Sweet success
Susana Nasova, who featured in yesterday’s People column and shared her journey, had a timely message for those facing challenges, “Life is tough, but you are stronger than you think. Lean on your family, trust yourself, and take small steps toward your dreams. Education and perseverance can change your life at any age. Treasure your loved ones, they will lift you through the hard times.” I reflected on her message and thought about life and the obstacles it presents, but those like Susana, through their hard work, family support and determination, pull through and brave circumstances that life brings. Susana’s life became tougher when she lost her pillar of strength, her mother, in 2008. However, her father became her anchor and supported her as she navigated challenges, pursuing studies in tourism and hospitality at FNU and then opening her business — Sue Sweet Treats. She loves baking and adds an important ingredient which is love. Susana is a motivation to women and girls aspiring to become something in life. Best wishes, Susana! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Gender based violence
I agree with the Prime Minister when he says that gender-based violence is not a private matter but a national crisis. What the PM, the GCC and the people of Fiji do not realise is that this crisis cannot be looked at in isolation. This crisis is because of long-standing and accepted traditions and culture of the land. To solve this problem, it is traditions and culture which needs changing. And I know, as a vulagi, that calling for change to traditions and culture is a sensitive issue. But who else is going to point this out? Perhaps the PM can tell us what he is going to do about this crisis and when. It would not be too far from the truth if I suggest that the PM may end up promoting those who perpetrate gender-based violence if it suits his purpose as history tells us. Jan Nissar Khajuraho, India
Home ownership
I read Ashok Balgovind’s proposal, (FT 21/11) with interest — maybe a bit too much interest, considering it’s supposed to be interest-free. On the surface, the idea sounds noble: turn rent money into ownership and lift families out of endless tenancy. But if such a policy is rolled out without strong safeguards, some of us might suddenly become very “business minded” overnight. In fact, with payments as low as “half a carton of beer” or “two packets of cigarettes”, I might as well quit smoking and start renting four or five flats at once — under different family names, of course. Give me seven years, and I’ll be sitting on a mini-property portfolio while genuine low-income families are still lining up for a single unit. That is my concern. A policy designed to help the vulnerable could easily be taken advantage of by those who already have resources, savings, or political connections. The intention is good, but without strict eligibility rules, transparent screening, and close monitoring, this could unintentionally create a new class of small-scale landlords — funded by a scheme meant for the poor. Yes, Fiji must encourage home ownership. But it must do so carefully, or else the dream of housing security becomes just another opportunity for the well-positioned to “own four houses while paying for one carton of beer”. The Government should proceed — but with wisdom, not just generosity. Peceli Alistir Waitolu, Naitasiri
Violence against women!
The two iron ladies — honourable Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, and Shamima Ali, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator — did not mince their messages as the 16 days of activism against violence against women was launched in Namaka, Nadi, on Tuesday. The Fiji Times, being the voice of ordinary Fijians, continues to raise awareness against violence against girls and women. I read pages one, two and three (FT 26/11) and I salute Ms Ali and Hon. Kiran for sharing an insight into the social issues faced by girls and women. As a man, I was embarrassed to read the shocking statistics that 70 per cent of the child sexual offences targeted girls between the ages of 13 and 17. It’s a pity that we have amongst us perpetrators who are taking advantage of such young girls. It also saddened me to read that men infected with HIV/ AIDS are spreading the virus to their partners. On the other hand, authorities must act on concerns raised by women and organisations representing their interests and welfare. Fiji must unite to address violence against girls and women as violence against them is no longer a private matter. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Students’ welfare
Bishal Abhnesh’s concern on “Student welfare levy” (FT 3/10) that a school will be charging well fare levy of $250 per year. Many parents struggle to make ends meet in this expensive world full of crisis. They make every effort to give their children the best of education as they work towards their goals. I believe all schools are given education grants by the MOE in accordance with their needs, not burdening parents. Every child has the right for education to work towards their goals. Children are our hope and an asset for better Fiji tomorrow. “Poverty and lack of knowledge must be challenged. Education cannot survive when what has been learnt has been forgotten”- Mahatma Gandhi. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Economic development
For far too long governments have evaded developing agriculture to boost economic development. Bananas, mangoes and pineapples rot in our markets every year. Rice is another product that we refuse to develop. Baigan and other vegetables, the list goes on. Why? Dan Urai Lautoka
Cricket coverage
I believe your sports pages are giving step motherly treatment to cricket news. Recently, you published a big photograph of local cricket on your last page and that is appreciated but sadly there was no follow-up. There is a lot of international cricket going on including Australia and England Ashes series but no coverage in your sports pages. We have cricketing legends like Cecil Browne, Rod Jespsen, Peter Knight, the Speaker, Filimone Jitiko, Berry Whiteside, and Michael Scott. Your newspaper can play a leading role in reviving cricket in Fiji. Remember a West Indies team was defeated in Fiji by Fiji cricket team captained by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Another eventful memory is England’s Ian Botham was bowled the first ball by a Fiji bowler. And finally, not to forget the Indian spinner Dilip Doshi was despatched for a six over the roof of GPH. Please help revive cricket in Fiji. BHARAT MORRIS Rifle Range, Vatuwaqa, Suva
Resilience and apology
A salute to resilience
This week’s Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre’s March for Change, across the islands of Fiji, a powerful and essential message echoed through the streets, a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre. As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was launched, we extend our deepest congratulations and unwavering solidarity to every organiser, supporter, and advocate who took part in the marches. You did not just walk through the cities and towns; you marched into the conscience of a nation. We understand that the path to justice is rarely smooth. The fact that your march began later than planned, hindered by logistical delays, is a poignant reflection of the very obstacles you face daily in your critical work. Yet, in the face of this disorganisation, you persevered. You did not turn back. You continued your journey to Sukuna Park and completed your program with determination. This resilience in the face of adversity is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful demonstration of your profound commitment. It proves that the mission is far greater than any single setback. The magnificent work you carry out is a beacon of hope in a society that desperately needs it. The voices raised today, and the cries you amplify every day, are not isolated whispers. They are a resounding chorus echoing in the hearts and minds of all right-thinking citizens. They are a call to action that can no longer be ignored. This call is directed especially to the men of Fiji. It is a plea and a challenge for us to step out of our macho shells, to dismantle the toxic notions of dominance that have caused so much pain. It is time to see the world through a new lens — a lens of equality, where women are not subordinates but partners. A lens of love that respects autonomy and dignity. A lens of caring that actively supports and uplifts. A lens of protection that stands as a shield against violence, rather than being its source. Fiji has seen and witnessed enough. We have mourned the devastating loss of mothers, daughters, sisters, and partners — lives brutally cut short by domestic violence of the highest proportion. This rot, this epidemic of violence, cannot be allowed to fester in our society any longer. The work of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is the scalpel that seeks to cut it out. This march, despite its challenges, was a vital step forward. It was a public declaration that enough is enough. We congratulate you on your courage and your unwavering stand. Your voices matter. Your work matters. Women matter. Let the echo from Sukuna Park become a roar that shakes every village, every town, and every home in Fiji. We stand with you. Seveci Tora Tacirua Heights
Traditional apology
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces will unveil yet another grand matanigasau, yes, another one, this time to the Great Council of Chiefs for the 2006 coup fallout. Brilliant! Just what Fiji needed — another apology ceremony to add to our ever-expanding national collection. At this rate, traditional apologies might soon be declared our most productive pastime. Honestly, how many traditional apologies does one country need before we unlock the magical “progress” as far as economic achievement is concerned? Because at present, Fiji’s national development plan currently appears like this: Coup, ceremony, yaqona, cake, kalavata, repeat. It’s like a cultural merry-go-round, except instead of horses we have uniforms, chiefs, and an endless flow of taxpayer-funded grog. And of course, after every coup comes the reliable “we are very sorry” rhetoric. One can only assume that if another democratically elected government gets overthrown tomorrow, well no worries, just queue up another matanigasau and we will pretend it’s water under the Rewa Bridge – again. Meanwhile, other countries including India are launching lunar missions. Fiji, on the other hand, is launching hollow, waste time apologies to each other. What makes this even richer is the direction of the apology. If the RFMF genuinely wants to express remorse, perhaps they might consider apologising to the Indo-Fijian community, who actually endured the threats, violence, displacement and economic sabotage during the past coups. But no, let’s apologise to those who, I believe, historically endorsed or justified the coups. The chiefs were never the primary victims of these upheavals, but sure, let’s hand them the ceremonial spotlight. It’s all part of culture and tradition, right? And then, because this is Fiji and we never run out of irony, the GCC Chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, has now condemned a viral video of a man and woman dancing erotically during an iTaukei celebration. It was a horrific sight indeed to witness that spicy dance routine. But worry nai, we have the most practical solution for such situations. The guilty party involved should just present the chiefs a bundle of yaqona and a matanigasau. All will be forgiven. If traditional apologies can wipe away treasonous acts, I’m sure they can handle mildly inappropriate dancing. Nishant Singh Lautoka
