Combat loitering
After leaving home in full school attire, some school children are found loitering elsewhere instead of attending classes which is worrisome for all concerned. While parents think their children are in school, teachers mark them absent because they are not in school. The situation can put a lot of people in deep trouble should these schools dodging students are met with any sort of mishap. Students know what is required of them but as we all know what is out there luring these young minds to stray away from their designated learning institutions. The situation calls for a concerted effort from all who are supposed to look after the welfare of our school children. They must all come together to find an effective solution to overcome the problem before it is too late. Some students have lately been cited hopping from shop to shop in the capital city during the hours of school as it was reported in the media the other day. I would like to encourage parents to encourage students to attend school every day and on time because education is the key to success. If a child is not interested in going to school then it is better he is kept at home. He should not be allowed to waste the time and money doing nothing. Can relevant authorities please strengthen their relationship with school governing bodies and communities to address the issue of children found loitering. Suresh Chand, Nadi
Concerns of road safety
AS a concerned citizen, regarding the pressing issue of road safety in our country, particularly considering the statistics that underscore the critical nature of this matter as per recent reports, road accidents continue to pose significant challenges, heavily influenced by speeding, hit-and-run incidents and distracted driving behaviour, such as using mobile phones while operating a vehicle. Such reckless actions not only endanger the lives of drivers but also the lives of innocent bystanders and passengers. It is disheartening to note that this year alone has already seen over 38 fatalities on our roads. While the Land Transport Authority has indicated that this figure reflects a decline from last year’s tragic total of 62 deaths, it still highlights that our roads are far from safe. Each statistic represents a life lost, families shattered, and communities affected. To combat this continuous threat to public safety, I would like to propose several initiatives aimed at promoting safer driving practices such as awareness campaigns, enforcement of traffic laws, strengthen enforcement of existing road safety laws, community involvement, and technology integration considering the development of mobile applications that alert drivers when they exceed speed limits or use geolocation tracking to identify high-risk areas for accidents. With this, I believe that through coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community organisations, we can make significant strides in reducing road-related injuries and fatalities. Sailosi Davetanivalu, Lautoka
Sports and drugs
The soccer IDC is in the next two weeks and Lautoka will be buzzing with people. The business community will be making money and I am sure illegal drugs activity will be carried out by some to make quick money. I am sure the Fiji Police Force dog unit can be deployed at Churchill Park to have a problem free soccer tournament. Fiji Football will once again target players who are using banned drugs to enhance performance and I am told that some players and district management have outsmarted the Fiji FA drug test unit. Let’s hope this time, Fiji FA can be a notch up in drug testing to outsmart the smart players. Geoffrey Chand, Lautoka
Sin bin!
It would appear that rugby players who speak up for their justifiable rights get sent to the FRU “sin bin”! We have some of the best rugby players in the world and the treatment they receive from Rugby House borders on victimisation and sour grapes. But then soccer’s no different, isn’t it? Is it just a liu muri thing that needs a “clean-up” from the top down? Because if it wasn’t true and happening it’d be laughable. Fijian fans need to step up to the plate and make their voices heard loud and proud for their beloved athletes who always seem to be getting the short end of the stick. Somebody really needs a kuita, figuratively speaking. Colin Deoki, Australia
