No one above the law myth
In his article on the contemporary status of the rule of law in Fiji and the need for a review of the existing constitution Professor Wadan Narsey asked: “How farcical that no Parliament or Referendum has ever approved the BKC, but it states that any changes to the 2013 BKC must require a 75 per cent majority in the elected Parliament, and following that, a 75 per cent majority in a referendum (?)”. Answer : Very farcical. And its entrenched immunity clause renders the whole precept of justice that “no one is above the law “ mentioned by PM Rabuka, a myth. What we have is indeed “Animal
Farm material” as Wadan points out. Let me elaborate: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. A proclamation by the pigs that control the government in the novel Animal Farm by George Orwell. The sentence is a comment on the hypocrisy of governments that proclaim the absolute equality of their citizens, but give power and privileges to a small elite” (2024 Dictioary.com, LLC ). We can see how that plays out in today’s Fiji. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Australian assistance
It is heartwarming and encouraging news that the Australian Government is to provide $10million assistance for the sole purpose of renovating or revamping the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. However, I believe such assistance should come with a condition that relevant plans should be ready within three months, construction work should start within four months and the project should be completed within fifteen months. If not, assistance will be withdrawn. This is the only way the Government machinery will realise the importance of completing a project within a timeframe. We have witnessed so many projects that were announced fifteen months ago by the Coalition Government are still in the planning stages. BHARAT MORRIS Gold Coast, Australia
Missed chances
When Drua forwards were charging wave after wave and phases after phases, our backline spilled the ball forward or gave away silly penalties which cost them dearly in the game against Chiefs. Lapse of concentration and over anticipation really wasted the efforts of our forwards. It all comes down to zero if it ain’t nought. But all in all, Drua all the way! You brought life into Super Rugby competition. PITA SOROAQALI Rakiraki
You are the man
I had the liberty to watch the proceedings of the Parliament last week. I was gutted by the level of debate by some of the members from both sides. Instead of sticking to elaborating on His Excellency’s speech for the 2024 parliamentary session, most of the members stuck to belittling members from the other side. What awed me was how the Speaker handled the debate. He has the God-given gift to control from the chair. If I was to dissect his rulings and guidance from the chair, I would say that he has all the qualities a Speaker should possess. His articulations, his hand movements and general body movements are that of a true leader. Mr Speaker, I have observed, is always guiding the young members of the house, namely Ketan Lal and Rinesh Sharma. Where need arises he swiftly cautions them. In the last session, I think the Government side raised the point of order three times to derail Mr Sharma, but the Speaker remain steadfast and allowed Mr Sharma to continue. He quelled the heat in Parliament with his witty remarks. I wish one day I can meet the Speaker, shake hands and say: “Mr Speaker sir, you are the man.” ARUN PRASAD Dilkusha, Nausori
Funding for hospital
According to media reports, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has been able to clinch a funding deal of $10million with the Australia Government. The funding agreement has been signed and this is a huge achievement by the Coalition Government. Prof Prasad and the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalavalavu need to be warmly congratulated. The Australian government deserves our hearty thanks for this urgent and timely support. The CWM Hospital is the largest hospital in Fiji and is used as a training centre for nurses and doctors. Currently it is in a state of neglect and disrepair. The hospital administration seems to have a lackadaisical attitude towards hospital administration. As a result sub-standard services and traffic congestion is the norm of the day. Public frustration and anger is at its peak. Therefore, this Australian donation is a sweet music to the hospital clients. Dr Lalavalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, has talked about a master plan to upgrade and transform the CWM Hospital into a fine and efficient institution to meet the needs of modern Fiji. He talked about international best practices to be implemented at CWM Hospital. This is certainly very good news for all of us. The era of neglect, decadence and decay will be over. Diabetes is an ever-increasing threat to the Fijian population. CWMH is grappling with this health threat. To combat this we need modern state-of-the-art facilities at the National Diabetes Centre which will also cater for dialysis services. The current NCDs is in a state of decay and leaves much to be desired. I certainly hope NDC will be a priority in the master upgrade plan. On behalf of the Fijian people I wish to express our deep and sincere appreciation for the planned project and wish it every success. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva
Hau’ofa tribute
Epeli Hau’ofa is a familiar name to many across the Pacific. He is recognised as a great artist and writer. Students, who have studied literature, have read books that he has written. The Tongan-Fijian writer, who took his last breath in 2009, was honoured by Eric Waddell, Professor Vijay Naidu, and Dr Claire Slatter via a book titled Remembering Epeli Hau’ofa: His Life and Legacy. I commend the team at the University of South Pacific – Larry Thomas, Sudesh Mishra and the likes – for honouring the fallen artist who had a wide influence on literature and had a wide influence on thinking and action throughout the Pacific region. Hau’ofa’s love for the Pacific and our oceans is legendary and his stories have touched hearts and are recommended to be read by all. They’ll fall in love with literature. Thank you, Aisha Azeemah, and The Sunday Times, for the beautiful piece and memories of Hau’ofa! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
Law for all
As a member of a Christian denomination, I always wonder why our pastors and church ministers are not dealt with the Rule of Law whenever they misuse church funds? The only penalty they’ve get is to be stripped off their ministerial duties and that’s it. Are they categorised as untouchables? PITA SOROAQALI Rakiraki
Party leader
Sad really. They abandon their leader when he needs them the most. DAN URAI Lautoka
Modi finding
The highest court in India has ruled PM Narendra Modi’s anonymous political donation scheme “unconstitutional”. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called it “the world’s greatest extortion racket” (The Economic Times 16/3/24 ). I wonder what the Modi ethno-nationalist cult supporters in Fiji have to say about that? RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, NSW, Australia
Heavy rain
The heavy rain has done more than enough to those in the Northern and Western divisions. Images of flooded rivers, streams, bridges, and drains, flooded the social media, alongside flooded towns, and residential areas. Evacuation centres were opened, as people braced for more rain and flooding. As we prepare for the worst scenario, I’m urging Fijians to prepare and keep themselves warm and safe. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa
What a shame
Sadly, and ever-so-sadly, the unbecoming quality of some deliberations and accusations in our august house, the Parliament, is well below public expectations. Public perceptions are powerful indicators. It is even far more saddening when the younger generations actually watch these well-below-par exchanges. “Quality control” is severely lacking in some quarters. What a shame! RONNIE CHANG Martintar, Nadi
Cronyism or nepotism
Premila Prasad is absolutely correct regarding the municipal councils appointments of failed politicians from SODELPA, PAP and NFP. It is really sad because she should have understood by now, after being with the FFP for eight years. Within the political sphere, the “communication language” is either through cronyism or nepotism. An associate or a family member. It is like an official language. It happened to almost all countries on this earth. She didn’t even notice this when she was within the governing circle, until now. What a revelation! SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Doom and gloom
Do you think the only way to revive the declining sugar industry is to get rid of the agricultural land lease arrangement? In my view, it is something which is never going to happen. So, it would be best to start looking elsewhere to boost the agricultural industry. This is obviously not an attempt to be disrespectful, but just being plain realistic. As I understand, landowners get returns from the lease agreements and naturally, the more attractive the plant (monetary returns), the higher shall be the return. The sugar industry has lost its attractiveness and unfortunately grass growing on idle land, which once witnessed thriving sugar cane farms, are not export commodity. Sugar ministers and experts came and went without making any concrete progress. Many speeches have been delivered and countless overseas trips made. The sugar industry is on life support and as soon as the financial support plug gets pulled, a flatline would be visible immediately. The cotton industry died in Fiji many years ago. Likewise, a recent exploration into potato farming failed miserably. There have been no suggestions of resource pouring to get the cotton and potato farms up and running. FSC has now suggested to sell some of its assets to boost revenue. An idea is being explored to build a new sugar mill in Rakiraki and a couple of farmers were sent to India to study the sugar industry. The above against the following: High production costs; expiring land leases; ageing farmers; number of sugar mills have dwindled since the industry’s birth in Fiji; mill inefficiencies etc. Earlier this month, it was reported that the country’s kava exports have been earmarked to surpass sugar as the major revenue earner for the agricultural sector. Does that mean we are about to have a separate ministry of kava with a minister for kava industry? The funny thing is that sugarcane is harvested yearly whereas kava takes much longer to reach maturity. With suggestions of a medicinal cannabis industry setup, the diabetic sugar industry is definitely doomed. The sooner we realise and accept this, the better for Fiji. The former minister for sugar should have a lot to talk about on this subject. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Stallions unbeaten
I’m super proud of the performance of the Nadroga team in the Skipper Cup. The boys are unbeaten having won all their matches. The Stallions have so far beaten Macuata 36-14, Namosi 41-24, Naitasiri 36-27 and Ba 22-16. The likes of Aisake Atani, Joji Kunavula, Ratunaisa Navuma, Sakiusa Vosayaco, Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Anare Tuitai, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro, Michael Naitokani, Jack Volalova, Jone Dukumoi, Nedly Grant, Ilikimi Torosi and Manueli Ratuniyarawa have been impressive. Hakwa Nadro! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu
