Potholes on road
Every morning I drive up on Nokonoko Rd in Nasinu. I thank God, after a full year’s pothole driving, it was renovated and covered with brand new coating. Unfortunately, after just a few weeks’ smooth driving, I noted new potholes on this road. Why? Is it a workmanship problem or technical one? I don’t understand why there are no asphalt layers on the top of the gravel layer (so is the newly renovated sections on Queen Elizabeth Drive)? To save money? If so, unluckily, if FRA wishes to save one cent, it has to pay 10 cents to repair in the future. Ben Young Suva
Draunidalo’s utterances
Roko Tupou Draunidalo, HOPE party leader is not comparing apples to apples when she rubbished claims by leaders of Opposition parties that Fiji’s debts as a ratio to GDP are dangerously high compared with countries such as Singapore and Japan whose debts as a ratio to their GDPs are higher than Fiji’s (FV March 5). I believe Ms Draunidalo needs to be reminded that Fiji’s economy is very small, narrowly-based and focused on tourism and few industries, we are not self-sufficient nor self-reliant but heavily dependent on imports of consumer goods and services. We are also heavily reliant on development assistance from our bilateral and Vuvale partners including the European Union. Countries such as Singapore and Japan are mature democracies and their economies are highly diversified and broad-based, they are self-reliant and self-sufficient in the production of goods and services, they spend a lot of money on their defence budget, they lend money to the United States and other countries, they have huge reserves of cash, stocks, bonds and gold for the rainy days and they provide development assistance to other countries. Their GDPs are very high and per capita income are among the highest in the world. Pratap Singh Suva
Proposed Bill
According to media reports there has been a sudden surge in crime and criminal activities in various areas of urban Fiji. It is a matter of great concern. I believe the police force is caught flat-footed. Temporary measures are taken to curb criminal activities. And this is highly unsatisfactory. Containers have been converted to mini mobile police stations for surveillance and monitoring purposes. Naturally criminal elements go underground and reappear once the temporary police station has moved on. Nothing can be more frustrating than this for residents of the area concerned. The proposal to revive the neighbourhood scheme is a farce. It has proven to be a failure and is not likely to succeed in the future. Police and public co-operation will always remain a cosmetic relationship. To get any productive result is far-fetched. The proposed Draft Police Bill 2020 may be able to tackle some of the pressing issues if the Government is prepared to substantially increase the police budget. That is if we are serious about having an effective police force. I believe trust in police has been severely damaged because of the activities of some officers. This area needs to be cleaned up. As the urbanisation process increases more and more criminal activities are likely to emerge. Therefore, police have no choice but to modernise and be one step ahead of the criminals. Effective police connectivity and mobility is a must if the citizens of our country are to be protected. Dewan Chand Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Vaccine talk
Thank you once again Edward Blakelock, well I just read your letter about the two guys talking about the vaccine. The end part made me decide that the two hours of grass cutting was gonna be just one hour and I’ll finish off tomorrow (today). Yes, I laughed so loud I went and bought $10 grog to mix around 10am today (10/3). And there is a friend in Waiyavi who can’t pronounce the word vaccine but all he says is vatcine. I think he is a cook. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Human rights
THERE is a lot of advocacy about women’s rights as was observed during the International Women’s Day. Some of the chief guests dwelled at length about the existence of a culture of discrimination and bias towards women. But hardly any concern was raised about women being subjected to inhumane treatment and other forms of intimidation. And what about human rights which apply to everybody irrespective of gender or age. I did not hear any such sentiments against the proposed Police Bill some
of the provisions of which, I believe, infringes on the constitutional rights of citizens. One such case was highlighted in The Fiji Times yesterday. We cannot be selective when championing rights. SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Tiny flies
RECENTLY tiny flies have been seen in Nausori Town, which are black and green in colour. These tiny flies mostly sit anywhere on your body and even make their way into one’s eyes, ears and nose and you can feel yourbody itchy just like you have been bitten by mosquitoes. Even if you are talking, it enters your mouth. The above mentioned flies have been seen in Nausori
Town for a few weeks now. It would be much appreciated if relevant authorities take heed of the above mentioned situation, as there may be hidden dangers that most people are unaware of, that make these tiny fl ies a human health hazard. Who knows dangerous bacteria and other germs can stick to their bodies, that can get on our food or hands and spread illnesses. SHAMAL CHAND Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
Draft Police Bill 2020
The Police Bill 2020 (draft of March 2021) has been described as “draconian”, that is laws that are excessively harsh and severe. It is far worse than that. As a number of observers have said, it could quickly lead to Fiji becoming a police state, with extraordinary powers to fine and imprison citizens for exercising rights that are normal in a functioning democracy, and essential for preserving it. As a lay person, I no doubt miss some legal nuances, but the provisions are far from subtle and cause for serious concern about our future rights. In 2018, Amnesty International noted that Fiji’s 2013 Constitution enshrines fundamental human rights protection –– including the freedom from unreasonable search and seizure ––– but without the guarantees and provisions required under international law to protect and enforce those rights. It reported, with details, that the Government was guilty of ill treatment of detainees by security forces, restricted the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and that human rights defenders were at risk of persecution. Fiji has ratified 12 human rights conventions and protocols, including the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights” in 2018. Fiji voluntarily ratified this covenant which among other things, mandates the rights of privacy, freedom of expression, freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention, and procedural fairness in law. Yet only two years later, the Government proposes severe restrictions on rights which are already limited and often disregarded in practice. Under the proposed legislation, the police have few restrictions on their powers and we can be fined and jailed for many reasons, usually without warrants required: n Hindering police “in any way” can lead to seven years imprisonment; n Refusal to produce a permit for an activity that requires one, 12 months in prison; n Refusal to provide forensic samples (blood, bodily fluids, dental impression, cast of a wound, etc.), five years or up to 10 years for an undefined serious offence; n A media release without police approval on a possible crime, or even interviews, up to five years; n A dentist or teacher or doctor or lawyer or other professional who refuses to provide information to police, 10 years; n Failing to provide police personal details, and these appear to be unlimited, 12 months; n Refusing to provide identification, up to 10 years; n Insulting the police by word or gesture, five years; n Obstructing or hindering a police animal, five years; and, n Refusal to provide access to telecommunications services (for example email or social media) imprisonment for life for individuals (!) and a fine of up to $1 million for service providers. In addition to imprisonment, large fines can be added. There are nearly unlimited rights for the police to enter and search any premises, and seize any items without a warrant, and police would not be liable for damage or harm to property or innocent people. Members of Parliament should seriously consider the likely impacts of this legislation on the future of our children and grandchildren. Do they really support legislation that provides nearly unrestricted powers that could result, even if unintended, in an authoritarian police state? I respectfully urge the Government to withdraw the Bill from consideration by Parliament. Peter Johnston Tamavua, Suva
Pebbles on roads
A lot of loose pebbles are scattered all over our roads and some vehicle windscreens get cracked because of these pebbles. Can the authorities concerned please look into this? Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Public consultation
Will the public consultation on the draft Police Bill 2020 change anything in the Bill? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Mozzies with two legs
Narayan Reddy wrote (FT 10/03) that he was part of the team that released those mozzies and was wondering what became of them. Well! I’d like to tell him, that some of them developed two legs and are strolling around town. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka
Potential in athletes
This week’s Kaila! newspaper was flooded with stories and colourful pictures from the Suva Zone II and the various schools’ inter-house meets, and I congratulate the Lions (Suva Grammar athletes) for walking away with the boys, girls and overall title. The Lions had also won the Suva Zone II last year, but unfortunately they could not shine at the Fiji Final (Coca-Cola Games) which was called off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time around I’m adamant that Jone Delai and his brigade are ready to rock although they will face stiff competition from QVS, RKS, Natabua, Marist, ACS and Jasper. I eagerly look forward to the Western zone, “NNN” zone meet, Suva Zone I and Tailevu zone. All the best athletes! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Pure intentions
There is no doubting pure intention. Pure intentions create my reality and reality is my intention. Pure intentions count all for that I live and intentions are all I live for. Now, motivated by pure intentions to fulfil my promise to act on my pure intentions. MAHARAJ KUMARI BHINDI LBE, Nasinu
National interest
The draft Police Bill is of national interest and we read various stakeholders saying that the public should submit their views at the public consultations. I am ready to attend but do not know when and where as I have not seen any notices yet in The Fiji Times. Or am I jumping the gun? Conan Hatch Nadi airport
