Letters of the Editor – July 31, 2020

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Fiji Airways Flying Fijians players after their World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match against Canada at the ANZ Stadium in Suva. Picture: JONACANI LALAKOBAU/FILE

Flying Fijians set for top event

Good reward for Fiji and our inclusion in the revamped six nations tournament with Japan. This is a first real opportunity for Fiji to be in action in a tournament with Tier 1 nations noting the only time we play in a tournament is during the Rugby World Cup. In the past our only exposure to locking horns with Tier 1 nations was during end of summer tours. This is a big break to participate and challenge the might of Northern/Europe teams and most importantly world ranking points will be in the mix. Vinaka world body for this initiative and who knows after our victory over France recently and majority of our top players are based in Europe, we could be assembling the best for this tournament. Great buildup to 2022 World Cup and let’s show them to them. Joka Viti kei na vuravura, toso Viti. Shalwyn Prasad Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva

Poetry slammed

So Mr Sayed-Khaiyum wrote a poem about Professor Prasad (FT 30/7)? I don’t quite know what to think. I thought The Fiji Times was the main object of his attention. So here is my humble attempt: Fiji Times is quite sinister Says the Economy Minister For reporting he fudged it When delivering this budget. Richard Naidu Suva

Poetry at 8am

At 3am honest men sleep and many health benefits reap. When monetary agencies bark It’s easy to jump and say “Hark! They’ll give us loans almost for free. “See how much they trust us, you see!” The agencies smile with delight; They make money from other men’s plight. Like the bank down the street loans we take are the meat that makes money to keep them alive, and their business to prosper and thrive. TESSA MACKENZIE Suva

Has he replied

An article in (FT 30/7)P3 was titled, “A-G attacks Rabuka, NFP leader”. Has he replied to MP Lenora Qereqeretabua’s speech as per the national budget debate? Probably still thinking of how to respond? Kaila! Anthony Sahai Suva

Capital projects

While speaking at the post-budget forum of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Minister for Economy said that the $70 million earmarked for capital projects in the 2020-2021 budget will spur domestic investment, thus creating hundreds of jobs (FT 27/7). If we really want to create more employment then I suggest that greater preference should be given to local contractors so that more of our unemployed can be hired. In that way the money will remain in the country and will be ploughed back into our economy thus stimulating more investment which in turn will create more employment. In other words the ripple effect should trickle down to all levels of the economy including the informal sector. It will also minimise outflow of remittance. Similarly there should be some controls on the import of construction materials especially where substitutes are available locally. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka

Go on

As an ardent reader my message to our number one newspaper is simple –– “Go on”. The Fiji Times is special as it holds a special place in the hearts of thousands of Fijians who read newspapers. There are thousands who start their day with The Fiji Times. However, it saddens ardent readers that their newspaper has been alluded to on numerous occasions in the Parliament House. The Fiji Times has been attacked. It has been criticised simply because it is doing its duty –– reporting Parliament sessions in a neutral way and not from the perspective of an individual. The Fiji Times has a wonderful and rich history. It has survived the darkest days in Fiji’s political history and I’m confident that it’s going to survive all the criticism that is aimed at our most widely read newspaper. I wish that those taking a swipe at The Fiji Times were present at GPH last year when the newspaper celebrated 150 years in Fiji. They would have been amazed with what was presented to those who were part of the 150th celebration and trust me their views would have changed. I don’t see anything wrong with the way The Fiji Times reports –– perhaps the bitter truth becomes hard to swallow. To Fred Wesley and The Fiji Times –– go on and don’t let the small criticisms affect your art work for The Fiji Times is a brand that is loved, respected and admired by thousands here and overseas. I conclude with Wesley’s remarks, “The Fiji Times exists to publish all views and to ensure there is balanced coverage of the news and balanced political debate”. Go on The Fiji Times! You’ll have the last laugh! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

BOG ticket price

Let’s hope that social distancing is not an issue during the upcoming BOG. If Fiji FA does everything properly, I don’t think there shall be too much disruptions during the tournament. Of course, social distancing will be self-maintained if only the permitted number of tickets are sold and the seating order is indicated and marked appropriately. Ushers will have to be available to guide and seat the patrons in the order they are supposed to sit as they came in. If things are handled properly in the first place there is very little room left for any complications to arise later on. Patrons can enjoy the tournament without too much disruption if you organise and manage the situation properly throughout the tournament. Another thing I have noted is the price of the tickets. I don’t think you have considered the financial hardships the people face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic while determining the ticket price. If you had, the price would be cheaper than what you have announced. I think $12 and $15 is still too much and this is what people paid when things were normal. At the moment the financial position of most of our workers has changed dramatically. Do you have the time to revise the prices please? Thank you. Suresh Chand Nadi

Nothing to lose

Lost in thoughts I lost another chance I feel so lost But I never planned on losing But how can I lose Because what do I have to lose Although I lost the grip on my life Losing more and more everyday Now losing count of the times I have lost How much more can I lose? As I have lost everything now But one can’t lose what one doesn’t have Now I am totally lost With nothing left to lose Bhagwanji Bhindi Nasinu

MPs and reality

Government has produced a national budget that I believe many people are happy and pleased about. The Opposition, on the other hand, is debating everything! We also saw at the national budget announcement and at the budget debate, all MPs looking prim and proper, dressed in suits and ties, as if they were all ready to grace the catwalk! Yet, amidst all the pomp, Fijians are struggling because those that we are dependent upon cannot see eye to eye! Wake up MPs! While you are presenting your papers, the reality on the ground is that alcohol, kava and drug abuse is more widespread, theft of livestock and crops has become a norm, teenage pregnancy is on the rise, corruption has become a part of doing business, many are getting away with breaking the law, our environment is being trashed, deforestation is not under control, unsustainable fishing practices continue to worsen, mental health and suicide is on the rise, non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of deaths, people are dying younger than they should, and the list goes on. My question to all our outwardly-dressed MPs is what are you doing about these issues and problems that continue to worsen? Why are you in parliament? What are you getting paid for? What difference do you make for the nation if any? How productive are you? Can you handle your position? If not why did you pursue being an MP? I have one simple advice for all MPs and that is that your action speaks louder than your words. You can debate over and over, but if your actions don’t speak, your sententious words in parliament are meaningless. I have now come to realise and conclude that I can no longer believe what you say, but I can only trust and believe in what you do. The reality in Parliament is too much talk and very little to no action is what it has been and what it seems to be all about! Members of Parliament need to strive to make a noticeable difference and we as a nation must not fall for words alone but for action! SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu

Curfew breakers

I wonder how much money has been collected from curfew breakers. Almost every day we read about them. It seems the people don’t care. Sunil Kumar Lautoka

Work together

Can our members of Parliament try to work together instead of bickering and find a solution for our people and work together for the benefit of the people? Don’t forget both sides of the house were elected by the people. I am sure you all can do that. Narayan Reddy Lautoka

The press

For some reason, I’m compelled to resubmit this, which I sent a couple years ago. “The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” – Judge Hugo Black. Nigel Fiu Owls Perch, Lautoka

Some light

Simon would be most helpful if he shares some light on the brilliance of Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in taking care of the economy (FT/30/7) against what I believe is the record monetary debt which is expected of our children to pay. Dan Urai Lautoka

Marriage Act

Maybe someone from the Legal Aid Commission or ODPP can clarify what is the legal age of marriage in Fiji under our current laws both for female and male? On the same note can they also define what is the difference and definition between a minor and a child? Jioji Masivesi Cakacaka Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi

Fish saga

A case of literally opening up a can worms (FT 29/7). I just lost my frigging appetite. Nishant Singh Lautoka

Pothole issue

In response to Rajend Naidu’s letter, perhaps that pothole can be turned into a swimming pool. Rahul Prasad Lautoka

Swimming pool

When will the swimming pool project investigation report be made public? It has taken a very long time. Once I was told that the pool would be open in December 2019, but now I can see rusted steel on the pool site. With five special administrators and a CEO, I believe it still takes a long time to get answers from Lautoka City Council. John Brown Lautoka

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