Hopes within our society
Every now and then, The Fiji Times covers some very inspiring stories that touch the very depth of our hearts and give us hope that despite the fast degrading moral values in our society today, there are some people out there that prove that we humans are created in the image of God and the goodness of the creator is always present deep within us. One such story was highlighted in The Fiji Times (03/05) titled ‘Cancer survivor sews, distributes face masks’. While some people use COVID-19 as an opportunity to gain a little bit more profit, for example the sale of face masks at higher prices because of the higher demand, nevertheless, Suria Kanta of Lawaki settlement in Lautoka acts otherwise. She is an ovarian cancer survivor and she sews and distributes face masks to the needy and those who cannot afford to buy them. In her words she said and I quote: “I am really tired because I have health issues, but my love for our people and helping people is why I am doing this.” Thank you Miss Suria for your beautiful heart and I only hope many of us Fijians could learn one thing or two from you, so they may not inflict more suffering and pain on the many Fijians who are really struggling to barely survive because of the effect of COVID-19. You showed us that people are more important than money and profit. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Fight against the virus
Sukha Singh, I disagree with you for the first time. The interpreter at the daily news conference cannot have a mask on for the simple reason her sign language is not only confined to her hands but if you notice carefully her facial expression also assists with the interpretation. I agree with you her social distancing is questionable. Overall, the two interpreters have done wonders and are very much part of the frontliners who are assisting in our fight against the virus. A thank you at the end of the conference acknowledging the two ladies will be appreciated as well. Our big vinaka vakalevu to the two sign language experts. Joka kece. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Sign language
Watching the daily news conference for COVID-19, I have been increasingly fascinated by the sign language interpreters. I am full of admiration. I used to think it was just movement of hands, but, oh no! It is much more than that. I become totally involved as they involve their whole bodies in conveying the messages clearly. I simply cannot take my eyes off to look at Dr Fong. A very big vinaka to them, and, I am sorry to say, shame on those who scorn them. Tessa Mackenzie Suva Justifiable acts Some days ago, Parveen Kumar was out in public distributing masks. On many occasions, he has distributed gardening tools. This week, Dr Mahendra Reddy and senior staff members distributed seeds. I am not against those activities. Also, I am not trying to belittle the two mentioned gentlemen in any way. I believe these activities are fresh and for illustration purpose only. In my view, ministers should be producing visionary ideologies, short-term and long-term plans for implementation. They are national leaders and should not be participating in activities which can be easily taken care of by junior staff within the ministries. Maybe, once in a while is justifiable but not all the time. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
The worker
Hardworking is the worker Fulfilling all duties and obligations Even willing to do the extra Going beyond expectations Being creative and innovative Utilising available resources Learning from mistakes To grow and improve Surviving this pandemic crisis Facing challenges and obstacles With courage and determination Turning opportunities into results Analysing problems meticulously To provide correct solutions Not resting in past success But planning for the future Practising right principle and values Operating in morally ethical ways Always working in cooperation To move head for prosperity Making valuable contributions For the progress of the nation Great is Harshal the worker And salutations to this worker. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Nasinu
Power of the press
I am an avid reader of newspapers which get delivered to my house very early in the morning. I browse through to catch the news of the day before I settle down to my exercises, yoga and meditation. Thereafter, I go back to newspapers and read the articles I have already marked. On the breakfast table I discuss this with my daughter Prameeta and we share our thoughts on the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated issues. I read the selected articles and take note. Thereafter, it is my daughter’s turn to read the papers. At times I write articles for Letters to the Editor column in response to the issues I consider important. World Press Freedom Day has highlighted the important role of journalists in collecting news, distilling it and presenting it to the readers. Journalists work at breakneck speed to meet deadlines. It is a cut-throat competition among media outlets either print or electronics. Press has enormous power to expose issues and to build narratives to fix problems. It holds people in
power accountable. It helps citizens to make informed decisions during elections. However, journalists too are humans and can be biased in their opinion. They can be used by powerful funding agencies to create a particular narrative. And this is where the danger lies. But we cannot deny the important role of the press in the economic, political and social development of any nation DEWAN CHAND Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Support from parties
I THANK all the non-government organisations, the civil society organisations, the business sectors and individuals, with the Government for providing the much-needed support to grassroot Fijians by providing food packs during this pandemic. Their efforts need a standing ovation from all. I am wondering when all political parties will get together and carry out this noble exercise of sharing part of their campaign money to buy basic necessities for Fijians who are in dire need of support in terms of basic necessities. Let us not blame anyone here and start with what all political parties want to see – the poorest of the poor to be fed. I believe this would be the biggest campaign strategy by any political party. Let us see who leads here. VISHNU D SHARMA Nakasi
Stuck families
MANY farmers from the hills outside Lautoka are now stuck with families. They need bedding and food. They cannot go back home. The borders are closed. Many have small children who need clothes. They have come together to stay in other family homes and the pressure has come on these families. NAVNEET RAM Lautoka
Timely assistance
WHILE Dr Fong reminded the nation that the pandemic was far from over, and that Fijians must prepare for a long battle, there’s no argument that the pandemic has hit families severely. I’m saddened to read stories of struggle published daily by the people’s newspaper. Thousands of Fijians have been hit hard by the pandemic, but through the publication of their stories in the most widely read newspaper these families have been assisted by our good Samaritans. The journalists must be commended for going out on the field to collect these stories which touch hearts. Through their efforts, families have received assistance. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
COVID variant
Fiji is indeed punching above its weight. It’s the only Pacific Island nation fighting the B1617 COVID-19 variant. Other Pacific Island nations must be ensuring that all travel to and from Fiji are barred. Thankfully Australia is giving millions in assistance, I believe, to ensure the variant doesn’t migrate from Fiji. DAN URAI Lautoka
Virus to stay
AS an epidemiologist suggests that this virus is going to stay with us for months, years and also in the foreseeable future. Similarly, we need to upgrade our quarantine facilities to fit the purpose in the future. PRANIL RAM Votualevu, Nadi
Apolitical fight
I THINK our government leadership deserves a modicum of praise for simply standing back and letting qualified doctors who are apolitical public servants wage the current battle against COVID-19. We have seen what happens in countries where politics has been at play in defending public health against this pandemic. WILLARD MILLER Ellis Place, Suva
PM’s $7m office
THE $7 million new Prime Minister’s office is still on. While many people are paddling through rainy days, the Prime Minister is destined for cloud 9. Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Could someone explain the architectural thinking behind this project during these times? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Election crunch
WILL it be a political force come the next election? Sadly it seems to be breaking apart from within. DAN URAI Lautoka
Robust criticism
SANYO Gains (FT 4/5) is upset by the criticism levelled at the Government in Fiji. Here in Australia, the criticism is more robust. For example, the Australian test cricketer turned commentator Michael Slater has called the Australian government’s India travel ban, and the threat of massive fines or 5-year jail for stranded Australians who come back from India during the current COVID crisis there as a “disgrace” and that PM Scott Morrison has “blood on his hands”. Internationally renown human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson has condemned it as “dictatorial” and said it undermined the rule of law and was unconstitutional (see my letter in The Age 5/5). Now that’s what you call criticism in a democracy. I wonder what Sanyo makes of that! Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
