Rest in peace Hank Arts
My heart was filled with sorrow and pain, as I read about the untimely departure of the former publisher and general manager of The Fiji Times Ltd Hank Arts. I read an article titled ‘Fiji Times Ltd boss announces retirement’ by Aqela Susu on July 21, 2018, where Arts announced that he would retire at the end of the month, after being with the team for seven years. I quote these lines, “The Fiji Times continues to flourish, and its editorial independence remains unquestionable. We have the best team of journalists in Fiji, and it shows in the strength of our papers. We operate under the ordinary pressures of the news business but many other pressures as well, as everyone in Fiji knows. All our terrific staff take this in their stride and every day they give us their best work.” He further stated that he was proud of the way that The Fiji Times had modernised its operations during his term as general manager, as the business was on a solid footing with the installation of a modern press, information technology systems and graphics, and that the latest development of The Fiji Times digital platform ensured it remained a modern voice in the news business. I felt for Arts during his time as publisher. His job was never an easy job, but he performed his role as publisher with great courage, especially during the long criminal trial he faced. He was kind-hearted, and a fun-loving man who enjoyed life to the brim, becoming a valuable member of team The Fiji Times. He has departed, leaving behind fond memories. I hope those who caused him trauma and pain will have the audacity to seek forgiveness now that he is gone. Rest in peace Hank Arts! Thank you for your service! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Rest in peace
It’s sad former publisher and general manager of The Fiji Times Hank Arts passed away on Sunday in Australia. Repeka Nasiko in her short but informative article described Hank’s excellent services with this newspaper, with his resilience and leadership during its most challenging years. Being a valued member of The Fiji Times, Hank will be remembered for his love for many years. May his soul rest in peace. DAVID SUSHIL LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Walking the talk
“Walking the talk” is at best, sometimes a case of a verbal diarrhoea. It was clearly and adequately proven. Double Olympian 7s gold medalist and still seasoned campaigner, Jerry Tuwai did not receive his well-earned “bonus” promised. What a shame! Perhaps, the Coalition Government will get to do the honours very soon. This 7s gentleman did not complain. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Senior citizens
What’s in store in the new Budget for our pensioners and senior citizens? Increase their social welfare allowances and benefits so as to help each one of them. They have played their part they have done their duty. Now it’s our turn to support them in their daily living! Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Agni’s report
On June 8 you published a letter from Sanya Catherine Gain pointing out that it is almost a year since Minister Agni Deo Singh received a report into the tragic death of a young woman who was on a Ferris wheel at Fiji Showcase ’23. Despite having this report before him, the minister has not published its findings. Neither, apparently, has he responded to Sanya’s letter. I want to know why?
Your front page headline on May 30 quotes the Prime Minister saying “Have your say”. Now, that is all well and good but what is the point of saying if the only result is a deafening silence? As explained by Sanya, this accident raises issues of public importance. They call for an urgent clear response. So wake up Minister Agni Deo Singh and let us have your reply. Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka
Old Capital
The Old Capital sure made me feel like I was in the middle of what Fiji used to be! And the people? Oh the people! Such wonderful hearts. So hospitable and accommodating. The feel-safe, quaint little one-way-street town aging well in all its glory, and dolled up with brightly coloured seats and tables and hand painted rock walled gardens. People sitting along the fitting seaside concrete walk in the cool of the afternoon, chillaxing, yarning, giggling and laughing. Shops having groceries that cater well to one’s needs, bottle shops doing the same, transportation coming in the form of everything except buses, very well serviced by ferries, a wide range of accommodation, activities, an open market and a hint of modernisation! The Old Capital sure feels like home away from home! Share the spirit Levuka! Looking forward to the return! Noleen Billings Savusavu
No travel
Former attorney-general Sayed-Khaiyum’s travel for treatment has been denied by the magistrate, deciding that Sayed-Khaiyum’s surgery is not essential and not necessary. Well as a citizen of Fiji may I ask where is democracy? The cow will not jump over the moon. Oh there’s lots of water for grog. NAVNEET RAM (TD) LAUTOKA
Road safety
Traffic accidents on our roads are becoming a concern. One of the major contributors, in my view, is the increasing volume of traffic along our Queens Highway and the adjoining urban centres. The road safety methods and measures we utilise, solely depend on motorists and pedestrians alike. Upgrading of existing motorways are attached with their own nemesis and the acquiring, renewing of driving licences and “policing of roads”, need to be seriously enforced accordingly. Accidents can be alleviated by addressing the root causes and respective government agencies need to practically explore deeper than the current statistics. Remember, safety does not hurt, but accidents do. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Consent letter
A piece of paper that has always been taken slightly by parents and guardians. We had come across some incidents and events which caused harm and even robbed us of our children’s precious lives. Agree or disagree if you see a need of not letting your child participate. Your decision as a parent matters. Ratu Jone Rorocolo Nasinu Rd
That smell
Can the Water Authority of Fiji or the relevant stakeholder plant a lot of trees on their property near the road to minimise the smell of sewage in the related Kinoya area? It won’t cost a lot. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
The priority
As the political landscape changes, what about the workers’ salaries and wages? The basic needs should not be an afterthought, it has to be a priority in the new budget. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Drug test
Will the Fiji Football Association inform the public what banned drugs some players tested postive for at the Fiji FACT in Labasa? Was it green or white as I am told of the new nick name used for some drugs. Geoffrey Chand Lautoka
Truth and reconciliation
Reading the statement of Josefa Nata which he gave during his interview with The Fiji Times gives a very fundamental basis on which the whole Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be based on. I am sure just like him, the others are also having the same thoughts that what they did was sheer foolishness. His point that the purpose of the exercise should be ‘to solve the issues confronting the nation, but not for punishment’ should be the fundamental objective of the commission. No one involved in the act should be worried about punishment. Those who participated in the coup should be able to come out freely and express why they did it and do they still think it was justifiable. The amount of economic and social problems our country has been through due to the coups is monumental. Have they achieved their objectives? Were they just used as pawns while the real culprits got handsomely rewarded? These are very important questions which need to be discussed in the open space so that the younger generation can learn from these errors and never become pawns again for the greed of some elites. No matter what the motives were and will be, the fact remains that everyone regardless of ethnicity, gender, or social class does get affected heavily by such treacherous acts. This has to be understood once and for all. Every unhappy citizen should only throw out a government through the ballot box every four years regardless of who they are. Those who are defeated should wait for the next election.
You do not destroy your own nation to get what you want. The greediness of a few can never be equated with the nation’s good. Rajendra Prasad Niudamu Rd, Nakasi
Nata on coup
Former journalist Joe Nata who did long jail time for his part in the Speight “civilian” coup of 2000 says time in jail made him realise his “wrongdoing” (FT 19/6). That’s a rather euphemistic way of putting it. I believe what the perpetrators of that coup did was to unleash violent, brutal thuggery on the people of Fiji (ask the farming community folks in Muaniweni) and on the democratically elected representatives of the people (ask the surviving MPs who were held hostage at the Parliamentary complex in Veiuto). What they did was not “wrongdoing”. I believe it was criminal. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Release Speight
If former journalist Josefa Nata is truly remorseful for his involvement with the 2000 Coup, then he should open up and reveal everything. He doesn’t have to wait for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be established for that is not going to happen anytime soon. But I support his call for George Speight and Shane Stevens to be freed as they have served their time. May be they are also willing to tell the truth. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
