A timely message!
Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua delivered a timely message at the Holi Milan in Suva on Sunday. He stated that a country’s real strength did not lie in its weapons and uniforms, but in how a nation treated its people. Thank you Honourable Tikoduadua for appreciating the contributions made by Fijians of Indian descent. Indeed Sir, from Girmit to greatness, our community, which I’m always proud of, has weathered the hardest of storms, especially the 1987 and 2000 upheavals. Thank you Honourable Tikoduadua for these lines, “And I want to say to every Fijian of Indian descent, thank you. You have brought not only colour into Fiji but also discipline, enterprise, music, poetry and spiritual depth. You have given Fiji part of its soul”, and the lessons from Holi — embrace each other and appreciate love! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu.
Just a suggestion
Kirti Patel is trying to curry some favour from her favourite prime minister. To be more effective, I suggest to Kirti that she should make a video and then present a matanigasau to the PM. Furthermore, she should change parties to PAP as that party needs more people like her. Her current party has not done much for her as we all know. You never know, you may score a diplomatic posting if you do as I suggest. Jan Nissar, Saigon, Vietnam
Positive attitude
In my way, may I cushion the pain a bit. The first local soccer tournament is not too far away. To make matters more interesting and exciting, I suggest the inclusion of a concert. One which includes those entertaining dancers. And the crowd will certainly go wild. It has been well over 20 years since I last watched a local soccer match. I wonder if I have missed anything. Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Climate financing
Mr Prasad, DPM, said that mobilising climate financing is the next step for the region. All these COPs keep on appearing since Bainimarama’s administration. What has happened from all these COPs until now? Again and again, they have identified affected areas and still continue to do so. Where have all the respective “international financial aids” been used? The Green Climate Finance, EU, US, NZ, AUS and Japan, to mention a few. Millions of dollars were provided and all that has been seen were “bits” of minor projects here and there. Foreign aid’s purpose must be to create the conditions, where it is no longer needed. Is it wisely administered? Samu Silatolu, Nakasi
Kalavata issue
The Tuesday 25/3 Fiji Times Page 2 carried an article by Nacanieli Tuilevuka on the Prime Minister’s repeated calls to his Cabinet ministers for ‘Enough of kalavata and that there is a ‘Need for responsible spending’. However, despite these repeated calls from the PM, the extravagant purchases of kalavata (matching outfits) by civil servants and ministerial entourage to any official function, is definitely becoming an official government ‘culture’ if it is not stopped soon. This is taxpayers’ money going directly to ‘smart civil servants’ who entice their ministers for personal benefits to such public limelights and public gratification that are just impossible to put an end to. Even the garlands salusalu are getting too broader than the normal “just around the neck area” with many nowadays overhanging past the shoulder blades — the reason being the longer the garland the more expensive it will be; but overall, garlands are culturally all right but not the kalavata. I am writing this on behalf of the silent Fiji public taxpayers who have expressed their concern on this kalavata issue and I thank the PM, Sitiveni Rabuka, for his consistent plea to his Cabinet ministers but since it is still ongoing; perhaps a more stringent action similar to my tauvu Tabuya’s red card would immediately cease everything. Sa rauta mada – Vinaka PM. Meli Bogileka, Natabua, Lautoka
TV guide
During week days, whenever there is a Bollywood movie or Hindu religious movie on FBC TV, they are delayed by 15 minutes and up to one and half hours. Time given is accurate in the TV Guide of The Fiji Times and on FBC TV channel for the programs, however, other programs are prioritised. As viewers, our time is scheduled for our favourite programs, however, timing from FBC does disappoint us. Sarita Lal, Malolo St, Lautoka
