Give her time
IN all fairness to the Minister for Local Government, I think we need to give her some space to settle in and bring herself up to speed with the current state of affairs in the ministries under her portfolio.
One should not expect miracles overnight as Rome was not built in one day.
Let’s not forget that she has inherited the problems that exist within the local municipalities.
But she has acknowledged that changes are necessary to modernise the systems and processes to improve the efficiency of the services delivered by the councils.
She has indicated that her number one priority is to put the house in order first before we talk about elections.
In my opinion we should allow the reform to take precedence.
For municipal elections to materialise what is needed foremost is the political will.
Otherwise no dice.
One can infer from the comments attributed to the minister that the ratepayers will have to wait until the new legislation and governance structure are in place.
She has also said that they will be looking at other modalities that can better serve our needs and purpose.
However, we can only hope that it would not be a copy and paste exercise but tailored to adapt it to our local environment.
As ratepayers we should have a voice in the running of the municipalities.
Madam Minister, this issue has been held in abeyance for a long time.
And promises made four years ago have not been honoured.
Therefore, it’s incumbent that we should work towards committing a timeframe for its implementation.
Selwa Nandan, Lautoka
The Times
Over the years, from my daily readings of The Fiji Times, I have never been able to conclude on any day that this newspaper is biased.
It is as neutral and transparent as any other newspaper in the world which has the same values.
It even has the courage and decency to publish the public’s views that it is biased.
This is a glaring example of being unbiased.
This newspaper is living proof of its name.
It is indeed the Times for the whole of Fiji, not for particular people.
I think it was, it is and it always will be neutral, fair and unbiased.
True to its name for one and a half century.
Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
New graduates
The front page of The Fiji Times 10/01/19 covered a story about new graduate teachers who were left in a limbo for there were no vacancies available for them, however, five days later the FT 15/01/19 reported an article titled, Schools start year with teacher shortage.
Pondering on the situations I raised the questions;
– How can there be no vacancies available for teachers when there is teacher shortages in schools?
– Can the ministry responsible clarify this matter?
I believe with the many new graduates there should not be any problem with teacher shortages in schools.
Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane, Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Fiji Parliament
This is in reference to a letter from one Jan Nissar, of Carlton NSW, Australia, in The Fiji Time on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
It is good to know that people living in Australia are taking interest in our Parliament.
I take a very strong exception to the term “old fossils” and “too many oldies” in the Parliament.
I do not hold any political brief nor any affiliation, but, am concerned about the issue of ageing population, the elderly, old people or seniors of Fiji.
Whatever term we use, to me the respect, the dignity and the general wellbeing of the senior citizens are paramount.
Being a pioneer advocate of ageing and the elderly of Fiji since 1988, I would like to point out to Jan Nissar, that, an ageing population is the greatest blessing and a tribute to the national health system and the families of Fiji.
The derogatory manner in which the writer has referred to our seniors as “fossils” and “oldies” is unfortunate as perhaps he is not aware of the fact that seniors are not a burden but it is a generation of mature, experienced and intelligent persons who are a family pride and national asset.
Everyone should realise that ageing affects us all.
The writer needs to take cognizance of the fact what tremendous contributions of senior Australians such as Hon Gareth Evans and the group called, the elders, consisting of some of the most respected senior political figures are making to the world peace and order.
The negative writers like that need every prayer and good wishes to acquire more knowledge and wisdwom, from our seniors.
Which could well start by respecting and learning from grandparents in the family.
This will certainly contribute to a better future and progress for all.
Mohammed Hassan Khan, Nasese, Suva
Fair reporting
The Fiji Times should continue its balanced reporting.
It is the reason behind being the more popular newspaper locally and abroad.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Feeling the heat
As the temperature is falling in the northern hemisphere, we should be experiencing a rise in temperature down in the southern hemisphere.
Massive winter storm is producing five to 15 inches of snow in most parts of the affected areas.
It’s killing people on the slick roadways in some other areas.
Even the number of flight delays are in thousands which is not helping the Americans.
Back here in Fiji we should be expecting to be warm and maybe hotter as we come into February.
We could be experiencing very hot in the day and warm in the evenings.
In Australia, if you follow the Australian Open Tennis that is happening right now, the players are having difficulty with the heatwave in the games.
Please make wise decisions on where you want to be and what you are drinking, it could be in your favour!
Tomasi Boginiso, Nepani, Nasinu
Proposed Bill
I really enjoyed reading Richard Naidu’s article on the Code of Conduct Bill FT 14/01/19.
Wow! Thanks for breaking down the Bill info in a common person’s language.
Looking forward to also read something on why the Bill should be in its present form.
Dorine Narayan, Suva
Border issues
Can the proposed meeting with the Australian PM and his entourage also include immigration issues such as visa upon arrival in Australian borders by Fijian citizens?
Ilaitia Bose, Suva
Social media
Can our government please censor all media …. especially Facebook.
Some people whenever they open their mouth, only rubbish comes out.
A. Shariff Shah, Savusavu
My request
I have a request.
Each time people or organisations arrange to pick up rubbish along the seashore, rivers, or wherever, could the weight be sent to some organisation and after six months tell the Fijian people how much rubbish was collected from these areas?
Facts tell a story.
Allen Lockington, Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka
Media bias
One-sided reporting and The Fiji Times!
Oh no, somebody gotta be kidding me!
From my observation and experience, The Fiji Times deserves accolades for their neutral, independent and impartial reporting.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
What’s up Opposition
What are our Opposition MPs up to and what is the Opposition Leader doing?
The hardworking taxpayers of Fiji are paying their salaries and perks so it would only be fair for the nation to know what they are up to.
I believe the Opposition Leader earns $120,000 and Opposition MPs each earn $50,000 for getting a seat in Parliament.
I believe they also get a further $9000 for the 45 days of Parliament sittings.
Accommodation, meals, travel and insurance allowances are extra bonuses.
As a shadow cabinet to critique the actions of cabinet ministers there is hardly a bark from their side?
Are they working?
How many hours a day do they work during the week?
What’s up Opposition?
Simon Hazelman, Rava Estate, Savusavu
Who owns our children
Gabriel Simpson asks (FT 14/01/19) why the Government gives salaries to faith-based schools.
The answer is simple.
The Government does not own our children, children belong to their parents.
Parents have the right, acknowledged by our Constitution, to freedom of religion and have the primary responsibility for the education of their children.
The task of a democratic government, which answers to its people, is to support parents in fulfilling their obligation.
In distributive justice the Government is obliged to spend as much on the education of children in faith-based schools as in schools devoid of a faith base.
On their own principles, such schools can provide data but can give no overall vision of what life is about.
They provide means without the concept of ends.
They can give life no purpose.
It is a fundamental weakness and not ‘in the best interests of our children’.
Mr Simpson clearly does not understand the meaning of a secular state.
It is one that is open to all but does not favour any faith nor discriminate against any.
It is not a secularising state bent on destroying faith.
Catholic teachers are uniquely qualified to teach in Catholic schools.
The ministry’s failure to recognise that Catholic parents want Catholic teachers and that they are the best qualified to teach in Catholic schools, is in my belief a failure on the part of the ministry.
It diminishes respect for the ministry.
It is astonishing to see that the education department attempting to replace established and successful Catholic school principals (Xavier and St Thomas’ among others) on the extraordinary grounds that it is acting in the best interests of the children.
I believe bypassing parents and claiming ‘Big Brother knows best’ is the mark of a totalitarian government which seeks direct control over its children.
Father Kevin McGuire, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva
Interesting read
Interesting reading, Richard Naidu’s take on the Code of Conduct Bill.
Especially the breakdown on how, “you” can be fined or jailed for invoking the code.
Catch 22.
You can invoke the code against someone but may be found in breach of the law.
Who the hell is it for?
It’s like the “who’s who have a right to do anything we can’t stop them from doing. Lest you tried and be jailed”.
Manoj Lal Patel, Drasa Ave, Lautoka
