Letters to the Editor – March 18, 2019

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NZ Police AOS (Armed Offenders Squad) push back members of the public after the shooting at the Masjid Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. Picture: REUTERS

Christchurch massacre

As the Pacific stood in unity, my mind and thoughts went to the families of those who lost their lives in the Lynnwood mosque massacre. Sadly, defenceless women, men and children lost their lives. Reading stories via The Sunday Times melted hearts as I felt for those who lost their lives. My family’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the grieving families and may the lost souls find peace and solace! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Beer bottles

Could the beer factory tell us how much they buy back empty beer bottles, please. I sold four dozen this weekend and I was told it was 30 cents a dozen. Pheew! One bottle of beer costs $6 depending on where you are buying from. I need to know so that I can be satisfied with the information. When I lived in Mulomulo I once sold 55 dozen after collecting empty bottles for six months. I was paid $1 per dozen, what has happened? You wonder how much I spent on beer? Don’t, I just want to know how much the empties cost. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

Supermarket service

Shopping for groceries is made more convenient these days, as most supermarkets open their doors on Sundays too. This is further to the convenience of shopping hours that extend into the evening. I think the trading hours of the supermarkets generally are longer than most other retail shops because of the nature of their business. The Sunday opening is an added bonus to the shoppers which I believe is a service we all use from time to time. Their extended hours of operation means the demand is there. I think all other costs remain the same besides staff wages which doubles up on Sunday. A supermarket is a self-service shop offering a wide variety of food, beverages and household products that are nicely organised into sections and shelves for the convenience of customers. Customers also like going to a supermarket which among other things provide an ease of parking. Many supermarkets allocate large budgets to advertising through newspapers, radio and TV, too. The consumers do take advantage of these paid advertisements by buying goods from cheaper source. It’s a competitive world and the fittest survives. All shops standing today tell us that they are doing well in their business. Last but not the least, I wish to thank the industry for employing and supporting a large number of families in the country. Thank you. Suresh Chand Nadi

Legal aid

I refer to J. Mitchell’s comprehensive article “Access to legal aid” in FT 17/3. It is indeed welcome news that new legal aid offices are being opened to facilitate better access to citizens at the local community level, especially for those who live in rural areas. The expanded service is expected to total 22 offices. When I was working in the Social Welfare Department I had drawn attention to the inadequacy of the then existing legal aid service in the country. There was only one legal aid office based in Suva with the legal aid officer covering other districts on a visiting basis. For my effort, I was charged under the Official Secrets Act! We have clearly come a long way since for the public good. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia

Parity factor

The photo caption where persons bearing a placard advocating gender parity mindset (p 32, FT 09/03) refers. The parity factor needs to be put in a context. Assuming the context is hiring any staff at a business workplace. Will advocates of equality mindset only hire and promote staff on a 50:50 gender ratio? The drive for gender parity could compromise important factors such as merit and job competency. A progressive society needs the most qualified person for a job regardless of gender. Sachida Nath Nadi

Hemp farming

Government must look into and seriously consider hemp farming, and for many a good reason. It is the perfect supplement to complement our ailing sugar industry and we have the perfect weather with lots of vacant sugarcane fields ready for cultivation. Hemp offers sustainability and durability that is incomparable while cultivation and farming comes at low-cost and low-input. The economic benefits that hemp can introduce comes in clothing and shoes, ropes, soap, construction, it is an excellent
source of protein, it grows just about anywhere, it does not need as much water as other plants, it contains oil, it provides lowcost fuel, it is a source food and it is used in all paper products including toilet paper. In general, hemp is affordable,
it is healthy, sustainable, it will allow communities to become well-fed and healthier, and it will also introduce more jobs and increase economic viability. We need to remove the blinkers to see the great potential hemp farming will bring to the nation.
What are we waiting for –– end of the world? SIMON HAZELMAN, Rava Estate, Savusavu

Imam Haji Hafiz Musa Patel

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon. The Christchurch massacre has unfortunately claimed the life of a well respected member of the local Muslim community and the public at large. I came to know him well during my seven years at Lautoka Muslim Primary School. His quarters was in the vicinity of the school. The selfless man never took a step back when it came to helping others. His sermons in the Friday Jumah prayers were extra special. I heard him countless times preaching about the care of our parents. His sermons were passionate and while delivering them he had to fight back tears. He has touched and made a difference in so many lives. As a mark of respect, when he left Fiji, Fiji Muslim League had decided not to permanently appoint someone in his position. Just in case he decided to come back. Sadly, it isn’t to be. Although he has left us, he will be remembered for a very long time. May Allah grant him jannat-ul-firdos and his family patience. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Warriors defend title

The Fiji Warriors and Samoans came together to pay respect to the victims of the mass shooting inside the Lynwood mosque in Christchurch after which the Pacific battle swayed the fans to the beat and rhythm of those exhilarating runs, brutal hits and entertaining rugby. Fiji had earlier beaten Tonga and Junior Japan and Japan’s win over Tonga meant that our boys could not afford to lose at home and I’m glad that our boys lived up to their names. Playing in front of our PM and the passionate Fijian fans our boys delivered some wonderful moves, executed their set-pieces and showed some beautiful off-loads to come out victorious 48-16. The likes of Mawi, Tagi, Nabura, Voka, Loaloa, Dyer, Lomani, Muntz, Wilagi, Tuqovu and Malele put on a brilliant show while Vugakoto, Naulago, Ramasibana, Kuruvoli and Savou sparked things in the 2nd half coming from the bench. The future of rugby looks bright as our boys proved that they are the best in the region. A big vinaka vakalevu to our warriors for shining out! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Terrorist concern

Writing during church service isn’t the best idea, but before the thought departed my limited brain storage (capacity), I thought of just typing anyway. When parking at the former bowser across the road from my church (opposite LTA Lautoka), I see these three drinking youths swearing at pedestrians and terrorising churchgoers. I chose not to park there as these terrorists could damage my vehicle for fun. For an instance, I thought of using the baseball bat lying in the boot, but the idea of using the cane knife, also in the boot, was even more compelling, stronger. But then, I wouldn’t be any different from them, only sober. I parked at a different place to avoid confrontation and walked to church. Would I be committing a crime beating them up? Surely. But why are they allowed to do what they are doing? These youths are less than a hundred metres from church. They need a hiding, a brutal hiding, one I can surely dish out. Donald Singh Lautoka

Christchurch attacks

My heart is crying for Christchurch. Kia kaha Christchurch. Kia kaha New Zealand. Subhas Parshotam Borron Rd, Samabula, Suva

Poverty line

How is it possible for statistics to show people living below the poverty line constitutes 30% of the population when I believe more than 70% of the population retire with less than $10,000 in FNPF savings? Dan Urai Lautoka

Conflicts and creators

Whenever and wherever there are conflicts of any nature, there are or is someone to create it. The participants and innocent end up suffering while the hiding creators or instigators end up benefiting. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka

Working in Fiji

Rajend Naidu (ST 17/3) asks “What kind of independence is this?” With regard to an Australian working in Fiji. I would suggest to Richard that it is the same independence which allows him or his family to live and work in Australia. Terry Hulme Eastwood, NSW, Australia

Potatoes sold

I have noticed that the potatoes sold in Lautoka supermarkets are suspect. You buy them to keep for the week, and soon they go bad. Consumer council, get off your backsides and check. Allen Lockington Kava Place, Waiyavi, Lautoka

Voting link

I believe the 2013 constitution was intended to unite Fijians but the last election was more polarised. With polarised voting I believe the future is predictable. Dan Urai Lautoka

Boeing MAX 8

Great to hear good sense has prevailed, locally, in grounding 737 MAX 8. Though there has been confidence in its safety by our engineers, gut feelings will not undo damages! Had we taken that unnecessary risk! Steven Chandra Suva

Kiss of death

Our Fiji sevens team always show the world that we are really the best in Hong Kong. So, don’t be saddened Allen Lockington when Fiji is being placed in the pool of death, our boys will give them the “Kiss of Death”. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to watch? I can’t wait for Hong Kong. Go Fiji, go. Kelera Talebulamai Naitasiri

 

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