Road markings
During my recent visit to the Western Division, I observed concerning road conditions, particularly along the Nausori to Suva corridor and throughout the Western Division. The state of these roads has been deteriorating progressively. Notably, road markings have significantly faded, creating a hazardous situation for both motorists and pedestrians alike. I am curious to understand the actions being taken by the pertinent authorities to address this pressing issue. Ashwini Basant Nausori
Barely visible
The markings on roads in and around Labasa Town are barely visible, critically the pedestrian crossings. I trust the authorities concerned will do the needful expeditiously. Ravind Chandra Naidu Tuatua Branch Rd, Labasa
Road safety
It is a great challenge to reinstate most road conditions after what was left behind by the previous government. Besides the infamous potholes, it would be more effective to provide the demarcation of carriage-ways and islands with reflective means. The scenario will promote basic road safety for all motorists and pedestrians. Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Countdown to RWC 2023
We are almost there as the countdown to the France 2023 Rugby World Cup starts. The Flying Fijians manna magic coupled with the Drua strength is set to razzle and dazzle. Our underdogs tag remains but the Pacifica trio of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji power will surely ruffle feathers in the coming weeks. On the same note let’s not focus too much on Wales and the Australian Wallabies but also save the best for last Georgia and Portugal. We need to win maximum games to qualify for the quarters and then the mission impossible starts. Keep up the chin and remain steadfast on the road to glory. Toso Viti show them to them! Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Internet service
I submitted a complaint to the FCCC regarding one of our internet service providers (ISPs). The response I received indicated that the FCCC does not oversee the specific issue I had raised. This raises the question of why ISPs are not subject to regulation. Why do they have the freedom to change their service terms and conditions at their discretion? How long must customers tolerate the limited choices they offer? Isn’t it time to consider regulating ISPs? I am eager to receive some answers from the FCCC. SANJEET PRASAD Mani Rd, Bulileka, Labasa
Cleanliness issues
I am writing to express my concern about the unhygienic rooms at the CWM Hospital. During my visit just a few weeks back I noticed some things. The patient I went to visit was sleeping on a bed with blood stains and the floor also had some droplets of blood. Upon informing the nurse to get a new bed sheet we were told to wait but the next morning when we went again the bed sheets were not changed and we used the cover we brought from home. To address these concerns, I suggest that the hospital improve their cleaning methods of the rooms and washrooms and take care of patients who are sickly, handicapped or elderly. I believe that taking these steps would improve the cleanliness of the hospital, and I hope that the administration will give them serious consideration. Harpreet Kuar Ikadroka Rd, Valelevu, Nasinu
Sickness in society
There’s a sickness in society that no pill will fix. And your scathing editorial (FT 06/09) highlights the breakdown and how sick society has become and not only on the sexual abuse front. Domestic violence, illicit substance abuse are just the tip of the insidious iceberg. Our liberalised, anything goes society is fighting what looks like an unwinnable battle trying to lift itself out of the abyss. We have strayed from the once intangible boundaries that used to keep us safe from the rot that’s now permeating every fabric of society. Perhaps the prophecies of Revelation might help us understand the sickness and carnage we’ve created by the foolishness of our own liberalistic ideals. Where and when it’ll end, only God knows. Colin Deoki Australia
Embark on a new path
For someone who claims to have diligently dedicated himself to the pursuit of a “corrupt-free Fiji” during the FijiFirst era, expatriate Rashmi Aslam’s sudden departure was unanticipated, but highly foreseeable (fbc.com). Well at least he did not resign for “personal motives” as usual, but has confirmed that he will now be “embarking on a new path”. Anyway, all the best in your new footpath or whatever path you have chosen Mr Aslam. Hope to never see you again. Moce Jo! Nishant Singh Lautoka
154 years on
Congratulations on your survival for 154 years in your best of times and worst of times. I have been privileged to read this daily newspaper since 1956, 67 years down memory lane. Vinaka Fred Wesley the editor-in-chief with your professional team for balanced reporting. Long live The Fiji Times. Keep the flag flying. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Misinformation
We Fijians are a bunch of gullible social media users eh? It couldn’t be emphasised more that despite efficient technology, it can also create misconducts in the dissemination of information. People nowadays use social media more than just to browse information, it acts as a powerful tool of communication and to share stories. It seems like a light topic, but what concerns me the most is how fragrant untruth updates are forwarded through our smartphones and the fact that many of us credulously believe it. This is not just youths in particular, but adults, whom are supposed to be more wiser, succumb to the situation as well. When we are notified of juicy news (rumours), it grabs our attention and creates this urgency for us to respond to it either by expressing our thoughts or sharing them in chat groups or friends lists. But, sadly not all take the time to think “is it true?”, and research where the source came from before judging it on face value. It is important to choose wisely and we actually have the option not to share viral stories circulating on social media. We have to think about the impact because it can cause such things as apprehension, mistrust and hatred to an individual, business, company, faith and race. So, before sharing a post, take a few seconds and ponder “Is this for the greater good?” or just for the mere satisfaction of flaunting new stories and receiving more likes. Sa rauta mada! Our ancestors existing in the era of coconut wireless communication the reason of our gullibility? Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Parent negligence
With respect to an article titled “Police warn parents” on August 13 by Wata Shaw, it was reported that children were left unattended in cars while having to wait for parents who were inside nightclubs. To add onto that as a Law student and concerned citizen, this isn’t the only worrying issue as there are also other children who are left unattended on the streets at night. According to recent interactions, a few are regarded as young street dwellers while the rest are just being neglected by parents. Most of these kids are as young as 8 years old. This is quite concerning as the numbers tend to rise every now and then. It is also evident especially during weekends which clearly shows how negligent parents are violating children’s rights of being protected and cared for. Having to monitor these kids at home and on the streets should be a priority for both parents and officers. Parents should be more engaged with their children to be informed about their whereabouts. Such neglect from parents is a violation to children’s rights and leaves these children’s lives at risk and in danger of many things such as going missing or even death. Considering the situation, I implore the relevant authorities and the Government to implement restraints and safeguards to secure the protection of these kids. Until and unless each person is aware of what is happening, I believe the law alone will not be sufficient to halt this. Izza Fong Valelevu, Nasinu
What’s next?
JUST wondering what else is coming after the GCC meeting and Vakaturaga forum? Action or more meetings? AREKI DAWAI Suva
Juvenile
I believe under our laws, a person aged 18 and under is considered a juvenile. Lesson to all, you should not take advantage of a juvenile because it is a crime. If two adults eloped, that is OK as no law will touch you both, but not with a minor including defacto relationships which is captured in FT 29/08/23. Jioji M Cakacaka Carreras, Votualevu, Nadi
Truck driver
A group 6 licence and a Form 6 (Year 12) pass is the requirement. I wonder what would the rate be? Dan Urai Lautoka
Governance flaw
Writing about our system of governance since independence in 1970 Samu Silatolu (FT 6/9) says “… today we are experiencing the realities of all the accumulated flaws of our democratic rule”. Shouldn’t that be the flaws flowing from our departure from established democratic rule? Remember we are a four-coup country since independence. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Allowance
Inconsiderate and disrespectful to the Fijian public when there is an increase in VAT the Coalition Government has decided to have an increase of $10,000 allowance for our parliamentarians. Their promises pre-election is totally the opposite and is irrelevant, but whilst on Parliament can we ask our PM Rabuka, a church elder and man of the cloth to please kindly gather parliamentarians to revoke the use of pornography in our Facebook pages please. It is against our religion and a lot of problems are arising out of it. Tukai Lagonilakeba Nadi
Operations
I refer to an article on Page 13 of The Fiji Times (4/9) on the Consumer Council of Fiji’s concern over unethical operations by 10 legally registered businesses. What is the purpose of this article other than the council trying to stay relevant. Just name the businesses and the consumers will do the rest. And if the present laws are prohibitive in exposing names, change the law. Ajai Kumar Nadi
Still strong
The Fiji Times and Johnnie Walker. One was born in 1820 and the other was born in 1869 and both going strong. Sukha Singh Labasa
