Schools cadet program
It’s nice to see various schools now participating in the cadet program. I have also noted rural-based schools partaking in the same program. The program itself teaches about punctuality, respect, understanding, adherence to commands, neatness, smartness, alertness and most all general discipline. I just hope students participating in this program will continue what is attained/achieved and further display their self discipline during and after the cadet program at all times. Good luck to your future endeavors. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Thank you
I thank Tahir Ali on behalf of the 2012 pensioners for his letter in The Fiji Times (August 19). Mr Ali identified well the emotional aspects of our ordeal. He described Professor Wadan Narsey’s major weekend opinion piece in The Fiji Times as heartbreaking. He specifically mentions our late colleague Jackson Mar. Yes, what the FNPF did to us lacked compassion. It took little account of the impact of its oppression and persecution on the feelings and lives of elderly people — its very own clients. Our Pension Committee is naturally driven by emotions. But we are also focused with clarity on pursuing justice. Many pensioners have passed on while waiting for the FNPF to do what is right. That does not stop the survivors like me, and those committed oldies I work with, from carrying the burden of the fight. If we pass on before victory, others will continue until the last breadth. Even as Jackson’s final hours approached he wanted to know if there was any progress in our cause. Therefore, our Core Group of Pensioners appeals that FNPF Act 2011 along with Decrees 51 and 52 be repealed so that justice may prevail, Thank you Tahir Ali for your compassionate support. Deeply appreciated. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Strong start for Fiji!
I congratulate the Fiji U16 football side for defeating Tahiti 2-1 in their Group A match of the OFC U16 Men’s Championship. I salute courageous captain Maikah Dau who led by example and scored from a stunning free-kick. Dau’s playing spirit and fighting character reminds me of the playing days of Labasa wonder boy Roy Krishna when he donned the All Saints Secondary School jumper. Dau’s commitment, passion and dedication have paved the way for him and if he is able to maintain his discipline, he should be making headlines. His grandfather Sarwan Singh was a great footballer, having played for Savusavu and Rewa. He was sensational during his playing days. Dau’s biggest fan is his mother, Julia Patricia Singh, and she supports her son whenever he plays. Dau’s free kick was special as it gifted Fiji three valuable points. Fiji has grabbed maximum points and will play the Cook Islands today before facing a tough PNG side. The boys must maintain composure and discipline. Humility will take the young side into the semifinal. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Nationwide protest
The enormous mass nationwide protest in Israel (nearly one million participated) to end the Gaza war and the human suffering shows that unlike their ideologically twisted political leaders, there are huge numbers of ordinary Israeli people who believe in humanity and human decency. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Expensive peace
Everyone wants to live in peace but sometimes there is a cost for a peaceful home. In the fictional world on TV with the wonderful series The Sopranos and a number of gangster movies, the cost of peace might be a 10 or 20 percent of your money. There are criminals with corrupt officials helping them. In the real world, Russia wants more than 100 percent of the Ukraine territory they have already spread into. There are criminals here as well but are corrupt, or maybe incompetent, officials helping them too? Bullies should never win. Good people must stand up to them. Dennis Fitzgerald Melbourne, Australia
Ideal location
I think parliament sessions should take place inside a court. There is a much more respect and order. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Gaza case
Yesterday, Marah Abu Zuhri died of starvation in Italy. She was a 20-year-old woman who had recently been evacuated from Gaza suffering from extreme malnutrition. She might have been your sister, your daughter or your wife. She might one day have become a mother. Instead her wholly innocent young life has been most cruelly ended. All this talk of an Ocean of Peace is undoubtedly highly inspirational and noble, even holy. But when are these lofty plans going to be matched by our Government’s condemnation of the actual atrocities daily being inflicted on the innocent inhabitants of Gaza by the State of Israel? Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka
Sports program
As the school’s second term is about to end, various sporting programs are on their final stages with all participating schools trying to outdo each other. Parents, OBs and OGs of these schools will throw in their full support to the school their respective children are attending. All in all the rivalry that is generated is captured live in various media platforms including social media. Win or lose let’s just enjoy and move forward with positivity. May the best teams win. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu
Facebook experts
I am always amazed that whenever there is an incident, how quickly Facebook users become experts on the subject no matter what it is. Jack of all trades, master of none ga mai. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Great gift
We read in The National article ‘The greatest gift we can gift to the country is upholding the law’ (18/8/25) PM James Marape said in his message on the 60 anniversary of PNG’s independence. He said upholding and defending the constitution was of utmost importance. His message is so much more relevant and applicable to serial coup country Fiji if the country is to truly move forward. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Projects and pensioners
Justice for pensioners
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has come out loud and clear in his discussion with Cheerieann Wilson of The Fiji Times that what happened to FNPF pensioners in 2012 by the Bainimarama government was grossly unfair. The illegal actions to reduce the pensions and to prevent the pensioners from seeking justice in the courts of law (Decree 51 and 52) was ultra vires. On one hand the 2013 Fiji Constitution talks of fairness for all and crushing the rights of the pensioners on the other The Prime Minister is prepared to set the trajectory right and give the FNPF pensioners all their rightful pensions. Thus removing 12 years of traumatic suffering and death. Last week we lost Jackson Mar, a member of our Core Group for pensioners, who was laid to rest last Friday at the Chinese Enamanu cemetery, Nadi. He valiantly championed the cause of the FNPF pensioners but succumbed to a major operation at the Nadi Hospital. Therefore, we must realise that time is not on our side and more will die unless quick action is taken by the current government to resolve the issue. We urge the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance to act poste haste. In the meantime the FNPF board has remained stone silent as if they have no responsibility at all. Their mouthpiece Rashbrook (a New Zealander) has written a number of articles to support them. But tenacious arguments with facts and figures by Professor Wadan Narsey and the late Jackson Mar have demolished all their arguments. Now FNPF is going around the country seeking comments from the people on possible changes to the FNPF Act. Is it a reality or simply a ploy to hoodwink the masses once again? People have lost trust in FNPF and as a result only 3 per cent take pensions and the rest opt for lump sum withdrawal. Why? Loss of credibility. I sincerely hope that good sense prevails and this ugly saga comes to an end. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Nasinu municipality
We have noted the various upcoming projects now taking shape within this municipality. While it is appreciated as it will generate more employment and more rates for the municipality, one should not forget that with this it also generates criminal activity. Criminal activity that is committed within (inside job) and those that are committed externally like theft, assault etc. While the police may have forecasted the increase in the future, relevant stakeholders, business owners should also start formulating their respective contingency plans on how to counter or mitigate these illegal activities. As a resident of this municipality, I hope the future looks bright for this municipality as we head towards the election. Juki Fong Chew Nadawa, Nasinu