Bula
Here are some headlines that made The Fiji Times’ edition for Thursday, January 6.
SPECIAL EDITION
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HEADLINES
PAGE 1
Critical decisions
WHY are we only listening to international institutions who are out of touch with our cultural context and our social norms – making very critical decisions like the reopening of schools – Shamima Ali.
PAGES 2-3
‘Fans can be installed’
EDUCATION Ministry permanent secretary Dr Anjeela Jokhan says in classroom situations where physical distancing may not be possible, fans can be installed and doors and windows opened to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
‘More good than harm’
SENDING children to school will do more good to our children than harm, says Education Minister Premila Kumar.
COVID-safe protocols
AS long as COVID-safe protocols are followed, teachers and children are safer in school than in the community, says United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) deputy representative Vathinee Jitjaturunt.
School attendance
SIXTY per cent of students returned to school on Monday, says Education Minister Premila Kumar.
PAGES 4-5
Students in Cakaudrove
AN increasing number of sick people in villages in the Cakaudrove province has prevented parents from sending their children to school.
PTA
WE must do it right, do it well or don’t do it at all. This was the comment made by Adi Cakobau School Parents and Teachers Association president Lasarusa Turaga.
Uncertainty
A LAUTOKA father says he is uncertain about sending his primary-aged daughter to school because he fears the possibility of her contracting COVID-19.
Back to school risks
WE want our children to be educated but I am also scared of sending my daughter to school because of the increase in COVID-19 cases, says Usha Naidu.
FTA asks for evidence
WHERE is the evidence that shows that schools do not drive the spread of COVID-19? This was the question to the Education Ministry from Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.
PAGE 7
Lawsuit
A CLASS action lawsuit was filed against the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) by 43 former employees in the Employment Relations Court in Suva last Thursday.
Pesticide residue
PESTICIDE residue was found in the stomach contents of the five people whose bodies were found in the Nausori Highlands two years ago.
Jone Vakarisi
ALLEGED Nabua brawl instigator Jone Vakarisi was granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court.
PAGE 18
Employment Tribunal
A MAN who was terminated for drinking kava at work had the Employment Tribunal ruling overturned by the High Court in Suva.
Seasonal workers
FIJIANS going to work in Australia under the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) and in New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) start their gig with a debt to family, banks and the Government.
Seasonal workers program
FIJIANS were earning $F1766 weekly, more than employees from any other country while working under the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) in Australia, says a new report by the International Labour Organization.
Fijians in SWP
FIJIANS working in the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) in Australia and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program in New Zealand had a lower percentage of grievances, states a new report by the International Labour Organization.
LETTERS
Do not miss out on this popular section of our newspaper – that carries the voice and views of the people.
SPORTS
The big one on the back page is about rugby 7s, new national coach Ben Gollings, his wife and a delay for him to be with her.
