Letters to the Editor: letters@fijitimes.com.fj
Reap the benefit
Congratulations to the Delta Tigers for their victory.
The team proved that they don’t need James Naka and party to win.
They invested heavily in their young players and reaped the benefit in just two years.
It is also heartening to see with the exception of Navua, that most of the former batoro (teams that collect players from other districts) teams are on the rise. Lautoka, Rewa and Nadi which used to be dominated by foreign players have improved since they started to invest in their own players.
Hats off to Rewa for leading the way in terms of fielding young players with the likes of Hughes, Tevita, Girish, Nakalevu, Ratu Luke and Misaele Draunibaka.
Shad Alfaz Ali
Muaniweni
FNPF comments
The comments by Mr T Nagataleka (02/09) justifying the unilateral reduction of pension rates by FNPF in response to Mr R McDonald may seem logical and well explained.
But the fact remains FNPF carried out what appeared to be an illegal act when it unilaterally reduced the rates despite the relentless objections to this.
This was borne out by the decree which was passed by government which stopped any right to pursue action against this decision in a court of law.
Mr Nagataleka asked where would the money come from to restore the original rates.
There is a provision in the FNPF Act that requires government to cover the deficit until such time that FNPF recovers.
In any event that is why you and the executives of FNPF are employed with excellent conditions to find a just solution to this unfair state of things.
Why not let the court decide?
Emosi Balei
Suva
Historic event
We are now only days away from marking another historical event when Fiji goes to the poll in a bid to return the country to democratic rule for the third time.
In the final analysis when the votes are counted post September 17 there will be some interesting revelations.
Undoubtedly, the results will separate the wheat from the chaff.
As the showdown intensifies among the political parties the campaigns have now precipitated into more firing and counterattacks.
This exchange is expected to escalate as the debate heats up in the days ahead.
A lot of things are still being said about some of the former politicians who preyed on the naivety of the people and later showed their true colours.
But people are not gullible anymore.
They are more enlightened now than ever before.
They can clearly discern between the truth and the untruth, distinguish between a genuine commitment to move the country forward and false and hollow promises and recognise between a true leader and an opportunist who have jumped on the bandwagon for a free ride.
It may be timely to remember the famous quote from Abraham Lincoln … “you can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time”.
In the end the number of votes received by each candidate will speak for itself.
Selwa Nandan
Suva
Peace and harmony
When I was a little girl, I remembered switching the TV on (TV had just about begun then) and listening to a song that would play every day: We want to build this land we call Fiji,
A land where races live in peace and harmony,
To build a future for our Children,
A future safe and sure,
One that will endure forevermore,
So let us all work together Fiji,
Let us unite to build this nation of one great family,
Together, hand in hand, we will prosper in this land,
Several races, One nation, One destiny,
Several races, One nation and free.
I hope that my children will be able to grow with these words in their minds and hearts like I did and be filled with the wonder and beauty of our country’s diversity.
Watching it and listening to this song every day made me feel secure and happy as a child.
Can we please air this song again?
For old time’s sake and as a friendly reminder. If not, then for our children.
Joan McGoon
Suva
Unfair on vendors
I knew only there was one municipal market in Lautoka but there are number of them.
It is very unfair for market vendors who pay market fees but are deprived of fair business.
So many markets crop up around Lautoka City.
On Sundays and even on weekdays markets are seen opposite Carlton Brewery, along Tavakubu Rd (there are a number of them along this road), along M N Naidu Rd, opposite Lautoka Andhra Sangam School, at the Lautoka wharf and along the Natabua flats (along Queen’s highway).
These are only a few, but I am sure there are many more.
There is an enforcement unit in Lautoka City Council and I don’t know what are they doing about these illegal activities.
Justice should be done to the fees paying vendors. Please CEO Lautoka City Council activate your Enforcement unit immediately.
Paras Naidu
Lautoka
Bridge priority
I was very disappointed to hear Neil Cook justify the priority of the Denarau bridge repairs ahead of the many other bridges in a far worse state that bear greater volume of daily local traffic in Nadi.
I believe, Denarau bridge is getting priority ahead of 29 other bridges that also need repair in this region, especially after the 2012 floods.
One example is our “scary bridge” on the old Nadi Back Rd, which is used by cars, trucks, buses and cane trains alike, with regular daily queues.
This bridge is in far worse condition after floods, as are other bridges/roads that are used regularly, with greater volume of traffic, around this area.
The rest of Nadi works hard too and deserves attention. This same larger voting majority of Nadi need better roads too.
And the $4million would go a long way on that.
Jean Hatch
Martintar, Nadi
Fair reporting
While we are bracing for election and it seems to be echoing everywhere we go, the onus is on the journalists to be just in their reporting.
Some journalists have made it too obvious that they are inclined towards a party and on numerous occasions do not give a chance to other party candidates to freely share their views.
This then leaves me with a clear answer that some journalists too have been swayed by the techniques used by some so-called dominating parties.
Fiji journalists should be reminded to stay firm, be impartial and report fairly rather than mincing words and being judgmental.
Manpreet Kaur
Ba
Election plan
DANIEL Urai’s letter on the above subject is interesting(FT 5/9/14). Being a long-time figure in local politics he knows very well that voters prefer one party over another because of its attractive manifesto on economy and social issues.
Secondly they simply dislike and disagree with some policies on sensitive issues which affect their rights and certainty in this country.
Their maybe other reasons but I leave it to him to make the choice as to why a certain party is hardly campaigning.
Amenatave Yaconisau
Delainavesi
Confused voters
I WAS surprised at the extent of pre-polling, and not at all surprised at many people being confused.
Everyone has been told, over and over again, September 17 for our one-day election. September 17 for our one-day election.
Details of the election seem to be very complicated, although we have been told over and over again that voting would be simple.
Joeli Tawake
Lami
Sudden complications
WHAT a revelation, the large number of people required to vote in pre-polling! I always had the impression that September 17 was the day for our one-day election!
I knew about postal votes, and pre-polling for people who would not be able to spare the time on 17/9, of course, but the present pre-polling confusion is hilarious in a way.
I have at various times thought of all the “f” words associated with the election.
Farce, fiasco, foolishness, fun – various words apply at various stages and to various people and situations.
I can hardly wait for the allocation of seats in parliament.
Will we indeed finish up with some MPs who received only a handful of votes, far fewer than 5000?
Peter Rodda
Lami
Same name dilemma
I KINDLY request the elections office to facilitate a plan B for voters who are incorrectly registered in another village with similar name.
I experienced this incident with four other voters yesterday, 4/9/2014, at our pre polling venue in Nakalawaca Village Hall, Namalata, Tailevu.
At the polling venue, we were informed by the election officials that our names were missing from the list and we were to attend election at Nakalawaca Village Hall, Namara, Tailevu on September 17.
I have verified my polling venue few days ago by texting 545 which confirms Nakalawaca Village Hall and did not realise that the text message received was referring to a different village hall.
I hope the elections office will have a plan B on September 17 since many villages in Fiji have similar names.
Fereti Mototabua
Korovou, Tailevu
Decline in spectators
IT seems football support in terms of recent spectator turnout is becoming a bit of a concern for Fiji Football Association.
Listening to the CEO stating in the media that Fiji Football is only going to make a slight profit at the recent BOG event and that not many people turned out to watch the finals last week must ring alarm bells within FFA.
As administrators people are very quick at examining the dollar value and income generated out of such events but forget to clearly evaluate the whole scenario as to what could be the contributing factors of such things happening.
FFA needs to review some of its existing league and tournament strategies because the existing strategy is not meeting its intended purpose.
The following may be the way to go:
* Reduce the ticket prices so that a wider section of the community comes to watch such tournaments thereby increasing spectator volume;
* Increase any assistance given to district associations for team preparations so that better players are developed and football is improved which will generate the interest to watch games;
* Review the recent tournament format;
* Most of all, review how best can FFA meaningfully assist teams to uplift their standards so that competitive and interesting soccer is displayed at district levels which will draw spectators back into the game; and
* Assist in ensuring that qualified coaches are coaching district teams at all times.
Just examining how much profit each tournament generates will not help take the game of football forward in this country but something else which is constructive and meaningful must be done.
A strategic review is very much overdue.
Allan Jesoni
Nasinu
Political debate
I have been following some of the discussions and debates which were played over the radio and television stations for the past few weeks.
I found some talkback shows interesting and informative while in others, certain candidates seemed to be a little off track and aggressive in their behaviour.
Overall, these talkback shows were beneficial for voters as well as for the aspiring candidates who may take part in the show later.
In any case these talkback shows give us a clear picture of the plans and visions of every political party that will be going head to head in the September 2014 election.
Perhaps the most important one is yet to come when our PM takes on the challenge from Ro Marama Kepa on Straight Talk to be held next Sunday.
While this will be good for the listeners and the voters, I think we Fijians would like to see a debate in the Pacific way or more precisely in the Fijian way.
Fiji, as we know, is well renowned for its culture of tolerance and respect and we wish to cherish that thought.
For the first time, the whole of Fiji as well as many other parts of the world where former Fijians live will be listening to these two prominent leaders representing their communities and fan following with much interest even though a part of our minds will still be fixed on the 45 Fijian soldiers being held captive.
On the political front, it has been widely reported that some politicians are misinforming people in rural communities.
It is said because of this many people seem to be in fear and confusion on many issues that affect them.
Therefore, we can see the situation is tense both here in Fiji as well as in a far off country where our soldiers have gone to provide peace and security to other nationals.
In the light of the depressing atmosphere all around us, I am sure all of our citizens would prefer positive words of encouragement from our leaders rather than them being seen as aggressive and hostile to each other.
People will be sitting in their homes and villages to listen to their leaders debate on things that concern their livelihoods as well as the future wellbeing of the nation.
We are being very hopeful that a friendly atmosphere will prevail during their discussions since both leaders ascribe to the Christian faith as they have often been seen and heard quoting and referring to the scriptures of the Bible during their speeches while making their point.
I am personally of the view that the debate on Sunday night between these two prominent leaders would be a grand opportunity for them to display the principles and beliefs of the Christian faith as they come together to talk to one another and clear misconceptions on a number of things that the public seem to be misinformed about.
In our role as Christians, we are supposed to be praying for our government and the leaders of the day.
Therefore, it is my prayer that they will come prepared with a prayer and God’s anointing and be rekindled with a new motivation while being conscious with the way they apply the Christian faith to the many challenges ahead of them in their responsibilities to men and women in our beloved Fiji.
As a word of encouragement to both of them, I close with these relevant scriptures;
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” -Ephesians 4:29-32.
Lawrence H Narayan
Suva
Confusion out there
Despite so many awareness campaigns, there’s still confusion on pre-polling day.
Something that was bound to happen. It was never going to be an easy task to have one day election and the process this year being much different is becoming a hassle for some.
This should not be surprising but comes as a lesson and very well mentioned by the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem that “it was a good thing that little hiccups were felt which allowed the Elections Office to learn and be ready for September 17”.
This can be for many reasons which are helping in the preparation for the final day.
Moreover, it is a positive sign. Gradually we are nearing the special day and such hiccups are preparing us for September 17.
Having in mind our 45 soldiers detained in the Golan, let’s hope and pray for their release and hoping common sense prevails.
Hoping for the safe release of the soldiers before election day.
As for the polling officers all the best to all for their hard work as we can only imagine how tiring it can end up to be.
Kirti Patel
Lautoka
Their manifesto
AS the public and political parties wonder when will the FijiFirst party launch its manifesto, I for one thought otherwise its manifesto is out already.
As initiated some years ago, I believe the eleven key pillars enshrined in the People’s Charter for change, peace and progress launched by this government is their manifesto.
AREKI DAWAI
Suva Point
Sleep with one eye open
IF I were given a free rubbish bin like the residents of the Suva-Nausori corridor, I would use it to remind me that all promises made by other political parties are rubbish.
Pressure is now getting stronger and some are making promises which they cannot keep.
Be wary voters. It’s time to sleep with one eye open.
Wise Muavono
Lautoka
Polling issues
AFTER going through FT 09/04, it seems our election gods have failed to address voters.
Firstly, the headlines for one day elections in our dailies, then much confusion over pre-poll in some areas.
Poll workers were provided training and yet it seems services couldn’t be rendered in accordance with pre-polling.
During previous elections, ballot papers were allocated with more than ample space for ticks.
However, the current ballot papers are more or less a game of cross and naught.
Furthermore, our radio personalities have gone to the extent of continuously demanding “yes” or “no” from their rival candidates on air.
These personalities need to be educated enough on the subject of politics to air their views precisely.
They should learn from all their footage to ensure proper performance for future shows.
SARITA LAL
Lautoka
Radio and TV programs
I believe questions raised by some reporters in these programs are ridiculous and shallow.
They don’t ask questions about how party representative can change the lives of people when they win the election.
Instead they ask personal questions that do not mean anything to listeners. What a waste of opportunity.
Dan Urai
Lautoka
Pre-polling questions
Added to confusion and concern raised around the country on pre-polling, I feel that the problem lies more on awareness.
Did the Fijian Elections Office ever conduct surveys as to how many of our population have access to mobiles, radios and newspapers?
Why rely so much on texting EVR number 545 for voting information when some don’t own mobiles?
Why direct people to newspapers when people in outer islands and rural areas don’t have access to dailies?
Why depend more on radios when such commodities are rarely enjoyed at homes, let alone the many wavelengths that attracts individual interests?
Thousands of registered voters are still in cities and towns preparing to return home in time to vote on September 17 as publicly announced.
Sadly, most of our members who attended the Methodist conference and jubilee celebration fall on this category.
Most will certainly miss the opportunity to vote because of pre-polling that has already taken place in their scheduled areas.
My final question, was pre-polling intended for those who applied because they would not be able to be in their polling stations on the 17th?
I believe it is evident that voting schedules announced and published daily in the media during the week is not the pre-polling that we were led to believe in the first place.
REV Iliesa Naivalu
Christian Citizenship and Social Services Methodist Church in Fiji
Party’s stance
IT is stunning to see the stance on policies that political parties run their campaign for the September 17 general election.
I believe there are so many parties that are deceitful and deceive the public just to win their votes to get into parliament and have a free ride with taxpayers hard earned dollars.
I believe the parties have gone so extreme with the lies and false promises that it’s getting to a point where people have lost all trust and faith in these dishonest and disloyal politicians.
I believe voters have been misled on policies and false promises like the old politicians who brought disharmony between the two major races.
I believe Chaudhry’s FLP and Qarase’s SDL parties have always campaigned along racial lines and are responsible for today’s civil tension.
I believe they have been against each other’s policy and never had any common grounds.
My memory of Qarase’s Qoliqoli Bill is not that old. Also Qarase’s recent comments maintaining that the iTaukei has the right to be called “Fijians”.
It is surprising to see today that both Chaudhry’s FLP and Qarase’s old SDL now with the new name SODELPA are telling the public that they are in talks for a coalition after the election.
I believe both the iTaukei and Fijians of Indian descent voters should now know that the current Bainimarama government is the only government which really worked in the interest of Fiji’s development since independence regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or title.
Prime Minister Bainimarama’s government kicked out racial policies of past governments and made it possible for the first time in history to have a voting on non-racial lines like in true democratic nations like the US, India, and Britain.
I believe the iTaukei people should understand that Mr Bainimarama is the only prime minister who has gone to visit every single village on foot, horseback, small boats, etc., where vehicles could not go.
Mr Bainimarama did not go to buy votes. He went after natural disasters like cyclones, floods as well as to improving the living standards of the grass roots people.
I believe he has made the lives of the landowners a blessing and joyful by distributing lease money directly to them rather than going through the hands of the chiefs.
Every iTaukei should spread the great stuff Mr Bainimarama has been doing for them for almost eight years. For the record the iTaukei people should have meetings in the villages and analyse the improvements under PM Bainimarama.
Also watching the recent debates online between the Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Biman Prasad I believe NFP has nothing good for the grassroots people but just to attack the great achievements of Mr Bainimarama’s government.
I believe it is time to think and make a valid choice that’s good for you and your family.
Abendra Ram Tahal
San Francisco, US
What the future holds
With all due respect to one’s preference to contest the upcoming election, there are many candidates in almost all the registered parties who are not even a public figure, or community worker.
Imagine if some of these candidates squeeze into parliament.
What will the future hold for this island nation?
Manpreet Kaur
Ba
For the love of peace
AS news broke over to our shores on our fellow 45 Fijian men held captive by the al-Nusra my heart sank in disbelief as I could only imagine their, unwillingly and unable to protect themselves from harm, turning to God as their only hope and protection at that very moment.
We can only pray that the al-Nusra comes to terms and realise that the very people they hold captive for their own selfish reasons are harmless and only want to keep people abroad safe and ensure peace.
From a personal perspective I feel as though these men, I have never met or known, are my own family, constantly checking and updating the The Fiji Times Online in search for progress on what has become of them.
It has had an affect on me that it had to happen to the innocent people of our country who do what they do best, keeping the peace.
So as Fijians now is the time to stick together and pray, regardless of what religion or belief.
Pray for the families affected, but most importantly for our 45 and in the hope that the UN comes to a successful negotiation on the demands given and grant the freedom they well and truly deserve.
Julie K. Tuivaga-Cottrell
Sydney, Australia
Our men
FOR the first time in my life I see a group of Fijians put together for a picture and are not smiling.
I pray for you. We pray for you. The nation prays for you.
May God bring back that infectious smile to you and your family soon.
Ravindra Narayan
Namaka, Nadi
Shirley Park
I find the decision taken by the officials to rezone the Shirley Park an absurd one as the park holds great significance to the people from all works of life.
Shirley Park has always been a place where people escape from the hustle and bustle of Lautoka City and to rezone it would be grossly unjust to the people.
I’m sure there are other parks and places which the Lautoka City Council can rezone to increase the area’s momentum.
Places such as the bus stand and market needs a major transformation in a bid to cater for more people.
Avitesh Kumar
Ba
Election mode
While all political parties are vigorously promoting equal rights for all people, SODELPA is seen as carrying extra baggage on the subject with its plans on iTaukei-related issues such as the land, iqoliqoli, tertiary scholarship, administrations, to name a few.
First, allow me to quickly sidetrack a bit here. I enjoyed watching TV programs like 4 Corners, Aaina and other exclusive interviews by politicians.
Three very important lessons I learnt from these programs;
* I prefer to receive information directly from the politicians as compared with reports by the media. Why? Hearing from the horse’s mouth is much clearer and free from distortion.
* when will the media leave out the personal attacks on the politician and focus on questions that are of national interest such as reducing unemployment, improving the standard of living, improving the state of our economy, the implication of certain clauses of the 2013 Constitution on the people, lifting the education system and health services to another level, etc; and
* the politicians are not given a chance to complete their answers. By that I mean there will be one or two more questions being fired at them while he/she is halfway delivering the answer to the previous question. Making matters worse, two members of the media, across the desk, are trying to ask questions at the same time. Isn’t there a civilized and professional way of conducting such interviews? At the end of the interview, I would tend to be more disappointed with the interviewer as I could not fully get the opportunity to listen more to what the politicians have to say. More time is wasted over personal attacks and little on matters of national interest.
Now, back on the topic. While some non-iTaukei and the media have argued that the SODELPA ideas are discriminatory or racist, I personally feel that the two words are too extreme to be applied in their case when I compared with the real situations on the ground.
The reality is that the different groups of people in Fiji have lived together in friendship for many and during those same years, different schools were built for Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Hindus, Muslims, etc.
Different houses of worship were built for Methodists, Catholics, Seventh-day Adventists, Muslims, Hindus, etc.
Different cemeteries took up their own areas in major towns to name a few.
People do realise that the different schools, places of worship, cemeteries, etc exist because they serve to meet one or some specific needs of the different groups of people.
Surely, they were not set up to discriminate or an act of racism.
Using the same line of argument, I believe and view that SODELPA is purely wishing to address the specific need(s) of the iTaukei in certain areas that it believes can be improved or has been neglected.
Just as one political party highlights its aim to assist farmers, another to look after workers, It does not mean that they are promoting discrimination of any sort. They are merely trying to assist in specific areas that need attention and assistance to improve the wellbeing of the targeted group.
Surely, the media understands this. It is most irresponsible of the media to continue highlighting and to please refrain from using extreme terms such as “discrimination and racism” because the two words do not truly reflect the intention of SODELPA or any other political party that desires to assist a targeted group of under-privileged members of our community.
It sends the wrong signal to the people of this country and certainly to the outside world.
Isaia Bobo
Nadi
Poll issues
I AM really sorry for the elders from Kia and throughout Fiji who may have the same problem in recalling candidates number during the election which has already in progress.
If the elections office maintained that this election is free and fair then I’m sorry to say that I don’t agree.
Now it’s too late to change anything in the ballot papers.
I just hope that we will be considerate enough next time. Just including the party symbols might help those who cannot recall numbers and candidate’s pictures.
PITA SOROAQALI
SUVA
Intel support
WE read in the article Aust offers intel in The Fiji Times (04/09) that Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has telephoned PM Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama and Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola to offer Australia’s intelligence support in the aftermath of the capture of the 45 Fijian UN peacekeeping soldiers in the Golan Heights by Al Qaeda militants.
I wonder where was the Australian intelligence before the Fijian soldiers got rounded up without the militants having to fire a single shot?
Rajend Naidu
Sydney, Australia
Replacing 45
While there are no words about when our 45 brave soldiers held hostage by militant rebels would be freed we should seriously consider whether it’s safe to send more soldiers in such dangerous and tense environment for peacekeeping.
Other countries are all pulling out because they don’t want to put the lives of their soldiers on the line. The safety of their soldiers is paramount.
Our soldiers have made us proud wherever they went for peacekeeping.
They are brave and even have been ranked as the best peacekeepers by prominent international organisations. I have been saddened to know that the military has started selection of soldiers to replace the 45 Fijian peacekeepers who are held captive by the Islamist militants in the Golan Heights.
I don’t know if this could be termed as a call of bravery or an act of foolishness.
One life lost on the battlefield while peacekeeping would be one too many for a small country like Fiji.
Avineel Kumar
Nadi
Almighty power
Abendra Ram Tahal FT30/08 on Almighty Power has a lot of us thinking of the current government.
Yes, they have done some progress in development, infrastructure, changes and better in certain areas like education and roads.
For this, I agree and I sincerely thank the Bainimarama government.
Every good thing has its time and we must allow new changes to come and move us to an advanced level. Incomplete projects like basic wage salary, medical facilities, retirement mishaps, in agriculture, fishing, sugar, manufacturing , wholesale economy, taxing in tourism industries and unemployment could now be progressed with the new government.
Analytically speaking, a party that has a mixture of skilled, compassionate and caring leaders, forever focused in the best interest of Fiji.
Finau Naigulevu Turaga
Nadi Airport
Health hazard
THERE is a major leak from a water main at the back fence of the Botanical Gardens and this is known to council and WAF for the past three years.
It has been there so long that a dedicated drain has been dug across the garden to prevent the ground becoming waterlogged during the wet season.
It would be great if somehow all of this wasted water could be diverted slightly, for the purpose of watering the Children’s Park to keep down the dust, as per Mr Chambers’ letter FT4/9.
At present the water flows down the drain on the side of the park. So close, yet so far. Just imagine how much has been wasted?
Also, just over the back fence, is the round reservoir, built not too long ago, not been used, also because it apparently leaks. And to Simon in Savusavu, Not too harsh at all.
M HILL
Lautoka
Father’s Day
While Father’s Day is just around the corner it is important we realise that every day should be Father’s Day for our loving and caring fathers.
What’s the use of celebrating it in a big way just once a year when they are not cared for during the rest of the year?
Fathers play an integral role in the family, they are like a strong pillar holding and protecting everyone in the family in both good and difficult times.
Their wisdom and knowledge is like a blessing that helps our life sail calmly amid the stormiest waters.
For those who don’t have fathers know their true value.
No matter how educated and rich we become a father’s love never changes and as they always love us unconditionally.
Let’s make every day special for our fathers, let’s make everyday a father day.
Avineel Kumar
Nadi
Improving lives
ON Wednesday night, we had the pleasure of having a few bowls at Anchorage Resort with the Heart Foundation doctors from New Zealand who were operating at the Lautoka hospital.
Thank you very much for being committed to improving lives of Fijian people who are unable to obtain treatment for serious heart diseases.
They were all from each corner of New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington, with one cause.
Their visit ended with one of our guys being introduced as a doctor from Alington. Cala tale.
Wise Muavono
Lautoka
Special day
IT is quite difficult to be objective and non-self-serving if you are a father yourself.
But I will give my best to try at a tribute to fathers.
Fathers are a very special breed. For the most part, they are quiet in fulfilling their role.
Fathers come with many names, including daddy, dad, da, dada, pa and, for our French friends pere.
Talk to anyone who has lost a much-loved father and you will get quite an outpouring of emotions.
A father is special. He is a tower of strength, a stand-by-you-forever friend, a not-so-tough taskmaster, a wealth of sage advice and someone who will help his children during any unfortunate happenings in their lives.
And just when the situation looks hopeless, dad will take over and smooth the troubled waters.
A father’s love is forever. So to all dads here in our beloved country and not forgetting our fathers and sons held captive in Syria, my thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Happy Father’s Day!
Pat Vuli
Suva
Children’s safety
WHILE on my way to work on Thursday, I saw some children below the age of 10 swimming in the Sabeto River without adult supervision.
The children seemed to have a ball of a time under the scorching sun jumping from the railway bridge into the river.
The parents were nowhere to be seen and I guess they were engrossed in the daily soap opera.
Parents need to take a proactive approach towards their children who must always be kept under their supervision.
We have had cases of children dying because of parental negligence and it is only when lives are lost that the parents are seen repenting on their deeds.
Now that drowning cases are not being headlined in the media, it doesn’t mean the parents forget their role in caring and providing a safe and sound environment for the innocent ones.
I urge all parents to take care of their children and not to be swayed by the TV shows.
Avitesh Kumar
Ba
Soul and body
Thanks Dr Sarveshwar Pande for your wonderful wordings and reminder to all who think that the outward appearance matters to their work.
I don’t think if in the future, I put on more weight, it will deter my passion for my work.
I can still have the same mind-set towards my career and do my work still with the same interest.
Even the employers would comment less on the appearance and more on the content of the work.
I don’t agree it should be justified to judge people on the way they look but rather for their work.
Police officers are the backbone of our country who deserve our respect and support.
They are not models who should have perfect figures. Sometimes being overweight is not an option but rather inheritance or just natural.
It’s true that everyone should maintain their health and body, however, not always the outcome is as we wish.
I would like to salute all the hardworking police officers who sacrifice their time even during odd hours only so that we could be safe and sound.
Kirti Patel
Lautoka
E-ticketing system
I WONDER what happened to the e-ticketing bus system.
Nowadays the machines in the buses sway like leaves on a tree. I wonder what the next government plans to do with the e-ticketing system.
Fingers crossed on the decision that will be made on the fate of this failed system and let’s hope the public does not have to waste their money this time.
Kushal Sharma
Velau Drive, Kinoya
Political decision
I REFER to the article by Ken Davey FT 03/09 on energy independence.
Does energy independence have to be a political decision?
Let’s hope that theories like this are tested in the future for the good of our future and hopefully, not rely on politics to make our nation more financially stable and energy independent. Some science students (Fiji National University) have developed an engine speciman that uses 70 per cent – 80 per cent hydrogen (water) and 20 per cent – 30 per cent fuel.
There are vehicles in Asia that are actually hydrogen fuelled and it is more friendly to the environment.
May our future leaders be wise enough to be open minded and explore all opportunities for sustainable economic development on our shores.
I suppose it is a political decision.
Joan McGOON
Suva
Warning letter
WHILE renewing my public service driver licence yesterday at LTA Nausori, I was issued with a warning letter that I had earned a total of 12 traffic infringements since I first got my driver licence in 2002.
The letter stated that “the authority is concerned on the number of traffic infringement notices totalling 12 recorded against your driver licence which revealed your continuous disregard of the LTA Act and Regulation”.
One question I’d like to ask LTA is that, if the abovementioned regulation came into place this year, why dig out my previous infringements?
Before issuing me with a warning letter, was my nature of infringements considered in regards to “continuous disregard”?
I haven’t had any traffic infringements since 2012 and I reckon my licence should have been renewed for three years instead of one year. I reckon every traffic infringement notice that is issued also has a court date where we can defend ourselves and upon a trial we do get acquitted.
I reckon authorities should take heed of the above mentioned situation.
First came the phasing out of vehicles over 12 years old, then came providing bills at counter and now warning letters.
What next?
Shamal Chand
Kuku, Bau Rd, Nausori
Obese officers
IT seems someone in the health department needs to address the diet of all our police officers to ensure they are eating healthy and not stretching their waistlines.(The Fiji Times 3/9)
Again we have to realise it’s a highly stressful profession and our police in Fiji are very hardworking.
Those police officers who have to travel to remote village areas and islands hardly get time to eat proper meals.
Despite inadequate resources some of our police officers go out of their way to address the daily dramas in our society.
Shakun Prasad
Melbourne, Australia
Rasta party
BOB Marley famously quoted, “you can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time”.
Having watched most of the interviews of political candidates on the Outside the Box TV program I believe the standard of the candidates is so bad that if someone were to start a political party with Rastafarian ideologies, such a party would likely win the polls.
Since cannabis has the tendency to activate the mind, Rasta Freedom Party members will have a clearer insight into what most political parties have denied all Fijians.
Such is the standard of our politics as I’ve seen so far and such is the comparison from my perspective.
Jah Rastafari I and I hear the voice of a rastaman say, “Fiji yo throne gone down…”
Simon Hazelman
Savusavu
What’s in a name
FOR the hundredth time, the word “Fijian” has been misused and abused by either misinformed and uninformed individuals who seek to pursue unfulfilled political agendas by misrepresenting and misappropriating the term.
I believe the term Fijian is not an English term snatched out of thin air by an English sailor as is commonly believed.
Its root word is “Fiji”, which is the anglicisation of the Fijian vernacular word “Viti”, a term one of the first missionary anthropologists to Fiji had heard in Tonga when he asked about the islands Captain Cook had mentioned, to the Tongans. The Tongans referring to Fiji as “Fisi.”
The term Viti means to break or clear away obstacles with the intention of making a pathway or clearing where none previously existed.
This though is a literal definition but also implies a host of other related concepts. Viti also depicts how the first people to Fiji, arrived and cleared pathways as they dispersed and began to inhabit this previously uninhabited islands. Example Viti Levu.
Over the ensuing years the term Fijian has been wholly traditionally used to refer to a certain ethnic group by anyone who wanted to refer to Fiji’s indigenous population, even before the arrival of other racial groups.
Although it is an anglicised native word, I believe the indigenous have over time identified with and become emotionally attached to it as if it were a word of their own vernacular.
To the indigenous the direct translation of the term Fijian is kai viti who can never be anyone else
But an iTaukei, some-one who is an inherently innate proprietor, possessor of land and its resources by reason of being its original inhabitant. ie. not through sale transfer etc.
Thus to the indigenous, the word, Fijian, kai viti, iTaukei all have the same meaning and are often used interchangeably whether the context is original, historical or traditional.
Overnight the use of this term has been forcibly usurped and redefined coldly discarding its actual, established, accepted, conventional and time honoured use.
According to the imposed 2013 Constitution, it now means all Fiji passport holders and citizens, a mockery of the term that has so much history and meaning to those it used to refer to.To use the term “Fijian” to connote equal citizenry without considering the sensitivities and controversies that come with it is not only imprudent but naively unwise.
A more cautious and mindful attempt should have been made to choose a word to signify a common identity instead of using a pre-existing word that specifically referred to the indigenous people.
What is so unsound about using “Fiji Islander?”
Not only does it encapsulate the common identity irrespective of race, colour, creed etc, but is not controversial, contentious, provocative and gives a sense of belonging
I hope common sense will prevail on the issue.
Joji Naulu
Sigatoka
Legal documents
I looked up the meaning of stamp duty and found this: Stamp duty is a tax that is levied on documents.
Historically, this included the majority of legal documents such as cheques, receipts, military commissions, marriage licences and land transactions.
When did rent get included, or is stamp duty just another way of making money?
Allen Lockington
Mulomulo
QUICK VIEWS
That vote
HOW do I determine the best person to vote for ? My decision will be based on issues, values, skill and ability, experience, likability.
To vote is not only a privilege, it is a responsibility.
WISE MUAVONO
Lautoka
Hard times
TIMES are hard, but this takes the cake. Some friends met for a talanoa and grog session, their chaser was curry ostrich.
Wonders never cease.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON
Kava Place
Polling day
POLLING has started in some areas. For some it will be life as usual, for some the sleepless nights begin; contemplating the results and their future.
DAN URAI
Lautoka
Our brothers
I AM really worried about our 45 brothers kept in captive and I pray for them every day.
I am disappointed about the statement that they are well.
How can you know this when you don’t know where they are? God help us.
VINOD KUMAR
Suva
Disease cure
NATURE Communications recently published a Wellcome Trust-funded medical research breakthrough by Bristol University.
These researchers have found a “cure” for autoimmune diseases such Type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), and Graves’ Disease.
They know how cells convert from being aggressive and attacking its own tissue by mistake to actually protect against disease.
This is wonderful news to thousands of people who are debilitated by these diseases.
KORINA WAIBUTA
Suva
Inquiry request
IF time permits, can an independent inquiry commission investigate government cheques used and cashed back dated for the past three years and also on government properties if it was built on standard compliance by local government architects?
AREKI DAWAI
Suva Point
Golan crisis
WITH rather impractical demands being put on the negotiation table by the extremists solely responsible for capturing our troops, it would be interesting to see what the next course of action is taken by the UN and our military forces.
By the way, how well are our soldiers trained to be sent to highly risky combat zones such as the Golan Heights?
NISHANT SINGH
Lautoka
