Letters to the Editor: letters@fijitimes.com.fj
Passport saga
I REFER to the report in your newspaper regarding the stop departure of M P Chaudhry and his wife for Australia.
Although this gentleman is not my favourite person he has his rights.
If what he says is correct then why was he not informed that he could not travel on a diplomatic passport prior to his departure so that he could have obtained an ordinary passport.
I believe stopping him at the point of departure was not the thing to do.
If he was allowed to travel on this passport previously then the sensible thing would have been to tell him that on his return his diplomatic passport would be taken and he would need to apply for an ordinary passport for future travel.
I trust that an appropriate apology is given to him and his wife by the authorities concerned.
DORSAMI NAIDU, Nadi
Sports industry
2015 would be another great sporting year for this nation if all is taken care of from the onset.
The latest inclusions to join top rugby clubs in France are Edward Sawailau and Pio Muarua who are both products of the Deans Trophy competition.
What is yet to be revealed is the increasing flow of our local sportsmen and women who have also secured contracts without being highlighted in the media.
While this speaks much of the raw talents and athleticism of our local players, one still cannot comprehend the strategies that are in place at the Rugby House to harness such local talents.
I am guessing that in a few more years, almost every village in this country will have at least a player or two earning their names in international sporting fraternities.
If the international sporting bodies are recognising our local breed as athleticism, vicious, maestroic and naturally built to shine in sports, then too bad, our local sporting fraternities have been in the dark all this while. Simply put, this nation has got to tackle sports as a competitive industry and not merely a ministry that recognises the development of sports for a nation.
The blue collar and office jobs may have had its share in the market, but the sporting industry will be a force to reckon within our nation’s economic growth if given the attention it deserves.
May 2015 be a great sporting year!
WAISALE RAMOCE, Wainivula, Nasinu
Arrogant or unaware
IT makes me wonder if bus drivers nowadays are unaware or arrogant to the rules and regulations.
It is evident from the actions by bus drivers nowadays that they simply don’t understand.
I believe bus drivers should be taught how to communicate to the passengers. Some drivers even don’t know what are some of the rights of passengers.
Some drivers do not have bus tickets when demanded by passengers. Some drivers play the music so loud in buses it is impossible to continue the journey.
Some drivers even do not stop the bus at the required place when passengers ring the bell.
I recommend LTA to give moral value lessons and to educate the bus drivers on the rules and regulations.
This will ease travelling problems in Fiji.
PRAMESH NAIDU, Nadi
Saving water
THE Water Authority of Fiji is doing an awesome job educating the public at large on water saving.
How about for a change this time around it asks its own employees not to flush their toilets after urination this weekend. Calculate your savings come Monday week and trust me Mr CEO you would be smiling.
Try doing the same for the entire 2015 and the results will be impressive.
So impressive that there will be enough water to cater for entire Cunningham more than twice a year and some still to spare for neighbouring Caubati.
Saving starts from home.
PARMENDRA SHARMA, Brisbane, Australia
Domestic violence
SOME women are silent sufferers of abuse and violence – physical, emotional and psychological – in the hands of brutal men. Children suffer most at the receiving end because of the horror they see and the abuse they hear.
The ongoing campaigns against domestic violence as activated by women groups and the stand taken by the State should change people’s perception to make them realise what it truly is, a crime of the worst kind.
Women should report domestic violence without fear rather than suffering silently.
It is better to live in the light than to suffer in the dark.
TAHIR ALI, Hamilton, NZ
Progress in travel
WHILE checking something else, I found that I have a note about an advertisement in FT for 1939.
It concerned a bus service from Suva to Lautoka. The bus left Suva at 0815 hours and arrived at 1915 hours.
The route was not specified but was possibly Queens Rd because the Navua-Sigatoka stretch had just been opened to traffic.
Whichever route the bus took, travelling to Lautoka has certainly improved!
PETER RODDA, Lami
Brave Basundra
I WOULD like to acknowledge the bravery of Basundra Kumar for speaking out against all that has been happening in the Ministry of Education.
In the past few weeks the public have been entertained with some prominent people coming under the limelight for their alleged conduct and I’m sure there is more to the story than what we are hearing.
While everyone can jump to their own conclusions and play the blame game as to who is right and who is wrong, we should all hope that justice is done.
AVINEEL KUMAR, Martintar, Nadi
Cancer and Ebola
I thought cancer was the only killer, until I learnt of Ebola at FNU.
PARMENDRA SHARMA, Brisbane, Australia
Free education
I READ with one eyebrow raised the article in The Fiji Times on January 8 regarding free textbooks.
One wonders whether the people making such decisions at the ministry are in touch with reality?
With only a week to the start of the school year you have to question just how well thought-out such an obviously last-minute initiative was with schools not even being able to have access to the full set of these materials that will replace the textbooks.
More importantly, how will this affect the quality of education for the children in Fiji?
Then I clicked on today’s story about the Kumar family in Nakasi who were shocked at the increase in price of stationery.
Maybe parents need to start adding up the costs of free education in our beloved Fiji.
PAULINE SING, New Zealand
Acknowledge sources
TWO days in a row a regular contributor has plagiarised someone else’s work (8/1 and 9/1).
Please acknowledge your sources when using someone else’s writing.
No matter how much language evolves, always acknowledge your sources. Otherwise you are unoriginal, lack integrity and a plagiarist.
Now, think about the colourful language the original authors will be using knowing their work has been ripped off!
B. SMITH,, Auckland, New Zealand
Back to school
I WAS really happy to notice waves of parents and children, overcrowding school stationery outlets in Suva, before and straight after New Year. Free education and other assistance schemes have created large reserves in the normal family budget to enable them to fully equip their loved ones for education this year. It’s better to take advantage of these ongoing government policies, and leave disagreements and required changes to politicians. They get paid doing it.
RAIVALITA ULUILAKEBA, Waila, Nausori
Leave him alone
I WISH people would leave Mr Chaudhry alone. He is a senior citizen.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Kava Pl, Lautoka
Free press
ASHNEEL (The Fiji Times 9/1/2014) those French journalists have paid a huge price! They have sacrificed their own lives in the name of the free press and my thoughts are also with their loved ones who are grieving today. But how far should our freedom of speech go? Free press or free speech doesn’t give us the right to slander or denigrate the beliefs and values of other communities.
TRACY WHITE, Melbourne, Australia
Refreshing read
I MUST say that it was very refreshing to read Indar Jit’s letter (FT 09/01/2015) thanking Joana of the Ministry of Health. This column needs more positive letters like this.
While we spend too much time and energy complaining about the shortcomings of others, it is also very important to recognise and appreciate the efforts and efficiency of others. A positive outlook to life makes such a difference.
NITENDRA SINGH, Sydney, Australia
Claiming VAT
CAN we reclaim VAT paid on electricity, water and telephone bills? I understand business people are allowed to claim VAT.
SUKHA SINGH, Labasa
Faulty lights
THANK you to the authorities for having the lights come back at the top half of Knollys St from last Monday, January 5.
KORINA WAIBUTA, Suva
Old chime
I LONG to hear the grand old chime of the grand old clock at Government Buildings. However, the clock has been stuck in one position since the restoration work last year. I can only hope they did not break the clock. Could someone in government please update us as to what has happened to this iconic symbol and why is it no longer keeping time?
DONALD T PICKERING, Samabula, Suva
Fiji FA
IT’S a worldwide phenomena that if you perform in your field of work, then only your job is secure. If you don’t, you get fired.
Players in Fiji fail to get lucrative soccer contracts because of less international caps.
Former soccer greats such as Ravuama Madigi, Ivor Evans, Tagi Vonolagi and many more once brought fame to Fiji soccer but now Fiji soccer is just like the Titanic which has gone down memory lane.
I believe all the blame should go to current district officials and sponsors of Fiji FA for not raising their voices.
Lost hope with Fiji soccer.
MOSES MANI, Auckland, NZ
Balloon effect
THE discovery of large scale marijuana plantations in parts of the Northern Division is worrisome as it is a stark reality of the fact the drug business in Fiji is thriving.
No one can deny that there is a demand out there which is enticing the illegal production.
There is anecdotal evidence that despite raids by police and successful conviction of the growers and peddlers, there is a strong resilience to bounce back which is magnetised by the market demand.
Not too long ago, the highlands in the Western part of the mainland were notorious for the cultivation of marijuana.
This syndrome is commonly known as the “balloon effect” which simply means pushing down production in one place simply pushes it up in another.
It follows therefore that while eradication may temporarily reduce drug crop production in one particular area, it almost always leads to increased production in other areas. Unwittingly the problem is thus transferred elsewhere.
It would be interesting to conduct a market survey to track down the distribution channels and the end users of the product.
Are they disposed domestically or sold to foreigners?
Statistics depict that more and more drug addicts are ending up in the local mental and rehabilitation institutions. Not to mention those who tend to engage in criminal activities and eventually end up in prison.
Are they switching to marijuana as a substitute for cigarettes and tobacco?
One thing is inevitable: as long as there are consumers there will always be a demand for drugs.
SELWA NANDAN, Suva
Police back pay
IN two weeks time, Police officers around the country will be receiving a sort of back pay backdated to 2004.
As a licensed moneylender operating this business with my wife for the past 13 years, I humbly suggest to these officers to think very carefully on how they use their money.
We have witnessed many times when people receive tens of thousands of dollars it all disappears in weeks or months and they come back for loans.
With that kind of money, you can start a small business which your spouse or your children can assist bring extra income for the family. Start small and expend slowly.
I know that for some people, when they have a big amount of money, it is like a mongoose in their pocket trying its best to jump out at any chance.
Hold your pocket tight and tell that mongoose it can stay and sleep there and never come out until you have analysed things carefully.
I wish all these police officers that the hard-earned money they are about to receive will be wisely spent and make 2015 a turning point for the better.
TIMOCI GAUNAVINAKA, Waila, Nausori
Happy with a bodyguard
WHY should a minister be fearful, living in the happiest country in the world but, carrying around a bodyguard.
Does it depict that it may be the happiest country in the world but not the safest for some.
DAN URAI, Lautoka
Great loss
MANASA Vaniqi was bigger than life itself. He was a polite, friendly and a forthright man. He always spoke openly, eloquently, truthfully, with vigour and an open mind. He was a very jovial and approachable, down to earth, humble man.
After my first meeting we became good friends. I met him a number of times, the first when I was advising his National Disaster Management team in Suva, as the manager of the Climate, Special Services and Research Division, Fiji Meteorological Service, during the two back to back dry 2009-2011 season that the nation was experiencing.
He was very well respected and regarded by his staff. He sat quietly through the entire discussion, amongabout 50 stakeholder staff members, and listened intently to all the presentations including that of mine, and at the end my presentation called all the stakeholders present to attention, and in one simple sentence summarised my findings, adding that: “This drought is part of the natural variability within the earth’s climate system”.
I was pleasantly surprised and also elated at his complex meteorological understanding and the quick grasp of the technical nature of the discussions that was taking place.
As I was from the sugarcane growing area of the West, someone asked me to give a brief outline of what I personally thought of the sugar industry and the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
I gave my penny’s worth, and gave a 20-minute informal impromptu debrief of my thoughts.
These were mainly the negatives of the industry which was literally on its knees.
There was pin drop silence and people with open mouths gaping at me; only for me to realise after I had finished, that Manasa was also the PS of Sugar.
To every ones laughter at the end, Manasa came to me, and asked me to sit next to him and confided that he agreed with all that I had said and that he also had some sugar cane interests in Sigatoka. We thus became even closer.
We talked on the phone a number of times and then on at least two occasions I met him personally in his office in the Sugar Building, Lautoka Waterfront, where he was based as the PS Sugar.
Manasa was a simple man with very good work habbits and always busy with some aspect of his official PS work, in between taking phone calls from stakeholders, his church and family commitments.
On this particular day when I dropped in on a late Friday, he was quickly attending to a number of chores in between counting the money in his wallet, as he was on his way to make a major contribution that both he and a small group of individuals were doing to help erect a new church building in the village I gather was in Dreketi, Wailevu in Cakaudrove.
He was also a family man and loved his children and wife. He often discussed his concerns about his daughter who was at the FNU Namaka campus.
Unknown to me at first, she was right in my class where I was the Associate Professor of Meteorology and the Head of the Meteorology Department.
Not many people are available in Fiji who would be able to replicate Manasa and the way he approached the sugar industry.
No one can fill his shoes and the bigger than life personality and the humble father-like qualities that he had.
Previously the industry was rife with stakeholder animosity, distrust, open warfare and politics, strikes, and an inability of stakeholders to talk face to face on many fronts.
Manasa led the way in “uniting” the disparate groups, fostering good attitudes, re-building a trust and respect, and eased tensions, ensuring that work progressed faster and more efficiently.
With his lovely open, easy going style of communication with the Sugar Cane Growers Council, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Tribunal, the farmers, and landowners, including the Minister of Sugar Mr Bainimarama, he definitely was a brilliant co-ordinator and certainly uplifted the profile and visibility of the industry.
We the people of Fiji, take this opportunity to convey our deepest sympathy to his family, on the passing of an icon and a son of Fiji, a true humble and free spirit, who meant good to all in the community and loved his country, as a true patriot, and died working tirelessly, in our nation’s interest.
R.I.P comrade. We will surely miss you!
DR SUSHIL K SHARMA, Lautoka
Price outrage
A WELL-known supermarket in Lautoka is not quite sure of it’s price difference stated on the shelf and that which is printed on the receipts.
My dad just recently purchased some items from this supermarket and the price for Rewa liquid milk which was stated as $3 on the shelf was charged as $3.30 on the receipt.
Upon inquiry, were told that the cash register picks that price automatically and the refund was given. Just wondering how many customers were being ripped off. To the consumer council or commerce commission please feel free to email me on kirtipatel555@hotmail.com should you feel interested to investigate.
While on that please once again remove that so called 99 cents sales. There is no such thing as 99 cents.
KIRTI PATEL, Lautoka
In the shade
HE was a passionate and devoted musician and also a resilient rugby player.
Some nights we would pack his driveway or lucky enough welcomed by his boys Ron and Willie listening to him and his fellow musicians jamming at their yard in Waqadra.
Last I was with Paul and his former rugby mate Wise Vucago sharing some cold brew under the breezy shade having our last laughter together reminiscing their playing days for Nadi rugby.
Thank you for the music and until we meet in the life after next, moce mada Paul Vaurasi!
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Media freedom
CAN anyone please advise me if there is still restriction on media freedom as there seems to be lots of rumours which media fail to publish.
On the same note, can someone also tell me where is our cool, charming, ever green Mr President.
It’s been ages since I have seen him in the media.
MOSES MANI, Auckland NZ
2015 in Fiji
THE year 2015 has begun in Fiji with a big bang.
While we were still recovering from the festive season and quality time spent with our families, the media is screaming propaganda.
One day it is the TV One saga, next it is Reddy versus Basundra, third is the FNPF and Aisake Taito issue slowly brewing on the back burner.
These three issues may be a preview of things to expect in Fiji over the next 11 months.
As things will only gather momentum as we go further into 2015, we all need to remember that life is very short.
Some who were with us just last week are no longer with us now. Some of us made very good resolutions for the New Year, so let’s do our utmost best to uphold those good intentions. I pray that the spirit of Daniel be released into our Parliament to administer justice and solve complex situations that human intellect can’t understand.
KORINA WAIBUTA,, Suva
Police and drugs
IT would interesting to know the process in which drugs are confiscated by the police?
I ask the question because worldwide many policemen have been caught and many are suspected of being drug dealers themselves by selling off portions of seized drugs.
I presume such an act would be quite easy for policemen to do here in Fiji.
Police misdemeanour is rife worldwide and such lucrative returns can be very enticing.
The step by step process by which drugs are handled here will tell us a lot.
SIMON HAZELMAN, Savusavu
Who’s fault
THIS bus I travelled in which services Kuku Village road had to go back and forth more than three times while turning at junctions which were supposed to be done in a single turn.
Furthermore while the bus was in motion, vibration was also experienced and it was because of its differential which is caused by worn bearings and gears.
While I made my way out of the bus, it was confirmed by the driver that the bus was experiencing some mechanical issues beforehand.
So who is at fault here? Is it the bus driver not informing the workshop in regards to the abovementioned mechanical issues, or is it the bus company not seriously taking heed of the driver’s instructions or is it the inspection authority?
I reckon LTA should also set up road inspection checkpoints on rural roads instead of just showcasing themselves on urban areas only.
It would be much appreciated if relevant authorities step in and investigate the abovementioned situation before another bus history is created.
SHAMAL CHAND, Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
Bad start
APPARENTLY 2015 got off to a not-so-promising start as many of us had anticipated.
The Basundra versus Reddy conflict still rages on with the iron lady refusing to back down; the abrupt exit of a former FNU big wig under puzzling circumstances; the sacked Fiji TV executives demanding justice from those accused of wrongfully terminating their contracts; the sewage spill in Suva which is apparently being fixed at a snail’s pace; the unexpected passing away of one of Fiji’s celebrated boxers (RIP Joy); back-to-school shoppers crying foul and protesting sudden price increase of books and stationery; massive drug farms popping up in every corner with marijuana cultivation being at an all time high; hospitals running out of basic medication; and some bloke from Sydney consumed the worst fish dish at a seafood restaurant in Sigatoka.
I pity you mate and just pray that those fish were not caught from the sewer infected coastal waters of Suva.
Anyway, come what may; let’s keep a positive mindset as we progressively journey into 2015.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Streetlight problem
A STREETLIGHT in Mohan Singh Pl was playing up some few weeks ago when we called the authorities to come and have it fixed as sparks were being thrown out.
This could have led to a fire if it was not controlled on time. The authorities did take a while but ended up coming and fixed it temporarily and stopped the sparks.
It’s been weeks now and they still have not come to fix the light permanently. Isn’t it common sense that after temporarily fixing which only stopped the sparks, that it should be fixed permanently so that the people here can have access to proper streetlight.
Please don’t wait for us to keep calling as it does cost us. I hope the authorities look into this matter. Please feel free to contact me on kirtipatel555@hotmail.com. I want this light fixed at any cost as it hinders people walking around.
KIRTI PATEL, Lautoka
Death effects
DEATH! (The only certainty in life) stirs up emotions like no other. Somehow, death overshadows all the deceased’s wrongdoings. Apparently, all is forgotten and forgiven when you “kick the bucket”.
Unfortunately, our mainstream media seems to be running high on similar sentiments.
I encourage journalists to write more informative and factual pieces/articles and not emotion driven nonsense.
I am sure these journalists will be able to identify themselves.
SHAKIL DATT, Nasinu
Quality of fruits
WHY is it that most supermarkets in downtown Suva are selling poor quality imported fruits?
Some of the pears, apples and grapes ought to be removed from the shelves.
One hopes that shop managers include a New Year’s resolution of making available quality fruits.
In the meantime, enjoying the local fruits such as bananas and pawpaws.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Nasinu
Mix and match
I respect Praveen Chand’s belief (FT 8/1) regarding New Year greetings and its modern practices.
However, when we Christians believe in something in regards to scripture, we should always be like the Bereans and test everything against Scripture itself.
Acts 17:11: If a person feels “led by the spirit” to speak, behave or believe a certain way, he should test that spirit.
1 John 4:1: and see whether what that spirit is telling him to do is in agreement or disagreement with Scripture.
On the topic of New Year celebration, this is actually a modern practice by biblical standards and has never been part of God’s calendar.
The New Year’s festivities originated in Babylon around 2000 BC.
It found its way to Greece and finally to Rome. The Romans called it “Saturnalia” in honor of Saturn.
It was an extremely popular time of revelling, drinking bouts, orgies and finally ending in human sacrifice.
Julius Caesar, Emperor of pagan Rome instituted the New Year’s festival on January first.
In 46 BC he transferred to the first of January all of the immoral customs surrounding the Roman Saturnalia.
Whereas, Genesis 1: 14-16, teaches us that God created the sun and the moon for our times and seasons.
God’s calendar days, months and years are totally different from the Roman calendar days that we follow today.
The New Year celebration is nowhere in the God’s appointed calendar.
Furthermore, God makes it absolutely clear that He does not want His people mixing His ways with any false ways.
“What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it” – Deut 12:32.
The onus is now on us whether we wish to mix and match with the ways of the pagan world or faithfully follow God according to His “Word.”
LAWRENCE H NARAYAN, Suva
Enforcing devices
PAT Vuli would like to see more awareness and safety reminders on our roads and fewer enforcing penalty devices (FT 8/1). Was that meant to be sarcastic ?
Mate, without devices such as cameras and speed guns, our roads would be like a NASCAR race track. These devices are the only thing keeping our wannabe rally drivers in line and alive.
You really think that with more awareness and safety reminders drivers will take heed? Yeah right ! You must be joking.
WISE MUAVONO, Lautoka
Apples and pineapples
RAJEND Naidu (FT 8/01) is adept at comparing apples with pineapples to force fictitious and contrived opinions on the readers of this newspaper.
How can one compare the current state of people in Fiji with that of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar only to defend a fantastical and fabricated argument that the people of Fiji are the world’s happiest people only because they suffer from some “condition”?
As Praneet Singh (FT 7/01) illustrates, happiness is scientifically defined as a “state of the mind” and is concomitant with an individual’s emotions and “quality of life”.
By this measure alone, the average Joe would be far happier living as the average Fijian than as a Rohingya Muslim in Myanmar.
For Naidu’s enlightenment the suggestion that Fiji is the world’s happiest country emanates from the annual end-of-year survey conducted by WIN/Gallup International.
Around 1000 individuals – male and female -were interviewed in each country and some 93 per cent of those interviewed in Fiji expressed they were living a happy life when compared to the other nations covered in this survey.
WIN/Gallup International report a margin of error of 2.14 and 4.45 +3-5 epr cent at 95 per cent confidence level.
Myanmar was not included in the survey, unfortunately, but Iraq came across as the world’s most unhappiest country.
Naidu’s own neighbours in the Land Down Under stated that nearly 9 per cent were very happy to be living there, 47 per cent were happy, 29 per cent were neither happy nor unhappy, 12 per cent were unhappy and 3 per cent were very unhappy.
The report is available online if one bothers to look it up before sending correspondences to this newspaper.
Judging by the relentless moaning and groaning your audience is subjected to by him almost daily, Naidu would come across as the most unhappiest individual in the world, by any measure.
MITESH M MUDALIAR, Auckland, NZ
Thank you
I WOULD like to thank the Ruwailevu Taxis for their giving its best services during the festive season.
The past few days I had forgotten my wallet in one of their taxis, so I called the base to check.
The driver had already called the base, and they told me that he is bringing the wallet home.
Vinaka Ruwailevu Taxi for the honest and hardworking drivers and your service.
MAKERETA SEMO, Nadi
Religious terror
THE waves of terror continues. Twelve people die in a shooting in Paris while a town is Nigeria is destroyed with an estimated 2000 people killed, all in the honour of religion.
Stories of such atrocities litter the news every day. There is denial all the time, but it is such an easy thing to do.
Truly, religion is a way of life, but when it revolves around anxieties and uncertainties, then that religion is philosophically and ideologically erred.
SAMU RAILOA, Nadi
Let’s go green
CAN it be that the new generation is the major culprit of the problem in pushing high amount of refuse to landfills every year?
I believe that in a few years’ time, we will need either new landfill areas or incinerators to treat the excessively large amount of refuse.
As we all know, neither landfills nor incinerators are environmentally-friendly but we can encourage “reduce, reuse and recycle” for waste reduction.
The Government has long promoted the 3Rs principle but the effect is not satisfactory, so it is questionable whether further education campaigns should be held to raise public awareness.
Take a look at the supermarkets. With every item bought, it is packed in plastic bags. But we citizens can get into the habit of “BYOB” (bring your own bag) to reduce the use of plastic bags.
Or perhaps Fiji can be made more environmentally-friendly by more legislation though it sounds rather frustrating.
The Government could look into the possibility of a refuse tax, or a cash reward for recycling.
I am quite confident that people will be more keen on recycling if they find it profitable.
What we need is not just education, but a driving force encouraging them to go green. This might not be an elegant way but at least it would be a practical way to make our country a greener place.
Everyone is responsible for establishing a green city which provides us with a healthier and safer environment to enjoy lives.
So I urge everyone, young and old, to go green to live clean.
PAT VULI, Suva
Fuel charges
COULD the Government analyse the recent drop in world fuel prices of below $US50 ($F98) a barrel and explore how Fiji can benefit from this.
This drop in fuel price is the first in six years, has been going on for a while, resulting to countries like New Zealand recently dropping their unleaded fuel price by NZ40 cents ($F0.61) a litre.
Could the Government pass on fuel reduction to consumers, instead of charging at high prices?
Should we review how we purchase fuel? Perhaps change charges on import duty, VAT and sales on fuel coming into our country?
Also why haven’t we explored the option for organic fuel to reduce fuel expenses on importation.
FINAU NAIGULEVU TURAGA, Nadi airport
Drug trafficking
DRUG trafficking has become a major issue in Fiji. The key area of focus for the Fiji Police Force this year 2015 is on drug trafficking.
This is the first week of year 2015.
The police officers have uprooted 861 plants and confiscated two parcels believed to be marijuana at Tunuloa, Cakaudrove in Vanua Levu on 05/01/2015 during their first raid of this year.
The Police Chief of Operation ACP Rusiate Tudravu has warned the general public that if anyone is found involved in peddling drugs the full burnt of the law will come down on them.
Marijuana is a product of hemp plant ( cannibies sativa ) and appears as a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stern, seeds and flowers. All forms of marijuana are mind- alerting, in other words it changes how the brain works.
All forms of marijuana contains THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) the main active chemical.
They also contain more than 400 other chemicals. Marijuanas effects on the user depend on the strength or potency of the THC it contains.
Marijuana is a side effect substance.
People before trying to use or cultivate marijuana should learn more about its side effect neither should marijuana should be cultivated nor used by anyone.
There are other good things that people could plant and cultivate to earn income for their living. Am I right.
INDAR JIT, Navua
Bus QAMS
AS stated by LTA spokesman Iliesa Sokia dated 5/1, that Quality Assurance Maintenance System (QAMS) is progressing well with the first and second phase already completed.
Can the spokesman in detail outline what all (QAMS) phases were completed so far.
I reckon irrespective of first and second phases of QAMS done, defective buses are still operational which includes oil and fuel leaks, slug emission smoke, shaky suspensions, misalignment of body, ie., buses front and rear end are not in centre position, cracked windscreens, moving of bus while the passenger still tries to find a seating space.
Just wondering what all QAMS will be carried out in third phase?
Can the spokesman shade over the shadows regarding this?
SHAMAL CHAND, Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
Where credit is due
A FEW weeks back, I got off at the Western Bus Stand in Suva from a Sunbeam bus minus my iPad. I didn’t realise that the iPad slipped out of my knapsack.
For several days I desperately looked for it to no avail.
When at last I contacted the Sunbeam Bus Company, I was told that the iPad had been safely kept at their Lautoka office, not knowing who the legitimate owner was.
I just want to thank the person involved and the Sunbeam Bus Company as a whole for the honesty displayed in this incident.
May many more people be comforted because of the high standard of honesty in this country.
APOLOSI DAKUA, Pacific Harbour
Village youths
IN response to Semi Kouboutawa of Brisbane (FT 5/1), I would say that our village youths and those who will be lucky enough to be chosen to take part in the seasonal workers scheme will gain more if both sides of the arguments are weighed on the balance.
The National Employment Centre and authorised recruitment agents want to send the best workers, providing training and briefing them not to spoil it for others in their village.
Our seasonal workers scheme is different in that all participants need to have a business goal or plan so that the money earned in the six months or more overseas becomes the capital to kick start their income generating business as planned.
Going to work overseas for the sole purpose of building churches, community halls, etc, is a thing of the past and will not be entertained in this seasonal workers scheme.
As a recruitment agent, I would rather send youths, who have a plan and vision, are disciplined, hardworking and will not spoil it for others.
Youths who have a plan involving the use of their iTaukei land will learn a lot through the seasonal workers scheme and the knowledge gained would help in working smart, in this proposed agricultural venture.
As Semi revealed, it is a fact that Australia and New Zealand unskilled unemployed numbers are probably more than the whole population of Fiji and from experience, because of their government handouts, they do not want to do seasonal work.
Fijians have a good reputation with farmers and now that we are allowed back in, we Fijians want to capitalise on this opportunity, to make farmers demand for Fijian seasonal workers and making it a win-win for all parties involved.
We in Fiji have a country to build ourselves but it will be expedited using outside resources.
SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA, Nasinu
Shameful act
THE latest incidence of the abduction and gang rape of a visiting Japanese student for over a month in India brings the kind of shame on the country that must make Mahatma Gandhi turn in his grave.
The noble soul must wonder if this is the kind of country he wanted for his people when he demanded the British imperialists “quit India”.
This incident is yet another confirmation that the country that Mahatma had fought to regain from British colonial control has become something of a cesspit of corruption and social decay.
This is the more pressing problem confronting modern day India which Prime Minister Narendra Modi must address.
It is a problem exacerbated by its over-rated Bollyhood culture of sexually titillation and celebrity lifestyle.
I believe no amount of economic progress – with which Modi is preoccupied – will take away the stigma of India’s social and cultural decay.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney
Road check
IT seems that each time we have heavy rain there will be a landslide somewhere.
Would the authorities tell us if there is a possibility for people living on hillsides to know or anticipate if a landslide will occur on their land?
Are there telltale signs that people can see without expert eyes?
And furthermore, what about our roads that pass through slopes? Do the authorities know if a landslide will occur thus closing the roads?
Now that we have a good bunch of guys in the Fiji Roads Authority and other stakeholders, how about surveying the roads and marking where potential landslides can occur and put up barricades and prevent a landslide?
Is it possible?
DoBold the relevant authorities have this much expertise?
ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Kava Pl, Lautoka
Paris attack
THE attack in Paris carried out by two brothers is an attack on free speech and freedom everywhere and more important it’s an attack on all humanity
Such unashamed display of extremism has debased a holy religious tradition to which 1.6 billion people belong in countries extending from Africa through the Middle East as far as Bangladesh and Indonesia not to mention diaspora across the rest of the world.
For Fiji the message is that the different faiths that have made Fiji home must learn to stand together and speak together against extremism and violence in the name of religion.
With the full force of our respective religious traditions, moral and spiritual teachings we must condemn violence and teach respect and tolerance not belittling other faiths or no faith.
REVEREND AKUILA YABAKI, Suva
High price
I REFER to the article (FT7/1) Costs hit pockets.
So parents are feeling the pinch now that the cost of stationery has gone up. Why has it gone up?
It shouldn’t be because of the rise in import duty. We have local manufacturers who are being protected by the high import duty. We are supposed to be Fiji Made.
But if Fiji Made is expensive then someone has to explain.
Something is amiss here regarding the high cost of stationery.
I know my friend Premila is already on to this.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Kava Pl, Lautoka
Education Ministry saga
TO the minister who was quoted in this newspaper (FT 7/1/15) regarding the Education Ministry saga.
Please do not tell the people of Fiji what to do and what not to do.
I think we live in a free country where we have the freedom to think for ourselves. We are not all gullible, thank you.
By the way, I made an effort to visit the blog site that has information tagged as a “distraction” by the minister. Personally, I would find the site threatening to my credibility too if I was hiding something.
KELVIN ANTHONY, Suva
Fine art or quick craft
IN the FT of Dec 27, 2014 the women of Vuniwai Village at Saqani, Vanua Levu, raised the point of how difficult it was for them to sell their handicraft products.
On a personal note I have noticed the obvious difference between the craftsmanship of handcraft items in Fiji compared with most other Pacific countries.
One cannot look past the fine handiwork of other Pacific countries while much of the handwork in Fiji is a far cry from fine.
Apart from pottery, Fiji does not seem to have a long history of creativity through handcraft as other Pacific countries do and we are in dire need to improve on our skill or we will never be able to compete with handicraft from the countries from which many of Fiji’s top handcraft products stores buy.
Fiji needs to bring in teachers with finesse to teach fineness and concentrate particularly on areas where women do not have many opportunities to see and learn more because of their isolation and inability to attend meets such as expo’s and workshops.
Speaking of handcraft, I have not seen much from our Fijian of Indian descent community although they originate from a nation of very fine art. It would be interesting to see what would happen if they were to produce.
NOLEEN BILLINGS, Savusavu