Lenora’s Hibiscus Festival story
Thanks to The Fiji Times team for this picture and story on Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua.
It does bring lots of memories.
Remembering her as a person with lots of qualities and humble personality while working together at Fiji TV.
Keep up with great work.
Jagdish Pratap Chand Tokoroa, New Zealand
Do we need a military force?
When I came to Fiji 60 odd years ago, the Fiji military was something to be proud of.
Our two boys grew up enjoying those special occasions when the military would be marching smartly on Albert Park in their white and red.
The guns would be ready for the salute and we were surprised when our youngest, still a babe in arms, counted three correctly. He was the Maths genius of our family!
Having grown up in the UK during the Second World War the military was our saviour, but we rarely actually saw them. My father was a conscientious objector and was excused military service. We didn’t discuss the army at all.
So I was surprised by my reaction to Fiji’s military displays.
How things have changed over the years! There has been no threat of war and yet the army has been maintained and strengthened.
We were concerned when the offer was first made to join the United Nations in the Middle East, and questioned Fiji’s role in this.
The question has now been raised by Dan Fatiaki: Do we need a military force?
They seem to have done more damage to our own people than any lasting good to the people of the Middle East.
There is no threat of war in our Pacific region, for which we should be very thankful.
So in considering constitutional change it is essential that we carefully consider the need for, and the role, the size and purpose of an army.
Tessa Mackenzie Suva
DIY constitution
Daniel Fatiaki (FT 20/-8) quite correctly identifies the Fiji Military Forces (FMF) as the common factor in all of Fiji’s coups and as he said, each coup maker acknowledged their illegal actions by granting themselves immunity in their self proclaimed constitutions.
The actions of the army in committing treason against Fiji were contrary to the culture of Fijian respect and loyalty to their leaders. Two sections of the Constitution might be applicable to that. Section 131: (2) refers to the responsibility of the FMF for the security, defence and well-being of all Fijians.
This clause has been used to excuse the use of RFMF against the public who have been protesting against the actions of government.
Section 81:(3) refers to the President as being only the “ceremonial” Commander-in Chief of the RFMF. A change in wording to make the President the actual C-I-C of the RFMF might strengthen the bonds of loyalty in the RFMF.
Terry Hulme Russell St., Eastwood, NSW, Australia
Another Hawaii?
In my view, rather belatedly, Fiji, minus our infamous coups, could have been another Hawaii — in the South Pacific… peace, tranquility and thriving… no major brain drains.
Thousands suffered enormous economic hardship as a direct result of these man-made catastrophies.
I clearly recall pre-1970, there was greater respect for law, order and property under our then Colonial “masters”.
No offence.
We needed a permit to buy liquor then. I think it was “a dozen and one” per week.
Government homes and buildings were clean, neat, tidy and admirable.
The then CSR and FEA homes across the country, Nadi Airport homes for expats and locals were well kept.
Places one loved to visit. Many Nadi Airport homes, in Old Town and Newtown are today sad sites.
They have lost their pride, prestige and glamour… truly run down, rather forlonly.
No matter how rural, the homes for the CSR Overseer and FEA executives, were almost ‘immaculate’ in sprawling grounds. House-maids’ quarters were featured.
Nadi International Airport boasted the Airport Club — open 24/7 and a back-bar for “heavy-lift workers’ plus its pleasant caferia.
A well maintained swimming pool. There was a well stocked co-op shop next door.
A government medical doctor accompanied by a nurse was on-hand for every inbound and outbound international flight within the confines of the terminal building.
Today, some 60 years later, most of the above have fallen into states of disrepair — rather sadly.
Namaka Police Station has outlived itself many years ago.
It cannot cope with the huge growth in population.
Our police station will effectively pass for a “museum master-piece” of sorts.
This is one piece of Fiji’s better history we have almost totally lost.
What a difference two generations have made.
Isa, noda Viti.
The above are my own observations and I share them for the benefit of our better younger generations — the law-abiding youths of today — our future leaders. I pray you do your parents, community, churches and Fiji proud.
Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Ratu Sukuna Park
The $7m upgraded Ratu Sukuna Park was opened to the public on Monday. Children and adults enjoyed the opening of the refurbished park in the heart of Suva.
The cost of upgrading the park had exceeded the initial budget of $6m because of additional features.
I’m glad that the project has been designed in such a way that it is inclusive and would provide an ideal destination and space for families, friends and loved ones to enjoy.
It would offer significant value and enjoyment to those visiting the Capital City. I can imagine the sight during the festive season.
I agree with honourable Manoa Kamikamica (FT: 20/08) that the completion of the park is a symbol of national progress and urban renewal.
Hats off to the team at the Suva City Council for this initiative. The public must look after the facilities and amenities.
On the other hand, I’m worried about the impact drunkards and druggists could have on the refurbished park.
We need to unite and work together to protect the refurbished Ratu Sukuna Park. Fellow Fijians, we can do it!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Coups and constitution
I write in support of Daniel Fatiaki’s letter (FT 20/08) which points to his own children who have grown up in Fiji during the periods of the four coups and three constitutions with electoral arrangements that did not contribute to power sharing and national unity.
The same can be said of all Fijians born between 1987 and 2013, that they really did not experience any significant period of democratic government. He also raises legitimate questions regarding the military support for the coup makers, and the immunity clauses to protect the coup makers and the military for their unlawful overthrow of democratically elected governments, and violations of human rights. He correctly highlights that the common denominator in the illegal overthrow of governments was the Fiji military, and that if soldiers did not support the coup makers, likely there would have been no coup.
This raises the question of whether Fiji needs a military.
While accepting that there were no mass protests to the coups and the post-coup military dictatorships, it is nevertheless important to point out that there were protests both in Fiji and abroad against the overthrow of elected governments and the suppression of human rights and media freedom. Following the 1987 military coups the Fiji Labour Party and National Federation Party engaged in protests and appealed to the British government (the Queen was represented by the Governor General), Australian and New Zealand governments as well as the government of India and the Commonwealth. They were detained and otherwise harassed.
Amelia Rokotuivuna led a protest march from Veiuto along the Queen Elizabeth Dr and she and others were detained by the military and the police. Trade unionists and academics as well as trade unionists, and some prominent Indo-Fijian professionals were also arrested.
Scores of ordinary citizens gathered at Albert Park and at Sukuna Park for peaceful prayers but were either dispersed by the military and the police or were attacked by coup supporters. Several villages in the West including Malevu Village along the Coral Coast unfurled banners supporting the Bavadra government.
The “Back to Early May Movement” petition to the Governor General organised by public spirited leaders including members of the clergy within a short span of time gathered more than hundred thousand signatures even though, I believe, counter measures were instituted to suppress any overt opposition to the coup makers and the beneficiaries of the coup.
Following each one of the coups, protest leaders and protestors were hounded, detained and subjected to verbal abuse, beatings and torture by the security forces.
I support the review of the 2013 Constitution in the light of the 2012 “peoples” Constitution’ proposed by the Ghai Constitutional Commission.
Vijay Naidu Suva
Root of coups
In his illuminating letter “Root of coups” (FT20/8) Daniel Fatiaki says he can’t help asking “would there have been any coups if we didn’t have a military force?
Do we even need one?” I believe the answer is a resounding no.
Costa Rica has managed very well without a standing army since 1949 as its constitution has forbidden a standing army.
It is one of the most progressive countries in the world.
Knowing the role the Fiji military has played in all our coups, why are our democratic international partners providing such huge support to the Fiji military?
That’s to sustain their own self-interest and agenda because it clearly is of no interest to the people of Fiji as Daniel Fatiaki has alluded in his letter.
Rajend Naidu Calgary, Canada
Sugar mill
Why does the Labasa sugar mill use pine chips for its boilers when they have tonnes of baggase. If the excuse is the baggase is wet, just dry it!
Sukha Singh Labasa
SVC road
On Friday, August 16, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad travelled to Swami Vivekananda College for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations during the day. Before the minister’s arrival, FRA filled all the potholes with medium sized crushed metal. Now they all have scattered to the side of the road and the potholes are exposed. I am certain that the Finance Minister would have asked why crushed metal was used instead of bitumen.
Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Integrity
It was good for Mr Usamate to state the importance of good governance for the integrity of institutions. Now that he is outside the Coalition Government administration, as an independent opposition MP, he begins to notice the difference. Ten (10) years prior, I do not ever think that he would have realised as such or he would just not have cared less, through his ignorance. To highlight a classic example, a former FSC CEO employed his brother from South Africa without any job advertisement for $80,000/year and reimbursed his airfare. How’s that for FFP’s good governance? This is just the tip of the iceberg. Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty, truth and compassion against injustice, lying and greed. History, in general, only informs us of what bad governance is.
Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Any update?
Since an “official complaint” was lodged almost a month ago, can the Ministry of Health enlighten the public on the progress of investigations relating to the untimely death of late Harshika Devi? Where do we stand?
Nishant Singh Lautoka
School life
I watched in awe Koro Secondary School’s passing out parade during the week. The uniforms and perfection plus the march was overwhelming. Top class to the girls and boys on the day replicating Queen Victoria School on standards and discipline. You go young girls and boys.
Jioji O Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Blessing, curse?
The world at your fingertips. The digital revolution has changed, and continues to change our world and our lives.
At any time, we can access almost unlimited amounts of information on our electronic gadgets.
More information at our fingertips can mean more knowledge and understanding.
Sadly, some people would rather just watch porn and share sexual explicit images.
Sobo!
Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
