Clear picture
DIXON Seeto said that “not once was this mentioned by any of the politicians – including lawyers – who were quick to make public comments in attempts to further their personal agenda by undermining a scheme that is receiving wide praise for giving more young Fijians the chance to go to university than ever before”.
He blames The Fiji Times for its publication on this matter that he thinks was not necessary.
May I ask Mr Seeto if the termination of the scholarship was based on the information that was incorrect, then how come public debate and publication of those editions by the editors were wrong?
Yes, the media is quick to publish details as such which is their job but what about the quick judgement of terminating the scholarship based on incorrect information?
May I also ask why a proper investigation was not carried out before the scholarship was terminated?
Why did the media get the opportunity in the first place to make it public? It seems The Fiji Times showing its support for that poor child is being termed as deliberate attempt to create misinformation and confusion.
So basically does this mean that people can just go ahead with a decision to terminate a scholarship without proper investigation?
After all, this Mr Seeto is talking about a commitment to students’ privacy.
KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka
Election
and voting
RAHUL Chand, reading your letter from 31/5, I understand your frustration but please, don’t lose hope.
Yes it makes sense – go and vote in the September 17 election.
Never mind you can’t memorise a few mobile phone numbers.
They are too long anyway and that’s why there is an address book.
Some mobile phones even have a memo and/or voice recorder that might help too.
If not, ask a friend to send you an SMS with a few names of candidates, their party affiliation and their 3 digit number which might be worth voting and then decide when the day comes.
Should all the above be of no help go back to the good old paper and pen technology and write things down.
After all there will be no pocket search when you enter a voting booth.
Every vote counts.
HANS B BOERNKE
Savusavu
Receipt
prints
IT is so good to read the advice from the Consumer Council of Fiji in The Fiji Times published on May 31, 2014 about consumers keeping receipts.
But for how long?
In a few weeks all the prints fade and we’re left with blank paper.
Can you please do something about this?
SANJEEV SHARAN, Nasinu
Used oil
TECHNICALLY, it has been proven that used restaurant cooking oil can also be used to power up vehicles which are operated by diesel motors.
Test driving a subject vehicle with same volume of diesel and then with used cooking oil concluded to same engine operations only with 10 per cent mileage difference.
More tests are being conducted with refined used cooking oil which also includes coconut and palm oils.
Imagine if the above mentioned projects hit the petroleum product lists, I reckon it will be a big boost as coconuts are widely available in Fiji and neighbouring South Pacific countries.
But again, it makes one wonder as to what the price of coconuts will be in the near future if this is really a hit.
SHAMAL CHAND, Nausori
Child rape victim
A MAY 27 article is about the rape of a 10-year-old girl by a 20-year-old man in her village.
According to the article, “the other children in the village teased the victim by calling out the accused’s name”.
The word “tormented” would be much more appropriate than the word “teased”.
The constant tormenting of the girl is likely to do more damage than the original attack.
It will make it impossible for her ever to recover completely or trust other people.
It must be stopped at once!
When I was a child, a neighborhood girl was accidentally seriously burned. After she recovered, she was terrified of seeing anything to do with fire.
Neighbourhood children terrified her by showing her matches whereupon she would scream in terror.
Her mother didn’t know what to do about it, but my mother did; she met with all the mothers in the neighbourhood and told them in no uncertain terms that their children must immediately stop terrorising the girl.
That stopped it.
Apparently no one in the rape victim’s village has the courage or compassion to do what must be done to stop the tormenting of the victim.
FRANK R EGGERS, Albuquerque, NM, US
New aircraft
IT’S nice reading about the ongoing rebranding phase of Fiji Airways. Fiji Airways has surely come a long way and has weathered many storms since its inception in the 1950s.
Last year the flag carrier grabbed attention worldwide first for its intricate designs and then the Guinness Book of Records.
Now an addition to its fleet, one can expect a great deal of services provided on-board and of course the bula smile stays in both regional and international flights.
Having travelled with the airline myself, I was impressed with the in-flight services that were provided to us and its services with the partner airlines such as Cathay Pacific.
While all is going well with the airline, it would be great to explore more Asian market such as Japan, China and Singapore.
The travellers will save time from the direct services as the transit becomes troublesome at times.
I hope for more success for the national carrier.
AVITESH KUMAR, Ba
Milk prices
While it’s good news that there has been a drop in the price of powdered milk, it would be a dream come true to see the new prices displayed on the supermarket shelves.
Avineel Kumar, Nadi
Wrong patient
A friend gave his prescription at the Lautoka hospital pharmacy. He returned a few hours later with his number only to be told that his prescription had been given to someone else.
Very worrying indeed.
Wise Muavono, Lautoka
Drug plague
Rest in Peace Roy. While the gun culture has apparently spiraled out of control in the US, hard drugs and other illegal substances are gradually plaguing our very own back yard here in Fiji. Drug couriers are getting bolder by the day.
Nishant Singh, Lautoka
Thank you
I would like to thank the coaching staff, players and the committee for their contributions towards the Nadroga Rugby Union in preparations for the team by maintaining their winning rugby culture. To all the “Hakwa Nadro” fans, Vinaka vakalevu for your support.
Satavu E, Waila
Two desires
IF there were two desires left for humans to please, one was to be able to breathe the breath of life and the second is to find the tree of life.
AREKI DAWAI, Suva
Bus shelters
How many letters must I write before the big wigs take note of our plea in Cunningham in Suva. I’ve explained before about the sudden explosion in population and how the infrastructure has not changed to cater for this unplanned expansion. Just the other day we had morning showers, you know the typical Suva weather, where you leave home and the weather doesn’t look too threatening and then all of a sudden the heavens open and decides to water our beloved Earth. I saw school children on the road without umbrellas and only a jacket to keep warm running about looking for shelter. Please I implore with you to build at least three shelters for the three junctions as most people walk to the junction to wait for the bus, and while you are at it, it would be really great to have footpaths on the main road. I do hope that someone will act on this sometime soon.
Lawrence Wara, Suva
Salary issue
Fijians trying to know the PM emolument is not a fuss.(Umesh Nath F/T 28/5/14) When anyone is paid by taxpayers money, they owe it to the people to be transparent. It’s the prerequisite of a good and honest leader.
Dan Urai, Lautoka
Biased times
We must live in the era of unprofessional and blatantly biased reporting as highlighted by the Prime Minister while opening the FijiFirst office.
Members of the public look to the media as the backbone of real democracy the embodiment of freedom of speech, respect for human rights and free debate.
In the process we expect divergent political views to be covered adequately to facilitate informed choices in the election.
As individuals we go through life acting out different roles, portraying a sense of self to others around us.
For the politician the concept of self presented to the public is for the purpose of winning votes even though people may have their own impression of the person.
Reminds me of the saying that: “I am not what I think I am and I am not what you think I am; I am what I think that you think I am.”
Thus, I beg to differ on the accusation of biased reporting and I congratulate The Fiji Times for reporting different viewpoints from all parties contesting the coming election.
J Nakarawa, Hamilton, NZ
Declaring bias
I read in The Fiji Times that the Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama has said if The Fiji Times has a political bias it needs to declare it.
What is the reason for the Prime Minister’s selective attack on The Fiji Times?
Is it because The Fiji Times is providing democratic space to people who question the State?
I believe he finds that quite unpalatable.
But that is what democracy is about: the people having the right to question the political leadership.
The role of an independent media is to facilitate that.
Perhaps he wants the newspaper to also assume the role of a cheerleader?
If the Fiji Times did that it will be abdicating its duty to the people, which is its first order priority – not the politicians.
No Fiji Times reader – local and overseas – would want The Fiji Times to do that.
Rajend Naidu, Sydney
Inconsiderate drivers
My vehicle’s windscreen was damaged from a flying piece of loose chip (gravel) which was whipped up by a speeding white four-wheel-drive on the Queen’s Highway, in Serua at around 5.30pm on June 6, 2014.
That inconsiderate driver blatantly ignored warning signs that were there at that section of the roadworks, telling drivers to slow down to 30.
That vehicle quickly disappeared into the growing darkness, and only my curses went with it and its driver, as it sped away.
How horrible.
I will now become $500 the poorer.
Unfortunately, I cannot lay a claim on the road repair contractors, as I did not immediately report that incident to the authority, I’m told.
To the contractors, how about you have controlled traffic flow at all sections of the highway, that are covered with loose chips, during this road repair season.
Or, put in speed retarders at those places, to effectively slow down speeding drivers.
Additional costs?
That can be sourced from the funds in the road levy ledger at the authority. May be possible?
For me, if the contractor were to voluntarily cover the costs of my windscreen replacement, that will be even better.
Eparama Masivesi, Suva
FIFA WC coverage
I appreciate Saivasa Luvuwaqa’s comments (FT 11/06) regarding the hard work the staff at Mai TV have put into promoting the FIFA World Cup since securing the rights last year.
It has indeed been a bitter pill to swallow. I also welcome Ashneel Sudhakar’s coverage history and though he notes that it took 16 years and Mai TV’s involvement for the event to be returned to free to air again, he really didn’t rate the coverage of the event.
Perhaps an unintentional oversight that Mai TV achieved the return to FTA and, in partnership with the now defunct PBS pay TV service, provided full coverage to Fiji.
Also interesting to note that Mai TV had been requesting an increase to its own licensed coverage areas prior to that event which four years on, still remains the same.
Perhaps if we had as many voices demanding that instead of complaining about it, things may be different.
In Monday’s edition (FT 09/06), which curiously again featured the same congratulations from Ashneel, Allen Lockington mentions the dilemma of how we can view rugby matches from NZ on FTA yet can’t watch the national team playing a test locally?
How fortunate to have comments on two of the most popular yet rival sports illustrating how popularity influences availability which influence price.
Having dealt with both codes and their associated agents for some years, I would offer my opinion on content strategy for these.
The appeal of the Junior World Championship to viewers is limited to interest in how the U20 Fijian team fares in the competition.
We all love to watch our teams win but hate to watch them lose and once the team’s fortunes drop, so too does the interest.
If there is little interest in an event then there is little interest from advertisers, and if there are no advertisers interested, there is no money to buy an event for free to air broadcast.
You may ask how come FBC is broadcasting it then?
Perhaps a better question would be, why did Fiji TV give it up after so many years of carrying the event?
In contrast, there is a huge tradition of support for the Flying Fijians and this fan base will always mean there is no shortage of advertisers willing to support coverage.
If a broadcaster is confident they have good interest, then they can offer more money to secure the event.
If they have the added ability to then not only gather advertising revenue, but also subscription revenue from pay TV, then they can be certain of making a handsome profit and allow them to put money away for other future events.
This strategy is self-perpetuating, the more popular events you can get, the more revenue you make, the more popular events you can get.
That revenue earned is then paid to the agents which then filters to the sports organisations involved so they can pay for contracts, staff and facilities.
That is why prices for sports content is constantly increasing, as an event becomes more popular, salaries need to be increased to retain quality people and more people become involved in the organisations as they expand.
Whether its U20 rugby, international test matches or FIFA, the reality of sports on TV is that there is a cost associated with it and someone, somewhere, has to pay for that cost for it to be made available on a viewer’s screen.
The trick for a broadcaster is to make as much popular content available to as many viewers as possible so they can be supported.
The trick for a viewer is to make sure they have as many channels possible and support them all, so they can get as much popular content as possible.
Marc Santos, Suva
What’s for Macuata
THE main province or the main trading center of Vanua Levu, I believe, is still being neglected in terms of infrastructure, investment and development.
Families are still moving away to Viti Levu on a daily basis looking for greener pastures.
No major development has taken place in Macuata by any foreign investor to create employment.
Some roads are still in pathetic conditions with some sealed roads reverted to dusty gravel roads.
I believe it is no use to construct a state of art FNU in Labasa when after graduation students will have to leave our shores and move to Viti Levu in search of jobs.
On paper Macuata looks promising but on the ground nothing is happening.
The provinces of Bua and Cakaudrove have received unanimous support from the government of the day in terms of development, investments and employment. What about Macuata?
Even the condition of Labasa Town looks unhealthy. As evidence one should take a walk at the market taxi and bus stand on a rainy day and see what I am talking about.
Savuavu Town is far much better in terms of developments and cleanness.
We don’t need to have a tourist train for Labasa instead we want to see development happening on the ground for Macuata .
No more announcements of pipeline developments for Macuta please, because the pipes are so long for the developments to come out.
Rajesh Lal, Labasa
Time bomb
I WISH to respond to the condescending article published in your paper titled Time Bomb Ticks On dated June,7, 2014, regarding land issues in Fiji.
First of all I think it is clear from the tone of the article that Spike Boydell, the author is out of touch with the current issues in Fiji.
I think Fiji’s land issue is a sensitive one indeed but only in the context of politicisation and exploitation.
The situation in Fiji at the moment is by far no reflection of what the title and the content of the article portrays.
People in Fiji are sensible enough and are likely to resolve the land issue amicably in due course.
I am quite certain that resolving the land issue through parliamentary process would be most ideal.
This is likely to set in motion after 2014 elections. So let’s not put the cart before the horse by saying NFP’s proposition is not sensible or unworkable.
NFP’s master lease proposal is one that has been discussed before and is only a tangible proposal that can be debated and possibly adopted as an option together with other options that may be agreed upon by the elected representatives in the parliament.
Spike Boydell’s argument that such a proposition is a recipe for coup post 2014 smacks of his misunderstanding and underestimation of people’s sensibility and political maturity.
It seems like Spike Boydell still suffers from colonial hangover displaying “wiser than thou” attitude.
We would like to believe and would be happy if the land issue could be solved as easily as Spike Boydell puts it, that “as soon as you have a willing landowner and a tenant, you have a market situation”.
The actual mechanism for land lease acquisition here in Fiji is far more complicated than that.
Here the collective interests of communities have been traditionally considered significant.
A small methodologically correct research will reveal these clearly if Spike Boydell cares to go beyond his whims.
This election is a time for pragmatic thinking and debate, which we hope will take the country towards building a decisive future.
Indeed we must learn from the past mistakes but looking forward to achieve better outcomes through dialogue is the way to go.
NFP’s proposal is only part of that necessary process. I believe Boydell’s contest of tragedies is not needed here since taking a pragmatic approach is the best option of us at this point in time.
Political leaders today need broad thinking to solve this difficult issue for the future generations.
I am inclined to believe that there is no lack of clear and pragmatic thinking among our leaders and politicians.
However, let’s first pass through the 2014 elections where rule of law and fairness are most essential.
Sunil Kumar, Suva
Crime and justice
I read with interest that the pimps involved in child trafficking case got a stiff sentence which sends a strong and fair message to all those who are involved in this sex trade.
What concerns me most is that people who buy these underage girls for their flesh need to be equally tried and convicted for their crimes too.
They are also responsible for taking advantage of these vulnerable girls who have no option but to be lured into this trade with fear and no other alternative but be treated like sex objects.
I hope the authorities will take this matter further by talking to pimps and get all the names of those who actually bought sexual favors from under-aged girls.
They too have to face the full brunt of the law. Our daughters need protection and I hope Fiji police will investigate this crime in depth and we Fijians in Canada will be patiently waiting for results as we read The Fiji Times on a daily basis.
God bless Fiji and our daughters.
A Singh, Canada
Cup for grabs
ONE may find millions of cups in homes, kitchens, offices, rooms, hotel and bars across the globe but right now there is one cup that is causing the most hype.
The 2014 soccer World Cup is up for grabs by the best of national soccer teams on planet Earth.
They will do battle against each other, none wanting to lose.
Some dreams will come true while for others will be shattered. Millions of dollars and millions of sacrifices will be lost when the referee signals the end of matches while for others it will mean a step closer to glory.
The pain of defeat won’t get any better once teams enter the knock out stages.
Some soccer crazy fans and nations will basically stop to watch their teams compete.
Individuals have many choices on the cup of their preference for now.
I don’t mind a strong cup of coffee if not a bilo of sosoko mix of kava.
Taki and enjoy the soccer world cup. The winner is anyone’s guess.
Floyd Robinson, Nasinu
Medical visit
During my stay in Pune, I visited many specialised doctors and hospitals.
In two days two Fiji nationals died in the same hospital.
I would like to show interest in medical tourism.
Can the new government build a new hospital with specialist doctors from all over the world.
At the end, people’s lives will be saved and as well as money.
The rest I leave it to the public to support my initiative and government.
Vineel Nand, Mumbai, India
Crushing dates
THE cane crushing dates this year vary from June 18 to July 1, which means the biggest mill, Lautoka, starts last.
FSC please don’t give lame excuse for the delay.
Does FSC realise that starting so late leads the season going into late December or early January and as such create problems for cane farmers?
This is the time when our rainy season starts and it becomes very difficult to get the harvested cane out of the fields.
It adds on in terms of extra labour, use of tractors or bullocks and extra time wasted.
The cane has to be burnt which gives the farmers lesser price and some time the burnt cane is left on the fields to rot because the time has expired.
Who suffers and pays for all these? The farmer.
Therefore could FSC have the same start date for all the mills, say by early June every year.
Nardeo Mishra, Suva
A case of priority
I REFER to Arun Prasad’s response to my letter in regard to Tamanirarama’s scholarship (The Fiji Times 13/6/14)
I was simply stating what I would have done to any of my four children who got government scholarships if they had done what Tamanirarama had done.
Each of these scholarship cost over $30,000 in tax payers’ funds.
These scholarships are specifically given to priority areas of study with the hope that the recipient will graduate and serve the people of Fiji in those areas.
Nobody cares about Tamanirarama’s political allegiance or preference to campaign for a political party.
But when he refused to go on a USP field trip which is vital to his study and yet attended a political rally which was not a priority area on which the scholarship was given, it changes everything.
How about all those who are supporting Tamanirarama’s political career to get together and fundraise to pay for his political studies at USP and let the TELS board give his scholarship to one of those thousands of students on the waiting list who are willing to serve Fiji’s priorities?
Timoci Gaunavinaka, Waila, Nausori
Who is responsible
I write in response to Dixon Seeto’s letter Scholarship issue (FT 12/6).
My question to Mr Seeto is would the TSLB reinstate the scholarship of the student had the issue not been raised by the media?
Don’t label The Fiji Times for careless behaviour. I believe you should take responsibility for the injustice you were doing to a young person’s career.
An elderly mother had to publicly ask for forgiveness for no reason.
That’s so sad. I apologise to the family who had to go through such a situation.
I call on the TSLB and Mr Seeto to make a public apology to the family and disclose the full reasons behind why they shut up on the issue in the first place.
We need more than a letter to the editor Mr Seeto. We need the truth.
Kelvin Anthony, Suva
Thank you
I thank The Fiji Times for reinstating the scholarship for Tamanirarama and not Dixon Seeto.
I think there was victimisation and I believe there is now rising fear among scholarship youths who will think twice before involving themselves actively in politics.
Amit Ashsish, Nadi
Bashing children
Timoci Gaunavinaka while raising his point FT12/06 showed how wrong some parents can be.
While I’m happy that four of his children have/are studying under the Fiji Government scholarship, I strongly believe that saying he will bash them up if any of them refused to attend a field trip, which is critical for the course they are undertaking, is indeed very wrong.
How can a parent even think about bashing their children up?
Parents should teach their children and guide them on every step of life with love and affection.
Bashing them up only goes to show you have a very low mind-set.
If all parents start to think like you then we will never be able to end the culture of violence in Fiji.
Just the thought of bashing someone gives birth to violence and it’s high time parents realise that bashing children is illegal.
After all I’m sure you don’t want to be labelled as an abusive father by your very own.
Avineel Kumar, Nadi
Emotional reaction
PEOPLE seem to have a very shallow understanding of what is going around them, especially during this time in a highly politicised atmosphere.
They need to look at deeper issues affecting society rather than letting their emotions run wild on hearsay.
Emotions alone does not solve any problems.
Deeper understanding, compassion and righteousness does.
Having oneself guided by one’s own sensual judgement subjects one to be manipulated by the forces that exist.
Therefore, one needs to look within themselves first, identify with their own self first, then criticise others who may not be perfect but are at least trying their best.
For those who want to continue to enjoy the splashing on the surface of the ocean, the cruel hawk of time will pluck you out sooner or later.
So dive deeper now when time is on your side.
Som Nand, Nasinu
Crave for superiority
TIMOCI Gaunavinaka is so blessed to have brilliant children who will graduate through assistance from government scholarships (FT 12/6/14).
In his desire to have them excel in their field of study, he sometimes bashes them up.
But not every iTaukei craves superiority like he does for his children to achieve pre-eminence at university.
Lesser still are those who motivate their children by bashing them up to study hard.
These must be soberly judged for the lesser gifts bestowed on them by God’s grace when compared to others like Mr Gaunavinaka.
That is the very purpose the iTaukei scholarship and multi-ethnic scholarship existed before.
Few weeks ago I wrote in this column opposing proponents of meritocracy like Mr Gaunavinaka and Professor Wadan Narsey.
I particularly emphasised that meritocracy must not be done at the cost of gender exclusion and ethnic inequality.
My opinion has not changed much in the few weeks interval.
It remains as it is.
Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi
Level of intellect
IN response to Timoci Gaunavinaka’s letter (FT 12/6), sir, if you bash your children because they chose to attend a political rally rather than a school field trip, I will report you to the police.
About time many people with your level of intellect are made aware that bashing one’s own children does not get you anywhere.
DR Gyan Prasad, Nasinu
Move on
Tamanirarama Jone had his scholarship reinstated, USP issued an apology, can we give the lad some privacy now and move on?
As for who made the blunder, we may never know, so may I suggest we move on with our lives,
Allen Lockington, Mulomulo
Fair, just outcome
I write to applaud your coverage and support, and all who contributed to the fair and just outcome of the Tamanirarama Jone’s scholarship saga.
Congratulations too for your excellent editorial (FT June 10).
Kudos to all concerned for the good outcome for Jone’s mother, family and the silent supportive majority.
The case is not only a major concern for right thinking citizens in Fiji.
Lawrence Wara raised some good points in his letter on June 11. It sends alarm bells for many in the region.
All efforts must be made to ensure that this does not happen again.
Please continue your call for the findings of the enquiry that is going to be conducted by the USP to be made public to prevent more unjust decisions/ judgments being made in haste.
In fact, it would be good for this process to be open, transparent and be conducted in a manner that sets standards for the future.
The process of developing a “pure” Pacific style democratic system that satisfies the criteria of ? “a government of the people, by the people, for the people” has been and will continue to be a long and arduous journey.
Tonga, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Vanuatu and PNG come to mind for the continuing challenges and obstacles to developing their democratic systems that have been reported in the media.
The existing and developing political systems in the Pacific have roots in feudalism, tribalism, colonialism with influences from many other “-isms” including socialism, communism, fascism, militarism and probably other “-isms” not yet defined or labelled.
Add into this volatile mix, the behind the scenes involvement of vested interests in the religious, traditional, business and other sectors and the silence of good people, one can appreciate the confusion among the youth, the elderly and many in between
On the basis of incomplete, inaccurate or misinformation being provided and accepted by officials comfortable/ secure in their own situation (employment, perks and privileges etc), we are provided an example of how the lives of the poor, marginalised and neglected members of our societies can be affected by a stroke of a pen, the tap of a keyboard.
One shudders to think how many cases there might have been that do not come to the attention of the media.
USP was established in the hub of the Pacific -Suva, Fiji – to train, educate and provide the manpower needs of its member countries.
It is vital that as a leader in education in the Pacific today, the USP builds on its efforts to promote free speech, thought, learning, respect for each other, a concern for our fellow human beings and the values associated with democracy, the democratic process.
In fact this is an opportunity for the USP to be the change it, or the powers that be, want for the region.
Setting such an example needs to be practised by all those working at the USP and learning institutions at the regional and national levels.
Students need to be nurtured, supported and given the opportunity to develop their God-given gifts including their creativity.
They do not need to be suppressed, repressed and intimidated by overzealous bureaucrats with good intentions.
We must all remember the saying “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”.
Stephen Vete, Suva
National duties
WILL Seremaia Burotu be given a chance at national duties?
Watching the Flying Fijians in action last week, it appeared as if they lacked an inside center who could continuously break the defensive line and create opportunities.
Hoping to see more of this gentleman on the local scene and possibly a break into the national team sometime soon.
He certainly possesses the power, pace and creativity that would offer much life to our backline.
FLOYD ROBINSON, Nasinu
Good news
A REPORT says that there has been a decline in imported prices has resulted in the reduction of prices for 450grams Rewa Full Cream milk powder by 4.81 per cent.
Fiji Commerce Commission chairman Mahendra Reddy said the reduction followed a submission from Fiji Dairy Limited and attributed this to a decline in imported prices.
How many shops will immediately reduce the cost of milk that is in their bulk, like when they raise the price of old stock when prices go up.
But thank you Reddy and the Commerce Commission for this.
By the way, what about the price of hardware? What has happened to this issue?
ALLEN LOCKINGTON, Mulomulo
Party support
ALMOST everyday, one would read about a particular political party claiming to enjoy an enormous and a strong support base within the community.
Not to be outdone, other registered parties would follow suite.
As the election draws closer, parties are getting into the mood of blowing their own trumpet.
Let’s just patiently wait for the polls, the results would certainly speak for themselves.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Revenue growth
OUR esteemed PS Finance recently revealed that the revenue growth to May is one of the highest in the past 10 years with revenue collected totalling $736.6m.
He added: “This is despite the fact that we have adopted a new tax regime, involved major cuts and the broadening of the tax base.”
It all sounds remarkably good news. However, he then revealed that “VAT was the major contributor to government coffers with a collection of $290m”.
In terms of social justice, it is very disturbing that VAT was such a major contributor while income tax amounted to less than half of that.
Income tax is a progressive tax meaning that those who earn more should pay more in taxes. VAT of course is a regressive tax which means that everyone – rich or poor – are caught in the tax net irrespective of their income. It consequently has more serious effects on the large poorer section of our community and diminishes their ability to afford basic needs and lessens their quality of life.
As admitted by the PS Finance there have been major cuts in the taxes of the rich and corporations but increases in the broader tax base, that is VAT.
Of course this is all very consistent with IMF policies which we have been directed to follow but which have caused greater poverty and inequality in many countries of the world.
We are obviously no different.
The generous assistance provided to education by government in recent budgets in terms of bus fares and school fees have been most welcome.
But the revelation that such a huge percentage of tax revenue comes from VAT (which affects the poor and low income earners) raises the question as to whether the poor are, in reality, still paying for bus fares and school fees in a different way.
Moreover the claims of some employers that free bus fares and school fees constitute a “social wage” which replaces the need for a higher national minimum wage is seriously called into question.
A recent article from New Zealand debunking some of the myths associated with neo-liberalism raised some interesting questions we might do well to think about who owns and profits from our banks, big supermarkets, media companies, tourism resorts, telecommunication companies, airlines, transport companies, insurance companies etc etc.
This is a matter of national significance which affects everyone in the country.
One which is rapidly becoming a branch office economy dominated by transnational companies.”
Perhaps it might make us think about where most of our tax revenue should really be coming from and who should be paying just wages to our workers.
Economic growth is obviously an absolute necessity but how it is distributed is a key question of social justice if real human development is to take place in our nation.
Fr. KEVIN J BARR, Suva
Open your eyes
ASHNEEL Prasad open your eyes and think outside the square, you will see your so called equal rights is taking the track.
The world is changing Mr Prasad.
Females are working shoulder to shoulder with man nowadays and man are equally being supportive in house hold task and many other feminine job where possible to give assistance.
Females are physically weaker so here the understanding is compromised yet there are some females out there trying to be even in that mode while catching up with the physical activity.
Men and women are moving further with the increasing technology and the mind-set of many along with it.
Since you are still stuck and winging over this issues I hope your issues get solved so that you can sense the changing world which is on the roll and whatever is yet to come.
KIRTI PATEL, Lautoka
Ravana tragedy
HERE is a reminder and warning to every Fijian to be very careful when away living in a foreign country.
Developed countries are by no means as safe and easygoing as it is here at home.
Most of what we do here cannot be done in many places abroad.
Be vigilant and stay safe at all times. Sad indeed!
SIMON HAZELMAN, Savusavu
Sudden loss
IT is indeed tormenting to hear the sudden loss of our former Coca-Cola Games athletics champion and 2011 South Pacific bronze medallist, Roy Ravana.
The 21-year-old Ravana had a bright future ahead of him in sport.
The champion athlete had travelled to the US on an athletic scholarship when an untimely shooting incident cost his life.
This is tragic and our condolence with the grieving family.
No word of commiseration can sooth the ache for Fiji sporting fraternity, more so to the family.
I wholeheartedly pray his soul rest in peace and may peace be with the anguished family.
MANPREET KAUR, Ba
Wrong influence
TWO decent Fijian lives have been lost away from the country of their birth as a result of senseless killing last week.
Shocking to note the perpetrators in both the homicide cases are juveniles.
They are now under the custody of police.
It is sad to see younger ones carrying deadly weapons and killing the innocent people for no apparent reason in some countries these days.
Wrong influence!
SURESH CHAND, Nadi
Perpetual lease
THE responsibilities and the roles which the homes, churches/temples and schools collectively and collaboratively play in the holistic development of an individual should be realised and awarded the merit and recognition they require by the people and those in governance.
Hence, I would like to suggest that home, church/temple and school leases should be made perpetual.
Like every other lease arrangements governed by land and tenant policies, leases for these institutions would be terminated only if the tenants failed to abide by the terms and conditions of their leases.
SAVENACA RANATAWAKE, Nausori
Feeder road
LAST week I commented here to thank the road authority for urgently repairing what was left unrepaired for the past two years. Sorry no thanks.
They flexed their muscle on the day I wrote as we in Nausori all thought they had come with their machines to repair the road in front of Nausori Town Council and Nausori Police Station.
To our surprise, they left without a drop of sweat as the road has only become worse.
What happened to their road inspection four-wheel-drive?
I wonder what are they inspecting on the roads.
Please, do come and repair the road as we in Nausori are always proud of our small town but to have this pathetic condition of road in front of those running the town is a show of nothing they have done to uplift the standard of the town.
There are more feeder roads in Nausori town unattended to as well.
TAGI VONOLAGI, Nausori
Security cameras
WHILE I commend the Lautoka City Council for installing CCTV cameras in the prime spots of the Sugar City in order to monitor and clamp down on illegal activities, would it be too much to request if you could also mount a few of these cameras at the scenic Marine Drive, the hub of all illegal activities?
Alcohol consumption, drug dealing and glue sniffing have now become a norm at this popular jogging spot.
The safety of the many health conscious city residents who frequent this place is compromised at times.
NISHANT SINGH, Lautoka
Land safe
WE all have heard the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General reiterate that iTaukei land is safe under the new 2013 Constitution.
Yet we keep hearing political parties and individuals come up with arguments to prove that both the PM and A-G are trying to deceive the iTaukei landowners
Kind of reminds me of the story where a turaga ni koro was sentenced to three months imprisonment by a judge. “No way”, he told the judge.
“What’s your problem” retorted the judge? The turaga ni koro said that if the police inspector told him that he was to spend three months in jail, only then he would believe it.
Apparently, the turaga ni koro thought that the police inspector had more power than the judge, so if both the PM and A-G say that iTaukei land is safe, then we should with child-like faith believe it.
SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA, Nasinu
Mechanical issues
AS stated by the police spokeswoman (FT12/6) that the mini-van suffered a mechanical problem when it hit an oncoming vehicle on Monday afternoon.
Can there be more specific answers as the mini-van was suffering mechanical issues beforehand or just suffered mechanical issues during the time of the accident?
Can it be made public as to what mechanical issues did the van experience?
SHAMAL CHAND, Nausori
Helpful hint
CAN the LTA and/or police traffic unit station have an observer on the Edinburgh Drive corridor between 8am and 9am week days to monitor buses that seemingly use the second bend uphill as a regular mechanical failure pit stop?
A traffic hazard at best.
No need for a crew and a vehicle with flashing lights, just an individual with an umbrella and a note pad to observe, record and hopefully action thereafter.
R. BROWN, Suva
