Freedom of the press
We rejoice that the Coalition Government removed the Media Industry Development Act in 2023. Thus, opening the floodgates of media freedom in Fiji. Can you recall the euphoric celebrations throughout the nation? We are grateful that the journalists and the media can breathe freely. The fear of intimidation and prosecution has evaporated. Democracy back in action! Do enjoy your freedom responsibly. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
World Press Freedom Day!
As we commemorated World Press Freedom Day yesterday, I pay tribute to journalists for their courage and commitment. The editor-in-chief penned a thought-provoking editorial titled ‘Freedom of the press’ (FT 03/05). The editorial was worth reading and pondering on. The theme for this year is apt and thought-provoking: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.” This year World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. Journalists encounter significant challenges in seeking and disseminating information on contemporary issues. Hence, to achieve sustainable development, it is necessary for journalists to report accurately, timely, and comprehensively on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions that include preventing and protecting against crimes committed against journalists. World Press Freedom Day is about supporting and spreading awareness about the importance of freedom, that must be given to the press in functioning, providing correct information, and to stress to the government of its duty to uphold and respect the freedom of expression. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Ageing a disability
We have to accept that ageing is also a form of disability. Remember during our very young days, we loved to run around and were sent to the shop more than 10 times without complaining. In our twenties, we men flexed our muscles and could take punches or a hard hitting tackle during a rugby match. In our ’40s we began to complain of back pain, sore knees and shoulders and having blurred vision. In our ’60s onwards, we had our new found friend, known as Mr Cane aka titoko and lucky if you we got away from prostate cancer, diabetes, hypertension or stroke along the way.
Stay healthy and well folks! Jioji Masivesi Carreras- Votualevu, Nadi
National debt burden
Had a thought, while I was drinking a cup of tea yesterday morning. What if the Government did not have such a huge national debt to service, would the current socio- economic scenario and political scene, be different ? Would we be just concentrating today on the usual progress and development policies and activities, as per back in the day, when the debt was a manageable percentage ? The debt yokel and millstone is such a heavy burden today, that we had to go off on a tangent to deal with it and in doing so, suppress and even forgo certain things we should really be concentrating on for national development. Of course, accompanied all the way, by the concerns and cries of the frustrated and tired populace and pressure groups. Truth be told! If the national debt was not such a burden today and we were on our merry unhindered way, something here will still never ever change, despite the changed scenario. Io! There will still be mismanagement, fraudulent activities, corruption and all that usual bad stuff, irrespective of a different economic backdrop. Same old, same old, I guess! But one can only dream of an alternate universe. A thought will remain a thought. Oilei! Almost swallowed the teabag! Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Cheque saga
I’m aware there’s been a great deal of discussion about doing away with cheques and so forth. And I understand the frustration and concerns about this issue. While the cheque books may remain for a short period of time, I’m also aware that there’s a global push for a cashless society. The cashless society is very close at hand and will most likely be a precursor to herald a new economic system. And this system will require us to have a digital identity embedded either in our hand or head. It’s already being trialled and tested and will become mandatory for buying and selling in the entire global marketplace. So here’s the question. When it happens, and it will, how are you going to respond? Our world is about to get uncomfortably out of control. How do I know? Because the Bible lays it out in Revelations 13. It’s just another prophecy that’s about to come to pass in the very near future. Colin Deoki Australia
School holidays
Finally the first academic term is over for the primary and secondary schools in Fiji. The teachers and students have earned their much needed break. It would be an opportune time to travel, relax, visit family and friends. Also to reflect on the achievements and challenges. My humble plea to all the parents is to be vigilant during this break. Drug cases are on the rise. Children are reported missing. Drowning or road accidents may occur if children are unsupervised. Let us be responsible parents. Happy holidays everyone! DINESH KUMAR Ba
Stronger weedicide
There are plans to procure stronger weedicides from China. What does this mean for the future health of our soil? Noleen Billings Savusavu
Pain at the pump
The Fiji Times headline “change in the fuel price” FT 1/5 alerts us to save energy for our survival in the fuel crisis. Either fill painfully at the pump or fill empty stomach at the grocery shop. How can we take out any more from an empty purse? Help us God to choose for a better tomorrow. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Still not ready
Nadi’s bid to be declared a city hasn’t been successful. Thank God, good sense prevails, stopping it from happening because as we all know that the town is still not there. To make it worthy of consideration, you need to do a lot of work to bring it in par with modern cities around the world. A large population is not necessarily the only requirement. First look at how well is your town equipped and what is the traffic situation besides the appeal. Unfortunately, as days pass by, you see nothing taking shape or improving so how can you expect the town to gain city status?
Suresh Chand Nadi
Ports infrastructure
Talks between Australia and Fiji governments to improve and develop ports infrastructure in the future should be commended. It’s time Government takes back development and control of all its ports. Dan Urai Lautoka
Mind games
Mind games,playing the underdog, gets results. Falsely placed on a pedestal, the rival faces reality with a thump. Psyching the opponent, to lull their senses, is what the game is about, in Fifteen and Sevens! Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Unlimited potential
Loads of potential available
Showing what one is capable
In the vast expanse of endless skies
Dreams take flight and hopes arise
Unfettered by the chains of doubt
Unlimited potential free to sprout
Achieving things desirable
Even if beyond reasonable
Qualities extremely formidable
Special abilities unthinkable
Potential is one unmeasurable
As everything can be attainable
All potential pathways possible
Potential inside one remarkable
Unravelling potential entails tapping our asset
To realise our full potential exudes our mindset
Need we passion, grit, courage and boom
To treadle our potential to bloom
Sometimes we apply self-imposed limitations
That stops us from unlocking our full imagination==
Through trials faced and paths untrod
We fight the strength to rise and nod
Human beings are created with unlimited potential
To achieve just about anything substantial
So, let us dare to dream and soar
To reach for heights never seen before BHAGWANJI BHINDI Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Facing the music
“Face the music!” Ever wondered where the saying came from? Well while having a shower the other day, the thought casually dropped into my mind. I know what it means but
I’d never thought about where the phrase might’ve originated from. Apparently, there are a few different theories. One suggests it might have come from the 1774 British periodical, The London Magazine, which highlighted a story about a musician who’d been fired from his job for allegedly making too many mistakes. The other theory is that it was to describe a group of soldiers who were “drummed” out in disgrace after committing offences. Many of us have had to face the music at different stages of our life. Sometimes, facing the music can be a humbling experience requiring self-reflection on why we stuffed up. Which brings me to my question. Are people who’ve been responsible for grave injustices and injuries to people and families in the past 16 years going to face the music? Or will they be allowed to just get away with their aggravated actions? Colin Deoki Australia
Interest rates
Annual statements put out by commercial banks these days are very interesting especially from the “interest rates” perspective. There seems to be an ever widening gap, between the annual interests on deposits and the bank’s annual interest rates on lending. So silly of us to think that the rates would be much more closer or, heaven forbid, for the former rates to be more than the latter, for the sake of the customer! But in reality, the former is sometimes no more than 1 per cent – in terms of what the customer earns on savings or term deposit — begging the question of whether it’s worthwhile to save and invest. This compares glaringly with the interest rates payable for a bank loan. The lending rates can go from 4 per cent to 20 per cent. Customers are usually at a loss in appreciating and even understanding the logic behind these, but know only too well who often comes out the winner in the relationship! Nevertheless, we the customers are ever so fortunate to be placed in such an unenviable position willingly or unwittingly, as we edge closer and closer each day to finally fulfilling WEF’s vision and promise of zilch ownership in the future, for all of us — of course for all our benefit. As one of our writers always say, we are so truly blessed! Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Fijiana coach
Done and dusted… bring back Senirusi for the Fijiana girls…the girls are ready for the World Cup. I don’t know about the “you know” coach… probably he doesn’t know. By the way, I am looking to get 10 years? Joe Matatolu Waila 3A
