North hosts Fiji Day celebration!
The sea of blue at Subrail Park left a lasting impression as a huge crowd gathered to celebrate Fiji Day. I started my Fiji Day marveling at the front page of yesterday’s The Fiji Times. The Holy Trinity Anglican Kindergarten students truly portrayed the multiracial Fiji that we call home. Hats off to The Fiji Times team for the colourful and meaningful wrap. I spent my Fiji Day holiday in the Friendly North after almost a decade. I enjoyed the hospitality that was offered in Labasa and Savusavu as I captured the glorious moments with my loved ones. We celebrated the fact that we witnessed another Fiji Day but this time around in Savusavu. I’m passionate about Fiji Day as it gives me the opportunity to celebrate living in a peaceful Fiji. The Fiji Day celebration at Subrail Park yesterday was about strengthening our national solidarity and reaffirming our commitment to the development and prosperity of our beloved nation. The Noble Banner Blue stood tall as it reminded Fijians the essence of Fiji Day. May the good Lord continue to bless Fiji and every Fijian. Fiji Day united ethnic groups as they joined hands to make the day a success! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
March for Gaza and Palestinians
Please kerekere vakabibi sara to all Fijians in Viti kei Rotuma. Please kindly take your anger to those countries and help them defend their nonsense if you do have guts. That war has got nothing to do with the iTaukei of Viti kei Rotuma so go there and physically vent your whatever in those countries or shut up. Fiji the way the world should be, toso Fiji. Malo! Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Rubbish bins
Can MPs chip in for rubbish bins around the country. MPs’ social responsibility I believe. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd., Raiwasa, Suva
Uproar over tender
Rabuka on high-end gadgets. Is there a need? (FT 9/10). Short answer: No, there isn’t. There is only one reason for the manufactured need: it caters for the culture of entitlement that some of our politicians clearly subscribe to. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Exodus and a question
Refer to FT 10/10 news on China’s economy being crippled by a mass exodus of millionaires and billionaires. It is a classic example of an autocratic ruled country making rapid economic growth on “Real Estate” and export economy which is now crumbling. In comparison, Sanjeev Sanyal of PM Modi’s Economic Advisory Council says that India is developing its economy (62% consumer economy) for the next 1000 years as it was in ancient Indian civilisation. Today UK, South Africa and a host countries are requesting for FTA with India. Mahendra P Chaudhry’s question on Fiji Day celebrations is valid – Why is Fiji, a country rich in both natural and human resources reduced to relying on budget support from our donor countries for our development needs? Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Keep rocking!
Vinaka Saimone Vuatalevu (Snr) for your catchy composition, Noqu Waqa Ni Domodomo. Chee chee bro, you still got it! Loved the upbeat sound and the video clip that made me homesick watching all the beautiful scenes. You give all of us “oldies” hope. Keep rocking my brother. Colin Deoki Australia
Drugs and crime
I am writing to convey my thoughts on the increasing participation of children in drug-related crimes associated with methamphetamine which can lead to a range of serious psychological effects as pointed out by Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong. I understand that addressing the issue of drugs among children requires a multifaceted approach involving prevention, education and community support. I hope this letter will highlight this issue and encourage local authorities to respond swiftly. Our society deserves a safe environment. Anasimeci Nimikula Moce St., Davuilevu Housing
Challenges for women
Women today have seen some limiting factors that restrict them from performing certain actions towards their livelihood. Women are expected to do stuff like cooking, cleaning the house, looking after children etc. It is because women back in the days would do all these tasks and some men would believe they should carry on these traditions, when in reality times have changed. For instance, some women in today’s society are far more educated than men. Women should also have a say in their wellbeing as they are also given equal rights. Women should also be given chances to voice their concerns and be able to take part in the community. Women should also have a say in Parliament and also have more seats appointed to them so that they can unite and voice their concerns. Jolame Malachi Ratu Jnr Laucala, Suva
Labasa Hospital
I am writing to raise my concern regarding the current situation with health facilities available at Labasa Hospital. This health care provider is among the most important in the Northern Division; however, the available amenities are either nonexistent or insufficient. Currently, patients are stranded for long hours, lack of up-to-date medical equipment, and a serious shortage of personnel which begs the question of why all this pressure is being placed on both the health professionals and on patients. However, if we do not address these questions, we are going to observe further decline of the health of the community. I would like to appeal to the authorities to provide resources to improve the conditions in this hospital or, at least, create the conditions that the people of Labasa deserve. Prashita Chand Vukase Place, Nasole, Nasinu
Bus etiquette
It’s lovely to see some bus companies implementing some degree of etiquette on their buses with notices that say: Please report to us — If you see the driver collecting cash, speeding and driving recklessly, smokes, is unruly to passengers or looks tired. (You may Viber your complaints or footage) “Contact number”. It would seriously be at the peak of etiquette on the bus to add “or plays music at an unreasonable volume” where unreasonable is defined as — at a volume where you can’t hear the person next to you speaking or you can’t hear your material through your own earphones or headphones. Worse still is that the quality of music being played on buses and most public places is simply horrendous! And despite this being a continual ask to LTA and bus companies, somehow, just somehow, it still can’t be drummed through! Why do requests and useful information seem to go through the left ear and right out the right the majority of the time in Fiji? How in the world does it keep missing the processing area between the two ears? Noleen Billings Savusavu
Editorial of the year
What a wonderful editorial, Fred (Fiji Times 10/10/24). Journalism at its absolute best and great food for thought for every citizen of our beautiful country. Vinaka vakalevu. John & Marilyn Milesi Levuka
Fiji to the rescue
I reckon Fiji Airways should provide evacuation and rescue services to those stranded in Beirut. I believe, after all, Fiji Airways has experience and a proven track record in such missions from this time last year. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Flavoured treats
If I may, I sincerely hope the three-wheeler Coalition Government will simply explain to all concerned taxpayers on what fundamental process, values, integrity and principles and guidelines that they appointed someone who is under the radar of the government corruption watchdog to be the Commissioner of FICAC. I believe the appointment is to provide flavoured treats for favoured elites in the three-wheeler Coalition Government, kaya mada ni’u lasu! AREKI DAWAI Maharaj Place, Suva
Airport security
Can our very good minister please advise why domestic passengers are thoroughly checked only at Nausori and Nadi airports while departing and not at all at any other airports Fiji wide? I can’t even see any X-ray machines. Does that mean I can carry “anything everything” as I wish I posed this question to the lady at the security check-in at Nadi. She just zipped up! Shah Shareef Savusavu
Rugby house
If we could merely rest the issue of the Flying Fijians pay, how on Earth is it that the past and present FRU heads do not have a plan to build a more professional looking rugby union house. Decades have gone past and it seems appointed FRU heads do not have any feelings for that poor-looking wooden house. AREKI DAWAI Maharaj Place, Suva
Invest in teachers
The Fiji Times with a picture of teachers celebrating World Teachers Day (FT7/10) reflects the roles of teachers in the development of Fiji. Teachers play an important role. “Invest in our teachers and our children will succeed.”- Barack Obama. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Fiji Day celebration
We, as Fijians have come together to celebrate 54 years of Fiji’s independence — Fiji Day. To commemorate the 54th anniversary, it is best to reflect on the rich history, the vibrant culture, and the enduring spirit which definitely defines the people of Fiji What is Fiji Day. This is a time:
- For Fijians to honour the journey our beloved nation has taken since October 10, 1970;
- To mark the day when Fiji stood tall as a free nation and independent country; and
- To embrace Fiji’s sovereignty and carving out its unique identity in the world.
But Fiji Day celebration is more than a nod to our history. It is a celebration of who we are today and who we aspire to be as a community and a nation. It is a reminder of values that unite us — our spirit of inclusiveness, our strength in diversity, and our shared commitment to peace, harmony and progress. Fiji is proud to be a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and traditions and Fiji has the Pacific values of unity, respect, and collaboration that guide the Fijians forward. Since the Fiji Day celebrations have begun, I encourage you all to participate wholeheartedly — whether through dances, songs, food, or simply by learning more about the unique Fijian heritage, values and the culture. Let’s face the challenges, be resilient, be united and hopeful. Happy Fiji Day. May God blesses Fiji! Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua, Suva
Fiji is just incredible!
In Fiji’s tropical paradise, life’s pace is slow,
Vivid colors bloom, and simplicity glows.
Easy livelihood, no hectic city strife,
Just blue skies, warm breeze, and island life.
Friendly Fijians greet with smiling face,
Welcoming all to their peaceful, sunny place.
Kava drinking sessions, a cultural delight,
Relaxing evenings, under starry night.
Lazy days, with no urgent care,
Fijians savour life, without a single snare.
Their warmth and hospitality, a treasure rare,
A haven for tourists, with no single care.
In Fiji’s islands, worries fade away,
As sunshine and laughter brighten each new day.
A tropical gem, where love and joy reside,
Fiji, a haven, where the heart can glide. Suprakash Banerjee Lautoka
Fire safety
I am writing to advocate for the urgent need to reassess and enhance our fire response capabilities in Fiji, particularly in light of the growing population density in urban and peri-urban areas. I urge the relevant government ministry to conduct a comprehensive survey or study to evaluate the necessity for more satellite fire stations across our cities and towns. With the increase in population, the current fire stations infrastructure may not adequately meet the demands of our communities. Establishing additional satellite fire stations would significantly reduce response times, enabling fire brigades to attend to emergencies quickly. This improvement is critical in preventing small fires from escalating into devastating disasters that can lead to the loss of entire buildings and jeopardize lives. Moreover, the National Fire Authority must develop not just another plan but a robust plan for implementing safety procedures when responding to emergencies. Key components of this plan should include:
- Traffic Management: Utilising proper lighting indicators during incidents, especially at motor vehicle crashes, to alert oncoming traffic and ensure the safety of both firefighters and the public;
- High Visibility Signage: Employing pop-up, high-visibility, backlit cones and clear road signage to effectively close off affected areas, preventing further accidents while responders manage the situation; and
- Firefighter Safety: Establishing protocols that safeguard firefighters while they carry out their duties, ensuring they can operate effectively without unnecessary risk.
By addressing these critical areas, we can enhance the safety of our communities and those who serve them. I call upon the Government to prioritise this initiative, as it is essential for protecting lives and property in our rapidly growing urban environments. Daniel Laws Raman Lane, Kashmir, Lautoka
