Medicinal cannabis
I JUST returned from Phuket and Bangkok in Thailand recently where cannabis is now perfectly legal.
Every second shop in the tourist areas seems to be a cannabis shop.
This is one of many countries which have legalised cannabis and the sky has not yet fallen.
In fact the tourist numbers in Thailand are going through the roof.
With the Fiji Government considering legalising medicinal cannabis, the people of Kadavu must be beginning to feel euphoric and exuberant.
I believe that the Government’s idea of medicinal cannabis is a cop out.
It should be made fully legal.
I mean if it is medicinal, make it widely available — like alcohol and cigarettes and grog and suki.
Without being an expert on cannabis, I do not think it would be too different to the addictions of kava, alcohol, cigarettes and suki.
I am sure a lot of grog dopeys already consume cannabis as part of their sessions and its use is already widespread.
I mean, grog, alcohol, smoking, suki, not to mention eating third grade lamb chops is perfectly OK for our children — no one speaks out about these things.
Imagine the number of tourists which would come to Fiji if cannabis were legalised.
And Fiji will only then be the happiest place on Earth.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
A patriotic and passionate son
FIJI has lost a patriotic and passionate son in 49-year-old Ratu David-George Leonard Toganivalu who was Fiji’s Acting Director of Public Prosecutions and Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Ratu David passed away peacefully at his residence in Taro, Bau, Tailevu, and the funeral service to honour and remember his life will be held today at the Taro Methodist Church.
A lawyer by profession, Ratu Toganivalu’s sterling and immense contribution to Fiji’s judiciary is highly appreciated.
He was loving, caring and kind and he touched hearts with his humility and down-to-earth nature.
His appointment as the Acting DPP and Acting Commissioner of FICAC did not come as a surprise to those who knew him, for he was patient, a man of principles and dedicated and committed, setting high standards.
His active involvement in community work and project touched many and made a positive impact on their lives.
He encouraged others to be successful in life.
His loss is a blow to Fiji, especially at this critical time.
I express my sincere condolences to his wife Losalini Leweniqila Toganivalu and her children, and the grieving family.
Rest high Ratu Toganivalu!
Until that glorious morning, ni moce mada!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
One final push
THE Flying Fijians will battle Portugal in a bid to secure knockout qualification for the first time since 2007.
After a back to back victories against Australia and a determined Georgian side, our ruggers look set for one final push to make history on French soil.
All the love and support however, will be flowing in for our centre, Josua Tuisova, who lost his son last week and opted not to attend the funeral but instead stay back to defend the Fijian jersey.
A win would be extra special for him and his family.
Toso Viti!
RAYNAV CHAND, Nakasi, Nausori
Fiji Day anniversary
HISTORY will decide our course of action in the future.
A big happy 53rd Fiji Day in advance to all our beloved citizens out there either in Fiji or abroad and 70th Anniversary to my prestigious QVS school today.
JADON E MASIVESI, QVS, Nukuvuto
Exciting Skipper Cup semis loom
FANS in the Capital City are ready for back-to-back exciting and mouthwatering clashes as the semifinals of this year’s Skipper Cup kick off.
First up, the wounded Stallions, who lost the coveted Inkk Farebrother Sullivan Trophy to Suva, face the hosts and the unbeaten Suva side which is ready to put bodies on the line and play their hearts out.
Suva came close to upsetting the Stallions at Lawaqa Park, but the hosts held onto the 15-all draw to retain the challenge trophy.
In round one, Suva hammered Nadroga 35-17, so the Stallions will face a mammoth task in the heart of Fiji rugby.
The second semi-final is a repeat of last year’s Skipper Cup final where the holders Nadi beat Naitasiri 16-11 at King Charles Park.
However, in round two, the Highlanders outclassed the Jets 16-14 at the same venue.
Hence, Nadi will be out for revenge.
Nadi has secured the Inkk Farebrother Sullivan Trophy, and the Cohan Politini-coached will be gunning for their second title.
They have an explosive outfit. Fans can expect fireworks, running rugby, hard hits and a display of pride and passion for the jersey.
I plead with the Nadroga team to give everything against Suva.
Losing the Farebrother challenge at home by two points was painful, and it is time to redeem lost prestige.
Wishing the Stallions all the best against favorites Suva!
Hakwa Nadro!
Hitting back
DAN, he (Aiyaz) can “hit back” as many times as he pleases, (FT 06/10).
I do not think anybody really pays much heed to his unfeasible protests since he is no longer “relevant” post the 2022 General Election.
Aiyaz can moan till the cows come home.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Praying Fijians
WE await with abated breath the outcome of Fiji vs Portugal game.
And we are optimistic that we will be in the quarter-finals.
All the Fijians are praying for the flying Fijians.
Toso Viti, Toso!
ARUN PRASAD DILKUSHA, Nausori
Golden rule
THE affirmation of the golden rule for humans is that we do unto others what we would have them do to us.
We are all sinners anyway!
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Already in Fiji
WITH recent interesting developments in mind (you know what), may I politely ask, doesn’t Fiji already have a “Messiah”?
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF, Natabua, Lautoka
Final pool game
ALTHOUGH the last game against Georgia was “shocking” for most of us, I am certain that a convincing victory will prevail.
As a commentator once said, “They just dozed off for a while then exploded with breathtaking rugby”.
SAMU SILATOLU, Nakasi, Nausori
Domestic violence
DOMESTIC Violence (DV) is the most common form of assault in Fiji nowadays.
Let’s not have our children growing up believing that DV is normal.
Let’s break the cycle of violence.
Stop the violence now.
It ends with me.
#DV is not my culture
#Say NO to DV.
A three line sentences in Letters to the Editor can have an impact, fellow readers.
JIOJI M CAKACAKA, Votualevu, Nadi
Charged service
I WONDER what our Prime Minister and Coalition Government has to say on allowing a self-proclaimed prophet to come to our shores and impose charges on our citizens for her controversial services.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Let us celebrate richness in diversity
TO celebrate diversity we need humility, tolerance and open-mind
For it constitutes multiple and multifarious mindsets and behaviour patterns
Perceptions that have the capacity to recognize and appreciate
Diverse viewpoints, perceptions and human actions matter enormously
This adds value, meaning and grandeur to diversity In diversity we seek mutual acceptance and respect
We live in a multicultural, multiracial and multilingual society
Its beauty depends on our deeper understanding
Of their diverse beliefs, religious, economic, family, cultural backgrounds
These may not align with our thoughts, sentiments and behavioural patterns
To promote diversity in a diverse society and nation like Fiji
It is wise to be inclusive and all-embracing in our approach
Diversity is a vital force in a society
This presumes that each individual or group is unique
Diversity promotes creativity, innovation, humility, maturity and open-mindedness
Diversity brings in new ideas and experiences and people can learn from each other.
Sports like rugby, soccer, golf, cricket, chess
Teach diversity in the best way
Bringing people of all backgrounds to one event
Food celebrates diversity
Where we learn recipes from many sources
This leads people to cultivate diverse tastes
Promoting appreciation of tastes from diverse cultures
Being surrounded by people of diverse cultures and lifestyles is incredible
It depends on our lens whether we are friends or foes
We are not limited to age, gender or race
Let us take our seat at the table
Even though we are differently abled
Our experiences, passions and views
Can help increase value, meaning and grandeur to our company
Let us exclude no one
In diversity, yes, we stand tall
Even birds, animals and nature work in unison
Embracing diversity
Openness to differences among people, cultures and perspectives
Is the cornerstone and foundation of diversity
What makes Fiji lofty as a diverse nation
Is the capacity of Fijians to respect, recognise, appreciate and accept
Each other’s cultures, traditions, beliefs, viewpoints, gender, and languages
With humility, maturity, mutual respect and open-mindedness
BHAGWANJI BHINDI, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Another exit for team Fiji
THE Digicel Fiji Futsal side, which beat Vanuatu 2-1 to qualify for the eliminations, lost to Tahiti 7-3 in the semifinal of the OFC Nations Cup.
Tahiti, which will be making the final after 12 years, got onto the scoring sheet first with a well-executed goal by Akareva Riaria.
However, much to the delight of the Fijian fans, Rewa’s Gabirieli Matanisiga equalised.
Riaria got his second soon.
Our discipline, then, became our nemesis as goalkeeper Kitione Baleloa was shown the marching orders for foul play.
Baleloa was replaced by veteran Benaminio Mateiniqara, as Fiji played with a man short.
Tahiti took full advantage and Riaria got his hat-trick.
Dave Radrigai and Filipe Baravilala brought a glimmer of hope but a double from Tetuanui Tinomoe and goals from Riaria and Olivier Hirihiri gifted Tahiti a well-deserved victory.
Social media was flooded with remarks from football fans who vented out their frustrations as our footballers made another exit from the OFC organised competition putting added pressure on the Fiji FA executives.
Lack of preparation time and player selection were two key points pointed out by many fans.
Sad state, aye!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Road accidents
IN very recent days, two more road accidents, two young drivers; aged 19 and 22 in the Central Division.
Some of the “younger set” individuals behind steering wheels have a thrill for speed, being “real show-off” and are in no position to respond properly in emergencies.
Good driving experience cannot be bought.
It comes with careful, thoughtful and responsible experience.
These latest accidents, in the Capital City, are yet more undeniably confirming statistics of the poor driving standards that continue to prevail on our roads.
I believe a major and comprehensive review of the issuance of driving licences is absolutely necessary. Driving schools, as an initial pre-requisite, must come under close scrutiny for the clearance of any benefit of any doubt.
Something is definitely not right going forward.
Do new drivers achieve the minimum required hours of driving experience before being issued with their licences?
I do not have proof.
I am told otherwise.
Respectfully, I will stand corrected.
Furthermore, “P” plates seem to be only just that.
New drivers displaying “P” are supposedly extremely difficult to be seen.
Who monitors this?
Implementation seems non-relevant.
As I approve my 72nd year of earthly existence with a near clean driving record since November 1971, like many others with proven safe driving, we will be subjected to driving and medical examination including a driving test.
For senior drivers with almost impeccably clean driving records, personally I find this very discriminating.
Why should we be singled out?
We have our proud merits.
Official records for any offence will confirm this.
Please, Land Transport Authority, one rule cannot apply to all age grouping in our driving category.
Again, as a little voice for the silent majority, and a true “kai Nadi” I share my thoughts, most respectfully.
RONNIE CHANG, Martintar, Nadi
A birthday to remember
ARIETA Nasova, whose story found the ever-inspirational People column (FT 06/10), delivered an apt message for women as she encouraged them to make use of their hidden artistic and creative talents, “Young women need to move away from the mindset that staying home means you can’t be creative.
Staying home is where creative ideas start.
Open a canteen or make creative products, learn how to weave, plant flowers, and earn money for the family.”
This message must not fall on deaf ears as times are hard and Fijians are grappling from the post-pandemic effects.
At the age of 60, Arieta is wowing people with her art of work, and with a bit of encouragement she registered her business at the Suvavou House.
Her 60th birthday became meaningful as she began selling her products from a space at the FNPF Downtown Boulevard in Suva.
She shared her business was good, and she was receiving positive feedback.
Her hard work and commitment have started paying dividends.
This story is a lesson to many that age is no barrier to success.
If one is determined and toils hard, success will come to the doorsteps.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Child sexual abuse
IN doing something sexual to a child, the abuser may use tricks, bribes, threats and sometimes physical force.
Child sexual abuse does not mean having sex with a child although sexual intercourse is often involved.
A child is sexually abused when the abuser involves the child in any form of sexual activity.
In all cases the perpetrator has more power than the child and misuses that power to take advantage of the child.
To all fathers and grandfathers out there, please protect your child or grandchild from any harm.
Child sexual abuse is a crime.
Children are precious gifts from God.
It’s time we started speaking out.
JIOJI M CAKACAKA, Votualevu, Nadi
Rights of the disabled
THE case involving the detainment of a disabled woman, during which she was left unattended, is deeply troubling and highlights issues of police insensitivity and negligence.
Law enforcement agencies bear a responsibility not only to enforce the law but also to protect and ensure the well-being of all individuals, including those with special needs.
The Human Rights and Anti- Discrimination Commission stepped in, resulting in the woman’s release.
The commission’s prompt action was commendable.
What is particularly distressing in this situation is the absence of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Where is the council and are its executives aware of this case?
Why haven’t they issued any statement condemning this incident?
Aren’t they supposed to be advocates for individuals with special needs?
The FNCDP should have taken a leading role in addressing matters concerning individuals with special needs.
SANJEET PRASAD, Labasa
World Teachers’ Day
OBSERVED on October 5 annually.
It is also known as International Teachers’ Day.
Its aim is to raise awareness on the role of teachers in providing quality education at all levels and to improve the situation of teachers in the world.
With learning being an essential part of life and a child’s development, teachers play a crucial role in society.
They are responsible for teaching the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and World Teachers’ Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the way that teachers have responded to unforeseeable circumstances over the past few years.
Most of us can still remember our school days, however, it tends to be our teachers who we remember and will occasionally talk about.
This day means so much to so many of us in different ways and, in acknowledgement of this, we have many more resources to choose from to highlight this special event.
“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” — John Steinbeck
NEELZ SINGH NELSON, New Zealand
For Fiji ever Fiji
THE stage is set for a grand ending of the France 2023 pool games and our Flying Fijians are almost there to move into the quarterfinals next week with a win over Portugal.
It will also be a perfect gift for Fiji as we celebrate our 53rd Independence on October 10, 2023.
The country will be a sea of blue and we thank the Almighty for blessing our country for the natural resources and the beautiful environment, the landscapes, the people, culture, religion and above all the mana magic bula Colgate smile.
I am blessed to be born a Fijian, noqu qele noqu vanua, this is our paradise, the way the world should see.
As we raise our flags on Monday morning and cheer our boys in France, our hearts and minds will be with their families who have sacrificed the most been away from them for a long time.
We pray for the endless sacrifice, for the pain, agony, joy and comfort, because together we are Fiji for Viti never say die, Joka dina boys, Toso Viti, Toso.
SHALWYN PRASAD, Nabua, Suva
NGO distributes 290,000 books
THE Australian NGO Fiji Book Drive which has distributed 290,000 books to 150 schools nationwide (FT 5/10) is an excellent example of the people to people development initiative.
Some of the children who are recipients of the books will develop a lifelong interest in books and reading and that reading interest will expand their intellectual horizon.
I am fortunate to have developed that reading interest.
Today I’m reading Noam Chomsky and C.J.
Polychroniou’s book Illegitimate Authority: Facing the Challenge of Our Time (2023).
This initiative serves the public good. It’s a good thing for the country.
I applaud the people behind this forward looking progressive project.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
People need to speak up
I AGREE with the Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) CEO Belinda Chan that it was time for people to take personal responsibility and action towards cancer in Fiji especially when more than 300 women in Fiji were dying from breast, cervical and ovarian cancer.
Chan stated that people need to speak up about their health and get informed about cancer.
I quote her words (FT 06/10), “Stopping cancer starts with you and you have the power to impact your future health outcomes. Talk to your nearest health centre if something isn’t normal for you. We all need to speak up about our health or our silence will kill us.”
I join Chan in thanking the Reddy Foundation and Ministry of Health for their support throughout the years in supporting FCS cancer awareness and patient care programs.
I commend the editor-in-chief Fred Wesley for providing an insight into Pinktober with his powerful editorial titled ‘Pinktober’s here’ (FT 06/10).
It is important to devise outreach programs to reflect on cancer and reduce risk of developing cancer. Indeed, prevention is better than cure and preventative measures, like eating healthy food and making healthy lifestyle choices, must be taken.
The Fiji Times deserves a pat for its contribution in raising awareness against cancer and for being a strong supporter of cancer awareness campaigns.
Good on you The Fiji Times!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
All Blacks secure quarter-final spot
ALL Blacks fans celebrated as the three-time RWC champions eased into the RWC quarter-final.
A Leicester Fainga’anuku hat-trick enabled the All Blacks, who went into their final pool A match knowing a bonus-point win would see them through to the last-eight, overcame a frustrating opening 20 minutes to run in 11 tries in another rampant showing, hammering Uruguay 73-0 despite a relatively sluggish start by their lofty standards.
When sensational Damian McKenzie broke the deadlock, it became a procession as tries from Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard helped secure the bonus point before the break.
Seven more tries followed in the secondhalf, three of them from Fainga’anuku, as the All Blacks strolled into the knockout stages, where Ireland is the most likely opponent in a blockbuster encounter.
Now that the mission of reaching another quarter-final has been achieved, the superpowers of rugby will focus on the prospect of facing the Irish in a repeat of the 2019 RWC quarter-final, where the All Blacks thrashed Ireland 46-14.
Things are getting heated up as the top eight teams prepare for the tough battles ahead!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Technology and rugby
RUGBY has gone so professional now that the TMO, with all the digital technology, split second slow-motion reviews, the duty referee is surprisingly “over-ruled” on occasions.
Multi-angled review after review, in my humble view, kind of “kills” any game.
The referee sees each moment in real time and one dimension.
He does not have the privileges accorded to the TMO.
When decisions go against you, it can be almost unpalatable.
Everything almost goes wrong. (E rawa ni gunu ca talega na wai ni vanua — na yaqona).
Anyway, rugby must go on, regardless of my little 5 cent input.
Come 7am (Fiji time) Monday, October 9, 2023 the “world for almost every Fijian in all corners of our Earth” will come to a standstill.
We are solidly behind you, in silent prayers, FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
Every success as you take on a gutsy and physical Portugese side.
Toso tiko Viti.
RONNIE CHANG, Martintar, Nadi
Civilian coup?
I COMMEND Ana Madigibuli for her most readable article entitled, “May 2000 coup” which is part 6 of her Fiji history series (FT 4/10).
She correctly points to the looting and burning of shops and homes and the disruption in children’s education beginning on May 19, 2000 and continuing even after May 24.
She mentions the burning of schools such as Nariya Bharti School in Ra.
Anxious parents stopped sending their children to schools.
Teachers too were mindful of their own safety, and many were unable to travel to schools because of transportation problems.
Tertiary institutions such as FSM and USP shut their doors.
I can add that even after USP opened, rumours of marauding mobs meant that both students and staff fled from its campuses.
It took several weeks before any sense of normalcy returned to the Laucala campus of the university.
Where I take issue with Ana Madigibuli is on the use of the term, “civilian coup” which is used by both the media and academia.
There is consensus that on May 19, George Speight and his group of armed men took advantage of the large protest in Suva organised by the Taukei Movement to invade the parliamentary complex in Veiuto and take Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudry and his government hostage.
They were held hostage for 56 days.
During the days and weeks that followed the take over of Parliament, the police and the military were unable to satisfactorily address the almost complete breakdown of law and order in many parts of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
In my review of late prime minister Laisenia Qarase’s book, Prisoner 302, I state the following: “Relying on the Evan’s Board of Inquiry, the author shows that initially many senior military officers thought that RFMF supported the CRW action. A Lieutenant is quoted as saying, ‘My belief was that the army was behind the takeover’ (p77). The absence of leadership and the confusion are attributed to Bainimarama who refused to give evidence to the Board of Inquiry. The mutiny that followed in November indicated CRW disaffection. Eight soldiers died including four suspected mutineers brutally beaten to death. Qarase suspected that the ‘…military itself had a key role in Speight’s take over’ (p116). In the actual military coup of May 19, 2000, president Ratu Mara was relieved of his position under duress.”
Without the CRW soldiers and their guns the terrorist takeover of Fiji Labour Party led government would not have been possible.
It is for this reason, the notion of a civilian coup distracts attention from the failure of the security forces to ensure in the first instance, the protection of the elected government and law and order, and the actual military coup that deposed the President of the Republic.
PROFESSOR VIJAY NAIDU, Suva
Support for the Flying Fijians
SUPPORT for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians is coming from all sectors of the rugby fraternity.
The boys received a lot of attention after the controversial loss against Wales.
The support intensified as the boys ended the 69-year-old drought against the Wallabies, recording a historic 22-15 win for the first time at the RWC 15s.
Against the Wallabies, majority of the spectators were singing Fiji’s tune, and this spurred up the boys to deliver something special.
From the likely quarterfinalists, the All Blacks, Springboks, France, Ireland, England, Argentina and Wales, Fiji would be the only Tier Two nation, so the boys will receive more support as they prepare to face England, having beaten The Roses 30-22 in a warm-up match prior to the RWC.
The Flying Fijians carry the hopes and aspirations of a rugby-crazy nation and the Pacific Islands, including Samoa and Tonga and our Australian vuvale.
I’m eager to watch the boys get their acts together, unleash their rugby prowess and beat Portugal to end the 16-year-old jinx.
Portugal should not be underestimated and must be given respect on the field.
A solid performance is needed from our forwards and backs when they battle Portugal on Monday morning.
All the best brothers!
The nation is with you!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Australian referendum
ON the issue of the referendum on the Voice to Parliament for First Nations people in Australia, I tell everyone I meet that Australia has said “No” to First Nations peoples since colonisation more than 200 years ago.
I tell them it is now time to say “Yes”. Everyone on the “No” side seems to fall silent as the realisation kicks in about having said “No” for more than 200 years.
I am sure many would rethink their stance as a result.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
Blank tickets
THIS week I travelled by bus a few times.
After I tapped my e-Transport card and collected my ticket, I noticed that it was blank.
Other passengers onboard also had similar blank tickets.
The machine was “printing” tickets but the printer was running low on ink.
To my surprise, neither the driver nor the usual passenger seemed to care anything about these blank tickets.
Second day, onboard another bus of the same company, I didn’t get any tickets at all.
The friendly neighbourhood driver just smiled at me and said “Ticket printing paper has finished.”
I was wondering what may have happened to the driver if the Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officers had stopped these buses to check tickets.
If the services do not improve then next week I will have to name this particular bus company in this column.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
World Teacher’s Day
I WOULD like to take this opportunity in thanking all my teachers who have taught me from my kindergarten/primary school days at Namaka Methodist Kindergarten School, Votualevu Public School, my church Sunday school teachers at Malawai Methodist Church and currently at Queen Victoria School.
These teachers give their time and sacrifice to teach us knowledge.
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe” Marilyn vas Savant.
We owe our teachers a great deal of what will we become in future, my fellow peers.
Happy World Teacher’s Day!!!
JADON E MASIVESI, QVS – Nukuvuto, Y13, REWA HOUSE
Captioning system
A SUM of $4.4 million has been allocated in the Parliament’s 2023/2024 budget for the purchase of equipment and upgrade of the broadcast system, which will include a multi-language captioning system.
This to me seems a tad too much, if all that is required is to enable the formal use of the vernacular languages in parliamentary proceedings.
I thought that just employing translators and or interpreters in the vernacular languages (as was the case prior to 2006), would be sufficient and cost-effective at this point in time, while we are doing all we can in the current economic climate.
It seems that the captioning system will require specially trained persons, which we may not currently have. Moreso, when the need to implement, is right now.
Maybe we should have just gone for the more viable and available option at this point in time and then develop into this system later on when the economic climate has improved.
Anyway it’s too late now, the allocation has already been approved, so we just have to go along with the new system.
EDWARD BLAKELOCK, Pacific Harbour
Sugar festival disappointment
I WAS all geared up to come down to Lautoka to enjoy the Sugar festival on its crowning night but now I will not. The reviews that I found in The Fiji Times and social media has already demotivated me.
This used to be one of the best carnivals in the entire Western Division.
I never missed to be a part of it until this year.
I agree with Nishant Kumar of Lautoka that “the least president of the Sugar Festival committee Pusp Raj could have done was to apologise to the fellow Lautokans.” (FT 06/10)
Like Nishant and many other Lautokans, I am also looking forward to the Farmers Carnival which will be hosted at the Churchill Park ground number two in a fortnight’s time.
See you there!
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Nurse migration
REFERRING to the front page article “No choice” FT 6/10. It’s just alarming that nurses continue to leave Fiji for greener pastures.
Losing experienced nurses is detrimental to a small country such as Fiji.
The loss presents several critical challenges for the healthcare system.
Firstly, it results in a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, affecting the overall quality of healthcare services.
Secondly, the departure of senior nurses creates a knowledge and expertise gap within the healthcare system, making it challenging for junior nurses to handle complex cases and emergencies effectively.
Additionally, this shortage of experienced nurses can lead to compromised patient care, with longer waiting times, reduced access to healthcare services and potential negative impacts on patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the increased workload on the remaining nurses because of understaffing can result in burnout, stress and decreased job satisfaction, potentially exacerbating the issue of nurse migration.
Our Government, in particular the Health Ministry, is failing to prevent nurse migration and retain experienced healthcare professionals in Fiji.
Several key strategies can be implemented to prevent or minimise nurse migration.
These include offering competitive compensation to provide nurses with fair wages, improving working conditions to create a supportive and respectful work environment and providing career development opportunities.
Collaborating with nursing associations to better understand and address nurses’ needs and concerns should be done regularly.
It’s essential for Fiji to prioritise retaining experienced nurses to maintain the quality of healthcare services and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
Addressing the root causes of nurse migration and creating a supportive healthcare environment can contribute to achieving this goal.
SANJEET PRASAD, Labasa
Departure of experienced nurses
YESTERDAY’S front page revealed a serious issue as experienced nurses continue to depart our shores for greener pastures.
The 15 senior and experienced nurses, who departed Fiji, shared that the pay they were receiving and total disregard to their issues prompted them to take that step.
Nurses and midwives are seeking job opportunities offshore as a developing country such as Fiji is not able to meet the standards and terms and conditions that our neighbours Australia and NZ and other overseas countries are offering.
On the other hand, I believe it is time that the Health Minister takes into account the concerns raised by the Fiji Nursing Association president Dr Alisi Vudiniabola, especially on the performance of Dr James Fong, whom she blamed for not taking their issues seriously.
I was touched by these lines (FT: 06/10) from Ilisapeci Vocea, who has 31 years of experience under her belt, “All of us would have opted to stay in Fiji if our issues and concerns had been addressed and if we were treated better here. We would rather stay and serve our people, plus our loved ones are here, our spouses, children and grandkids are here. None of us wanted to leave, but we have no choice – we are moving because of better pay and the ability to provide for our families as the cost of living is really making life very challenging.”
I am confident that good sense will prevail and Honourable PM and the Health Minister will intervene to address the issues.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
Giving to charities
I AM not sure about anyone else but when I see pictures of businesses or people giving donations to charities and big-noting themselves, I cringe.
What is even more cringe worthy is when someone self-promotes themselves about giving peanuts to charity. It shows the true character of the individuals.
Give, but please refrain from telling everyone how good you are.
If you are looking for people to applaud you by buying glory at the expense of the sick, the needy and the disabled, to me your character is questionable.
JAN NISSAR, Sydney, Australia
Climate change crisis
DISASTERS related to climate change is unfortunately supposed to be excepted as “new normal” – The Fiji Times news with pictures of Emergency Service Workers in flood in New York City (FT 2/10) looks like new approach to fighting climate change.
I believe the most effective approach should be direct approach and this is to act now before the world ends up sinking.
Changing your attitude towards this global climate change crisis should be everyone’s concern.
Let’s all take up the challenge to win the fight against the climate change.
The change of attitude towards climate change matters most.
“Change your attitude first”.
TAHIR ALI HAMILTON, New Zealand
