Police allocation and reset
IN his 2024-2025 budget delivery, the Finance Minister confirmed the allocation of $226.8million to the Fiji Police Force, an increase of $47.1m over last year’s apportionment.
I hope this whopping increase in the force’s budget would progressively alleviate the vehicle shortage crisis, whereby for decades, the powerless lawmen were unable to attend to criminal activities simply because of “no transport”.
Alternatively, to save swelling fuel costs, the men in blue can also invest into a herd of mares to fight crime. The only by-product these steeds will emit is the harmless and environmentally friendly methane gas, or more commonly known as flatus.
Overall, I believe this comprehensive national budget has somewhat been equitably receptive, although food costs remain explosively high.
Nishant Singh Lautoka
Police reset
A full reset of the Fiji Police Force is underway.
We have heard of reforms but what does reset mean and what does it entail?
While grateful for the support by the Australian Government, we should always treat these support at arms length because if they were to infiltrate an institution like the Fiji Police Force (I believe this is part of the plan in their mentor and support program) it infringes on our sovereignty as a nation.
What’s next, global policing?
Sailosi Naewe, Naduru Rd, Nausori
Reinstated pensions
They say the devil is in the detail and so I seek some details and transparency. When is the pension reinstatement to commence from? Will it be backdated?
If yes, till when? And if no, why not?
Can FNPF publish a list of eligible claimants by year and how much each is entitled to? This should not be a one-size fits all, payment. After all affected pensioners did not all lose the same amount.
Will surviving relatives of deceased pensioners be entitled to claim? If not, why not? Why should a pensioner’s entitlement depend on his survival?
Will they be treated differently from the striking miners, many of whom are now deceased?
Will I be favoured with the details I seek?
Notwithstanding, Congratulations FNPF for the 8 per cent.
Daniel Fatiaki Suva
Cost of living
To alleviate the cost-of-living pressures which families are under, what you do is give them a 50 cents wage rise effective from August 1, 2024 and another 50 cents in eight months’ time — from April 1, 2025.
And the pollies get their massive full pay rise from August 1, 2024.
The people of Fiji are truly blessed because they are thrilled with this arrangement by this government which is doing such an excellent job.
Jan Nissar Sydney, Australia
Good news
It’s good news for the Vatukoula Gold Mine workers who were on strike for the past 33 years.
The $9.2million allocated to the workers has got smiles and brought relief to many suffering families.
$25,000 being paid to each staff in installments of $10,000 and $15,000 will take the burden off the workers to some extent.
Thanks to the Coalition Government for listening to their plight and prayers. Late but not forgotten.
We wish the workers all the best and hope more sufferings to come to end with this government.
Kirti Patel London, United Kingdom
No more FijiFirst party
The abrupt end of the FijiFirst party following its deregistration by FEO (FT 2/7) reminded me of the parable of the wise builder and the foolish builder.
FijiFirst was built on a foolish foundation to entrench its two top men in power.
When they lost power the FijiFirst house crashed down in the first political storm.
No real surprise that happened.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Weed problem
One way people were expecting a reduction in the current high cost of living was through Government bringing down the price of vegetables.
I think the Government is powerless in that department when we have large parcels of land in Fiji happily growing weed.
The media, police and concerned others have been giving excessive attention to “weed” but rarely there is a focus on weed itself.
Imagine the farmlands and backyards largely having vegetables. There will be more than enough to export.
Weed will remain a huge problem in Fiji until the day we realise weed my…
Why wait for the Government when it can be done by the people themselves?
Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Fletcher fire
It’s a matter of grave concern that the fire department has not been able to put out a fire by the roadside along Fletcher Rd, that has been burning for over a week now. The debris also contains tyres and has been bellowing out toxic smoke that is choking the residents, both young and old, within the vicinity of the fire.
I believe the Suva City Council is responsible for the debris which, instead of carting in trucks to its disposal area is finding the shorter way out and putting lives at risk in the process!
Mr Prime Minister, sir, failing the ability of the Fire Department, the police, who are just metres away from the fire, and the health inspectors concerned, can you please deal with the city council which seems to be playing dumb and turning a blind eye to the death threat, and find a real solution to the issue that is now chewing up much needed resources and will soon be causing actual suffocation and death to residents in the area.
Sir, we ask that you look into this matter with urgency and speed.
Thanking you in advance.
Noleen Billings Savusavu
Whistleblowers and drug dealers
There’s been lots of talk, workshops and announcements about the Government and police getting tough on the drug trade in Fiji. Lots of Government money is finally being allocated.
The proposed Narcotics Bureau is a good initiative. So is the proposed tax holiday for drug rehabilitation centres.
But where’s the announcement of financial incentives and protection for whistleblowers?
Undoubtedly many Fiji citizens know who the big dealers and players are. But why should they risk their safety by pointing them out, when anonymity is not guaranteed, and incentive is not offered?
I recommend that people read the recently released book “Gangsters in Paradise” by New Zealand investigative journalist Jared Savage. A lot of high level Fijian dealers and criminals are named in that book, some now in prison, who undoubtedly have well-established connections and networks back here in Fiji. But the book also highlights the murderous violence that accompanies this multi-million dollar industry.
If our Government is sincere about trying to reverse the trend, then it needs to get serious about protecting and incentivising local whistleblowers.
Aren Nunnink Hooper St, Savusavu
FijiFirst deregistered!
AS I read the heading, ‘No more party’ (FT 2/7), I reflected on a political party which ruled Fiji from 2014 to 2022.
I pictured the bus, which was used by the FijiFirst founders, to travel around our beautiful country collecting the required signatures to register their political party.
FijiFirst dominated the 2014, 2018 and 2022 national elections, collecting 293,714 votes (59.2 per cent), 227,241 votes (50.02 per cent) and 200,246 votes (42.55 per cent), respectively.
Party wise, they received the highest votes three years in a row, but their number of votes declined during the three elections. In 2022, the coalition between The People’s Alliance, National Federation and Social Democratic parties ended their eight-year reign.
The end to MIDA and the other Draconian Decrees that affected the lives of Fijians. Today, their party leader is in prison, while the founding members of the party resigned.
FijiFirst was given until 28 June to amend its Constitution. Failure to do so resulted in the deregistration of the party, ending hopes and aspirations for their voters.
FijiFirst’s ending reminds us that nothing lasts forever. Just as the day gives way to night, life’s joys – no matter how brilliant or fulfilling, short or long, have their moments in the sun before they fade. The saying, “All good things must come to an end,” isn’t just an age-old adage; it’s a reminder of life’s ever-turning wheel.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu
The red light
IF you run a red light, what are the chances of a crash?
But if you’re continually running the red light of rebellion and temptation, what are the chances you’ll eventually end up in sing sing?
Imagine the carnage you’ll be leaving behind for your family to try and clean up all because of your greed and the lust for the speed of a foolish get rich quick scheme or some other hare brained idea.
Running the red light of rebellion might put money into your pocket so you get away scot free in the short term.
But you’ll definitely crash and burn in the long run.
And that means your freedom will be cut short for a long stretch at Naboro.
And all for what?
Colin Deoki Australia
Old ways
Having heard all about the emoluments committee’s proposal and recommendations I believe we just look back a bit during Mary Chapman’s time as secretary to parliament. Everything and almost anything were done in an accountable and transparent manner. Get what she termed as,’ad hoc members’ on emoluments and there after they were disbanded and called back as and when required. The best old ways!
Jioji O. Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Overseas win
Will this weekend’s Test match against Georgia be Mick Byrne’s first win overseas? Or will the nightmarish trend continue? Sobo!
Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Charity or stunt
I totally agree with both Donald Singh and Inoke Vakalabure. When you give donation the left arm should not know what the right arm is doing. It should be subtle and from the heart and not for publicity. Then only you be blessed.
SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Pay rise?
Teachers pressing for 30 per cent pay rise (FT 29/6) looks like they are asking for too much. Let’s hope some realistic negotiations will come out at the table to stop mass migrations in future. “Child our hope” to build the future Fiji tomorrow as the teachers also put “service before self”.
Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
D-Day
The Opposition will be quiet now and even gone into an airplane mode after the deregistration of FijiFirst. I believe more than 200,000 citizens are now without a party. The Opposition should change their strategy like a guitar, each should sing in a crowd and keep smiling. Maybe it might improve crowd numbers till the next election. Hang in there!
NAVNEET RAM (TD) Lautoka
Forecast debt
SO the forecasted debt for July 2027 will be $12billion. What does it mean? We can’t run this country without loans. The people have to keep paying more and more.
Sukha Singh Labasa
Real struggle
Sukha Singh, be glad that the 18-tonne beast was able to haul in six half-filled cane carts along the steel track on Sunday afternoon in Labasa. The story is pretty much the same here, or probably worse here in Western Viti Levu. On Sundays, the railway reserve becomes prime real estate for farmers to send their livestock to graze on the grass and sugarcane sticks that litter the track. The struggle is real, thakur!
Samu Railoa Nadi
US President
If the Democrats do not replace Biden with a more capable candidate, then I am predicting another term for the Republicans with the love to hate Trump.
Emosi Balei Suva