Way forward for unity, respect
It’s a way forward for unity and respect of different beliefs as reported in The Fiji Times (21/10) with a picture of a police recruit.
PC Navjeath Singh Sohata had a turban as approved by Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong.
The uniform worn by the police must symbolise trust, honesty and authority.
Now we have the police reflecting multi-religious and cultural beliefs, with respect and dignity in Fiji’s diverse society.
We are reminded though that “Uniform does not give you the right to do whatever you want.” – Tudravu.
Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand
Consultation approach
The Government’s approach to addressing the issues that citizens face on a daily basis is of paramount importance.
It will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome when Fiji heads to the next general election.
If this Government wishes to secure its place, it must earnestly commit to resolving concerns raised by the voters.
Once a government takes office, there is a sense of urgency to fulfill their promises, lest the Fijian people choose to replace them.
The recent call by the Prime Minister to engage in consultations during a reshuffle is a step in the right direction.
Embracing open and constructive dialogue to address these issues is crucial because, in the end, it’s not merely about the ministers or their deputies; it’s about the well-being of Fiji.
Iliesa Moceituba, Suva
Botia keeps door open!
At the outset, I commend the Fiji Rugby Union for appointing former England international rugby union player Barrie-Jon Mather as the FRU general manager High Performance Unit (HPU), alongside former Flying Fijian Viliame Gadolo (Elite Pathways and Performance manager) and Alana Thomas (Women’s Rugby High Performance manager)!
This is the way forward.
The appointment of these rugby personnel is set to take rugby to even greater heights, as they have a wealth of experience and managerial expertise.
On the other hand, I thank our faithful rugby servant 34-year-old Levani Botia, better known to many as the Demolition Man.
Botia, who had been in mesmerising form for the Flying Fijians in France, shared the camaraderie within the Flying Fijians camp (FT 25/10).
Botia represented the national 7s team where he made a name for himself.
I have a lot of respect and admiration for the ‘La Machine’, for whenever he donned the national jumper, he has put his ‘heart and soul’ into the game.
I thank Botia for his services and for leading like a Fijian warrior, having represented Fiji in three RWCs!
He will be 38 when the next RWC kicks off in Australia, so hopes will be high for him to be fully fit to make the team.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
Fijian passports
According to Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, there is an influx of nationalities issued with Fijian citizenship and passports over the years and some of them are from countries known as sponsors of terrorism (FT 25/10).
Could the minister please disclose the names of the countries to which he is referring?
This information would enable the people of Fiji to be vigilant regarding individuals from these nations.
We cannot rule out the possibility that some of these individuals may have connections to terrorism.
Given that they have acquired Fijian citizenship, they are likely residing in Fiji.
They could be our neighbours, fellow bus passengers, or people waiting in line at the bank.
They could be anyone.
It is essential that we stay informed so that, should we observe any suspicious activity involving these individuals, we can promptly report it to the police and contribute to the fight against terrorism.
SANJEET PRASAD, Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Why USA and Canada?
I don’t see the logic behind the new World Rugby sanctioned competition to include Canada and the USA in the Pacific series.
Canada and USA could not even qualify for the World Cup finals and the level displayed by Japan, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji was a class above.
Is it to benefit the Pacific teams or the Americans.
The right thing now would be to include Tier 1 teams Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina and Fiji in a Southern Hemisphere competition.
Tier 2 to include Samoa, Japan, Tonga, USA and Canada in a new Pacific series.
With these series running together on a promotion/relegation basis for the following year.
I can only imagine the level of rugby displayed with teams from Tier 1 avoiding being relegated and teams from Tier 2 striving to be promoted.
Wishful thinking.
EDWARD KUMAR, Lautoka
Top award
Some friends and I have wished the UN Humanitarian top brass to award the highest recognition medals to the doctors and all medical professionals in Gaza for saving lives under the most strenuous and fearful conditions.
Reward them for bravery and loyalty in valor.
Jioji O. Toronibau, Navetau, Tunuloa
Give soccer a chance
Government assistance/ sponsorship has taken rugby to a new level.
Soccer has been ignored for too long.
I believe if they get similar assistance as rugby they will be capable of doing to soccer what we witness in rugby.
Give the soccer boys a chance.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Jan’s here
In what appears to be a quid-pro-quo gesture, the other newspaper (25/10) has published a picture of Jan Nissar, the man who hates the new liberated Fiji.
Wonder why the person who spews nothing but hate for Fiji and Fijians comes here in the first place and takes so much interest in reading about Fiji only to rubbish it, while sitting in Australia.
I wonder if he has informed Raymond Singh about his arrival.
We look forward to their match at the club.
Inoke Vakalabure, Yasiyasi Rd, Nadera, Nasinu
Big picture
Nishant Singh fails to grasp the big picture when he castigated the military commander for questioning the Coalition Government’s decision making (FT 25/10).
Given our military coup history I am thankful the present military commander has chosen the path of democratic engagement with those in power rather than resort to the barrel of the gun.
Nishant Singh’s infantile tantrum against the military commander does not serve the public good.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia
About landowners
Forging of signatures for the dead and members of a mataqali or tokatoka who are alive is a long-term sickness and a very common culture among some of our iTaukei landowners especially here in the West.
Many have been reported to police and dealt with by the law and some have even ended up in jail.
How will our landowners learn?
Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi
Bad news
I have been reliably informed that the days of the so called baby mix are nearly over.
There is something new in town, foetus mix!
I hear it is fast, furious and stronger than Winston.
This seems like bad news for a particular Aussie writer.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Navratri festival
Navratri festival (nine nights) is celebrated by Hindus in India and other parts of the globe from October 16 to October 24, 2023.
During this auspicious festival the nine avatars (forms) of goddess Durga Maa are worshipped.
Devotees observe total austerity by abstaining from smoking, drinking alcohol, eating meat or having sex.
Regular visits to temples to participate in bhajan (hymns) singing, prayers and discussions on various aspects of Maa Durga.
The nine forms of goddess Durga are: 1. Shailputri: the first manifestation of Durga as the mother of nature. 2. Brahmacharini: one who practises devout austerities in marital life for bliss. 3. Chandraghanta (half moon bell): represents peace, tranquility and prosperity. 4. Kushmanda: the creator of the universe who brought light to this world. 5. Skandmata: represents motherhood and fertility. 6. Katyayani: represents courage and valour. 7. Kaalratri: represents death and destruction. 8. Mahagauri: represents peace and purity. 9.Siddhidatri: represents knowledge and wisdom.
Therefore the devotees struggle to sharpen their spiritual powers: Power to withdraw, power to let go, power to tolerate, power to accept, power to discern, power to decide, power to face and power to co-operate.
These enable one to destroy evils of life and invoke divinity.
May I wish all devotees a very happy and prosperous Navratri 2023.
Dewan Chand, Namadi Heights, Suva
Rabuka must respond!
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka must respond to the issues raised in my statement concerning the frequent absences of ministers overseas and his disregard of the Constitution in a recent ministerial reshuffle.
He must understand that as Prime Minister, he is accountable to the people for his actions.
As for his comment that he will not respond to FLP as he considers it a spent force, let me tell him that he should look at himself in that light.
When you are ignored and criticised openly by your own ministers, when your directives are ignored, when your leadership is questioned by your own ranks, you have surely become a spent force, and it’s time to go.
Right now, Fiji needs a leader who is serious about getting our country back on its feet after 16 years of misrule by the FijiFirst government.
From what we have seen so far, Rabuka does not meet the bill.
It’s time for PAP to take a hard look at where it is wanting to take Fiji before it’s too late.
Mahendra Chaudhry Leader – Fiji Labour Party
Oh well!
To say I was ecstatic when the Boks downed the English would be an understatement.
Especially because it was in the dying minutes when the Boks turned the tables on an over confident English who looked like they were home and hosed.
And maybe Farrell might learn that cardinal sin lesson, under no circumstances talk back to the ref especially when it could mean a further 10 metres for his foolish outburst that gave the Boks a kickable penalty.
Oh well, karma’s a b#@*h!
Colin Deoki, Australia
Questions about the Constitution
Are we asking the right question?
Should we be testing the specific provisions of the Constitution piecemeal as and when it arises or should we be debating and testing the very existence, origins, and legitimacy of the unilaterally imposed Constitution itself?
Does swearing an oath under the 2013 Constitution assume its validity and does it retrospectively validate its imposition or is there another route?
Just asking.
Daniel Fatiaki, Suva
