Salute to journalists
AS we commemorated World Press Freedom Day yesterday, I pay tribute to our journalists for their courageous and committed reporting. The editor penned a thought-provoking editorial titled “World Press Freedom Day” (FT: 03/05). The editorial was worth reading and pondering. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 every year to remember journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, trying to give a voice to people. The day was about supporting and spreading awareness about the importance of freedom of the press in functioning, information providing, its significance and to awaken the government of its duty to uphold and respect the right to freedom of expression. The theme was “Journalism under digital siege”. As I salute our journalists for working round the clock to keep readers abreast with information, I urge them to keep learning and developing from experiences gained, to keep improving their work in disseminating information to all Fijians. I also urge journalists to scrutinise decisions of leaders and ensure they meet the highest standards and to ensure that all voices are heard including those that are marginalised. The Fiji Times remains the voice for ordinary Fijians, and I’m glad I’m addicted to The Fiji Times. Life without a copy of The Fiji Times in hand daily is unimaginable. Freedom of the press recognises that we are humans and our human dignity needs to be promoted, preserved and protected. Let’s pay tribute to the efforts of our committed journalists who work hard to bring out credible news, articles and stories! Let’s remember our journalists who lost their lives as well! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Importance of media
THE 3rd of May every year reminds us all of the importance of media and journalists. By the time we wake up to read the newspaper, listen to the radio or watch our morning television news, the journalists are already out in the field gathering information for the next edition. Some are still working late hours of the night while we enjoy our share of family time. Many a times they are faced with dangers and life endangering obstacles yet they outshine these dangers. Some of them have lost their lives in the very pursuit of collecting information, especially those in war torn areas of the world. But their efforts and sacrifices go in vain when media freedom is not acknowledged. My sincere praise goes to each and every journalist of this country. Special mention to the few whom I believe have outdone themselves. First and foremost, Fred Wesley, the editor for The Fiji Times. Secondly, Satya Nand of Navtarang for being an outstanding radio personality, especially for his 56 hour non-stop broadcasting for the drought appeal in 1998. And last but not the least, the Lautoka duo – Sanjay Goundar and Maika Kasami for compiling and publishing their very own monthly newspaper, the “City Star Newspaper.” My respect and salute to all of you. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Girmit Day
Speaking at the Malolo temple last week the Minister for Youth and Sports Praveen Kumar while alluding to the recognition of girmitiyas stated that “it’s sad that all this didn’t happen before, our forefathers weren’t remembered, but now we have decided that we will remember them annually on May 14.” (FT 3/5). That assertion is not quite correct. Since its establishment in 1979 the Fiji Girmit Council has been continuously marking the Girmit Day as an annual event except for the last two years when the celebrations were deferred because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. Preparations are already underway for hosting the 143rd anniversary at the Girmit Centre on Saturday May 14, 2022 in collaboration with other stakeholders. Perhaps it is also pertinent to mention that the Fiji Girmit Multicultural Centre was built as a monument in the memory of our indentured forefathers and as descendants it is our duty to protect and preserve this heritage for our future generation. And we also need funding support for some of our pending projects. May I also add that the descendants of the girmitiyas also deserve to be accorded equal recognition and respect for their tireless contribution and service towards making Fiji a better place for all its citizens. For although girmit has ended but the work that was started by the girmitiyas has not ended. SELWA NANDAN, Secretary, Fiji Girmit Council, Lautoka
Religious denomination
There’s a religious denomination within the vicinity of Vatuwaqa, Suva, that blasts out recorded religious songs via their PA system from early as 4am every day. I am definite everyone living within a 5km radius would be awoken by such blaring hassle. Hope whoever is responsible understands that humans reside close by, including the young and elderly. In addition, this is a time when secondary and tertiary students awake to attend to their studies in the hushed peacefulness of the early morning. Subsequently, many others including me, arise at such time for our own early morning ‘masu-masu’ or meditation within the four walls of our abode without even disturbing a mosquito. I hope common sense prevails and that the talatala concerned realises the inconvenience caused. It certainly reminds me of videos I’ve watched during the horrific reign of Hitler in Europe during the 1940s when propaganda music were played at high decibels in every nook and cranny. Geez, am sure even Jesus would be disturbed by such. Anthony Sahai, Vatuwaqa, Suva
EFL’s response
Please find below our response to a letter published in The Fiji Times titled, ‘EFL failure’ by Norman Year published on Saturday, April 30, 2022. EFL teams carry out patrols and regular maintenance along the EFL power lines to ensure reliability and security of power supply. Our team executed a planned outage to carry out maintenance in Martintar and surrounding areas on Thursday, April 28, 2022. The scope of works for this planned outage was carried out between 9am to 4.30pm and power supply was fully normalised to all the affected customers. On the same evening, at 7.30pm, our standby team was notified of a “no power” situation in the Martintar area. Our team arrived at the site, and patrolled pole after pole to identify the cause of this outage. During the patrol, our team found a dog chain which had bridged the low voltage conductors and caused the “no power” situation as a result of vandalism. Power supply was normalised the same evening. Power lines should always be clear of such foreign objects as this affects power supply to our valued customers. EFL has 10,382km of overhead power lines and requests the public to refrain from throwing foreign
objects and or vandalising the EFL infrastructure as it can cause fatal accidents apart from it affecting power supply. EFL teams sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused to our valued customers due to the “no power” situation which was caused by vandals. HASMUKH PATEL, Chief executive officer, EFL
Newspaper of integrity
Wishing a blessed World Press Freedom Day to the editor Fred Wesley and his entire dedicated team of The Fiji Times and all the journalists in Fiji. For two consecutive days, Wesley had written his editorial on the same topic. To me, it speaks volumes as to what he and other journalists like him had endured through the thick and thin. I congratulate him for taking the bold stance as a true journalist in conveying his message to its readers and our leaders. Indeed, The Fiji Times had been wrongly dubbed as anti-government and a “newspaper hell-bent on hurting a government”. Well, as an ardent reader of this particular newspaper, I can most definitely affirm that such had never been the ideology of this newspaper. With all due respect, this newspaper has been the most neutral, honest, well-balanced and informative Fijian media ever. It is undoubtedly the newspaper of integrity. Fred, keep up with the excellent journalism and continue to inspire others! DINESH KUMAR Ba
World Press Freedom Day
Yesterday (May 3rd) the World Press Freedom Day was celebrated around the world to mark and reflect on the importance of the Press Freedom Day. This was enunciated by the UN General Assembly in 1993. No one can deny the important role the news reporters and the media houses play in keeping the credible news flowing in this information age. There is a cut-throat competition amongst the media houses to catch the widest audience. Simply, it is a mega business. Therefore, media houses have no choice but to compete to survive. Else they will go down under and close shop. The technological changes through digitisation has led to rapid changes in the industry. Reporters have had to develop new skills and grapple with new technology. It has been very stressful as reporters and newsrooms rush to meet deadlines. Therefore, absolute competence and commitment on the part of journalists is required. Digitisation has added a new dimension to lifestyle. It has led to the development of rapid communication skills and worldwide accessibility. Therefore, consumer behavior has impacted the industry in a very big way. The younger generation wants access to content anytime, anywhere! It is contended that digitisation has led to reducing unemployment, improving the quality of life, boosting citizens’ access to public services and allows governments to operate with greater transparency and efficiency. Digitisation transformation has broken new barriers, tapping potential for growth. It has led to the rise of internet and mobile technology: smart phones, laptops, desk tops. Film industry has been impacted by the introduction of 3D, 4D,5D technology. Now patrons can see clearer pictures and hear better sounds. Fiji has been in the forefront in promoting media freedom by keeping the people informed of the events which unfold on a daily basis. Our heart goes out to these hardworking and committed journalists who have sacrificed their personal comfort to keep us informed. It is the responsibility of governments to ensure that the press freedom to express views is jealously protected. Dewan Chand Donu Place, Namadi Heights, Suva
Stray dogs
WE have travelled from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and have noticed a huge increase in stray dogs. May I ask the SPCA and Ministry of Agriculture … what solution do you have to fight this rise? Operation “vesu manumanu” is just talk. Delivering groceries into rural Lautoka we have been attacked by packs of dogs. So, what solution do you guys have? Stop sitting in your air-conditioned offices and telling us it’s not the dogs fault. Get off you backsides and see reality. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Pray for country
WE read in The Fiji Times 3/5 that Minister for Youth and Sports Parveen Kumar told people at the Malolo Temple on Friday night that “it was important that every citizen prayed for the country”. Does that also include atheists? I thought the country’s Constitution guaranteed religious freedom. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
A theory
I HAVE a theory that I would like to postulate through your column. The theory is that rain may now contain some super chemical that penetrates through tarsealed roads. As we have seen, no matter how good the road is, it’s never good enough to handle the super chemical induced rainwater. Drive through the newly sealed, resealed (don’t know what to call it now) road from Colo-i-Suva to Sawani to witness the pothole riddled road. I still can’t fathom the fact that from years of making roads the only job was to make a road that will withstand any condition, but holes still appear. So the theory is that it may not be the road, but the water. Sailosi Naewe Naduru Rd., Nausori
Know it all
SOBO, but we will be the Singapore of the Pacific. Well, know it all, said so. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Fijian Drua
TOSO mai Chiefs. The West is waiting for you. Simi Kuruvoli Westfield, Nadi
Fans’ attitude
I STILL remember what Master Kunagogo used to tell us at boarding school about the attitudes of spectators. The team wins, celebrate because the players have done so well. The team loses, blame the coach. Why don’t we change our attitudes people? The Drua wins, we win with them. They lose, we are at their backs. Oilei, spectators hang on please, don’t hang loose! Turaga, you there? Joeli Naleca Natabua, Lautoka || may4lekap9 || We have travelled from Sigatoka to Rakiraki and ha
