The aroma of neglect
Another day in Suva City, another sighting of the flooded taxi rank outside MHCC. This seems to be an ongoing issue with the stagnant water, which appears to be the result of poor drainage or a blocked drainage system. Apart from being unsightly, the foul smell accompanying the stagnant water raises serious hygiene and public health concerns. Commuters are often forced to walk through or around the flooded area to access taxis. It is evident that the water is not merely rainwater, making the situation even more unpleasant and concerning. The Suva City Council and relevant authorities should investigate the root cause of this recurring problem and implement a permanent solution. The public should not be exposed to such unhygienic conditions in a busy commercial area. Elisha Bano Suva
Someone else’s fault
There has been a lot of noise on the front pages in recent days about iTaukei rights and how they have been haunted and discriminated against. All this while the iTaukei make up more than 75% of the population and hold all key positions not to mention they own more than 93% of the land. But still the predicament of the iTaukei is someone else’s fault according to some. They are either uninformed or deliberately creating division. I have a feeling that even if the iTaukei owned 100% of the land and made up 100% of the population, things would still be someone else’s fault. Is that an unreasonable conclusion? Or is all the noise because there may be an election on the horizon? Be that as it may, have the airfares to the pilgrimage to the Tabernacle almost three years ago been paid by these people? Jan Nissar Tokyo, Japan
Parking oversight
It has come to my attention that in the tourist town of Nadi, some shop owners and their employees reportedly leave their vehicles parked in metered zones all day without paying. While I could be mistaken, it seems likely they engage in this activity throughout the week. This unchecked behavior leads to a considerable loss due to the lack of intervention and administrative oversight. The absence of parking tickets on the dashboards is a clear indication that these spaces are being occupied without payment, thereby preventing others from using them. Parking attendants are aware that vehicles without tickets should be ticketed immediately. This unlawful occupation not only results in lost revenue but also denies paying customers access to parking spaces. Addressing this issue could free up more parking for others. It is concerning that the local council seems to be ignoring these violations, which could result in significant financial deficits. When these funds go uncollected, the council’s ability to provide essential services to the community is compromised. Revenue from parking could be invested in infrastructure upgrades, public space maintenance, and other important civic projects. I urge the council administration to carry out a thorough investigation to resolve this costly issue. It is crucial that action be taken swiftly to enhance financial returns, which could then be used to support community needs. Suresh Chand Nadi
First casualty
Rajend Naidu (FT 26/7) raises some legitimate questions. In any conflict, truth is often the first casualty, making independent journalism more important than ever. If foreign journalists are being denied unrestricted access to Gaza, it’s entirely reasonable to ask why. Israel says the restrictions are necessary because of the dangers of an active war zone. Others believe they limit independent scrutiny. These competing claims can only be tested through greater transparency, not speculation. Public trust isn’t built on accusations or assumptions. It’s built on evidence. The surest way to dispel doubt is to allow credible, independent journalists to report freely and safely. If all parties are confident that their actions can withstand international scrutiny, then transparency should be welcomed rather than feared. This principle extends far beyond Gaza. Whether in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, or anywhere else, the public deserves facts that have been independently verified not narratives filtered through governments, militaries, or interest groups. I wrote previously about public trust depending on accuracy, integrity and fairness. Those aren’t merely ideals for journalists. They’re expectations we should have of every government, every military and every institution that exercises power. When truth is allowed to breathe, justice has a far greater chance of being served. Colin Deoki Australia
Emotions high amidst loss!
I felt for members of the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women team who could not contain their emotions as they went down to the New South Wales Waratahs 34-17, ending their unbeaten run at home. After the Drua thrashed the Queensland Reds 31-5 in the semi-final at Churchill Park, hopes were high for a third Super W title and that too at home. Ironically, the Drua failed although they won both their Super W titles away from home in 2022 and 2023, beating the NSW Waratahs 32-26 and Reds 38-30 at AAMI Park in Melbourne and Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, respectively. Playing in front of a little more than 4000 passionate fans (a record-breaking crowd for the Drua Women) and our Prime Minister, the late start cost the team as the Waratahs took a handy 12-0 lead at the break. The Drua took time to settle, and this worked against them. The Waratahs took advantage of their superior fitness by winning the battle at the breakdowns and collisions. The Drua failed to capitalise on the home support, and I hope that valuable lessons will be learnt from the 34-17 defeat. Mike Legge must be commended for building a strong team that will be a force to reckon with in 2027. I also thank the supporters who made their presence felt at 4R Stadium. The season is over. The girls need a break and quality time with loved ones! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
LTA issue
Please establish a toll-free number like the Fiji Roads Authority. The filling of a form for an issue is time consuming. I believe any concern raised through a phone call or email is sufficient for effective action. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Road, Raiwasa, Suva
10 parties
If 10 political parties have already registered to contest in this year’s general election and possible proposed parties yet to register, what does that show? It shows that Fijians no longer trust and support the current government and want them to vacate office. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Smoke and mirrors
Yesterday’s announcements (FT 28/7) from Government regarding the $500m reform package left me confused. Finance Minister Esrom tells me: “The mix of loans and grants will catalyse policy-based economic reforms”. Come again, somewhere in that sentence there must be some meaning. Minister Esrom then goes on to say “The AIIB component {the loan} has already been allocated in the budget”. PM Rabuka then adds “No loan agreement had been signed yet”. Do we really bring down national budget based upon future aspirations? You might expect that $500m would come with some sort of financial detail, not just smoke and mirrors. Terry Hulme Sigatoka
Second chance
The Fiji Times editorial comment that “every child deserves a second choice” (FT 13/7) is well supported by Minister for Women and Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran. Most of these problems erupt from broken homes where parents are involved in drug-related crimes. I strongly believe we should have parents first to protect our children from falling victims with lots of awareness programs. Build the children for a better Fiji. Parents are the best role models. If a stick is cooked, how can you have a straight shadow. Charity begins at home. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Direct attack
I must tell the next Bollywood film makers, Alitia Bainivalu, you’re playing the negative role. I believe the way you are setting an example as a politician is shameful, calling former PM Mahendra Chaudhry old. I believe this shows your true colours. Change your act lady. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu
Gurukul education
The Gurukul system of education is based on ancient Indian philosophy of educating children. The word gurukul is derived from two Sanskrit words: Guru = teacher and Kul = family. Thus Gurukul education is an ancient Indian residential system where students had to spend the duration of training in the ashrams (accommodation) provided by the teacher. Students could return home only after the completion of the curriculum. This residential system of education aims at the holistic development of a child: intellectual, moral, physical and spiritual through close living with their guru in an ashram setting. It emphasised disciple, experiential learning through guru-sishya (student) samwad (discussions) rather than rote learning. Ashram living provided the opportunity for forming strong bonds between the teacher and those he taught. The community spirit of discipline, humility, service and respect emerged strong. The teacher(s) acted as parents and also spiritual guides who ensured intellectual and moral development. In return the students showered love, respect and strong bonds which lasted a lifetime. Students had to participate in daily chores: gardening, collecting firewood or bringing water or begging for food. It was all a part of training. The life activity in the ashrams usually began at 3am and time management was taught early in life. Quick shower, meditation and study of the Vedas, Upanishads, Sanskrit grammar, Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy and Vocational skills were compulsory. Yoga, sports and Satsangs were part of the routine. Knowledge was transferred orally through memorisation, recitation, reflection and meditation. These methods enhanced students’ mental capacity through retention and elicitation. Dharma (Hindu Dharma) formed the core of all learning. Thus education was based on religious principles of karma (action), ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Truth) Satya Meva Jayate and Tapas (Sacrifice) formed an integral part of learning. This system of education in India declined due to Moguhal and British invasions and subjugation for a long period of time. The British had declared the Gurukul system as illegal and an English pattern of education was introduced. In some parts of India the Gurukul system is being revived but it has stiff competition from modern education and technology. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
