Full disclosures please JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA I BELIEVE Rakesh Chand Sharma of Nadi has a problem with “one particular community” from the letters he has been writing. He has left us all guessing who that “one particular community” is. Maybe he should tell us instead of being vague. He should also come out and tell us if he is a grog dopey. I have always said, make full disclosure please, including about “one particular community” so we all know where you are coming from. I can assure him that the level of income in Australia has no correlation for them subscribing to pay TV to watch the Mickey Mouse game. It is a laughable suggestion. Australia is the best and the biggest sporting nation in the universe. They do not give two hoots about the second-rate grog dopey kaila Mickey Mouse game and that is the real reason no one in Australia knows about this game and the stadium is empty. So, as far as “fakatia baat” goes, he should practise what he preaches.
Doctrine of discovery RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI THE “Doctrine of discovery” is described as an international law doctrine giving authorisation to explorers to claim Terra nullius, ie., said inherited land in the name of the sovereign when the land was not populated by Christians. The “Doctrine of discovery” was first laid out by the Pope in 1452. In 1792, Thomas Jefferson, I believe the fourth USA president, asserted this doctrine in American imperialism and in regards to the treatment of indigenous people. (Google) The United Kingdom people colonised USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and are known as Anglo- Saxon countries. UK also colonised many other countries. For anyone to migrate to Australia means they wish to enjoy the spoils of “Doctrine of discovery”. Two days, two weeks or months of pro-Aboriginal activism doesn’t wipe out the benefits one has enjoyed over decades. India is the only nation that has shrugged off centuries of servitude (gulami) and is now rising economically and militarily (to protect its wealth, land and people). It has every right to purchase oil or trade with any country so long as it raises the standard of living of its people. Then who is Rajend Naidu to mischievously make a statement, “India has stopped buying Russian oil”. Full stop.
Why no 7s? SUKHA SINGH LABASA HAVE the TV stations in Fiji been brain washed by Jan Nissar in believing that seven-a-side is a Mickey Mouse game that they only show live when the Fiji team plays.
Climate and drugs JUKI FONG CHEW NADAWA, NASINU THESE are two common issues that are taking place in its own way as we live and breathe daily in Fiji. Climate change is claiming our land away while drugs are claiming the lives of our people. As we look at these two issues, it is caused by us humans and we need to rethink what we can do now to slow the process or come by the year 2050, we will lose half of our land mass and our future generations which are the youths of today. I like the saying which says you are what you eat but for these two common issues, the saying could be wherever you are, I are.
Flour mixers MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF NATABUA, LAUTOKA THERE are swipers who do not consume food after a heavy hit out. Have the flour mixers discreetly become part time dietitians? I think next in line could be powdered vegetables. Tropical root juice in staple diet flavour.
Flour in kava AMINISITAI TORA NADERA, NASINU WHAT a shame for the nation to know flour is being mixed with kava. Especially for the ones exported. Indeed a shame, especially when it is the nation’s national drink. Quality check is now a big question. Who can we trust?
Common problem RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ NALEBA, LABASA WHEN I was a student, I used to read about marijuana cases (the only commonly reported drug during my time) perhaps once a month in The Fiji Times. Today, almost every three to four days, I come across similar reports. Isa… my beloved country.
Language teacher SUKHA SINGH LABASA CAN the multi-ethnic ministry employ Musa — the lost and found kid — as a Fijian language teacher for all those that want to learn the Bua dialect? I think Musa is famous because of his fluency in the Bua dialect.
Fentanyl alert! DINESH KUMAR BA THE fentanyl drug is reportedly deadlier yet cheaper than methamphetamine on local streets (FT 11/02). This revelation is both alarming and deeply disturbing. It raises serious questions about how these new and highly dangerous drugs are entering Fiji undetected. As a regional transit hub with heavy maritime and air traffic, Fiji has become an attractive target for international drug cartels transporting illicit substances from Asia and the Americas to larger markets such as Australia and New Zealand. During this process, consignments of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine are often diverted or offloaded into the local market. While security measures at ports and airports may be stringent, vast ocean routes remain largely unmonitored. There is an urgent need to establish additional naval bases across key maritime areas to strengthen surveillance and disrupt drug smuggling operations. At the same time, parents and guardians must heighten supervision of their children and peer groups, as many young people are drawn into drug abuse through peer pressure. Failure to act decisively now risks allowing this deadly trade to tighten its grip on our communities and future generations.
Beggars’ plight SURESH CHAND NADI BEGGING seems to be on the rise these days, and it’s not confined to just one area: it’s evident in various towns and cities, including Nadi. The increasing numbers indicate that many people are affected by the soaring cost of living, often leaving them no option but to resort to begging as a last-ditch effort. We seldom take a moment to consider their backgrounds or whether their circumstances are legitimate. However, seeing the same individuals time and again raises concerns that begging has, for some, shifted from a plea for help to a regular means of sustenance. It’s especially disheartening to see able bodied adults, and even children, engaged in this struggle. This situation demands urgent and effective action to prevent it from becoming a norm. No child should ever find themselves in such a precarious position. Tackling this problem requires collaboration between law enforcement and town officials to manage the issue responsibly, but that alone won’t solve it. Have I neglected to mention the role of Social Welfare, which I believe is directly responsible for caring for these beggars and ensuring they are looked after appropriately. Finally, we must not overlook the fundamental issues that push individuals to beg. It is important to emphasise that unless the relevant departments operate effectively and fulfill their obligations, the environment will continue to suffer from neglect. The change we aspire to see can only be achieved if people approach their responsibilities with determination and seriousness. At present this is where, I believe, the greatest shortcomings lie.
Menopausal, menstrual leave KIRTI PATEL LAUTOKA I AGREE with the call by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement’s for the above leave including paternity leave. I also would like to thank this organisation for coming up with such caring thoughts for many suffering women out there who carry on in silence. I agree those understanding employers who do see the worth of women’s needs, efficiency and progress that’s needed to move forward will abide by it. As for all women not suffering in the same way, this is understood. Also that back in time women carried out their work in such condition despite not having the privilege of such leave. I also understand that some women can take advantage of this leave since all women are different in terms of monthly sickness. We can debate this till the cows come home madam Premila Kumar. Any suffering woman in this case will nod at to this initiative by FWRM. I feel for suffering women. I whole heartily welcome this to be legislated in the Employment Amendment Bill. I strongly feel women in power should lead in considering this important call.
Benchmark leaders SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI SAINIANA Radrodro called for leaders as benchmarks in the community (FT 10/2/26). A well thought suggestion, but what formed a community? Wherever families are in disarray, the repercussions will ripple within the respective community, in my opinion. Even leaders cannot do much. A family is the ‘core’ of a community, even a church, a school and a village, for that matter. When a community is striving for excellence, heads of families are the ‘backbone’ behind it. I believe, the family has to be the ‘origin’ for every community’s benchmark, for it also produces great leaders. A family is a link to our past and a bridge to our future. The heart of the community, in my view, where life begins and love never ends. It is not just important, it is everything. There is a saying, “Everything begins at home”. Very easy to quote, but almost impossible to practise.
