Walking alone
Rookie politician and Member of Parliament Ketan Lal has announced his decision to withdraw support from the Opposition group led by the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu (FT, 14/05). Mr Lal now intends to “walk alone” as an independent MP. Unless he has some sort of secret superpower (or a fanbase larger than his extended family and friends), this grand solo and bold act might just earn him a front-row seat on the HMS No Comeback — setting sail straight for the island of forgotten MPs after the 2026 General Election. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Village drug wardens
It’s a good and positive move (FT 14/05) and shows that all levels in our society can do their bit to help eliminate the drug scourge from destroying our communities. However, in saying that, I think that giving an offender a “three strike policy” after being apprehended by the village warden the first time, may just be too lenient and gives too much freedom to the offender(s) to continue their drug dealings. A three warning system for other offences is warranted, but where drugs are concerned, we need to quickly and effectively deal with it and not let it ride into three warnings, by which time it may become unmanageable and too dangerous. I believe in a “one strike zero tolerance policy”, on this issue. Immediate eviction is necessary and no two ways about it. No dilly dallying, no delays, when the very lives of our youths and the integrity of our village communities are at stake! Edward Blakelock Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Heart of the home!
Mother’s Day was celebrated in high spirits. The Sunday Times special edition titled ‘Day for mum’ and the editor-in-chief- Fred Wesley’s editorial titled ‘Heart of the home’ added glamour to the celebration which brimmed with stories of resilience, love, and great spirit. Indeed Fred, Mother’s Day is a day set aside to express respect and love and honour our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and single dads who also take up the role of motherhood and acknowledge their role in our communities and the nation. Hence, families took time out to pamper that important woman in their lives. I quote these lines from the editorial, which paves the way forward, “It is a day set aside for us to pause, take stock of where we are, and reflect on the importance of our mothers in our lives. We hope you will take a moment to reflect on the extra-ordinary women who have shaped your life, and you will let their love and strength serve as a guiding light. We encourage everyone to take a moment, not just to celebrate, but to remember! Think about the women who have helped shape who you are. Let’s honour their contributions. Let’s reflect on their love, wisdom, and spirit and be empowered and guided by them.” Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Health wake-up call
The news that Fiji has produced the youngest diabetic patient and the youngest stroke patient should be a wake up call to all Fijians and families. We do not have to be a rocket scientist to predict that more of our children will suffer from non-communicable diseases, if the parents and youths keep living unhealthy lifestyles and allowing their children to follow their footsteps. Christians believe in Creation and our Creator has revealed in the Scriptures the food and lifestyle to be followed to enjoy a vibrant, healthy long life, to love and worship God and love others as well. In Christ, we are a new creation and it is His spirit who transforms our lives and empowers us to do His will, including choosing a healthy lifestyle. We need to eat a lot of fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables to nourish the cells in our body. Exercise regularly, drink water daily, have a sunbath, be temperate in all things, breathe in fresh air, have adequate sleep or rest and trust in God the Creator. Our children will study us adults and will eat or drink and follow our footsteps. If we want our beloved nation to rise up and be the way the world should be, then it is imperative that we put God first and walk the talk, including keeping His health law abbreviated as new start. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua
Former prisoners
I sincerely believe the immediate relatives of members of community released from our prisons in Fiji, should by now have a different view and mind-set or feeling towards them. While ex-prisoners try their best to fit in, members of his/her family, still look at them as criminals. Even the police or law enforcers around a particular area or community, also have that same feeling and stigma (criminal records). I believe this is happening to all our released family members around the country. This is one reason why ex-criminals do not want to stay longer with us. All they want to do is commit another crime so they can go back in. An incident is not just a single event, but a chain of events, the sequence of events needs to be understood before identifying why an incident happened. When asking what, we must identify the underlying and root causes, as well as direct causes. Failure and mistakes do not just happen by themselves. Organisations allow errors, enforcing environments that encourage direct causes to develop and persist. Any investigation which sets out to find someone to blame (ex-criminals) is misguided. We must show our love and care towards our family members (ex-prisoners). Isikeli Toroca Raiwaqa, Suva
Calling for peace
The world is stunned about how in just three and a half days, India brought Pakistan down to suing for peace. In his address to the nation, PM Modi informed the people of India that ” high tech and fifth generation warfare” had given them victory. India has been preparing for this type of military operations since Galwan Valley skirmish with Chinese troops in the Himalayas where 20 Indian troops and 45 Chinese troops (CIA figures) had died. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Northern roads
I have just returned from a trip to my hometown which also took me along the Namuavoivoi and Navakasali roads in search of wild coffee on both the Lekutu side as well as the Wainunu side of the island. After turning the junction close to Daria, I was astounded to find that the road condition was no different to that of the cross-country one I had just traversed. How are the people along this stretch of coastline expected to contribute to the economy if such is the condition of their main road, not to mention the state of their feeder roads such as the Lagidamu farm road? The ignorance is quite astounding! NOLEEN BILLINGS Savusavu
Grieving period
The floundering Drua rugby side will take on the might of the Western Force at Churchill Park this week. Should they suffer another defeat, will coach Glen Jackson still blame the loss on the tragic death of Josaia Raisuqe? Is the team still in mourning? I don’t think the rugby fans will buy that feeble, pathetic excuse this time. Come on Glen, please devise some concrete and sensible justifications for Drua’s overall poor performance this season. And perhaps consider stepping down as team mentor and allow a competent local to take over the coaching reins. NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
The Drua
The FWCC has reportedly called out the Drua management for allegedly covering up domestic violence cases. Can someone please call out the Drua for poor performances, current wooden spoon ranking and enjoying taxpayers’ $6million investment? Can the coach be shown the door please? Look at Ruben Amorim. Manchester United is on the brink of winning the second tier Europa League title with a chance of qualifying for the UCL next season despite sitting at a lowly 16th in the EPL. Gaffer Amorim may still get the sack even if he wins the Europa League this month. DONALD SINGH
Suva
Helicopter and dengue
Police helicopter
I refer to the intention of the police to acquire its own helicopter (FT 14/5) for what it says “to improve emergency response, especially in remote areas”. There are a number of issues that must be addressed before any acquisition is made, especially its type, piloting, maintenance and actual use. Keeping a helicopter is not as easy as it looks. You need trained, competent and type rated pilots who may not be readily available especially as there are no helicopter pilot training schools in Fiji. And if the police do acquire and train its own pilots, they will not be able to retain them since the private sector remuneration would be much more than what police could pay. Finally, the most worrying part is the likely abuse of the flying machines by using it for non-emergency work. Many people would remember the two helicopters donated by the French Government to the Fijian Military after the 1987 military coup to assist in emergencies which were piloted by poorly-trained military personnel. Once the coup atmosphere had cooled down, the helicopters were used to transport high ranking military and government personnel and private cargo between the islands, both of which eventually crashed. The rest is history. AJAI KUMAR Nadi
Do away with playing
I read with interest, Isikeli Nakato’s script (FT 13/5) and I vouch for his intent focusing more on education rather than heralding big huh hahs on the sports arena. What I may add is that, athletes are only known for 2 to 3 days but they fade away with time. So it’s big money wasted on track suits, pompom attire, food plus other logistics. Really a huge waste, big time. iTaukei students are behind already while our Indo-Fijian, Chinese sisters and brothers etc, are ahead in terms of maturity and knowledge. Only in Fiji do we claim to have the greatest athletics meet in the Southern hemisphere. Any advantage or profitable athletes who came out of the meet? No! Cegu kerekere! JIOJI O TORONIBAU Navetau, Tunuloa
Dengue fever
As a concerned citizen of my county, I am writing to express my concern on the rise in health cases due to a dengue fever outbreak. More than 800 new cases recorded per week. Action must be taken immediately to prevent further spread and safeguard the general public. In order to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds and lower the danger of infection, the Government must step up its efforts to control mosquitoes and start widespread public awareness programs. Resources must also be set aside to improve healthcare services in order to guarantee timely diagnosis and therapy for individuals who are impacted. The foundation of our economy, tourism, is also in jeopardy because travel warnings have been issued, which may discourage tourists. The difficulties Fiji is already dealing with might get worse as a result. In order to stop this outbreak and safeguard our residents and guests, I implore government officials, public health experts, and community members to cooperate. AKANSHA REDDY Kulukulu, Sigatoka
Sports recognition
Honorable Minister for Sports, are you the minister for all sports in Fiji? If so can you treat all sports that achieve world-class recognition, the same. I asked a parent of Nehemiah Elder if the Ministry of Sport has recognised his world-class achievement and guess what the answer was a resounding ‘no’ and followed by ‘no one was even at the airport to welcome him home’. Very sad — a young athlete who stands every chance of bringing more glory home and yet nothing. I played a minority sport in this country and I know just how we struggled to get support from our government. The government has changed over the years but the status quo remains. I ask our media to please step in and highlight the minor sports so that the hon minister can offer all sports equal recognition and reward for bringing recognition to our country. TAI SMITH Nasinu Sec Sch Rd, Kinoya, Nasinu
