Read and write RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI THANK you brother Tahir Ali for your LTE, (31/01). Not only we use The Fiji Times to inform ourselves, we use it as a teaching aid in the language section of the syllabus — for example, expository essays — news items on social issues, environment etc; narrative and descriptive essays – photographs, social issues, environmental etc. Under varieties of English — language of newspaper, advertisements, language of law, public administration (classified section) etc; entertainment — sports news, comic strip, puzzles, horoscopes etc. To me as a language teacher, I believe that from Year 11 to Year 13, a student should’ve studied a Shakespearean drama, Wordsworth’s poetry apart from our own Pacific countries poets, short story writers and dramatists. Also, I firmly believe that as a language teacher, I should be able to speak on any given issue while being present in front of the class. George Benard Shaw, a profilic Irish Playwright and wit known for his sharp, satirical, and often paradoxical observations on life, art and society once said — “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”.
Ignorant, who? KIRTI PATEL LAUTOKA THAT’S why reading between the lines is important. One has to understand the content of the letter before they put pen to paper with their quick responses. Concerns on being totally reliant on government’s handout to the extent that one becomes immune to their own responsibilities is a dangerous phenomenon and sadly we have reached that stage. Sad, people like Rajend Naidu is not able to comprehend with that. The Government has not taken a step back in this matter despite the delays and administrative hurdles which is a different frustrating situation. Sociological changes will keep occurring no doubt with needs and wants taking its toll, however, with the government’s help, the type of mindset “some” develops goes to show they are not going to see beyond. Government is giving us our money which is our right and rightfully without shame we take it for rightful reasons but that does not change the fact one overturns their responsibilities and obligations for their own children. To label severe concern as stigmatising the poor is hilarious rather sad which Rajend ignores to acknowledge. Many people have written on the same concern in different ways. Why attack me only? As for the old people’s home and other homes, availability and needs at that time, I must say Rajend is oblivious to those facts as well. Lastly, to label someone as being “well heeled”, I invite you for a cup of coffee with me and will let you know how well-heeled my life is.
Irregular attendance DINESH KUMAR BA AN article reports that irregular attendance by labourers has delayed work at Nabavatu (FT 31/01). Such issues are hardly new in Fiji. Punctuality, regrettably, has never been our strongest national virtue, having been comfortably replaced by the famously flexible concept of “Fiji time”. Attendance and punctuality must therefore be instilled from the school years, not treated as optional extras. A child conditioned to be irregular and late will not miraculously mature into a disciplined adult. After all, habits do not improve themselves with age.
$200 assistance DANIEL URAI NADI A SIMPLE process of verifying applications before accepting them at the ministry may assist applicants.
Limousine diplomacy RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI THANK you, Dr Sushil Sharma for your enlightening article on China’s Limousine diplomacy. It is now evident that China suffers from a trust deficit all over the world. We need to be aware of nondemocratic and one party ruled nations. They are very transactional and calculated in their approach to diplomacy and relationships.
Too much hot air JAN NISSAR SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA THE front pages of the local dailies are covered with noises from chiefs and church leaders about what they will do to combat the drug problem. I believe the reality is that chiefs and church leaders have never solved any problems for Fijians. All they have done is taken from the people of Fiji. With all the noise about combating the drug problem, it is just that, noise and a lot of hot air as usual.
Dedicated worker TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND MARSHALL Narayan starts his job in the morning, rain or shine to take care of people’s rubbish as they keep throwing carelessly (FT22/1). The authorities concerned always provide rubbish bins to avoid littering. Let’s take heed of the humble plea by Mr Narayan who requests everyone to cooperate to maintain a clean environment. It isn’t just about banners, it’s about brooms that matter most. It’s not the slogans we hang but the side walls we sweep. Put your rubbish where it belongs.
Now or never SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI, NAUSORI REFERENCE to police reports from 2013 to 2018, meth cases rose from only two to 113. The following year, drug cases rose by 16 per cent, whereas meth alone, by 5 per cent in 2020. From thereon, until 2025, I believe narcotic cases skyrocketed and the entire Fijian community became fully aware, as of today. It took only 12 years for the illegal activities to be consolidated and distributed within Fiji. The raided narcotics locations with the respective quantities, in my view, reflected itself. Even the latest one at Vatia Wharf, Tavua. These scenarios depict that the “core” drug operations were never, ever, been effectively managed. On that note, the proposed “drug regulations”, I believe, have to be legally framed in such a manner that deterrence alone is not an option. Our lawmakers have to be practically fearful of the immeasurable and inhuman consequences drug-related issues have fragmented globally. And for the enforcement capabilities, any proposed antinarcotics bureau assigned, has to possess the “utmost” legal authority, with respect to protecting Fiji’s sovereignty. Let us not make Fiji another statistical drug state. It is now or never.
Church on track RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU I SALUTE members of the All Nations Christian Fellowship for their brave commitment in addressing drugs and littering. I was touched to see pictures of our young ones wearing hand gloves taking part in clean-ups in the Capital City. The initiative, that was announced at the church’s conference in Lautoka in December was rolled out across the 10 zones of the Suva district, with cleanups carried out from Makoi to Lami Town. I thank ANCF as this initiative will promote community responsibility and waste management. Involving the youth is great as it will instill civic pride in them and change their mindset towards littering, encouraging them to dispose rubbish in the bins provided. Creating a safe and clean-living environment is a collective effort that begins with every household. Bravo, ANCF!
Why shield them? RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA NISHANT Singh is absolutely right in wanting to know why shield the perpetrators of the coups in Fiji after the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran made the spurious claim that to reveal them would “reopen old wounds” and derail the nation’s healing process (ST 1/2/26). Nishant says many of the perpetrators “were handsomely rewarded with ministerial portfolios, diplomatic postings and a few selected to be part of the nation’s decision-making process”. Minister Sashi Kiran’s thinking is understandable. These days as part of the Rabuka gang in government, she is rubbing shoulders with the coup perpetrators Nishant Singh alluded to.
