FNPF pensions
We expected a better response and just not response but a better outcome from FNPF which surely can come out with some sense. We understand when the top notch is senseless, the bottom becomes useless unless the bottom all form a strong grip to provide the strength.
What they make sound like impossible is unfair to many suffering people. Surely none of them on the FNPF board are suffering.
Faith has a funny way of taking a turn. That’s why they say, show no arrogance or be heartless when you are on the top level. Don’t tell us that the betrayal caused by the former regime cannot be healed by this Government.
Wear the shoes of those suffering and see if you can feel something.
If it clicks and the sensible and right decision is made, the betrayed pensioners will get what they deserve and not charity from this organisation. It is not easy for the ones with loaded wallets to understand the empty space in other’s wallets. Have a heart because stones are everywhere.
You can do this FNPF and you know that. Knock knock dear Finance Minister. Please wake up.
We are all humans after all.
Kirti Patel Lautoka
Where are we?
Fiji has just survived its 56 years of independence. From the colony of Fiji, to the dominion of Fiji and now, the Republic of Fiji. Did the PMs ever learn from British? However, similar countries, I am certain, have progressed and have been transformed immensely, after only 30 years of independence. In “progressive” development, what happened to Fiji? Does Fiji need another 30 years? What has it become and which direction is it heading to? In fact, I am convinced that Fiji is living in permanent probation and asking permission for its existence. Burying its capable instinct beneath polite compliance, nodding along with the things it despises and swallows its truth, to keep its comfortable seat. Safe and completely disarmed. A realm without a “crown”.
Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Temple attacks
This needs to stop.
Numerous incidents of theft and stone-throwing happening at Hindu temples and religious gatherings have surfaced this year and years gone by. I think all these cases have been reported to the police to investigate and take action.
The growing number of these incidents suggests they may be planned actions meant to disrespect believers. This is troubling. While theft has always existed, the recent increase in these cases is very worrying. People must stop doing this because it is hurting the peace and respect we have for each other, no matter what beliefs or culture you follow.
Treat others the way you want to be treated.
It is sad to see people in our community showing disrespect for temples and leaders. This behavior needs serious attention because it encourages wrongdoers to continue. This kind of conduct is not acceptable nor is it tolerable.
Fiji is a country with many cultures, and some people are using harmful and selfish actions to divide our people. I believe that even if people are not religious, they should still respect temples and those who pray there with genuine hearts.
Some people show no fear or shame. This must stop now. No one has the right to be disrespectful. To stop this from happening any further, I think, you have to take tougher measures and impose penalties that work as deterrence.
Suresh Chand Nadi
Jake White takes charge
South Africa’s 2007 Rugby World Cup 15s winning coach Jake White is no stranger to the Fiji Water Flying Fijians. He was at the helm when the Flying Fijians almost created the biggest upset in the eliminations at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France. Fiji came from 20-6 down to level scores 20-all against the team that beat England 15-6 to win their second RWC 15s title.
South Africa’s green machine was laced with big stars like Butch James, Schalk Burger, John Smit, Daniel Rossouw, Percy Montgomery, JP Pietersen, Brian Habana, Victor Matfield, Jaque Fourie, Frans Steyn, Juan Smith and Bakkies Botha against our own stars in Seremaia Bai, the late Seru Rabeni, Vilimoni Delasau, Sireli Bobo, Mosese Rauluni, Akapusi Qera, Semisi Naevo, Kameli Ratuvou, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Sunia Koto, Kele Leawere and Sisa Koyamaibole. Fiji lost 37-20 but won hearts for a brave and fantastic performance. South Africa’s tries were scored by Fourie, Smit, Pietersen, Smith and James while Delasau and Bobo scored two well-worked team tries.
That comeback is classified as one of the best by any Fiji team. In 2007, White plotted our downfall and 19 years later he has taken charge of the Flying Fijians. The Fiji Rugby Union can’t afford to lose a coach like White who has a colourful and industrious CV. White coached the Bulls to Currie Cup victory (2020-21). He won the European Challenge Cup with Montpellier and managed two Super Rugby clubs- South Africa’s Sharks and Australia’s ACT Brumbies. He guided the ACT Brumbies to the 2013 Super Rugby final which the franchise lost to the Chiefs 27-22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Thumbs up to our bold editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for the interesting editorial titled ‘Working on talent’. I agree with Wesley that Fiji is blessed with an abundance of talents. We now have a coach who can nurture these talents into a winning combination!
Rajesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa
Beyond privacy
I have heard many people, particularly women, defending the ministry and the individuals involved.
Agreed, ministers have private lives. Agreed, couples have a right to privacy, and intimate videos should never be shared without consent.
However, the issue extends beyond privacy. It concerns the conduct and accountability of those entrusted with public office.
How does one continue working as though nothing has happened when an incident of this magnitude raises questions about public trust?
We have leaders promoting online safety, advocating restrictions on pornography and sex toys, and taking action against individuals for their conduct, yet now face questions about apparent contradictions in the standards they represent.
Leadership is not just about holding office; it is about setting an example. When public trust is questioned, accountability should come before playing the victim.
Our young people deserve leaders whose actions reflect the values they promote.
The question is not whether ministers have private lives, but whether those in power are prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their positions.
Sidhart Dev Sindh Navua
Great respect
I have great respect for the courage of the young men and women of the Cockroach Janata Party in India who are coming out in their millions to protest against the government and the election authorities.
When a government remains in power for 10 or 12 years or more, it can become too comfortable and less responsive to the people it serves.
These young people are protesting for a better future, improved educational opportunities and an end to rampant corruption.
These educated young men and women deserve to have their concerns heard, and I hope their campaign translates into success at the next election.
Jan Nissar Sydney, NSW, Australia
Delhi march
The distance between Barahkhambha and the Supreme Court is about 1.2km and not 7kms as reported by Reuters, FT 14/10.
Political analysts are saying that Delhi Police let the protesters reach the Supreme Court for the judges to get a taste of their own medicine for being too lenient.
The Delhi Traders Association and civilian groups have begun complaining about the disruption to their business and everyday life. Billions of rupees will be spent on Diwali celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Modi government has warned “Bajrang Dal” (Lord Hanuman’s Army) and “Vishwa Hindu Parishad” (World Hindu Org.) not to take to the streets. They are standing on the sidelines and watching. The government has been trying to wean youths away from riots.
Regime change operations will never be successful in India. With a population of 1.4 billion, 3000 protesters are like “a needle in a haystack”.
Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Fiji’s A-G
I guess the search for a new attorney-general is in the ‘pipeline’.
We’ve had enough ‘actors and actresses’.
Who knows what’s next.
Oi au we.
Anthony Sahai Auckland, New Zealand
HIV crisis
It is distressing to read about the HIV epidemic in Fiji. Have you considered a needle exchange program? New Zealand introduced one in the 1980s and the access addicts had to clean needles dropped the incidence of HIV dramatically. Despite opposition from people who thought access to clean needles would increase drug usage there was no evidence of any such causal effect.
Bill Southworth Port Chalmers, New Zealand
Kava Bill
In view of the growing influx of yaqona from neighbours Vanuatu and PNG, it makes sense to now protect our yaqona brand and its lucrative overseas markets. I believe it seems unfair though considering that the plant was introduced in Fiji from Vanuatu. It makes sense also to regulate the cultivation and for the farmers to be legally recognized and organized to lobby for its share of the yaqona export tax to develop the plantations and value-chain infrastructure.
Samu Railoa Nadi
Congrats Ba
Ba Football Association has achieved a milestone in 90 minutes of soccer by becoming the first team to win four major titles in a season. With president Praneel Dayal, supported by his brother Jay Dayal with all vice presidents and the coaching staff made a very good team. It is good to see unity in Ba once again under the Dayal leadership. Congratulations Ba and make Fiji proud in OFC O league next year
Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Voter list
Rajesh Chand Sharma attempts to discredit the Indian Express as a “Leftist” news media (FT 14/10). The Indian Express is a newspaper that describes itself as “Journalism of Courage”. The Indian Express newspaper and its journalists have received several recent and notable awards for its investigative journalism and political reporting. I would contend that as a well known Modi government apologist it is this journalism of courage that RCS actually finds unpalatable.
Rajend Naidu Calgary, Canada
Missing exhibits
Are we lucky that murder cases do not require the victims to be stored until the verdicts are delivered? Imagine the discovery of a scarecrow!
Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
