Titles of officers
I have said it before and I’ll say it again. Those among us who have been officially bestowed titles as officers of the State by virtue of the Constitution or a legislation, should likewise be formally and properly acknowledged by the rest of us. Examples are HE the President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers heads of government ministries departments and other government and semi -government bodies, etc. They, in my humble opinion should most certainly not be addressed in the public arena, by their birth names (surname or even first names) when reference is made to them in their official capacity. I must be old school, but it really irks and disgust me, when I hear or read of someone in that category being addressed by their surname only, without even mentioning their title of office. Just listen to our daily news announcements on the radio and TV, let alone what is printed in the print media. If we continue to go down this path, it will eventually be regarded as correct and proper behaviour, when it is apparently not. Let’s teach our future generation proper protocols and ethical social behaviour now, before it’s way too late! Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Sleeping rough
As a caring, law-abiding, 72-year-old retiree, trying to keep healthy, during my morning walk just after 6am yesterday, Friday, August 9, 2024, I couldn’t help take notice of four young iTaukei lasses, huddled up in the cold, and sleeping rough outside a barber shop at RB Patel JetPoint in Martintar, Nadi. As pity somehow took hold, the need to offer them some bread was not fulfilled. The Westpac ATM nearby was “temporarily out of service”. I am still wondering how fate forces some of our younger people to end up in such a predicament in life. We may never know why. It is truly sad. Life does deal a cruel blow, at times. Somehow, events in life force difficult choices to many. Perhaps, for a million reasons these four feel unwanted at home. Lord, please have mercy on them. Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
Constitution amendment
It is funny how some Opposition members of Parliament used to laud the 2013 Constitution as the supreme law of the land during their 16-year reign in absolute power. Now a handful of them are suddenly singing a different melody by demanding for amendments to certain provisions of this same document that was forced down the throats of commoners by their tyrannical leaders. Some politicians never cease to amuse. Nishant Singh, Lautoka
The Drua
No, it’s not the game! It’s the 32 metre canoe being built by Carson Young and his team of mataisau. An amazing feat which was only known to have happened over 150 years ago and a piece of work which would have taken a village eight years to build back then! The current project, being built right in the heart of Suva is looking at being launched as early as next year. Looking deeper into the concept, I finally see the unity that I have been longing to see in the more cultured side of me, in that of the iTaukei people. If mataisau around Fiji can come together for one cause to build this massive drua, then why can’t all iTaukei come together for the betterment of the nation? One clan has proven it and decided to stand out and work together to create a masterpiece that will soon be showcased to the world. What of the other seven clans? The bati can be eradicating the drug problem, the gonedau could be pushing sustainable fisheries concepts by implementing the iTaukei seasonal calendar for instance. In fact each clan should be playing a vital role towards developing a sustainable, educated and prosperous Fiji. Thanks mataisau for paving the way and showing us the possibilities of standing together! Noleen Billings, Savusavu
