A colourful career
Reading the story of Paulini Naliva (FT 27/01) reminded me of the sacrifices civil servants make in their career.
Penned by Ana Madigibuli, the story reflected on the transformative step that Paulini took in an all-male Fiji Police Force recruitment batch.
Recruited in 1982, Paulini carried out the difficult tasks that were assigned to her during training.
She spent 23 years in the police force before taking up an offer with the United Nations.
The last position that she held at the Fiji Police Force was support officer to the former late Commissioner of Police, Andrew Hughes. She served in Liberia, Haiti Mission and Sudan, and although she has retired, she helps foster peace and security.
She reinforces and re-establishes security through patrolling, community-oriented policing and other operational support.
Hats off to you Paulini! I salute you and those retired police officers who have served here and in overseas missions.
God bless! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Tonga appeal
I AM all for donating to the Tonga volcano and tsunami disaster appeal.
What I do not agree with is the “bucket drive” of breakfast crackers from Fiji and presumably container loads of tinned corned beef the size of paint tins from New Zealand. I believe two-minute noodles and mutton flaps are a thing too.
How come these things have become the staple in Tonga? Who is teaching the children of Tonga that this is all very normal?
This whole thing is ridiculous. Who else is going to speak up?
Those who wish to respond to me, please make sure you come up with something of substance because the Tongan health authorities completely agree with me. Just ask them. I think this disaster is a good opportunity for all Tongans to revisit their lifestyle and reset their whole dietary agenda.
Take it as a blessing in disguise.
I am always worried about the children and what they are taught anywhere in the world. JAN NISSAR NSW, Australia
Jumping ships
INTERESTING conclusion and prediction by the leader of SODELPA, Viliame Gavoka, regarding party members who have quitted as highlighted in The Fiji Times 26/01. Firstly, Mr Gavoka concluded that party members who were quitting are “disloyal” to the party and secondly, he predicted that these members would be “punished” by the people during the upcoming election.
In my view, I sincerely believe that party members quitting are not disloyal, but are wise enough to see the confusions within the party itself, especially from its leadership. Many ordinary citizens who I encounter in my line of work have realised these confusions and frictions with the SODELPA for quite some time and I am wondering why it is taking so long for party members to realise that.
In addition, I don’t think that the party members who have quitted SODELPA will be “punished” by the people during the upcoming election, in fact, I believe it will be a blessing for the people, for they will now vote for their preferred candidates who now have left the SODELPA.
At the end of the day, I believe it’s not the party members that people are not trusting, but the party and its leadership. KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE Navua
Sugar price
IF the price increase of cigarettes didn’t stop smokers and the record high price of kava didn’t affect kava drinkers much, how can increasing sugar price help reduce sugar consumption?
But better outreach education will help. If the increasing price will help sugarcane farmers, I don’t think many people will complain. RONEIL NARAYAN Los Angeles, USA
Third wave
IT’S very sad that the third wave has hit the nation and claimed innocent lives.
The question is how did it enter Fiji? JAHEED BUKSH Korolevu, Sigatoka
Streetlight and sign
ANYONE would think the streetlight on the right when you enter Hedstrom Pl, Balawa is a motion sensor streetlight because it blacks out every minute when there’s nil movement.
The brightness is dimmer than a kerosene lantern.
Also, our street sign is missing. Someone must have fell in love with the word “Hedstrom”. WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Panic button
I HOPE they’ll keep calm and easy whenever someone presses the panic button. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Fiji’s status
REFERENCE is made to the letter titled: “Fiji’s status” (Monday, January 24) by Nishant Singh.
The letter is spot on and bluntly honest! I fully endorse the sentiments contained therein.
Yes, you can fool some people some times and some people all the time, however, you cannot fool all the people all the time. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
Fake post
GOVERNMENT’S public relations agency should stop trying to hoodwink the people.
Put on real issues on real time, not retrospective posts. If the PM was not doing the rounds on January 4 (FT27/1), they are obligated to mention what date and time he was actually on the ground.
There seems to be silence on the development of the PM’s surgery in Australia apart from what the social media put out.
This is the type of attitude that keeps the questions firing apart from development of fake news. DAN URAI Lautoka
India’s Republic Day
ON January 26, 2022, India celebrated its Republic Day in New Delhi’s Jan Path in a grand style.
It was full of colour, music and a variety of representations from all corners of India. Amidst all this India’s military might was also on display in the air, on the ground and in the sea. India no longer depends on outside suppliers for its arms needs to defend the wide Himalayan borders and a very long coastline.
India can now boast its own indigenous military production lines! It is pleasing to note that Indian women play a very important role in running the Indian military machine. Right from manufacturing to flying fighter jets is no mean achievement for Indian women.
They play a very vital role in keeping the Indian military forces in good shape and style. The other highlight in this year’s celebrations was the shifting of “Amar Jyoti” (Eternal light) from India Gate to the newly-built National War Memorial. This is a matter of national pride where all Indian soldiers who have laid down their lives in defence of their country are honoured.
The other important event for this year’s celebration was the focus of Netaji Subhas Chandra’s role in fighting for Indian independence.
He was resolute in forming the Indian National Army and becoming the first Prime Minister of Azaad Hind (Independent India). He was a mighty warrior who sent shivers down the British spine.
A granite statue of his will be installed near India Gate to honour his valour as a national hero. Despite the bitterly cold Delhi winter and the pandemic protocols, it was simply exhilarating to watch the entire Republic Day celebrations. It was par excellence! India gained its independence from Britain in 1947.
But the role of Indian soldiers in World War I and World War II cannot be underestimated.
Thousands of Indian soldiers lost their lives but Britain won the war! DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
All the best
FRIENDS, we know that Republic Day in India is celebrated on January 26 every year. But you need to know why it is celebrated on January 26, and its history.
Republic Day in India is celebrated to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. It was on January 26, 1950 when the Government of India Act (1935) was replaced by the Governing documents of India.
This is why Republic Day in India is celebrated on January 26 every year.
It was on January 26 in 1930, when Indian national congress had proclaimed the declaration of Indian independence (Purna Swaraj). It was done to oppose the dominion status offered by the British Regime. Indian constituent assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26.
But it came into effect on January 26, 1950. It was the transition towards becoming independent.
India obtained its independence from Indian independence Act 1947 on August 15, 1947 as a constitutional monarchy.
The country’s Constitution was based on the Government of India Act 1935.
Fiji has a close link to India and both governments are working together to support their counterparts in trade and other aid programs.
Wishing all the best to India. NEELZ SINGH Lami
