The messages!
Advertisements are very powerful and as long as it does not depict the wrong message. Each morning when I take my nine-year-old child to school, I see this huge billboard beside the road hoping he does not see it when we drive past in a car. What message does this advertisement relay to you? JOHN LEE Suva
Poverty shocker!
It is indeed a ‘Poverty shocker!’ as The Fiji Times editorial so succinctly highlights to learn that “more than half of our population are struggling to survive” (FT 18/9). According to DPM Manoa Kamikamica “there was an urgent need to reduce the inequality gap and alleviate poverty”. Does the recent exorbitant pay rise for parliamentarians vis-a-vis the 50 cents minimum wage increase for workers address the inequality gap in the country or perpetuate it? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Rugby issue
Is malua fever creeping into FRU when it comes to giving our Flying Fijians what they’re owed? We have one of the greatest assets in our homegrown ruggers. They play for some of the best international clubs and get paid for their services. They give their heart and soul when it comes to representing their nation. But when it comes to getting their just rewards they get let down. Where’s the incentive for them to keep giving their best when they keep getting short changed and knocked down by the people who’re supposed to support them and look after their monetary entitlements? Sa madua saraqa. Colin Deoki Australia
Weightlifters compete!
The 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship began at the Vodafone Arena on Tuesday. The highly anticipated event, which features 250 weightlifters from 25 countries, is expected to be intense, with every team doing their best to come out on top. Fiji is hosting weightlifters from as far as India and it will be a delight to have one of our own Eileen Cikamatana flying Australia’s flag in the competition. This is an opportune time for our weightlifters to show their strength and skill as weightlifters from around the Commonwealth compete for top honours in the Capital City.
I’d love to see another Eileen Cikamatana, Manueli Tulo, Taniela Raibogi, Apolonia Vaivai, Kesaia Tawai and Maria Liku being unveiled here at home. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Suicide prevention
Whatever status or age one reigns, depression is an element that is part and parcel of every life. Situations arise in one’s journey be it self, family or societal created. How one handles the challenges that arise in their path depends on their emotional and mental support one receives irrespective of race, gender, age and calibre. Those that are entrapped in difficulties should be able to speak out to someone known or who has an understanding of the individual’s living environment, requirements and lifestyle! If one remains under pressure unable to expose their inner feelings or despite revealing themselves does not receive help, understanding as required then negligence takes its toll on depression. One has to be emotionally strong to overcome this lapse in life. Those that lack self or surrounding support opt for suicide which is preventable via support, understanding, individual coping of emotions. Prameeta Chand Suva
River plaza
It is not the property owners across the main street who should be concerned about blocking the view, it is the citizens of Nausori as the complex is an opportunity lost. The complex has not taken advantage of the river view to develop a more pleasing and socially acceptable commercial development to serve the citizens. It is a sad day when approving authorities are unable to control development of such monstrosities. Jiten Narsey Suva
Penalties in sight
At last, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration has proposed to introduce “harsher penalties”, in relation to drugs within 4 – 6 months. It is about time, in my view, something meaningful as a “deterrence”, has to be implemented accordingly. We have seen the repercussions of drug usage and addiction exposed on YouTube and no one would like to experience such sights in our beloved nation. As patriots, prior to the proposed law being legislated, we are to oversee the reinforcement of terminating this epidemic within our own areas. Let us work hand in hand to lighten our Government’s burden, towards the removal of such unhealthy activity. The most basic duty of the Government is to defend the lives of its people. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Truth and reconciliation
Could the expertise of the chair of the TRC Assistant Minister Sashi Kiran be utilised to do some truth telling and reconciliation at FICAC in light of the prevailing bad blood there? It would be in the national interest to get that house in order. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Cigarette smokers
It’s interesting to note many adults don’t smoke because it endangers our health. But we sell it for the young poor and crazy ones at the expense of their health. My hard working girmitya grandparents never smoked but they successfully managed sugar cane and rice farms with large families. They lived long with home grown healthy food. Ban cigarettes for healthy clean environment for long life. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Kava experts
The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways is actively seeking a kava consultant to formulate a national kava policy and a draft kava Bill (FT 17/09). Look no further, our very own connoisseurs of the traditional drink, Raj and Tukana can “flow-lessly” spearhead this initiative. Minus their “belna” armed wives. Nishant Singh Lautoka
Housing Authority
The authority should establish retirement homes and villages with medical and caregivers to cater for its senior citizens. It is time to venture into new opportunities. Asish Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
PNC final
As the Flying Fijians prepare to clash with the much-improved Cherry Blossom Japan side in the PNC final, we take this time to wish our visiting team every success in Osaka this weekend. Let us all offer our team a silent prayer and wish them well. We trust our national side will deliver to outsmart and outplay Eddie Jones’ men. He is extremely keen to come out victorious. We will rise to this momentous occasion. To our men, “Vucukia na vuravura. Waqe vina. Waqe kaikai. Mutu Kalougata”. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
The drama
The drama at that anti-corruption outlet. Oh my! A few four-letter words are in the offing and one five letter. FICAC! Manoj Lal Patel Drasa Ave, Lautoka
New development plans
It is fashionable for new leadership in any entity to produce new Strategic Development Plans, even if these have a way to go. It is a clever diversion and an attempt to show the public that things are being done. Pal did that at USP and we all know the current state of that institution. In relation to Fiji’s development plans, the previous government had produced elaborate blueprints too, which was allegedly done by the usual process of stakeholder consultations, had the seal of approval of development partners and was apparently being implemented. Can the Minister of Finance explain if any attempt was made to do a stocktake of the previous plans to identify what had been achieved, the gaps and the identified measures to address these in the new plans. Even if one considers one dimension in the new plans, that is governance, it doesn’t take a genius to understand that this continues to be the most important issue. It was something which may have contributed to the downfall of the previous government, but continues to deteriorate under the current Coalition. We do need go beyond the rhetoric and motherhood statements take meaningful actions to reduce poverty, and ensure equity and justice. Altauf ChandMinto, NSW, Australia
Selective booking
I totally agree with your correspondent, Rohitesh Chand, of Nadroga regarding the selective booking of illegal parking during games at Ratu Cakobau Park in NausoriDuring soccer the authorities book left, right and centre. During rugby matches the vehicles are parked left, right and centre. But alas, no bookings for illegal parking. This I have noticed for ages. Why two sets of rules? Can the authorities inform the public via Fiji Times please! Don’t sweep it under the carpet! Arun Prasad Dilkusha, Nausori
Coup of 2006
Ana Madigibuli’s article (FT 18/9) makes some interesting revelation about the suspension of the former CEO of Sugar Cane Grower’s Council. Jagannath Sami was suspended without pay on December 27, 2004 by the military regime following allegations of corrupt practices, abuse of office and breach of Sugar Industry Act. He was denied the rules of natural justice for he was never accorded an opportunity to respond to those claims. That he was neither charged for any offence nor reinstated testifies that those claims had no basis. And whoever made that decision acted as judge, jury and executioner. But reading between the lines the whole saga smacks of an orchestrated ploy instigated by some disgruntled elements within the council to remove him from his position. Apparently, I believe they jumped on the band wagon to achieve their own hidden agenda. Those responsible should also come forward and tell the truth and reveal all the facts to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I hope they have the courage and conscience to do so. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
