Justice now
Who has paid attention to Aman Ravindra Singh’s case so far.
Kirti Patel has by drawing attention to it (Letter in The Fiji Times). The Coalition Government has not. Aman fled the country because he felt himself to be a victim of political persecution by the FijiFirst mob in power since he had been a vocal critic of its authoritarian repressive rule.
Why the Coalition gang in government have not paid attention to Aman’s plight is a mystery to me.
Let us do the right thing by this courageous lawyer who was prepared to stand up against tyrannical rule in post coup Fiji.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia.
New market
Construction of the new Savusavu market is scheduled for completion on 04/12 and the official opening to be held before Christmas.
For us in Levuka, construction of our new market was completed in January. Tables, chairs, etc, were purchased in February and initially delivered last week.
Finally, after 11 long months, we’re going to have a grand opening next week (29/11).
Should’ve just waited for Santa Claus to open it on Christmas Day.
Woohoo, who can beat us, huh?
ANTHONY SAHAI, Levuka, Ovalau.
Trust and drugs
I write to warmly congratulate Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs for his frank statement on the public trust in the state and the drug situation in Fiji. While speaking to the Rotary Club in Labasa he hit the nail on the head.
Years of distrust in security forces is now rearing its ugly head in the form of utter lack of trust in the rule of law. We seem to have become a banana republic.
Yes, it will take more than simply pontificating on these subjects. It needs concrete actions through political will. It is time to walk the talk.
Mr Tikoduadua your firm stand on the subjects is very much appreciated.
DEWAN CHAND, Namadi Heights, Suva.
NFP vs FLP
It was useful to know that Pramod Chand is still kicking after he came out of hibernation to criticise the FLP leader, in the tradition of his leader Biman who is trying to justify the presence of the huge delegation to Baku.
As usual, rather than address issues, NFP and Pramod Chand decide to take an aim at the messenger. I wonder who he is speaking on behalf of? I believe the people who supported the NFP during the last elections have already given up on NFP, its hypocrisy and its inability to speak on behalf of the Indo-Fijians.
Where was Pramod Chand when we were labelled ‘vulagi’? He and his elected mates are supporting Rabuka’s ethno-nationalist agenda. Of course it will be too much to expect them to grow spine and speak up for us. Their positions are far too precious.
At least MP Chaudhry has been speaking on issues without fear or favour and it will probably take another life for the likes of Biman and Pramod Chand to match up to his standard and vision.
Perhaps Pramod should continue to focus on his business in Labasa and just take advantage of the huge development in Vanua Levu from Chinese aid.
ALTAUF CHAND, Minto, NSW, Australia.
Police Commissioner
It is 102 days and counting since Mr Qiliho resigned as Police Commissioner and no sign yet of a replacement. Minister Tikoduadua says he hopes to announce a name at the end of the month and the appointee will be expected “to reset the force and get rid of the dirty cops”.
OK, the dirty cops are well in the minority of the force one hopes, the burning question in my mind is what are we going to do for all the clean ones?
Many people go on moaning about the police not attending to some calls, many of which seem to be associated with violence. So off go our police to a violent affray, just armed with a piece of polished wood to face machete wielding thugs, probably drunk or drugged up. Despite all the well meaning articles in today’s Times, the drug situation is going to get a lot worse before it gets better and produce much higher levels of violence.
Many years back I proposed the police should be issued with tasers and/or hand held stunners to deal with violent offenders. For this to be effective, one in 10 officers must be very well trained in the use of such devices which they only deploy as a very last resort. While at the time of suggestion the police were positive about it, of course all the do gooders were anti and they won the day. The police later went down the gun route which was not a good idea.
It is not part of the job description of a police officer to be bashed up, suffer life changing injuries, or worse still, die in the execution of their lawful duty.
I hope at least the proposal will be considered.
ALLAN LOOSLEY, Tavua.
Time to act is now
The issue of drug addiction among today’s youths is a crisis that plaques our society to the core. This escalating menace is silently but significantly crippling the future of our nation. The magnetism of drugs has trapped countless promising minds, leading to devastating consequences for families and communities.
The impacts extend beyond personal health, tarnishing academic achievements, employability, and societal integration. It is a crisis which leaves no place spared. It is a global tragedy that seems to be only getting worse. It’s crucial, therefore, that we recognise this as a collective responsibility.
I think time has come for all concerned parties to act decisively and swiftly to address this epidemic without taking too much time to think. I believe raising awareness through educational campaigns, engaging youth in constructive activities, and enhancing accessible rehabilitation facilities are some of the steps essential toward mitigating this issue.
Moreover, fostering a supportive environment, where open conversations about mental health and coping mechanisms are encouraged, is essential. It’s imperative that we fortify our youth with resilience against these temptations. We cannot afford to remain complacent observers to this crisis.
Our proactive efforts today will determine the course of tomorrow for our youth and society as a whole. I would like to urge the concerned all stakeholders including NGOs to step forward and take necessary measures in eradicating this serious issue immediately. Time to act is now.
SURESH CHAND, Nadi.
Boxing circus
For Sukha Singh the Paul and Tyson fight ( FT 19/11 ) “was one of the worst fights” he had seen so far but “each fighter likely walked away with tens of millions of dollars” (Fortune 17/11/24).
The fight should not have happened at all but it exploited the human tendency for titillation for the bizarre.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Namosi ban
NEARBY districts, villages, settlements and towns will have to brace themselves since Namosi will ban its own people who are involved in drug activities.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Lack of trust
The Fijian people’s ‘Lack of trust in State’ (FT 18/11) extends not only to State security forces, the military and the police but to the political leadership in the country as well.
I believe the Home Affairs Minister needs to take cognisance of that and reflect on why that is so.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Cost to live
The cost of living nowadays is costing us the ability to live. Isa!
WISE MUAVONO, Balawa, Lautoka
Pending cases
Kirti Patel has once again raised her concern regarding the delay in Aman Ravindra Singh’s case. The same exigency should be also extended towards resolving all the pending murder cases in Fiji. Some of them are over 5 years old and we need to bring them to a closure. The families of the victims are also impatiently waiting for justice.
SELWA NANDAN, Lautoka
Police officers
Integrity of officers questioned (FT 18/11). That is as should be when police officers are suspected to have strayed from their professional code of conduct. But why are politicians regarded as exempt when their integrity is questionable? Shouldn’t the political leadership be setting an example in upholding integrity?
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Year 8 exams
Indar Deo Bisun (FT 12/11) on 37% Year Eight students who do not pass to move to Year 9 is a great concern on literacy and numeracy. What will happen to those needing to repeat or remain in the education system? They may have missed out due to some valid reasons. We have seen some doing well as they went through “Matua” programs in a school in Nabua. Fiji Times LTE writer master Lingam is well aware of this. The school “No Repeat Policy” (FT 29/10) is not a fair assessment to screen children in Class 8. Give them a second chance. All stakeholders should take up the challenge to address this problem.
Challenges help us work towards who we want to become.
TAHIR ALI, Hamilton, New Zealand.
