COVID and lockdown
It appears Jan Nissar’s (FT 4/9) lacks sufficient and appropriate knowledge regarding COVID cases and lockdowns.
Nissar states that New Zealand did not benefit from a hard lockdown after discovering one case, as new cases sprang up thereafter.
Absolutely right.
Ditto for NSW too.
However, there are some considerations which Nissar, an obvious apologist of the incumbent government, either overlooked or naively ignored.
You see, when NZ’s first case was discovered last month, the unbeknownst positive patient had by then already met others and passed on the virus. And so new cases were naturally expected, but the resulting hard lockdown unarguably prevented unchecked spread.
Again, ditto for NSW. But even worse, I believe Nissar fails to compare apples to apples. NZ, with a population close to 5m, and NSW with a population of about 8m, have relatively had much fewer cases than Fiji that has less than 900,000 population.
As per the WHO website, the COVID count update until September 10 shows that to date NZ has had 3491 confirmed cases in total and 27 deaths, while Fiji has had 48,393 confirmed cases and 528 deaths.
For the same date, google search shows NSW had 68,045 confirmed cases and 207 deaths to date.
As such, based on per million population, NZ has so far recorded 698 cases and about 5-6 deaths, and NSW has recorded 8506 cases and 26 deaths.
Adjusted on the same account, Fiji has recorded an eye-watering 60,491 cases per million and 587 deaths!
To further apprise Nissar, a few weeks ago Fiji was in fact the world leader in number of new infections per million population!
That feat was overcome, in large part, because of the Ministry of Health’s decision to stop swab testing and test only very sick ones.
I believe Nissar is obviously ill-informed on many fronts, including the underlying reasons to forgo a strict lockdown and the supposedly ‘good work’ of the government.
Bimal Prasad, Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi
Super debut
Six months down the road, the Fijian Drua will make its maiden journey into the 2022 Super Rugby competition.
The Drua played in the Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) and won it in 2018, but NRC is different from Super Rugby, as the Drua will meet NZ heavyweights the Crusaders, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Blues and Highlanders.
I expect a coach who knows our system and culture and for me former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt is the best man to coach the Drua.
Senirusi Seruvakula, who led the Drua to victory in the 2018 NRC, can be his assistant.
The Drua will be based in Australia, and it is unlikely that they will host their matches at home.
Some logistics have to be done, and I’d love to see the Drua compete, put up a show and prove their worth in Super Rugby.
We have six months to fine- tune things.
The task is challenging, but it’s going to be exciting.
I wish FRU and the Drua all the best!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
A day to remember
There are times in your life, when you remember exactly where you were, when major world incidents happen, one such incident was that 9/11 attack in US, 20 years ago.
I was walking along Vitogo Pde in Lautoka and met a friend who asked me if I had heard what had happened, once told, I walked into one of the major duty free shops on Vitogo Parade and watched it all unfold live, on their TVs.
Being in the aviation field then and seeing those planes used that way just made me freeze, as all sort of scenarios stemmed from my trainings, were running through my mind.
I later found out that our Air Pacific flight that was bound for Los Angeles, was made to turn around mid flight and return to Nadi.
There were also crew who were in Los Angeles then and seeing that the flight they were to come back on, had returned to Nadi, they had to stay, this turned out to be for further two weeks, since all airports in the US were closed while new security protocols were being developed.
Far from Fiji, yet very near.
A day I will always remember.
Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka
Coming home
IT is finally the day when Manchester United fans will witness the homecoming of their prodigal son, Cristiano Ronaldo.
They take the field against Newcastle at Old Trafford at 2am (early Sunday morning) Fiji time.
However, we count it as Saturday night because in Fiji we will be sitting around with grog basins and chaser ready to watch our superstar back in the red shirt.
My mentor “letter to the editor” writer, Rajnesh Lingam, knows how our group conversations have been for the past two weeks.
Tell the world he is home!
Raynav Chand, Nakasi
Fijian Constitution
“IT enshrined the right to vote and the right to freedom of speech” (FT8/9) says the President.
“The right to vote” reminds me of the Niko Nawaikula court case and the Attorney-General now saying he will change the law so women who used their married names to register in the last election won’t be able to vote if they don’t re-register under their birth certificate names.
“Right to freedom of speech” reminds me of Dr. Jone Hawea’s middle-of-the night arrest and release without any charge.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Tough decisions
WE in the North would like everyone repatriated to first undergo 14 days quarantine wherever they are stationed before actually coming over.
We are being harassed and disturbed whenever there is a case up here.
We request the authorities to please cease forth with this kind of repatriation COVID-19 trend to the North.
We wanted to be free up here and not bogged down by your existing repatriation exercises.
True that they are Northerners but keep us free up here.
Jioji O. Toronibau, Navetau, Tunuloa
Political leader
I believe if ever there was a “lame duck” leader of any political party, it is the current leader of SODELPA.
I believe he has no authority, no policies, no charisma and no idea.
His very own members are asking for his resignation publicly.
They claim the process is all very democratic, but is it all that effective?
I reckon they should make the TikTok lady their leader and they will win the next election, no questions asked.
Jan Nissar, NSW, Australia
Checks, balances
The recent scenario involving the sudden halting of a World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil left many soccer fans up in the air and very disappointed.
While this is history, perhaps it is a reminder for us to ensure that all proper checks and balances are followed once our domestic sporting competition resumes.
All in all, one looks forward to our soccer and rugby competitions but hope there are no COVID-19 related disappointments.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Price surge
ACCORDING to a report from the Market Development Facility, food prices in Fiji have been rising during the COVID-19 pandemic (FT 9/9).
The report further stated that the average cost of breakfast for a family of four had increased by 27.5 per cent based on a table including coffee, juice, pancakes or roti, breakfast crackers and cheese.
If measured in terms of dollar value it would mean that the purchasing power of our currency has deteriorated by the same margin.
The impact of this will make the food prices more unaffordable for low income earners as the cost of living keeps escalating and the wage rate remains stagnant.
Selwa Nandan, Lautoka
A correction
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.
I’ve heard few of our news reporters using the term “global pandemic”.
E cala tiko qori lewa!
Wise Muavono, Balawa, Lautoka
Local government
A new set of special administrators are expected to be appointed by the Ministry of Local Government in the coming days.
We hope the best are selected to move the councils forward.
Just a reminder that ratepayers would still prefer having the elected councils run the municipalities as this system is inclusive, transparent and accountable.
We still hope one day soon democracy will once again be back in the local government.
Suresh Chand, Nadi
Media freedom
Thank you The Fiji Times for the extensive coverage on this important issue, and congratulations to John Kamea on his nuanced piece in The Sunday Times.
It was good to read the commentaries from experts like Shailendra Singh and Stanley Simpson.
While I empathise with the sentiments expressed by them, I still find it curious that the media bodies and academics have not been able to make stronger stand about the situation in Fiji preventing them from reporting freely and fiercely.
Surely that itself would have been newsworthy and quickly picked up by their counterparts abroad!
If the trade unions can highlight their plight through ILO and other bodies, surely the Fiji media could do the same through news organisations and respected bodies like Amnesty International etc.
As the conscience of society, the media has a powerful role, in not only exposing the “political” issues, but through investigative reporting, highlight other development, environmental and social issues.
I am not pretending for a moment that one can always make direct comparisons, but the media in Australia can serve as a great example of the role they are entrusted to perform for the society.
In spite of the public funding, the national broadcaster ABC stands out in terms of its practices and reporting.
Right from the perceived uncomfortable questions they ask of politicians and public figures to reporting on national and international issues.
The regular news conferences by State premiers on the COVID situation, the allegations of misconduct by Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan to the role of Murdoch media in promoting Trump’s claims of rigged elections are just three examples of how the media interrogates the truth and reports after much research and verification of information.
USP provides training in journalism and actually has a student newspaper but I believe we have yet to see good examples of investigative and well-researched pieces even on issues like climate change, environment, gender, violence etc., which generally are not that easily tainted with political bias.
With the recent fiasco engulfing USP, there seems a dearth of balanced views on the myriad of issues facing the regional institution.
It would seem from the stances of VC Pal, he would encourage such discourses and diversity of views, not all of which may be favourable to the current team!
And everyone knows that USP, notwithstanding its recent ranking, is a dangerously divided institution and has serious repercussions of its learning, teaching and research environment going into the future.
This is being borne by the recent feedbacks questioning the Times Higher Education ranking processes and what these actually mean.
In Australia where most of the universities are ranked in that category, there’s hardly any crowing about this.
The USP programs have a much wider potential for the entire Pacific region and the important role it needs to play in highlighting issues in all member countries.
Judging by the ongoing and recent developments in countries such as Fiji, Samoa, Solomons, Vanuatu, Nauru etc., surely there is so much our Pacific media can and should do in providing what should be authentic, on the ground commentaries for the outside world.
Altauf Chand, Minto, NSW, Australia
7s rugby plan
I WAS delighted to read that national 7s head coach Gareth Baber is willing to continue coaching the national 7s team, although he knows the task ahead, and the fact that with the departure of his key players overseas and into the Fijian Drua side, he will be starting from scratch.
Baber has been there, and when he started as coach during the 2016-17 HSBC WRSS circuit, he only won the HK 7s tournament.
However, he worked hard and made it back-to-back five tournament wins, and then claimed the 2018-19 HSBC WRSS overall title.
The RWC 7s and Commonwealth Games gold medal evaded him, but he made amends and got the Olympics gold medal.
If FRU decides to re-sign him for the next three years, then a solid strategic plan must be put in place, and we need to strengthen our 7s player base.
The focus must be placed on winning back the Melrose Cup, which we last brought home in 2005, and the gold medal (which we have never won) from the Commonwealth Games.
FRU must seriously think about expanding the 7s series apart from the competitive Coral Coast, Nawaka and Marist 7s.
Fiji has an abundance of talents, and they will be unearthed during these local 7s tournaments.
On the other hand, we are set to lose Asaeli Tuivuaka to Italian club Zebre.
I would have loved Tuivuaka to play for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby next year, but then I read that it had been his dream to play for an overseas club.
Hence, I wish ‘The Tank’ all the best in his new career, and I thank him for those beautiful memories that he gifted us!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Apolitical stance
AS per the Cambridge dictionary, apolitical means not interested in or connected with politics, or not connected to any political party.
In real life, it would be difficult to have an apolitical stance.
I think the next best thing would be not to make it visible in the public domain.
Even that would be impossible, especially in a country of less than a million people, which has 10 registered political parties.
I don’t know whether that signifies the divisions or simply the fact that we have politically ambitious individuals in Fiji.
Around September last year, I believe a voter survey was conducted which included a question on why registered voters did not vote in the 2018 general election.
I am not aware if the results had been made public but prior data is available.
There were close to 180,000 registered voters who did not vote in 2018.
Unless evidence suggests otherwise, would that in any way mean that the mentioned large number displayed an apolitical stance?
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Drua on the move
IT’S encouraging to note that the Fijian Drua side has already started laying the platform for the Super Rugby competition next season.
I am sure there are many rugby players both locally and internationally, who are of the Fijian diaspora and are willing to join the side.
Since we have gone professional, it will also be a good opportunity for our players who are plying their trade in Europe to come back and give their support to rugby in the country.
I certainly believe that this is massive for Fijian rugby as this will generate renewed interest amongst young players to take up rugby as a career choice.
It is understood that there will be many challenges that lie ahead.
However, if great rugby minds, as shown recently, are willing to work closely together, then surely there is a great future for the Fijian Drua.
Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi
Far from over
Prayers and thoughts go out to those who have lost family members to COVID-19.
Unfortunately, this killer virus situation is far from over in Fiji and citizens must maintain their vigilance.
Sadly, we hear of news updates about a little baby’s death due to this virus.
All in all, we are still at war with COVID-19 and we should never let our guard down.
A safe and blessed weekend.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Constitution Day holiday
The colourful picture of Ana Dari, who spent the Constitution Day holiday, at Saweni in Lautoka with the Fijian flag in the background captured my attention (FT 08/09).
I then read about 26-year-old Lorraine Rigamoto who won $8k via the national vaccination lottery draw.
While I’m sure Lorraine is counting her lucky stars, I wish my team — Balgovind Rd Nadawa Humanitarian and Charity Group had been given that $8k to assist Fijians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I believe 160 Fijians would have benefited with our $50 food packs from Fresh Choice Supermarket that would have lasted them at least two weeks.
We would have lit up 160 homes with smiles and food, and received their genuine blessings.
Isa!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Realign focus
Can the Consumer Council of Fiji chief executive officer please re-align her focus on addressing more significant “bread and Rewa butter” issues affecting the Fijian consumers rather than remarking on USP’s latest academic ranking?
For example Seema ji, you can perhaps trigger an investigation on the sudden price rise of staple food items such as milk and oil.
The sharp increase is leaving gaping holes in common pockets.
Once your cost analysis and the motive behind this imprudent increase has been determined, then you can share your 2 cents worth and present your findings to the distressed public.
Meanwhile, you can thank and appreciate the efforts of local NGOs such as FRIEND Fiji who have been vigorously and continuously assisting the struggling populace during these challenging COVID times.
Acha, is anyone selling a dood wala gaay?
I wish to palo one.
Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Border countdown
The slow progression of the countdown
to enable those this side to travel around
although the adrenaline is pumping
but somehow people will still be hesitating
taking time and carefully contemplating
whether travelling into the opened border
will be really safe and in order
and whether they just wait and ponder
travelling this way and over yonder
it now seems quite clear that the time will soon be here
to make a decision without any fear of it infecting you
and all those you hold dear.
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
USP funding
The arbitrary action of the Fijian Government to withhold USP’s funding has the consequence of undermining the critical work USP is meant to be doing for all the people and member countries of the region (“Pal: Grants on hold impacts USP” FT 7/9).
That’s a shame!
It tarnishes our traditional high standing in the region.
I don’t believe any right thinking Fijian wants that.
The grant to USP should be restored post haste to salvage our reputation and to allow our premier regional university to get on with its core business for the betterment of the people of the region.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
Risk of infection
Recently I took my car for service.
Upon collecting it I checked the documentation to see what issues if any were identified.
The only thing noted was that my vehicle was out of registration; the LTA sticker on the front windscreen read March 2021.
I objected vehemently.
I knew it was only this year I had put it there.
It’s a job I hate doing as you only have one chance at placing it well else it gets stuck to your hand or to itself or anything else within a 5m radius.
Besides that, the garage had on record that I had done the vehicle test there in March 2021.
Where had I gone wrong?
The customer service consultant advised I go to LTA the following day by taxi or I will incur a steep fine if pulled over by LTA on the way.
He also told me I would have to pay for a certificate of permission to drive to the garage as the vehicle would require another vehicle test.
I was in the city before 8am the following day to avoid the queues at LTA for which it is renown.
My two dogs gave me what pet owners refer to as the “stink eye” for walking them so early.
I drove my car as I didn’t want to risk contracting COVID-19 in a public service vehicle.
I had a parking meter ticket as long as my arm so as not to be caught out parking illegally.
I didn’t know how long I’d be at LTA.
It was just as well I had done that.
It turned out I was there two hours.
As soon as I showed my documents to the receptionist she confirmed my vehicle was in fact registered.
I was assigned a special customer consultant.
I sat the entire time in front of her as she typed-up the details of the problem.
This wasn’t shared until I asked what the problem was and what she was typing.
I’m glad I took a War and Peace-sized novel with me.
Two hours is a long time to be waiting.
Another sticker had to be specially created with the correct year on it by the IT department at Valelevu.
We were both waiting for this to be emailed to her.
When I walked out onto the street and into the fresh air I realised that I had just spent two hours in a confined environment and could well have been exposed to COVID-19.
There was no admission if I hadn’t asked that LTA had made an error nor was an apology offered.
I’m glad I have had two doses of vaccination otherwise I would have been quite angry if I had contracted the virus.
I might have been quite sick, too.
Nonetheless, two hours of my life were wasted in LTA office that I will never recover.
Julie Sutherland, Tamavua
Road hazard
The drive-through COVID-19 site at the Albert Park complex has been in operation for more than a month and on estimation probably more than a thousand people pass through the tents for vaccination.
During the day the area and the traffic flow is very well managed through the directions provided by the frontline team and by the placement of the traffic cones.
The area is set up early every morning at about 8am and the directive traffic cone barriers are placed there before the members of the public are served.
At about 5pm the vaccination operation winds down and all the traffic cones are removed from the site, apart from the parked bus and two temporary tarpaulin tents that actually occupies 75 percentage of the width of the road.
During the hours of darkness the two marquees become a traffic hazard on a public road that has no warning device, reflective cones or information provided for the drivers of the danger ahead.
I believe erection of such barriers blocking off a public access is unlawful and the team needs to be mindful of the adverse situation that they have created and an accident is very likely for unsuspecting motorists resulting in severe injuries.
I believe there was no risk assessment carried out by the team and the marquees must be dismantled at the end of the day rather than opting for a short cut to make their work easier in the morning.
Satisdh Nakched, Suva
Tourism sector
AS the vaccine campaign rolls out for both jabs, the Government is looking for a positive side for borders to open at the very earliest.
Most of the affected areas are in the tourism sector as well as duty-free lines which are eagerly waiting for business to operate and have everyone back at work.
The most affected areas such as Sigatoka and Nadi have been going through lots of hardship and having high hopes that borders would open by this year.
Jaheed Buksh, Korolevu, Sigatoka
Sugar price
I WISH to sincerely thank the CEO of Consumer Council of Fiji for her response to my inquiry (FT 10/9).
I am pleased to note that the council has made a submission to the FCCC outlining the implications of the price increase on the consumers.
It may be advisable for the council to post such submissions on its website for the information of the public.
I believe it is important for the consumers to know the council’s stand on such issues.
After all, the council is a taxpayer funded institution accountable to the consumers.
Selwa Nandan, Lautoka
Teachers must get vaccinated
THE Ministry of Education’s decision to not allow unvaccinated teachers to go back to school is a commendable one.
When it’s time for them to go back, teachers should offer students the safest possible environment.
Continued mitigation measures like masking are necessary, with a highly effective, and safe vaccine.
So, every teacher should be immunised against COVID-19.
Some teachers argue that mandatory vaccination is a violation of freedom and bodily integrity.
However, anyone who has had a good civics teacher could tell you that even our most vital rights have limits.
Many students are too young to receive a vaccine.
For the government to protect our children’s right to a public education, teachers are required to, at times, subjugate their liberty to the more important interests of our society.
The most compelling case for a vaccine requirement for teachers is a moral one: What do teachers owe their students?
The work of a teacher is inextricable from caretaking.
They are responsible for other people’s children for most of their waking hours every day, and they do many things in service of that obligation.
Even everyday tasks as simple as taking attendance help them ensure that students are safe.
They are, among other reasons, why families trust teachers with their children.
Widespread vaccination will protect students, particularly those who are too young to be vaccinated, with little risk of serious harm to anyone involved.
How, in good conscience, can teachers refuse this responsibility?
As an ex-teacher, I can attest to the fact that dedicated teachers know the joy of a busy classroom, and know that
many will benefit from the structure and socialisation that come with learning in a shared space with their peers.
They have to implement commonsense safety measures and clear, consistent protocols for dealing with COVID-19 cases in schools to ensure that students’ and families’ fears are abated.
Many teachers still have more questions than answers about what lies ahead.
With so much uncertainty, teachers have no choice but to rely on one part of the pandemic that is certain – the vaccines provide protection against the virus; for them and their students.
COVID-19 vaccinations are the least they can do to continue the care work to which they have committed their lives.
Inoculation alone isn’t a guarantee that children and families will have the safe public education they deserve, but – without question – teachers owe it to them, and to one another, to get it.
Arvind Mani, Nadi
Ronaldo lights up Old Trafford!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in Manchester has lit up at the “Theatre of Dreams”.
Ronaldo’s presence has sparked a lot of interest and it has lifted Manchester United’s profile.
His iconic number seven jersey has rocked sales.
Tomorrow morning is going to be special for Manchester United fans, as Ronaldo will wear the Red Devils jumper against Newcastle United.
Since the glorious days of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have yet to win the EPL trophy, but it looks like the drought is going to end soon under Ole Gunner.
Top coaches such as David Moyes, Loius van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have failed, but Ole has set a new 28-away match unbeaten record and things look positive.
A lot of player investment has been done and prolific names have joined Manchester United.
Hence, fans have high expectations from the current crop of players.
I’m eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s clash against Newcastle.
All the best Manchester Utd!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Coaches and success
If two international coaches could guide us to successfully winning two gold medals on the rugby paddocks at the Olympics, could a local coach do the same?
All in all, there are many interpretations from local rugby fans but for now this appears to be a successful formula.
In the meantime, one does look forward to the time when borders on Viti Levu are opened and our domestic rugby competition commences.
Floyd Robinson, Toorak, Suva
Special administrators
Once again I join hands to thank all the outgoing special administrators.
They have served their terms and the new appointments are in progress.
Irrespective of all the criticisms and praises, we as the union representing workers have negotiated well and achieved what we exist for … the protection of workers’ rights.
We came to loggerheads and conquered.
At times the decision differed but we were able to come to consensus.
The administrative role the SAs play is well understood.
Many say it’s political while others regard it as independent.
Issues such as non-compliance of collective agreement, revision of terms and conditions, contractual employment, appointments, breach of fundamental rights will continue to be part of the agenda to discuss.
All in all, irrespective of the differences, the show must go on.
We shall continue to engage with our social partners in dialogue and consultation on issues of importance affecting our workers in municipality.
The “love-hate” relationship will continue and I wish all special administrators the very best.
If re-appointed, we shall meet again and continue where we left behind otherwise … thank you.
Rouhit Karan Singh, President, FLGOA, Lautoka
That picture
A picture from Hawaii was shared on Facebook.
It’s a banana tree planted in a pothole protesting the bad road conditions.
I wonder if our authorities will see the funny side of it if we did the same here?
Or will we be taken at night to be interrogated.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka
Education and pandemic
While it may be refreshing to see new faces at the Ministry of Education, we have yet to see or hear of any refreshing views on some of the current underlying urgent issues.
The observation on the state of the toilets in schools is a good start and hopefully the MOE will work with managements to improve these over the current time when students are away.
I may also add that the other visible health issues because of overgrown grasses and bushes, resulting in breeding of mosquitoes and flies, the quality of furniture and even canteens etc., needs to be promptly addressed.
I believe one of the key issues that needs addressing is the deprivation of our students of the opportunity to go to schools, enhance their learning, not just through face to face teaching, but other social and cultural experiences obtained through interactions.
The ministry keeps on harping about online teaching materials without any regard to the broader implications of these other development dimensions.
I do understand that schools were closed for good reason to prevent the spread of the virus.
But while the rest of the country and sectors like tourism, business etc are preaching and practising normalcy, by opening up, why are our young deprived of this?
The cohort that is directly affected are the children from preschool to the tertiary institutions, the age group from around five to 20.
If one considers that their education and opportunity has been affected by almost two years since the pandemic began, this constitutes approximately 10-40 per cent of their lives.
It is obviously a lot less for the elderly, but the impact on the very young in terms of missed opportunities is huge.
I am saddened to see lack of any real plans for opening up the schools and institutions, either from the Government, teachers’ associations, leadership of colleges and universities and even any suggestions from the growing list of
opposition parties, who will no doubt be clamoring for their votes come the general election.
Altauf Chand, Minto, NSW, Australia
Measuring success
HOW the Minister for Education, Premila Kumar can claim the “Ministry has successfully rolled out optional modes of education delivery” (FT 9/9/’21) when there are teachers still struggling to know how to use Zoom as an online option with their classes; many children are missing out as they either don’t have the devices, the data or both; and more than ever before, we see street children begging and clear evidence of child labour in every car park.
On what basis can the minister support such a claim and how is success rated in measurable terms?
One way is to analyse the figures of children who pass the year and graduate to the next level, but by then it may be too late for many who don’t make it. Children have to be incredibly motivated to learn by themselves when little or no support is available.
Some children are lucky to have their parents behind them, but so many are missing out on so much.
Unless exams are modified to allow for the deficit of knowledge acquired by the children this year, I really can’t see a great number of children moving to the next year level other than by the grace of God.
Julie Sutherland, Tamavua
Nation’s constitution
A NATION’S constitution
is a nation’s foundation
it’s the principles which govern a state
the mother of the laws which a nation legislates
from it principle and subsidiary legislations
emanate as legal guidance for the nation
it’s a living and breathing document
that can be periodically be changed
and also amended
let us always pause
to reflect and remember each year
this time in September
that our Constitution is the supreme law of our nation
and a legal framework for the conduct and good governance of all Fijians.
Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Why I hate rituals
THIS is just one of the many reasons I hate rituals.
Six minor girls in central India were stripped and paraded naked as part of a village ritual to summon rains.
The incident took place in a drought-parched village in Madhya Pradesh state.
Videos that went viral on social media reportedly showed young girls walking naked with a wooden shaft on their shoulders, which had a frog tied to it. Locals believe the ritual will appease the rain god and bring rainfall to the region.
India’s National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has sought a report from the administration of Damoh district, where the village is located.
“Action will be taken if we find the girls were forced to walk naked,” Damoh superintendent of police DR Teniwar told news agency Press Trust of India.
The video shows the girls, some of them reported to be as young as five, walking together in a procession, followed by a group of women singing hymns.
The procession stopped at every house in the village and the children collected food grains, which were later donated to the community kitchen of a local temple.
“We believe that this will bring rains,” PTI quoted a woman in the procession as saying.
Damoh district collector S Krishna Chaitanya said the girls’ parents had consented to the ritual and had even participated in it.
“In such cases, the administration can only make the villagers aware about the futility of such superstition and make them understand that such practices don’t yield desired results,” he added.
Indian agriculture largely depends on monsoon rains and in many regions, there are rituals devoted to rain gods depending upon local customs and traditions.
Some communities hold yagnas (Hindu fire rituals), others marry frogs or donkeys or take out processions singing songs in praise of the rain gods.
Cynics say the rituals merely distract ordinary people from hardship, but cultural experts say the practices are a measure of desperation in those who believe there is nowhere else to turn for help.
The only thing I like about this ritual is that they marry donkeys.
I hope they stay with them.
Arvind Mani, Nadi
