Fiji Airways, the best in the Pacific
Allow me to comment on the recent announcement that our Fiji Airways as the best airline in the Pacific. This achievement is through the hardwork of the management and staff in terms of making our travellers comfortable and safe. It’s not easy, but our Fiji Airways has showcased our unique hospitality and talents which make us stand out and as a result, people opted to travel with us from anywhere in the world. Travellers are also being treated first class from the staff at the check in counters into the plane and during the flight plus the smiles and all these make us a very popular airline. And also not forgetting the backing of our Government who are always there all the way. MIKAELE LEAWERE Galoa Village, Serua
Cost of living
I fully agree with Mahendra Chaudhary that “the budget has nothing to meet the expectations of ordinary people for relief from the soaring cost of living”. He cites two examples – no levy for Dividend Tax and 7-year tax holiday for Fiji Water. On the contrary, people who have term deposits have to pay interest if below 55 years of age or seek tax exemption if above 55 years of age. To apply for an exemption, one has to go through the bureaucracy of filling forms, answering many questions and running twice to FRCS and the banks and thereafter every year. Mahendra Chaudhary is absolutely correct when he says that the Coalition Government is all about protecting the interests of the wealthy at the cost of the poor. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Adelaide, Australia
Burden on workers
I was just told that my good friend has his working hours cut short daily by one hour so now he works only seven hours a day after the minimum wage increase. He also lost his privilege of being picked up from home everyday by the company. His boss just informed him that he will not absorb the fifty cents pay rise and now all workers have to share the burden. I can only imagine when the minimum $5 hour rate comes into effect what will happen. Anyways that minimum wage pay comes at a cost and most business people will not absorb that pay rise, instead it will be passed on workers to absorb. So much politics everywhere. GEOFFREY CHAND Lautoka
Civic pride
What struck me on my recent visit to Fiji was the appalling amount of plastic drink bottles and cans thrown all over the place. There is clearly a gross lack of civic pride and responsibility in keeping the environment clean. That needs to be addressed because the problem will only get worse with time. The Singapore authoritarian model on enforcement on this front might present a possible answer. People must never have the freedom to trash the environment at any level. The volume of soft drink empties thrown about is, I believe, also a good indicator of the change in local dietary culture and associated health issues in the population . That too needs attention . That too will get worse otherwise. There is nothing Pacific way about this change. It looks like we’re being overtaken by the American coke culture. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Empowering a nation
In the pristine paradise of the Fiji Islands lies a treasure trove of natural resources waiting to be harnessed for the betterment of its people. With a population of less than a million, potential abounds within the lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters that surround this idyllic nation. However, despite the abundance of riches bestowed upon them by nature, the residents of these islands find themselves in a slumber, relying on governmental handouts and assistance rather than realising their full potential through hard work and determination. It is time for a collective awakening, a stirring of the spirit to propel them towards a future not dictated by dependency but shaped by their own efforts. Calls for the government to embrace true democratic principles ring out across the islands, advocating for transparency, honesty, and inclusiveness in all operations. The people yearn for a leadership that operates not in shadows, but under the bright light of accountability where decisions are made for the greater good and with the involvement of all voices. As the sun rises over the horizon, illuminating the beauty of the Fiji Islands, it also signifies a new dawn of empowerment and self-reliance. The path ahead may be challenging, but with unity, hard work, and a commitment to forging their own destinies, the people of Fiji are poised to transform their paradise into a thriving haven of prosperity and progress. SEVECI TORA Tacirua Heights, Suva
Money for hospitals
It is finally revealed by our Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance when he tabled his 2024-2025 National Budget address on Friday, June 28th. Fiji, the South Pacific and interested Fijians throughout the four corners of the world, with bated breath, will soon learn the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Stark revelations will unfold in due course how Aspen Lautoka and the new Ba Hospital come into fruition. This makes an excellent script hatched in Suva for a Hollywood production of sorts. Sadly, we learn through the budget address how our very own FNPF were told to “obey orders.” As strange as it may seem, the “power of one or two” prevailed. We will learn from the “mis-steps” that we encountered during those ensuing 16 years. Power begets those thrived on them. A toll order for the Ministry of Health to “fork out” $10million each month for Aspen Lautoka and New Ba Hospital services. Wow! What billing? This must the “greatest joint venture” of all time to hurt Fiji’s purse strings. RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Wages rise
Thank you Fiji Government for the 0.005 percentage or 50 cents increase in minimum wages from August 2023. ASISH VINAY PRASAD Park Rd, Raiwasa
Vatukoula payout
I thank the Government for giving the striking Vatukoula workers $25,000 each. Could we know the total number of workers that went on strike? Some must have passed away. How many workers will actually get $25,000. For a 33-year strike $25,000 is not much, but at least the strikers can move on. The question remains why did it take so long and why the strike had no effect on the gold mine operations. Who is going to pay them the Government or the company . I would also like to know how many trade unions helped these striking workers during their 33-year long strike. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
Restoring trust
The recent FICAC referrals of Salote Panapasa, former acting Commissioner of Prisons, and the former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Kalaveti Ravu, along with his regional manager for the north, mark a significant breach in the dam of governmental accountability. While this refreshing change is welcomed, it stands as a stark indictment of the previous administration, which failed to investigate high-level officials for similar abuses of office. This shift signals a new era of transparency and integrity, holding those in power accountable for their actions, and is a necessary step towards restoring public trust in our institutions. MAREKO VULI Delaidogo Settlement, Wainibuku Rd, Nakasi
Poor not heard
If what Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry says is true that the cry of the poor have not been heard and that the budget pandered to the wealthy elites at the expense of the ordinary people (ST 30/6), then that is simply maintaining an old tradition of handing the poor the crumbs from the rich man’s table (Luke 16:21). I believe many thought the Coalition would be different. Shows just how entrenched the hold of the old tradition is. Yes, the more things change the more they remain the same on certain fronts. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Another OFC loss
The Fiji football team lost all hopes of any medals at OFC National Cup after Fiji lost to Tahiti in the third place playoff. I suggest those at Fiji Football Association to run their own world cup with a replica trophy which I can donate to avoid the unnecessary waste of money and time trying to win championships. With the current coach, management and team officials Fiji football can say goodbye to ever qualifying for the world cup. Thanks to those who run Fiji soccer for another loss at the OFC championship. Please prepare for the BOG Fiji World Cup at the end of the month. GEOFFREY CHAND Lautoka
MPs salaries
We read in a The Sunday Times article “Minister clears air on MPs’ salaries” (ST 30/6). According to the minister “the irony is that these pay increases, if they had been communicated better, might have had people’s support”. I doubt that. From the people’s reaction it is abandonly clear that the pay rise is a confirmation of the public perception that politicians are about feathering their own nest. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Balanced budget
Most eyes in a small nation like Fiji were glued to either the television or radio on Friday, June 28. According to the feedback we get after the delivery of recent budget the FNPF members are already over the moon. Ordinary workers including the civil servants should be satisfied with the recent budget announcements. Thank you Coalition Government and in particular the Finance Minister Biman Prasad and his hard working team. Despite a small nation as ours loaded with heavy debt and being influenced by outside trading partners, you have done wonders by presenting a very balanced budget. But the critics who are born to criticise at any cost will never be satisfied. They still complain about the cost of living and the VAT. We all know that the basic 21 food items including the prescription medicines are exempted from VAT. 15 per cent VAT is mostly on luxury items that should not have and direct impact on our lives. Fiji is blessed with good tropical climate with thousands of idle fertile land. Why not try to sweat a little and produce crops that would cut down on expensive imports. Our local fresh produce would help the country in so many ways. To our union leaders, I humbly plead to you to continue your negotiations in a genuine way. In our current political, social and economic climate we definitely need your understanding and cooperation. We all should be grateful to the current coalition administration to end the sixteen years of draconian rule. The reintroduction of Tripartite Forum itself is a progressive step for our workers. If patience continues with added productivity in all areas, I am confident Fiji would be another country in near future. VIJAY NAHARAJ Tadevo Rd, Navua
Naval matters
It was lovely to see so many navy personnel “braving the rain” in Suva the other day. I wonder whether it would be impertinent to enquire how our brave sailors are getting on with the release of the Puamau from the reef at Fulaga? MICHAEL SCOTT Morris St, Lautoka