Great man
Many people today and in many decades to come will not forget his enormous contribution to our country, and the humble and respectful manner in which he did it.
He has sown a field full of wisdom in the generations to come through his exemplary character during his good and especially his trying times.
I’ve always looked forward to seeing him on TV.
How he projected himself so naturally with intelligence, shining with humility and respect.
His natural choice of words always so brilliant, never a sign of arrogance.
I am so privileged to live during the era of a true son of Fiji, our former prime minister Mr Laisenia Qarase.
May he rest in eternal peace.
RICK EYRE, Labasa
A man of wisdom
The passing of former prime minister Qarase was something I hoped would not happen this soon.
I am a member of SODELPA and, seeing our nation’s former leader leading an active life in the vanua, church and the party would give me a glimmer of hope.
This is the type of reassurance one feels when an experienced, wise person is around to help with a complicated task.
In 2017 Mr. Qarase hosted a group of young people I was a part of for a talanoa session at his home.
The discussion centred around the SDL government policies, Fiji’s economy, international politics, life advice and the importance of succession planning.
His enthusiasm, drive, wisdom, and vast knowledge amazed us.
I was impressed with his sharp mind and how he kept his cool when we brought up controversial, tough issues and questions.
While I’m sure we may have annoyed him that night, he remained enthusiastic about engaging with us young gang.
This was just one of the many examples of how humble he was.
I learned a lot from him at that talanoa session and I am glad I wrote it all down.
In December 2018 we travelled on the same boat to Vanuabalavu.
I made use of the 16 hour voyage to talk with Mr Qarase about one of my favourite subjects – politics!
He shared his take on the recent elections, key issues Fiji was facing at that particular time and what he reckoned was the best way forward.
I agreed with his sentiments.
That trip was my first visit to the island and, as we approached Lomaloma, Mr Qarase gave me a quick rundown of natural landmarks visible from the deck of the Lomaiviti Princess and an overview of what to expect upon reaching land.
It’s safe to say that he was not wrong when he warned me that the road to my village was the worst one on the island.
It is, indeed, much safer to say that Vanuabalavu and Fiji has lost a great leader who served his nation and people to the best of his abilities.
He has done his part, paved the way to be followed and left this advice for the next generation: “Because of what you know and what you think is the best for Fiji, you have the power to change things and make the future happen.”
My prayers and sympathies are with his family and vanua at this difficult time.
Nu qai gole ena vakacegu Na Turaga Na Tui Kobuca.
SAMUELA SAVU Farm Rd, Nakasi
Qarase’s wish
Former prime minister, Laisenia Qarase’s wish to be buried at his village of Mavana on Vanuabalavu in Lau should not only be made possible at all cost, but Government needs to do whatever they can to make it happen.
Also there is no reason a full State funeral should not be accorded to the late Mr Qarase.
Mr Qarase was our sixth prime minister and served in that position for six years.
COVID-19 should not be used as an excuse here.
Mr Qarase definitely deserves our utmost respect and our greatest farewell.
Rest-In-Peace Mr Prime Minister Sir!
SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu
Urgent questions
I wonder where in our ‘democratic’ world is there a country which, during curfew hours caused by COVID-19, sends out its police force during the midnight hours to bring in a renowned politician for urgent questioning over a video released over social media.
The whole country is in lockdown, with no passenger ships or airlines visiting or leaving, and yet a midnight raid is required when, no doubt, the man needed for questioning would have responded to a phone call and visited on his own volition at a civilised hour.
God bless our beloved country.
ALASTAIR WARD Tamavua, Suva
Sugar option
Some years back sugar was the backbone of Fiji.
My father used to work at the sugar mill and I also had a chance to work at the Lautoka Sugar Mill.
After the land issue in late 1980s, the agriculture sector including the sugarcane production started diminishing.
The government started promoting tourism and pumped millions of dollars into the tourism industry.
Today we are told to get back to farming.
My question is, with so many squatters that build houses in former sugar cane and other farmland, where does one plant? In town most lots are so small that you can’t plant much.
What can we do? J
OHN BROWN Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Suva racecourse
The Suva racecourse was previously owned by the late J.B Turner, his Suva residence on QE Drive being adjacent to Turner Place, Nasese.
He managed the Suva racecourse until his death in 1925, and was a founding member of the Fiji Racing Club and later, the Suva Racing Club.
This property was inherited by his daughter, the late Lady Evelyn May Barker, wife of Sir Alport Barker, editor and owner of the then Fiji Times & Herald.
On her death in 1951, this land was transferred to the Government of Fiji in lieu of Death Duties.
It is to the best of my and family knowledge that Vince Costello was never an owner of the Suva racecourse.
FRANK RYAN, United Kingdom
Opposition opinion
As a Fijian, I would like to thank National Federation Party leader Prof Biman Prasad, Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry for their views on Government’s implementation of certain measures to manage the threat of COVID-19 in Fiji.
I would also like to ask these gentlemen now that they have made their position known, if they have any positive solutions to offer which might assist the Government in helping to keep Fijians safe.
SANYA CATHERINE GAIN, Lami
Be careful
I understand that it’s a joy to be home but I plead with family members to be careful and be mindful of social gathering rules.
I know the journey into self-isolation has not been easy especially away from loved ones.
The risks of COVID-19 are intact and it is important that instructions given by the Health Ministry are taken seriously.
We are not out of the woods yet and every Fijian must exercise caution!
Rajnesh Ishwar, Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
No plans yet
While good things have been happening such as lockdowns being lifted and certain things are rolling back, would be wise not to make any plans yet.
Since the uncertainty is still looming and we don’t know for sure when things will be all clear, it’s better to wait for a while.
Nothing is more important than having a life.
Kirti Patel, Lautoka
Condolences
Regarding Nishant Singh’s hope (FT April 24) on condolences.
Don’t hold your breath.
I believe if they do it will be crocodile tears.
Pratap Singh Suva Good work I believe the Fiji Police Force should be congratulated for completing its investigation into Opposition MP and president of the National Federation Party Pio Tikiduadua so swiftly despite the extra work they’ve been called upon to do in light of the coronavirus threat in the country.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Climate change
For its 50th year of celebrations, the theme is ideal.
A golden theme, “climate change”.
COVID-19 is the benefactor for the environment.
Some believe it is the revenge of Mother Nature.
Whichever way though, the year 2020 belongs to Earth.
Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Mara tribute
Thank you to Graham Leung (FT 20/4) for his poignant tribute to the late Ratu Finau Mara.
His accompanying photo of four outstanding individuals with ties to Levuka encapsulates his tribute well.
It also makes us pause and wonder what Fiji could have been or should have been.
James Mastapha Tamavua, Suva
Immunity issue
Our health authorities have done a wonderful job in helping patients recover successfully from coronavirus.
Just like to know if coronavirus patients develop an immunity once they’re discharged from hospital and are they free to move around?
Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Opposition options
Jan Nissar writes in Saturday’s 18/4 The Fiji Times on this heading suggesting the Opposition is empty of ideas in terms of dealing with the coronavirus.
As articulated in Parliament, we, SODELPA and NFP, had made proposals in writing to FijiFirst to take a bi-partisan approach, by including the Opposition in dealing with the corona threat.
Instead, Mr Bainimarama rejected our proposal and true to form, ridiculed the leader of NFP on certain things said in opposition in the past.
Other countries have set aside their differences and unite against the virus which Fiji needs to do, but that reaction by Mr Bainimarama was sadly, not surprising.
I believe the story about Nissar’s friend whose head had “nothing there”, is quite apt.
Viliame Gavoka, Nadroga
Common enemy
Stillness is foreign to humanity in so much that we appear to be fearful of our own shadows now.
A minuscule virus has forced us all indoors that we no longer abuse nature, funnily enough which some of us thought were our God-given right.
Interestingly, wild goats are now wandering into English towns. Venice canals are now clean that one can see jellyfish swimming around.
A Zimbabwe toddler was given a toy hyena for a gift and now he prefers to play with real hyenas rather than puppies.
Leopards are seen leading cubs across South African streets while prides of lion lie around on the roads.
A herd of deer wandered into London recently.
Indians can now see the Himalayas from their side of the border.
Several cosmopolitan cities are seeing clear blue skies for the first time — no more fogs.
Did humanity really pollute and damage the Earth to that extent?
It took a tiny invincible enemy — COVID-19 — a few days to show us how truly destructive our path was.
As in the Tower of Babel story we ran ahead of time and ourselves by meddling with nature.
The world stage is empty and our world leaders are embroiled in a blame game.
Does it really matter who did what?
I believe that in the stillness of the night the powers that be are moving chess pieces.
Turn on the TV and see just about every country slowly moving towards a police state, all in the name of COVID-19.
Banks are now advocating online banking.
They are not too keen to exchange foreign currency.
We are all being pushed towards a cashless society, once again all in the name of COVID-19.
The driving force behind all these is fear, fear of the unknown which the powers that be are taking advantage of.
Wouldn’t this be a good time to start the “One world economy”?
Yes, right now most countries in the world are in debt.
How about a “One world government?”
Well, the blame game is heating up and I believe that if it is not handled properly it could lead to another world war as countries are taking sides.
Too many cooks spoil the soup, so why not just have one cook to run the show. It is a pity that most churches in Fiji are silent at this crucial time in history.
Watching several church programs on TV, I was disappointed that they were replays from yesteryears.
There is a lot of fear out there and people want answers and reassurance that someone is in control.
This silence could lead to the rise of the false prophet advocating for a “One world religion”.
And all these in the name of a common enemy – COVID-19.
Plausible?
Korina Waibuta Knollys St, Suva
