Wrong decision
Former A-G Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says that the Minister for Justice erred in law by sending the Commissioner for Corrections on leave without the express approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission or the President who is the appointing authority.
I beg to ask: was the same procedure applied in the case of the suspension of the former Solicitor General Sharvada Nand Sharma?
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Pryde returns as DPP!
Christopher Pryde will return as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Pryde’s suspension from office dated April 13 (2023) was revoked and he is expected to return without delay.
I thank the Tribunal for the fair and just hearing, clearing Pryde of all allegations.
The Tribunal, which consisted of Justice Anare Tuilevuka (Chair), Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Justice Samuel Qica, submitted to His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu that claims of misbehavior against Pryde were unfounded and recommended his immediate return to office. Pryde went through a lot- financially, mentally and psychologically, and he must be compensated for the lost income.
With his knowledge, experience and expertise his return will boost our Judicial system. On the other hand, the $88k plus expenses could have been utilised somewhere better.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
CWM Hospital
I thought that all the problems in CWM Hospital were fixed a few days after the election win in December 2022. There was a massive clean-up by hundreds of volunteers with a great deal of exuberance and enthusiasm, I recall, led by none other than the fearless Minister for Women and Poverty Alleviation at the time.
With all the problems we hear about the CWM at present.
I suggest the Prime Minister mobilise the ex-minister again as I believe she is the only one who can get these problems fixed like she did in December 2022 – in just a few days.
She can post on TikTok and Facebook to keep us all informed on progress together with her selfies.
Jan Nissar, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Fair-minded public
From the public reaction and comments on the Tribunal finding of not guilty and the reinstatement of suspended DPP to his position one gets a sense that the Fijian public has a far more enduring commitment to fair play and adherence to the rule of law than some of their leaders in government and in institutions of the state.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Hospital experience
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, my wife and I left home at 6.54am (without breakfast) to attend our regular check up at Nadi Hospital SOPD.
On arrival we were later told due to renovations etc., there will be no SOPD Clinic for January, 2025.
It took over three hours to wait for our repeat prescriptions to be given. The hospital pharmacy did not have six of the 10 repeat prescriptions needed.
This letter is a statement of fact – not a complaint.
It cost us $38 for the balance of our prescriptions from a pharmacy in town. Due to mobility limitations, taxi fares came to $17.80.
The Ministry of Health tells all male over 50 years to attend prostate clinics. My Tamsulosin Caps 0.4mg alone cost $17.84. The poorest cannot afford such prescription. So unforeseen financial burdens are unpalatable. The DPM and Minister for Finance might want to consider some acceptable assistance for retirees and senior citizens. Have a heart, please sir.
It is shocks such as these that become burdensome for unpaid pre 2012 FNPF retirees, like us, and many others. Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum’s infamous FNPF Decree robbed us. Now this. Who compensates the elderly in their financial hardships? These hard questions need immediate answers. We plead for justice. Do not deny us. Compensatory financial adjustments are a necessity, in my view.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
Drunkards in Lautoka
Every morning and every evening many people have to encounter drunkards around Marine Drive in Lautoka, where many people go for morning and evening walks and get together. Two hotels are located in that area and sometimes tourists sit and enjoy the cool breeze and the sunset.
Can the police increase their presence at the Marine Drive foreshore and arrest these drunkards who urinate in public.
Geoffrey Chand, Lautoka
Drug fight
The police force arresting two juveniles on New Year’s Day as reported in The Fiji Times (FT 6/12) should alert stakeholders to put up a strong fight to control this ever rising illicit drug trade.
Parents are the most responsible in disciplining their children. They should monitor them. We often hear children tracking their parents rather than parents tracking their children. Use and abuse of fast phones! Clean your backyard first. Charity begins at home.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Causes of flooding
Flooding in our low-lying urban areas, seems to be a consistently unresolved issue that is usually blamed on the heavy rain.
But the thing is, it appears to be caused by uncleared and blocked drains and waterways, that are clogged by a build- up of debris and assorted rubbish, more than anything else!
Persistent heavy rain is not really the main culprit. The rain just worsens an existing, prevalent condition of neglect and procrastination.
What is sorely needed is a more proactive approach by all stakeholders (the government; the municipal councils; and the ratepayers), rather than always trying to resolve the issue, through costly, delaying and time- consuming reactive measures afterwards!
There should be a regular program nationwide of clearing all our drains, creeks streams in our urban areas, prior to the start of the cyclone season at least!
Not forgetting the dredging of our rivers and the use of sustainable agricultural methods upstream.
Let’s step out of the box on this one asap.
Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Profound blessing!
Contrary to popular belief, surrounding yourself with people smarter than you is not a threat — it’s a profound blessing.
We watched this principle beautifully illustrated in the heartwarming and inspiring true story movie of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a group of African American women who played a pivotal role in turning the tide of World War II.
Against incredible odds and prejudice, their intelligence, determination, and teamwork ensured vital communication for Allied forces, significantly contributing to the victory.
Their story of unflinching loyalty and commitment to a greater cause demonstrates the power of collaboration and the immense value of tapping into the collective strengths of diverse minds.
When we intentionally seek out intelligence and expertise in others, we enrich our perspective, expand our horizons, and elevate the quality of our decisions. Smart individuals challenge us to think critically, inspire creativity, and foster innovation. Their presence pushes us to rise to new heights, encouraging collaboration and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement.
However, not everyone welcomes this idea. Those with a “know-it-all” mindset often feel threatened in the presence of greater intellect or talent.
This insecurity, unfortunately, breeds defensiveness, competition, and even sabotage, as they focus more on protecting their egos than on embracing opportunities to learn. This mindset not only stifles collaboration but also limits potential, leading to stagnation.
True wisdom lies in the ability to embrace humility and recognise that no one person has all the answers. Each of us has unique strengths and weaknesses, and learning from those who excel in areas where we fall short is not a sign of inadequacy—it’s a testament to our commitment to growth and greatness.
The willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate with those smarter than ourselves is a hallmark of strong, effective leadership and a pathway to unparalleled success, so exquisitely exemplified in this stirring true story.
Please watch “The Six Triple Eight”. And keep a box of tissues handy.
Colin Deoki, Australia
Reshuffle
It is apparent from the existing state of affairs and controversies surrounding certain appointments and suspensions that we do not have the right people in the right place. Either they are incompetent or incapable of making the right decision. But I believe our PM is facing the same dilemma as he hasn’t got much choice to pick the best. Hence his decision not to reshuffle any of the sitting Cabinet ministers. Or perhaps he does not want to ruffle any feathers.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Police ratio
Statistics have indicated that the nation is grappling with the under-resourcing of police officers (fbc.com). It was revealed that Nadi’s citizen to police ratio is one officer for every 600 residents. This is alarming indeed! On the contrary, it appears that the police presence suddenly and significantly increases whenever there is a rugby match, especially when the police team is actively participating. And we wonder why the resource allocation and priorities do not tally up.
Nishant Singh, Suva
Funeral food
I wish that all iTaukei believe that it’s not necessary and can add unnecessary stress to the family who are already dealing with significant emotional turmoil to also provide food and yaqona at a funeral? The focus should be on supporting them through their grieving process. Providing food and yaqona at a funeral should not be customary, period. Sobo! Ps. Sa rauta ga me keda dravudravua tu kina levu na iTaukei.
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Quotes
“We don’t have inflation because people are living well. We have inflation because the government is living too well”… by Ronald Reagan. Seems totally true with our nation. God bless Fiji.
Paul Seforana, Ba
Lecture them
IF the Attorney-General and team are sleeping on their responsibilities, don’t stop and keep lecturing them former A-G.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Next election
The next General Election is not too far away and I can see that some old and some new politicians have already started their election campaign. New political parties have been rumoured to be getting registered and a possible coalition of some who didn’t get in the last election. Many are discussing the possibility of Unity Fiji and Labour coalition and are predicting another government in the next election. With whatever time the current government have they still got the advantage to deliver what they promised and make wrong right if they do want to stay in power. Interesting 2025.
Geoffrey Chand , Lautoka