Be prepared
The Editorial Comment yesterday was spot on, Fiji seems to not care about the latest tsunami warning that was given. Lately, FB has been loaded with clips showing a lot of different tsunami attacks from all over the world to warn us to be prepared. One clip has the warning: The people here had been warned earlier! A visiting prophet had warned Fiji to repent, if not, it will be hit by a tsunami. The same prophet prophesied that the world will end tomorrow, August 2, 2025. We are told that the world will be in darkness tomorrow, August 2, 2025 for six minutes, due to the eclipse. Whatever happens, it is important for us to get right with God and be prepared for whatever natural disasters that we see and hear in the news happening around the globe. The Scout’s motto comes to mind: Be prepared! Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Tacirua
Climate heroes
It was heartwarming to see that Vanuatu greeted their student leaders like Cynthia and her team with so much enthusiasm, love and pride when they arrived back in Vila after the historic decision by the International Court Justice. Lest we forget, our own Vishal Prasad was the leader of the Pacific Students Fighting for Climate Change and has been with the group since its inception. He continues to inspire and lead. I wonder whether the Government of Fiji, the many NGOs, organisations or institutions, even USP, which he has put on the map have any intention of recognising his sacrifices and his efforts on the global climate change agenda. He is such a humble and modest individual but that doesn’t stop Fijians from demonstrating their gratitude. It will also be such an advocacy for climate change and certainly lot more effective and economical compared to the annual COP junkets. Altauf Chand, Minto, NSW, Australia
Drug issue
IT appears the issue of illegal use of drugs in our beloved Fiji is getting out of control. As a result the law-abiding citizens, hospitals and even the prisons are facing the direct pressure of handling this situation of drug abuse. We read in our local news media that despite the continued efforts by our police force, there is no positive result. Sorry to learn that a few of our law enforcement officers in the force are part of these illegal acts. Just a suggestion which I am not very sure if at all possible, that part of our army could be actively involved even for three months to assist the police to bring the drug issue under control. According to our information, groups of abusers are seen in Suva, Nausori and Navua smoking openly in certain areas. Police are just outnumbered or even may be scared to face them, after all they are human beings and their life is equally important. I sincerely hope and expect our higher authorities to find a quick solution to this critical problem. VIJAY MAHARAJ, Sydney, Australia
Traditional leaders
Rewa Province’s vacant traditional leadership occupancy has risen to 94 per cent (FT 27/7). What a sensible move. However, do all these chiefs and tribal heads know the history and genesis of their titles? Although the NLC is involved, one should understand his ancestral lineage, in my opinion. For it has been proven that a few are not direct descendants or have no legitimate ancestral lineage. Such a scenario has brought about divisions within clans and families that also affect the vanua. Look at the Tui Nadi issue, where it was firstly addressed by the NLC, confirmed by its Appeal Tribunal and was successfully challenged after eight years. Is this not something to ponder on? The NLC is just the “facilitator”. And I am certain, if it incorrectly and misleadingly administered the “information” it was given, then instability of the vanua will be inevitable. Samu Silatolu, Nakasi
Speeding traffic
Can LTA please do something about speeding traffic on the southern end of Grantham Rd? From the traffic lights at Laucala Bay Rd to Carpenter St by Garden City there are two very busy T-junctions on the west side at Varani St and Nailuva Rd, and two minor ones at Telau and Burerua streets. On the east side there are exits from Sports City, Damodar City, and Garden City. Grantham Rd has four lanes over most of this stretch, complicated by four bus stops, two taxi stands and a pedestrian crossing. Yet many drivers speed, both through traffic and traffic accelerating after exiting the city complexes. I suggest creating a Slow Speed Zone between Laucala Bay Rd and Carpenter St with a maximum speed of 40 kph, with big signs and, most importantly, fixed speed cameras. The expenditure of setting it up will be recouped in no time until drivers get the message. Most importantly, it will help prevent serious accidents. Peter Adams, Laucala Bay, Suva
