Policing challenge – JUKI FONG CHEW NADAWA, NASINU
IT is high time for the Government to think of building a new police station along the Ratu Dovi Rd corridor.
Looking at the stretch of this road from RB Centerpoint towards the Laqere market, we will notice the various intended new projects that will be added to this area apart from the ones being constructed and those existing ones. While these new projects will bring about employment and added boost to the economy, we should not forget they also attract crime and criminals. The Emerald Bay Project in Nadawa will attract transnationalorganised criminals because of its intended portfolio. The existing police station of Valelevu in Nasinu was in existence when Nadawa, Muanikoso, Caubati, Nepani,Tacirua East were developed. Now most people reside within these areas and it is already a challenge to policing. Hopefully with all these developments underway, we may also see a new police station built to cater for future demands of policing maybe sooner rather than later.
Voice of the minority – SELWA NANDAN LAUTOKA
THE Supreme Court has ruled that any amendment of the 2013 Constitution would require the support of two thirds of Parliament and a simple majority of voters in a national referendum. The Prime Minister has stated that “In a referendum, every community is part of the decision.” (FT2/9). In my view, simple majority normally refers to a majority of more than 50 per cent of the members present. Therefore, hypothetically if 70 per cent of the voters participate in this exercise it will only need 36 per cent to agree to meet the threshold requirement for the amendment to be carried. Will that truly represent the opinion of the majority of the electorate? This also raises the unsettling question of what happens if some of the Opposition members decide to throw their support behind the Bill (as seen lately) in defiance of the stand of their party or voters. Thus riding roughshod over the voice of the minority. Can we still say the whole process is fair and inclusive?
Constitutional review – SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI, NAUSORI
FIJI’S Supreme Court has made its ruling and it has led some political parties to seek further legal interpretation, while others have settled to drift with the flow. Even the GCC has a different approach. However, if the 1997 Constitution was never lawfully abrogated, how come the 2013 Constitution became an Act? Should it be the “genesis” and not the aftermath, that needed to be dissected? And it has only been the framework of governance in light of its operational reality and public acceptance, simply, because FFP was dictating the circumstances. Is that not obvious? So, after all, Fiji has been the first democratic state in the world to have two constitutions, in my opinion. Is it not likely setting a precedent to future usurpers?
Only time will tell.
Holy flight – AREKI DAWAI SUVA
OH what a shame that the chartered holy flight to the Promised Land is still not paid in full regardless of the public figures that were members of that pilgrim. Vinaka Viti.
Cash crop choice – NARAYAN REDDY LAUTOKA
POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has revealed that marijuana — or green as people on the street call it — is fast becoming a cash crop choice. The Minister for Sugar wants to build a new sugar mill in Rakiraki, imagine if that money can be used to build a hemp processing plant. The benefit to our economy from hemp oil, fabric and other products just from hemp. Just a thought for my Government.
Moral decay – CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN PERTH, AUSTRALIA
IF youth dance in a hall they have built themselves from the sale of marijuana, it evidences enterprise in a nation of elders beholden to kava and regimentation. If the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Association (FT 1/9) thinks fear of administered violence — corporal punishment he calls ‘corrective measures’ — is the answer to students ‘moral decay’ then God help education (if it is not too late). Blame instead the steady decay of key institutions in government, justice, military, media, church, and education itself) by people who should know better.
Jerusalem embassy – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
I READ in the news that PM Rabuka said he was going to officially open a Fiji embassy in Jerusalem later this month. I can’t recall any public consultation on this. Did Mr Rabuka get a direct message from God to open that embassy in Jerusalem just as he did to carry out the first military coup in Fiji in 1987? The country is still experiencing the lingering consequences of that “rape of democracy”
Survival of the fittest – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
AFTER the success of this year’s Vodafone Super Deans and Raluve competitions, the Vodafone Kaji/Kajiana competitions kicked off in the Capital City on Tuesday. More than 1000 young ruggers are participating in the threeday event. We have a host of stars who will be unveiled at HFC Bank. So far, competition has been tight. It’s all about the survival of the fittest. Our rural schools and those from the maritime have been resilient and have showed their character, energy, strength and fighting spirit while battling their counterparts from the main island. The Gau Kajiana U13 team stunned the girls from Suva 5-0. The trip to Suva is one for the history books for many of these young players. I’m sure they’ll look back at the competition and marvel at how the three-day tournament shaped their character and values. All the best, students and officials!
