The word ‘chiuu’
The new slang after Suva tamed the Stallions — ‘Chiuu’, thanks to my buddy Alipate Tuberi. Toso Blues! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Adoption process
It is sad to learn of the trauma that Jagmeet Singh’s overseas adoption caused him (FT 7/9 ). As a welfare officer who dealt with inter-country adoptions in Fiji for over two decades, I know of many children who have benefited immensely with the life opportunities that have come their way through adoption. The advancement of the welfare and best interest of the adopted child is the principal consideration in formalising an adoption. Many applications for adoption are turned down for not meeting that critical criteria. There are no guarantees in life with a natural family. There are similarly no guarantees in life with adoptive families. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia (Former assistant director of Social Welfare)
Fiji’s economy
In regards to the article ‘Government services must reach everyone, says PM’ (September 14, 2020) as the premier of the nation, he is trying his best to provide benefits of government services to every citizen. Under the pandemic-led economic crisis, “recovery plans” are formulated with glimpses witnessed in the COVID-19 budget. How much they are benefiting the masses is yet another story. But investment in the agricultural sector and related projects seems appropriate that will help revive the old economic pillar of Fiji. With the new normal, retaining normality in the tourism sector seems a bit distant for the moment. Dr Sakul Kundra Lautoka
Constitution Day
I agree with a letter writer over what is special to be celebrated about the constitution to the extent of having a public holiday. It is just another holiday that can be utilised in whatever way a person wishes. How many people would actually be focused on reading or discussing the above subject? This can still be intact as a normal working day. Is there really a need to stop all productivity for this day? In fact by staying at work and in schools, at least discussions can be brought forward in one or another or some sort celebration can be done if any organisation wishes. A public holiday is a wish for many no doubt but the holidays have to be for an intended purpose which can be used for the particular event and not going to waste in terms of the economy and production. Kirti Patel Lautoka
Drowning issue
Regardless of whether individuals can swim or not, I’d say we have drowning deaths because of sheer carelessness and blatant ignorance of simple water safety rules. In Fiji, people are seen playing in flooded rivers and drains. People drink while on picnic trips. Children are unsupervised in water. It would be prudent for eyes to be on adults as well. It is our mindset which needs to be addressed followed by our swimming skills. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Drugs in sports
With a notable leap of drug use in the local sports fraternity, I believe relevant bodies should immediately adopt a “no drop policy” and impose a life ban on sports personalities caught indulging in this filthy and illicit practice. Similarly, places of employment should also implement a stringent “no drug” approach and random drug tests should be conducted on sceptical employees. Trust me, you will be surprised the amount of “ganja” addicts one may employ in their organisation. Wee’ them out and embrace a drug free culture. Nishant Singh (proudly drug free) Lautoka
Good work
The FBC deserves our appreciation for showing two very interesting sporting events live on their sports channel in the weekend. On Saturday they showed the Suva vs Nadroga rugby while on Sunday they live streamed the Rewa vs Nadi soccer. I find your gesture very humbling and praiseworthy at the same time. I am sure a lot of people watched the live action in the comfort of their homes or wherever they could have been. I did not miss the opportunity myself and watched both the matches with my family. I wish to thank FBC very sincerely and I look forward to seeing more
sporting events telecasted live in the future as well. Please carry on with your good work. Thank you. SURESH CHAND Nadi
Corporal punishment
IN my opinion no teacher needs to hit a student and no teacher should ever want to. I think a teacher should lead by kindness, compassion, wisdom and example and encourage logic and critical thinking and explore solutions by engaging in a mutual discussions with the class. The act of “hitting” is silly and deplorable; it is an easy and disgraceful way out. It is a way of avoiding the true duty a teacher has to their pupils which is to teach from the heart and the head and not from the fist or the hand or the rod. A teacher who hits is not a good teacher and has much to learn. Hitting is clearly not an intelligent way to address a problem or manage a class. It is my firm belief that
physical punishment and/ or assault are never to be used against a child, regardless of who is doing the punishing, be it a parent or a teacher. I think if a teacher has been found guilty of striking a student he/she should be subject to the same laws as anyone else who has violated the law. The idea is stop physical punishment and/or assault in our school system. After all, corporal punishment in our schools is not allowed under our constitution. Let’s say no to corporal
punishment. Period. SURESH CHAND Nadi
25 too many
It is not just a matter of saying one can swim, it is understanding and practising water safety that can prevent incidents of drowning. Water safety includes proper supervision as well as understanding the water environment; how shallow is the water; is there a rip or strong current; what is the water temperature; taking alcohol or medication before swimming, to name a few. Many spinal injuries occur when the victim had dived into shallow water. Then there is the first aid aspect. How many of us would know how to treat someone suspected of drowning? Fiji has just recorded its 25th death by drowning so far. This has got to be a wake-up call for greater awareness of water safety. Tragically, already the horse has bolted. Julie Sutherland Tamavua, Suva
International Day of Democracy
Democracy is a universal value based on the freely spoken and expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems in all aspects of their lives. Evolved over centuries, democracies share many common features but cannot be reduced to a single model. In short, democracy pertains the idea that everyone has the right to have their own beliefs, and to say and write what they think. This September 15 observed democracy as an opportunity to look for ways to invigorate democracy and seek answers to the systemic challenges it faces. This includes tackling economic and political inequalities, making democracies more inclusive by bringing the young and marginalised into the political system, and making democracies more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges such as migration and climate change. Also accountability and transparency plays a major role within all recognised parties or any form of parties that elect members or party heads. That can be their main strength when they form or win within the rights of democracy all the way. While also celebrating the positive values of democracy, the International Day of Democracy will also offer an opportunity for a review of democracy in the modern world. Wishing all the best on this day. Neelz Singh Lami
Wanted list
Why doesn’t the Fiji Police Force periodically publish it’s “Wanted List” in The Fiji Times? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Fuel price
I believe all the oil companies in our country hold at least 90 days supply of fuel and if one company runs out in any product, they borrow from the others under B&L (borrow and loan) agreement between them. I believe all the fuel stored in the big tanks in Vuda and other locations are duty-free and every month the customs department goes and takes the reading for all the fuel supplied and then they charge the duty and tax. Lately the world crude price has been going down and Saudi, the biggest crude oil producer, have cut their price too. It will be interesting to see how our retail price goes. We have noticed that if there is a reduction then it goes down a few cents but when there is an increase it goes in two digits. Nardeo Mishra Suva
All donors
For public interest and transparency, the SOE should publicise donors to all political parties since the clean-up began. Dan Urai Lautoka
RIP Lemeki
Salute and accolades for our rugby hero the late Lemeki Koroi. He was a man who played with a big heart whenever he donned the white jumper. He had a trademark run on the field which will long live in our memories. I am sure despite his retirement he still had so much to offer to sevens rugby in our country. One of the stars of our 1997 Melrose Cup winning team, you will be dearly missed. RIP Lemeki. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Naomi’s win
Naomi Osaka did not only win the US Open, she won the hearts and minds of people in America and around the world who fight for racial justice and an end to police brutality against people of colour. She is a true champion. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Two men
Would it be unreasonable for me to suggest that with one foot in the grave, both Mr Rabuka and Mr Chaudhry think they have unfinished business? Discuss. Jan Nissar Carlton, NSW, Australia
Power poles
During our apprenticeship days, Fiji Electricity Authority ran its own training centre. Apart from other development training we learnt how to erect power poles that can withstand hurricane force winds. No stones or cement were required. The use of private contractors may have deteriorated standards at a cost to the now Energy Fiji Ltd. Dan Urai Lautoka
