Black lives matter
The Black Lives Matter movement has been used to denounce attacks against the African-American community. The nonsensical killing in broad daylight of George Floyd has sparked anger worldwide. Since then, there has been widespread protest and demonstration right across the globe. I believe this again invokes the role of law enforcement agencies. These are gross violations and show a clear lack of understanding on human rights laws. However, this has not happened for the first time in USA. It is sad to note how deeply racism is rooted in our societies albeit so much advocacy on egalitarian societies. I believe Trump and his administration should not use the old theatrical style to resolve this issue. What America needs is a genuine leadership to make spaces in these areas to create meaningful engagement. PRANIL RAM, Votualevu, Nadi
Act of God
Does Jan Nissar exist or is he a pseudonym covering? The Archbishop’s opinion has been the topic of discussion around the country and has raised awareness on the yet another “down the throat” interpretation. I believe no other country has declared the pandemic as an act of God including the WHO. The opinion has nothing to do with politics. It was based on facts The majority of Fijians are Christians and I believe quoting from the Bible is relevant in the Fijian society. Dan Urai Lautoka
COVID-19 free
In silent and fervent prayer, let us join in one spirit to thank the Lord our God, in our own little way, Fiji, after some 43 days, is COVID-19-free. With every possible and right-thinking caution, let us not “drop our guards,” just yet to prematurely celebrate. May I, with every respect and dignity, thank our honourable prime minister; Minister for Health; all medical personnel, law enforcement officers and all concerned to safely bring us to where we are today. Vina du va levu! In my humble view, respectfully, Fiji must under the strong decisive leadership of our prime minister, Minister for Economy, Finance and learned attorney-general, take this very special window of opportunity, to somehow, with gentle, safe and sure baby steps, commence immediate trade talks with bigger South Pacific brother, New Zealand in partnership with COVID-free Samoa and Tonga. We must start somewhere, somehow and some way, initiate trade talks as soon as practically possible. Safe and bold initiatives are extreme pre-requisites now. South Pacific “triangle” bubble vuvale talks between Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with special guidance from New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern should prevail. Let us, with admirable courage and leadership, begin with some dialogue. We all have something to gain, with extreme care and protocol. Tovole ro va kaikai na lemamutou Viti, na lequ Viti. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi
Thank you
Thank you to the medical team in Fiji for all you have done in working towards a COVID-19 free Fiji. As per the headlines (FT 6/6) “We are free”, yes we are free of COVID-19, but unemployment and hunger and frustration and stress still binds us. Then there is the curfew — it binds people’s movement. Taxis and other businesses that operate at night have lost financially. But thank you for a COVID free Fiji. Furthermore, may I suggest that the curfew be lifted, but maintain the roadblocks at the end of towns. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Under control
I believe the COVID-19 issues are well under control; many thanks to the Government for stringent controls it took. There are no COVID-19 carriers around at all, otherwise the spread of it would have gone on. I believe it is safe now to reopen schools, same as churches and places of worship. The ’20 and below’ gathering is now unnecessary; look at how many people gather in shops and the markets to do their shopping, look at how passengers sit tight against the next person in buses and taxis and in these many weeks no one has had to be sent to an isolation centre. Moses Fong Suva
Beer question
Could the Fiji beer brewers let us know how long their beers can be kept without compromising the taste. A lot of nightclubs have been closed for a long time. Sukha Singh Labasa
Stop it
Fiji Airways staff, stop crying as you are not the only ones laid off. Many poorer than you are laid off. Think of them as well. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
TV and teachers
Having a free education channel on Fiji TV is no substitute at all for the facilitated learning that goes on in real relationship time between students and teachers; even outside the classroom. This is key
to facilitate learning, engaged minds. All students learning has varied needs: different learning styles, and needs to be pitched correctly for their specific needs. This can not be matched when students have the passive TV option. Research proves that watching screens for any length of time cannot stimulate the brain at all. And can be detrimental. It is how to kill brain activity and stimulus actually. It’s a passive activity that does not require huge amount of engagement or thinking. We educators need to be engaged with students’ face to face, and in relationship with them, to facilitate their lifelong learning. It’s from this that students are able to facilitate their own interests and quest for learning: in a context of mutual relationship developed between students, other learners at various stages, with their parents, and with teachers. Please Fiji Government, put any monetary support into our schools and directly to our students’ curriculum needs and resources, rather than starting an unmotivating, passive, unstimulating, brain cell killing exercise of watching TV. No comparison at all to real human contact and relationship with engagement. We are not robots; but human beings. Narube is so very right.Give money directly to
our people: in this particular case — to students and teachers and schools – who need to re-engage as soon
as possible. Please don’t roll out another nonsense committee, or group or program, which do not impress. All these things reveal is that ‘posers’ are unable to see beyond their glaring egos how foolish they truly appear when everyone is struggling so much. Power, money and impetus to the schools, to stimulate Fiji’s future minds. JEAN HELAN HATCH, Nabua, Suva
Beauty on show
I WENT on a tour to the Western side of Fiji and was amazed with the beauty of nature. The magnificent
mountain views and the astonishing ocean sight was just too delightful to watch. I realised that the
amount we pay to travel, maybe should divert the amount to travel around Fiji and see the beauty of
nature. My questions on why tourists choose Fiji as their destination over other nations, was answered by
what I saw. The white sandy beaches and the unbelievable coral reef linings took my breath away.
RAYNAV CHAND Nakasi
Wonder about reality
I WONDER what would have been the reality of the matter if this year was 2022, instead of 2020.
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
