Conversation with our PM!
The third column of Cheerieann Wilson’s conversation with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was a mere reflection of writers’ concerns. Our PM is taking a direct approach to communication through The Fiji Times’ Your Fiji, Your Voice daily column to stay in touch with his people’s concerns, and I thank him for continuously finding time to make a timely response. I’m pleased that as writers, our concerns are being read and taken note of. PM took time to respond to honourable Lynda Tabuya’s issue, the upgrade of airports in the North, rising cases of government vehicles getting involved in accidents, priority given to GCC, and a few other prominent issues on Fiji’s healthcare and education systems raised by my fellow writers. PM has been in action, meeting with top-profile leaders overseas, but taking time to respond to our queries and this shows that he is the people’s PM. He provided an insight into his government’s approach to national issues as he prepared for the Munich Security Conference in Germany. He also reflected on his political journey of reconciliation, leadership and challenges. Vinaka vakalevu our PM for listening to our concerns. Thank you, deputy chief of staff, Cheerieann Wilson, and The Fiji Times, for sharing our PM’s conversation (pages 34-35) with the readers! This is the way forward- dialogue, talanoa and collaboration! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Begging issue
With Fiji and Fijians relying on charity from Australia and China, not to mention all the remittances from the diaspora living overseas, Fiji is well and truly a beggar nation. We have a Prime Minister who proudly goes overseas to beg, we have deputy prime ministers and ministers who cannot wipe the grin off their faces for photo opportunities when they receive a donation or charity from overseas. We are now begging Israel to supply patrol boats for the fight against drugs when we already have these boats from Australia. Maybe the Government requires these boats to transport village goods. We even have a rugby side who cannot help themselves but to beg God for divine intervention at the start of each match. While this is clear to observers overseas, the Fijian rugby players and the Fijian rugby fans are totally oblivious. We are teaching our “churen” to be beggars and proudly so. Jan Nissar, Sydney, Australia
At the ATM
Occasionally, we have an individual at the ATM who not only increases the waiting line but becomes a source for amusement. This is similar to someone who comes to the community shop with a $50 note and continues the shopping spree from the change received (five to six times) until all is spent. Last Saturday afternoon in Lautoka, a guy at the ATM had four cards. He tried to withdraw using two cards from his shirt pocket but they both did not have enough balance. The result was the same in regards to the one he had in his pants pocket. To the disbelief of everyone present, he had one in his socks which luckily had a balance. Two quick withdrawals of $10 and off he went. God knows, if the card from the sock did not have enough balance for a withdrawal, where else he would have pulled out an ATM card. I can only imagine. Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Bus station
THE current rehab works at the Suva Bus Station, looks more permanent and seemingly more holistic, then the temporary piecemeal fixes – of gravelling the potholes – that we usually see. It’s good that they are going below the surface this time, to resolve the regular issues that we see on the surface (potholes, flooding etc). Like most things in life, the permanent resolution of issues are achievable, when you delve below the surface and dig deep in a methodical and careful way. We can then identify and then resolve the real and hidden problem(s), that have been hidden, unseen and slowly festering away unattended to. Such works are really akin to the upcoming process towards truth and reconciliation, that the TRC will soon embark on. Hopefully, they will also carefully and methodically dig out the hidden truth, through its own processes, with a view to reconciliation and bringing closure to both the aggrieved and the perpetrators, on issues that had been festering and lingering below the surface for a long time. Let’s wish both the FRA and the TRC all the best, in their seemingly related endeavours! Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle Pacific Harbour
Thank you
“Trump’s tariffs” – this is the headline of an opinion piece penned by Dinesh Prasad FT 15/2. The article is both insightful and informative. Profession wise, Prasad is a school teacher. We also learn that he is a regular contributor to this newspaper. Thank you Masterji. Then we have another regular contributor in Dinesh Kumar who I believe is also a school teacher by profession. Both Dinesh are commended for their valuable contributions. God bless you. Suresh Chand, Nadi
