Letters to the Editor: letters@fijitimes.com.fj
Youth parliament
THE return of the Fiji youth parliament framework is a positive and welcome sign. To see young people stand up and raise issues from their communities and challenge the Government on developmental, social and economical issues is a beacon of hope for our new democracy.
I congratulate all the young people who participated and hope that in the future, more structured debates and a more viable standing order without the limitations on motions and points of orders is actually implemented.
I also don’t understand the rationale behind the three-minute time limit; and the youth parliamentarians are also expected to introduce themselves to the House, portray themselves as our representatives and than talk about their issues while sticking to the debate topic.
And I felt that the feeling of excitement was murdered by the adjournment of the youth parliament to August 2015.
What the youth parliamentarians are supposed to do from now till August 2015 will be interesting.
I suggest that we now move to create within the law, a formal youth parliament structure, based on proper elections and a two year work plan with deliverables.
I like many others in the youth movement are tired of the workshop type of youth parliaments where there is a danger of tokenism and a lack of true appreciation of the democratic bureaucracy and traditions that establishe our legislative framework.
PETER WAQAVONOVONO, Suva
Tax evasion
GOVERNMENT should set forth a regulation that would allow customers who are not given or refused receipts at bars and restaurants to have their food and drink for free.
It has become common now at many food and beverage outlets not to give receipts so they can avoid paying much needed taxes. One only needs to observe to see what I mean.
This will give consumers the right not to pay for the goods they consumed if the retailer fails to produce a receipt that would validate the transaction.
When in place, all restaurants, cafes, bars, coffee shops and other places serving food or drink will have to state that consumer right on their menus.
In order for us ordinary citizens to receive proper government infrastructure and services all due taxes must be paid and it is our responsibility to restrain such tax evaders.
A tax evasion plan of “No Receipt, No Pay”!
SIMON HAZELMAN, Savusavu
Levuka celebration
BEING out at sea sailing across the equator, two oceans, three gulfs, one canal, six straits, 11 seas and pirate “infested” waters for 46 days and “disconnected” from the cyber world, was indeed a once in a life-time memorable journey to cherish to the “ends and depths” of mother Earth.
I certainly missed out on all the local news back home, especially the state celebration back in my hometown of Levuka to commemorate its status as a world heritage site, the first in Fiji, of course.
Just being a bit inquisitive here, could someone please specifically provide the total amount that was budgeted for the event & the expenses incurred therein?
Am slightly confused with the many varied figures and magnitude of the eventual celebrations provided over the “grapevines”.
Hope it’s not too big of a question to ask, especially with Christmas looming.
ANTHONY SAHAI, Suva
Justice at last
I AM truly happy that Nathaniel Lal and other students of Labasa Sangam (SKN) College have obtained justice from the High Court in Suva after it quashed a decision made by the Ministry of Education permanent secretary which was not consistent with natural justice and procedural fairness (FT 18/12).
Nathaniel’s parent Rajesh Lal said they were “blessed to have the best lawyers (Richard Naidu and his team) representing them”.
I had the same team representing me when I challenged a decision by the permanent secretary for Social Welfare.
I did not obtain justice from the High Court in Suva at the time (2003).
And it was not for want of the best legal representation.
I am happy that the justice system has delivered justice to Nathaniel and his fellow students in 2014.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
PNG jobs
THE pilot scheme requiring 30 people to kick-start the New Zealand Seasonal Workers Scheme is confirmed and the agreement has been signed last week.
Authorised recruitment agents have been told that if the New Zealand government including farmers are happy with the performance of the 30 workers, another MOU will be signed, opening the scheme to authorized agents for the 1000 additional workers with 3000 as our quota.
I have heard that the MOU draft for Fiji and Australia have been edited and we should expect it to be signed soon.
Let us pray for Australia to open the floodgates for Fijian seasonal workers to work in Australian farms by the hundreds and not start with 30.
2015 is looking to be a prosperous year for Fijians.
SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA, Nasinu
Home fires
RECENTLY we have had many families who have lost their houses and almost their entire belongings through fire.
Authorities have put up advertisements recently warning people about fires. While we put some blame on others, most of us don’t know that what we keep in our kitchen and food containers are some of the major causes of fires.
Sometimes we keep potato chips half eaten in our kitchen, food containers and other types of similar food.
These are some of the causes of fire with study being done on them.
So don’t keep half eaten potato chips, Twisties and similar products in your kitchen or houses as they are highly regarded as some of the causes of fire that spreads so quickly.
TAGI VONOLAGI, Nausori
Water taste
I HAVE lived in Sigatoka for many years but I still cannot figure out as to why the tap water tastes so much different than other tap water around the country.
The taste is so different, rather tasteless and weird. While some force themselves to drink because of thirst, some had to totally ignore the basic necessity of life.
As much as I commend the work done by the Water Authority of Fiji for accessing pipe waters to all parts of Sigatoka, I wish to ask as to how the water are being processed in the reservoirs and why the Sigatoka Water(pipe) taste so different. I urge concerned authorities to do something about this.
SEREMAIA MOTONICOCOKA, Nasinu
Listen, please
IF only leaders could listen to people more than they speak, what a better nation ours will be.
Democracy is about airing your views and awaiting constructive response from others with the focus to improving situations.
Just because we make the majority, does not mean that we are viewed by the majority with respect and credibility.
All decrees imposed by our government should be voted on by our people, as they obviously need to be replaced.
Also as a concerned citizen and leader, how do I encourage people to listen and abide to a Constitution that is a maybe, maybe not document yet to be endorsed by all Fijians.
Listen may take time, but certainly directs one to progressive results.
FINAU NAIGULEVU TURAGA, Nadi
Under radar
LIKE Shamal Chand (FT 17/12) I too had a police radar experience once when I was driving from Suva to the West. Like Shamal I too made sure I kept within the speed limit. But that did not stop a police woman with a moustache from stopping me and booking me for speeding. I have no doubt in my mind that the police radar booking is done selectively. Shamal Chand’s radar experience only confirms that.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Superstition
CALL me old fashioned or superstitious but I have a small delusory feeling that the unfair treatment of Fiji TV’s rights for rugby is reflected on our sevens team for not being able to perform in the last two legs of the sevens series.
J NAVEEN KUMAR, Lautoka
Biscuit delight
I WISH to congratulate Punjas for the new biscuit factory. More jobs more opportunities. To Mr Nitin and Rajesh Punja and all the Punja brothers, the people of Fiji delight in all your ventures. Government has always said that we need to create more jobs – you did.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Lautoka
Road deaths
ALARMING statistics indeed as expounded by the LTA CEO (TV 1 News 18/12). Maybe he and his team reconsider my contribution titled “Shift the focus” (FT 10/5) as follows: Can LTA get out of the media and get on the ground 24/7 for the sake of all who want to live without crippling injury and not mourn another road related casualty? Life is more precious than publicity. Over to you sir.
RICHARD BROWN, Suva
7s critics
WE complain, we criticise, we dictate. The time they need us the most for our support and encouragement, we aren’t there. How dare we call ourselves fans. We are just a bunch of bad losers. No patriotism with no sense of good sportsmanship. Shame on all those so-called 7s supporters.
WISE MUAVONO, Lautoka
Bad driver
I BOARDED a Pacific Transport bus (registration Kausi, Kermode Rd route) at the Lautoka bus stand on 17/12/14 at 5:15pm, and the driver was playing vulgar Yo Yo Honey Singh’s songs. There were people of all ages and races in the bus. Even after some of the men said to the driver to change the song, he didn’t and just laughed with the checker. When I was getting off, I told the driver nicely that this is a public bus and not to play such songs. To my surprise he replied “if you don’t like it, then don’t board my bus”.
DANIEL COSTA, Lautoka
Condolences
MY deepest condolence to the families of the 132 innocent schoolchildren who lost their lives in the recent Taliban attack in Pakistan. May God give their parents strength.
AVINEEL KUMAR, Nadi
Treat them fairly
IT is thought in fact that it is one of two reasons for the termination of Fiji TV One CEO Tevita Gonelevu and content manager Tanya Waqanika.
The first is that it is purely commercial. The other more cynical explanation suggested by Emosi Balei (FT 18/11/14) is that Government maybe indirectly interfering in the operations of Fiji TV.
If the second reason advanced has any shade of truth, then this country should not tolerate the continued interference of private commercial sectors by ministries and individuals promoting people they hold in affection.
Many reasons for such dismissal maybe advanced.
Some of them maybe considered unfair and unjust to the people who gave their life working for the company only to be ditched unlike some who maintain their jobs despite the nationwide effects of water disconnection.
One fact however cannot be disputed. If TV one station is to continue its good programs for the people of this country,it should treat its employees fairly with dignity and respect in accordance to section 20(1) of the 2013 Constitution.
AMENATAVE YACONISAU, Lami
String puppets on Fiji TV
THERE is no need for an explanation to Emosi Balei, there is no sacrificial lambs as mentioned by Nishant Singh, no need for the iTaukei views by Korina Waibuta and there is no lame excuse by Mataiasi Bulivou.
The entire world is watching a string puppet show on Fiji TV, boring as it may sound.
I guess we have to get with the flow for the next four years.
Keep calm and move on.
Merry Christmas The Fiji Times.
SERUPEPELI URU, Lautoka
Why play hard ball
SERIOUSLY why was Government playing hard ball in the first place with Fiji TV in regards to their licence being only applicable for six months only.
To top it off was the board just bowing down to the Government by sacrificing two senior staff so they could have a better licence or is there something else, that we are not privy to?
It’s beginning to sound like an episode from one of their TV series.
Well, to Messrs Gonelevu and Madam Waqanika, here is wishing you two all the best.
Have no fear, this is just a road hump in your careers.
Remember someone is always watching.
LAWRENCE WARA, Suva
No reason
WHAT is happening to our country.
The sense of justice has eroded with the firing of senior executives of Fiji TV – Gonelevu and Waqanika -without a reason.
It begs the conclusion that the board was directed to fire them.
It seems not one board member was man enough to defend its senior executives who were protecting a business deal.
DAN URAI, Lautoka
Definition of a mediator
I REFER to Anish Chandra’s letter (17/12) titled “Definition of a mediator”.
It is apparent that Anish was not privy to all the conversations between the A-G and NZ Rugby.
Nor should he base his entire thesis on the assumption that The Fiji Times story contained all the facts.
Perhaps Anish needs to go and grind his cheap political axe somewhere else.
BENJAMIN QIONIBARAVI, Suva
Thank you
I WOULD like to thank World Rugby for allowing us to watch the South Africa 7s tournament during the weekend.
And to FBC TV, please prove that channeling the coverage to your station is worth it and not like when our team was playing England.
I have to switch to Fiji One for full action and you know the reason.
PITA SOROAQALI, Suva
Possession the key
A LITTLE humbling pie in South Africa.
Hope we have learnt the difficult lesson that any team can beat us on the day.
The losses to Australia and USA could easily have been avoided if the right option of retaining possession had been taken in the last moments.
They fully deserve the victory and we must move on re-estimating ourselves and place proper valuation of the capability of other teams.
Our boys will play like maniacs because they know the whole of Fiji is watching them now. They will come out of their foxholes and take the play to the opposition’s defence line if they know Fiji is behind them.
Our boys are grand followers and in Fiji they are the most relaxed and contended guys cultivating their own thing. The next IRB circuits would indeed be a difficult and tricky affair for Ben Ryan and the boys.
Ben is an expert on high level rugby competition where he saw the mighty England team win tense games in the past. No doubt he is the ideal choice for such situation.
Obviously we have a new nemesis now in Australia but congratulations to South Africa for securing victory in front of their own crowd.
The FRU and the nation will rally behind them. Go Fiji, go!
AMENATAVE YACONISAU, Lami
Long road to Rio
MANY diehard sevens fans will be bitterly disappointed with the recent performance of the national sevens team in the Dubai and Port Elizabeth legs of the HSBC Sevens Series.
I imagine no more so than the coach Ben Ryan and his players, they themselves performed well below expectations and the team have set very high standards for themselves and they themselves will be the first to admit that they failed miserably.
As Ben Ryan has already indicated, some players just did not perform to expectations and with the injuries to Semi Kunatani and Jerry Tuwai, it was and ideal opportunity for those in the wings to step up to the plate to show the world that they also have the class and the talent to replace those superstars but alas it was an opportunity missed.
The road to Rio 2016 is not a sprint but a marathon, so all is not lost. At the end of the day, the coach can only advise and suggest the game plan. At the end of the day, the players determine their own destiny.
Given what has been displayed in the past fortnight some players may have just played their way out of the team.
Go Fiji, go!
OFA GUCAKE, Lautoka
Olympic dream
THE Olympic dream is not only limited to national sevens rugby reps but includes referees.
During the recent Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens, the famous referee Rasta, was invited to assist a commentator during a match. When asked, he openly declared his goal of wanting to be selected as a referee for sevens rugby at the Olympic Games.
The Olympic dream has opened up competition to players, referees, coaches and officials.
All in all, players are not the only ones competing for a spot.
The competition off the field among other competitors will only get tougher come 2016.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Nasinu
Don’t lose hope
AFTER all the fiasco of the TV rights, of which I must congratulate our A-G for getting us connected, we fizzled out in the Cell C Mandela Bay Sevens even in the final of the Plate after our demolition of England in the semifinal.
The boys looked fatigued and susceptible to injury easily, but we can take comfort that we are still second on the standings and shouldn’t start shouting and pointing fingers as most of these boys have been playing rugby for the whole year and have not had some decent break.
I urge the boys not to lose hope, take that well-deserved rest and prepare yourselves in the new year to rock the series to its core.
Something to look forward to is how the new kids on the block perform when thrown into the deep end, which in my book is just as exciting to watch as compared when Jerry Tuwai exploded on to the scene on the Gold Coast.
Merry Christmas to Ben and the boys, relax mada, qai toso tale or as they say back at home, vano na vano, ‘oso ‘ale boys.
LAWRENCE WARA, Suva
Rise again
THE performance by our sevens boys was not very pleasing in the last two legs.
The defence sucks. After the last two tournaments, I began to think that winning Gold Coast was luck for the boys.
As usual we see they score multiple tries but the poor defence killed the spirit and we ended up losing. If we reflect back on the Gold Coast, I would say if there was two more minutes in the final, Samoa could have won the game.
I bet Fijian fans had a smile on their faces in the second half and their hearts were pounding hard. Again, same thing was reflected in Dubai. Fiji against Australia was clear in first half with three tries to one. I still remember Ben said at half-time that we needed to score one more try and that should be it. Well Fiji did score one more try but ended up losing. Simply because their defence was poor.
Then came Port Elizabeth. I bet many, including me, said this time Fiji would rip Australia apart but something different happened. Australia gave Fiji no smell of the game.
For a moment, after two quick tries in the second half, I thought Fiji was back but I was wrong.
Ben is the man in charge but I don’t see much good done apart from the discipline issue. I hope they will make few eliminations such as Roko.
He was good, even I was his fan, but now his time is gone. I bet there are better players than him in the villages.
I just hope and pray that Fiji will rise again. Glad to see players such as Jerry.
For some reason, I think he can be the next Serevi if he sticks to sevens with a positive attitude.
God bless Fiji. Can’t wait to see some improvement and good rugby in the next two legs.
ANEEL RAI, Salt Lake City, USA
Keep the faith
MOST people in the country are fast to jump the wagon and show their frustration on the performance of our boys during the recent Dubai and South Africa sevens.
While most of us always want positive results, we fail to understand the full components and principles in training in achieving those results.
I take my hat off for the coaching staff and the boys for a gallant performance looking at resources we have for training, calibre of players we have, background of players in training and other contributing factors that make a complete player.
Our boys are not professionals like overseas players and to compare them with those overseas players is unfair. They stood their ground well from the starting of the 7s series until today.
Most of our players were selected from our own competition and compete at top level with players who have been groomed at young age and go through lots of training style and system to develop them into competitive players.
As for our players, most don’t go through this training system.
That’s one contributing factor to their performance.
We have raw talented players and all of a sudden they are put through training systems to build their strength and other components of training in a new environment.
Just imagine if all sports in the country go through the training system and to compete at that level. We can be world beaters. I’m proud of our boys and achievement.
Brazil Olympic games is one year away and everyone should work hand in hand to back Ben and the boys to achieve the nation’s dream.
Just imagine if we have a sports school where we groomed all the talented students from the core sports we have.
From Form One to Form Seven, a normal school, but they are trained under qualified coaches apart from their normal school educational programs.
Sports is bread and butter for most of our unemployed youths and we should look after them as well. Looking at the number of players playing professionally overseas I believe they have also contribute a lot to the economy.
To those from sekoula tree in the West, next time the boys start training and prepare for another series, we bring them fruits from the West to show our support in person.
Maleka vakalevu Ben and the boys.
TAGI VONOLAGI, Nausori
Why not Rewa, Nadi
I HAVE read online on dailies that Ba and Suva will be playing champion versus champion early next year.
May I ask Fiji FA officials what about Nadi and Rewa as they have won a tournament each.
And why Ba when they haven’t won any tournament this year. Also why were they nominated for the Pacific Cup when they failed to reach any final this year.
Isn’t this favouritism? What happened to fair play slogan.
Anyway , this is Fiji soccer. Anything is possible apart from qualifying for the World Cup.
Enjoy the bazaar soccer.
MOSES MANI, Auckland, NZ
Tournament winners
THE winner of the women’s IDC received $2000. The winner of Club Championship got $3000.
The winner of Youth League, which was played throughout the year, will get $4000. But guess what! The players who broke the National Under 20 camp were fined between $3000 up to $5000 each.
Wow! But then Fiji FA will argue, and rightfully so, that they invested and spent so much on these players.
The same goes for the district teams that spend much more to assemble a team and keep them together. Somehow Fiji FA’s money is worth more than the districts and clubs.
AFROZ MOHAMMED, Auckland, NZ
Neutral seat
WHILE the Pacific Cup tournament is welcomed here in Sydney with much love and spirit, the same cannot be said for the president of Fiji Football Association, Rajesh Patel from what we witnessed on the first day of the tournament.
What I have seen is this disgraceful behaviour by the highest office holder of Fiji FA.
During the last game, which Ba played, the referee made a decision to yellow card Ba player. Mr Patel made comments to the referee from the stands.
This is open favouritism to the Ba team.
I understand that everyone has their personal favourites and his is the Ba team. However, he must be neutral in his capacity as the Fiji FA president. What a shame.
No wonder when I read in the media that Rajesh Patel and lot make any soccer decision in Fiji, it is always in support of the Ba team.
I wouldn’t believe it, but as I witnessed this first hand, it now makes perfect sense.
MAMOON ALI, Sydney, Australia
Club championships
FIJI Football made a big deal of last weekend’s National Club Championships held at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
Uncle Bob was quick to mention that the cost of running such a competition was very high etc. But he failed to highlight that it was even more costly for the top gang at Fiji FA to travel to the competition venue.
It is such a shame for Fiji FA officials to talk about soccer development in the country when they do not even see it necessary to be present to watch the best local clubs in action.
Throughout the three days of the competition, I only saw one Fiji FA representative after the final of the competition, – handing the prizemoney to the two finalists.
Would be great to hear what the Fiji FA administrators have to say about this, although, it is perfectly fine if they do not have any comments because it is not their forte to react to the concerns of soccer fans.
No wonder Fiji is ranked so highly on the wrong side in world football.
KELVIN ANTHONY, Suva
Bill 13 and 28
SO I take it Charles Chambers has put a foot in it and there won’t be a chartered vessel for me to Savusavu.
I will not hold him to it as we all sometimes say things that are within our ego but out of reach.
In graceful response to Mr Chambers, who champions himself in the English language when issues are debated different views – whether we like it or not – are laid out regardless whether there is a Raja in the room or not.
For Bill Gates fears the unknown savvy, innovative youngster then the known billionaires.
So Mr Chambers your point is Bill Gates will remain superior, if you know what I’m getting at.
Bill Gates himself will detest that theory as did David when he slayed the giant.
But that again is going off topic like Mr Chambers so can we have Bill 13 and 28 available on line please?
RICK EYRE, Lautoka
Freehold land
THE Government’s Bill 13 and subsequent Bill 28 on land sales to foreigners are two lemons that do nothing constructive for the people of Fiji.
In fact both Bills are destructive, ultimately making ordinary Fijians second class citizens in their own country.
Consider the facts:
* Foreign investors are not interested in lands within the town and municipal boundaries. These small pockets are limited in size and availability, not to mention the higher prices. They do not make economic sense for investment. The Bills therefore protects nothing.
* The larger portions of freehold lands outside the town and municipal boundaries are more lucrative for investments. They can be purchased at a lower cost by foreign investors, held for a few years until urban growth forces people to move further out of town, then subdivided and sold off at inflated prices to the poor locals who have little choice but to comply. The Bills therefore work in favour of foreign investors and penalises the ordinary Fijian.
* Economic “hot spots” like Momi and Denarau are unaffected by this Bill. Where does the Government draw the line as to what constitutes an economic hot spot and what doesn’t? Will it keep adding future amendments to the Bill as demand for land increases in the future, to the detriment of the locals?
I believe the Government should go down the path of Samoa and make it law that only citizens of the country can buy freehold land, no ifs, no buts, no qualifications.
Freehold land in Fiji is scarce as is the case with Samoa.
Let’s not sell the birthright of the ordinary Fiji citizen for 30 sheckels of silver.
LUNIK LIU, Lautoka
Parliamentary debate
FIJI has been watching through the media, this year’s parliamentary debate and through this exposure, citizens are able to witness discern and form their own conclusions about the quality of leadership we have in our Parliament and some of the glaring weaknesses which need to be addressed.
This is critical if we wish to have true democracy.
Firstly, may I humbly point out that one of the most distinct signs of a true leader is one who has the humility and courage to accept criticisms with dignity and without rancour and reacts positively to these. This has been a glaring need area in Parliament during the Budget session.
Instead,there seemed to be a blatant desire to “just win at all costs” – or – “no matter the costs”.
Constructive criticisms and some sound recommendations to address the weaknesses perceived in the Budget Bill, seemed to be forthcoming from the Opposition side. However, perhaps these needed to be more consistent with all members.
In case of the Government side, I noticed that there had been a consistent lack of a desire to take on the points made by the Opposition or a willingness to even acknowledge that there had been some obvious inconsistencies in the Appropriation Bill which could – and should have been – rectified.
I strongly believe that the Government will only gain more support rather than lose face, if it took on board some of the relevant points raised by the Opposition. These points I refer to as relevant because they have been areas of great concern over the years to civil societies, the civil servants, trade unions and NGOs because of the detrimental social and economic impact they have had on the wider community and Fiji as a nation.
An example was the point regarding what was articulated by the Opposition as an unjustified increased military budget as compared to the allocations dedicated to the social development, welfare and medical services of the people as raised by the honourable Tupou Draunidalo.
Also the militirisation of the civil service.
The point needs to be clarified that a good number of Fiji’s citizens are also being represented by the Opposition – some members of whom had far more votes than some of the sitting Government members and ministers. Hence these Fiji citizens’ articulated needs – through the members of the Opposition – ought to also be considered equally.
Lastly, may I kindly appeal to the Minister of Finance to show true leadership in the true Fijian manner and acknowledge the true iTaukei way of leadership by showing respect equally to all colleagues and leaders on both sides of the aisle.
It is the true, great leader who can admit his mistakes and make amends for the common good of all.
Please, accept, respect the differences in the House and build on the differences for a positive outcome as the roles of the two sides of the House are different.
SUSANA TUISAWAU, Suva
Hail the minister
I’D like to use this column to express my gratitude to the Minister for Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy, for acting immediately after coming into office and taking steps in improving our country’s education standards, particularly for the primary and secondary school education.
Education is the key to eradicating poverty and is vital for every society and I feel that the formal education not only needs to be accessible to all but it also needs to be viable and practical enough to meet the purpose it is intended for.
I personally feel that the class-based assessments, especially in levels Year 9 and 10, are not enough to prepare a student for the more challenging years in levels Year 11 and 12 and the external examination for Year 10 students starting from next year will definitely allow them not only to assess their academic performance of the past 10 years (since they did not sit for an external examination in Class 6 and Class 8) but will also prepare them well for the most important external examination, for which they would sit in Year 12.
The re-introduction of the external examinations at levels Year 6 and Year 10 is something which is not only going to challenge our students to work hard now but also give an assurance to everyone else that our public and private sector, in the not so distant future, will be equipped with very capable people who can take our country to new heights.
Another move of the minister which I would like to humbly welcome is the appointment of more teachers into the ministry and also getting in capable people in the office to develop a better curriculum and ensure that students are taught the right thing and things which are going to help them in coping with the ever-changing world.
It is no secret that the current curriculum is quite old and few things in our current text books have become irrelevant and I am sure that this move will in future see our students probably learn about new discoveries as and when they are known and published.
I wish Dr Reddy and his ministry the best for their challenging road ahead and also appeal to the citizens of this beautiful nation to support the ministry in its future endeavours.
ASHISH NAND, Nasinu
Terror atacks
KORINA Waibuta (FT 16/12) asks why we are confused when terror attacks occur.
I ask why shouldn’t we? In fact, it should shake the very core of humanity knowing we still have medieval-age thinkers living among us in the 21st century.
Worse still, they assume their way is the only way.
On the other hand, we have another group of core fundamentalists who think it is OK just because it was “predicted” by a group of desert dwelling goat-herders. They think it’s marvelous that humanity will be met with its end in a tormentous event beyond anything known to humankind, just because they failed to follow a 2000-year-old book.
They believe that every person who does not subscribe to their version of story will be turned into a bloody smear and the only casualties on their side will be bruised knuckles.
What perplexes me is that normal people get so happy, on Sundays, about the possible deaths of so many people, just because it says so in a book.
NICK RODRIQUEZ, Nasinu
Sydney siege
DEAR Tony Abbott stop acting like a clergyman.
Please don’t keep us in dark. Denial is not good!
Fact – Sydney siege was an act of conspiracy, a terrorist attack.
Monis was a sunni jihadist – a threat to Australia’s sovereignty. His views, beliefs and values were contradictory to Australians.
How many more white washing reports on terrorism will there be to save face for the vulnerable broken law enforcement bodies in Australia.
How about pouring in more money and resources into the already decrepit state of local police stations to keep track of those indulging in militant activities.
TRACY WHITE, Melbourne, Australia
Pakistan horror
“MY son was in a uniform in the morning, now he is in a casket. My son was my dream, my dream has been killed.”
The words of a grieving father. They talk about religion and righteousness while continuing to kill innocent children. Is this their religion?
Terrorists are terrorists, they have no religion. What wrong did those hundreds of children did in Peshawar, Pakistan, that they were brutally murdered?
Even hell won’t open its doors for these people who are worse than the devil. Didn’t their hands and hearts tremble while killing an innocent child?
I have lost faith in humanity. How can someone do this to children?
I can’t even write RIP to those 100 plus children’s soul for their whole lives, dreams, hopes, innocence and families have been stolen from them.
I shall pray today for a better tomorrow while our present looks dark.
ASHNEEL PRASAD, Auckland, NZ
Slave book
THE ISIS sure does give me a chuckle a times. I honestly fail to comprehend as to what they’re actually attempting to prove and inspire.
They have now boldly published a slave handbook glorifying female sex slaves and captives.
As if beheadings, enslaving women and children, forceful conversions of non Muslims or “infidels” to their faith and torture of innocent civilians were not enough.
More shockingly, the ISIS firmly states that their religion permits them to carry out such horrendous acts, justifying child sex slavery. Seriously!
I wonder what the thoughts are of top Muslim scholars around the world on this new disturbing and gruesome ISIS sex slave book.
It would only be appropriate to immediately denounce the latest actions of this psychotic terror group.
It’s sickening to the bone.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Mediator rejection
IT was reported in the news that the NSW police had rejected the Grand Mufti’s offer to act as a volunteer mediator to negotiate with the gunman in the Sydney siege.
Why did the police do that? If the grand mufti could not do any good, he certainly could not do any more harm, could he?
So why was a respected community leader’s offer rejected?
Could the two precious lives lost in the siege be saved if the grand mufti was given the chance to talk with the gunman?
The gunman claimed himself to be a Muslim cleric. Perhaps the grand mufti could have got through to him in a way that the police couldn’t have.
It does not make sense to me why a potentially good resource was not utilised.
That needs explaining I think.
RAJEND NAIDU, Sydney, Australia
Sign of the times
“ACT of mercy” and a “humanity case” is how they put it (FT 13/12).
Islamic State (ISIS) are selling the remains of beheaded journalist James Foley to the US Government or his parents for a sum of $1million.
Recently they beheaded four children who refused to deny Christ and become the followers of Mohammed (SS 14/12)
A Brazilian man confessed of his addiction to murder lately. Like a drug addict, he doesn’t feel good if he isn’t taking someone’s life (FT 15/12).
A US clinical psychologist recently told Radio Australia that by 2020, depression will become one of the leading health problem globally.
Studies have shown that young people are immune to a depressed state of mind and a major contributor is the extreme usage of the information technology gadgets.
We have been forewarned in the scriptures as to the state of humanity’s mind-set in this day and age.
Through inspiration Paul the Apostle stated: “This know also, that in the last days perilous (full of risk, dangerous) times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves (selfish) covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy without natural affection, trucebreakers false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despiser of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”( IITimothy 3:1-4)
Through the media, the human family is showcasing such characteristics that are going to lead downward to a doom and gloom future. Jesus categorically referred to two specific periods that will coincide with the modern lifestyle.
Like in the “day of Noah and to remember Lot’s wife” human characteristics nurtured in those days and age resulting in their destruction by floodwaters and brimstone fire respectively.
The world around us has reach a point of no return where the combine evils of those two eras are been witnessed daily.
Are we in the eleventh hour of the earth’s history? Evidences abound that we are.
OSEA SIVO NAISAU, Ba
What’s Christmas
THE whole world, Christians and non Christians alike, celebrate this global event called Christmas.
Has anyone paused for a moment to find out the origin of Christmas? Is it biblical? Is the word “Christmas” written in the Bible or is it merely a myth? Has anyone paused to ponder the significance of the Christmas tree with gifts nicely wrapped up hanging on it on Christmas Day?
The Bible says “curse is he who hang on a tree”. The Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ is the gift to mankind whereby all who believe in him may have eternal life. The angels told the shepherds, the sign will be a child wrapped up in a manger.
Satan is a master deception. The book of Revelation clearly states that he has deceived the whole world. He has deceived the world to believe that we are celebrating the birth of Christ on December 25 when in fact we are celebrating the death of Christ which is signified by the Christmas tree wrapped up gifts hanging on it.
When we chant “Merry Christmas”, we are actually chanting “be happy, Christ is dead”.
Food for thought for you who celebrate Christmas.
MALAKAI NADUVA, Labasa
Christmas sermon
CHURCH sermons around this time of the year is usually about Christ’s birth and the three wise men of the East with skits, plays and decorations in the church rather than the church leaders teaching the congregation something more in depth about Christ.
Most people overlook God’s plan of salvation through women who were born outside the community of Israel, married Jewish men and became part of the royal line of Christ. The practice of marriage between Jews and the rest of the Gentile world was forbidden by God. Israelites were strictly warned about this by the prophets of God in almost every book of the Old Testament. However, the Bible has God’s divine hallmark upon it.
In the first chapter of Matthew, almost all of the names listed in this genealogy of Christ are men’s name and only four women. With their inclusion in the genealogy of the world’s redeemer, we find God’s way of true salvation even before the Gospel was written according Matthew, Mark Luke and John.
God wrote it through four women, Tamar, Rahab, Bathsheba and Ruth. Women were usually not mentioned in Jewish genealogies but here in Mathew one, the genealogical record of Jesus is given, there are over 40 men and only four women and these women are not Jewish in fact their character is questionable.
All four of them were Gentiles, Tamar was Canaanite, Rahab was of Jericho, Ruth was a Moabite and Uriah’s wife Bathsheba was a Hittite. All these nations were arch enemies of Israel who were a constant thorn in the lives of the Israelites throughout the Old Testament days until Christ came.
It would be good if pastors teach something different in this year’s Christmas service from the usual “Baby in the Manger.”
LAWRENCE H NARAYAN, Suva
Stay safe
GOING by the current trends of road accidents throughout the country, many families will be having a bleak Christmas.
Many have lost their loved ones and it will be a painful moment to miss the lost ones especially during this festive season.
I, for one, believe that at a time like this people should be extra cautious and police should step up patrols throughout the country.
Having checkpoints at regular intervals will ease the problem a little bit.
AVITESH KUMAR, Ba
