Tribute to Chand
Farewell for now
I offer my condolences to the family of Parmesh Chand on his recent passing. The relationship I had with him was based largely on our professional association. We were in regular contact particularly when he was Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, and I was contracted to work with the Prime Minister’s Office as a speech writer and public affairs consultant. Parmesh and I exchanged thoughts and ideas on many issues. He was easy to talk to, well informed, a good thinker with an agile mind. He gave me invaluable and willing support on certain national speech drafts for the PM requiring input on civil service matters and policy. His dedication to, and enthusiasm for the task of reforming the service was total. Our paths crossed again after I had stepped down from my transitional role in the PM’s Office. I became part of a group of pensioners dedicated to seeking justice from an indefensible and illegal decision in 2012 by the Fiji National Provide Fund. The Fund broke our life pension contracts. It forced us to accept unlawful and often severe cuts to our monthly payments. Parmesh was chair of the Fund from 2009 to May 2010. He did not hesitate when he was asked if he would come out publicly in full support of us. He had the grace and courage to express remorse, and to apologise for what was done. He is the only FNPF senior executive so far to publicly acknowledge the wrong committed, and the need for it to be rectified by the Fund. That was the measure of the man. Parmesh, I remember well our last conversation about a week ago. Farewell for now my friend. MATT WILSON Votualevu, Nadi
Chand sets a benchmark!
The death of former Permanent Secretary and Ambassador designate to Japan, Parmesh Chand, who set high standards and a benchmark for every civil servant, shocked many. Mr Chand, who held senior positions in the Civil Service over the past two decades, serving in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Civil Service, had a distinguished, industrious and colourful career, and he was widely respected for his commitment to good governance and public sector reform I read the tribute by the Fiji Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Luke Rokovada, and I was touched. Rokovada described Chand as a pillar of strength and a thoughtful leader who offered support when called upon. He acknowledged Chand’s role in leading key initiatives such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Higher Salaries Commission, and Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service. Rokovada also praised Chand’s leadership and principled approach which would remain a source of guidance. Chand contributed immensely to public service and his work ethics highlighted his commitment as a civil servant. The legacy that Chand set will continue to inspire the young generation. To Renu Chand and his three children, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
More glory
While the people of Fiji suffer the cost-of-living crisis and struggle to put food on the table and pay their bills, the top brass continue to give each other medals unnecessarily. There is nothing better than an excuse to bask in more glory once in a while for no reason. But one thing remains unchanged, the people of Fiji are truly blessed. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Public audience
It is good to know from Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam that “great minds connected with Fiji’s media industry” was behind the town hall style meeting between the government and the people in Savusavu (FT 26/7). I thought it was the product of media minds bent a certain way. Be that as it may it would be interesting to see what comes out of the “talanoa session”. What struck me is that many of the problems the people raised were there when I worked in Savusavu in the first half of the 1980s. It seems apart from big talk little change happens in certain places in Fiji. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
War atrocities
Rajend Naidu’s blinkered view also reminds me of the saying, “there are none so blind as those that will not see”. I believe Rajend Naidu had no comments for Pahalgham incident when fathers were shot dead in the presence of wives and children by terrorists trained in Pakistan. Rajend’s selective comments are spurious in nature. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Bank of Dave
Our PM and Government have vouched to fight poverty and lift up our living standards above the poverty line. With all due respect, I humbly request our leaders and all Fijians to watch and be inspired by the movie: Bank of Dave Part 1 and 2, showing on Netflix. Our hearts and minds will be touched and moved by Dave’s character who loves to help others get out of poverty and loan sharks who are making the poor get poorer. With all our current plans to eradicate poverty in Fiji, the message and insights we can learn from Dave will truly help us in our fight against poverty. God bless Fiji. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
Delusion, truth and state funeral
Emotions and state funerals
George Fiji Veikoso’s songs are an integral part of most of my BBQs. The next one will have more of his songs. The PM is absolutely correct in dismissing calls for a state funeral for George. That doesn’t dampen the spirit of celebrating George’s life and achievement. He continues to live on in playlists and everywhere else in the world. Emotions and protocols can’t be mixed. Donald Singh Suva
The truth!
One by one, high-profile figures are being arrested and brought before the courts to answer serious allegations. As this trend continues, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Fiji may be heading into a period of significant political and social upheaval. The number of people likely to face charges in the coming weeks and months could create a highly charged and unstable environment, raising questions about the integrity and resilience of the very systems meant to uphold justice and governance. What’s particularly troubling is the calibre of individuals now under the spotlight and under investigation. Many were once viewed as pillars of democracy, custodians of law, order and national integrity. That these individuals now being called to account suggests not only a reckoning with past misconduct, but also a moment of national introspection. So where to from here? How does Fiji begin to restore public trust in its institutions? What happens to the rule of law when those who swore to protect it stand accused of undermining it? These are the questions echoing across the country and being spoken about in villages, towns, boardrooms and homes. Fiji stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape not only our future, but the legacy we leave behind. Let accountability be swift but fair. Let justice be blind, but never deaf to truth. Colin Deoki Australia
Ready to resume?
Pryde ‘ready to resume’ (FT 25/7). So what or who is holding him back? And why when he is the substantive DPP and picking up pay for his position? Why is the Fijian public being shortchanged? If this is not a case of institutional failure — a breakdown of the state apparatus — what is? I believe all thinking Fijians would be interested to know. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Write your own history!
The author of The Fiji Times at 150: Imagining the Fijian Nation, Dr Anurag Subramani, delivered a timely message to the students at Suva Grammar School, while handing over a copy of his book. His message was to the point, “If we do not write our own history, others will do it for us, and they will be full of inaccuracies.” Thank you, Dr Subramani, for the thought-provoking and challenging message that will inspire the young generation. I remember listening to Dr Subramani’s speech at The Fiji Times’ 150th birthday celebration at the Grand Pacific Hotel. Dr Subramani spoke with passion and pride and shared how proud he was to be given the opportunity to be part of Fiji’s oldest newspaper’s history writing. He shared that the history was not only about politicians or major events, but one that focused on the everyday stories of people. The book is well-directed, and Dr Subramani has put pieces and important national and global events. I admire his writing and the fact that he shared the stories of individuals who worked for The Fiji Times, behind the scenes, in the engine room — the likes of Richard Lobendahn, Peter Wendt, Robert Keith Reid, Seona Smiles and Stan Ritova. The Fiji Times has withstood the test of time. With a humble beginning in Levuka, The Fiji Times has grown into an internationally recognised brand. Every library in Fiji should have a copy of this book, as it is easy and accessible to read. To Dr Subramani — you have written an amazing and beautiful book — one that reminds us of the role that it plays in the lives of many — a newspaper that is the public watchdog and one that truly inspires, educates and informs! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Danger of delusion
Colin Deoki conveniently forgets to mention about the “white men” who in their delusion believed themselves as the “master race” and killed, hanged, maimed, converted (thus destroying native religions, customs, languages etc) and looting entire native populations of their land and wealth. Today, they are an occupying force in most countries and with Europeans desperately trying to convince the world that it is still a ‘White Men’s World’. The greatest delusion the colonialists had was that going to church on Sundays with their wives, wearing large hats, would wash their sins away. I agree with Colin Deoki that ‘because history has already warned us: Delusion left unchecked always demands a terrible price!’. The world will witness a horror 2027/ 28 onwards which humanity has never envisaged. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
