Making a strand
I am writing to comment on the article “Stand against violence’ and express my thought on the matter.
I would like to commend the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya for confronting the issue of violence against women and children and striving to make a change while others turn a blind eye.
Violence against women and children is an ongoing problem faced not only by the Pacific region but by the entire world, and it brings me great sorrow that many victims suffer extreme physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, with some tragically losing their lives.
I believe this problem should be emphasised, and we must work together to address it with love and care, as it is a very sensitive topic — after all, “teamwork makes the dream work”.
It is time for us to unite and take a stand against this unacceptable reality, because if we don’t, who will?
Edmund Suemai Apia, Samoa
Governance issue
I am writing to draw attention to what I believe is the critical issue of poor governance in Fiji, which is jeopardising our human rights and overall development.
Despite our rich cultural heritage and potential, I believe the lack of transparency and accountability within our government has resulted in inadequate public services, corruption, and a growing divide between the ruling elite and citizens.
Recent reports highlight the mismanagement of resources that should be benefiting our communities, particularly in health and education.
This governance failure not only stifles economic growth but also undermines the fundamental rights of our people.
It is imperative that we demand better from our leaders, advocating for reforms that prioritise the welfare of all Fijians. Only through collective action can we ensure a brighter future rooted in justice and equality.
Rohit Singh USP, Suva
Gender discrimination
Gender discrimination is an important obstacle to women’s engagement in governance and leadership in Fiji.
Regardless of the development made, numerous women face organisational and cultural discrimination that restricts their depiction in decision-making roles.
This inequality additionally erodes human rights and it also hinders national development, as varied leadership leads to more effective governance.
To tackle this, the Government should implement gender benchmarks and key leadership roles.
Moreover, there should be greater emphasis on teaching communities about equal gender rights.
Gender equality is not only about equity, it’s about developing a prosperous Fiji for all.
Rakshita Prasad Verata, Nausori
Drug challenge
I am writing to convey my thoughts on the increasing participation of children in drug-related crimes associated with methamphetamine which can lead to a range of serious psychological effects as pointed out by Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew in reports. While I understand that addressing the issue of drugs among children requires a multifaceted approach involving prevention, education and community support, I hope this letter will highlight issues and encourage local authorities to respond swiftly. Our society deserves a safe and immaculate environment.
Anasimeci Nimikula Moce St, Davuilevu Housing
Common issue
I sat right behind the bus driver’s seat. Amused and wandering if what I am observing should be classified as an act of kindness or illegal and corrupt.
The energy of the little one hopping into the bus. Only to tap his yellow bus card and be dismayed with that sound from the bus card machine acknowledging insufficient balance for a one way ride.
The desperate look on the little pair of eyes fixed upon the driver.
Without any delay, the little scholar dropped a Saqamoli ($1) before the driver and the little passenger comfortably moves into the bus to find a seat.
The driver does not utter a word but picks the coin and drops it into his little blue coloured container with a smile.
The bus windscreen before me had a notice displayed in bold: “Please report to this number #*#*#*# if you see the driver accepting cash or driving carelessly.”
I respect the bus driver’s stand to be kind and allowing the student to board with cash, however, the principle of honesty, transparency and obedience for him as an employee is challenged.
I once read that “one of the straightforward form of embezzlement involves employees pocketing cash payments from customers without recording the transaction”.
The choice to uphold the law of our land and live corruption free is honouring and defending the noble banner blue.
Siteri Nokelevu Browning St, Raiwaqa, Suva
A rising star!
Kemu Valetini is no stranger to Fijians. His penalty against the Crusaders sealed victory for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in his debut game in Round three of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
That elusive moment, when the Drua beat the Crusaders 25-24 at Churchill Park, went into the annals of our rugby success in Super Rugby.
The winning penalty marked his name as one of the most adored rugby players in the hearts of many Fijians as he became prominent on social media with tags like, ‘A solid No. 10’, ‘A natural first five eight in his own right’, and ‘A rising star’. are some of the many compliments he received on social media by those who have watched him play right from a semi-professional level to donning the Drua jersey. Valetini played for Melbourne Rising before impressing the Drua on a short-term contract.
His story and experiences (FT: 15/10), which were shared by Temalesi Vono and the trusted brand, brought a smile on my face. He had a wonderful message to the kids’ reading his inspirational story, “Listen to your parents. They are the ones who know you better and have and will be supportive.”
Valetini is a rising star, likened to Seremaia Bai. I wish him the best, and I hope to see him shine in the Fijian colours!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
FNPF issue
AS I am mentioned (although not by name) in Dr Wadan Narsey’s latest article on the 2011 FNPF reform, let me respond to some of his assertions.
Firstly, the wording of the famous 9-OP form signed by intending pensioners. Words like these are commonly used to ensure an applicant for an annuity cannot change their mind should they afterwards fall ill and seek a refund. Whether the form may have had a further, unintended, meaning is only a hypothesis.
Secondly, the argument that pensioners were entitled not only to the 2% deduction of wages given up by contributors, but also to the earnings from investment of those sums. This argument is wrong on many counts. Start with the fact that the governing legislation only allowed investment earnings to be credited to member accounts.
Then there is the small matter that most members saw no benefit from that deduction, the subsidised pensions going to the healthier and wealthier retirees — as Dr Narsey is aware. Should not the non-pensioners have at least had the benefit of interest? Then may it have been customary for pensioners to get interest on the balance of the sums allocated to them? Yes, but then it would also have been customary for proper actuarial controls to be in place, including review of adequacy of provision for pensions already on the books. Had that been there, reform of heavily subsidised pensions would have happened decades before 2011. One can’t take the one aspect of good practice that suits your case and ignore all the others.
Thirdly, the argument the FNPF members fund has significant prudential reserves. Yes, it does, but they all belong to the members, ordinary Fijian workers. Dr Narsey and his supporters would be equally as sensible to argue hey, the banks have a whole lot of reserves, they can give the aggrieved pensioners a handout.
Fourthly, respect for the rule of law. Fair enough for Dr Narsey to seek current legislation be altered, but that is not an argument for the FNPF Board to put it aside.
Fifthly, the odd lack of understanding of the need for reform. Establishing separate funds for members and pensioners was essential. Solvency provisions were required, and necessitated sacrifice by both pensioners and members. Note it is only by having actuarially calculated solvency that prospective annuitants can be assured of no retrospective change in annuity rates.
The sacrifice? The better off pensioners suffered a reduction when their future subsidy from non-pensioners was cut off (although 70 per cent were unaffected), while members had to forgo potential credited interest on their funds of the order of 10 per cent of their balances.
Lots more I could respond to, but will stop there. I wonder though – could Dr Narsey and co explain just why all Fijian workers had to subsidise the pensions of the already very well off, and why this should be reinstated? It’s a question I’m still waiting for an answer to.
Geoff Rashbrooke Kaitawa Rd, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Natabua junction
MY humble plea to the authorities concerned, please make a roundabout or put road humps on both sides of the junction to slow down traffic. It is becoming very hard to come out of this junction to go towards Lautoka City.
Also people getting off the bus from Nadi, wanting to go towards FNU find it very hard to cross the road.
I witnessed an elderly woman crossing the road almost getting run over a couple of days back. Please take some action before a serious accident happens.
Thank you.
Ajay Singh Natabua, Lautoka
Beyond politicians
IN Today’s Thought in The Fiji Times 15/10 we have former military general and French President Charles de Gaulle’s quote: “Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.” Politicians don’t always get it right. That’s why the voice of the people, the advocacy by civil society, human rights defenders and the watchdog role of the media are so critically important in politics.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
No bite!
Jan Nissar (FT 15/10) is like a barking dog that never bites. And one which after relentless and useless barking, starts yelping and whining. I believe too much engaging of one’s tongue before the brain is the hallmark of Nissar.
Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua
Nothing to fear
The reassuring message of PM Sitiveni Rabuka “Nothing to fear” (FT14/10) is something we all have been looking for with high hopes. All Fijians should have faith in our government as we get what we were promised. God bless Fiji.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Digital currency
SO very soon we will be using digital currencies and cash will be a thing of the past.
What’s next?
Pita Soroaqali
Rakiraki
What say you?
The Prime Minister says that we all should look up the Constitution to find out who can remove the Speaker. Can the PM tell us if he condones what was said by the Speaker to Aliki Bia?
Or is this another ploy by him to dodge the real issue.
Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Diwali issue
I totally agree with Allan Loosley that Diwali fireworks period should be proscribed (FT 15/10) because it causes distress to people in urban areas and dogs and cats everywhere.
Ideally it should be banned altogether as Sarita Lal (FT 15/10) advocates.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
No blackboards
New classrooms without blackboard (FT 18/09). Looks like blackboards and chalk will phase out as we move ahead with new technologies and new approaches in the teaching and learning environment. It’s time to go for the latest technology in this modern world. Change with challenges.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
