyclone season outlook.
So buckle up we’re in for a ride, especially for those on the leeward side.
But then again one never knows, which way a cyclone will eventually go. Na draki qo, meda vakarau ga!
EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
