GCC proposal
GCC is proposing to establish a Natural Resource Trust Fund aimed at increasing the economic returns for the iTaukei landowning units and communities (FT 22/5). According to GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula: “If you look at the resource, what we are getting is really strip-fitting —far less than what landowners should be receiving.” Sounds very much similar to the former Qoliqoli Bill. It is very clear that they want a bigger share of the returns from their land. It also premised on the assumption that other communities are prospering at the expense of the indigenous population. Is this the main reason why 75 per cent of those living in poverty constitute the iTaukei community despite owning over 90 per cent of the land in Fiji. Have they considered the far reaching ramifications of this proposal on investment and economic development and growth of this country? What lessons have been learnt from the failed schemes and policies that were introduced post-1987 to increase indigenous participation in commerce. And the infamous National Bank of Fiji saga where more than $240million was written off as “water under the bridge”. GCC will do well to first find out why the land vacated by Indo Fijian tenants after the expiry of their leases are lying idle and what can be done to utilise them for productive use for the benefit of the landowners. SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Buy-back scheme
That doesn’t make sense. How can freehold land (previously ancestral native land converted during the colonial era) remain as freehold land, after it has been reclaimed by the original landowners, under Government’s Buy Back Scheme 3.0? Why is it not returned to its original status as native land, after being reclaimed? I would have thought that this was the whole purpose of the exercise. In any case, the provision in the 2013 Constitution, which I assume is sec 29 (5) — refers to a very different circumstance — one related to constitutional transition — and which does not seem to apply to this buy back situation! Edward Blakelock, Admirals Circle, Pacific Harbour
Never say die!
A smile was on my face when I checked the immi account of a client and read that her Visitor Visa application, lodged the other day, was granted. I wrote a letter to this section yesterday complaining about the Biometrics fee of nearly $71, which must be paid every time one applies for a Visitor Visa to Australia. This never-say-die client came to me after she had applied three times already, and I was to do her fourth attempt. I thank God for touching the heart of the Australian Immigration case officer, who granted her visa application in her fourth attempt. My QVS house motto comes to mind: Never Say Die, and I encourage Fijians who have had the same problem to keep praying and trying, if your reason for travel is genuine. Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Tacirua
Broken washing machine
A FEW days ago, the three-year-old washing machine costing more than $1000 in use at my home broke down. Since its warranty had expired, I was informed by this prominent dealer that I will have to pay $45 for the company technician to inspect and tell me the reason for the breakdown. When I informed them that this issue will be reported to Commerce Commission, the technician arrived and informed me that (1) the machine was being over-loaded and (2) it’s a 7kg machine and the weight is of wet clothes (3) that the gear and suspension are damaged because of over-loading. I checked with my cousin working in the laundry section of a prominent resort in Denarau as well as Google that weight is of dry clothes. I also informed the technician and the company that for the last 15 years only my wife and I have been living together and that the washing machine has been used every morning — no question of over-loading. Upon checking with my family and friends, I was informed that they have washing machines that lasted for a year or two only. I urge the Commerce Commission to look into the matter and if possible effect the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) Certification. Rakesh Chand Sharma, Nadi
