Deserving recognition
When some person gets an award, such as the 50th Fiji Independence Medal, there can be no disputing how deserving they are for that recognition and honour.
Tessa Mackenzie is such a person.
We, the people of Fiji, are blessed to have such a noble person in our midst.
Likewise can the late Fr Kevin Barr be awarded a posthumous medal for his dedicated effort to better the lives of the poor in our country?
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Much promise
Coups, corruption, chronic racism, political oppression — all deep-rooted problems needing enormous work for the country to reach its full potential.
But if Fijians could be described in one word after five decades of national sovereignty: Resilient.
I am grateful I can call Fiji home.
We are a dot in the ocean but we have much promise.
The politics is abominable.
But contemporary times present many opportunities (and challenges) and demands we learn from our history to create a better future.
For Fiji.
Thank you.
Kelvin Anthony, Melbourne, Australia
Time to reflect
Fiji Day is a time to reflect and understand what Fiji has achieved over the past 50 years of independence.
It is also an opportune time to reflect on ourselves over the 50 years reflecting on our career, finance, family, relationships, religious beliefs, attitudes, social life, health, goals, values, personal development and future projects.
Everything moves on at its own pace, but one should take an opportunity to pause and reflect in deep ways of past decisions, actions and events.
By reflecting, we get a true perspective and insight of our functions, our memories, our thoughts, our feelings and experiences.
Reflection is a conscious consideration and analysis of our strengths and weaknesses and on what should and what should not have been done.
It is embracing the discomfort, hurt feelings, deep wounds and sadness; and living the joys, excitement, success and sweetness of life.
Reflecting is looking back as well as looking ahead, setting new goals and targets for the future and thinking on what endeavors to consider.
It is discovering what needs to be repeated and what to be changed.
Reflection also inspires self-awareness and self-acceptance and is a reason to connect with oneself.
Self-reflection can be difficult and challenging, but is very beneficial.
One way is to write our thoughts in a book or journal.
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher had said: “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Reflection is a search for deeper meanings.
So take time to reflect this Fiji Day.
Bhagwanji Bhindi, Nasinu
Be the boost
As we celebrate Fiji Day and World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2020, many are drowned in sorrow and sadness; feeling unwanted and lost in darkness.
Many of us are under tension and stress with so much uncertainty prevailing.
This COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have worsened the situation.
Some are in danger of completely falling apart as they are waiting for some support and help.
You can be the boost to lift their spirits and moods from this distraught.
You can offer some help and support, helping them overcome some problems and obstacles in their lives.
You can be the inspiration and strength providing some relief and comfort.
You can be the encouragement for necessary action boosting their energy and mental focus.
Many will thank you, receiving the boost because the boost could restore someone subdued; and the boost could become the cause of their charged fortunes.
Even a small boost could make one reach the top.
So go ahead and boost someone today this Fiji Day and make their day.
Maharaj Kumari Bhindi, LBE, Nasinu
Post-COVID
Having a basin with some boys in Waiyavi, one asked: “What will life be like after COVID? Will we still wash our hands, sneeze into our elbow? Will we love our jobs, will we keep our backyard garden?
One of the boys quipped: “Will we still be wise?”
Mmmmm!
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
50 cents
So, the new 50 cents will be distributed to the students from Year 1 to 13 as a mark for the 50th Fiji Day celebration.
Mmmmm!
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
‘Unite Fijians’
The PM should choose the independence day celebration to unite Fijians and talk on the need to work together and support families of those who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.
Attacking unnamed fear mongers (FT 9/10) will not benefit his rating in a country where I believe its people are aware the worst is yet to come.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
A testament
Fiji will always come through — the noble banner blue they tried to change is a testament.
Happy Fiji Day.
Rick Eyre, Labasa
Happy day
Truly I say to you … a holiday after 50 years … what’s so hard about that?
There is dancing everywhere.
The Fiji blue is draped over everything even dogs.
This should be for us Fijians … well, schools had their’s yesterday … kudos to you madam Rosy.
I will have my holiday on Monday … first to the health centre …. Happy Fiji Day.
Joe Matatolu, Waila 3A
Premier soccer
Please keep Navua and Nasinu in the super premier next year.
They played the most entertaining soccer in the IDC 2020.
Winning or losing doesn’t matter all the time, we like to watch some good soccer.
These two teams displayed just that.
Make a 10-team super premier.
Ajay Singh, Natabua, Lautoka
Reflection
I believe the 50th year of independence provides an opportune time to reflect on how far we have progressed as a nation (Pranil Ram, FT 9/10) and also reflect on how far we have regressed as a result of our coups vis a vis countries of comparable size.
How far have the coups retarded Fiji’s development?
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Daylight saving
Daylight saving for only 28 days, ones neck will definitely snap off from the head shaking.
Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka
Being patriotic
As we commemorate Fiji’s 50 years of independence, all Fijians must reflect how patriotic they are for their country.
The journey of 50 years that we have completed and the associated accomplishments must be credited to those who have toiled hard to build a strong nation by shedding their sweat and blood.
They had sacrificed their comforts so that we could succeed.
Now that we have completed 50 years of independence and continue to create a vibrant, racially tolerant and economically industrious country, the role of every Fijian matters.
We must all appreciate the hard work put in by all before us to provide us a place that is one of the best in the universe.
It then becomes our duty to realise the dreams of our ancestors.
Every Fijian must contribute to the development of the country.
Our focus should also be to make Fiji better than what it is.
We need to rise above the tenets of race and religion and embrace a unified Fiji that would promote diversity and resilience and recognise the potential of all.
We have to think about how we can stop inhumane acts, how we can reduce pollution, how we can promote sustainability and importantly how we can co-exist as unique individuals.
We need to find answers to these thoughts.
“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,” John F. Kennedy.
Vishnu Deo Sharma, Nakasi
Happy Fiji Day
To all the people of Fiji,those staying in other Pacific Islands and those staying overseas, I wish you all a Happy Fiji Day 2020.
May the good Lord bless our nation, our people, and our land.
The highlight of my experience in 1970 was when I had a holiday job during the school holidays.
I was counting all traffic that travelled on the road and writing them down in groups of five.
I was at the Princes Rd junction opposite the Assemblies of God church.
When I saw my first pay it was the new Fijian dollar notes and coins.
I smelled them and they smelt so good.
I gave them all to my mother, Happy Fiji 50th Independence Fiji.
Vili Yaranamua, Tamavua, Suva
50 long years
Today is 10th October, 2020.
Fifty long years since our beloved country and motherland Viti became a free and independent state.
We are proud and resilient Fijians and the past 50 long years is a proven testimony.
Today we stand up and pay tribute to Viti the way the world should see.
We touch our land and ask forgiveness for the everlasting pain it has suffered be it day or night or rain or shine carrying the burden of the 900,000 plus Fijians without a complaint.
We pray for the land that has endured so much giving us food and health.
We pray and thank the sea surrounding us for giving us peace and tranquillity.
We pray for trees around us for giving us the breath of life.
We pray for all the animals around us for giving us companionship and above all we pray for each and every one of us in villages, in settlements, in towns and cities, in old people’s homes, in Hart homes, wherever, for holding hands and moving ahead in both good and sad days.
Lastly we pray for those that have left us and we pray for those that are born.
Fiji or Viti simply the way the world and vuravura should see.
Noqu qele, noqu vanua.
Toso Viti, joka kece.
Go Fiji go in my heart and soul.
Keep the flag flying for the next 50 and many more years to come.
We thank and return all glory to God.
Amen.
Shalwyn Prasad, Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Weekend sports
Football fanatics will don the colours of their district with pride this weekend as the Inter District Championship heats up with the semi-finals and final.
Western neighbours Ba and Lautoka battle it out in the first semi while BOG champions Rewa and bitter rivals Labasa face off in a royal showdown at the economic hub of Fiji.
The matches throughout the group stages were piled with shock, surprises, drama and entertainment that kept fans at the edge of their seats.
Now the four best teams in the country will provide further exhilaration in the capital.
With the Fiji Day public holiday coinciding with the semi finals, I anticipate a jam-packed stadium, with majority of fans coloured red, as the Tigers and Lions clash to decide the King of the Jungle.
Come on, Tigers!
Raynav Chand, Nakasi
Fiji soccer
IF Fiji soccer has progressed under the current leadership than how come we are still placed at 163 in our ranking with Vanuatu?
We have not even won any OFC competition.
How can we develop local talents when overseas imports are allowed to represent the participating teams in the OFC?
In the ’70s and ’80s we used to beat Australia and New Zealand.
But we can’t win against New Caledonia and Tahiti now.
Why?
There have been so many concerns from soccer-loving critics, but it seems all have fallen on deaf ears.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Lautoka on the rise
The Sugar City of Lautoka is on the rise.
At the 2020 Courts IDC tournament, the Lautoka soccer team take on the mighty men from Ba.
What a cracker of a match this will be as the two teams from the Burning West aim for nothing more than victory.
A week later, the Lautoka rugby team has a chance to deliver and conquer the inform Namosi team.
Meanwhile, having travelled to Lautoka lately, one could only admire the delicious and tasty mangoes which are so abundant.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
The heat is on
The Courts IDC kicked off on Tuesday Suva.
The tournament’s giant killer Nasinu started the tournament on a high as they beat Suva 1-0 but then faltered against Lautoka 2-1 and then put up an embarrassing performance against Rewa, losing 1-5.
Like Nasinu, Navua started on a high as they beat Labasa 1-0 but then lost to Ba 2-0 and Nadi 2-1.
Rewa made it into the semi-final while Suva was unlucky as the Whites surrendered their 1-0 lead to Lautoka who qualified as pool winners.
The Ba and Labasa match attracted a huge crowd.
After Nadi beat Navua, Ba and Labasa needed a draw to progress but the Babasiga Lions were determined to stamp their mark in pool play and came out firing.
Eventually, the Lions beat Ba 2-1.
To the Labasa team – all the best and thank you for bouncing back from the opening defeat to beat Nadi and Ba!
True spirit of the Babasiga Lions!
Labasa fans, who had thrown in the towel after the Lions lost, were back cheering for their side and I’m positive that a huge crowd will pour in at the ANZ Stadium for the semis.
Let’s hope the rain holds and fans can enjoy soccer.
Hearty thanks to The Fiji Times for the wonderful coverage of the senior and premier division as Bua, Nadroga, Dreketi and Tailevu Naitasiri made the semis of the senior grade and Eroni Tuinuku’s story titled “The Silent One” on Nadogo’s Shafil Ali (08/10) touched hearts.
Wananavu Eroni and Shafil!
Finally, a big vinaka vakalevu to the voice of soccer for the wonderful commentaries and for adding flavour to this week’s IDC.
Whoever wins will be remembered for long!
As I conclude, I thank Tuinuku, Noa and The Fiji Times for the stories and I wish Master Ronil, Master Alvin, Akuila, Lino, Logaivou, Lolaivalu, Dan, Raju, Vikrant, Ralulu, Ratu Anare, Tuivuna, Rakai, Nayasi, Alam and Kirtesh all the best for today’s semis.
Win or lose – Labasa at heart!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fiji’s independence
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Fiji’s independence from the British government, let me pay homage to the teachers who have contributed immensely to get the nation out of the doldrums.
Teachers were responsible for churning out local doctors, nurses, accountants,engineers et cetera to fill in the gaps when expatriates left post independence.
Teachers sacrificed and are still sacrificing their time, energy, luxuries of life and so on, in the service to the nation in remote and rural areas.
Some of them have sacrificed the education of their own children as they could not be with them when most needed.
Teachers don’t complain despite the deplorable state of some quarters.
They don’t complain despite having to travel on foot, bicycle or horseback.
They deserve our accolades.
Whenever, the nation marks any important occasion, you see the teachers in front with their battalion.
For them the noble banner blue is paramount.
Most of the schools were decorated blue to the brim as they marked the 50th anniversary.
Teachers became students with students to add meaning to the celebration.
I am glad that the Government is giving commemorative 50c coin to all the students to mark this day.
It will be valued 50 years down the line.
Back in 1970, I guess the students received juice in the round bottom flask like plastic bottle.
Anyway, once again I salute all the teachers for their contribution in Fiji’s progress.
For manners maketh man,teachers make a nation.
Arun Prasad, Dilkusha, Nausori
Big bash
October 10 will be celebrated this year in a big bash as it is Fiji’s 50th independence Day.
This year it will be different and big for this very genuine reason.
Emotions are high as well as it brings in so much memories from October 10, 1970.
For those who were already born were part of that in one way or another.
Some good and some bad things to remember.
Fiji has come a long way since then with so many changes in our beloved country.
We cannot forget the sacrifice of the indentured people who went through a lot and today we are freely using all that they left for us with their hard work.
Those recipients who were awarded medals for their immense contribution towards our country and its people, congratulations and thank you.
Hard work is finally being recognised.
Let’s hope everyone spends the day well and celebrates to the max with safety.
For some, it will be part of celebration and for some family time then there will be the ones who would want to keep their shops open.
It will be interesting to know how many actually abide by the instruction from authorities in terms of paying wages to their staff appropriately.
I wish everyone a very happy and blessed Fiji 50th Independence Day celebration.
We are proud Fijians and this event has to be taken into consideration with a high spirit.
Fiji is a wonderful place and our pride.
Fiji, the way the world should be.
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
Day to remember
10th October 1970
A date to remember
Where noble banner blue
With pride and glory
High it flew
Gaining freedom
From dependence to independence
A valuable asset to redeem
From slavery to bravery
One must act boldly not cowardly
To hold head high
All must be seen as one
Not differentiated with race, religion, creed or colour
when combined together
Only then comes the full flavour
Which we as a nation must savor
To promote acceptance and harmony
Differences should be put aside
Let the law of love, equality and unity abide
To let our slogan stride
Fiji the way the world should be with glee and pride
Prameeta Chand, Donu Place, Suva
Katarina pushes on
Life is a journey fraught with unpredictable obstacles and challenges.
In Thursday’s People column, Harsha Kumar shared with readers the story of 49-year-old Katarina Laisa.
The article was motivating as it gave readers a hint on what to do when the going gets tough.
The ‘new normal’, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, poses heaps of challenges and Katarina’s story will give relief to many.
Katarina shared the struggles she went through as her parents faced tough times providing her an education which later forced her to drop out of school.
After enduring years of struggle, she finally started her juice selling business which started slowly.
Once that picked up, she expanded into selling roti parcels and pies which enables her to comfortably support her family.
Her advice, “Never give up. There is a great God who sees everything and who hears your cries. Be bold, never lose hope and be confident in who you are,” was timely.
Thank you Katarina, Harsha and The Fiji Times for another inspirational piece!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
We are all patriots
Fiji, our home, our paradise, our foundation
Blessed with wonders leaving a lasting impression
Her people, the most treasured possession
Devoted with loyalty to Fiji our resolution
Dedicated in unwavering service with passion
Commitment to Fiji with greatest conviction
Working towards our goals with determination
Driving towards progress our real aspiration
True citizens of Fiji advancing beyond expectation
We are one big family bonded in union
Marking 50 years of independence with celebration
We are all patriots of our wonderful nation
Bhagwanji Bhindi, Nasinu
United we are Fiji
Fiji, our country, a gift from the Lord Providing us with everything to be adored
Beautiful rivers and waterfalls spellbinding
Forests and mountainous peaks mesmerising
Blue oceans and sandy beaches stunning
Extraordinary birds and fish fascinating
Bustling towns and peaceful villages inviting
Rich culture, knowledge and values enchanting
Let us unite to make Fiji the best experience
In unity lies our strength and resilience
Let us prosper in industry and business
Working hard to perform and achieve success
Let us work for peace and cooperation
Striving for excellence with determination
Let us unite to stop all conflicts and quarrels
Uniting in finding solutions to all problems
Let us work together for the progress of Fiji
Achieving our goals with unity so lovely
Let us open our hearts and minds
Removing discrimination of all kinds
Let us embrace like brothers and sisters
Working together to overcome barriers
Let us build bridges to embrace diversity
Uniting in diversity and inclusivity
Let us break the walls that dissect
Filling our Fiji with love and respect
Let us respect one another’s thoughts and feelings
Praying for the Lord to shower his blessings
Let us make Fiji the best beyond all expectations
Sharing with hope the same dreams and aspirations
Let us serve our nation with devotion and dedication
Making unity our means for harmony and integration
Let us build our nation with patriotism and passion
Moving ahead to fulfil these dreams in unison
Let us unite with great purpose and vision
Uniting to change the destiny of Fiji, our nation
Maharaj Kumari Bhindi, LBE, Nasinu
Commemorative banknote, coin
Fiji’s PM unveiled Fiji’s 50 years of Independence Commemorative $50 banknote and 50 cent coin.
The historicity of Fiji dollar began on January 13, 1969, when currency of Fiji changed from Pound, shillings and pence to dollars and cent.
The currency has also witnessed change towards adoption of biodiversity and Fijian uniqueness in representation to cover a multiracial society.
Circulating the souvenir to school children of 50 cent coins will be remembered for generations to come.
Dr Sakul Kundra, Lautoka
Interesting issue
Yadra.
Trois fois rien!
Fijians of French or French Canadian heritage would know very well the phrase “trois fois rien” (three times nothing) to describe something dirt cheap.
I read with interest the words of Kumar (FT 9/10) about the $1.10 charged to rich farmers in Rakiraki: “Can you buy a bundle of bean for $1.10? You can’t even buy anything for $1.10 in this day and age.”
On a different topic, what was the minimum wage in Fiji in mid-2019 (pre-COVID times)?
Was it more or less three times nothing?
What is the cost of a typical piece of residential land in Rakiraki?
Suva?
Lautoka?
Food for thought.
Mathieu Pelletier, Sigatoka (the salad bowl of Fiji)
Daylight saving
The upcoming daylight saving period is around a month long.
A search reveals that since its introduction, the light in daylight saving has continued to get dim.
Optimistically, we are not too far away from lights out.
I cannot understand the consideration for school not to be disrupted in any way (as said by the relevant minister).
We shall not forget that previous daylight saving periods fell within the school weeks.
While those who would like it to be removed voice their opinions, I cannot locate any protests or petitions against the continuous decrease in the daylight saving period?
Hopefully, the light at the end of the tunnel is not just a battery operated torch.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Police and celebrations
The events, functions and parties across the nation will be a key feature this weekend.
All in all, do take time to enjoy but don’t forget to think of our police officers who are working tirelessly over the weekend to ensure a safe weekend for all.
They are working long hours and some have had their leave applications cancelled, if not rejected.
Enjoyable weekend.
It will definitely be a blue weekend.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
