Under-17 footballers meet 7s stars!
As the members of the national Fiji Airways men’s 7s team hit the sand dunes and went through some grueling sessions in a bid to win the Hamilton 7s tournament, our under-17 footballers, who are preparing for the OFC under-17 Championship, had the opportunity to train with our 7s stars.
This opportunity will be cherished by the under-17 footballers in years to come.
For many, it was the first time to visit the sand dunes and then meet those who were part of Fiji’s Melrose Cup win.
What a huge boost, inspiration and motivation for our baby Bula Boys!
7s icon and Fiji’s greatest, Jerry Tuwai, also spoke to the boys on the importance of having pride for the national jumper, and staying humble.
A lifetime experience for the baby Bula Boys which should add that extra ounce of strength when they play against Tonga and Samoa!
The baby Bula Boys have been preparing in the Capital City and are adjusting well to the wet weather.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
For Fiji
Our government today— for better or worse — is a four-party system.
Three form government.
The fourth is utterly morally bankrupt, incompetent and completely dysfunctional.
It needs to be reformed, which means it needs to be flattened.
This is the moment to strike at FFP and its extremists who allowed it to run wild and nearly destroyed our republic.
The country badly needs to see more of what it saw today.
The ousting of Qorvis and Vatis and the calling out of Frank Bainimarama for his insurrectionist rhetoric.
There has been 16 years of genteel politics, and there never should be anymore.
We don’t need gentility.
We need basic functionality and competence.
We need people who can sit in a room and work out the issues that affects our society in the most bipartisan way.
If it gets to that.
We have lived through a rancid era.
It may not seem like it now, but better days are ahead for I have absolute faith in “my coalition government”.
God bless Fiji.
MANOJ LAL Patel, DRASA Ave., LAUTOKA
Mercenary media mob
Sayonara Qorvis and Vatis.
The people of Fiji did not need you.
Only the two-men government of Bainimarama and Khaiyum did.
Now the two are gone.
It’s great the new Rabuka Government has given the marching orders for you to be gone as well.
With the big money you were making here with your mercenary media activity you were a burden on the people of Fiji.
It’s good to see you go.
Moce.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
A nuisance
I almost burst out laughing when I read the headline of The Fiji Times 06/01 titled Bainimarama a “nuisance”.
I am a crossword lover of The Fiji Times and that is one of the reasons I used to buy The Fiji Times way back when I was in secondary school back in the ’80s.
The word “nuisance” is one of the many words that used to occur on the crossword puzzle from decades ago until to date and another for it is “pest”.
Now, Voreqe Bainirama has many titles, from being the commander, honourable prime minister, Leader of the Opposition to now being a pest.
I find it funny.
Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane, Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Pay cut
While I can understand that the new Government is promise-bound to reduce the salaries and allowances for the ministers and parliamentarians my view is that due cognisance should be accorded to the pros and cons and the wider ramifications of the review.
Given the magnitude of their role and responsibility as elected members of Parliament and the critical nature of the work they perform as legislators they deserve to be paid a reasonable and decent remuneration whilst pegging it to what the country can afford.
They also spend a lot of money in their campaigns.
Therefore, we do not want to chop it down to a level where it will become unattractive to highly talented professionals and academics in high paying jobs.
Thus depriving Fiji of good quality leaders.
As they say, if you pay peanuts you get donkeys.
In some countries like Singapore the ministers are paid almost $1 million mainly as a measure to prevent corruption.
Of course we cannot afford to be that extravagant.
Perhaps it would be advisable to reinstate the Parliamentary Remuneration Committee to undertake an independent review of salaries, allowances and other benefits for our parliamentarians.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
That word
The simple dictionary denotation of the word “nuisance” is “a person or a thing causing inconvenience and annoyance”.
And yes, Bainimarama unquestionably does fit the profile (FT 06/01).
Voreqe should accept the fact that he is no longer in charge and I suggest he should chill under a mango tree and drink homebrew while reflecting on his 16 years of tyrannical rule.
His compatible buddies (some of whom are currently abroad) can tag along as well.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Political suicide
Are we anticipating a political suicide soon?
Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi
Six months
So, the oppo member to oppo member reckons in 6 months he will become a non oppo member.
Hehe.
Manoj Lal Patel, Drasa Ave, Lautoka
The effect
Has the “Bakewa effect” reached its climax in Fiji?
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Music to ears
Terminating the services of Vatis and Qorvis was music to my ears.
Dismantling the gestapo style tactics is timely for all good decent Fijians who value honesty and integrity.
Good on you PM!
Colin Deoki, Australia
Speech
Colin Deoki spent too many words in describing Bainimarama’s speech against the new government (FT 6/1/23).
Bainimarama’s speech was pure hogwash!
That’s all.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Tables turn
There is a lot of ‘fresh hot air’ coming out of members of the Government since their election ‘win’, however, when it comes to taking the heat from the new opposition, I believe they are not very good at handling that.
Let us see how free and fair and transparent they are which they were very big on for years before the election.
How the tables turn.
Jan Nissar, NSW, Australia
The fact
Two words for Bai and Kai – nuisance and irrelevant!
Avinesh Vere, Lautoka
Exit from COC
I refer to an article on Fijivillage.com (04/01) titled ‘Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will exit from the Constitutional Offices Commission’.
Concerns by the Leader of the Opposition in the same article that the Government is nowhere near to fulfilling their election promises, is undermining rights and freedoms under the 2013 Constitution etc, and plainly appears to be a storm in a tea cup similar to the touted ‘stoning incident’ right after elections!
Bimal Prasad, Wailoaloa, Nadi
Freedom at last
Fiji is once again buzzing.
There is freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of voicing opinions, freedom of association, freedom to gather and the list goes on.
I can now once again put pen to paper without fear.
Thank God for the freedom to vote!
Tai J Smith, Nasinu Secondary School Rd, Kinoya, Nasinu
Freedom of Speech
First and foremost, a very big thank you to Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation whereby $140,000 will be distributed among 12 charitable organisations for this year.
Since its inception in 2004, the foundation has made direct investment of over $30million into the communities of Fiji, whereby service delivery surpassed five folds and in some cases ten fold rate of return on investments accordingly to executive Ambalika Devi.
In the meantime, the Minister for Home affairs and Immigration has described the former PM as “a nuisance”.
I believe Mr Bainimarama is manufacturing discretion and his statements are inciteful.
Hats off to the Commander of RFMF, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai who said that there was nothing for the people to fear.
He chooses God as the real leader and I truly believe everything else fits into place accordingly.
Almighty God richly bless you sir.
Lastly, there is this memory loss, crocodile meat eating Jan Nissar from down under calling the LTE column writers as grog dopey regarding our new government (FT 6/1).
My early morning dream for free saw me playing golf in heavy rain, while Jan Mohammed was having a dive at the South Seas Club swimming pool where days will be numbered in the very near future.
The dream was concluded when editor-in-chief Fred Wesley politely told me that anyone and everyone has freedom to express their views.
Vinaka The Fiji Times, I totally agree no Mickey Mouse sara ga.
Raymond Singh, Golf Links, Lautoka
Born to
Everyone is born for a purpose
Many are born for a special purpose
Some are born to give life to the universe
Some are born to destroy the universe
Some are born to love and care for the elders
Some are born to neglect and see them suffer
Some are born to perform and endure
Some are born to serve and suffer
Some are born to impart knowledge
Some are born to inspire and motivate
Some are born to build a nation
Some are born to harm and destroy
Some are born to greatness and excellence
Some are born to fight and survive
Some are born to serve humanity
Some are born to wound humanity
Some are born to solve problems
Some are born to cause problems
Some are born to see solutions to problems
Some are born to see problems to solutions
Some are born to live and succeed
Some are born to lose and die
Some are born make constructive criticism
Some are born to criticise for the sake of criticism
Some are born to empathise to provide comfort and solace
Some are born to cause agony and misery to make life painful
Some are born to revenge to cause ruin
Some are born to forgive and withdraw
Some are born to project ego and superiority
Some are born shower humility and gratitude
Some are born to enrich and enhance life
Some are born belittle and degrade life
Some are born to discuss issues and challenges with mutual respect
Some are born to argue issues only to win challenges
Everyone is born for a purpose, a special purpose
What is your purpose?
Born to…
Bhagwanji Bhindi, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Dialysis treatment
In the FT of January 4, Minister for Health Dr Antonio Lalabalavu said he was going to speak with his permanent secretary Dr James Fong regarding certain eligibility arrangements for dialysis treatment at the National Kidney Centre in Nadera, Nasinu.
First of all, I wish to thank the minister for taking his time to look into dialysis, visit the centre and make observations.
I am the wife of the late Simon Hazelman who passed away on November 27, 2022 after being on dialysis for just over two years at a private kidney dialysis centre and I wish to say that it is one thing to make observations and another to actually live the life of a dialysis patient.
Simply put, free dialysis is not for the poor because the poor cannot afford the hidden costs to enable them to afford free dialysis treatment.
It is not for the medium ranged income earners either because they will likely not qualify for eligibility and so will barely scrape through being able to take care of their families and afford the seldom spoken of hidden costs at the same time and so will begin juggling their needs and wants and end up skipping dialysis sessions to make it affordable.
On the other hand, if one is attending a private clinic, qualifying for subsidy is merely a small breather.
And the rest of your story basically becomes no different from the freebies.
If you don’t qualify for subsidy at your private clinic, then you need to be prepared to shoulder all hidden and known costs of dialysis!
The fact is dialysis is currently a scientific and technical process of lengthening the life of people suffering from kidney failure that is geared more for those who can afford all the hidden costs while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle and being willing to watch as their comforts fade away a little at a time, slowly but surely, as dialysis costs chew away at their income, their assets and their life.
In other words, others benefit from your long term illness in the long run!
Dialysis being fairly new in Fiji is exciting at first, then mellows and finally becomes tiring before it retires to being a laborious process altogether.
Exceptionally in Fiji, dialysis is undergone at a rate of 3 of 4 hourly treatments staggered throughout the week for each patient.
The hidden costs associated with dialysis are those associated with before treatment, during treatment and after treatment.
These costs include things like all ingredients for your special diet at home and while on dialysis which are made up of mostly low potassium food, your water which should be chlorine free, your medications which can become quite substantial if you happen to suffer from other complications like diabetes, your transport costs to and from your dialysis centre, to the pharmacy and shopping, your doctors appointments, your blood tests which become more frequent if you are not well, your admission costs if you are admitted into a hospital for complications which is likely to happen at some or many points along the way, and your time spent on the machine which is 12 hours altogether in a week not including travelling time.
To add to this if we take into account the time and effort and sacrifice that loved ones put in on a long term basis, it would be a sacrifice that no eligibility or subsidy could ever repay.
And so I wish to request our honourable Minister for Health and his permanent secretary to do all in their power to help all dialysis patients across the board as best as they possibly can in a manner that truly will benefit the cause.
Kidney failure is on an alarming rise.
What does that mean for dialysis and eligibility and subsidy?
Doctors, right now, immediately, eligibility and subsidy set aside, please, please, make awareness your highest priority!
NOLEEN BILLINGS, Savusavu
The fourth estate
I have been an avid reader of The Fiji Times for over five decades.
My late father, a schoolteacher from the colonial era, was the one who instilled the habit and importance of reading in me.
I have continued to subscribe to the esteemed paper via its e-edition, although I notice it’s missing the “first newspaper printed in the world today” tagline from the electronic masthead.
News media is generally referred to as the Fourth Estate, particularly when it comes to its role as a watchdog on the elected officials and custodians of public funds.
The Fiji Times serves as a medium for diverse voices and perspectives, as seen by the opinions expressed in these columns.
I have personally been contributing to the opinion section since the late 1970s.
I am sure that journalistic integrity will remain paramount and we will get investigative reports and the unvarnished truth of the past, present and future.
No libel, no defamation, no speculations, just the facts.
I also hope that media freedom is restored so that we are no longer considered the worst nation in the Pacific, as ranked 102/180 in the 20th World Press Freedom Index in 2022.
While we are all understandably caught up in the current euphoria of a change in the political climate in the country, here’s to trusting that this newspaper will continue to shine a light on the abuse of office and other forms of transgressions.
The last thing we need is a news media that acts as a cheerleader of the government of the day, as some may say we have had in the past.
Praneet Singh, Sacramento, CA
Freedom to express views
I join Guruji Vijay Maharaj of Navua (FT 04/01) for his insights via his letter titled “Freedom to express views”.
Yes, Mr Maharaj, The Fiji Times maintained its superb qualities throughout the pandemic, pre-general elections and now after the crucial general elections.
No wonder majority prefer The Fiji Times for reliable and accurate news.
Mr Maharaj, The Fiji Times has set a standard that will be hard to fill in years to come.
Our newspaper has survived 150-plus years because of its ethics and principles.
The staff of The Fiji Times went through a lot during the past 16 years.
The editor-in-chief, the then publisher and his staff fronted the court but the fight continued, and The Fiji Times prevailed.
It’s pleasing to read that writers are now expressing their views more freely, and this is the Fiji that I so badly wanted to see — a Fiji where people have the freedom to express their views without fear.
I salute our contributors for their insights via letters and opinion pieces, although I miss Arvind Mani’s shots.
We have a new dawn which feels refreshing and lovely.
The smiles, confidence and social media posts paint a picture of the beautiful Fiji we have wanted all along!
Finally, hats off to The Fiji Times for surviving those treacherous days!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Good to see them go
It’s so good to know PM Rabuka has terminated the services of public relations companies Qorvis and Vatis.
What services?
“Public relations” was euphemism for Bainimarama-Khaiyum government propaganda.
That is really what these “public relations companies” were doing here at a huge cost to the Fijian tax paying public.
The people of Fiji did not need them.
It’s good to see them go.
Moce mada.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Three terms issue
I sincerely hope the decision to revert back to three terms was based on sound judgment and not merely to backflip the former government’s policy.
Nonetheless, the government should have at least tried out four terms this year to gauge the effectiveness.
Bimal Prasad, Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi
The Education Minister
The Education Minister, Honourable Aseri Masivou Radrodro, has a distinguished CV.
Born in Serea Village in Naitasiri Province and educated at Soloira District School and Queen Victoria School, Honourable Radrodro has worked as a public servant, manager, and for the Fiji Sports Council, holding various managerial positions.
He has also served on various boards.
He joined SODELPA in 2014 and was elected to the Parliament of Fiji.
Initially appointed shadow minister for Transport and Infrastructure, in 2017 he was appointed shadow minister for Economy.
He was re-elected in the 2018 and 2022 elections, and was appointed Education Minister.
He made worthwhile contributions in the august house and has taken charge of the largest Ministry.
The Honourable Minister made some important announcements on Thursday.
We will continue with three terms, and teachers will report to school on Monday, January 30 while students will report to school on February 6.
The Education Ministry also advised all school administrations that teachers who have turned 55 or will turn 55 this year are now to remain in employment until they reach 60.
He assured all parents that Government will continue to provide free education and transport assistance to all eligible students.
He reiterated on the role chaplains played in the spiritual guidance of students.
As a teacher, I’d love to see the restoration of respect and dignity in classrooms and conducive learning environments for children.
All the best Honourable Aseri Radrodro!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Three terms
I applaud the announcement by the Minister for Education, the Honourable Aseri Radrodro, of the return to a three-term school year.
He stated that the decision was made “following various consultations”.
In October 2022 (FT 10/1/’22 ‘4 Term Year’) I raised the concern that teachers had little say in the earlier decision of changing to a four term year by the previous government.
It is the teacher who, in effect, implements the change and has to tolerate the poor concentration of students prior to a holiday and after they return to school following a holiday.
A three-term year ensures that the hellish period in the classroom occurs on two occasions less in a year and increases the opportunity for quality and productive learning and teaching to take place two times more than in a four term year.
While it is recognised that holiday breaks are important both for teachers and students, it is more important to focus attention on learning than on holidays if we want students to take their studies seriously.
Julie Sutherland, Tamavua, Suva
Radrodro’s moves
A NEW Government, new minister for education and a new reassuring announcement, the normal three terms instead of four was a burden for everyone, especially financially for a family and most important a child’s academic brains are still fresh until the examinations are held.
The second great announcement is that teachers who have turned 55 or will turn 55 this year are now to remain in employment until they reach 60 years of age.
We will now have very experienced and mature teachers at the end of their careers and young teachers will always have great guidance around them.
And the rearrangement of school chaplains to be sent to schools to assist with the spiritual guidance of students and can expect moral and psychological support.
Thank you to the Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, and wishing all children of the Republic of Fiji the best for their future.
Tomasi Boginiso, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
Nasinu litter bins
Some years ago, the Nasinu Town Council started an excellent initiative by corroborating with major sponsors and installing litter bins within its municipality.
These were placed in areas where there was heavy foot traffic, and the litter bins had the sponsoring company’s logo printed on the bins and the intention was to significantly improve the cleanliness of streets.
However, the bins were not timely cleared which overflowed and the rubbish and polluted the nearby areas.
The municipality had no repairs and maintenance plans in place and slowly the assets rusted away and losing its entire structure apart from the base metal piece which are cemented into the ground and the steel portion of the stand is protruding outwards.
The metal remains of the litter stand is now a hazard as it is covered with overgrown weeds, and the most dangerous ones are within the vicinity of the Fiji National University in Nasinu.
Due to the close proximity of the bus stop which is frequently used by the students, the metal hazards can cause injury.
The Nasinu Town Council either should replace all the litter bins or completely remove the remaining structure in order to eliminate any risk that they have created.
Satish Nakched, Suva
Thumbs up
The early days of our new government has been nothing short of remarkable, and the detractors can’t help but marvel at the good tidings that are unfolding with the turn in season.
Well, this new broom comes with the best intent and lots of energy to last.
Among their many achievements reported in The Fiji Times in recent days, I give two thumbs up to the: – return to camp of soldiers and arms used to protect the former PM and his band of merry men and women; FCCC being instructed to review and standardise maritime shipping fares and freight rates; the off-shore chairman of PSC and FSC Ltd being told to go, and last but definitely not the least, a visit by the minister responsible to victims of Severe Tropical Cyclones Yasa (December 2020) and Ana (Jan 2021) who are still dwelling in a tent village in Vanua Levu.
Now this is what a clean-up campaign should look like – clean and transparent.
And of course, honourable PM, you have the right to appoint, and disappoint.
Samu Railoa, Nadi
Local elections
Since the people’s Government wants to hold Local Government elections, can the CEO and special administration team resign and give the municipal council back to the ratepayers.
I know for Lautoka there are a lot of capable people who can do a better job with less monetary benefits.
The CEO and all those new recruits with very high pay should be told to reapply to actually see the qualifications of these highly paid supervisors and management.
One highly paid manager is seen being driven around by a fulltime driver but the rest drive in company vehicles themselves.
Wonder why the difference?
Geoffrey Chand, Lautoka
Three-legged stool
While majority of us have moved on after the swearing in of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers, some still seem to be stuck in a time bubble.
They still have not accepted defeat and realised that the globe has rotated on its axis like a dozen times since the PA/NFP/SODELPA Government has taken charge of Fiji.
This is in regards to the Opposition Leader honourable Bainimarama calling this coalition Government a “three uneven legged-stool” (FT 05/01)
Well sir, a three-legged stool constructed in the proper way is very much even and stable.
That’s a fact!
It took three parties to bring the change that almost 58 per cent people wanted so let’s accept it and move on.
At least this three-legged stool is better than the “two men dictatorship”.
Take a deep breath, calm down and let’s move onwards.
Disagreement causes stress and things get hectic.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Damaged roads
Heavy downpour over the last few days in Nadi has left several roads in bad shape and waterlogged, as well.
The situation is bad but it could get worse if the rain continues like this.
All drivers must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that they and other road users are kept safe.
On the other hand, FRA should as soon as the weather allows attend to and repair the places damaged.
There is a big problem in front of the Nalagi Hotel where not all vehicles can get across because the road is submerged under the rain water.
This is an ongoing problem unfortunately it remains unsolved.
You have to take preventative measures so that commuters are not put to unnecessary problems if you know what I mean.
Can we expect some changes to the way you do things now.
I heard that the new government was planning to bring back the PWD.
Whatever it is all we want is safe roads.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
Issue of respect
With coalition of NFP, PA and SODELPA led by honourable PM Sitiveni Rabuka, to form a new government, I believe majority of the populace have embraced the immediate highlights imposed.
Honourable Rabuka has addressed the nation being appreciative of our previous PM Frank Bainimarama’s leadership and accepted to continue with some benefits enjoyed by Fijians.
With much expected reliance from the government, we could patiently continue to look forward to all positive outcome from the government ministers.
We also urge the current government to collaborate with the Opposition members whose voices could be raised for the betterment of the nation.
We also request our government to partnership with NGOs for their tireless effort to combat poverty.
We expect our current government ministers and the Opposition ministers to respect each other and the listening public by avoiding tantrums in the Parliament.
SARITA LAL, Malolo St, Lautoka
COVID and test
COVID cases are reportedly increasing in China and parts of Asia.
In a globalised world this poses threats to our beloved Fiji.
Based on current trends it may assume that it is only a matter of time before the alarm bells start ringing with governments having to put in place new restrictions.
This will become perhaps the first major test for our new coalition government.
What thresholds does it observe?
What restrictions will it put in place but more importantly, when will it take action?
At the top of the list will be our economy and minimising disruptions to our education system.
Whatever our authorities decisions, let’s adopt a proactive approach in respecting their decisions and taking necessary precautions.
Blessed weekend and happy preparations with back to school.
Floyd Robinson, Nasese, Suva
What are we witnessing?
Now more than ever, it’s time for Fijians to be just as firm about the values and the protection of the rights and dignity of all.
Some people will do whatever it takes to advance their objectives.
Isn’t that what we are witnessing unfolding before our eyes right now.
They need to be stopped before they are able to escalate their move any further than this.
We do not want any further disturbance to our peace.
Let the country be governed by the government sworn in without any unnecessary intervention and action uncalled for.
Thank you.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
Fiji soccer
Can those who are making decisions in Fiji Football Association inform the public any overseas coach who has done wonders for Fiji national or district team?
Did any overseas coach beat Australia or New Zealand?
I can give you names of local coaches who won international games for Fiji.
Late Billy Singh was one of those local coaches who brought glory to Fiji.
Yogen Dutt is another person who did wonders for any team.
I am wondering why Fiji needs an overseas coach?
Can’t those decisionmakers see what happened to Lautoka in the Pacific Cup when Lautoka brought in the former Fiji coach, our local boys and local coach from Ba won the tournament.
Fiji FA should see what they are doing.
GEOFFREY CHAND, Lautoka
