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Opinion
Letters to the Editor – Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Derenalagi’s message! Meli Derenalagi has gained fame and prominence because of his courageous character, fighting spirit and leadership qualities. He is a tough man, and like his dad Vuniani Derenalagi, who was dubbed ‘The White Shark’ during his prime days, is a shining star. At a tender age, he captained the 7s side. He won...
Editorial comment – Our health care system
The revelation that Fiji’s health care system has challenges in its entire value chain will no doubt attract attention. We are informed this ranges from inadequate infrastructure for early screening and diagnosis of disease, to availability of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals and their disposal. As our report in yesterday’s edition noted, this is stated in...
17th May
Lest we forget – A journey in search for destiny
This month marks the 143rd anniversary of the arrival of the first shipload of indentured labourers from India to Fiji waters. It was May 14, 1879 when the ship Leonidas arrived in Fiji. From then until November 1916, a little more than 60,000 Indians were brought from different parts of India to work here. The...
Letters to the Editor – Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Without the brand! Tui’s method I found Tui Rakuita’s article in The Sunday Times very interesting. His analysis of the men who are seeking the top position of power in the coming election was enlightening. We need this sort of information to guide us before we go to the polls. The fact that they are...
Editorial comment – Importance of education
The International Day of Families was celebrated on Sunday, May 15. It seemed to have passed us by with not much notice. On this special day back in 2017, former Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa raised an important point, about parental involvement being one of the most overlooked aspects of...
16th May
Too little, too late – Securing PNG’s 2022 national election
Papua New Guinea’s elections are often dangerous affairs. In the past, elections in the country have been accompanied by spikes in violence between rival groups, resulting in injury and death. In some areas of the country, fraud is rife, and voters face significant intimidation. The upcoming 2022 national elections will again present significant challenges for...
Letters to the Editor – Monday, May 16, 2022
Sweet victory HEARTIEST congratulations Jacks Nadi for that nail-biting 32 – 31 Skipper Cup victory over previously unbeaten Naitasiri on home soil in Prince Charles Park. Gutsy finish by gallant Naitasiri coming from behind 7-24 to almost over-run Nadi. Jacks Nadi proudly takes this sweet victory. Vina du riki vo na leda saravou. RONNIE CHANG...
Editorial comment – Drugs sex abuse and students
Around this date in 2013, the Ministry of Education released worrying statistics about drugs, sexual offences and substance abuse among students in Fiji. The revelation at the time that an average of 63 primary schools in the country reported cases of students’ involvement each year in these illegal activities was a major concern. Between 2009...
15th May
Letting dreams shine on: We pay homage to their sacrifice and determination
YESTERDAY, we remember the 143rd anniversary of the arrival of Fiji’s girmitiyas who were contracted to work on Fiji’s commercial sugarcane farms of the 1800s. They came to work as indentured farm labourers. Indenture was a system of contracted labour in those days where individuals were recruited to serve as migrant workers abroad, usually for a...
Letters to the Editor – Sunday, May 15, 2022
Harsh reality The picture of Sivaniolo Ralogo as per FT of Friday, revealed the harsh reality when he couldn’t control his emotions due to the increase in prices of some basic food items. Low income earners and those unemployed will suffer more from the recent price hike. We as individuals can only imagine the suffering...
Editorial comment – We remember them
Yesterday was an important date for Fiji. There are moments in time that we must remember, to ensure the memories of those involved, and the lessons of history are placed on a very high pedestal. Government minister Parveen Kumar said something on the eve of yesterday, back in 2018, that touched on the history of the...
From the Crowd: On the road again
There is little more likely to rouse general excitement down in our niche in darkest Flagstaff than the rattle of car keys. Or even the jingle of change for a bus fare (or perhaps the clack of etransport cards?). Travel is in our blood, it seems. In a number of cultures there are folk tales that...
13th May
Water and sanitation
Ever since evolution of humans about seven million years ago, they searched for water sources and established their homesteads. The homo sapiens or earlier humans quickly spread to other parts of the world as they have adapted to weather patterns. Fresh water quality and quantity are inextricably linked to maintaining hygiene and sanitation. We all...
Letters to the Editor – Friday, May 13, 2022
School leaders! The Kaila! newspaper continues to empower young leaders. Schools around Fiji have been having their prefects’ investiture ceremonies, and I’m glad the Kaila! newspaper reached out to these schools and captured the glorious moments from the ceremonies. The team also captured the athletics meet from RKS, adding to the excitement as we head...
Editorial comment – Addressing our traffic congestion
Traffic jams can be frustrating. They can make commuters very angry, and inch out road rage! Every morning commuters travelling along the Suva-Nausori corridor are forced to sit through traffic jams. In fact sitting through slow-moving traffic certainly isn’t the perfect start to a day. In February, 2018, it rained in the morning in the...
12th May
Pests and diseases – World marks International Day of Plant Health
As we mark the International Day of Plant Health on May 12, we are reminded of the need to have sustainable plant health systems to address current and emerging threats to biodiversity, food security and trade. Invasive species pose a major threat to the global economy and the environment, costing billions of dollars to control...
Letters to the Editor – Thursday, May 12, 2022
Fijian style of welcome! Fijiana Drua flanker Teresia Tinaivalu will fondly remember for ages how she was given the welcome upon her return with the Fijiana Drua side. Sia, as she is called, was accorded a warm welcome in the presence of the entire village. Korovou Village was hyped up to welcome their brave daughter...
Editorial comment – From a powerful base
Teresia Tinanivalu thought of two people when she arrived at her village in the highlands of Naitasiri on Tuesday. She was humbled by the response of the villagers as she made her way to Navuakece Village where a welcome was organised for her. Images of her late father Vasenai Vakacolati and of her grandmother came...
11th May
Letters to the Editor – Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Brave Fijiana return home! After playing eight games away from home, the Senirusi Seruvakula-coached Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua returned home. The Fijiana played six games in the Super W competition and remained unbeaten. The side defeated the Rebels (66-5), Queensland Reds (27-12), Western Force (45-17), NSW Waratahs (29-10) and Brumbies (17-7), an then outclassed the...
Editorial comment – Derelict in the harbour
Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made a revelation in Parliament that will no doubt attract a lot of interest. He said the estimated cost to remove all the derelict ships in Suva Harbour, Lautoka Harbour and Levuka, was about $59 million. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum revealed this in the Parliament on Monday. The cost, he...
