Climate threat in pictures
Hats off to British photographer Nick Brandt and Serafina, Keanan, Qama, Akessa and Maria for being brave enough to show the real threat of climate change and sea-level rise in Fiji, with photos from the seabed. The photos showed broken pieces of coral. It was a mammoth task but Fijians in the pictures, who are on the brink of losing their homes, land, and livelihoods because of climate change and sea-level rise, held their breath for 60 seconds. Many South Pacific islands are vulnerable to the threat posed by climate change and sea-level rise. Hence, Brandt must be commended for releasing the series of haunting underwater photos that depict the threat of climate change in Fiji! Climate change and sea-level rise have had massive impacts on Fiji and the Pacific Islands. We need action! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Byron Cavu
In all of the articles in The Fiji Times of 31/12, the one that caught my attention the most was the story of Byron Cavu and his three-year-old son Troy. What an inspiration to all single parents and in particular to single dads! What mature words from Byron, “To every single father, no matter what you’re going through, whatever is happening with your child’s mother or with your job, not understanding your situation, just take a moment this Christmas to stop, look at your children and appreciate what you do have.” I would add this for those who have wives and partners. Byron finished with these heartwarming words from his very own experience, “You get home and you’re someone’s hero again.” You are truly an amazing dad Byron! And your story could easily make for a great new year’s resolution for many an equally determined single parent which is to be the best single parent they can be! A happy new year to all single dads and mums out there no matter what situation led to you being a single parent. Takes two to tango! Hats off to you! A prosperous new year Fiji! Noleen Billings Savusavu
New sail
2023 has finally anchored itself in our memories as we set sail once again. In the past year, we gained new friends while also bidding farewell to some of our loved ones. We experience ups and downs, but life is only learned from the past. Every year brings the promise of becoming a better version of ourselves. Let’s continue to work hard and be agents of positive change. Happy new year to the entire team at The Fiji Times and the citizens of the Fiji Islands. May the upcoming year bring many blessings to all. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa
Early judgement
Trigger happy commentators, some novice, some former but now failed politicians (after multiple attempts), some with personal vendetta, some with political propaganda without much political and economic nous, some bloggers, a few cartoonists, tik-tokers, grog swipers and general bandwagoners have jumped to judge the Government’s performance after one full year in office. One such so-called political analyst and researcher has also jumped the gun with his article titled “Path to broader change”, subtitled “The buck stops with the Ministry of Finance” in both dailies on 30/12/2023. Edward Narain is certainly free to express himself like the rest of us. Just one advice to the “experts”, there is a Government in place, and please allow them time to work. Edward’s article sounds like he has an axe to grind with the Finance Minister. Edward seemingly had an axe to grind with the former Finance Minister as well: he’s only bleating now. I don’t like his attacks on both men, and I’m also free to say it. As we shift calendar, I hope that when we criticize government policies, we are able to offer sound alternatives to the policies we criticise. Otherwise, wait till 2026, like, after next year. It’s really that close! Happy new year! Donald Singh Suva
Overseas investment
I fully agree with Mr Edward Narain (FT 30/12) that there continues to be bias towards overseas investment and not developing Fiji’s resources and agricultural sectors from grassroots up. In The Fiji Times of December 28 the Prime Minister informs 500 rice farmers who produced 2000 tonnes they will receive the highest price for paddy ever. He also informs that the Coalition Government is committed to revitalising not only the rice industry but other agricultural sectors. I suppose this is an admission that the FijiFirst and the current Government as well did not consider that it is critical for a nation to have food security. It is predicted that the world will face a food crisis in the near future. Even richer nations with money in hand will face difficulties. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi
Welcome 2024
As we countdown the hours to say goodbye to the year 2023 and welcome 2024, it is best to stand still and inspect our lives and see what we have gained this year, what we have lost and what we need to improve on. Having a clear insight on what needs to be improved in the next year, work out a system that would improve your business and give you better results. As we begin the New Year 2024, we must commit our lives to God as it is He who will give us the strength physically, mentally, spiritually and socially as we interact and serve others. In 2019, as a retired person with no income and living under my brother’s roof; I did the above, re-committed my life and business to God, and promised Him that I would share His blessings with others. I started Savenaca’s Services as a Visa Agency for Fijians needing help on visitor visas to Australia, New Zealand, USA, etc. operating from Banaba House in Totogo, Suva. In 2020, I opened an office in Lautoka, to help Fijians in the West with their visa applications. God opened the door for my business to help Fijians stuck in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic and when the world locked down; my business continued as normal, Glory to God! In September 2022, I returned to Suva to enjoy my newly built home in Tacirua and I plan to re-open the Lautoka Office in 2024. With my newly-granted Recruitment License from the Ministry of Labour; I am praying for God to connect me with Overseas Employers needing skilled workers from Fiji in 2024. Life is currently a struggle in Fiji for most Fijians where the cost of living is high. Let us inspect, improve and commit our lives to God as we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024. Have a blessed New Year 2024 with God leading all the way! Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa Tacirua, Suva
Cemeteries destroyed
NHK has uncovered evidence of the destruction of at least 10 cemeteries in the Gaza Strip amid attacks by Israeli forces. Human rights activists say such damage violate international law (31/12/23). Wonder what a Rakesh Chand Sharma, who believes Aljazeera to be a biased media (FT 30/12), makes of this report by the Japan media? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Power outage
EFL power outage in Martintar Nadi just occurred at approx 2.30pm Sunday. This signifies “Bye 2023”. Wonder what caused this sudden power outage? Ronnie Chang Martintar Nadi
Happy new year
Let’s enter the new year with hope, joy, love and peace. Be the person with good intentions, good heart and treasure every moment of life. And in the spirit of renewal, forgive those who may have wronged you. A new year, a new beginning SANJEET PRASAD Labasa
Visa-free Pacific
It is about time that Fiji puts its foot down for the relaxing of the visa restriction to a “visa free pacific” relationship. My view is that, both our neighbours NZ and Australia, have gained quite a lot, within the past years with respect to sports, employment, entertainment, religion, education, etc. Originated from our Pacific shores. Let us hope that the DPM, Mr Biman Prasad, will pave a “new horizon” for Fiji, when it materialises. Samu Silatolu Nakasi, Nausori
Peace on mind
John Kamea reveals his own intact humanity when he writes “In Gaza, because of growing signs of open-ended (Israeli) occupation and unceasing devastation, peace would be on everyone’s mind” (ST 31/12/23). Alas, it isn’t. Not on everyone’s mind. Many are not moved by the plight of suffering Palestinian women and children and the elderly and the disabled in war-torn Gaza. For some it’s perfectly alright for the war to continue full swing. It’s a sad indictment against humanity. We hope the new year brings more peace than the death and destruction of the past year. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Her family Christmas
THE mother looked worried, what was she going to give them? There was very little in the cupboard and it was Christmas Day again. She earned only a little now and then, not enough for a really good lunch for her children After all, it is Christmas, For them, she’ll make sacrifices, At least, they’ll have food in their stomach, she’ll make do with a small plate of boiled rice! Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour
