COP29 summit
YESTERDAY morning BBC news headline was “COP29 talks on verge of collapse”. The Sunday Times’ summary lead on COP29 informs “that rich countries will take lead in providing $250billion in annual climate finance by 2035 drew criticisms from all sides”. This reminded me of a rusty Hindi expression; “kab baba mari, kab bael bikai”, meaning, “when will the old man die, when will we sell his bullocks to obtain some money”. I am afraid that for the Coalition Government, it’s going to be a long wait. Rakesh Chand Sharma, Nadi
Tell us your ‘reality’
I read with a sense of melancholy Parmesh Chand’s apology in Saturday’s letters column. At the relevant time he was chairman of the FNPF Board that oversaw the retrospective, unlawful and unilateral reduction of pensions. Please tell us Parmesh, less euphemistically, what was the “… reality that (you) had to contend with …” at the time? Was it the many one-sided falsehoods that were being peddled by so-called foreign experts about the long-term viability of the pensions being paid at the time by the FNPF or, was it a fear of being summarily removed from your chairmanship and joining the long line of those who were ruthlessly cast aside by a vindictive military dictatorship? We too, had our own “realities” of early enforced retirement with outstanding mortgages and having to transfer our homes to our working children and relatives to avoid mortgagee sales and/or summary evictions. And, some of us were pushed below the poverty line when we had our pension payments more than halved overnight. Yes, do tell us your “reality” Parmesh? After all, it’s a new era for truth-telling and reconciliation. Daniel Fatiaki, Suva
Drunkards in town
“West police SP Iakobo Vaisewa has warned that police will not hesitate to arrest people who are drunk and disorderly in public”. (FT 22/11) Yesterday morning, I walked to the police station to lodge a complaint on drunkards who were “drunk and disorderly” in town. I wasn’t surprised to see any officer in the station but was horrified to see two uniformed female officers out at the back, washing the police vehicle. Where were the rest of the 20-plus officers? Obviously, not in town cause they would’ve seen and heard those drunkards. However, thanks to the police officers who acknowledged my complaint and responded accordingly. The Police 7s team was in town for the weekend as well. Are they recruited to play 7s or police? Yes, I’d noticed some patrolling in town on Thursday and Friday but only for a few minutes and they were “gone with the wind”. Just like that. Now, I’ve been told by numerous concerned residents that a nightclub in town is allowed to operate from 5pm to 5am. Anthony Sahai, Levuka, Ovalau
Children, our future
Theme for the 2024 World Children’s Day “Listening to the future”, is the key message echoed everywhere to keep children well protected and away from drug issues. Parents, teachers and religious organisations are the best role models. To every child who lights up our lives with joy, we wish your future will be as wonderful as you are. Be happy, healthy and cheerful. Safety always remains a priority. Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Drug scourge
At last we have someone from a faith-based community confronting the drug scourge. The effort of Pastor Hemraj Mangal and his Christian “love thy neighbour” approach is commendable as reported in your paper on 15/11. Drug problem does not have just one layer as it appears, but more than one. On the surface there is this illusion that we humans are just made of matter. And we can solve drug addiction by medical intervention alone. But we have a spiritual state too. Drug problem is basically a symptom of a deeper spiritual illness. Anyone in drug bondage needs humility to surrender his freedom to a powerful deliverer. We have such a one who is trustworthy. Jesus said: “so if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). He is able to heal, restore and transform the broken life if fully yielded. Keep up the good work pastor! Sachida Nath, Nadi
