Stop the nonsense!
When will our politicians listen to the voices of reason? We have a good constitution, dated 1997. You cannot make an illegal document legal. Most of the voices in this country will tell you not to do the impossible. You have to start again. In this case, you have a good document that was intended to last. It is only 27 years old. Stop wasting our time and our money! Tessa Mackenzie, Suva
Traditional apology
It may be argued that Lynda Tabuya’s traditional apology, or matanigasau to the Prime Minister was a feeble attempt to reclaim her ministerial position. A typical explanation that is forced and self-serving cannot justify the so-called role model for women and children and her shameful (and sickening) conduct. Additionally, this persistent colonial culture of conventional apologies and empathy needs to end. This is not the 1800s! It is totally unacceptable in today’s contemporary politics. And Lynda can still continue to be a role model, just in her own world. Nishant Singh, Lautoka
$12m pool project!
The pipe carrying hopes and aspirations of Lautoka’s ratepayers and citizens that the $12m Lautoka swimming pool will be completed soon seems to be overflowing with issues and problems. With a power-packed headline titled ‘Show me the money’ by Repeka Nasiko (FT: 08/03), retired Lautoka City Council horticulturalist Shri Charan came out to claim that of the budgeted $12m allocated on paper during the FijiFirst’s reign, the LCC received just $5.57m. In addition, Chand stated that the LCC had to fork out $1.06m of its own funds for the project. Prolific letters to the editor writer and Lautoka Ratepayers and Residents Association president Narayan Reddy shared that Lautoka did not need a swimming pool as it already has two swimming pools the public could access. Many are questioning the funding provided and how it was used. I hope the second investigation into the pool project by FICAC will bring out the much-needed answers that the Fijian public is eagerly awaiting. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fair and objective?
PM Rabuka says I have not been fair and objective in my criticism of his government’s priorities (Interview with Cheerieann Wilson FT 8/2). Was PM Rabuka fair and objective when he retained Lynda Tabuya as his Cabinet minister after his own party’s disciplinary body had found her guilty of the sex and weed allegations against her and had removed her as deputy leader of the party? Is he fair and objective in intending to bring her back as minister after she was sacked following the second episode of Lynda’s porn video? I can cite many more examples from 1987 to date but I believe the point is made. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Fijians lack sagacity
Perhaps the reason why Fiji and Fijians are in the dilemma they are in is because they have people who change their political allegiances on a whim for personal gain. Who in Fiji can be trusted? One thing is clear, the people of Fiji lack any sense of sagacity and judgement. They seem to be oblivious that people in the highest offices are working for themselves and not for the country. They support useless and hopeless politicians based on prejudice rather than on good sense. Our children are taught these characteristics and the issue perpetuates. By lack of sagacity I mean, how many people are there who still think that a man from 38 years ago is going to fix Fiji’s problems. The very person who is responsible for Fiji being where it is — a beggar nation. And then Fijians all wonder why they are where they are. But one thing remains unchanged, the people of Fiji are more blessed than anyone else in the world. Just ask them. Jan Nissar, Sydney, Australia
Informal settlements
The Ministry of Housing, I believe, is currently managing 48 development leases for the ISUP. This is one of the most critical issues within Fiji’s political sphere. However, how many new informal settlements have emerged within the past 15 years? How many have been completely settled? What has been the trend? Do the numbers keep growing or have declined? I think the ministry should practically approach this issue from an unconventional perspective. There needs to be a “boundary” drawn, so that the ISUP is not intentionally abused. Even “squatters” are already illegal. An opportunist does not wait for a grand opportunity to come about. He simply transforms events to exploitable situations by taking advantage of a bad situation, to achieve his goal. Samu Silatolu, Nakasi