Technology’s toll on parenting!
People argue that in a modern society like Fiji, the Great Council of Chiefs has no place, but my opinion differs. I believe that the esteemed body, which is made up of chiefs from the highest level, has a role to play in addressing the social issues that plague Fiji. From an indigenous point of view, the safeguarding of the iTaukei cultural, historical, and collective rights is paramount. Indigenous people are losing their traditions, customs, culture and wisdom because of the impact of technology and modernisation. Hence, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula and the GCC have a plate of social ills in front of them. They have a vital role to play. Ratu Seruvakula (FT: 11/02) warned of technology’s toll on parenting and urged parents to spend quality time with their children. I agree with him that excessive use of phone leads to child neglect and that children require affection and attention during critical stages of their development, particularly from birth to school age. His advice is timely. I quote Ratu Seruvakula: “Love all children, they are our future.” RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Gaza takeover
Rajend Naidu needs to understand the difference between ‘seriously consider’ and ‘actually taking over’ as two different objectives. It is ironical of Rajend Naidu and Dr Max Kaiser to sit on stolen Aboriginal land and lecture the world about international law and fundamental rights. If the world is in a mess (chaos) today, it is because of two ideologies with their divide and rule expansionist policies. Rajend, who has a poor knowledge of history, should read author, China Achebe’s Things Fall Apart set in Nigeria in the colonial era that we as English Language teachers taught to Year 12 students. Also he can refer to An Illustrated History of Modern Europe-1789-1984 by Dennis Richards that I used for Year 11 and 12 students briefly as a History teacher. Rajend Naidu’s grandstanding reminds me of poet, Mirza Ghalib’s expression: “dhool chehere par, lekin aaina saaf karte haye” meaning “dust is on the face, but they are cleaning the mirror”. Full stop. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Tabuya for top job?
Should Lynda Tabuya be given a ministerial portfolio considering she has the second highest number of votes in PA? (Street Talk FT 11/2). According to Jan Nissar she should be made PM so that she can lead by personal example. She is after all regarded as an inspirational role model. The Constitution should be changed so that she can be made PM without any delay. It’s high time Fiji had a woman PM. There is no better woman than Tabuya in Fiji to be our first woman PM. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Under-sized mud crabs
I read with keen interest in The Fiji Times, February 11, 2025, the seizure of 95 under-sized mud crabs and conch shells. There must be more than 95. But the Operation Team headed by the Ministry of Fisheries, supported by the Fiji Navy and the Fiji Military Forces managed to seize 95. It is prevalent to witness the sale of under-sized mud crabs whenever I visit these areas; Nausori market, Laqere market, Nadera, Nadawa, Muanikoso, Vuninokonoko, Bailey Bridge and Suva market. This is practised in towns and cities where law enforcement offices are housed. Many vendors hide under-sized crabs in baskets, buckets or other bags and sell them under the table. Cautioning is not just enough to the sellers of under-sized mud crabs but this warrants fines and penalties. This will curb the situation of selling under-sized mud crabs. There is a maturity age for all, in this case mud crabs 12.5cm and over are ready to be harvested. If things are harvested when its ready, the taste is sweeter and better for consumption. There should be size limits for fish and other marine life in Fiji. In New Zealand, all fish caught must be over six inches. We shouldn’t buy any marine life under-sized for food security, sustainable fisheries and for sustainable seafood options. This will be a helping hand for Ministry of Fisheries in Fiji to conserve them. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua
Savusavu, Taveuni airports
Interesting reading what my brother from Taveuni wrote. Mr Pickering made lot of sense. The Government has decided to invest in Labasa Airport. Well and good. Thank you. What on Earth is happening to the above two airports? So many tourists visit the two destinations. Still we are having the same old structure from 1970s. The worst of any entry to any airport is in Savusavu. May be our ministers don’t travel in the Twin Otters. They prefer ATRs. Some people up in that august house are just not thinking right. Is look North only for Labasa. Tourism and Labasa … kidding right? First impression is very, very important. A Shariff Shah Savusavu
Increased demand
Hilarious how some companies in Fiji believe that transitioning from fuel to electric vehicles will reduce our carbon emissions. Ironically, we are still heavily dependent on fossil fuel powered generators to cater for our electricity demand and to actualise the former. So it is common sense that increasing the number of electrical vehicles on the road will lead to increased electricity demand. But who cares eh? Kemudou! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Monkey business
Apparently, a monkey has been blamed for a nationwide power blackout in Sri Lanka. Luckily, we don’t have a single monkey here. One can imagine the degree of monkey business. Post blackout periods. Only black eye! Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Sad state
After reading about the units at Savusavu Hospital morgue being out of order and forcing relatives to fork out hundreds of dollars to transport the casket from Labasa Hospital to the funeral venue, I ask the Health Minister, “Under your watch, how deplorable our health system has become?” Bau madua tu! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
2025 Games
With the 2025 Fiji Secondary Schools national athletics finals scheduled for April, schools and athletes may have under three months of preparation time left. The clock is ticking by the day and they may not have much time left but there are some schools and athletes reported to already have commenced training in secrecy. Another new year and more exciting competition ahead but one looks forward to the relays (4x 100 metres, 4 x 400 metres) as well as the 100 metre and 200 metre sprints. The excitement will only increase with completion of zonal meets and qualifications for the Fiji Finals announced. While all this is happening it may take a tougher toll on parents as the cost of living and equipment and uniforms for athletes appears to have increased. Bring on the best and may the 2025 Games deliver nothing short of the best. Floyd Robinson Micronesia
Doctor shortage
Reading Dewan Chand’s letter on “Doctor issue” FT-Lte (8/2) seems that it is a global issue. I feel this crisis will continue unless the medical authorities are committed to addressing this through the WHO. Brain drain is a key factor contributing to the lack of medical staff. To spend more finance to fill these critical positions to save lives should be a priority. Health is wealth. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
What’s next?
Is there any other alternative crop or plant in place to replace sugar cane? An old farmer told me the other day that they will be the last generation to do cane farming. Even his sons are not! Pita Soroaqali Rakiraki
Accident vehicles
I was surprised to see so many new police accident vehicles parked near the police garage in Lautoka. Why are these vehicles not repaired? Is it because it was donated and no one bothered about it? Donations are paid by someone, it’s not just free! Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
USAID
The expected controversy generated by Trump’s decision to close USAID perhaps allows for a reset of how aid is delivered, received and managed. This issue is not unique to USAID. Recently EU announced that it supported Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation process by funding one of its own experts. So majority of the funds, in the name of EU’s contribution, is going back in one form or another. This is specially poignant as the chair’s selection and his merit for this important role is shrouded in secrecy. The public does not even have a detailed resume of the expert to feel comfortable that the process will deliver. And now Brian Jones, UK’s High Commissioner, is throwing in his two pence, to make sure of it’s share of any positive outcomes. Much of Australia’s aid has been labelled ‘boomerang’ aid as the projects are managed by Australian consulting companies and most of the funds used for their own expensive consultants. A sprinkling of locals/regionals seem to be doing some basic logistics and peripheral stuff. USAID appeared on the horizon after a conspicuous absence of several years, mainly to counter China’s growing geopolitical interest. Projects were conceived and parachuted rapidly, often duplicating the efforts of the activities which had continued in its absence. Again majority of the funds are used on expensive American companies and experts, and their expensively designed offices, vehicles and the comfort of expats. A pertinent question could well be that if Fiji and the region had survived without USAID for such a long period, why couldn’t they continue to do so and maybe shake off this dependency syndrome. Wouldn’t it be an opportunity to stop the ‘begging bowl’ mentality and stop compromising our sovereignty.
Afterall, we cannot expect others to continue to provide for us for ever. PM Rabuka hinted this in his discussions with the American counterparts. This may just be the right wake up call for countries to manage their economies, resources and governance issues sustainably. One shouldn’t fall into a sense of complacency in this brutally transactional world. Altauf Chand Minto, Australia
Hot air
The chairman of the GCC has been blowing a lot of hot air in recent days and weeks about moral decay, families not looking after children and the like within the iTaukei community. I believe the chairman and the GCC are trying very hard to be relevant. I mean, what has the GCC done for the iTaukei in the last 100 years since its establishment, because we are told that, of all people living in poverty, 75 per cent are iTaukei, and there are new issues all the time. Can the chairman tell us all exactly what the GCC has achieved in the last 100 years. I believe there is nothing traditional and cultural about the GCC. I believe the GCC is the main reason for the situation the iTaukei are in — it is not because of the vulagi as is being falsely perpetrated by some. It is an invention of British rule and that is the main reason, I believe, it has been totally useless. There is no point in pretending because the GCC is irrelevant I believe the GCC and the PM need to be relieved of their positions as they are a drain on the finances of the country. Jan Nissar Makkah, Saudi Arabia
What is the point?
The GCC should focus on bigger strategic agendas rather than comment on how much people use their phones. The GCC will never be able to control that any way. I believe the extent of influence chiefs have over their people in their day-to-day lives is depleting. The GCC needs to give its views on legislations and policies going through Parliament because that is what will shape the economy and the lives of its people. However, I believe the GCC is largely silent on these matters. So what is the point of the GCC? Kiran Khatri Samabula, Suva
