Those care-free days
SHRADDHA Kapoor: As a kid I loved playing in the rain (ST 16/7 page 30).
Me too!
It used to be one of our favourite sports in rainy Suva when life outdoors for children was pretty much the norm.
Fijian children took to this sport as naturally as ducks take to water!
Very fond memories of those carefree days.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Good job OAG
I WOULD like to congratulate the Office of the Auditor-General for doing a grand job of finding out the crooked deals done under the table.
My suggestion is that you should go right down to the root of the problem.
Please check all government departments, ministries and public enterprises.
All the people involved in these misdemeanours should be exposed and all the dirty dealings to be revealed.
We should not take these scams lightly as there are big cats who are preying on public funds and taxpayer funds.
People have stooped so low to make money that they have forgotten their ethics.
PARAS NAIDU, Lautoka
New sevens series
WORLD Rugby launched a revamped and rebranded rugby sevens circuit called “SVNS” which will be played across eight cities.
Unfortunately, the Hamilton, Paris, and London 7s tournaments are missing from the list.
The opening round will kick off in Dubai, while Madrid will see the crowning of the men’s and women’s 7s team.
Eight tournaments mean that our 7s team must prepare well as teams will be out gunning to upset the flamboyant Fijians.
Our boys will be defending the Olympic Games gold medal in France next year.
Our performance during the 2021/22 HSBC WRSS was not pleasing as our boys failed to win any tournament so Ben Gollings and his team will need to put in a lot of effort to lift our performance!
Pressure is mounting and the 7s crazy public demands an improved outing.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Cost of living
COME August 1, 2023 when VAT on the 9 per cent items increases to 15 per cent, we will see what the people who are exuberant about this budget will have to say then.
People do not realise that the base price of the 21 essential items on which VAT is zero-rated will go up because of the associated costs of other items going up such as fuel, transport, warehousing, rent, import taxes etc.
I believe the inflationary effect of the increase in VAT will be felt far and wide.
The base prices of these 21 items will increase for sure, but there is reason to be exuberant, I guess, because these 21 items will still be zero rated.
But, as I have said many times before, the people of Fiji are truly blessed, even though they may be totally oblivious.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
Brave journalist
A JOURNALIST with integrity and courage strapped with a strong element of social responsibility, when persistent to get answers, can break a person down.
Non-partisan journalist today in Fiji sometimes expose themselves to psychological harm and danger for reporting on the events of trouble politicians and leaders etc who turn a blind eye to the role of the press but think they are the untouchable and powerful.
Impartiality and work ethics of journalists who have the integrity and fairness to provide objective and accurate news to the public has to be commended.
Keep up the good work journalist, be brave anyway!
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Tender procedures
ONCE again the media has reported (FT 21/07) government departments flouting the tender procedures and spending scarce taxpayer funds without following well established systems when acquiring goods and services.
We hear this year in and year out mainly through audit reports of the Office of the Auditor-General, of this particular weakness in the government system.
The somewhat standard response to the audit queries of “looking into improving the system in future” is sounding monotonous.
I have no doubt at all that responsible government officers do not lack the intelligence, academic capabilities and simple common sense not to understand the set procedures for acquisition of goods and services which result in their continuation to contravene them.
Controlling these processes effectively would streamline government spending, something we need badly during these difficult times.
There is a loose saying that discipline could be effectively enforced when it hits the people in the pockets.
Perhaps it is time to target the pockets.
Just saying.
Emosi Balei, Suva
Eyes open
THE crafty rats will play willfully when those fairy cats are asleep.
Keep those eyes open if it’s not too much to ask for.
“If you’re tired, don’t tired” – N Bolaca.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Road accidents
SINCE there is a jump in road accidents, can the statisticians collaborate with the police and all other concerned parties to print out a report from the past five to seven years on fatal accidents on the road with location, time, and the cause of the accidents?
The report can be printed in newspapers or the related social media page.
This may help reduce future road accidents if everyone including the police department, Fiji Roads Authority, LTA, etc pay attention to the report.
RONEIL NARAYAN, Los Angeles, USA
Health hazard
THE “extraordinary December, 2006 clean-up campaign” Mohammed Imraz Janiff refers to (FT 19/7) was more in name then in reality.
In reality it left the country in a huge mess!
The people of Fiji are only now — with the exit of the post 2006 power holders — beginning to discover just how big a mess they left behind.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Health centre
MAYBE a good idea to construct a sheltered drop/pick up area for infants, special cases, senior citizens or simply for the general population.
There is a convenient location there and all it needs is a roof.
ASISH VINAY PRASAD, Raiwasa, Suva
Board appointments
IS it just me that has noticed that most of the government statutory boards are now awashed with old timers, maybe we have a new government policy on where to house old people’s home!
JAGEN PRASA, Samabula, Suva
Great foresight
WE all know that during the height of COVID, people who are now in Government wanted Fiji Airways closed and the planes returned.
We all remember the TikTok Queen posting a video of her eating a plane indicating that the people of Fiji were starving, and Fiji Airways was not going to feed her and the people of Fiji at the time.
I believe that sort of foresight would make her the ideal candidate to be the next prime minister.
I am serious because this is Fiji.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
Service (Seva)
THE Spirit of service is ingrained in human beings
In some it is in small measure
In others it is in enormous measure
Depending on one’s nurturing
And education based on human values
The deep desire to serve humanity
Springs from our profound love for humanity
This drives us to serve community, society and nation
Who are in need of help and support
Many spiritual, cultural, social and voluntary organizations
Are immersed in serving humanity in numerous ways
For they firmly believe that service to humanity is service to God
There are organizations that serve to save lives
They serve with passion, compassion, humility and love
Serving the blind, deaf, mute, vulnerable, homeless, beggars
Disaster victims, elderly, disadvantaged women
Is a noble, lofty and divine act
This is borne out of selfless actions
With the singular thought of serving humanity
Service reminds us that there is something
Beyond meeting our own life goals
Doing service to fellow beings gives us intense satisfaction
That cannot be attained through material possessions
Serving to empower the disadvantaged is a humble and reassuring act
For they are the ones who need the most support
When we empower the needy
We strengthen families, communities, societies and nations
Serving to save our environment from deteriorating
Is the noblest and divine act of mankind
For nature sustains our lives on this planet
A life of selfless service is the highest form of treasure
Because there is no expectation of any reward
It’s deeply rooted in giving and not in taking
Service with love is intensely satisfying
This is the beauty of service (seva)
BHAGWANJI BHINDI, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Naidu, a free man
CONGRATULATIONS to Richard Naidu!
Finally, our think tank is free of his contempt of court case after it was dismissed by High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar.
Mr Naidu has always stood up for what is right.
His articles have been appreciated by many for they have been apt and thought-provoking.
He has been hailed by many for he became the voice of the voiceless when the tides were tough to battle.
Despite what Mr Naidu went through, he continues to contribute to the betterment of Fiji.
I see him as a sharp and intelligent lawyer who has so much to offer and I’m grateful that his services are of great help to the Coalition Government.
It is my wish to see that more respect is offered to citizens like Mr Naidu who have a wealth of knowledge and experience.
I salute you Mr Naidu for your bravery and for being a person who has inspired many with your dedication and commitment!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Tide has turned now
RICHARD Naidu, a prominent public figure and a virtuous lawyer, was vindicated from a vexatious indictment diabolically designed to destroy his career.
The tide has turned now, so the perpetrator should brace himself for his comeuppance in one form or the other.
As the old adage goes, you’ll reap what you sow.
There is no escape for sure.
RAVIND CHANDRA NAIDU, Labasa
Tourism arrival
ACCORDING to the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation data, we’ve had 417,812 visitors who entered our island nation from the month of January to June this year.
The month of June alone, we had an extraordinary 90,460 visitors to our shores.
On the current trend, I’m hoping that if we could reach one million visitors by the end of December, it will surely be an economic boom for Fiji.
Anyway, Fiji all the way and kudos to all the people in the tourism industry.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Nightclub hours
THE writing was on the wall.
In his maiden Parliament speech, I believe the Attorney-General introduced himself to the world as a talatala with his long winding Biblical verses that had many of us dismayed about the calibre of the chief legal adviser to the Fiji Government.
Nightclub owners, you had been warned.
I do feel sorry for the nightclub owners who had to endure so much during COVID-19, as they were the establishments that mostly felt the pinch.
What about the barbecue sellers who made a roaring trade because of the nightclub hours?
The police would of course blame the late hours of the clubbing scene for the crime rate, but unfortunately enforcement and presence of police officers were never enough.
The Fiji Police Force will gladly appreciate the 1am closure as less work for them!
It does seem Fiji is going back to the dark ages.
On April 29, 2023 Fiji Village reported that the Attorney-General, during a public consultation on the nightclub operating hours, stated that money which is supposed to be used for family or church purposes is used at nightclubs.
What a daft reasoning.
Residents all over the world complain of loud music and nightclubs, but for economic reasons legislation is drafted in the interest of all stakeholders.
What impact will the 1am closure have on nightclub owners, their employees and their dependents?
What about the rapes and murders around the country?
Is the Fiji Police Force going to set up stations around every corner that has crime?
Will the chief legal adviser now take attendance on who attended church on Sundays after passing his Liquor Bill?
I have not heard a peep from the Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association CEO and other tourism stakeholders, as usually the nightlife is one of the main attractions for tourist goers, but maybe the bigwigs do not wish to ruffle the feathers of the current Coalition Government.
What is next?
Christian State?
Sunday ban?
JAGEN PRASAD, Samabula, Suva
Unreliable taxi service
I BELIEVE Martintar residents do not have a reliable, dependable and punctual taxi service after hours most weekdays and weekends.
It is very normal to hear switchboard operator say: “No taxis available in Martintar.”
Alternately, we will be told: “Taxi coming.”
10; 15; 20 minutes we can still be waiting.
I believe the Land Transport Authority of Fiji needs to carry out its own investigations to remedy the situation.
The travelling public needs to be treated with some respect.
Alternately, I recommend Suva-based Tiko Kece Taxis to spread out to Martintar, Nadi.
Some good reliable service and healthy competition will do good for heavily populated Martintar.
On two occasions, Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 7pm and 9.30pm I could not get a taxi in the rain.
RONNIE CHANG, Martintar, Nadi
A story of loyalty and service
I READ with teary eyes the story of Ms Katsura Bai that was printed in The Fiji Times (21/07/23 – page 10).
I had read her post in the week when Fiji Airports Ltd acknowledged her long years of service at our international airport.
For those of us who travel or live near our international airport, she is a familiar face but hardly no one knows her story and about her journey.
Thank you The Fiji Times for sharing her story as a single mother and how she overcame it with loyalty and sheer hard work.
I think she holds the record of being a loyal, long-serving employee of a security company in Fiji?
A lesson to learn, especially single mothers and young people out there, that nothing is impossible to achieve in life.
Once you set your focus and target right, success follows.
Enjoy your retirement days with your families and if I was the PM of the day, I would recommend your name to our President for a medal in our upcoming Fiji Day celebrations because of your loyalty and long service to our nation.
JIOJI M CAKACAKA, Votualevu, Nadi
Teaching fraternity
I WRITE this open letter to congratulate Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, for focusing attention on matters which are vital to teachers.
Enterprising teachers are rewarded for their effort in upgrading their qualifications.
This takes time, energy, sacrifice and heaps of determination.
Teaching is a very stressful career and it is tied to the school time table.
Teachers cannot afford to kill time as civil servants like other departments can.
Therefore, salary increment is a huge motivational factor.
Gross unfairness has been heaped on teachers when thousands have been kept in acting positions for years.
I see this as abuse of human resources where teachers have been used as scab labour.
The current minister is setting the record right by confirming acting posts.
In my view it is justice done to teachers!
For years teachers in maritime zones have been unfairly treated.
Their allowances were not equatably paid.
Hence, reason for great discontent where teachers have been refusing to serve due to disadvantages of rural and distant maritime location.
We all realise that teachers play a pivotal role in moulding the life and careers of our children.
Therefore, it is important that we have a well paid and contented teaching force.
Also, good relationships with teacher unions is an important factor in maintaining working harmony.
Past arrogance has done much to create tension and dampen the working environment.
I wish the teaching fraternity every success.
DEWAN CHAND, Namadi Heights, Suva
HIV pandemic
THERE is a concerning pandemic that is making waves here at home.
Not cancer, drugs, NCDs, obesity, rape or criminal activities, but the staggering infections of HIV.
According to the United Nations Global Aids Report, Fiji is one of the top five countries out of the pool of 38 countries with an alarming rise in infection rates.
This saddening news should be raising the alarm that the Coalition Government and the vast members of the community should swiftly act and activate a strategy to control the spread of this disease.
Rated second with the fastest growing HIV infection in the Asia-Pacific region is not a pleasant picture for Fiji and I totally agree with the concerns of the Health Minister when he said — “Other countries have improved and moving forward while Fiji is moving backwards” — Dr Lalabalavu (FT 6/6).
According to the Minister of Health, last year there were 245 new cases compared with 151 cases recorded in 2021.
We are in a serious situation, period.
Perhaps, with the unconditional engagements of religious organisations, the vanua, government ministries, NGOs, schools, sports organisations and vuvale, etcetera, we have to all work together to safeguard our people in raising awareness, promote, educate, preach, plead and encourage all Fijians about the dangers of HIV.
We all need to do something about it not today or tomorrow, but now.
Wake up Fiji.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Support the Flying Fijians
IT’S high time for Simon Raiwalui to prove his critics wrong and I wish them all the very best.
Test your combinations and specialist at each position, time to rotate players and acclimatise to all weather.
I believe at the moment we are not worried about results but we do want the Rugby World Cup trophy come home.
Believe in yourself and the Webb Ellis Cup should be home in the Pacific for the next four years.
I understand most will disagree with me but anything is possible.
The boys on the day will put their bodies on the line.
Go Fiji, win this weekend against neighbours Ikale Tahi, they must be riding high after their win over the Aussie A side.
I believe the management and the players are sweating and working overtime to get the ball rolling.
Let’s remember them in our prayers.
Let’s flock in numbers to the Western soil today.
Let’s wear white and blue.
Keep the dreams high and work towards it, nothing is impossible, when there is a will, there is a way.
Also, I would request Fiji Rugby Union to give students of all secondary schools free entry since they are more vocal and come out in numbers.
This is evident during the national games in Suva.
I believe it’s a struggle for parents to pay for the tickets.
Also, it might motivate and encourage more boys to switch to rugby and make it a profession.
Anyway, all the best and God be with you.
My score prediction will be a close one because the islanders play from their heart.
Fiji 54-17 Tonga.
Man in white and black to come out victorious.
VINEEL NAND, Perth, Australia
Moment of truth
THE moment of truth has arrived for our very own Fiji Water Flying Fijians as they clash with Tonga today at Churchill Park.
The Tongan side is packed with explosive power in the forwards and backline.
Riding high with confidence following a recent victory over Australia A, our Pacific rivals mean business invading Churchill Park with a mission aiming for nothing less than a victory.
For us, the combination of Tuisova, Nayacalevu and Muntz will be put to the acid test against a Tongan backline including Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau.
Fans will watch with interest the performance of Sireli Maqala as he is known for his creativity and he also adds healthy competition in the hunt for a spot in the backline.
All in all, let’s not raise our expectations.
For now, it’s about doing the basics correctly and finding our rhythm before the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
On a personal note, I will watch with interest our performance in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the games as this is the period where we allowed victory to slip from ourselves when playing Australia and Wales in the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
Looking forward to watching a bruising encounter at Churchill Park.
I would not be surprised if one of these two teams advances to the quarter finals in France.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Micronesia
BOG is coming to Nadi
IT was the soccer crazy town of Ba where the Battle of the Giants was given birth in 1978.
The inaugural event was held at Ba’s Govind Park which is currently out of action as it undergoes restoration and upgrade works following its destruction back in 2006 by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston, as I understand.
This is also one of those premier local footballing action that is held annually.
The 1978 tournament was bravely won by Nadi.
They were up against the hosts in the final and made no mistake thus were able to carve their name on the trophy first.
Since then, I think, Nadi won the BOG on eight other occasions.
Nonetheless, Ba still holds the record of securing most wins, 17.
Nine times they have come as runner-up.
At this juncture, we acknowledge and thank FFA for keeping us entertained throughout the year.
We, the people of Nadi, are delighted after hearing the news that this year’s BOG will be held in Nadi during the month of August.
The competition now has new sponsors in Future Farms Limited and Asha Bhai Limited who have signed a three-year deal with FFA.
Their commitment and support are sincerely appreciated.
As we look forward to the start of the tournament, we hope that the venue is readied on time.
After a long time a major tournament is coming to Prince Charles Park.
Thank you FFA for the consideration.
SURESH CHAND, Nadi
Nver lose the battle
LORRAINE Turaga, who was a familiar face on the streets of Nadi assisting her mother sell juice, roti parcels, pies, and egg buns to earn a living and support her family, had a timely advice for readers (18/07), “Please keep going, know that you can win. It will take much strength, but strength can be built, and losing some battles does not mean you lose the war. You can and will win.”
Lorraine shared her story via the People column as she overcame her obstacles with unflinching resolve.
She also described the tragedies she went through, especially when she became paralysed in Year 12, but they failed to deter her from achieving her goal.
She transformed her pain into purpose and moved forward towards a brighter future.
Her determination and dedication paved the way for success and she was able to achieve what her heart desired.
Her story has enriched ardent readers.
Well done, Lorraine!
The story by Siteri Sauvakacolo (FT 21/07) on Kasturi Bai was touching.
Retiring after serving Fijians for 25 years, would not have been easy, so Kasturi deserves accolades for her service to mankind!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Thank you, good news
THANK you sincerely Vijay Maharaj, Navua – The Sunday Times, July 16, 2023 for your concurrence.
Thank you for understanding our plight with Martintar nightclub issues of much negativity.
You managed to experience first-hand our ongoing problems.
They are very real.
I am grateful you added your amplified voice.
Our situations with peace disturbance and safety issues are very real.
So called “experts” for the professional maintenance of allowable nightclub music levels failed to execute their duties faithfully.
They simply looked the other way in biase towards nightclub owners and operators.
Proper sound-proofing of our nightclubs remain an ongoing issue.
No one is listening; let alone paying any attention.
OHS can do much better.
They remain very silent, to date.
Furthermore, it is quite normal seeing intoxicated nightclub patrons spilling out of their bars as late as 8am and 9am.
This is no kidding.
It happens.
Greater surveillance is needed.
There seems to be a huge short of uniformed police man-power along Martintar, Nadi to properly address nightclub issues, when required.
This matter requires urgent attention, in my view.
Besides, Namaka Police Station is far too small.
RONNIE CHANG, Martintar, Nadi
