‘Closing the Gap’ a must read
Professor Wadan Narsey’s letter spread across 2 pages in the The Fiji Times of Saturday, April 27, is a must read for anyone and everyone engaged in any ideas, activities or plans related to closing the gap in Fiji between mainstream Fiji and the people of our First Nation. In fact the Professor’s points are so valid that they should be highly considered and regarded as amber lights in the process of moving forward! NOLEEN BILLINGS Savusavu
Counsellors in schools
In today’s complex and ever-changing world, schools play a crucial role in shaping young minds and preparing them for future success. While academic achievement is undeniably important, it is equally vital to address students’ emotional and mental well-being. Recognising this need, counselling programs in schools have emerged as an essential component of comprehensive education. Now it’s time to be critical thinkers and include more professional counselling opportunities for our young learners. We hear about lots of issues that involve our young learners and the only way to handle this is through the implementation of right counselling therapy for the young client. School-based counselling offers invaluable emotional support to students who may be experiencing challenges at home, school, or within themselves. Professional counsellors provide a listening ear, empathetic guidance, and practical advice to help students navigate difficulties effectively. By addressing personal issues, fostering self-awareness, and teaching essential life skills, counselling intervention programs empower students to develop resilience, enhance decision-making abilities, and establish healthy relationships. Sometimes we see that our male students are reluctant to visit a counsellor. They choose to keep their problems within themselves, and this leads to further damage in their lives. Counselling is a skill and through professional counselors we can provide safe and confidential space to students to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It can aid in addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship concerns from a neutral and non-judgmental perspective. They will also develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns of behavior, and their relationship to the world around them. Goals for therapy can be tailored to meet specific needs and concerns, allowing male clients to gain insight, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. It is time now that we must use new strategies to deal with our students’ issues. We have been hearing about the increase in substance abuse cases. Well, this is when they have no choices or options to get out of their emotional issues affecting them. They see substance abuse as a coping mechanism and this leads them to more serious problems later on in life.
I strongly believe if they have access to professional counsellors in school then we will have control on substance abuse cases. Caring for mental health is very important. Our children go through so many emotional feelings and they need active listening ears to address their emotions. Only then can we produce critical thinkers in our country. MOHENESH SINGH Votualevu , Nadi
Wage talks
Clearly the national wage consultation process is a load of “hot air” perpetrated by the Ministry of Finance or whoever has organised it. Nothing will come out of this consultation process. The wage rate cannot be increased artificially by some minister or even government without having massive consequences. If people think they are experiencing a cost of living crisis wait until they have no jobs when, and if the minimum wage is increased. What is more, the price of everything will rise even further to cover for the wage increase, plus 15 per cent VAT on top of the increased price. The only solution is to kick this bunch of despots. JAN NISSAR Sydney NSW
Drua brace for Brumbies
After beating the Moana Pasifika, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are in seventh position on the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific points table. The boys are now bracing for the high-flying Brumbies, who upset the unbeaten Hurricanes 27-19. I saw the Brumbies v Hurricanes match, and I must warn head coach Mick Byrne and the boys to be prepared for a tough and physical battle. The Brumbies were on fire against the ‘Canes, halting their winning run. Their defence was superb and their kicking game was tactical. In addition, the Brumbies made good decisions, and spurred by the home crowd, the boys played their hearts out. Heading into the remaining rounds, every point matters. Unfortunately, the Drua’s away record has been very poor. They have yet to win away from home this year, losing to the Blues 10-34, Moana Pasifika 36-39, Chiefs 29-46, and Rebels 20-41. After playing the Brumbies, the Drua face the Western Force and Highlanders away from home and the Reds and Rebels at home. Thus, pressure is mounting and there is a need to collect as many points as possible. Wishing the boys all the best for the battle vs the Brumbies! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Cashless society
Lately, Fijians have been complaining about our move towards a cashless society. Government departments and some businesses are not accepting cash and now cheques are to cease to exist in Fiji.
Fiji is just following what the world is doing in moving towards a cashless society. Currently, the SDA Church is sharing the Gospel in Papua New Guinea under the banner: PNG for Christ. The scenes from all the evangelistic centres are just amazing with thousands of people turning up to hear the Word of God and be changed through the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Bible believing Christians when they see last day events happening and the work of the gospel commission moving a whole nation, can only exclaim: Come Lord Jesus SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA Kattar Singh Rd, Tacirua, Nasinu
Ticket prices
A former dual international rugby and soccer player Tevita Tukania of Labasa asked me to find out why the Fiji Rugby Union charges for Vanua Cup matches is $15 and the Skipper Cup is $10. I hope the Fiji Rugby Union would be able to reply to his query . SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Gaza massacre
Francescsa Albanese — UN’s Special Rapporteur on Palestine — couldn’t have stated it better when he said Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza is an escalatory stage of a longstanding settler colonial process of erasure. I’m astonished at the majority of iTaukei supporting Israel’s heinous crime. WISE MUAVONO Headstrom Pl, Balawa, Lautoka
Pet show
Good Move SPCA! May I ask what plans do you have for stray dogs? NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Truth and reconciliation
On Friday, April 26, 2024 the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, speaking at the launch of the United Nations Social Cohesion project at the Grand Pacific Hotel, revealed that the Government is committed to establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This will be an earnest attempt to heal the scars and hurt of the past. Hopefully, the collaborative effort on part of Fiji Government and the United nations agencies will help foster trust among communities and citizens. The central focus will be to initiate trust and dialogue among the communities and institutions in Fiji. This may be a big ask under the prevailing conditions. However, the implementing partners — the United Nations Development Programme, UNWOMEN and the office of the Commission of Human Rights — will fund the project with the hope that it will achieve its aim of peacebuilding in Fiji, Pacific and the world. The events of 1987, 2000 and 2006 have been traumatic years for the people of Fiji. Fear and distrust still prevails when pensioners were cheated by the Fiji National Provident Fund and the government (FijiFirst) who broke the legally binding contracts and imposed draconian decrees (Decree 51) to prevent the affected parties from seeking justice in the courts of law while the United Nations and the human rights activists remain painfully quiet. The Coalition Government headed by Sitiveni Rabuka seems to be committed to promoting trust, reconciliation, accountability and ultimately peace and reconciliation by removing sources which trigger tensions.
Promoting dialogue and respect for human rights will be a step closer to “peace pillar” under the UN Pacific Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework 2023 to 2027. National vision and commitment to include social cohesion, reconciliation, peace building, inclusivity and above all the moral courage to face the reality. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva.
Housing need
Housing Authority has announced the availability of 52 residential lots for first time homeowners in the Western Division (FT 27/4). These lots of sizes ranging from about 229 to 599 square metres are available at Tavakubu in Lautoka. If you are a Fiji citizen, 18-year-old and over, a first-time homeowner and have an annual income of 50,000 or less, then this is your golden chance to put your dream into a reality by having a house of your own. Those individuals and families who think they qualify are advised to submit their expression of interest accordingly, but before expiration of the offer on Friday, May 24, 2024, at midnight. Let us show our appreciation to Housing Authority for continuing making available affordable residential lots across the country. Your commitment towards providing the opportunity to those who are desirous of owning their own home needs to be acknowledged and lauded. The momentum should be kept intact and on going. There are still many people in the country who are in need of decent housing plots. If I am not wrong, the city of Lautoka has a fair share of Housing Authority developed residential subdivisions. It keeps expanding as we move on. We hope to see more and more citizens finding decent shelter above their heads in time to come. SURESH CHAND Nadi
2013 Constitution
Who advised Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Voreqe Bainimarama on the 2013 Constitution which came into existence without appropriate consultation with the people? DAN URAI Lautoka
Fiji rugby
Can someone at FRU please confirm the amount of club teams affiliated to the Malolo RU and is there an active local club rugby competition held on Malolo? Can FRU also confirm as to how many games has Malolo RU played on their actual home ground? If there is one and please provide evidence or is Malolo RU comprised of “drop-outs” from the Nadroga RU? O Naova ke…been there, done that. Reva na lawaki. ANTHONY SAHAI Ovalau
