Drug bust
POVERTY and the lure of easy money is a dangerous combination.
This is why we see many drug-related cases in this country.
The sad thing is that it’s the big fish who are the masterminds and often escape and it is the poor who get netted.
Any government which comes in power should ensure that they have a comprehensive social welfare policy and strategy in place to address the root causes since the stage of catching peddlers is akin to holding the wrong end of the stick.
AJAI KUMAR, Nadi
Pension issues
IT is pleasing to note that the Coalition Government has sympathetically considered the plight of more than 1500 pensioners.
They were affected by the imposed reduction of their monthly pensions since 2011.
A total sum of $1million was facilitated in the December payout according to Minister for Women, Children & Social Protection honourable Lynda Tabuya (FT, January 17, 2024).
This has been well-received by the affected members and their families.
However, there are other issues that have to be addressed such as the members have signed an agreement as a life time payment, and that money is the sole income for many as planned since early days.
It took many years for them to derive such benefits as income, while on the other hand, it took less than a month in 2011 to inform the members about the reduction, because of reasons best known to the FNPF board at that time.
The members had to adjust to this loss for 12 long years only to receive pittance by the Government.
The hard fact is, there is a draconian law, which has not been rescinded.
The Coalition Government has removed many laws that were against Human Rights etc.
Hence, I believe the law made by the FijiFirst government in 2011 must be revoked in order to see justice is not denied to those who may contest the case to seek redress in court as the board unilaterally denied the rights of pensioners by such reduction without any formal consultations.
If this is done than, there may be cases filed in court to pay-back the deducted amounts since the affected date circa, 2011 to August, 2023.
This will be only fair and just.
Then there may be issues of interest as well.
Other options may be to allow the board of FNPF to make a settlement on gradual basis to the members as it has considerable income to be above the issues of high liquidity.
The board has recently approved more than $700k to the senior executives late last year.
Everyone feels that the management is in the safe hands, while on the same pitch, it must ensure no former contributors are affected.
It had been largely the members’ support towards FNPF from many years that FNPF now has assets in billions!
Legally, I believe no government allows personal debt to be owed by any person at any time, in this case if the affected members are not paid arears as pensions, then there is civil debt.
The Government of the day must see this from legal aspects as well.
Finally, no member knows how much was taken out from the 1500 members in 2011, and or, where the money was utilised.
It was no fault of pensioners but their sacrifices had to make them suffer for a long period of time.
Once again, thanks to the Government and hope it will do more justice as per the points and issues raised herein.
KESHWA NAND KRISHNA, Nakasi, Nausori
Road carnage
I JOIN Diwan Chand (FT 11/1 – LTE) and other letter writers alerting us with messages for everyone’s safety on the road.
The Fiji Times’ editorial continuously reminds us to avoid road accidents at all costs.
It’s sad to note that many road users take it lightly, causing road carnage.
Road safety first.
TAHIR ALI, Hamilton, New Zealand
Flood-prone leases
SAMU Railoa’s letter in support of the Baulevu farmer to be given a lease that is not in flood-prone area makes a lot of sense.
One wonders why this does not make sense to the authorities giving leases in such vulnerable areas.
Isn’t this encouraging maladaptation?
We have villagers crying out for relocation because of the impacts of climate change which is manifested in so many ways, through coastal inundation, extreme events such as floods which are going to get even more severe.
The country is working on relocation guidelines to avoid these expensive exercises.
Surely a cheaper option is to avoid getting into such a situation in the first place.
ALTAUF CHAND, Minto, NSW, Australia
Much-needed rain
THE Western Division is currently receiving the much-needed rain.
A huge relief to everyone, especially the farmers.
While the cracks in the Earth are healing from the rain, cracks in the roads are opening up.
Motorists should be more careful now as the potholes are appearing everywhere.
DINESH KUMAR, Ba
Mind your own business
WHAT people do in the privacy of their own homes is their business.
But unfortunately, there are those that have fractured souls and derive immense pleasure from using private photographs of public individuals to denigrate and destroy their reputation on questionable social media sites.
The recent allegations against a minister is just the tip of the iceberg of how unscrupulous low lifes can Photoshop images to cast doubt on the credibility of a person worthy enough of serving in the high office she holds and to serve the country.
I don’t necessarily have to agree with her politics.
But from where I’m standing, she’s doing an excellent job and deserves better than what these deranged degenerates are serving up on the net.
And if there’s political mischief making using dark sites as a propaganda weapon to discredit her, then those individuals need to be brought to justice for their despicable deeds and behaviour.
You’re an absolute disgrace to the human race and to your family for targeting anyone the way you have.
And I hope the law catches up with you and your cohorts.
I would add that you are definitely a bunch of miserable misogynists who care little for the dignity of good decent people trying their level best to turn the country around from the mess it was left in.
And to the minister, I’ve never met you or know you, but you’re doing a darn sight better job than your predecessors.
Keep up the great work.
And don’t let the negative narrative destabilise your efforts or your focus for the wonderful work you’re doing.
COLIN DEOKI, Australia
Incredible India
WHENEVER I am in India, some very big events seem to follow me.
On my first visit in 1991, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated the day after I arrived.
And no, it was not me who did the job as some suggest whenever I tell them this story.
However, on that day I had the Taj Mahal all to myself as it was closed because of the tensions at the time.
I talked the caretakers into opening the Taj for me only.
It was the most special moment of my entire life.
Normally there are thousands of visitors on any given day.
In 2019, when we were in Kashmir, the terrorist attack in Pulwama happened.
We were only 30km from that event.
And no, it was not me this time either.
I am currently in Agra and on my way to Lucknow which is only 65km from Ayodhya where the big new Krishna Temple will be inaugurated on January 22, 2024.
I have thought about going there for the event but have been advised to stay away by sage advisors.
I would have gone if I was alone, but I have my family with me.
I will instead participate in the India Day celebrations at Red Fort in Delhi on January 26, 2024.
But one thing is for certain, after six visits, and having travelled the length and breath of the country, I still cannot get enough of incredible India.
Jan Nissar, Taj Mahal, India
Act of bravery
I SALUTE and commend the actions of 12-year-old Samisoni Tagilala whose brave actions prevented the loss of more lives in the Tuvuca waters drowning incident earlier this month.
Samisoni, who was among the 16 people who left Tuvuca Island for a picnic at Tavanuku Island — a popular picnic spot for nearby islands in the Lau Group — recalled that when the boat capsized, one of his cousins who had trouble swimming clung onto his back while he swam with his younger brother for shore.
He shared that he told his cousin to hang onto his neck while he quickly swam to the shore, and he looked back and saw his younger brother swimming too.
When he reached the shore, there were big pieces of styrofoam on the beach, so he quickly grabbed them and swam back to the site of the incident to help.
Sami is a brave boy, his actions and act of bravery must be rewarded.
Good on you Samisoni Tagilala!
Rajnesh Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
