Skipper Cup thrills
The Solo Nute-coached Suva brigade marched into the final unbeaten and the boys in blue are set to defend the Skipper Cup title they won in style at Lawaqa Park (36-35). Nadroga, on the other hand, escaped the fury of the Highlanders and came out firing (33-31). The final will definitely bring out the best from the teams that finished first and second during round robin competition and I’m sure that fans will witness entertainment at its ever best. Nadroga started the season slowly but the Stallions clawed their way back into the semi-final after their routing of Tailevu, Naitasiri, Namosi, Rewa and Northland despite the earlier loss to Suva and Nadi. I’m so proud of the achievement of the Stallions and I wish the traditional giants all the best for the final. Wananavu Nadro, kitou ga rawata! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
My prayer
A thought crossed my mind the other day when I read about the issues emanating from our august House. I was unnerved and said, “I gotta have a mix to calm myself”. I did and that night I prayed and I dreamt that I asked the Keeper of Nirvana to take me to that place where it’s so peaceful where there is no politics, The keeper said, “Son, your time is not up, you stay there, and ruffle a few more feathers.” I think I will inherit a chicken or two, or did the keeper mean something else. Or? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Define boundaries
Isn’t there defined boundaries to guide parents on the roles and responsibilities towards their children? It revolves around negligence where the police can also get involved. Why not have a similar arrangement for the vice versa role? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
I was always taught to respect elders — weren’t you? But how many of you are really respecting elderly people? What reasons do you have for not doing so? I ask you because I’ve often seen many elders in the society not being treated well. I’ve even heard of people not respecting the elderly — especially the young generation nowadays. And that’s not all; even family members sometimes fail to spend family time with them, which saddens my heart. I strongly feel that respect towards the elderly, their fortitude, wisdom, knowledge, and grace should be imbibed by us, though sadly it doesn’t happen. There might be a few exceptions as I also don’t believe that growing old is a sign of becoming wiser, but we shouldn’t show disrespect to seniors in any case – isn’t it? While the taboo topic of elder abuse has started to gain visibility across the world, it remains one of the least investigated types of violence in national surveys, and one of the least addressed in national action plans. Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The incidence of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on June 15 to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse. It represents that one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. “We were taught to respect everyone, especially those who were older and wiser than we were from whom we could learn— BeNeca Ward.” Karma — What goes around comes around. NEELZ SINGH Lami
Chief’s legacy
Ratu Semi Rokobekalevu has indeed left an inspiring legacy for his people of Bukuma in the Yasawas (FT:15/06). While it is a sad occasion for the people of Bukuma in the passing of their chief they need to stand tall as a great example of what other chiefs and villages ought to do and be like. Under Ratu Semi’s leadership and direction the people of Bukuma prospered in many ways. Some of his notable initiatives was stopping villages from drinking yagona and smoking in the village. He encouraged his people to save money and he didn’t want to see his people taking last-minute loans to fund village events. The people of Bukuma have pledged to continue their chief’s legacy. Indeed a great legacy for others to follow! R.I.P. Ratu Semi! SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu
Mahogany harvest
The awarding of the contract to landowners in Macuata, Vanua Levu, to harvest their own mahogany that was planted 35 years ago (FT:15/06) is indeed a great milestone. The 12 landowning units in the district of Dreketi have formed the Dreketi Mahogany Company Ltd to spearhead harvesting operations starting next month. What I find amusing is that the newly formed company will hire the services of subcontractors to harvest the mahogany trees for them? With such a contract I would assume the company would get their own harvesting machinery and trucks to get the felled trees to the mill? They could also get their own people to operate these machines as well. All that is needed is one set of harvesting machinery and several trucks to clear out approximately 2000 acres of 35-year-old mahogany. While subcontracting has its advantages, the landowners will be disadvantaged by not getting the full returns from this contract. It is only right and proper that landowners be supported all the way through the production process beginning at land preparation, plant propagation, plant care, felling, transportation to mills and milling of the timber. Landowners should really be the sole beneficiaries of the whole process! SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu
Respect for the elderly
I was saddened to read about the lack of respect shown towards our elderly and to read that families are abandoning their elders makes me sick. When we were small our elders toiled and made sacrifices to ensure that we survived the cold, heat and those trying times but it’s saddening that we have forgotten their good deeds and treat them with disrespect. On the other hand, it’s food for thought that our elderly homes are getting full. Something is amiss and something must be done. Finally, hats off to the wonderful Samaritans for their assistance towards grandma Ram Devi (nani). Through our beloved The Fiji Times ardent readers joined hands to help our abandoned grandma! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Thank you PM
The honourable Prime Minister is hereby thanked with heartfelt appreciation for the swiftness in taking appropriate action to remove stray dogs, nationwide, in light the sad case of little two-year-old Amari Whippy of Narewa, Nadi. This heart-breaking true life story of a little girl, emotionally and physically scarred for life is hard to comprehend. Amari was not safe even in her home compound in Narewa, Nadi. I pray some kind generous heart will step forward allowing Amari to seek corrective plastic surgery overseas for her bitten off ear. Mr Bainimarama, thank you with all sincerity. Vina du riki na momo na Prime Minister. Nadi Town Council with similar urgency must rise to the occasion to immediately lead in the process to remove and appropriately euthanise such “harmful pests” from our neighbourhoods within the confines of our municipality. Any repetition cannot be tolerated. RONNIE CHANG Nadi
People power
Small they maybe physically but giants they are spiritually. Fijians should learn from the people of Hong Kong. DAN URAI Lautoka
Electronic anklets
We now have the technology in place, used in vehicle tracking systems, bus e-cards and taxi ATMs, to mention a few, has Electronic Monitoring Anklets ever been considered, this for the folks with lesser charges, it could also proactively address potential overcrowding in our prisons. NIGEL FIU Owls Perch, Lautoka
Those comments
I was shocked to read our Tourism Minister, Premila Kumar say “— just two people have passed away –. It is two against many —” (FT 15/6). Dear minister, this are two people namely Michelle and David Paul, who should not have died on our shores. Please in your rush to please your party leaders, please refrain from making insensitive and inhumane comments to the media. Thousands of miles away from Fiji, families are mourning the loss of their loved ones. Please do show them some respect. KORINA WAIBUTA Knollys St, Suva
Food prices
I wish to highlight in recent arguments that the poor are not affected by rising food prices. For one not to be affected by this, is not to eat at all! STEVEN CHANDRA Suva
Those phrases
Mate Allen mentioned three phrases/words for affection (FT 16/06). In today’s time, it can either mean affection or trouble. Proceed with caution. It all depends on how the intended recipient interprets it. It can start a lifelong relationship or be taken as harassment which will require the attention of the police. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Passing-out parade
Xavier College, conducted their cadet passing-out parade last week. Congratulations to the students for a formidable display, to their instructors for enabling them and a very special mention to their chief guest who arrived early, delivered a meaningful speech, which was under four (4) minutes, and paid the parade due respect, by remaining present, even when excused from the dias, due to the XC colours and cadets who had not yet dismissed, it was indeed an example of “walk the talk”. To potential chief guests of future school events, please take heed. NIGEL FIU Owls Perch, Lautoka
