Letters to the Editor – Tuesday, May 18, 2021

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Ram Dayal at his vegetable farm at Navula, Lautoka. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

Don’t leave land idle

Ram Dayal, 72, never regretted the decision he made about toiling the land and making a living off it.

Mr Dayal, who featured in Siteri Sauvakacolo’s story in yesterday’s People column, is a perfect example of a hard working farmer who is connected to the land.

This is what Ram shared in his story: “Farming is my life and it is what I depend entirely on. This is my life and my hobby and it continues to give me a healthy life because I am always out breathing fresh air very early in the morning.”

At his age, Ram continues to be an inspiration for many Fijians because of his hard work, passion, commitment and dedication towards his daily activity — farming.

His concluding remark was powerful: “We can’t afford to be home all day and expect things to be provided for us.”

I salute you Mr Dayal, and hats off to you for being an independent farmer.

During these trying times, Mr Dayal’s timely advice — don’t leave land idle becomes handy.

Vinaka vakalevu Siteri for the piece!

Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu

No Fijian word

I thank Sukha Singh (ST 16/5) for his question on why there was no Fijian word for “horse”, so that “ose” was borrowed from English.

The answer is simple: there were no horses in Fiji until they were introduced by missionaries in the mid-nineteenth century.

However, Fijians would have been familiar with them before then from reading the Bible and hearing reports of them from Tonga and Tahiti.

So it is rather like yaqona.

Speakers of English and Hindi were not familiar with it until they arrived in Fiji, so they borrowed the word.

Paul Geraghty, USP, Suva

Disgusting analogy

What a disgusting analogy by Jan Nissar of Australia (F/T 17/05) to use words such as toilet and sewage on the usage of the $90 payments.

Perhaps Jan has not comprehended the pain, the struggles, and the uncertainty of the people of Fiji during these unprecedented times.

I think you have misunderstood the misfortunes and the struggles of the Fijian people to put food on their tables.

I know you are entitled to your opinion, but for goodness’ sake please say something positive and constructive to our fellow Fijians.

Steven Singh, Sydney, Australia

Suffering Fijians

Reference to the more than predictable Australian contributor in this column.

To his regular hobbies of ridiculing the Opposition and sevens rugby, he has added another, the suffering Fijians.

I hope he realises where the sewage really is.

He states that Government must spend wisely and people should respect and appreciate free things.

It’s another story that Fiji has experienced unprecedented record years of economic growth.

Which money is it again?

Taxpayers’ funds, loans, foreign aid, direct budget support or personal savings?

As a trailer, he should flip through the Auditor-General’s annual reports and also research Lautoka Swimming Pool.

“People also searched…” may pop up.

Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka

Arrests by police

Ongoing troubling reference is made to FT Monday, May 17, 2021.

To all media outlets, it is increasingly clear now.

Much repeated warnings to all restless and non-law-abiding citizens, in the vernacular, are definitely needed.

Some simply cannot take heed of numerous good advice given, year-to-date, and counting.

Wailei, Turaga levu, e sa vodi ga na vosa.

Au sa druka dina.

Ronnie Chang, Martintar, Nadi

Entry or no entry

According to Dan Urai (FT 15/05), Japan has banned people who have been to India, Pakistan and Nepal in the past 14 days from entering the country.

I wonder if Dan can tell us whether Japan will allow athletes from these countries from participating in the Tokyo Olympics which is only a few months away.

Perhaps he can tell us his thoughts on whether Japan should allow athletes from the USA, Brazil, United Kingdom and many European countries which have had the highest infection rates from participating?

More importantly, what are his thoughts on whether Japan allows Fiji’s Mickey Mouse 7s team from participating based on what is happening in Fiji right now?

On his question on whether the Fijian Government has considered allowing people from India, Pakistan and Nepal from entering the country, what are his thoughts on whether Fiji should consider people from other countries from entering Fiji, or should Fiji limit its actions based exclusively on what Japan does?

Jan Nissar, NSW, Australia

Your neighbour

Please since we are in a pandemic and lockdown, please always ask your neighbours if they have enough food.

Asking them makes them feel better that at least hope is there for better days.

Please support them.

Humanity at its best.

Navneet Ram, Lautoka

Potholes

During our rounds in Lautoka we saw all sorts of potholes on the roads.

Then we saw a heart shaped one, it was probably the road saying, “we love you, please help us”.

Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka

Vaccination key

Vaccination is the monumental achievement in our fight against the coronavirus.

Since studies have shown that the virus will mutate into new chains, this phenomenon will always exist.

There are other strategies to stop the moving target, but vaccination is the key.

The recent outbreak of the pandemic has faltered the vaccination campaign.

However, I believe that when there is some semblance of normalcy the vaccination program should proceed again.

I deeply believe that border opening largely depends on our vaccination rate.

Studies relating to vaccines are ongoing but our fight is far from over.

It is important that researchers continue to update the vaccines to keep up with the virus and have everyone safe.

Pranil Ram, Votualevu, Nadi

Borders

I believe as long as the international borders are open Government puts unnecessary strain on itself.

Dan Urai, Lautoka

Whole of Fiji

Looking from abroad, one would be forgiven, if they thought that Fiji was only made up of Rakiraki, Lautoka, Nadi, Lami, Suva and Nausori….uumm!

Nigel Fiu, Owls Perch, Lautoka

Pandemic

We are wondering when will this pandemic end.

Funny, we are reminded every day what we have to do in order for this pandemic to end.

Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka

Flying kites

In Waiyavi I saw children flying kites which is good or instead being on their mothers nerves.

And they are in the sunshine which is healthy.

Stay safe and healthy.

Navneet Ram, Lautoka

Pandemic rules

I likened the cry from Dr Aalisha Sahukhan as a bold and courageous attempt to our people to adhere to the rules.

It’s a cry asking us to believe in ourselves and listen to advice.

Three members of her team have tested positive and her plea is her testimony of caring for the people of this nation and is made with conviction and truth.

Let us unite and do this together Fiji and I echo the words of Wesley in his Saturday The Fiji Times editorial: “The ball is truly in our court so to speak. So let’s do this Fiji! Stay home!”.

We are doing this in all our villages in Serua, join us and keep safe.

Let’s rally behind our health officials and all our frontliners in our fight to prevent this pandemic from increasing.

Mikaele Leawere, Galoa Village, Serua

More cases

More cases are coming up.

This does not mean we have to panic, rather be more vigilant and continue to do what is required of us.

I believe it may take some time to get this under control, no doubt, but we will get there for sure.

No matter what, do not stop doing the right thing.

One mistake is too costly in this case.

Remember, our nation is at risk and only we can save it just by following simple protocols.

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

FNPF assistance

I met a chap who lost his job and his family were eligible for FNPF COVID-19 assistance.

 

He said: “I will not touch it, that’s my children’s security for the future”.

We have a small backyard garden, we eat what vegetables are there.

If we run out of something, we go without.

Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Lautoka

Be safe

No more shaking hands.

Don’t touch your face.

Never stand too close in a crowded place.

Dark days are fast approaching.

We have to be aware.

Hygiene and lockdown is our only shield to this virus who waits out there.

Our Pacific Island is at war with an enemy that’s unseen.

But we can beat the invader if we all do our part and keep clean.

Keep safe, be safe.

Neelz Singh, Lami

Curfew bread

The authorities, during future curfews/lockdowns, should permit or approve of bakeries to revert to “mobile deliveries”.

However, COVID-19 protocols are to be stringently adhered to during such deliveries with willing buyers to remain within the confines/vicinity of their property.

Bakery delivery vehicles should be granted access to drive around residential areas selling the “basics” (long loaf, sliced, bun) during allocated certain timeframes such as 6am-8am and 4pm-6pm.

Kerekere.

Anthony Sahai, Suva

Health restriction

Current curfew and health restriction is an ear and eyesore to deal with.

Numerous calls on this has been made by Dr Fong that when you move so does the virus.

Harsher punishment should be given to those who are breaking these regulations.

I believe you are the selfish lot who will spread the virus to others who want to be safe.

I believe some people have stones instead of a brain.

I believe they just never learn.

Amrit Singh, Nausori

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