Letters to the Editor: Friday, October 16, 2020

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Lewa Kuriako points to where she claims robbery suspect Mesake Sinu was allegedly beaten at Nasau in Nadi. Picture: REINAL CHAND

Brave decision

Fiji needs more people like Lewa Kuriako (FT 14/10). She is brave to stand up and tell us what she saw, in the case of Mesake Sinu.

I salute her. You are a brave girl. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Lautoka

 

Learn from the past

It’s rather strange and ironic that Opposition Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka, says that it is important for the country to learn from its past mistakes and move forward (FT 11/10). Mr Rabuka needs to be directing that very statement at himself for robbing Fiji of over two decades of progress.

In fact, Rabuka continues to make contradicting statements that point straight back at his past actions. But for a few, the people of Fiji have never been uncertain as to the direction of development or management of their country. It has always been the resilient people of Fiji who slowly but surely continue to walk the nation forward stride by stride. It is because of our ability to withstand adversity that we continue to progress.

It is because of our love for our country and our determination to save it that we strive to build our economy as best we can. Let there be no misconstrued concepts. Our forward movement is not because of our leaders but to the dedication and commitment of the hearts of our nation’s people.

If there is one person in particular who needs to learn from the mistakes of his past, it is the Opposition Leader himself. He needs not only to learn but most importantly to forsake! For without change, the Leader of the Opposition will continue to be haunted by the legacy of his past!

There is only one way. By the left, forward march! Left, right, left, right… SIMON HAZELMAN Rava Estate, Savusavu

 

Fiji Day, COVID-19

It was a very bad moment for Fiji after Cyclone Winston. When COVID-19 came, nearly everyone was affected either directly or indirectly — money, food, time etc.

The Fijian people are very helpful and caring that they all showed their support by holding hands in all situations.

When Fiji Day came, the mood really changed. It was colourful and happiness for everyone everywhere.

So I beg everyone, please help those who are in need and God will bless our Fiji to be more productive.

Love and joy. May God bless all. JITENDRA PRASAD Tavua

 

Bad road

When will the authorities attend to the section of the road located opposite the Tuirara Methodist Church, Tuirara, Makoi?

That portion of the road has been in such an abysmal condition for approximately three months now and I am certain that even a horse would be petrified to trot along such.

Imagine the risks the daily pedestrians including primary and secondary school students, who utilise this stretch of the road, to and fro, are exposed to?

I’ve witnessed some reckless, discourteous, ignorant and arrogant drivers drive through potholes filled with water, splashing on students walking to school on the pothole riddled and muddy patch of road. This road is just further up from Kalokalo Cres, where roadworks are been conducted.

Anyone ‘listening’? ANTHONY SAHAI Suva

 

My land, Fiji way

I wish to advise Dhirendra Prasad (FT 15/10) that Fiji is my land and I was discussing how the Bills are passed the Fiji way. I am a Fiji citizen, religiously paying all my dues — VAT, company tax, fringe benefits tax, personal tax and council rates. I am temporarily based here because of border closures.

As for the subject matter, the truth is that most of the Bills had been passed within days in the recent past.

The burning question is — has anyone the will and courage to change the current system? BHARAT MORRIS Gold Coast, Australia

 

USP saga

Fiji’s government wants governance issues compiled by the chair of the Audit and Risk Committee to be investigated.

I need help in locating which other member state(s) out of all the member states is (are) standing with Fiji in this. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka

 

Ring a bell

Reputations have been destroyed, marriages wrecked, friendships shattered and careers ruined.

These may be true but remember, wounds may heal but they leave scars that never disappear.

It rings a bell, eh? JOELI NALECA Natabua, Lautoka

 

System

I believe the electoral system where there is no constituency is not working as well as the designers thought.

DAN URAI Lautoka

 

Illegal tobacco

So “illegal tobacco products are a concern” (FBC online)?

Surely legal products are a bigger concern.

And I believe the Agricultural Ministry is encouraging farmers to grow tobacco! FERGUS GARRETT Vatuwaqa, Suva

 

Serious matter

Julie Sutherland (FT 14/10) is absolutely correct when highlighting the issue of children seen in the streets during school hours.

This is a serious matter but who cares? I believe everyone beginning from home to higher levels assume and promote they are the best in decision-making and leadership.

No one is ready to take advice for improvement in this era of new leadership paradigm promoted through vengeance and display of authority.

In the past we could talk and correct any child or parent. Try one now.

This is the real world we live in now. DHIRENDRA PRASAD Lautoka

 

New mindset

It’s time to think outside the box and reset, change the way we do things, with a new mindset, a valuable opportunity has now been given, which calls for a positive outlook and always believing, that every dark cloud, has a lining of silver, meaning that there can be a successful outcome, for every endeavour.

Let’s take the time to move forward positively with confidence, because we have already reached 50 years of our independence, the next 50 years can be brighter and better, than the last five decades, if only we unite and approach things together, without negativity and hate.

EDWARD BLAKELOCK, Pacific Harbour

 

Food for thought

This poem is dedicated to World Food Day celebrated on October 16.

Food the most essential requirement for life Providing nutrition and nourishment

Eating food one of the pleasures of life Satisfying hunger and driving crazy sensations

Causing delightful and soothing moods Some are slaves of certain foods

While the whole world is craving for food Willing to do anything for a meal

But always the stomach needing a refill Living and working just to feed one and all

To live and to survive any downfall Food fuelling and fuelling the energy

Healthy balanced diets daily Providing for all functions of the body

But lack of food leading to diseases Even too much causing serious illnesses

Food driving a country’s economy Agriculture providing the livelihood for many

Humans always motivated to search and seek food Food the reason for development and also feud

Eating food together a means to stay connected Food a means to forming relationships and interactions

Food the main attraction in any celebration Feasts a way to show status and importance

Foods used to express feelings of appreciation Food choices affecting health today and in future

Food the key to good health and disease prevention Leaving you with food for thought and direction.

Bhagwanji Bhindi Nasinu

 

Sustainable supply

Today Fiji will mark World Food Day to focus the attention of all Fijians on the importance of sustainable food supply on our tables. Without food hunger looms large and it is our responsibility to ensure that we fight back. Techniques of production (traditional and modern), storage, distribution and access to healthy food is absolutely essential for a healthy population.

Fiji is blessed to be referred to as the paradise of the Pacific. It is ideally located in the tropical South West Pacific and enjoys oceanic climate with reliable rainfall, abundance of sunshine and rich volcanic soils on which to grow a variety of food crops in abundance for local consumption and export to markets in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States.

The government policies of food production have done much to encourage farmers to use scientific methods of production, storage and distribution of food.

The Ministry of Agriculture has made huge inroads into boosting food production. Educated and young people have been encouraged to take to farming as a means of livelihood. And this has proved popular.

The FijiFirst Government has ensured that poverty, malnutrition and hunger no longer threaten the Fijian population. The assistance to needy and the vulnerable sections of our population is taken care of through the Ministry Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. Schoolchildren receive milk supply and are guaranteed of healthy food in school canteens.

Children are taught not to eat junk food to reduce obesity and associated diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The Ministry of Agriculture has made huge preparations (despite the COVID-19 pandemic) to ensure that the food sustainability message goes loud and clear to our children, parents and farmers of our country. Activities have been organised in all major centres to ensure that the message of the World Food Day goes out loud and clear to the entire population.

May I wish all Fijians a very successful World Food Day. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva

 

What is right

The wrong I do under your direction, is my sin to bare, for I too have a heart, mind and conscious, which I didn’t use nor had the courage to do what’s right. NIGEL FIU Owls Perch, Lautoka

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