Pay attention, no littering
THERE has been enough awareness from concerned citizens at the government and grassroots levels to make Fiji litter-free and our environment to be clean, neat and tidy.
There are advantages of keeping our country litter- free; tourists and other foreign nationals will feel proud of this country, you will feel happy to see a litter-free surrounding and we can also prevent many communicable diseases that make us sick and needs medical attention.
It is really not too difficult to prevent littering and you only need to say “no” before you think of throwing anything on the road or anywhere else.
Parents and senior family members should always educate children on why it is important not to throw anything, anywhere and anyhow. A lot of people while buying groceries are still using
plastic bags instead of carry bags. Let us do away with the habit of carrying groceries in plastic bags.
When travelling in vehicles, going for a picnic or for sightseeing, always carry a plastic bag and keep rubbish inside it and then place them in rubbish bins in public places or at home.
Sometimes, when buying certain items that are packed in fancy plastics and can be eaten uncooked, do not open them, and throw the plastics on the roadside or in drains.
Put it in your pocket or hold them and the right place to drop them is rubbish bins at your home.
Littering can be prevented completely if we all pay particular attention to cleanliness once you step outside your compound in the same way as you want neatness inside your homes .
Keeping your surroundings litter-free and our country clean is not at all difficult but it needs change in attitudes and always keep in mind we as citizens should make Fiji look beautiful.
CHANDRA PRAKASH SINGH
Sivi Rd, Caubati, Nasinu
School AGM
I WOULD like to thank The Fiji Times for publishing my letter regarding the annual general meeting at Vashist Muni Memorial Primary School where only a certain ethnic group was invited (FT
05/05).
The AGM did not take place because the numbers of parents attending did not meet the quorum and I further shared the fact that this is so because more than 50 per cent of the parents do not belong to that ethnic group which was sorely invited.
Nevertheless, I raised a few questions to the Government and especially the ministry in charge, whether those kind of segregation is allowed in sectors like school and if it so can we be given some justification?
To date, I haven’t heard any response and I again humbly ask the Minister of Education to visit this school and inquire on the matter and perhaps straighten the stance that the AGM is the most important meeting of any school and all parents have the right to attend it.
KOSITATINO
TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE
Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Consensus on billboards
THE consensus at Bilo Till Club is that if we continue with the same magnitude and intensity to put up billboards with virtues messages then no doubt Fiji will soon become one of the most virtuous country.
Certainly the authors of these billboards must be commended.
However, one member of the club feels the messages must be expanded to include other important virtues besides truth.
RAJESH LAL
Navua
Women in the navy
CONGRATULATIONS to the RFMF for the historic inclusion of women into the ranks of the Naval Division.
Further congratulations to the women and all those who made the cut and marched off the parade ground as naval personnel on Thursday.
Well done Commander RFMF and Commander Fiji Navy for the initiative and the successful recruit training.
The Commander RFMF has encouraged the new ratings to work hard and he emphasised the provision of equal opportunities to both genders as advocated by the government of the day.
With respect, I submit that an equally important point to remind the new ratings is this; When one joins the disciplined forces, the RFMF in particular, one must not forget that one is a citizen
first and a soldier or naval rating second.
I have stressed this point before. As citizens in uniform, the laws of the land equally apply to you. You are not above the law. I say again, you are not above the law.
You may be granted special powers and protection in times of states of emergency, while on active service abroad or when a war is declared at home.
Until then, it’s to be borne in mind at all times, I say again — at all times — you are bound and must follow all laws of this country. You have to exercise your powers within the parameters of
the laws that granted you those powers.
After all, that is the intention of fellow citizens when our representatives in Parliament gave you those powers in the first place.
To you, the new ratings, uphold your oaths.
When in doubt, a good guide is to ask your senior ratings and commissioned officers. Recall what you were taught at recruit training. Don’t forget the values and virtues bestowed by your
parents.
Listen to the inner voice within you.
As you progress in your careers, learn to keep discerning what is right from wrong.
Do what is right. Refuse to do wrong.
Look after your fellow comrades; particularly when on active service.
Protect all the citizens of this country and her borders. Read the Bible and other good books.
When you have the opportunity, stroke a dog!
It’s refreshing. Their love and loyalty can be contagious.
Above all, as you live your dreams within the RFMF, in the service of our beautiful country and all its peoples, don’t forget to smell the flowers along the way.
Once again, congratulations and may your ships always find a safe port.
Vinaka,
KINIVILIAME KETECA
Nausori
