Still 55 – SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA TACIRUA
THANK you The Fiji Times for confirming that the FNPF retirement withdrawal age has not changed. (FT 6/9). It does not make sense to first make age 55 as a compulsory retirement age and then after some years, when Fijians get used to it, to move it back to 60? Hard working Fijians look forward to age 55 as their FNPF retirement fund becomes an opportunity to start their own retirement business or seek overseas opportunities. While on this topic, it is best for all current workers to also take care of their health, as many do not make it to age 55.
FNPF advertisements – DEWAN CHAND NAMADI HEIGHTS, SUVA
WHILE browsing through the newspapers, I came across a full page coloured advertisement from FNPF which read: “Looking after your retirement is our way of saying vinaka.” Smiling picture of a woman above the advertisement says it all! She is floating in hope that her future is guaranteed through FNPF pensions! Oops! I almost fell off my chair because nothing can be further from the truth. On the same page towards the left is written: “It is your hard work that makes our country great. That’s why at FNPF we’re working hard investing your money to maximise your returns for the best financial outcome to enjoy in retirement.” On the bottom right of the page is the FNPF logo under which is written: “Securing your future.” I believe the advertisement is clearly designed to hoodwink the FNPF members and the public at large. Proof? In 2012 Bainimarama’s FijiFirst government in cahoots with the FNPF board executed the biggest robbery of the FNPF pensioners and reduced them to destitution. Many died through sheer shock as their right to seek justice through the courts of law was blocked by passing Decrees 51 and 52 in the 2013 Constitution of Fiji.
This is grossly unjust and ultra vires! What is the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimation Commission doing? Absolutely nothing. Not even a whimper against this gross violation of human rights. A core group of pensioners is putting up a fight for justice in getting full restitution. Sitiveni Rabuka’s Coalition Government is in full agreement to give justice to the pensioners. The Finance Minister, Biman Prasad, is also very supportive of our cause. Therefore, we (FNPF pensioners) are very hopeful that soon some positive
outcome will bring smiles on our faces. We have full confidence in the democratic Rabuka government
to do the right thing!
Polluted channel – WISE MUAVONO BALAWA, LAUTOKA
A GLOBAL travel platform called Evendo describes Nubukalou Creek as an idyllic natural wonder and a picturesque waterway. But seeing the state of it yesterday, it does not portray a picture of the above description even to a minimal degree. Sobo!
Trump’s Lament – RAKESH CHAND SHARMA NADI
PRESIDENT Trump tweeted, “looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a prosperous future together”. Is Trump sulking like a jilted lover? Will Trump make a U-turn as his colleagues are advising him? President Trump has now realised that in international diplomacy no one has any sympathy or fellow — feelings for others.
Attitudes and performance – FLOYD ROBISON MICRONESIA
WITH all due respect, while a win is a win, did one observe the casual attitude associated with our Drua side, creeping into our Flying Fijians’ performance against Manu Samoa at the weekend? Given the experience and exposure of many of our players in Super Ruby, fans anticipate a more focused effort from our national team.
Not three stooges – RAJEND NAIDU SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
I AGREE with Dennis Fitzgerald to “Be prepared for some challenges to the world order” (ST 7/9). The challenges are not going to come exclusively from the authoritarian leaders who gathered in China. But also from the leader of the democratic world who has in his perverse wisdom changed the name of the US Department of Defense to Department of War. And the man is said to be vying for the Nobel Peace Prize! What a Kafkaques joke! A warmonger eyeing the iconic global peace prize! How absurd is that? But remember it’s a strange world we are living in master Jack. Look at our own mob in power!
Our Rugby Boys – GEOFFREY CHAND LAUTOKA
CONGRATULATIONS to our rugby boys for the awesome victories against Tonga and Samoa. Our rugby boys are putting Fiji’s name on the world stage. Under 16 soccer team has also qualified for the World Cup
again and the young boys did well by winning third playoffs to qualify even after losing in the semi-finals. The Bula Boys had a bad start with a 2-nil loss to host Thailand but again always they must have gone to learn valuable lessons. With the world cup of Fiji soccer in Ba next month, I am sure more efforts are being made by all districts to win the world cup of Fiji.
A hard-fought victory – RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM NADAWA, NASINU
ROTORUA’S International Stadium, which hosted the fierce battle between the Fiji Water Flying Fijians and Manu Samoa, showcased the vibrant Pacific rugby culture. It was a game of two halves — Manu Samoa dominated the first half and Fiji came back strongly in the second to take out the sting from the Samoan armoury. Kitione Salawa in action against Samoa at the Rotorua International Stadium in Rotorua, New Zealand. The battle displayed the Pacific spirit, physicality, rivalry, power, passion and pride, and both the Fijian and Samoan fans witnessed an action-packed, epic and intense battle with massive hits. Samoa’s cultural heritage was tested against Fiji’s enduring bond. I believe Fiji’s performance was far from what was expected, and the ride was not easy. Our slow start should be worrying as we prepare to face Canada or the USA in the semis. Japan’s Brave Blossoms look favourites to meet Fiji in the final, shall we progress through.
In Rotorua, the Flying Fijians were rattled, and they had to work the length of the field to break Samoan hearts and grab the winner. The boys were clinical and patient with their carries. For me, Elia Canakaivata stood out as Fiji’s best performer. In the end, as expected, the Pacific spirit stood out, and both teams won hearts! Fiji won the battle, but the Ikale Tahi celebrated as they qualified for the RWC!
