New rescue boats
HUGE thanks must go to Japan for their generosity in supplying Nadi Airport ARFFS with three new rescue boats for use during an emergency involving water. Acting CEO Fiji Airports, Amit Singh says: “In an emergency, every second matters”. I just hope thought has been given to how those boats can be launched in the shortest possible time. Will they be housed at or adjacent to the Turtle Airways seaplane base at Wailoaloa? Will suitable launching motor vehicles be kept for emergency use? Possibly more important is, will the ARFFS airport command have authority to launch the boats as needed without waiting for someone in a higher level to say go. It will be informative to know what the ARFFS reaction time is from notification of an emergency to actually getting a boat in the water. Terry Hulme Eastwood, NSW, Australia.
Mining proposal
THE application to mine and extract up to 900,000 tonnes of high-value minerals and sand per year for the next 20 years from in and around the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park has started on the wrong foot. And it’s going to be interesting to see if the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change take the urgent and decisive correction action needed. The mining proposal is in the name of local company Magma Mines Ltd, owned by Dome Gold Mines, listed on the Australian stock market. On October 13, last Tuesday, the ministry announced on its Facebook page that the Government formal process had commenced for Magma’s Environmental Impact Application (EIA) application to mine the Sand Dunes. The announcement said one hard copy of Magma’s EIA document was available to read at the ministry’s office in Lautoka, one each at the Sigatoka Town Council and Nadroga/Navosa provincial office as well as the Kulukulu police post. Four hard copies in total. No digital version. The October 13 Facebook announcement said that these documents had been available to read since October 2. Wait! That was almost a fortnight earlier? I searched the Friday and Saturday newspapers of both The Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun on the weekends of October 2 and 3, October 9 and 10 and last weekend: there was no MECC Magma advertisement. So, by design or error or some other explanation, the clock on the public consultation period on this colossal project was started on October 2. But it was not until twelve days later apparently, October 13, that the public were actually told by the ministry they were actually being consulted. This contradicts the ministry’s own 2026 EIA handbook on the mandatory and immediate publicity that must be given through newspapers and other media for large-scale development projects. The consultation window is still scheduled to close on October 30 even though 12 of the required 28 days — nearly 50 percent — have been lost. To get back those missing 12 days would require serious time travel. Or the ministry to admit something has gone awry and correct it. We’ve just started the second quarter of the 21st Century and yet the EIA process continues to be so 1980s. Much like the public consultation that’s not really a consultation over the Constitution Amendment Bill. The EIA process seems to be: Learn what you can about this vast, potentially life-changing project from one of only four copies anywhere in the country. By the way, sorry, but three of the four locations holding those copies are only open during working hours. Photocopies, yes, we can do this for you. But only at $5 a page (what the ministry requested in April for copies of the TNG Fiji EIA proposal). And, sorry, but there is no digital downloadable version or PDF from the ministry unless you want to pay. As I said, it feels so very 1980s. For students of Fiji I can confirm, yes, this was how we once lived with a Betamax or VHS and Gary A’Costa or Semi Koroi introducing the National Quiz on FBC. Bear a thought for anxious Nadroga-Navosa villagers, residents and voters queuing up to try to make sense of the paper-based explanation of how and why Magma will excavate, dredge, screen and wash almost a million tonnes a year of the sacred resting places of the earliest known Fijian inhabitations. Meanwhile, just up the road in Natadola, there is a very different development reality. Google’s international fibre optic cables are coming ashore to fulfil the Prime Minister’s claim that Fiji is “a hub for digital connectivity within the Pacific”. CHARLIE CHARTERS Malton, North Yorkshire, UK
Customer service
AFTER visiting hardware shops recently for a litre of high gloss paint, the salesmen refused to sell the amount. Instead, they insisted only four litre high gloss paint could be sold. Similarly, packs of one kilogram of local sugar are unavailable in supermarkets. For my small family where daily intake of sugar is small, a kilogram could last for over a month. Also, a two-kilogram sugar pack may not be within a consumer’s grocery budget. I urge firms to provide efficiency in accordance to customers. SARITA LAL Malolo St, Lautoka
Dead rubber galore
INTERNATIONAL Rugby League knows its game pretty well, that there’s no game. They are marketing experts. First game of the Rugby League World Cup saw the blockbuster battle between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis. It set the stage for more thrillers, so are we supposed to believe. What is unfolding after that thrilling opener is a series of one-sided, dead rubber matches. Some three months ago we had expected the 48-team FIFA World Cup to have mostly dead rubbers, but we were in fact left stunned by the minnows. Back to the current Rugby League World Cup, it’s pointless. The Kangaroos and the Kiwis will play the final, and if it is not a 48-18 blowout for the Roos, the Kiwis will nick it by a drop goal. Everything between now and then is pointless. DONALD SINGH Nausori
Legacy and punishment
Final bio
Delivered Education Wisdom with Academic Nutrition (DEWAN) Dewan Chand born in Fiji’s LA (Labasa) in the 1940s Eldest brother amongst siblings Lived and grew in rural farming settings In the run of education and employment got attached to Pratibha of urban living Legally wed Pratibha in 1970s and reared Vinay Pravina and Prameeta Later on took Praveeta and Prabita Both being teachers were required to change destinations From Northern Western Central gained and shared Geography History Language Mum was open poetically and polite while he was orally aggressive in life Leadership as a principal began at Ba Provincial Secondary in Lautoka under Ratu Josaia Tavaiqia Learned to speak Fijian in this school of multi ethnicity In 1987 was forcefully transferred to Drasa Secondary and later to Bhawani Dayal Arya College Nakasi school of Indian ethnicity Due to profession irrespective of ethnicity loved sharing and improving education Improved every institute’s vicinity capacity and ability Being in leadership despite retirement placing orders became habitual After the kids’ education came wedding rituals Which with the support of mum became actual In life’s tours faced detours was given chances to make things newer After all depart in life physical support and responsibility became fewer Of all relations I’ve remained clearer and closer In circumstances hot or cold In years new or old In days with mum or none I’ve stood firm and supportive in discipline care and fun None can compete or complain that portion of life’s run Be it Washing Cleaning Cooking Writing or Correcting I’m the only who had opportunity of this to have fully revived and received Be it Smile Care Hunger or Anger I’ve received and shared an equal share Being a daughter of tutors, have been taught to be morally fair With age and circumstances life faced its wear and tear But with me as his competitor was mentally alert and clear Always stood to speak and write on issues known and right Physically weakening but himself handsome considering mum he could not replace co’s me he could not displace Having held discipline reigns and rod As our life’s chapter took its unfold I’ve always reminded him of self control .Life has its gains and pains. But one has to be strong willed to release its strain. Always told faith and hope in the Lord to uphold . Of all his needs to his food and taste he paid good heed In that field none could overtake that lead Due to circumstances had to stand back from social events Be it a lady or gent all enjoyed his speaking stance And would never forsake a given chance Irrespective of what one says he and I viewed and heard each others final all From his palm raise, voice, breath and glance (14/10/26) To the Lord Him I totally surrender For his soul’s peaceful salvation Meeting wife and son in Lord’s jurisdiction May the Lord bless him for a fresh and peaceful beginning All that from him positivity have received For his soul’s peace blessings seek Co’s memories are the only thing of one any other can keep! Prameeta Chand Suva
Moderate chastisement
Here is the minimum requirement for the practical application of “moderate chastisement” of the proposed Constitution. Every person with a degree of authority over a person under 18 years of age (a legal “child”) must possess a “Certificate of Competency in Correction” (Level 3). This certificate will prove that the person is now competent in the “legal” use of hosepipe, electric cord, stick and hand for the “correction” of the children in their charge (the use of chili and razor blade and other extreme forms of chastisement will not be included). The practice of using forms of physical exercise may be included. In administering “moderate chastisement”, the caregiver will be trained in the use of a force-meter that will record the time and the force used. This will ensure that he/she does not go beyond the prescribed legal limit. This meter is approved by the Ministry of Justice and regularly checked for accuracy. Its use will be accompanied by a video recording of the action taken. The Ministry of Children and the Ministry of Justice will be jointly responsible for drawing up the Regulations needed to implement training and so prevent the use of excessive force in correcting children. Parliament will pass the necessary law(s) required to rescind Fiji’s commitment to ensuring children are protected from violence under all circumstances. Fergus Garrett Vatuwaqa, Suva
Protect children
The Ministry of Children is calling on parents to watch their children’s online gaming closely. They point out the dangers from predators who use these platforms to gain trust and hurt kids. Although online games offer fun, the Ministry warns about serious risks. Predators often pretend to be friends in games. They give out game tokens, skins, or upgrades to get children’s attention and take advantage of them. These bad actors may try to move chats away from gaming sites, which can lead to unsafe situations or pressure tactics. To keep children safe, the Ministry suggests parents talk with their kids often. Parents should also use parental controls, learn about the games their children play, and know who their kids talk to online. Most parents do this naturally, but the Ministry’s advice is a helpful reminder. These threats are real and should be taken seriously. Suresh Chand Nadi
Thank you
Vinaka vakalevu to Rajend Naidu (FT 19/10) for your kind and gracious comments about the Deoki brothers article. It’s very much appreciated. Also to Ronnie Chang and other members of the “old faithful” pensioners for their gracious comments with regards FNPF. I hope and pray that restitution will be granted for your longstanding and long suffering issue surrounding your retirement savings that you were robbed of by Decree 51 and the former administration and Board. Colin Deoki Australia
Public consultation
I was given five minutes at the public consultation in Nadi last Saturday, unfortunately, I could not say much because someone was pressed for time. What I fail to understand is why the Government has to fast track the constitution forum. Hope the mistakes of 2012 are not repeated. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Christian state
To everyone calling for Fiji to be a Christian State. Sadly, our social problems are a far reflection of being one. The church’s core mission should be to care for its congregation and ensure they receive emotional, spiritual and physical support through lifes challenges. Maybe, that is where they should start before calling on Fiji to be a Christian State. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Speak up
IT seems like members of The People’s Alliance party who are members of Cabinet can’t speak up to say that this is fair, or that is not fair! AREKI DAWAI Suva
