The Fiji Times – our voice!
“The pen is mightier than the sword” comes to mind reading the hard-hitting and explosive stories, reports, articles and letters to the editor via The Fiji Times.
The Fiji Times has continued with the legacy set by the founding team in 1869, and The Fiji Times does its job with pride, commitment, enthusiasm, passion and dedication, reaching out to and empowering thousands of Fijians.
Thank you The Fiji Times for being the voice of the ordinary Fijians!
You have the power to influence ordinary minds into right thinking citizens.
Despite the barrage of criticism, I thank The Fiji Times for leading the fight for dignity and democracy.
The editor-in-chief, subeditors and the team deserve accolades for the brave efforts in 2021.
I’m sure 2022 will be a bigger year for the newspaper which will turn 153 years old.
Best wishes The Fiji Times! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Letter of the month-August
Reading upside down
“OH my goodness!” When I read “Counsels did not do a good job”(FT 27/08), I nearly lost conscious but still I wanted to read the article to get an understanding of what it was about.
So I turned the page upside down and stood on my hands. My legs were up against the wall while I read.
I think I did a pretty good job since my eyes were shut all throughout MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Letter of the month – September
Moral dilemma
I AM signing this letter with the first given name and the surname on my birth certificate. I am in a serious moral dilemma.
I have evidently been living the life of an imposter since I entered this country and married nearly sixty one years ago.
During these sixty odd years I have made countless transactions and signed with an apparently unlawful name and voted illegally at election times.
I have been awarded medals by the President and I received a prize from the Government of the day for co-designing the Fiji flag.
But despite the hassle I will have to undergo to get my voter card correct.
I am determined to cast my vote when the time comes. CYNARA CHANDLER (aka TESSA MACKENZIE) Suva
Letter of the month – October
Climate change funds
IT boggles my mind to discern how funds for climate change will preclude climate change.
Obviously, the forces of nature including climate change are inexorable. Can we stop tsunamis, high tides, tornadoes, cyclones, earthquakes, etc?
The simple answer is never. The mighty dinosaurs and other plethora of living creatures once disappeared from the face of the Earth. So will we, if there is a similar collision with an errant meteorite.
However, I understand that we can mitigate global warming to some extent by reducing carbon emission particularly by heavily industrialised nations by fully venturing into green or renewable energy.
We can do our bit by harnessing energy from the abundance of sunshine around us. We must, stop using fossil fuels and import electrically operated vehicles/machine for starters.
I believe this will take time and leave the rest to the experts to strategise and pursue a synchronised and safe coexistence with nature.
But I believe how the funds being sourced will be used in Fiji remains enigmatical. RAVIND CHANDRA NAIDU Tuatua, Labasa
Letter of the month – November
Derelict vessels This week in the news, the Ministry of Environment permanent secretary (PS) was pleading with owners of derelict vessels in the Suva Harbour and Draunibota Bay to take responsibility and remove the vessels. He further stated that the removal of such hazards is an expensive effort and the responsibility falls on the owners to do so.
His ministry will continue to work with other agencies and use legislation to clear the harbour.
The PS said they were in contact with MSAF and had provided them directives in what to do. He said the challenge they faced was to identify the owners of the derelicts. However, this cannot be said for the Lawaki Toki disaster on Ovalau that was the result of the cyclone in 2016.
The 1700-plus tonnes of rusting steel that was manufactured in 1964 remains, covering five metres by 16 metres and a height of a four-storey building of the lovely beach that was once enjoyed by the residents.
The owner is a businessman of Levuka who still operates a shipping company. There was no mention in any of the recent Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd annual reports about the Lawaki Toki devastation and I do hope that the marooned ship case is not closed as it is more than six years now without any tangible progress and I believe, there was nil attempt by all stakeholders involved to make this wrong right again.
The huge pile of rusted steel at the Ryders Beach may be with us for years to come, polluting the environment and hurting the people if the authorities who are guardians, do not take any action.
I believe, many on the island have accepted the artificially created esplanade and taken it for granted that they will have to live with the manacle for generations to come because of the inactivity of the relevant ministry.
Like the Vatoa Island case, the Lawaki Toki environment degradation should never have been isolated and ignored by the Environment Ministry.
The PS must respond with a corrective action plan and strategy for the ecocide. By reading the other related articles on the subject, I believe, the PS has gone past the spirit of the law phase and now must execute the intent of the law aligned with the Environment Act 2005.
There have been numerous letters written on the subject. SATISH NAKCHED Suva
Letter of the month – December
Great Council of Chiefs
Our honorable prime minister says “the GCC will not come back”. Of course, it will not come back because in the past fifteen years there has been a systematic cleansing of the chiefly system and its influence coupled with eroding of iTaukei culture, traditions, and to some extent indigenous rights in the name of equality.
Of course, the GCC will not come back because the current Government does not need any advice or words of wisdom from any organisation.
It does not need elected councils and municipalities, it does not need elected growers representatives; it does not need any consultations on important legislation.
It does not entertain differing views even from its own Cabinet ministers.
The fact of the matter is the Government itself has become an institution of all institutions. BHARAT MORRIS Vatuwaqa, Suva
Happy 2022
ALAS! Finally 2021, a dreadful year has come to an end. Many would agree with me that 2021 was indeed not an ordinary year. It started when COVID-19 was creating havoc among the population of Fiji, mostly in Viti Levu and created fear and animosity among all of us.
Movements were restricted and many chose to remain at the comfort and safety of their homes. Children were deprived of face to face learning and had to embrace the technological concept of distance learning.
Children as young as the ones in early childhood education were made to attend online learning. Parents who did not have smartphones had to invest involuntarily into owing one for the sake of their children’s education.
Wine and dine for many had become a thing of the past. There were no social gathering and our theatres were like a ghost house void of the hassle and bustle it once experienced. 2021 brought many small and medium entrepreneurs on their knees and some could not survive the impact of it. Everyone’s live almost came to a standstill until very recently when restrictions were a bit relaxed.
People could breathe a sigh of relief. Life slowly seems to be emanating positivity as we prepare to leap into 2022. Even though there is an imminent fear of yet another wave of COVID outbreak, people have an unwavering thought that 2022 will be better for all.
Despite the adversities, people celebrated and welcomed 2022 in the manner they felt befitting. New year celebration is all about leaving bad memories of the past behind and stepping into the unknown new year with renewed desires. It is a time to let go of all the hurdles of the past and accept new aspects of the future.
It is for this reason people celebrate and rejoice at the end of an old year with great excitement. It is the rule of the nature that everything changes and so does time.
Therefore, the new year is a perfect time to make new resolutions and make a change for better. Time is the best healer of all problems and sorrows and I sincerely hope 2022 will be a dawn of a new era.
Happy and a prosperous new year to all avid readers of the people’s paper from the Sharma family. VISHNU DEO SHARMA Vishnu Deo Rd, Nakasi
Time to reflect on 2021
THE never-ending 2021 is history and today is the first day of 2022. 2021 flew by and left behind good and bitter memories. Trust me, this year is going to be remembered by Fijians in years to come because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic derailed the Fijian economy leaving hundreds jobless.
Nonetheless, when the economy re-opened to trade, we made use of the available opportunities.
While the tourism sector was affected, the agricultural sector flourished as Fijians planted flowers and seeds.
The Fiji Times highlighted the plight of thousands of Fijians who had suffered because of the pandemic and as usual humanitarians reached out to them with assistance and support. As we bid 2021 goodbye, let’s hope for the best this year. It is important that we join hands to take our beloved Fiji forward.
The death of Professor Brij Lal left behind valuable lessons in terms of dignity, human rights and democracy.
At this juncture, I acknowledge the humanitarians, civil servants, market vendors, public service drivers, bank workers, health staff, cashiers, waitresses’, salespersons and those Fijians who served us tirelessly.
I thank our letters to the editor family and those who penned their opinions for their valuable contribution. Finally, I wish every Fijian a blessed, eventful and happy 2022! May the good Lord bless our beautiful Fiji and fellow Fijians! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
New year honours
HERE’S hoping the Government will be giving an award to our hardworking and committed frontliners.
They have done a mighty job keeping Fiji safe. And hoping our borders won’t close again.
God bless Fiji NORMAN YEE Martintar, Nadi
Third wave
DR Fong was absolutely correct that if necessary precautions won’t be at first place during Christmas, then we will have a third wave of COVID-19.
The number of cases are growing daily in the North and as well as in other areas.
We hope a serious decision will be made for everyone’s safety.
Stay safe and happy new year to all Fijians. JAHEED BUKSH Korolevu, Sigatoka
Commission of inquiry
IT is no surprise to learn that a commission of inquiry has been set up to investigate the Office of the Auditor-General.
I believe going after critics has been the pattern of governance — the modus operandi of the political rulers — in post-coup Fiji’s “true democracy”. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Fiji FA’s preparation
PLEASE Fiji FA, learn from the Fijian Drua team.
They are based in Australia. Fiji Rugby Union had the foresight and professional people to make that happen.
All the best FRU. Fiji FA learn from FRU. I know the so-called Bula Boys will never qualify for any World Cup.
Another picnic trip I believe. ASISH VINAY PRASAD Raiwasa, Suva
Vinaka Fiji Times
WHAT a year 2021 has been. Extending a sincere appreciation to the staff of The Fiji Times for a job well done.
For now, a big vinaka vakalevu and look forward to the excitement and challenges 2022 will bring.
Meanwhile, hope I have the chance to have a baby mix with Allen Lockington sometime soon.
Look forward to The Fiji Times in 2022 FLOYD ROBINSON Toorak, Suva
Budgetary support
I WONDER if Australia and New Zealand will be providing budgetary support for the commission of inquiry set up to investigate the Office of the Auditor-General to demonstrate their commitment to the “true democracy” put in place by the rulers in post-coup Fiji? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Mystery sound
WHATEVER the sound is, I always feel the answer is “Talking Tom” over some background music.
Happy new year readers. ASHIS KUMAR Ba
The Ashes
AN innings and 14 runs? Wow! That makes it 3-0 and the Aussies already have the urn dusted and sealed away, with, if you are an England fan, two soul-searching Test matches to go.
For grieving England cricket fans, an important part of the process is acceptance – accepting that England is just not very good at test cricket and accepting that more pain is on the way. SAMU RAILOA Nadi
Unsolved murders
IT boggles my mind at the inability of the Fiji Police Force to solve some of the “unsolved murders” in Fiji.
One such case being the recent murder of Sesha Reddy and his partner of Sigatoka.
The families and friends of the victim need closure and the perpetrator or perpetrators to be brought to justice.
To tell the families and friends that the “investigation is ongoing” is not good enough.
To the Police Commissioner, sir, if you do not have the expertise or forensic technology to get to the bottom of the case then there is nothing wrong in asking for help from our neighbours, namely Australia or New Zealand. KEVIN PILLAY Vancouver, Canada
Ice-cream hassle
THE red container ice-cream company have upgraded from the traditional 2 litres to 4.5 litres.
However, they didn’t consider how this will be carried conveniently. Sometimes we go into shops to buy ice-cream only and this is where things get uncomfortable. Especially with our very efficient customer service in supermarkets. Where waiting in line to check out takes forever.
Meanwhile, we are holding onto around 4kg weight plus the cold. Can the business development people in this company come up with an idea to strategically fit a handle on these pails!
Like our biscuit makers who are clever enough and more customer focused in this area. Vinaka. STEVEN CHANDRA Suva
Beginning stages of third wave
DR James Fong stated that Fiji was in the beginning stages of the third wave. The face of Fiji for 2021, Dr Fong and his team have worked hard at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He appeared during the press conferences and took and answered questions. He worked under pressure and duress and this was evident by his body posture and language as the pandemic took its toll on the health sector. Despite this, he did not succumb and he continues his fight against the variant and possibly against Omicron.
He was in the North and has anticipated an increase in the number of cases from border quarantine facilities. Via The Fiji Times (31/12), Dr Fong shared that, “The assessment of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is that the current increase in COVID-19 cases represents the beginnings of the third wave of COVID-19 in Fiji.”
Hence, there is an urgent need to take every measure to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
We must take warnings seriously, wear masks, practise safe hygiene, sanitise and wash our hands and avoid public gatherings.
The third wave could have detrimental effects on our economy. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
