Letters to the Editor – Thursday, March 30, 2023

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Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players pose for a photo with tourists at Seventh Heaven Fiji in the Mamanucas. Picture: NAVNESH REDDY

A physical battle

As predicted on the front page (FT 29/03), the battle between the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and the Melbourne Rebels is going to be tough and physical. I’m expecting a jam-packed HFC Bank Stadium and the sea of blue to inspire the Drua to record another scintillating performance and victory at home. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu

Wholesale changes

Between the first bula and the final moce, I think the duration spent by the former Baby Bula Boys coach with the team can be correctly described as “Baby”. I think the team needs to get rid of its current “infant” nickname. Or whatever it is. In the West, whenever the Baby Blues (young Lautoka soccer team) loses, rowdy fans start shouting for a diaper change. I think soccer in Fiji is dying. To be exact, dying for wholesale changes. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Reality of the matter

The former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is no longer a member of Parliament and still harps about the FFP as the biggest in Parliament. The reality of the matter is that they created the biggest debt in Fiji’s history and were booted out in the 2022 General Election. Critics of the Government including former prime minister MP Chaudhry are hell bent on criticising our Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad who is following a consultative and dialogue process to bring as many people as possible together to specifically look at various sectors of our economy and society. It is just over three months that our Coalition Government have been in power, already we can see the support from our donor agencies and development partners, slowly, steadily and surely all positives ahead, with the latest announcement by our PM that Fiji is expecting $US1.695 billion in green climate funds after the positive outcome, of the “Our Ocean Conference that took place in Panama. In the meantime, thank you Jan Nissar Mohammed for your continuous sarcasm in the LTE column. I refer to your letter questioning the point of changing the media laws when all the reporters in Fiji have their tails between their legs (FT 25/3). Very soon my previous dream for free about being drop kicked from South Seas Club in Lautoka will become a reality and definitely you will have your own groggy tail between your legs. You are only good at firing cheap shots from the club and retreat back to Sydney. Take a hike to the Blue Mountains in NSW as winter is fast approaching to cool you down from absorbing so much of the Lautoka heat. Raymond Singh Golf Links, Lautoka

Engaging parents – Letter of the week ending 20/2 – 26/2 

HAVING researched kindergartens over recent years, I have seen parents and guardians waiting outside the premises, usually under a mango tree, for their children. They wait because they cannot afford double bus fares. So what we have is a group of caring, devoted people who know the value and importance of early childhood education to the lives of the children. They want the best for them. What we also have is a valuable yet untapped resource. These people sit using their devices or talanoa-ing (apologies to Dr Paula Qereti) during the waiting hours. While the teacher can spend many hours preparing activities for the children which can include re- recycled materials if the parents were given these tasks instead, which usually don’t necessarily need to be very cerebral but rather manual application such as cutting shapes or drawing outlines on paper from a template, they can, at the same time, carry on their talanoa sessions. Parents can also offer ideas for the teacher on materials that can be used for activities. Two or 10 heads are better than one. Perhaps a parent can be appointed to coordinate the tasks. For parents and others who can play an important role in getting their children safely to and from kindergarten each day, their energy and commitment can be harnessed to support the kindergarten teachers and the activities in which the children take part. A bonus is that the parents will feel empowered by their valuable contribution; adding value to early childhood development. JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua

Engaging parents

HAVING researched kindergartens over recent years, I have seen parents and guardians waiting outside the premises, usually under a mango tree, for their children. They wait because they cannot afford double bus fares. So what we have is a group of caring, devoted people who know the value and importance of early childhood education to the lives of the children. They want the best for them. What we also have is a valuable yet untapped resource. These people sit using their devices or talanoa-ing (apologies to Dr Paula Qereti) during the waiting hours. While the teacher can spend many hours preparing activities for the children which can include re- recycled materials if the parents were given these tasks instead, which usually don’t necessarily need to be very cerebral but rather manual application such as cutting shapes or drawing outlines on paper from a template, they can, at the same time, carry on their talanoa sessions. Parents can also offer ideas for the teacher on materials that can be used for activities. Two or 10 heads are better than one. Perhaps a parent can be appointed to coordinate the tasks. For parents and others who can play an important role in getting their children safely to and from kindergarten each day, their energy and commitment can be harnessed to support the kindergarten teachers and the activities in which the children take part. A bonus is that the parents will feel empowered by their valuable contribution; adding value to early childhood development. JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua

What a waste!

I am disgusted and appalled to read in the front page headline of The Fiji Times (29/3) that six years of blood, sweat, tears and hard work had gone down the drain. It’s a heartfelt and shocking news to the newspaper readers and to the public. I, being an academia and being extensively involved in the Student Academic Services Department in one of the universities in Fiji, find it unbelievable and sympathise with the graduands of Bachelor in Science and Animal Husbandry (BSAH) program from the Fiji National University. Resorting to self-harm is a sign of extensive depression, frustration, mental stress among the graduands when they could not find jobs in the relevant job markets. This is cumulated due to lack of recognition for their program of study; Bachelor in Science and Animal Husbandry. To these graduands, done and dusted and graduation spirit has exhausted and was killed. The university concerned and the Higher Education Commission in regards to this matter are answerable and must explain to the public. If there was a need to downgrade a program to Bachelor of Animal Science (BAS), the stakeholders, particularly, the students must have been informed of this in advance and there must have been a phase-out timeframe allocated. Secondly, the affected students should have been told of changes in the program structure and time-frame must have been given in order to upgrade their programs. Without student notifications and if the program has been downgraded, it’s ridiculous and a failure in the approach of offering the program to the students. Thirdly, the stakeholders, particularly relevant job markets must have been notified of the phasing out period and introduction of new program structure. Lastly, in the same newspaper, there is an article which says “Veterinarian shortage”, “Graduates still looking for jobs” and “Appointment to remote areas is challenging”. There is something wrong somewhere, and the Coalition Government must find short to medium term solutions to resolve the issue. There are massive job opportunities in the meat and animal industry in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a humble request to the Coalition Government to assist these graduands to secure jobs in these countries. The mistakes have been made, but we must move forward rather than thinking of the past. Students’ efforts must be recognised and don’t let it be wasted. Indar Deo Bisun Sakoca Heights, Tamavua

Professional conduct

FijiFirst MP Alvick Maharaj says that members of Parliament must demonstrate exemplary conduct and “uphold professionalism” when out of Parliament (FT 28/03). He further goes on to cite the “decisive and strong” leadership of former PM Bainimarama as an illustration. I am laughing out loud! I wonder if Mr Maharaj has suffered a memory lapse post the 2022 General Election, as he overtly fails to mention and concede the unethical and violent demeanour that his “dear leader” unleashed on the current Defence Minister, the honourable Pio Tikoduadua, in the Parliament car park during FijiFirst’s despotic supremacy. Just like his departed FijiFirst colleagues, I suggest Alvick step down as well instead of making a mockery of himself inside Parliament by uttering such idiotic statements. He can “fight” from outside if he wishes, just like his leader Voreqe. Nishant Singh Lautoka

Ram Naumi wishes

Wishing all our Hindu brothers and sisters in Fiji and abroad a blessed Ram Naumi. This year’s celebration is a highly significant one as the Christians are observing Lent and preparing for Easter and Muslims are having their Ramadan fasting. Fiji is indeed a blessed nation as far as cultural and religious diversity is concerned. DINESH KUMAR Ba

Local content

For many retirees, I have a question for Sky TV. How difficult, or how possible, is it for Sky TV to also air Fiji One TV and FBC TV daily news, not necessarily “live” but delayed approximately 30 minutes? Or is this legally not permitted? Just remotely thinking outside the box, as they say. Some local content will be greatly appreciated. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi

GCC benefit

How will the reinstatement of the Great Council of Chiefs benefit the common people? A reasonable and logical question I believe is in the minds of common people like me. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka

Ram Naumi

WISHING all our Hindu brothers and sisters a very happy Ram Naumi. May this day bring joy, peace, and prosperity to your families. Nine days of pooja and fasting have finally come to an end. As we celebrate Lord Rama’s birth, we are reminded of his virtues like truthfulness, kindness, and compassion. May we be inspired by his life and strive to emulate his values in our daily lives. Let us all come together as one people and spread love and live in harmony. Once again happy Ram Naumi to all and stay blessed. RODNEY CLARENCE RAJ Naleba, Labasa

Fiji soccer

I think Fiji Football association should ask the number one soccer commentator and former Suva player to help improve the national team performance. Sukha Singh Labasa

Inclusive government

It is so heartwarming to see Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka considering Mr Inia Seruiratu to represent Fiji at the COP28 in November as he believes him to be a champion for climate change and all the data he has would be wasted if he were left out of the discussions in Dubai. Such a welcome change from the previous government where they wouldn’t even listen to suggestions given by the Opposition. This government seems truly inclusive and willing to engage the person best suited in the national interest, irrespective of his/her party affiliation. Vinaka honourable Prime Minister! Inoke Vakalabure Nadera, Nasinu

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