Sell-out weekend
We hear Eden Park is a sell-out this weekend on the occasion of Women’s RWC 2022. I believe a “David and Goliath” story will reveal itself. Miracles do happen. Almost every Fijian on the face of this Earth will be fervently behind our very own Fijiana. We wish our ever-improving Fijiana every success against this might of top ranked English Rose. Toso Rooster Chicken Fijiana toso. Every good luck, blessing, peace of heart and mind, and protection as you prepare to do us proud. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
‘No care’
After watching the second and final part of Mr Beddoes’ interview with Sashi Singh Talking Point (SSTP) on Sunday, September 25, 2022, on SSTP FB page, I believe it comes down to “no care”. I believe this Government simply has no care for its people. Let’s change that come the 2022 election? How can they care, with the salary they receive as ministers compared with the $1 a day (under the fancy word of Inflation Mitigation Assistance – IMA) they give us ordinary Fijians? We put them in Parliament after the 2018 election. They know very well most Fijians will opt to apply for the IMA because their individual standards of living is well below the poverty line. Thank you Mr Beddoes for showing us the reality. Jioji Masivesi Cakacaka Tadra, Votualevu, Nadi
World Teachers’ Day
UNESCO (since 1994) declared October 5 as the day on which World Teachers’ Day was to be celebrated to identify, motivate and celebrate the contributions of teachers in transforming education and through it the lives of their students. Theme for 2022 is: “The Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers.” The critical role of teachers cannot be ignored despite the digital revolution and proliferation of technology in classrooms. Teachers give the human touch to maintain sanity in our classrooms. Schools, through teachers, have to ensure that students have adequate tools to do research and explore the world of knowledge. Schools loaded with technology will also have to ensure that they have technical expertise to keep them in good running condition. One of the greatest problems in Fijian schools is arresting the rapid turnover of teachers. Teachers always look for green pastures and annually migrate in large numbers. Hence the shortage of quality teachers in our classrooms. Poor salary structure, large sized classes in urban schools and draconian rules (contract employment and insecurity) of the Ministry of Education makes teacher flight a reality. On World Teachers’ Day the teachers are pampered, honoured and treated to sumptuous lunches or dinners. They are garlanded and cultural programs are hosted to entertain them. In our society the teachers are always respected for the role they play in society. I hope all teachers had a very happy World Teachers’ Day. Dewan Chand Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Shortage or what
CAN there ever be a food shortage globally ? Only if there is a major calamity or catastrophe. But normally and in general, there is more than enough food in the world, to feed every single person many times over, with surpluses and stored stocks to spare, in general out there. The problem however, relates to the unequal and uneven distribution, hoarding and wastages and the manipulation and speculation, of the traded commodities, as well as the broken distribution, channels and chains. So, when we hear about a global food shortage, it’s more about whose direct interest is being served, at the expense of those who really don’t have access to it. despite the abundance of food globally in general. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Toorak boy
SITERI Sauvakacolo penned a piece which has valuable lessons for those vying for an opportunity to serve Fiji’s aviation industry. Her story was based on Captain Nitin Hiralal, who dedicated 42 years of his life to the service of Fiji’s aviation industry and remained loyal to the national carrier as it allowed him to grow professionally and nurture his dream. Captain Nitin shared his experiences of growing up in Suva and how he started his journey as a pilot. At 62, Captain Nitin or the “Toorak boy” as he prefers to be known, is the second in command in the upper echelon of Fiji Airways’ flight crew hierarchy. Captain Nitin has an impressive flying record, clocking up more than 26,000 hours in his career and he has journeyed with the national airlines through its darkest days and has flown all its major aircraft. Captain Nitin also shared the time he spent with Fiji Airways and the ups and downs that he faced. I salute Captain Nitin for being a loyal, passionate and patriotic employee of the Fiji Airways. He is an inspiration and role model to our aviation industry. Good on you sir! Thank you Siteri and the trusted brand for the wonderful piece! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
USP graduation
WALKING down the aisle brought back many memories the students had during their studies. Late nights of studying, assignments, and exams were worth it when they wore their gowns. Words of encouragement and reminding them that the journey doesn’t end, were all part of the speeches. Tears rolling down the faces of many mothers and smiling faces of proud fathers when their child’s name was called out, was something to witness that day. Many blessings to the graduates and parents for their sacrifice. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ NALEBA, LABASA
Role of teachers
KNOWLEDGE is power and in a child’s life. After parents it’s teachers who hold the position of educating. Be it primary, secondary or tertiary — teachers, tutors or professors — all hold a level of responsibility. One has to be knowledgeable to educate others. A child’s school life is heavily reliant on teachers so how one conducts and attends lessons is very important. The classroom atmosphere works on the minds of students and it depends on how a teacher delivers. All students don’t have the same intelligence quotient, but to make one understand ways have to be varied. Thus teaching is not only a profession of calibre, but of reliability and resourcefulness in relaying information to empowering one’s mentality. Appreciation to all who helped build this foundation. PRAMEETA CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
The truth
I BELIEVE it is not racial for the Bureau of Statistics to categorise those who have migrated according to their ethnicity. It merely reveals the truth. DAN URAI Lautoka
Soccer coach
THIS is for the long weekend. Do you know who is Fiji’s national head soccer coach? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Leaving Fiji
THE rate of migration is not a good reflection on Government. DAN URAI Lautoka
Bad reflection
IF someone like Sitiveni Rabuka, a former prime minister, feels there is “an assault on his party and on democracy on the eve of the 2022 General Election (FT 6/10)” that reflects badly on the state of democracy in the country. How widespread is that perception? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Correct guide
COULD Walesi or the authority on the electronic program guide for our free to air TV make an effort to show correct programs? It is quite frustrating to turn to this guide and have totally different shows running from the ones listed. Just asking. EMOSI BALEI Suva
Keyboard warrior
WHOEVER is the anointed keyboard warrior for the FijiFirst led government social media pages, I believe that person seriously needs some guidance. A secondary school student would do a better thorough explanatory and comprehensive clarification. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Gift of love
It is heartening to see the picture of overjoyed, appreciative mum Aida with a heartful gift of loving heart for her cute daughter Jasica Brown in The Fiji Times (28/9). You are well-blessed with a precious gift of life from the team of doctors from Sai Prema Foundation. Live healthy. Stay young at heart. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Walesi, Sky
TV In reference to Walesi decoders complaint by Willard Miller of Ellis Place, Suva, some months ago, I am now frustrated with them as well. The channel goes on and off around 6pm to 7pm just when the news are on. The same happens with Sky TV at around 12.45pm to 1.15pm daily. Vijay P Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
