Letters to the Editor: letters@fijitimes.com.fj
Rugby weekend
THANK you Raymond Singh for waking me up (FT 3/10); time does fly as it did the other year 2012 that the Melbourne Storm met the young Canterbury Bulldogs side in the NRL grand final.
All the hype about the South Sydney Rabbitohs 43-year grand final drought seems to indicate they are hungry for this year’s title.
Jarryd Hayne said the other day that the Bulldogs couldn’t match the calibre of Greg Inglis while the scale seems to be tipping towards the Rabbitohs to win the grand final.
I am sure by now; the Bulldogs have worked out a game plan to counter Inglis, Tuqiri and the other impact players.
The Fijiana and the Vodafone Fiji Sevens team have started well in the Oceania Sevens Tournament in Noosa and we Fijians all look forward to a good finish on Saturday.
It would be a good rugby weekend if both of our Fiji Sevens team make it to the finals and of course, the Canterbury Bulldogs claiming the NRL grand final by edging the Rabbitohs. Go Bulldogs and Fiji go.
SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA
Nasinu
Support Pinktober
IT’S October again.
Pink ribbons and pink paraphernalia abound. But I hear some people are wary of the pink and after all this time and money put into fighting cancer, we seem to be losing the battle.
Maybe we need to put more effort into fighting the cause.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it seems like an appropriate time to discuss prevention.
Many organisations confuse early detection with prevention.
Although early detection is important, it is not prevention.
Prevention of breast cancer involves promoting avoidance of environmental exposures that increase the risk of getting breast cancer.
This October and throughout the year, let’s encourage women to get a yearly mammogram and to see their healthcare provider if they notice any unusual changes in their bodies.
Early detection is the best protection.
So let’s support the cause by wearing the colour pink, and I am sure you will look incredibly cute with it.
Pat Vuli
Suva
Different version
I AM writing this letter in response to Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa’s letter dated 21/09/2014 Christian State.
We all know that he was one of the candidates for FijiFirst.
The people have spoken and that should be appreciated.
Mr Vakaliwaliwa, in his letter, says Fiji will always remain a Christian State.
This is a direct contradiction of the Constitution and his party manifesto which strongly advocates for a secular nation.
A party whose members came up with the Constitution which enshrines religious autonomy, secular nation so to speak, will surely be upset reading his letter.
I wonder if Mr Vakaliwaliwa is now saying this out of bitterness that he lost.
ANISH CHANDRA
Suva
Dress code
NOW that burqas are banned in Australia’s parliament and those who do happen to wear them will be forced to sit behind bullet proof glasses we also need to ensure no one is hanging around inside the parliament building in their speedos, body-fitting clothes, long slits, shorts, deep necks, sleeveless attire and other revealing clothes showing off their belly buttons and nipples.
SHAKUN PRASAD
Australia
We have lost a friend
SADLY we lost a very special person in Levuka.
Matthew Robinson passed away on October 2.
He had done so much for Levuka and even more for Levuka Public School.
I will miss him as will many others.
Sadly to report that from my observations the lack of respect shown by the police, fire authority, Levuka Hospital was unforgivable.
MIKE REID
Levuka
Friend and writer
A FRIEND and a writer to this column who frequently lobbied about the upgrading of roads in the Old Capital has passed on.
You will be greatly missed Matthew Robinson, especially your witty remarks on our club loop.
Rest in peace brother.
WISE MUAVONO
Lautoka
Company advertisement
WHILE companies have every right to invest huge amounts of funds into advertising in order to persuade customers to purchase their products, respect for members of society is sometimes compromised.
For example, in an advertisement on television promoting a particular phone brand there are male youths who not only appear shocked as a female walks past them but more importantly, the facial expressions on one the youths appears to be of a sexual nature.
This could be interpreted as offensive.
Whatever one’s views, let’s hope companies ensure their advertisements incorporate a little more respect towards women.
FLOYD ROBINSON
Nasinu
Political paradox
OUR newly elected parliamentarians during their induction training were given a well-deserved reminder by their overseas trainers that no one is above the law.
Separation of power among the executive, legislative and judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy.
I hope they will adhere to this principled message.
PARAM SINGH
Navua
New tablets
I GUESS the new members of Parliament have to get themselves up to speed with the latest technology trends or become “tech savvy”, now that they have been issued a tablet each.
Oh well, the good old book and pencil method of jotting those important political arguments is always an option should you find those tablets not too user-friendly.
NISHANT SINGH
Lautoka
It’s our decision
WITH our membership reinstated into the Commonwealth and all sanctions uplifted, the future should become brighter for our nation.
But only we ourselves can turn opportunities into a better life.
No government can ever spoon-feed us to prosperity.
While various government policies are aimed at uplifting our standard of living, the onus is squarely on us citizens to do our part.
We must never allow our development projects to become donor-driven or our people totally aid-dependence.
Foreign aid and government assistance should be only taken as a temporary measure to kick-start a sustainable cycle of self-dependency.
* We must try to be more creative and encourage new ideas.
* We must learn to nip our problems from their roots and not apply Band-Aid solutions.
* Use lessons from previous failures as stepping stones to future success.
* We must learn to manage our time and resources wisely.
* We must extend our thinking outside the box and must not be afraid to break down traditional barriers if the end results are widely beneficial.
If we can work together in the next four years, our achievements as a nation can be bigger and better when compared with the previous eight.
If our Prime Minister can extend his hand to political opponents asking them to work with him, we the people can also do the same.
Let us stop looking from the eye that can only see the differences we have, but also open the other that see all the common obstacles we face. Let us not segregate ourselves into ethnic, cultural, religious or political groups but embrace one another as part and parcel of our nation’s true democratic identity.
If we unite we stand, we divide we fall. Only we can decide.
TIMOCI GAUNAVINAKA
Waila
Nausori
Fiji soccer
FIJI FA’s excellent development record is second to none in Oceania.
Even Fiji FA cannot prove this statement wrong.
I hear there is an important Fiji FA meeting happening next week.
I just want to give my best wishes to CEO Bob Kumar.
He has single-handedly moved Fiji soccer up the ranks.
If there is a Bob First Party at the Fiji FA election next year – I am voting for Bobs’ number.
I hope the sacred Fiji FA constitution – which is more difficult to get your hands on then to find a cure for a global epidemic – will allow me to do that.
Kelvin Anthony
Suva
Burnt cane
THE mechanical harvester will only harvest burnt cane.
FSC chairman raises concerns on negative effects of burnt cane. Are we importing the wrong machines?
DAN URAI
Lautoka
Year 13 exams
TIME has just flown by and D-day is almost four weeks away from now.
Most Year 13 students might be rounding up with their revision or some might just start in the coming days.
Consistency, sacrifice, perseverance, dedication, patience are some of the factors that ensures students are on the path of success and glory.
Most important is the scaling of marks that is spinning around the heads of students.
I am also one of the candidates and I always think of what my future holds in the coming year.
So now the next few weeks of preparation and than the release of results would be much anticipated and eagerly awaited.
The drought has certainly taken its toll on some students and schools but let us think of it as a thorn in a bunch of roses.
The new ministry should release the loan scheme and scholarship forms so that it increases the hype of exams and makes students realise the value of education.
Let us hope that the Lord bestows blessings so that every individual sitting for final exams passes out with flying colours and better grades.
Anusek Kumar
Nadi
Find your
loved ones
I WOULD like to thank Radio Sargam for the interesting show (30/10) on the lives of people who are living on the streets.
It was an eye-opener to realise that many people who live on the streets are actually not there because of mental inability or financial stress.
There is another common factor of being unwanted by their own. Not being loved, understood or accepted.
As author Amitesh Deo puts it, “these people belong to a family just like you and me”.
I would like to support Deo’s plea for Fijians of Indian descent this Diwali.
You don’t have to give your money to any such people but you can take out time to know them and at least talk to them.
We will all spend thousands of dollars on Diwali, please spend a few minutes trying to find and reconcile with your loved ones.
Thank you Joseph Rupati for reading my letter (F/T 20.03.14) titled “I love you” live on air on the talk show.
I was really touched by the thoughts of the last talk show.
DILIP KANTI
Labasa
Peoples
PM
THE recent first official trip as the democratically elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama with Mary Bainimarama, he was hailed as a true champion of democracy by the United Nations Assembly Secretariat and its members.
PM Bainimarama’s speech was very articulate and precise to the morals and values of a true democracy.
His speech was highlighted with very high ratings in many major American newspapers.
I believe the speech was like the great speeches of our great presidents, Reagan and JFK.
The PM promised that he will continue with great policies of nation building which he started in 2006.
The UN member countries saluted and applauded PM Bainimarama for his selfless hard work of abolishing the racial policies and transforming the country by giving one identity, one vote and one value.
The UN, Commonwealth and EU acknowledged the hard work of the Prime Minister, former Attorney-General and current Finance Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and not forgetting the people of beloved Fiji for giving what I believe is the best non-discriminatory 2013 Constitution in Fiji’s history.
The Commonwealth, EU, Asian Development Bank are extremely pleased and acknowledged the phenomenal progress and growth of the economy, commerce, technology, education, health and living standards during the past eight years by the Bainimarama administration that prompted them to open their doors and invited Fiji back.
A lot of foreign investors as well as former Fiji residents are showing interest in moving to Fiji now.
I would like to personally thank PM Bainimarama and Mrs Bainimarama for visiting us in San Francisco even with their very tight schedule for a talanoa session.
Both the Prime Minister and Mrs Bainimarama proved to be the people’s choice and people’s Prime Minister.
Vinaka vakalevu PM and God bless all Fijians.
Abendra Ram Tahal
San Francisco, USA
Public
toilets
SO I read that some people are daring the Minister for Local Government into abolishing the user pay systems which are currently in place for the public toilets.
It is quite funny though that the ones behind this idea seem to spend a lot of money visiting the loo.
Since the introduction of the user pay system, the toilets are well kept and are worth visiting which was not the case some years ago.
The toilets were full of flies, expletives were written at the back of the door, no toilet papers were available, the floors were always slippery and of course the unbearable smell and now some genius wants to go back to the old and stinking public toilets.
Grow up people, see the positive side and as for spending too much for visiting the loo then I suggest you cut down on your grog sessions in the market.
Avitesh Kumar
Ba
Dry
season
IN the media we hear that there are some places that need water in this weather and we can feel the heat.
We also have been informed not to waste water.
Everyone is worrying about the dry season in our beloved country and it is sad to see some people watering their garden every day.
We have to make use of the water and pray to our Lord for some more rain.
MERESEINI TAUKAVE
Vatukaloko
Value
of water
DESPITE being the most common substance on Earth, 97 per cent is seawater and unfit for human use.
Two thirds of the fresh water is locked up in glaciers leaving only one per cent of the Earth’s water for human consumption and even this one per cent is increasingly threatened by pollution.
Even the most modern dams around the world would come to a halt if they run out of water. It’s no longer only an issue of why the Water Authority can’t provide now, it’s a national issue and a global concern.
Above was part of my letter dated (15/2) which incurred huge criticism including one from a local journalist that I didn’t understand the problems faced by locals.
I have a water tank of my own here even though the supply in my tap has been OK as well.
I would like to urge the residents to do likewise and collect water when it rains and also the government of the day to come into some sort of arrangements to supply tanks or drums of that 44 gallon size to those suburbs severely affected.
Apart from drought affecting the nation the current major water piping and connections has come of age as well and snaps every now and then.
Something that needs a detailed analysis from overseas experts and then invested into promptly.
This is also an opportune time for teachers to emphasise on water usage and importance in classes.
It takes 1000 tonnes of water to produce one tonne of grain and over a billion people have no access to clean drinking water.
Save water now otherwise there will be “water water everywhere nor a drop to drink”.
Parmendra Sharma
Brisbane
Internet
cafes
SUVA has more internet cafes than ever before.
Some are so cheap that people flock in to use them. The expensive ones most people try to ignore.
But the service they provide seems to differ.
The cheaper ones have old systems and very congested space and some are very hot.
Even you can expect to spend much longer time because of the unreliable equipment.
But for the more organised ones you would expect to fulfil your requirement in the time required.
For printing you notice that in cheaper cafes its expensive and in high tech cafes its cheaper.
TOMASI BOGINISO
Nasinu
Environmental
issues
CONGRATULATIONS to our newly elected Minister for Local Government Parveen Kumar.
I hope that you will work with all town councillors in focusing seriously towards pollution in our environment.
I am a ratepayer living in the Nasinu area which is a heavily populated and I have witnessed the most polluting activities.
I will just give an example and that is to send some of the municipal officers to assess the massive littering done in our drains, streams and rivers within the Nasinu area.
I have witnessed a lot of such unhealthy and bad habits by majority of our ratepayers who care less about the effects of discharging rubbish of all types in the drains and these are washed down to the streams and rivers when there is a heavy rain and then out to our ocean and shores.
I hope that this will give your ministry a highlight of what is happening in our back yard and in other towns all over Fiji.
JOE SAILEKA
Nasinu
Daylight
robbery
THE answer to Dan Urai’s question is simple. Why engage yourself in criminal activity and face torture and death when you have two hands to support yourself through SME activities.
Navin Chand Maharaj
Nabua
Free
water
I HAVE written on this issue in the past and I will continue to write about this until the government responds to the letter and provide an explanation.
Free water will only be given to people earning $30,000 per year, but what about those who earn more than that?
Is it their fault that they are earning more?
What incentives does the government give to those who do not qualify for this “freebie”? If the government is pushing for equality, then walk the talk.
Regardless of how much we earn, we are equal.
Apisalome Waqatabu
Port Vila
Inclusive
governance
ANY new parliamentary government that emerges after the general election will need to offer a vision on what Fiji would be like in 2040. This is what must surely interest the younger generation who need jobs and other essential benefits. As they start out in life.
What is needed is practical and inclusive policies and politics, rather than theory. In particular, the vision must look at what helps and what does not help the disadvantaged and marginalised people of this country in any big way.
A founding principle that must be kept in mind is that it is people that are important not Fiji’s extractive economic and political institutions. Government policies must be based on the concept of individual choice and personal responsibility within a supporting framework of social and economic policy. In that context, responsibility means providing for yourself and your family to the extent you can afford to.
Many people do not support the view or perception that the poor are less well educated, less competent and unable to make decisions for themselves. This argument has always been found appalling.
The poor and disadvantaged have always wanted what everyone else wants – a job with a living wage, a sturdy well-built home, a good education for their children, access to health care, irrespective of income, security, dignity, pride and a sense of self-worth.
What the disadvantaged don’t want is to be told what to do, to have options taken away from them, to be left with no power and no control over their lives.
The plight of the disadvantaged and the adverse effect their situation has on the rest of the population must be a priority of any new government. Delivering real gains to the disadvantaged is crucial because that automatically delivers something of value to everyone else.
In this regard, a number of important relevant points need to be made or recommended:-
* While income is obviously important to disadvantaged people, it is not enough to remedy their situation;
* Their deeper need is for opportunities and the incentives to make real advances themselves through their own efforts;
* By helping the disadvantaged achieve independence and contribute more to society, we not only transform their lives and future but we also improve everyone else’s;
* These gains have vital roles to play in creating a fair society ; and
* The alternative is a society with a permanent underclass of alienated people with no stake in prosperity or social harmony.
I feel that the ambitions I would like to see emerge for Fiji’s people need to be the goals of whatever new government is in place after the general election.
The goals should be:-
* A reasonable standard of living for everyone.
* Access to a good education and good health service regardless of income;
* A job with a living wage for everyone wanting to work;
* A social welfare system that helps those who find it physically impossible to work; such a system must not promote or encourage dependency because of every family have responsibility for their grandparents, parents, wife and children;
* Medical needs should be approached separately; and
* A society that gives people opportunities for self-fulfilment by creating the right social and economic environment that will lead to the development and increase in the rate of economic growth with equity.
Let us hope that a new leaf will be turned soon and bring beneficial changes for all of us.
Vincent W. Lobendahn
Lami
Educational
option
THE other day my wife said to me: “Charlie write a letter to the editor asking Sky Pacific to include a channel for children.”
I responded with a laugh and said wasn’t two cartoon channels enough.
The look she gave me was enough to stop my laughing and she said, “No, the educational ones for children beginning from four-year-olds. You know, the ones which teach children like learning the ABC.”
I gave it a thought and said yes, no wonder children overseas learn much quicker because if they watch television, then they have specific channels which are educational and enhanced their learning capabilities.
The present cartoon channels have, I think these channels play a big part in our younger generation attacking internet shops and getting soaked in with the many games like the ones on the play stations. You just have to walk into an internet shop to believe me.
An educational channel will go hand in hand with the Bainimarama government’s policy on raising the IQ level of our children and would not this be wonderful for Fiji in the future.
Sa yawa my wife. Vinaka Joan.
CHARLES CHAMBERS
Rifle Range, Lautoka
Inhumane
drivers
THE other day a horrific sight caught my attention.
While I was returning home from uni, I saw a dead dog in the middle of the road in Sabeto.
I assume he was hit by a vehicle as the condition was beyond description.
This might have been a hit and run case and the driver didn’t even have the courtesy to stop and move the poor animal onto the side of the road.
What was more disturbing was that the other drivers seemed to have followed suit and ran over the already dead animal thus exposing its internal organs.
This goes on to show how inhumane some drivers have become.
This incident isn’t the first one that I noticed. Had it been any member of the family, these drivers would be running right up to the necks of the relevant authorities but since it was an animal, no care was given.
I urge all drivers to be considerate towards the poor animals which might come under your wheels and I suggest an independent body should be formed to fight for the rights of animals in the country.
AVITESH KUMAR
Ba
LTA
service
I REFER to The Fiji Times article of October 3 where CEO Naisa Tuinaceva urged his staff to improve customer service.
This is applauded by the public, who have to make several trips to an LTA office for vehicle inspections, licence renewals, transfers, valuations, etc.
The CEO needs to put customer service into action, by putting in mystery customers and seeing what the actual problem is – is it just staff competency or the system employed by LTA is just not customer centric.
Customers are the lifeblood of any business and we look forward to a more customer focused service by LTA.
SANJEEV LAL
Suva
Rugby
house
WHEN they return home acknowledgement awaits our rugby youngsters for their confident performance on and off the field.
The baby Flying Fijians are not to be blamed for the unfavourable basics and positional skills, weak defence structure, attacking strategy and score margin exposed.
Nonetheless our future representatives deserve our general support on their physical and mental preparedness.
Our boys showcased limited calibre that perhaps could have been more exciting to watch if the management or planners had avoided their miserable planning.
But their performance shall be another testimony that rugby management must again take heed of from term one under the secondary school calendar next year if we want to compete.
The baby Flying Fijian reps have proved to the world that the baby All Blacks are beatable on their home turf, however, keeping up with fundamental development calls for FRU and FSSR heads to upgrade their guidance and to get out of their amateurish excuses.
Nevertheless after the officials report is submitted to the executives, I guess old aged reasons like “there was little time given for preparation” or “we need to start from the grassroots level” will come out as an alternative repeated reason as all past coaches have shared the same old sentiment for self-preservation.
Anyway heads-up lads for the journey has just begun on the adventurous trip of becoming a man. Vinaka boys.
AREKI DAWAI
Suva Point
Churches
today
I APPLAUD the boldness of Simon Hazelman in portraying the truth about the churches today, FT 29/09.
Yes indeed I agree the churches are now among the causes of burden, misery and poverty in Fiji. I wish to relate a true story to the readers.
My wife’s grandmother, a widow is receiving after care funds from government by way of cheque.
The vakatawa came to her and demanded for her vakamisinare.
The old widow gave her cheque to the vakatawa. I believe this is cruelty at its worst form and needs to be stopped.
The government is doing all it can to assist the poor, the needy and the widows in the form of welfare assistance and yet some vakatawa and the talatala are accepting this from the very people the government is assisting.
I urge the government and the new Minister for Social Welfare to look into this seriously and ensure that laws are put in place to stop this form of cruelty otherwise the purpose of the welfare scheme will all be in vain.
Malakai Naduva
Malau Rd, Labasa
Talkback
show
THANK you Radio Sargam for bringing out our true and ugly identity.
The talkback show on the lives of people who live on the streets (30/09) of our country was an eye-opener, especially for some of us, the generally proud Fijians of Indian descent.
Amitesh Deo’s account of the situation was spot-on. I am surprised he is not in government and I do think he should consider to be in it.
There are many people who leave their homes to live on the street only because there is nowhere for them to go.
Nobody cares about their existence or tells them “I love you”, “It’s OK”, “It will be OK”, “I understand you” and so forth.
As you enter Rewa St, there is a temple, which I go to almost every morning. Many Hindus do.
We take with us milk, fruits and other offerings to the temple in hopes of getting blessed.
As you come out of the temple, there are two men, one on the traffic light, and another just in front of the bank. These men live and sleep on the streets.
I see hundreds of people place food and milk on the statue of the temples then walk pass these hungry men as quickly as possible.
One day, however, I saw an individual come out his car, walk to both the man and gave them food parcels.
Then he walked empty handed into the temple.
I waited for that man to come out of the temple and thanked him for his gesture.
After a short talk, I asked him his name and he humbly said Amitesh.
A few weeks after that, I saw the same face in The Fiji Times with the title Author says no to poll offer and realised that it was Amitesh Deo.
After hearing the program on Tuesday night, I would like to thank individuals like Amitesh Deo who take their time out to bring us face to face with realities.
The truth of the matter is, as discussed on the program, money or government assistance will not solve the problems of people living on the streets.
Only family support, love, care, understanding and acceptance will.
SUNIL SHARMA
Narere
Man on
our street
I WAS very touched by the talkback show on Tuesday (30/09) night about people who live on the street. Author, poet and human rights activist Amitesh Deo, Joseph and Sneh Chaudhry presented a very strong issue.
I was touched also by some of the mentioned case study.
Like Amitesh Deo had said, no amount of money or financial assistance can totally solve this problem.
Many people leave homes because it becomes unbearable.
Many homes lack love, acceptance and support.
I still remember about 20 years ago when my grandfather left home and started walking around on the streets of Nausori and sometimes Suva.
Everybody had the notion that he was mentally ill.
However, just like Amitesh Deo’s case studies proved, not many such people are really or severely mentally ill.
Aja (my grandfather) just could not live in a house that he felt unwanted in and unloved.
He came home one Diwali and I remember all of us convening in a corner to discuss his odour and how we will hide him when our fancy friends came for Diwali.
Aja probably sensed he was unwanted and left on the eve of Diwali.
We had a grand Diwali and nobody thought of him or even attempted to get him back.
At that time, I was relived, today I feel ashamed.
After the program, I honestly had a sense of regret and guilt.
I only hoped Aja was alive today.
I would like to join Amitesh Deo’s plea.
The problem of people living on the streets only partially depends on money. It also depends on the love a person receives at home.
This Diwali, take out time and become a “Amitesh Deo”.
Spend time knowing and accepting some such people who might be living on the streets.
For those of you who have someone from their own family living on the streets of Suva, Lautoka or even Labasa, please do make attempts to reconcile and bring them home. They need love and acceptance more than anything else in life.
Thank you Radio Sargam for reminding us about the true meaning of Diwali.
SAROJ SWAMI
Lautoka
FEA
options
IT was interesting to see FEA CEO Hasmukh Patel again on national TV explaining to the people of Fiji of FEA’s saga. Could the learned CEO please explain why fuel was upgraded from diesel to crude oil as part of its solution.
Isn’t crude oil a worse black smoke polluter? I believe that wasn’t an upgrade but a downgrade.
Why couldn’t we opt for bio degradable coconut fuel?
It wouldn’t be that expensive to convert to biodegradable fuel in coconut oil, after changes in injectors?
Also why are we currently using low levels of water in hydro dams as subject for justification?
We know that this could lead to turbine problems, but why can’t we opt for biodegradable fuel anyway to solve our electricity situation?
Just a month ago, Mr Patel commended everyone and his FEA team on the incredible profit made, but now the tune has changed to that of a victim projecting surcharge on electricity bills as previous practices.
This saga seems to go on every time we have a long dry spell, and no solution has been effective. Are we going the wrong way?
Why can’t we use biodegradable fuel instead of importing fuel every time there’s a power crisis.
Could some of FEA profit be allocated to biodegradable fuel options?
Finau N Turaga
Nadi Airport
Pinktober
effort
OCTOBER is marked for breast cancer awareness globally and Fiji is no exception.
There is an urgent need to create awareness on breast cancer as many innocent women and girls have died after being diagnosed with cancer at a late stage.
With early detection and treatment, there is a fair chance of a cure.
The Fiji Cancer Society should be applauded for its efforts in raising awareness through myriad means and programs lined up for this month.
Also, school heads, community leaders and each individual should take it upon them to create awareness, be informed, responsive and receptive to such disease rather than turning a blind eye.
All girls of a particular age should get themselves tested for cervical cancer so that no child suffers the trauma and pain later in life.
For each life is precious.
MANPREET KAUR
Ba
Christian
State
MY fellow Christians, let us stop making a fuss about the issue of Christian State.
In fact we are pulling the cart before the horse.
Instead of seeing a secular state as a threat we must see it as a challenge to our faith.
The issue of Christianity is not a political issue but a spiritual one.
The fear I have is that our outcry for a Christian state will create a fake, hollow, empty one, instead of a genuine nation that lives for Christ.
Let us not force our precious belief down people’s throats who will treat it with contempt.
My heart’s desire is one with yours, for Fiji to be a Christian state, but the media and the political arena must not be the means of achieving it.
We should work on our faith – our conviction, our commitment and devotion to Christ and let our strong Christian influence flood our concerned Fiji.
For the record, church history tells us that the early church in the book of Acts called themselves “believers”, “disciples”, and “saints”, but never “Christians”.
It was not until the Gospel spread to Antioch did Jesus’ followers begin to be called “Christians” by outsiders (Acts 11:26).
So let us first be believers, disciples and saints, the name and state will follow suite.
God bless Fiji.
JOJI KOROIBANUVE
Nasinu
Food for
thought
INTERFAITH is a buzzword that seems to be becoming an “in thing” among religious circles in recent years.
According to Padre James Bhagwan one of the Methodist Church of Fiji’s 12 pillars is “inter church and interreligious co-operation”.
The church’s connexional plan KSA#5- “Healing of the Nation through strengthening intra church, inter church and inter religious relationships” will be launched this month (FT24/9).
Although the intentions of the merger might be for a noble cause as perceived by many, history had showed that such cause had failed to live up to the expectations of its adherents.
The biblical story of the tower of Babel is a good example.
In fact the tree of the knowledge of good and evil divided mankind into only two classes.
In religious terms, two types of worship emerged from our first parents two sons; Cain and Abel.
As recorded in Genesis 4, one wasn’t respected while the other was, by the Almighty.
It depended on their approach in worship according to their deeds. In the words of Saint Paul: Cain had a carnal mind while Abel possessed the spiritual.
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it’s not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
“So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:6-8).
In biblical terms as typified by the life of Jesus, good and evil are two opposites that cannot live together as one.
Since the day when Cain slayed his brother Abel, evil had always cast a negative spell against good throughout history.
In fact Hebrews 2:14 tells us that “through death He (Jesus) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil”.
Food for thought.
OSEA NAISAU
Nailaga, Ba
QUICK VIEWS
Democracy
IT is pleasing to note that the ILO Direct Contact Mission has been allowed to visit Fiji and to meet various stakeholders.
We look forward to a positive outcome of their visit.
DAN URAI
Lautoka
Early education
ECE is compulsory to get into Year 1.
Kindergartens are schools, has anything been done about their funding?
ALLEN LOCKINGTON
Mulomulo
Cast aside
WHO knows, maybe former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma is being considered for an ambassadorship.
Why not?
Praneet Singh
Sacramento, CA
Loud music
I THOUGHT buses weren’t supposed to be playing loud music anymore!
Looks like LTA has gone soft on enforcing that law while commuters continue to be subjected to repetitive loud music on a daily basis on some buses.
TANIA SHEPHERD
Nakasi
Clothes shops
TRUE, there are many second-hand clothes shops in Lautoka (FT3/10), so is the truth that many can only afford second-hand clothes.
I have been buying second-hand clothes for years and some are even better quality than new ones.
AJAY SINGH
Lautoka
Seek guidance
OUR hope that the celebrities appointed to serve will seek guidance from knowledgeable politicians.
AREKI DAWAI
Suva Point
New era
POLITICS in Fiji needs a change. If it is to be, it’s now!
Countries such as Australia to name but a few have shadow ministers from the opposition.
This encourages healthy debate and thrashing of differences.
Ms Kepa should look into putting up shadow ministers to maintain good governance and transparency.
This will indeed change the face of politics in Fiji.
Dialogue and debate is the way forward!
SHAKEEL DAYAL
Melbourne
Diwali clean-up
WE have forgotten the last time Nadi Town Council collected rubbish from our area.
We request our new minister to look into this and start from Nadi and make this Diwali a clean and happy one.
SUBRAMANI NAIDU
Waqadra, Nadi
