HIV/AIDS fight
Full marks to Reverend James Bhagwan (FT 01/08). He has raised a valid point in the effort to create greater awareness on this serious matter. With greater engagement of the young ones through various facets of life, HIV/AIDS is becoming a concern. Before it gets too late and we start losing our loved ones due to our neglect, we need to strategise our effectiveness as adults and social/religious leaders. Traditional leaders with religious leaders are highly influential in their societies with some crossing over to other groups as well. It is time to discuss such burning issues to safeguard the very people to whom they preach. Healthy living and healthy engagements in our daily life are essential for a better life ahead. I may add that our own people are killing our own on our roads through nonsensical driving habits. These leaders will be more effective in influencing their community rather than politicians. Let’s keep on praying within our religious guidelines but shift our focus on burning issues that are killing our people. As leaders and adults, we have this responsibility to empower our community with emerging issues. Becoming learned is one aspect but becoming wise is another. Probably it is time to engage our spiritual and other community leaders with involvement of youths to penetrate into our communities to promote the basics to a healthy life with intelligent decision making. Thank you, reverend, for your concerns. God bless our wise men to make a new way forward. Dhirendra Prasad Lautoka
Mobile phones in schools
I wish to politely respond to the letter with this same title by Vineel Nand of Perth, Australia. The Ministry of Education in Fiji already has a policy in place in regards to the possession and use of electronic gadgets (including smartphones) by teachers and students. This policy has been in effect even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and is enforced by the various heads of school at their own individual school levels. The possession and use of electronic gadgets is efficiently monitored by the heads of schools. As far as the issue of social media is concerned, the policy is very clear about the disciplinary measures that could be taken against those proven guilty. I hope that this clears the doubt present in Mr Nand’s mind. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Value added tax increase!
With the rise in value added tax from nine to 15 per cent, Fijians must exercise caution and start saving. Personal financial management is a must. Leisure spending must be reduced. Backyard gardening should be enhanced, and people must identify ways of earning more money. Those, who indulge in drinking kava and alcohol and smoking cigarettes, must reduce their consumption. The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission must come hard on businesses which are found charging VAT on zero-VAT rated items. Times will be hard, but everyone’s efforts will take us through the challenges. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Wage rate
Can we have a wages commission to work and set up minimum wage rates, introduce casual and full time, permanent, part time minimum wage rates? Also don’t forget to include weekend and over time rates, this is similar pattern used in Australia and New Zealand. Also student rate to be included to encourage students to enter working life and to be independent. As people will really feel the pinch as the increase in prices, let’s see what’s the scenario after six months, where are we heading. Fingers crossed, we need to move forward. Businesses need to take advantage and be competitive and relook at some of the prices. I hope Ministry of Employment will start working on the foundation to get the minimum wage rate rolled in a year’s time. Vineel Nand Perth, Australia
First day
The first day of August this year has to be an eventful one like any first day of April every year. A day of utter confusion and contrasting thoughts. Some things experienced a rise in price while some, a fall. In all this rise and fall, a shopkeeper and customer nearly had a left and right. Customer: Stated what he wanted. Shopkeeper: Sprite? Customer: You also sell alcohol? Shopkeeper: No. Why are you asking? Customer: Then why did you mention spirit? Shopkeeper: I didn’t. It’s the new lemon-lime flavour. Customer: When did other meat start coming in flavours? I thought it was only for sausages. Shopkeeper: You want lemonade, alcohol or sausages? Customer: All I asked for was lamb neck. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Strong message
Empower Pacific counsellor Aarti Akaansha has a strong message that children are also affected with mental health issues. (FT 31/7 – A child’s dilemma). It’s a relief to be aware that UNICEF is addressing this most neglected issue. The MOE teacher counselling program in high schools seems to be quite effective with support from NGOs and the teachers unions. They are taken with psychological approaches by well qualified teachers. I believe there should be a similar program in primary schools whereby teachers will be in a position to handle those children appropriately. This will be a way forward to further the children’s education for their future wellbeing. Mental disorders in children are serious changes in the way they behave, learn or handle their emotions. They should be addressed as early as possible. Every child is born a genius. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Niger coup
THE African Union has given Niger military coup rebels a 15 day ultimatum to restore civilian rule (Euro News 30/7). Is that a world first? Coups have been happening left right and centre for ages around the world but this is the first time I have heard of an ultimatum being given to return the country to democratic rule. Looks like the African Union has got tired and fed up of coups in African countries and decided to say enough is enough. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Together we can
Fifteen per cent VAT increase came into force yesterday and there were mixed reactions. That was expected and understandable. No one really wants to pay more. However, the nation must be mindful of the extravagant spending of the FijiFirst government and the $10 billion debt which must be paid by this Government. Professor Biman Prasad (Finance Minister) and his fiscal team must be commended for the great effort they have made to balance the budget and save the nation from bankruptcy. It is a reality which has been staring at us in the face and there was simply no escape! Many people have expressed their views but Savenaca Narube (former Reserve Bank governor) has made some very practical and achievable suggestions to cushion the effect of the VAT increase. He has urged Fijians to practise PFM (personal financial management) and use it as a budgeting tool which will provide savings and heaps of opportunities. It will certainly impact our lifestyles and decision making. A culture of budgeting and forward thinking will emerge. During the COVID-19 pandemic we were faced with starvation staring us in the face. The government urged us to become self-reliant by utilising whatever space we had around our homes to do backyard gardening. It produced wonders and people realised that yes we can do it and be self sustainable. Our volcanic soils are far more productive than we ever imagined. Twenty one daily used items have been zero rated. This will certainly act as a great shock absorber. If people stopped wasteful consumption such as grog, cigarette and alcohol consumption there can be heaps of savings. Eating less and avoiding food wastage in homes can make families sustainable and happy. Yes, together we can tackle the VAT increase impact and lead the nation towards economic recovery. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Plight of our women
After reading some old copies of The Fiji Times which I love to do now, I’m sad to read or hear many untold stories of women such as Mereani Nokonoko of Delailasakau Village, Naitasiri on your Sunday Times (25/07/21 (Page 4). According to Mrs Nokonoko, she leaves her village at 3.30 early in the morning to be at the Sawani border by 6am to sell her produce and buy groceries for her family. She faced a lot of daily challenges trying to sell her produce given the mode of doing business then at the Sawani border because of COVID-19 restrictions. This type of struggle continues for many of our rural women. Why can’t men come and sell at the market while women stay home and do other chores? This is a most common sight in iTaukei communities. Women suffered the most in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. So stop mistreating and abusing women in your homes or communities men. Jioji M Cakacaka Carreras, Votualevu, Nadi
Proposed water rate
The proposed residential water rates based on three levels of consumption are not fair to large and extended families living in a household. Large families will be penalised instead of being helped. In addition, some households are large because they are helping children from villages and rural areas to get a better education; instead of getting help, they will also be penalised. With increased VAT, high prices and inflation, the water rate increases will create a heavy burden on consumers. Water availability is a human right that should be available at a reasonable cost. Christopher Jackson Mar Qanville Estate, Nasoso, Nadi
Stray dogs
The stray dogs around Waiyavi are getting disciplined, I think. They are now making use of the many potholes on our roads. Maybe they think they are pit toilets? Edward Kumar Lautoka
Fresh VAT
Yesterday morning while getting ready for work and doing my daily breathing exercise, I could sense the smell of fresh VAT in the air. Raise your hands if you also sensed it. Shamal Chand Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
Clear message
Clear message to all the drug dealers indeed by the High Court in Lautoka. Albeit a wee less from what the prosecutors wanted. Manoj Lal Patel Drasa Ave, Lautoka
‘Just too good’
I visited Valelevu Health Centre twice and in both cases, their services were just too good. From the nurse to the doctor, to the lab then to the pharmacy, they were all above and beyond my expectations. Kudos to all the nurses and the doctors at the Valelevu Health Centre for your excellent services to all patients. Keep in mind that ‘Service to mankind is service to God’. It’s this that matters not the facilities. Totoka! Joeli Naleca Nakasi
Train service
How about solving the traffic issue by introducing trains on the Nausori-Suva corridor and between Nadi and Lautoka? It will solve many traffic issues and it’s a long term solution. It might take 20 years to get the train service introduced but it’s not too late. By another 20 years you will see the big cities also increase infrastructure and population. Also the Nadi to Suva highway should not be shelved. It’s a great idea. Let’s work in unity as we want to see a brighter Fiji. Vineel Nand Perth, Australia
Bus issue
Now that we are paying the full amount of bus fare, we the public demand better service. LTA must look into the pathetic service and deplorable conditions of some buses. Too often have passengers been left stranded because of bus breakdowns, not enough buses to support the crowded bus stands, and buses that refuse to service routes leaving the public with no choice but to walk long distances; burdening the weak and senior citizens. Our children are often late to school and late back home. Can the Minister of Transport look into this for the safety of all Fijians, especially our children? Edward Kumar Lautoka
