No more coups
ALL guns blazing for the people’s Coalition Government after military Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has shut down rumours about a possible coup whereby the military will continue to abide by the rule of law and order. Those who were widely speculating on social media might as well go down to the Sigatoka sand dunes and watch the Flying Fijians train and get some new breath of fresh vibes. The former minister of finance, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s, theory told us all prior to the 2022 general election that a new government coming into power would not have the full support of the World Bank, IMF and the many development and donor partners. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, even without your so-called smart borrowing, the 2023-2024 National Budget has been passed and appreciated by Fijians from most sections of our community. Positively, the World Bank is providing close to $F400 million to support Government’s initiative of expanding tourism destinations in Fiji. Additionally, the World Bank support will boost the health sector in a positive way to benefit both patients and health professionals that includes digital connectivity of health centres. Even Saudi Arabia has committed $F33 million towards tourism, health and economic stability. This is just a start. Wait and watch for more to enhance the likes of ordinary Fijians. By the way, I have very little financial knowledge but I openly challenge former minister for economy to an open debate on matters of national interest regarding the 2023 National Budget. Oops, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum I realise that you have already left our Government almost $10 billion in debt. Let’s change the topic to media freedom as the former PM Voreqe Bainimarama’s comments outside the Suva courthouse is classed by FMA as distasteful, unbecoming and unacceptable. Finally, Kirti Patel, Jan Nissar who labelled Richard Naidu a “convicted lawyer” can bite the bullet now, while I will give him a bitter pill to swallow at South Seas Club soon. Raymond Singh Marine Drive, Lautoka
Walking barefoot
I have seen quite a number of images on the news stream and social media of the People’s Alliance party leader walking barefoot when visiting indigenous villages during his political campaign and now as our Prime Minister. However, something catches my eyes though regarding his entourage which mainly consists of indigenous in the civil service. Very few will follow the Prime Minister to also walk barefoot inside the village green, while some I guess have forgotten the indigenous protocol when entering the village especially on Government’s appearance. Protocol officer, I hope you are reading this and perhaps brief the entourage to follow their leader next time. AREKI DAWAI Suva
Unfinished projects
IS our Coalition Government taking a stance in investigating unfinished FFP-led projects which still haven’t seen the light of day i.e Lautoka swimming pool, FNU Labasa Campus and so forth? We hardly hear any news whether investigation is ongoing or what is going on? Maybe the investigating team just don’t know where to start because of the complexity of the cases as we have passed the middle of 2023! Jioji M Cakacaka Carerras-Votualevu, Nadi
Teenage pregnancy
The FWCC co-ordinator, Shamima Ali’s, alerting message that young girls under the age of 11 indulging in sexual activities should be addressed immediately. (FT23/7) I believe there are specific programs in schools on this issue through MOE and MOH teams. The awareness programs through NGOs, religious groups and the police are also activated in a timely manner. Parents play the most important role as they should always be aware of their children’s whereabouts, be it day or night. They are also the best role models. Teenage pregnancy with health and safety should be everyone’s concern. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Nelson Mandela Day
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Madiba’s passing in December 2013. To commemorate this, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has themed the 10-year remembrance call to action “The Legacy Lives on Through You”. The call to action for Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is “Climate, Food & Solidarity” and reflects some of the most urgent challenges facing people worldwide. This year we will focus on dismantling poverty and inequality by taking action against climate change and creating resilient food environments. Each of us can make a small difference. If we all make a difference together, our collective effort can truly change the world. Mandela Day is not a holiday. It is a day for all of us to opt into humanity — to roll up our sleeves and play an active role in building our communities. This is an opportunity for each of us to share Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better future for all. I quote: “It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.” — Nelson Mandela We all can learn the basic principle of Mandela by participating and encouraging to build a better community by learning to: Reduce, reuse, recycle and replant to protect our nature. Neelz Singh Nelson, New Zealand
World Cup campaign
Congrats to the Flying Fijians for getting a good start towards the World Cup campaign and that first win on Saturday. Let’s have faith in the boys, and Simon to test a few more positional combinations of players before the start of the first game at the World Cup. Pacific Island battles between neighbours always are heart stopping moments. Nothing can be taken away from the mighty Tongans who made a great comeback after they were down 0-19. Debutants had a great game. Vinaka boys, I absolutely had kava the whole weekend as an excuse for you guys to car the blue banner. God bless Fiji. VINEEL NAND Perth, Australia
Win by a toss of a coin
Last weekend we had the U-17 South West Zonal playoff in Nadroga, Malolo, Nadi’s Swami Vivekananda College (Nadi district champion), host Sigatoka Andhra and Lautoka Central took part. The first game between Sigatoka Andhra and Lautoka Central was 0-0, SVC 1-1 Sigatoka Andhra. The last game was an interesting one between SVC which was led by Fiji Under 17 captain and Lautoka Central which was a stalemate. Since all teams had two points each, but goals forward for SVC and Sigatoka Andhra were better. Finally it came down to toss of a coin to determine the winner, but Sigatoka Andhra came out victors. As a chairman of ex-scholars it was disappointing that after all the hard work and dedication, the result of the games was determined by the toss of a coin. It’s heart breaking for youths. Anyway we wish Nadroga school the very best for the IDC. This weekend we will see the U-19 playoffs where SVC will be keeping a low profile. Another milestone achievement from the rural based school in Nadi to win the U14 and U15 netball titles. What a grassroot level development done by the HOD master Deepak Narayan and all the coaches and teachers of SVC. Not forgetting the anchor of the school Dr Rajesh Krishna under whose leadership as the principal has seen SVC reaching for the skies. Results speak of a good job doctor. As the chairman of ex-scholars, we are really proud and can feel we still wearing the uniform and carrying the green and gold banner of the school. As I wrote earlier, other schools can learn and work in unity for great success. A huge request to all students please always listen to your parents and teachers for their guidance as it will be of great benefit. Also we would be requesting current group of Year 13s to join the ex-scholars group as we plan something big for our 75th year anniversary next year. Also I request former students who are abroad to join the band and sponsor a child. SVC you rock, anyone interested in joining the ex scholars please contact the secretary. Vineel Nand Chairman – Vivekananda Ex-Scholars Association Nadi
Teenage pregnancy challenge
So most cases of teenage pregnancies recorded were within the iTaukei race. This has been a sad reality for decades now and rampant across the country well before this digital revolution. This subject has been nagging me for years now so pardon me if I am being blunt or as we say in Lau, uncompromisingly forthright. I believe the first two contributing factors could be religion and custom. We iTaukei are focused on our different Christian denominations and customary functions at an excessive degree that children are neglected. Men’s fellowship, women’s fellowship, couples for Christ, prayer groups, church conferences just to name a few and this is apart from the many traditional gatherings. We are distracted and have lost focus of our primary role as parents, looking after the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our children. The third contributor can be extended family. A guardian’s priority would be the welfare of their own children and not an extended family member such as a niece thus giving rise to her frustration and a feeling of not being loved and cared for. These three factors lead to unsupervised and unrestricted interaction with the opposite sex and ignite the sparks of lust and passion in youngsters very easily ultimately leading to teenage pregnancy. It is time for iTaukei parents to re-examine their parental roles and reprioritise what truly matters in their lives. Sa malo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Women’s WC!
We are fortunate to watch the Women’s World Cup football, which is hosted by our neighbours New Zealand live. So far, I have been impressed with the level of skill display by the women. Their passing has been great. Passes have connected. Defence has been solid, and fans have witnessed some top goals. While the developed nations have been impressive, the smaller nations have given everything they have in the tank. They play with so much pride, dedication, and determination. As I watch the Women’s WC, I’m wondering if we will ever see Fiji playing in the men’s or women’s WC. Over to you Fiji FA brass! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
EFL, FDB salaries
In the interest of the Public can EFL and FDB give the breakdown of salaries, allowances, superannuation, compensation and other perks paid to these management teams? We the public pay high bills for electricity to fill these people’s big pockets. They get transport and housing too. Who knows there must be other perks which are hidden. The Auditor-General should investigate this and get all the facts out and publish them so that the public knows the truth. Paras Naidu Lautoka
Simon says
With the good old trusted pair of hands of Simon Raiwalui at the wheel, I don’t see a problem come the Rugby World Cup. I’m not saying we’ll beat the Welsh and the Wallabies, but I’m also not saying we can’t. I had a few ideas up my sleeves, but then I realised this time we have a coach that does know better than most out there. Donald Singh Suva
Unlike before
Unlike before, the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is rarely mentioned. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Democracy
No one is above the law when they do wrong. Dan Urai Lautoka
PS appointments
I don’t think half a century after Independence there is a need to spell out how PS appointments should be made nor the prescribed duties of the position ( FT 22/7 ). It’s like trying to reinvent the wheel. All that is laid out explicitly in the Westministerial system of governance we inherited from our erstwhile colonial rulers. The question is whether we abide by the established norms or bent it to suit the political agenda of those in power. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
