Cricket T20 World Cup
Congratulations in publishing a piece in your edition of 24th October about the Cricket T20 World Cup, even though it was belated, the competition already have been in progress for a week and bearing in mind that the Cricket T20 World Cup, being played in Australia, is as big, if not bigger than the Rugby League World Cup being played at the same time. I also note that all the matches are being broadcast ball by ball on Sky TV with highlights appearing on FBC TV, so both these organisations realise how big a tournament this is. Peter Knight Suva
United Nations Day
United Nations Day highlights, celebrates and reflects on the work of the United Nations (UN) and its family of specialised agencies. The pandemic has raised the bars for the UN and specially the World Health Organization (WHO). Partnerships with UN, successful partnership with private individuals, private enterprises, NGOs and CSOs have been fundamental in delivering critical services in Fiji. These range from large scale infrastructure projects to community-based development initiatives. Fiji established its Permanent Mission to the United Nations on October 13, 1970, three days after obtaining its independence from the United Kingdom. Since then, Fiji’s participation in the United Nations has been notable primarily for its active role in UN peacekeeping operations, which began in 1978 and other general mission with UN General Assembly. On and around October 24, many activities are organised by all parts of the UN, particularly in the main offices in New York, the Hague (Netherlands), Geneva (Switzerland), Vienna (Austria) and Nairobi (Kenya). These include: concerts; flying the UN flag on important buildings; debates on the relevance of the work of the UN in modern times; and proclamations by state heads and other leaders. The UN does not work alone but together with many specialised agencies, including: the WHO; the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); International Labour Organization (ILO); United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); and United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). In 2018, Fiji became the first Pacific Island country to be elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Fiji’s commitment to promoting “the right to education, healthcare, equal justice, adequate food, clean water, decent housing and many other fundamental rights for human progress and dignity”. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
Disturbance of peace
Some impatient residents along upper Gray Rd, Mountainview, Martintar in Nadi couldn’t help causing some disturbance of the peace after 10pm Sunday, October 23, 2022. We were thoroughly engrossed in the nail-biting T20 ICC World Cup cricket played between India and Pakistan. This match went right down to the wire; to the very last ball. (Congrats to India and maestro, Virat Kohli). We were rudely disturbed by all the fire-cracker commotion that ensued. It sounded like Diwali 2022 came earlier than expected on Sunday night after 10pm. (Anyone with serious heart conditions, please take extra care). In life, we encounter some residents who choose sometimes to be just inconsiderate. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Living in fear
I don’t believe Fiji citizens are living in fear as mentioned by the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Fiji, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong (FT:15/10). What amuses me the most is that Christians and in particular, heads of church denominations, should fear no one but God. Instead of interfering with government business I believe church leaders ought to focus on ensuring their followers adhere to their Christian faith and beliefs, because as far as we can see there is more to fear here with the way many so-called Christians are conducting themselves nowadays. Get your flock in order first before interfering in areas that don’t concern you. I don’t believe we are living in uncertain times and in fear, these are just in the minds of a certain few who are trying their best to help topple the current government administration. Fear no one but our God almighty! Simon JC Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Employment schemes
I was astonished to see the number of workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme stand at 29,000 as of September 30, 2022 and another 40,000 awaiting job offers (FT 21/10). How many are from Fiji? Even more surprising was Minister Parveen Kumar’s comment – ” as much as they welcome the economic and material opportunities the PALM scheme provided, as a Government, they were naturally concerned with the social impact of labour mobility programs (FT 21/10)”. Excuse me, did Australia just waltze into Fiji and start via our National Employment Centre (NEC), to recruit youths to work abroad under this scheme? I believe Fiji had set up a village-based recruitment process (FT 20/10). The iTaukei villages are emptying out. Work that is usually done by these youths in the village like mowing the village rara (grounds) is now being done by women and children. This PALM scheme has created a vacuum in the iTaukei villages. Are we prepared for the social costs of this work scheme? I’m talking about separation, breakups etc? I believe over 90 per cent of these youths from Fiji are iTaukei. I pray that they will take seriously their civic duty to vote in our upcoming general elections while abroad. I hear that some employers overseas are banning leave from November, December through to January next year because it is a busy time for them. How will our youths get time to vote? Has Fiji now moved into the urban recruitment process that our Fijian employers are crying foul (FT 21/10)? Surely this PALM scheme should have been discussed with stakeholders like our Fijian employers, community and religious leaders before it even started. Samoa and Vanuatu are reviewing their PALM schemes (FT 20/10), couldn’t Fiji take a breather and do the same. If we don’t take this matter seriously, even the hospitals and health centres will empty out. The way I look at it, prevention is always better than cure. Korina M Waibuta Knollys St, Suva
Time to rejoice
DIWALI – a time to rejoice and reflect. The festival of lights or Diwali is approaching and would be celebrated by Hindus throughout the globe today. In Fiji, Hindus celebrate this festival in a great way by sharing their joy and happiness with families, friends and neighbours. This indeed enhances peace, tolerance and values of multiculturalism. And while the cleanliness of compound and homes are a common site, one must not forget to remove their inner enemies like jealousy, hatred, dishonesty, pride, greed and so on. These enemies destroy a person within. As a fact, this celebration began in India ages ago and is related to crop harvesting. If we look at reality, this is the peak time for crop harvesting by farmers in India and with a rich harvest, the farmers rejoice and celebrate. Diwali is indeed an occasion of sharing one’s happiness. This was a very symbolic day for the Vedic followers as this was the very day maharishi Dayanand passed away peacefully in India. He was a great preacher, social reformer and philosopher who worked tirelessly in removing elements of witchcraft, sorcery and superstition, thus enlightening the society and people. After all, Diwali teaches one to dispel ignorance and accept truth so that our gradual inclination towards light is captured appropriately. The night of Diwali is considered as the darkest night and people light diyas and other fancy lights. Diwali is the time to reflect on these qualities and move on with greater energy and positivity. Only then, we would be able to find consolation in life. On this auspicious occasion, we must also remember the thousands of sons and daughters that the nation has lost and pray sincerely that our
nation prospers even further. We must pray for greater peace and prosperity for all. Parents and guardians must be on alert to ensure this Diwali is incident free. Everyone must take a more conscious approach and supervisions must be the top priority. Negligence can be expensive. May the divine light of Diwali spread into everyone’s life bringing peace, prosperity, contentment, happiness, and good health. Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Diwali! NAVEEN DUTT Wainibokasi
In the mirror
Thank you Jan. I looked in the mirror, and found nothing wrong with my eyes and face. Could you arrange for a brain scan for me? I would like to find out if there is any kanikani in my brain because there is none on my skin. Sukha Singh Labasa
Light in darkness
MAY this Diwali bring joy, good health, and wealth to your families. May this day bring you closer to your loved ones. May this day bring peace and prosperity to all the citizens of Fiji. May this day fill light in someone’s darkness. May this day guide us and lead us together to the path of justice, peace, and harmony. May this day bring a smile to all faces. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
Get well soon
Get well soon Allen Lockington, it has been a while that you have been missing from this column. I thought you had migrated. Get well soon and happy Diwali. Praneel K Sharma Suva
Industries mill
Is there any party which can have the Fiji Forest Industries mill at Malau reopened after you win? Sukha Singh Labasa
Duty of care
It’s heart touching to read in The Fiji Times FT23/10 the bus driver Sushil Kumar saving Anil’s life while on duty. This shows your commitment to duty of care as a public service vehicle driver. There is a lifetime reward for saving someone’s life. May God bless you. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
A lifesaver
A passenger’s life was saved by the fast response of a bus driver (FT 23/10). Sushil, a bus driver of the West bus company, chose to drive to the Nadi hospital despite his bus route. I can only imagine how appreciative Anil Kumar’s families must be, especially now that the Indian festival week is near. Sushil has shown us all that saving lives is possible without wearing a civil uniform. All we need to do is become human beings. A proud Fijian. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa