Paul and Tyson fight
It was one of the worst fights I have seen so far. SUKHA SINGH Labasa
From despair to hope!
The story of Inoke Yanuyanutawa, which made the front page of The Fiji Times (16/11), is an eye-opener and a reflection of the power of helping drug users. Now that drugs have gripped their tentacles around many, including the young, rehabilitation must be provided so that these users are assisted. Inoke, who turned to drugs because of what he claimed were financial problems, was addicted and crime and prison beckoned. I’m glad that the rehabilitation centre provides a combination of spirituality and medicine as a healing balm to help addicts walk away from their obsessive dependency on drugs and return to normal life. There are others out there like Inoke who need assistance, love and support from those around them. We can join hands to help drug addicts rather than pointing fingers at each other. Our religious and community leaders play a vital role in addressing drug issue. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa
Kids of today
Wise Muavono asks (FT 16.11) if the kids of today are worse than in the past. Then he asks what is to blame and answers his own questions, at which he is spot on. Children, up to around 40 years ago, were up to all sorts of mischief: but their antics were for the most part harmless and, usually, funny. Today’s kids, as Mr Muavono says, are (mostly) disobedient, dishonest, disrespectful and self-absorbed brats. Mr Muavono blames cultural shifts and social media for the lower standards of today, and of course, he is right. But – those aspects can be controlled by discipline – and the terrible lack of parental discipline to which he refers is solely due to the current correlation of discipline with abuse. We have a lose-lose situation here. Parental use of reasonable discipline is now outlawed with the result that parents are frustrated in their efforts to raise children properly — and children are left rudderless in the stormy sea of life. It is a fact that undisciplined children will behave badly to discover and realise the boundaries they crave in order to feel secure and loved. Sadly, to an undeveloped child’s brain any sort of attention is better than no attention; and no attention is the incentive for more bad behaviour! Children crave the security they instinctively need. They are ignored when they behave badly, and consequently feel unloved by those they perceive to be the uncaring adults around them. They suffer a revolving cycle of insecurity = bad behaviour = no discipline = insecurity. Now Dewan Chand (FT 18/11) has joined the cause with a letter which raises other factors about why our children are behaving as they do. He questions why schools are losing teachers – and why places of learning are neglected and why our schools are no longer ‘temples of learning’. Mr Chand raises points that without doubt are affecting our children and will adversely affect the future. Mr Muavono, Mr Chand and others who have contributed to this discussion may not agree on all points but the very fact that we are concerned enough to take time to write about it must surely carry some weight? We care about children, their upbringing and learning and we can see clearly that something is very wrong, because they are often bad tempered and surly – a sure sign of unhappiness. Pity the children of today because their predicament is not their fault – they don’t even have the pleasure of breaking tiny rules! Yes, we in our 60s, 70s and 80s were naughty — of course we were, all children are naughty — but we had our boundaries — we felt secure. We broke tiny rules because we knew we just might get away with it; aware that if we disobeyed the big rules there would be trouble — and we knew the difference because our parents and teachers taught us the difference and were trusted to mete out appropriate discipline as they saw fit. Sue Cauty Pacific Harbour
Healthy habits
Sal Singh writing on “Keep it Clean” (FT 15/11) for awareness programs to educate and discipline those who have no civic pride for Nasinu Town. It’s sad to read in The Fiji Times often that some well educated residents dump their rubbish at the “no dumping” sign posts. I could not believe reading a sign in a well known hospital corridor, a sign board displaying the message “no spitting here” in three languages – “yaha thukhna mana hai” – “kakua ni kasivi”. Healthy habits! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
The obvious
The GCC are talking about iTaukei empowerment. Little do they realise that the greatest hindrance to iTaukei empowerment, I believe, are the GCC themselves. They are totally oblivious. Why is it left up to me to point out the bleeding obvious which is in plain sight but not visible to anyone else? Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Two drivers
I write to express my concern regarding a recent incident where a driver was captured engaging in inappropriate behaviour, kissing while seated at the wheel and a lady on his lap. I believe this incident not only highlights reckless behaviour but also raises questions about the enforcement of safety standards across similar situations. I recall the case of the Auzonto bus driver in Lautoka, who was swiftly taken to task by the LTA for dancing to music while driving the bus. The public was assured that such distractions behind the wheel would not be tolerated, as they jeopardise the safety of passengers and road users alike. However, in this recent incident, it remains to be seen whether the same level of accountability will apply. Road safety regulations must be enforced uniformly, without exception, to maintain public trust in the authorities. I urge the relevant authorities, including the LTA, to investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure that safety is prioritised and public confidence is upheld. Abdul Janif Vavalagi Place, Nakasi
Fijian identity
Colin Deoki’s innuendo about historians, viti, Fisi, Fijian, and vulagi label is illogical. The simple fact is — if you are a citizen of Fiji Islands, your nationality is ‘Fijian’. In a secular country, religion and state are separate. My appeal to Colin Deoki is not to emotionalise the issue. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Robots, America
I can just picture a caustic comedian coming up with a creative tribute to Trump’s landslide victory: “Robots to make America great again!” Colin Deoki Australia
Your choice
The Fiji Times reports with pictures of farms (FT 4/10) has the key message on healthy eating echoed to all of us on International Health Day (observed on November 3). Healthy eating today for healthy tomorrow is the best natural medicine. Be a part of the change, your choice! Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Through history
We read in The Sunday Times Today in History Wednesday, November 17, 1982 in the snippet ‘Rights of all secured – DPM’ that Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau said in a statement “The constitutional rights of everybody in Fiji, irrespective of race, are secure and remain a cornerstone of our democratic system”. A short five years later the 1987 military coup showed that wasn’t the case. The rest of course is history. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
About diets
Vinaka Tessa Mackenzie for your heartfelt article about your diet. It’s obviously working for you at the very tender and youthful near 90 years that you’ve spent on this beautiful earth. And you’re still appear to be very fit and spritely which is no doubt a reflection of not only your diet but the way you live and think. We can all take a leaf from your book of life. Colin Deoki Australia
For four years
News is that many Hollywood celebrities and prominent business leaders are leaving USA for four years until President Trump’s term ends. But I believe that Vice President, J D Vance will be elected President for his next two terms until 2036. I am also looking forward to some Bollywood celebrities leaving India who are Marxist maniacs and Leftists lunatics. Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
Criticism
The Coalition Government should be receptive to criticism from external parties and the general public. It is important to remember that we, as taxpayers, have elected them to serve us, and we expect them to be accountable for their actions. Jaheed Buksh Sigatoka
Flying Fijians escape jaws of defeat!
My despair turned into joy as the Fiji Water Flying Fijians escaped the jaws of defeat, coming from 19-7 down to inflict defeat on The Lions 33-19 in their third match of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series. My alarm was set at 1.45am. A cup of coffee, and I was energised to watch Fiji take on Spain. The Lions scared me and many other fans as they raced to a 19-7 lead in the second half, but the fighting spirit and character of our warriors turned their fortunes around and saved Fiji from an embarrassing defeat. Spurred by a rugby-crazy nation’s hopes and aspirations, the boys regrouped in the last quarter and scored four consecutive tries to steal the deal in an emphatic fashion. Fiji scored five tries in total to 7s stars Ponipate Loganimasi and Sireli Maqala, power-packed forward Sam Matavesi, former skipper Waisea Nayacalevu and debutant and former Lelean Memorial student Setareki Turagacoke. Overall, the boys played well, but lost focus and their cool and composure as the game progressed, something they can never afford against Ireland when the two sides lock horns this Sunday at the Aviva Stadium. I’m looking forward to an improved and polished performance this Sunday. Unlike The Lions, the Irish will be a tough nut to crack on their backyard after their impressive 22-19 win over the Los Pumas! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa
Take a bow!
Mr Chaudhry, we’re aware your heart’s in the right place for your country. You’ve given your time generously towards furthering the cause of the nation despite the challenges of the many coups you’ve had to live through. Take a bow, retire gracefully and enjoy your time with your family. Hand over the reins of leadership to someone who’s young and vibrant and who has the energy and vision to grow and prosper the country. Fiji is in dire need of good leadership and youthful vibrancy to move the country forward. You’d be a great mentor for that person. But for heaven’s sake, please stop the negative narrative. Because it’s unbecoming of the stature of a great former PM such as yourself. You’re better than that and deserve better. Colin Deoki Australia
The truth?
Let’s face the whole truth. I believe the GCC is a vulagi organisation set up by the colonialists to meet their own agenda at the time. I believe it has been totally ineffective since its establishment more than 100 years ago. The prime minister, by his own acknowledgement, has stated that he is unaware and oblivious to a lot of things happening around him. His pretence that the GCC will improve the lives of the iTaukei is completely wrong. Simple question, whose lives will his government improve, then? I think we all know the answer to that question. Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Leadership impact
We read in The Sunday Times article ‘Fiji in need of credible leadership’ (ST 17/11) that Fiji Labour Party leader and former PM Mahendra Chaudhry highlighted at the FLP annual conference that “The Coalition partners made many promises to counter the sufferings of our poor and to right the wrongs inflicted on the people under the FijiFirst rule”. But the Government has failed to honour their election promises of good clean governance. Hence he points out that “The public perception today is of leaders who are self-serving, devoid of ethics and integrity, and oblivious to the needs and aspirations of the common people”. Chaudhry’s damning criticism of the Coalition Government stems from a sense that it has become a caricature of the FijiFirst mob in power. I believe Chaudhry in this instance has the pulse of the people and their discontent with the current gang in government. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
