Bula
Three stories make the front page of the Fiji Times for Saturday, December 21. But before that, we have a wraparound over the front page, and it’s on the holidays coming up.
THE shadowy nature of the illegal drug trade requires the Counter Narcotics Unit to equip itself with surveillance technology such as drones and advanced tracking systems.
According to the Police Reset document, preventing the flow of illegal drugs and dismantling drug networks will also require a strengthening of intelligence-gathering mechanisms to identify drug trafficking routes and networks.
Fiji National Provident Fund’s 43,000 members were paid a record eight per cent return to its members in its 2024 financial year ending June 2024. This was the highest in the last 25 years. The performance comes as the fund continues to manage an asset portfolio valued at $10.6 billion for over 423,000 members.
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says if Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has evidence of dirty cops, then he should have had them investigated and arrested. Mr Rabuka’s remark follows claims by Mr Fong Chew that some police officers were corrupt. In a strong response to the media yesterday, Mr Rabuka expressed disappointment at Mr Fong Chew’s comments, describing them as injurious to the morale of the police force.
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Synopsis
We are now counting down the days to Christmas Day on December 25. That’s when celebrations will definitely go up a notch.
There is tradition, and emotions linked to this special day, and the one after that, on Boxing Day, and then attention shifts to New Year’s Day.
We celebrate this festive season for different reasons.
One thing’s for sure, the festivities start this weekend, broken by working days on Monday and Tuesday, only to resume on Wednesday and Thursday.
For thousands of people, it’s an opportunity to unwind, and to be with family and friends.
It’s an opportunity to relax at the beach, take in the weather, and the moment. It’s an opportunity to enjoy life.
Some will drown themselves in alcohol. Thousands will use the opportunity to become tourists.
There will be people at work though. They ensure the processes and systems that enable our nation to churn on, continue rolling.
There are families who may have a loved one who is very sick, or perhaps they are not well-off and are unable to enjoy the occasion.
Christmas Day is a joyous occasion that should be celebrated.
Lest we forget, we also have a duty to be careful on our roads.
Travelling times take up a huge chunk of our days in this period.
So let’s be vigilant, proactive, and adhere to laws that govern road usage.
Considering the fact that we are still in the cyclone season that stretches from November to April, it pays to be mindful of what the weather reports reveal.
It is encouraging to see organisations and people reaching out to assist the less fortunate. A lot of them have come to the assistance of organisations like Walk on Walk Strong (WOWS) Kids Fiji for instance.
These acts of kindness should remind us that there are many good-hearted people willing to lend a helping hand, and their efforts should inspire us all.
Let this season of goodwill empower us to show concern and compassion for those around us. We acknowledge and celebrate all those who have dedicated their time and energy to uplift others, and to become shining lights in our communities. Your contributions make a meaningful difference, reminding us about the true spirit of the season.
As we prepare for the holidays, let’s plan wisely and prioritise safety for ourselves and our loved ones. Whether we’re celebrating at home, traveling, or volunteering to help those in need, our actions can have a lasting impact. Let’s embrace the joy of the season while fostering a sense of togetherness and support for one another. Let’s also focus on safety!
