Emotional homecoming
Every Fijian who believes in justice may have cried when they saw news and pictures of Dr Padma Narsey Lal returning to the country with the remains of her late husband, Professor Brij Lal. The Bainimarama government forced the Lal family into exile in 2009 only because, I believe, Dr Brij Lal raised concerns about the 2006 illegal takeover of the democratically-elected government. Only a change in leadership could have made this possible. It’s a slap in the face to those who claimed during the election campaign that the PA and NFP were making false promises about bringing the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia and Dr Padma Lal, along with Dr Brij Lal’s ashes, back to Fiji if they form the next government. Hats off to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his PA/NFP/SODELPA Coalition Government for getting this done well ahead of the 100-day deadline. In fact, Mr Rabuka’s first task as Prime Minister was to obtain clearance from Fiji Immigration for the Ahluwalia and Lal families. Better things are on the way in the next few months and onwards. Waraka! Namaka! DINESH KUMAR Ba
Our hope
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was spot on when recently mentioning that children are amongst the most affected by climate change. Impacts such as saltwater intrusion of water supplies, increased frequency of storm surges, erosion of coastlines and wider spreading of mosquito-borne disease as a result of changing weather patterns are just some examples. At the end of the day, let’s involve all stakeholders but always prioritise our children. They are our hope, our future leaders. Floyd Robinson Nasese, Suva
Dogs issues
A recent photo in one of the daily newspapers showed a farmer in Tavua lost more than 25 goats which were attacked by dogs. I believe wild or stray dogs attacks on animals are prevalent in livestock farming areas. Sakoca in Tacirua East, Tamavua, is no exception with dog problems, stray dogs attacking people. When the Agriculture Ministry is promoting livestock farms in Fiji, the necessary support and back-up assistance must be provided to the farmers to combat such problems. This shouldn’t be told to the relevant authorities to take needy actions. The authorities must be prepared to take timely action. Every district in Fiji has offices with enough staff to act responsibly and assist the farmers effectively and efficiently. It’s time to act, with actions that can bring about changes in the agriculture industry. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua
Ugly head
Now, I believe, recent policies which have rotten ideologies at its core have reared their ugly heads again. There is a recent emphasis on the differences of people according to their languages, cultures, and now religious affiliation on how teacher graduates postings should be done. This is based on a recent letter by a head of the educational unit in one of the country’s religious denominations. I believe the powers that be have reopened Pandora’s box and now they have to navigate through it or it will come back to bite them in the next elections in 2026. Meli Matanatoto Nadi
Nothing new
Talking about what renowned Fijian academic Professor Steven Ratuva said recently about Fiji First Party’s “unethical, insensitive and bad politics” (FT 22/2) if one were to ask the family of the late PM Qarase who was ousted in a military coup in 2006, they’d tell you that’s been the case since day one of the unlawful takeover of the democratic government of Fiji. Independent observers of post-Bainimarama coup Fiji politics will tell you the same thing. Thankfully the change in government following the 2022 election has brought that dark chapter in Fiji’s history to an end. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Visa-free?
Under the Coalition Government Fiji and Australia are enjoying excellent relationships. Could Australia consider visa free entry for Fijian citizens? This will be a great brotherly gesture! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Big wigs
Professor Sitiveni Ratuva makes an excellent point (FT 23/02) when he says that of the Fiji First vote, the four recent departures accounted for over 80 per cent of the Fiji First vote. This is a direct result of the single electorate, one number vote system introduced in the Fiji First Fiji constitution. It inevitably leads to a battle of the big wigs, the leaders with the public profile. As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet: “Hoist with his own petard.” In more modern times, we would say, “what goes around, comes around”. Terry Hulme Eastwood, NSW, Australia
Welcome home
Finally Professor Brij Lal’s ashes have reached the right place. This was not possible without the change in government. Welcome home Prof Lal. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Health centre
THE Nausori Health Centre has been the main medical cross road for the three provinces Tailevu, Rewa and Naitasiri. It was so refreshing to see the building’s exterior repainted some 10 years ago. Picking up a relative yesterday after scanning the interior and the adjoining facilities, it is very sad to see almost the same state of conditions as in the past 20 years. Only this time around, the two outpatients waiting areas are much more crowded. So much for Dr Waqainabete’s assurance of our health system’s progress and stability during his reign as minister of health. SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI
Engaging parents
Having researched kindergartens over recent years, I have seen parents and guardians waiting outside the premises, usually under a mango tree, for their children. They wait because they cannot afford double bus fares. So what we have is a group of caring, devoted people who know the value and importance of early childhood education to the lives of their children. They want the best for them. What we also have is a valuable yet untapped resource. These people sit using their devices or talanoa-ing (apologies to Dr Paula Qereti) during the waiting hours. While the teacher can spend many hours preparing activities for the children which can include re-recycled materials, if the parents were given these tasks instead, which usually don’t necessarily need to be very cerebral but rather manual application such as cutting shapes or drawing outlines on paper from a template, they can, at the same time, carry on with their talanoa sessions. Parents can also offer ideas for the teacher on materials that can be used for activities. Two or 10 heads are better than one. Perhaps a parent can be appointed to coordinate the tasks. For parents and others who play an important role in getting their children safely to and from kindergarten each day, their energy and commitment can be harnessed to support the kindergarten teachers and the activities in which the children take part. A bonus is that the parents will feel empowered by their valuable contribution; adding value to early childhood development. Julie Sutherland Tamavua, Suva
Such injustice
It is rather distressing that Professor Brij Lal was subjected to such injustice by the FijiFirst government not only in life but also in death. I believe he was prohibited indefinitely from returning to Fiji in 2015 because his actions were prejudicial to the peace, defence, public safety, public order security of the Government of Fiji. Why would a government choose to exile a person like Dr Brij Lal who chose to stand up for principles and values he believed in? What were they fearful of when they wouldn’t even allow his ashes into the country? We have seen time again the arrogance, divisiveness, inhumane, unforgiving and disrespectful attitude of the FijiFirst government and it’s time FFP supporters ask themselves what they are really supporting? What are they fighting for? As far as legacy goes, the FFP government is the first in Fiji’s history to refuse entry of the ashes of one of its own citizen, that ladies and gentlemen is the worst act in living memory that anyone can be associated with. No one can take away from the Coalition Government what they have done so far in mending broken relationships and building a Fiji that’s inclusive, that respects individual values and principles and is committed to uniting a nation of many races. What they have done for the Lal family can only be described as humanity restored and Tabia can once again be proud to embrace the son it birthed. In Professor Brij Lal’s own words: “I do not know whether I will understand the mystery that is Fiji, and whether I will ever be allowed to return to again embrace the land of my birth. But I know one unalterable truth whatever happens, the green undulating hills of Tabia will always be a special place for me. Home is where the heart is.” May the distinguished Professor Brij Lal rest in eternal peace. Sailosi Naewe Naduru Rd, Nausori
Rest in peace
AN island nation that is below a million population to exile it’s subject and even ban the dead from coming home! May you now rest in peace Professor Lal. Bravo Coalition Government! AREKI DAWAI Suva
Health promotion
Yesterday’s online edition (FT 2/23) contained an article about the VTBOP music project that reads, “…an exciting partnership where artists from the VTBOP Music project, VT1S, will use their influence and platforms to spread messages on reproductive health issues and rights to members of our communities, especially youths”. Would someone from the project please elaborate, and tell members of the public exactly what “…messages on reproductive health issues and rights…” they plan to promote? Summer Kabakoro Dolores CO, USA
About Lent
What’s cool about Lent is that it falls just about the time that our new year resolutions have fallen to the wayside. Use Lent as a reminder of all the things you wanted to do to make 2023 a better year. It’s your second chance. My mate Lyndon O’Connor is giving up red meat for the Lenten season. Will only be eating his favourite fish, the qitawa. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Front page
The Fiji Times front page headline of February 23, ‘First of its kind’ and Felix Chaudhary’s article quoting Dr Ratuva’s premise that the FFP ranks will be unstable due to the departure of four is apt. Imagine though when the rank and file of the FFP would have seen the photo which is more prominent on that front page. MANOJ LAL Patel Drasa Ave, Lautoka
Multi language
The Fiji Tourist Guides Association president Apakuki Taburakira’s plan to update the tour guides with multi language will be a boost for the tourism industry (FT 22/2). Sometimes we assume that English is the international language but we overlook that tourists visit with their own languages which makes communication difficult. They can easily get lost in different countries. It’s challenging for the tour guides to go multilingual as they give tourists the true picture of our beloved nation, the paradise of the South Pacific. The multilingual guides on promoting tourism will matter most to boost the industry. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Homecoming
I believe the emotional homecoming of Dr Padma Lal and the ashes of the late Professor Brij Lal to Fiji after 14 long and painful years is a tight slap on the former FijiFirst government (FT 23/02). Welcome back home! Nishant Singh Lautoka
