Up through the ranks!
Reading Napolioni Likuveiqali’s story as the acting principal Customs officer border Lautoka brought alight memories of Allen Lockington, who was also a Customs officer, and had a distinguished career.
Napolioni, who has spent 27 years as a Customs officer, treats each day in the Customs field as a learning experience.
I read his story with great interest and I salute him for his passion, steadfastness, dedication and commitment which have paved the way for his success.
Even during the pandemic, he gave his best.
He is a great leader.
All the best Napolioni and thank you Shayal Devi for sharing his inspirational story!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Dirty Act
When the Litter Act 2008 states residents must use rubbish bins when leaving rubbish on the curb side for collection, is it not making a farce of the Act when the public put their rubbish out in plastic bags or open-topped receptacles?
Then one has the situation where there is rubbish everywhere after hungry, homeless dogs or dogs whose owners allow them to roam outside their compounds break open the bags or tip over the receptacles.
Consequently, this becomes a public health concern.
Yet the rubbish collectors gather the raw rubbish that’s strewn around, exposing themselves to health risks.
They should not have to do this.
One could ask whether they are told to do it.
If so, it’s only encouraging the unhealthy, irresponsible and illegal practice and is blatantly ignoring the Litter Act.
Instead, the Ministry of Health, along with municipal councils, should be prosecuting the offenders.
Julie Sutherland, Tamavua, Suva
India: The Modi question
A few days ago, BBC released a two-part documentary titled India: The Modi Question.
The Indian Government has since banned this documentary.
The Indian authorities have detained several groups, including university students, who gathered to watch this documentary.
I call on the Fiji Government to closely monitor the actions of the Indian mission in Fiji.
Savneel Sangeet Kumar, Sigatoka
Baggage policy
I request that the Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Bill Gavoka to use his power and revoke the new baggage policy introduced by Fiji Airways as of February 1, 2023.
The new policy is very disrespectful to current and former Fiji residents who reside abroad and who spend more money in Fiji than tourists who come on packaged holidays.
The reviews and comments from the travelling public on social media regarding this new baggage policy demonstrates that the new policy is not a good business strategy.
It will only take Fiji Airways backwards.
All airlines in the world will politely ask you to check in 2-3 bags to the total of 30kgs and not a one piece of 30kg luggage because it is too heavy for baggage handlers, let alone the traveller.
This also becomes a work, health and safety issue and can expose Fiji Airways to litigation issues in the years ahead from travellers and ground staff alike from injury and damaged luggage because they are too heavy to lift.
I have flown in many major airlines around the world like Emirates, Qantas, Air New Zealand, United and American Airlines et cetera and they all prefer two — three pieces of luggage not exceeding 30kgs in total weight.
Fiji Airways needs to take another look at this new baggage policy, otherwise Mr Gavoka and the Fiji Government should allow other airlines to fly to Fiji and see how this will impact Fiji Airways.
By the way, 12 days after flying to Sydney from Nadi on flight FJ 911 I am still waiting for my mats and sasa (brooms) to be delivered home after it failed to arrive with me in Sydney.
Sakaraia Vuki, Hebersham, Sydney, Australia
Amazing salary
Overheard at the supermarket yesterday morning: “Lakolako, one falla would have been paid a salary of $1 million.”
Va ga qo his friend: “Waraka brother.”
He gave one big kaila as they disappeared down the aisle.
Edward Blakelock, Pacific Harbour
Chief justice
Sincere and heartiest congratulations are definitely in order for our new acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo.
There is definitely no one more deserving than this.
It took a while coming.
Fiji is truly blessed.
Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi
PM’s residence
I don’t know much about it but there is a law which guides landlords and tenants relating to evictions.
I don’t know much about this either.
Has the former PM been renting in the official PM’s residence or has it been turned into an official residence for immediate former PMs?
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Ignorance
Our national anthem has meaningful lyrics that I believe both Bai and Kai do not understand.
Even the entire FFP who have been towing their administrative line, are also in the dark.
The third verse lyrics say “And we honour and defend the course of freedom ever” seemed to have no meaning at all to FFP.
And when it is sung, I believe they stand tall in deep concentration without understanding who they are.
I believe when the purpose of anything is misunderstood, abuse is inevitable.
Samu Silatolu, Nakasi
Just the tip
I believe the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and Fiji Sugar Corporation management’s massive salary is just the tip of the iceberg.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Resignations
I wonder if there would have been so many resignations from FF candidates if the party had won the election.
Arti Verma, Simla, Lautoka
Those salaries
When I look at the hefty salaries — nearing half to three quarter million — pocketed by top executives in various government controlled public entities it makes me wonder how come Fiji is a third world, aid-recipient country with half of its less than one million population living in poverty?
The salaries and perks are mind boggling.
And, I am being modest.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
FSC issue
I think its important for the authorities to do a thorough investigation of FSC from the years 2006 onwards.
A CEO earning around 800k per year while local sugarcane farmers are struggling to make ends meet, is disgusting and appalling.
Ashneel J Prasad, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Reflection time
Such a shame that the whole nation did not undergo a public holiday last year in remembrance of the passing away of her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth.
So unfortunate that we did not give much respect to the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
All the things that she had done for us in order to keep our bond and special ties with Britain were unforgettable and memorable.
She visited Fiji six times in the last century to show us that the British will provide all the assistance and support to Fiji, (Education was the main priority).
Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and his coalition Government, I congratulate you and I am hoping that you would set a date for a public holiday in remembrance of the late Elizabeth II.
KELEPI DAKUIYACO, Waikalou, Serua
High standards
I think this government is setting high standards in independence, transparency, integrity, and fairness in all its appointments.
I believe that such a level of all these qualities in appointments by them is unprecedented.
There are clearly no conflicts of interest, favouritism, nepotism or ‘jobs for the boys’ that I can see in any of the appointments.
Not to mention all the love that comes with these appointments.
The people of Fiji appear to be stoked with such levels of openness and transparency that the whole mood of the nation has been transformed for the better.
The feeling of all the freedom after 16 years of being tied up in shackles has been energising.
All the accolades are inspiring.
I believe all of these come from the Prime Minister and his God-sent leadership qualities.
Just like he has transformed his thinking and is a changed person, he is in the process of transforming the whole of Fiji for the better.
I cannot wait to visit Fiji again to share in all the love, happiness and the transformation Fiji is undergoing at such a rapid pace.
There is so much freedom now that everyone has actually shut up.
Jan Nissar, NSW, Australia
Pirates in tuxedos
This week has been a week of jaw-dropping revelations.
What were well-kept secrets for several years are now making headlines.
Sacked FBC chief executive officer, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, was receiving one whopper of a pay cheque every month and thousands of dollars in bonuses — a dream job for every Fijian now.
Recently the Minister for Sugar exposed the salaries of top FSC executives, a few of whom were also collecting juicy pay cheques.
Shouldn’t the givers and receivers be questioned on how such massive amounts were mobilised without any accountability or public knowledge?
No amount of explaining would ever sufficiently justify payment of this kind of money to a few selected individuals.
I’m convinced Fiji was run by pirates in tuxedos for the past 16 years.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and I’m bracing for more shocks as investigations pick up pace.
Nadia Naaz, Sydney, Australia
