Ferris wheels
I am writing with reference to the recent incident involving panic on the Ferris wheel in Taveuni, as well as the tragic accident that occurred a few months ago, resulting in injuries.
It is worth noting that not only Ferris wheels but many other amusement rides used during festivals and carnivals in Fiji are several decades old.
It is imperative that the Government enact a safety regulation requiring amusement ride operators to invest in new equipment, ensure regular maintenance, and obtain approval from relevant authorities prior to operation at future events.
The safety and well-being of citizens must never be compromised for the sake of entertainment.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
HIV/AIDS cost factor
We all know that HIV and AIDS are totally preventable communicable diseases if people decide to follow the strict guidelines laid down by medical experts. What is not generally available is the annual cost of treating an HIV or full blown AIDS patient in Fiji. A bit like diabetes, from which I suffer, don’t follow sensible advice and then others have to pay for your treatment.
In the late 1990’s very comprehensive studies were done into the total costs for treating one HIV/AIDS patient in the South Pacific, particularly New Guinea and Fiji. Studies showed the mean cost of treating an HIV patient in Fiji was $F2456 per annum, an AIDS patient $F5926 per annum. The range for HIV patients was between $136 to $3524 per annum, for AIDS patients was $986 to $7500 per annum. Assuming 1000 positive patients the total cost is quite staggering.
If you directly factor in inflation to the current day, things look terrible but one has to assume that in the intervening period, advances into medication and treatment methods have improved and unit costs might have lowered. Whatever, it is an unnecessary drain on the dwindling resources of the Health Budget.
ALLAN LOOSLEY, Tavua
Tax cheats
The Minister for Finance has announced (FT 12/12) that the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has formed a Tax Crimes Taskforce to crack down on tax evaders and tax non- compliance.
Isn’t this already a function of the FRCS? Why have another task force?
Whatever it is, I suggest to the Hon Minister to first issue a statement to the effect that all previous and present Members of Parliament, including him, the Speaker and the President have declared all their assets as required by law, are tax compliant and non-tax evaders.
If not, that is where he should direct Mr Gandhi to focus on first.
AJAI KUMAR, Nadi
Christmas party donations
Earlier this week, the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, issued a stern warning to all civil servants against soliciting donations of chicken, bundles of dalo, or any other items for their Christmas parties, emphasising that such actions constitute corruption. She further cautioned members of the public not to offer such gifts. This warning should equally extend to the private sector and local businesses that request food, beverages, or gifts from their clients.
However, the question arises whether the cash levies are to be collected from participants for these Christmas parties or not? Presumably, such funds would be allocated for the purchase of food and beverages. Yet, one must ask — how does one distinguish between a legitimate levy and a “gift” or, worse, a “bribe”?
It seems the festive season brings with it not only tinsel and cheer but also an occasional ethical dilemma wrapped in a ribbon of ambiguity. Navneet Ram (TD) – Karua, kerekere na toa, na me kei na dalo. Merry Christmas in advance!
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Vanua Levu escapee
The fact that our Vanua Levu guy escaped from St Giles is a serious matter!
Interestingly, the article does not state when he escaped so who knows how long he’s been on the run! In fact, he could very well be back home for all we know!
And does he need a psychiatric evaluation if he could figure out his escape route?
St Giles is not set up for detainment of murderers let alone drug abusers! In fact, the doctors and medical staff at St Giles probably have the highest risk jobs in the country! And so the question arises – who was in charge of detaining the patient? And why couldn’t he, due to the nature and seriousness of his crime, be held at the Korovou prison which is just next door to Saint Giles, and receive treatment there?
I sincerely hope that he is found before he scars, forever, the lives of his loved ones and the innocent who will be unfortunate enough to find themselves involuntarily in his presence!
Loving our beloved Cakaudrove also means protecting our people! In this case, it is indeed very heartbreaking that we find ourselves protecting ourselves from our very own!
NOLEEN BILLINGS, Savusavu
Discipline and learning
Discipline and learning are entwined
They coexist to make it into a blissful twin
Upon the dawn of mind’s expanse
Learning calls, a sacred dance
A beacon bright, it shines ahead
Guiding us where wisdom’s tread
Each page, a whisper, each word, a spark
Lighting flames within the dark
But learning’s gift never is free
It bows to discipline’s decree
The restless heart it seeks to tame
Turning passion into flame
Through trials fierce and moments slow
The seeds of growth begin to show
Discipline, the steadfast hand
Shapes the mind, helps dreams to stand
It moulds the soul, it bends the will
Teaching patience, teaching skill
In effort’s arms, the learner’s prize
A world revealed through wiser eyes
For those who journey, brave and true
Find boundless vistas, ever new
Discipline creates a positive ambience to learning
Where learning flourishes like a flame burning
Chasing discipline and learning in the shadow of fright
Makes the chase tight and blight
Learning, a lifelong process
Discipline, a lifelong progress
Let’s tread this path with steady grace
With learning’s light and discipline’s embrace.
BHAGWANJI BHINDI, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Illegally imposed
Meli Bogileka (FT8/12) is spot on – the 2013 constitution has no place in Fiji’s governance.
It was illegally imposed by the illegal and oppressive regime of Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Why are we giving legitimacy, credibility and importance to a document that we all know is flawed?
The dictators in the first instance abrogated the existing constitution upon assuming power through a coup. Then they burnt Professor Yash Ghai’s draft constitution after which they imposed the 2013 constitution with no consultation with onerous clauses.
Why are we giving credence to such rubbish? It does not deserve the light of day.
Wake up Fiji!
The Rabuka Government has a heavy responsibility on its shoulders to give Fiji stability through a well thought out acceptable constitution that will stand the test of time.
We need a constitution that gives credibility, stability and comfort to its people.
MAHENDRA MOTIBHAI PATEL, Sydney, Australia
Editor’s note: Mr Patel is a shareholder in the Motibhai Group of Companies, which has ownership interests in The Fiji Times.
Ask the court
Can the Coalition Government explain once and for all why it considers the 2013 Fiji Constitution as legal or lawful?
Most of us in Fiji and those abroad know that the Fiji 2013 Constitution was illegally imposed by the former Fiji First Government, itself a product of the illegal takeover or military coup against the then Government in December 2006.
I agree with Pita Nacuva (FT 10/12) that the Court of Appeal judgement of April 9, 2009 is still legally valid and binding.
This Government should stop wasting time and valuable resources but to seek as suggested by Mr Nacuva the necessary guidance and directive of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on the legality or otherwise of the Court of Appeal orders of 2009 that the Fiji Constitution of 1997 is still in force.
SAVERIO BALEIKANACEA, Delainavesi, Lami
Ill-gotten wealth
It is not a crime to own 10 houses for it does not necessarily mean they were all acquired from ill-gotten wealth just as owning a single property does not necessarily give it a clean chit that it was acquired from clean money. And of course there are so many other means and ways to launder and siphon off black money. Maybe a good place to start the probe will be the infamous NBF saga and agriculture scam.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Respect the voices!
The trusted brand is commended for highlighting the plight of the people of Namosi (FT 13/12) who have rejected mining despite the review of the Mining Act. The landowners’ representative, Lomani Au Marorou Au (LAMA) chairperson Sipiriano Nariva shared (FT 13/12) that they would not consider any mining activities and that would be upheld by future generations. He added that they would not support mining even if the law was amended. He reiterated that their focus remained on sustainable development, citing concerns about the environmental damage caused by mining activities. Let’s respect the voices!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Water drama
No water in parts of Lautoka for the past few days is bad. The problem spreading to CWM Hospital is inexcusable. About time they seek help.
DAN URAI, Lautoka
Malimali saga
Malimali must resign – Seruiratu (FT 13/12).
So says Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu on account of “the serious allegations” of abuse of office and professional misconduct against the FICAC commissioner. Her position, he says, has become untenable. That he reckons is the only way to maintain the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity and public trust and confidence in the institutions of state. The other way is to appoint Barbara Malimali as deputy commissioner as was the case with John Rabuka who was dropped as DPP for professional misconduct but got appointed as deputy DPP. And life goes on happily in today’s Fiji.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Value or what?
Do you add value to people you meet? Or, do you steal their thunder and making it all about yourself?
Me centred or, you centred. It can make a world of difference to someone’s life.
So, what are you – the value adder or the value taker?
COLIN DEOKI , Australia
Family support fuels Ikanivere’s rugby journey!
FIJIAN Drua and Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere dedicated his success on the rugby field to the unwavering support from his wife and young son who, according to him (FT: 13/12) have been the bedrock of his achievements.
Ikanivere shared that his “small” family made him a better father, husband, and rugby player.
Ikanivere has been a shining star for the Drua and then made a massive impact during the July Tests, Pacific Nations Cup and Autumn International.
Ikanivere described the Super Rugby season as one filled with milestones.
I quote him, “It’s always a privilege to play for the Fijian Drua.
“This year, I got to play 13 games and started in all of them while proudly wearing the number two jersey.
“It’s something I’ve worked hard to earn.
“Being entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the team this year was an honor.
“It’s a big responsibility, but it was a privilege I embraced wholeheartedly.
The biggest privilege of my life was captaining the Flying Fijians.”
Apart from Ikanivere, Peni Ravai also had a great year.
Both players will play a vital role next year.
I wish the duo all the best for the 2025 rugby season!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
FNPF pension
I MAKE no apologies for defending the current contributors to the FNPF.
They should never have been liable for the government-granted pension subsidies before 2011, and they should not be liable now.
Indeed, it may be the current government recognises this, since they are paying the reinstated subsidised amounts out of taxpayer funds — which is what governments normally do when they want to subsidise something.
Correspondents such as Elizabeth Reade Fong have taken me to task for all this.
I would simply point out that I do recognise the removal of the subsidised element of FNPF pensions from 2012 came as a considerable shock for those affected.
However, I can’t find that anyone has been prepared to defend the existence of the subsidy in the first place, neither Wadan Narsey nor Jackson Mar.
Every time I ask the question, there is a deafening silence.
There still seems some question in people’s minds about the extent of the subsidy.
I hope to provide an article soon explaining how actuaries go about determining pension conversion rates – have your spreadsheet ready.
But spoiler alert — the ILO 1993 estimate of 10 per cent for single life annuities and 8 per cent for joint life looks credible.
Whether the subsidy was effectively guaranteed into the future is another matter entirely. I would argue not, since it was put in place through government legislation, and thus another government could legislate it away, but I appreciate there are differing views on that point.
My concern is simply that any compensation the government may determine should not involve taking money generated from the current retirement savings of FNPF contributors, at least in respect of the vast majority who need every cent they can get.
As for the money involved, to the best of my recollection there were nearly 500 pensioners who had conversion sums of or in excess of $100,000, including quite a number at $200,000 or more. That represents a lot of subsidy to finance.
A thought — would people writing in support of the pensioner lobby group like to declare their own conversion sums?
GEOFF RASHBROOKE, Kaitawa Rd, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Another one bites the dust
ANOTHER totalitarian hereditary dictatorship falls in the Middle East; this time it was the Assad’s 50 years of pain and suffering inflicted on the majority of Syrians.
On Sunday, Damascus fell to the Syrian rebels backed by Western countries, and there was celebration in the capital city after Bashar al-Assad’s reign came to an end after he fled to Moscow.
Photos and videos of jubilation from Syrians across the world were pasted on mainstream media and social networks. Syrians have been urged to return home and build their country.
At least this will stop refugees from Syria and encourage those that have been living in squalid conditions in refugee camps around the world, as there is no place like home.
Let us hope and pray that peace and value for human rights will prevail in the aftermath of the fall of the Assad dictatorship.
Should this persist, there will be imminent prosperity and Syria as country will take its rightful stage in the international arena.
It may not be a democracy, but it should be better than a dictatorship.
Let us at this time congratulate the 53 million in Syria and Syrians all around the world for this momentous occasion and emancipation from fear and dread.
AJENDRA A PRATAP, Samabula, Suva
They need our support
The performance of our national women’s 7s rugby team has perhaps hit an all-time low but this is at a time when our ladies need our support and encouragement the most. It is our responses at this crucial time which can make or break our ladies’ ambitions to lift their performances. To all members of our national women’s 7s team, I would say:
– the sky is your limit;
– continue to preserve and endure with your personal training over the festive season;
– continue to make the small sacrifices which will take you a long way;
– surround yourself and talk to people who will motive you; and
– may the criticism received motivate you perform even better.
All in all, rugby fans must continue to support our ladies in the most difficult as well as joyful times.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Micronesia
Lesavua repays mother’s sacrifice!
I congratulate 32-year-old Manaini Lesavua who graduated from the Fiji National University College of Humanities with a Trade Diploma in Banking and Patisserie.
Lesavua felt humbled and blessed, and she couldn’t hold back her tears as she reflected on her mother’s sacrifices in financing her university education while raising four children under the age of ten.
She emotionally recounted the challenges she faced as a full-time mother and student. She thanked her mother for the journey, and for giving her the opportunity to go to school, harvesting the fruit of hard work. I commend Lesavua’s mother and husband for standing by her.
Lesavua urged young people to stay resilient and determined, as she encouraged Fijians going through a lot to never give up and always remember that the sky was the limit.
Furthermore, she acknowledged the immense challenge of balancing her studies with raising her four children. Lesavua’s story (FT 11/12) showed that nothing is impossible, and we can achieve our goals in life if we work hard and set our priorities right. I congratulate and thank Lesavua for repaying her mother’s sacrifices. I also congratulate all those who graduated from FNU this week. Keep striving!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Unload or implode!
Why is it when we’re constipated with a whole heap of mental and emotional crap from our past, some of us stubbornly refuse to let go?
And then we continue suffering the pain and discomfort like a bear with a sore head thinking it’s everyone else’s crap and fault?
Flushing the sh@t will relieve the burden and lighten your load so you won’t have to feel so blerry cranky all the time giving everyone else a headache and heartache all because of what’s backed up inside of you.
Unload before you implode.
COLIN DEOKI, Australia
FFA awards a success!
I commend Fiji Football Association for hosting their awards at the elegant Crowne Plaza in the tourism town.
I thank Extra Supermarket for coming on board to support the glitzy event and the success of the awards.
Rewa stole the limelight as their star players Tevita Warainivalu and Adi Litia Bakaniceva were crowned Fiji’s best footballers alongside the Delta Tigers men’s football team.
The Tigers had a phenomenal season winning the league title although they did not win a single tournament. Rewa’s president Nazeel Buksh was full of smiles as he was honoured with the Administrator of the Year award.
Elesi Tabunase and Sterling Vasconcelos deserved the Young Football Player of the Year awards. I congratulate the Voice of Soccer, Raymond Stoddart, for his service as a rock-solid commentator. He adds spice to the game of football. Mohammed Kasim, who has given a lot to Labasa soccer, walked away with the Volunteer of the Year award. Tavua coach, Diva Singh, is also commended for taking home the Coach of the Year award.
Finally, I congratulate schoolteacher and a member of the Fiji Teachers Union Suva branch, Ravneel Pal, for scooping the Futsal Player of the Year award. Well done!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Malimali issue
There are four investigations going on against FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali. And there have been many calls for her to resign or be fired because her position has become untenable.
The latest from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu (FT 13/12). But in every published photo, Malimali is smiling, waving and cheerful.
Could that be because she knows she is a protected species in the Rabuka regime?
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Work from home
It appears now that Russia’s Putin and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy have begun “work from home” (WFH) to bring an end to their conflict.
RAKESH CHAND SHARMA, Nadi
Sea of talent
The famous Olympics coach, Ben Ryan, is believed to have referred to Fiji as a sevens heaven in terms of an abundance of talented rugby players but does this now extend to netball.
Against all odds and with limited media coverage, our Crest Fiji men’s netball team departed our shores for Singapore where they created history in winning the 2024 Men’s Netball Nations Series Merlion Cup.
Congratulations to our Fiji men’s netball team and they may have opened up the doors to a sea of talent at home.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Micronesia
Our peacekeepers
The first thought that comes to mind in reference to Golan Heights is our peacekeepers who serve under the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and for their safety during times of crisis in the Middle-East.
The Golan Heights is located between Israel and Syria and UN peacekeepers have been placed there to maintain a ceasefire between Syria and Israel after the 1973 Middle East war.
Subsequent to the fall of Assad’s unitary rule in Syria, the Syrian forces have withdrawn from Golan Heights and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) have taken over to protect their national security and in doing so the UNDOF.
Although Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister has said this is a temporary measure, actions of this nature are never temporary. Previously, Israel had stamped its sovereignty on the Golan Heights and this has been recognised by the United States.
At least we know our troops are safe, but have their presence at Golan become redundant. Currently, Fiji has the fourth highest number of troops on the ground at Golan with others from Nepal, Uruguay, India, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Bhutan, Czech Republic and Ireland. None of these countries are militarily known for their defence or offence capabilities maybe with exception of India.
The recurring questions concerning UN peacekeepers are whether they are adequately trained and equipped with armaments to carry out their roles as intermediaries in volatile conflict zones, are they able keep the peace, can they defend themselves and defend the mandate when force is necessary, when dialogue goes out of the window. Unfortunately, facts have illustrated otherwise time and again.
AJENDRA A PRATAP, Samabula, Suva
Gender factor
Differentiating description of gender
Females – slender and tender to handle with care
Males – physically strong thus authoritative to do wrong
Men considered the head should learn to control and differentiate acts good and bad
Women considered housekeepers should not be solely relied on as cooks and cleaners
In today’s generation both are considered with equalisation
Unlike before where men were earners and women were childbearers, rearers and housekeepers
In today’s living it’s vice versa
For any relationship to be successful be it marital, family, social, communal or economical
Both genders have to be seen and treated as equal
Every individual’s ability differs with capability
Not just with gender or physicality
Thus gender honour or degradation
On sexes is humanitarian suffocation
Which paves an increase in violators and violence
Causing victims to remain in silence
Irrespective of gender one must learn to stand up to this humanitarian thunder
Being self protective and not gender selective
“Gender discrimination connects to human rights violation”!
PRAMEETA CHAND, Suva
Ferris wheels
I am writing with reference to the recent incident involving panic on the Ferris wheel on Taveuni, as well as the tragic accident that occurred a few months ago, resulting in injuries.
It is worth noting that not only Ferris wheels but many other amusement rides used during festivals and carnivals in Fiji are several decades old.
It is imperative that the Government enact a safety regulation requiring amusement ride operators to invest in new equipment, ensure regular maintenance, and obtain approval from relevant authorities prior to operation at future events.
The safety and well-being of citizens must never be compromised for the sake of entertainment.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Keeping a promise!
Thank you, Rakesh Kumar and the people’s newspaper, for sharing the success story of 25-year-old Natabua High School student Adi Torisi Koroidimuri who achieved her dream of becoming a doctor. Adi Torisi shared that since a young age, she’d always been drawn to studying and working hard in school. She decided that she wanted to be a doctor when she was young. Her passion and positive attitude resulted in the achievement of her dream. This is a huge lesson for everyone, aiming to achieve a dream. After six years of struggle, she graduated this week from FNU with a doctor’s degree. Adi Torosi had a simple message for readers, “Just remember to put God first, stay humble and continue to work hard.” As we end the 2024 academic year and welcome the new academic year, Adi Torosi has left valuable lessons.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
A New Year or ear
Will it be a new year or a new ear in just over two weeks from now? At the end of the day, it will depend upon one’s interpretation but in the new year, many will start with a new ear, meaning that as part of their 2025 commitments, they will choose what to listen to as part of their new priorities. All in all, do enjoy 2024 while the chance presents itself but do not forget to be selective in what you listen to as it may influence your well being come 2025. For this weekend, I will flick my ears away from the direction of kava invites and plan to listen to watch more cooking recipes on YouTube as I aim to master some methods which will result in the preparation of more delicious fish dishes but this time around, a dinner invite will be extended to Mother Christmas.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Micronesia
Cogea project
Thanks to the Ministry of Forestry for highlighting the status of the Cogea project, especially (FCOSS). We had witnessed lots of excuses by the director of FCOSS regarding the project during the past years—but in fact, I believe her organisation is not capable of running such a project. The Ministry of Forestry should have taken up the project, and by now it should be completed. A very good example is the wastage of the mahogany timber. We as foresters planted the mahogany and took good care for its utilisation, but poor decisions forced the mahogany timber to be rotten on the site.
MAIKA TABUKOVU, Cunningham, Suva
Domestic violence
I believe the Prime Minister is genuine in his concern about domestic violence and violence against women. To hammer the point home, I believe the PM should talk about the domestic violence experience in his family.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
Year 8 failures
I am baffled about why the Prime Minister is baffled by the baffling failure rate of Year 8 students.
The general culture of failure prevails all over the country through corruption, bribery, drugs, indiscipline among students, appointments without merit, prolonged delays to appoint officers covered by CoC, teachers and nurses’ grievances, never ending investigations, extravagant expenditure and the long list goes on.
Join the dots and you will arrive at the 6000 failures.
AJAI KUMAR, Nadi
Refuting allegations
I can’t help but remember my mother saying: “o cei na veka qai tara na dena”.
Translated simply would mean, who will make a human mess and then take the blame for it, definitely no one! In fact they would distance themselves from it.
Asking a business man if he heads an organised crime group is ridiculous.
My fellow Fijians I know money is tight but please don’t let it be the cause of us allowing our future generations to be overtaken by unscrupulous people that are making their money out of destroying our very existence.
As for our leaders that collude with the questionable and refuse to listen to intelligence shared- you are just as guilty as those making Fiji a criminals hub and your punishment should be far greater.
TAI SMITH, Nasinu Sec Sch Rd., Kinoya, Nasinu
Wairiki 7s lights up Taveuni!
The Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s in Taveuni lit up and added spice to life on the Garden Island. Our sports reporters Vereimi Wara and Elliki Nukutubu, who are on Taveuni, provided a great insight into rugby life on the island, and I can sense the excitement with which the villagers welcomed the guests to their shores.
I thank Fiji Beverages for pumping the much-needed funding to promote 7s rugby on Taveuni. Rugby drives lives and is a tool that unites Fijians. The success of the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team and the Flying Fijians shows that there is a lot of talent in Fiji. Semi Radradra, for instance hails from Somosomo on Taveuni. The current captain of the national 7s team, Jerry Matana, hails from Waitabu Village on Taveuni alongside his cousin Iosefo Masi, who won the Tokyo Olympics gold medal with the Fiji 7s team.
The resounding promise, that the winds of rugby will inject new breath on Taveuni, is welcoming as the Wairiki 7s aims to help raise the next generation of players who will elevate Fiji’s performance on the 7s series. Osea Kolinisau and our 7s selectors should make use of such local 7s tournaments to look for new and young talents. The likes of George Bese (Lavidi Brothers) and Kavekini Tanivanuakula (Army) made an impact in Dubai and Cape Town.
As we prepare for the Perth 7s, I echo the sentiment shared by captain Jerry Matana that there should not be any slacking off. High standards have been set in the first leg and that success must be emulated in Perth. A consistent performance in Perth is a must. All the best to the boys!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
