Police confidence
The declaration by the acting Commissioner of Police (FT 28/8) that the Force has no place for “corrupt” officers brings reassurance to the nation. Fiji needs to have confidence in the Police Force for a safer community since there have been numerous negative reports about its officers lately. The “reset” button is necessary to maintain the integrity of the Force due to the rise in social ills. The dismissal of “corrupt” officers should be paramount because it will deter them from tarnishing their image as a public servant and drug testing procedures should be made necessary. They should also undertake counselling and rehabilitative programs. I salute all the hard-working police officers and their service to the community. Vinaka Juki Fong Chew. Mesake Sivoinavatu Saru Back Rd, Lautoka
Minority group
Sashi Kiran’s reference to Indo-Fijians being a minority group, I believe, is grossly insensitive, disgraceful and ignorant (fijivillage.com). Such a revolting and misguided announcement is unflattering for a Member of Parliament who seems to value and champion human rights as part of her ministerial portfolio. Yes, Ms Kiran, we will always be branded as second-class citizens, minorities etc, yet the resilient Indo-Fijian community’s achievement in shaping Fiji’s economic prowess remains unparalleled. Despite being the key victims of two major political upheavals and with no natural resources at their disposal, I think the “minority group” has fared extremely well considering the circumstances. We have accomplished much more than just churning out various types of “chutney”. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Lifeline for Govind Park
Wow! It’s good to see that the Govind Park construction has recommenced and the minister responsible making his visit last week, assuring the nation and the people of Fiji of the completion of this much awaited sports complex. Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the park so hard that even after eight years it has not gotten back on its feet. Hopefully now it can. It would also be interesting to find out which way the minister returned to Suva after the visit to Govind Park because if he returned via Queens Highway, I hope he had a chance to peep into the pool project in Lautoka.
The project game between Lautoka and Ba is on, let us see who the winner is. Rohitesh Chand Lomawai, Nadroga
Fiji passport
The PM’s recent announcement regarding streamlining passport services at diplomatic offices overseas is indeed a commendable initiative (FT 8/28). This effort exemplifies the Government’s commitment to serving the Fijian diaspora and enhances the efficiency of document processing, which is crucial for expatriates. If anyone cares, I propose further enhancements to the system of identity verification for Fijians, specifically those with dual citizenship. A considerable number of dual citizens use their foreign passports for international travel due to the convenience of visa-free access provided by these documents, which they cannot enjoy with a Fijian passport. As a result, many dual citizens retain their Fijian passports not as a travel document but solely as proof of citizenship. To address this, I suggest the introduction of a Citizenship Card for Fijians who hold dual nationality. This card could incorporate several biometric features—similar to those found in US Green Cards, like digital photographs, fingerprints, and signatures — to ensure security and prevent fraud. This idea warrants consideration given the redundancy of a passport that is used merely as an identifier rather than for its intended travel functionality. Praneet Singh Sacramento, California, USA
Point of argument
My point of argument in this instance is who gives these people the right to commit such despicable acts, for example, to willfully terminate one’s life, a murderer, a rapist, a terrorist and smuggler of hard drugs? These are all very serious unforgivable crimes that I believe even God will not pardon no matter how repentant and remorseful one may be. These are the kind of people who have no place in society and our modern Fiji, but maybe bringing back the death penalty will certainly deter these cruel elements who may be already contemplating the unexpected. For those of us who have lost loved ones through such cruel acts, we must be strong in our resolve to ask our Government to reinstate the ‘death penalty’ because that would be justice served. How many more Fijian families will have to go through such horrific experiences before someone does something about it! NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA
Change starts from home!
The Fijian Teachers Association has a rich and proud history. Fighting for the welfare, rights and dignity of teachers and its members, FTA celebrates 90 years of existence. I salute FTA president Netani Druavesi, GS Paula Manumanunitoga, the current executives and the founders for bringing Fiji Teachers Union’s sister union this far. FTU and FTA share common concerns and both general secretaries have been vocal in the media regarding teachers’ grievances. As members of FTA converge in the Capital City, I wish them all the best. Being a unionist is never easy — the job brings expectations and workload, but the executives of FTA have sacrificed so much to serve their members. As I read the article titled ‘Call for spiritually enriched counsellors to aid teachers’ (FT: 27/08), I feel for Mrs Nasoni Lutunaliwa who had become affected because of the hostile environment. This was shared by her husband Pastor Nasoni Lutunaliwa during the FTA’s 90 annual delegates conference. He added that at times his wife cried for her students. I appreciate his comments via this line, “It’s the word of God, but we need to start from our various homes, that’s our first classroom situation that is home, and that is what we are trying to have now”. Good one! With the increase in HIV AIDS cases, teenage pregnancies, student behaviour, truancy, drugs cases involving the young and students, the change must start from home. It is not too late to start to save the young! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Stupid or what?
Just give me a moment to think about that one Vijay Madhavan (28/8). Stupid is as stupid does. I’m a little confused. All those dollar down ales we consumed in our youth must’ve eaten up most of the cells of any little intelligence I once had. Oh, definitely stupid! But then, what the heck do I know? The “mircha” must’ve put paid to the rest! Can stupidly intelligent or intelligently stupid be a consideration? Sobo sobo. Definitely going bananas in my old age unlike a good ole red! Now I’m well and truly confused! What’s your name again bro? Colin Deoki Australia
Family values
Lynda Tabuya, as Minister for Women should work to strengthen family values and society at large. Our present younger generation find adapting to Western ways and preserving traditions and cultures as too complex. I now realise why Swami ji’s were conducting cultural studies for us at Swami Vivekananda High school (now college) during mid 1970s. As soon as we saw Swami ji arriving at school, we in amusement would say: “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached”. – College motto. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Understanding China
Fijians are truly blessed that our PM is the only leader in the Pacific who understands China. I would not be surprised if he is the only leader in the world who understands China. China is probably going to bring the iTaukei out of poverty so it is important that we all must understand China. Not sure if we are selling kava to China but it would be a big market in my opinion. Jan Nissar
Sydney, Australia
Reconciliation issue
Would it mean that the apology from FBC is part of the current truth and reconciliation process? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Constitution review
To review the 2013 Constitution, first it needs to be passed in Parliament by 75 per cent majority and then a referendum by 75 per cent of the registered voters.
The three legged government needs to awaken from their hibernation because I believe that majority of the registered voters don’t even want them remaining in power so they can go to hell with their referendum. Changing the 2013 Constitution is and will always be a thought. Isa! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Exploding social issues
The Rev Iliesa Koroi expressed his anger at the Methodist Church conference held in Suva on the failure of the church to tackle the exploding social issues. He basically alluded this to the failure of the pastors to perform their duties effectively. This anger is understandable in the face of exploding drug trafficking,teenage pregnancies, sexual offences, exploding HIV Aids cases, pornography, et cetera. The church also seems to be undecided on the LGBTQ issues and same sex marriages. It is mind boggling! The conference has made fervent appeals to civil society leaders, faith-based groups, political parties and media organisations for help in tackling these social issues. Further, the conference also expressed its support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is being backed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. This may be in the best interest of the country. Mr Koroi also lambasted Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection for mooting the idea of introducing the death penalty on large scale drug traffickers. However, in my view Lynda was spot on in her views in the face of these huge problems exploding right in our faces. We cannot tackle these social problems by pussyfooting. We need effective deterrence. India is the world’s largest democracy and it has just re-introduced death penalty for rapists and murderers. A number of States in the United States of America (most powerful democracy) have death penalties. Therefore, Lynda Tabuya was not alone in her thoughts on the death penalty. We are living in the age of social media, a very powerful tool of communication, with a far reaching and diverse audience. Therefore, the outdated faith-based groups and NGOs cannot compete in tackling these national issues.
Some other methodology will have to evolve if we want to succeed. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Social ills
It is heartening and encouraging to hear leaders of “men of cloth” finally acknowledging, there are serious social ills. Our youths, women and men are “lost sheep”. Our prisons are full. This is the clearest indication many have lost their way. Sadly, they are predominantly iTaukei. I say this truthfully with immense respect. The truth hurts immensely. Many parents cannot discipline their children.
On our way to Suva very early morning, leaving Nadi 4.30am, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, for an aunt’s funeral service in Nasevou St, Lami at 9am, we came across five very young iTaukei teenagers near the road to Lawaqa Park. They did not appear to be behaving as “normal” youngsters. I pondered their loss of direction and misbehaviour just before sunrise… just loitering? Additionally, human rights hierarchy prefer “watered down” deterrents. (Spare the rod; spoil the child. Procrastination is the thief of time. This young offending generation cannot be easily corrected. Bleak future stares at many). Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Death penalty call
Church condemns Lynda’s death penalty call (FT28/8). Very good for the influential Methodist Church of Fiji to add its voice of condemnation to the minister’s perverse call which has been condemned by FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube. Even PM Rabuka said the call was inappropriate as it did not have the endorsement of Cabinet as is the convention. But it is my prediction that all calls for the minister to be fired will backfire. The backfiring has happened before and will happen again. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
