A resilient journalist
John Kamea is a resilient journalist. I never miss reading his stories and articles that feature in The Sunday Times. I’m indebted to Kamea as he unveiled his passion for writing. Kamea started his career in The Fiji Times newsroom in the mid-1990s before being recruited to be a member of the pioneering news team of The Fiji Sun when it opened in September 1999. After spending a decade in the mainstream media, he spent the next 10 years in the communications field, working in the NGO sector, international civil service and consultancy service for private and regional organisations. His journalism career came full circle when in 2018 he returned to where he started back in 1995 to be part of the features writing team of The Sunday Times. Kamea is passionate about his writing, and his passion lies in travel, history and human rights. Over the past seven years Kamea has been the chief writer behind the weekly columns- Behind the News and Discovering Fiji. Since 2018, Kamea has written over 300 Behind the News pieces as a means of strategically speaking to power during the reign of the Frank Bainimarama-led FijiFirst government. Discovering Fiji features unexplored stories found on ‘the road less travelled’ including caves and natural landforms, historical buildings and colonial ruins and traditional iTaukei myths and legend. These stories involve travelling to some of the most remote parts of the country and speaking to mostly rural people and communities. Kamea loves what he does because it involves two of his greatest passions — writing and travel. He tries to stay away from serious pieces and explore creative, inspirational and emotional stories that have feelings, which one doesn’t get to enjoy when pursuing rigid news stories and issue-based articles. By writing about things Kamea finds on the road less travelled, his journey is not determined by news events and bureaucratic roadblocks, but he determines his own destiny and makes his own discovery. Kamea’s stories give hope and a sense of identity for rural communities who often live and die without telling their unique stories to the world. In his spare time, Kamea likes to write poems and read motivational books. He dedicated his recent win to Mrs Mere Lako Tuikoro, his English teacher at Suva Grammar School. Kamea shared that Mrs Tuikoro was the first human to discover the creative writing streak in him during their regular English classes and told him to write, write and write, whether it was a diary entry, a poem or a song. The Fiji Times is blessed to have a robust and resilient journalist in Kamea. I congratulate Kamea as he scooped the Best Feature Article at the FAME awards. Best wishes, Kamea! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Nadi Hospital pharmacy
I am compelled to rise up and raise this matter in these open columns addressed to the Permanent Secretary and Minister for Health. Fiji medical care cannot be called “free”. Betrayed Pre-2011 FNPF pensioners are further hard done by when, as SOPD patient, the Nadi Hospital pharmacy has been out of stock for two months now.
No Aspirin Tabs 100 mg for blood thinners;
No Tamsulosin Caps 0.4mg for Prostate.
Life is a huge aggravated struggle without these “shocks”. Poverty is very real. Does anyone “at the top” really care these days? So much medical hype about early intervention; looking after one’s health; getting regular check-up? Out-of-stock medication from hospital pharmacies are just not on. The line minister must make immediate arrangements for private pharmacies to supply these items at Government cost. Such pharmacies to bill the Health Ministry. Betrayed senior pensioners suffer badly already. (Don’t kill us too). Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Picture of Modi
Jan Nissar is misinformed. I suggest he Google to educate himself of PM Modi’s programs like food rations, midday meals for primary school children, medical insurance for poor worth 5 Lakhs, housing, toilets, money deposited in farmers accounts every three months etc. PM Modi never used even a rupee to rebuild those temples destroyed by Mughal invaders. More than one billion people from all over the world contributed for the temples. People’s contributions to BJP coffers have paid for Modi’s huge pictures. Even President Trump mentioned that no one can corrupt PM Modi. Since, BJP elects its leaders, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adatiya Nath (a monk) is most likely to replace Modi. If Modi is a “chaaiwala”, Baba Yogi Adatiya Nath is a “Gaayewala”. Early in the morning, after prayers, Yogi Baba feeds his cows and then listens to his people’s grievance. Under Yogi Adatiya’s watch, the most lawless and largest Uttar Pradesh State eradicated the mafia, gangsters, drug dealers, thugs, goons etc. Political pundits are saying that it will be Baba Yogi Adatiya who will be the PM in 2032 when India will a super power economically and militarily. The process has begun. After President Putin’s departure, President Trump whispered to his trade negotiating team to rush to Delhi and conclude the trade agreement. They are on their way. Such is Modi’s diplomacy. Jan Nissar should remember this Sanskrit proverb: “vinash kale, viprit buddhi” meaning — when a person’s downfall approaches, they tend to make poor, irrational or foolish decisions instead of acting wisely. Rakesh Chand Sharma Adelaide, Australia
Toothless organisation
The Consumer Council of Fiji has reached a new level of failure. After carrying out hygiene inspections across the country and identifying numerous cases of non-compliance, the council has once again chosen to hide the identities of the offending businesses. This pattern of secrecy is an outrageous dereliction of duty and a slap in the face to every consumer in this country. What is the point of conducting inspections if the public is kept in the dark? What possible justification is there for allowing people to keep eating and shopping at establishments that the council itself has found to be below standard? Consumers have an undeniable right to know which businesses are failing hygiene requirements. Withholding that information is not caution — it is outright negligence. For far too long, dishonest and unhygienic operators have taken advantage of the public, and the council’s silence has only helped them get away with it. Enough with the excuses. Enough with the quiet warnings. Enough with the protection of businesses at the expense of the people. The Consumer Council of Fiji must stop acting like a shield for repeat offenders and start acting like a watchdog for consumers. Name these establishments. Make the findings public. Stand up for the public interest or step aside for an institution that will. Get it Seema Shandil? Nishant Singh Lautoka
Dangerous trend
In terms of crime, are we experiencing a new a trend whereby young men are confidently walking up to homes to conduct robberies at night, even in the presence of video cameras. In recent months, several community members have posted video records on social media. With due respect, this represents a dangerous and growing trend as community members would feel less safe in their homes, especially our women and the elderly. This begs the question of whether it is the influence of hard drugs, the rise of poverty or a breakdown in community values. All in all, stay safe and alert during this festive season. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Choose wisely
I often hear people saying “what are we going to take with us”. I used to say this as well. As time passes by, I am now of the view that whatever hard work we have done, whatever good deeds we have done, how law abiding we have been, how respectful we have been, how fair we have been and all those good things that we did, the Creator will never let this go unactioned. He will accumulate all these deeds and bring them forward to our next life. Those with good deeds will earn a wealthier and respectful family and have a good life and those otherwise will have a set of different lives. It’s all a set-up and a revolving thing. Make your choice wisely. Ashis Kumar Ba
Rebuilding trust
The Fiji Times editorial ‘Rebuilding trust in the force’ (FT 7/12) reminds me of the biblical proverb ‘As you sow, so shall you reap’. What we are reaping in present day Fiji is the consequence of our past coups. One major consequence, I believe, is the loss of trust in the integrity of institutions of State and leadership. Another is the country with its weakened democratic checks and balances becoming fertile ground for corruption and nefarious activities. Now it’s a monumental challenge to turn things around — to rebuild trust. No effort should be spared to meet the challenge. Fiji’s future is at stake here. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Within the force
Considering the number of drug related corruption of police officers, one wonders how deep this illicit trade has embedded itself in the Force. The depth of this corruption will start to have a profoundly detrimental effect on the credibility and efficiency of the Force. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Message to parents, guardians
With a challenge for the New Year: To all parents and guardians across our beloved Fiji, this Christmas, while our homes are filled with light, celebration, and the joy of family, I want to speak to you with complete honesty, seriousness, and love. Because the heart of our nation lies not only in our churches, schools, villages, and laws — but in our homes, in the hands of the very people who shape the lives of our children: you, the parents and guardians of Fiji. Our children enter this world without a choice. They are born without choosing their family. Named without choosing their name. Raised on the values handed down to them. They grow up shaped by the environment we create, the love we give, the discipline we enforce, and the example we set. Before a child can choose their friends, choose their path, choose what they believe, or choose how they act — they are already walking on the foundation we lay for them. When a child reaches the stage in life where they begin to make their own decisions, let us be honest: They make those decisions from the values we teach them or fail to teach them. This is why we must challenge ourselves. Because our children become the people we mold them to be — intentionally or unintentionally. When our children grow into adulthood, they encounter a world filled with many ethnicities, religions, beliefs, and value systems. They meet people who think differently, live differently, and believe differently. And yes — religion does shape values. Culture shapes values. Family shapes values. If we do not prepare our children early, they will enter adulthood confused, unsure, or easily misled because the values of others seem stronger, clearer, or louder than the ones we give them at home. Parents and guardians, this year I challenge you to look in the mirror and accept something difficult — yet necessary: We must blame ourselves first for our children’s mistakes. Not to shame ourselves. Not to punish ourselves. But to remind ourselves that our influence is the greatest influence they will ever have. When your child makes a mistake — ask: Did I teach them enough? Was I present enough? Did I discipline them consistently? Did I model the kind of behaviour I wished to see in them? When your child is at their lowest — broken, ashamed, confused, addicted, angry, or lost — never push them away. Never disown them. Never make them face the world without you. Their birth certificates carry your names, not the government’s, not the police’s, not the school’s. That means: Their identity begins with you. Their protection begins with you. Their healing begins with you. Do not abandon your child when they need you most. Be their anchor when the world rejects them. Be the home they can still return to with their dignity intact. Parents of Fiji, this is your duty: Know where your children are — at all times. Know who they spend time with. Know what they are doing, watching, and learning. Keep them under your wings. Protect them from the dangers they cannot yet see. Do not let them roam aimlessly. The world outside is full of traps waiting for the unprepared. Teach them discipline. Show them who is boss — with firmness, consistency, and love. Instill good manners and good values — every day. Put your children first — above friends, above social life, above pride, above excuses. Ensure they are learning good things — in school and especially at home. Feed them healthy food. Teach them why their body matters. Model the behaviour you expect. And above all: Educate yourselves. How can we teach what we do not know? Parents must keep learning — about health, values, faith, discipline, relationships, and the world our children now face. In the coming year, I challenge every parent and guardian in Fiji to commit to this: Be present. Be vigilant. Be consistent. Be the first teacher. Be the safe place your child can always return to. Be the reason your child becomes strong, responsible, respectful, and wise. Be the guide that shapes a future generation capable of building a stronger Fiji. This is your responsibility. This is your calling. This is your legacy. This Christmas, may you reflect deeply on your role. And as the New Year dawns, may you take up the sacred duty of shaping the next generation with greater strength, clearer purpose, and unwavering love. Our children are watching. Our children are learning. Our children are becoming what we teach them. Let us teach them well. With love, truth, and the highest respect for every parent and guardian. Noleen Billings Savusavu
