Basic lessons
We tend to either overlook or take for granted the basic lessons which we learn throughout our early years in life. The COVID-19 pandemic is a timely reminder of those lessons. The current uncertain period is quite similar to the ending and beginning of a year when resolutions start to sprout. It is a short-term pattern to our entire lives. For most people. Some go astray over time as it would happen when a vaccine is found for the virus or it subsides because of the precautionary measures being undertaken. Back to square one in a blink. For the longer term and a life-changing experience, this period should be treated as a blessing in disguise by the surviving population. It is about our habits. Our greatest wealth are our personal health and good deeds. The rest has no permanent ownership. It never will. Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Economic boom
New Zealand has released a $12.1 billion ($F16.64b) coronavirus financial package. With the 10 years unprecedented economic boom, we look forward to a similar release from Fiji’s reserves next Wednesday. Yeah right! A colleague said: It’ll be “kerekere here, kerekere there!” So much for prudent financial measures and I know everything attitude! Isa. Kiniviliame Keteca Nausori
Virus issue
As I slowly analyse the concerns and lamentations of many, especially the economic and business sectors, on the issue of COVID-19 or coronavirus, I am convinced that this virus has surfaced a truth. For so long the global economic systems have singularly focused on money to be the measurement of wellbeing and when money generating sectors are affected, the economy is crippled. In addition, the current global economic system is failing us in many ways. It has no sense of limits on human interventions on nature, hence the over exploitation of natural resources which is one of the main contributing factors to a global crisis we are also facing which is climate change. I believe COVID-19 is timely for the world to bring world leaders, church leaders, economists to re-think a new economic system that will focus wellbeing on people rather than money. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Road conditions
I understand that FRA has contracted the roadworks on Ovalau to a company. The truth is, the road conditions are pathetic and terrible indeed. The stretch of roads on the hilly terrain between Rukuruku and Nauouo villages warrants urgent attention. Public service vehicles including other vehicles laden with both, primary and secondary school students and workers traverse these treacherous roads on a daily basis. If one thinks I am joking, then I request the Fiji Roads Authority chief executive officer, China Railway executives and the relevant government ministers and their team, to take a ride along the coastal road that circumnavigate the island, at the back of a local carrier/truck and not in the comforts of their air-conditioned 4WDs to actually experience what the travelling local populace endures. No, it’s not a joke. Since coronavirus has restricted international travel, I reckon, there shouldn’t be any excuse or excuses whatsoever for a high-powered delegation to visit. Yes, Ovalau is just only a stone’s throw from the mainland and one doesn’t need a visitors visa to visit. Anthony Sahai Ovalau Tourism numbers The downturn in tourism will be brutal in our region and for Fiji. I believe tourism will contract strongly also in New Zealand and in Australia — supplying together a total of 65 per cent of our overseas visitors. I believe this will not be back to “normal” in one or two years. I believe Kiwis and Aussies will travel considerably less to Fiji in the future (Aussies are also asked by a multi million dollar campaign to holiday “at home” to help bushfire areas recover — and many of them will choose to holiday in Australia). And I believe this situation will last longer term as scared and financially stretched households around the world will look for cheaper alternatives, including Phuket, Bali, S.E. Asia — who offer even more aggressive and innovative pricing/packages. I believe people will also fly less for long distances for “climate change reasons” and “sustainability issues” (this is a big movement in Europe and will have consequences for “island travel”). And here are the stunning facts and the real difference for Fiji’s situation: In NZ 65 per cent of all tourism is domestic tourism (Kiwi guests/customers) spending in NZ hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions, etc in Australia 75 per cent of all tourism income
is generated by domestic travelers/guests! These are stark numbers — which show that New Zealand and Australia tourism industry (and its employees) can survive
even with a 50 per cent downturn in international visitors (and they will experience exactly that). Fiji does not have any “cushion” in critical times like these — despite 15 years of formidable growth in the country, our domestic tourism is near zero. Tourism Fiji has not even been promoting “domestic tourism” nor does it have a budget or task force for that. If our international tourism/fly-in guests stay away— we have nothing left and tens of thousands of hospo jobs will be on the line. Urgent, unorthodox action is required right now to help Fiji’s tourism industry and broaden the business base long term — with the following measures and challenge proposed for the industry: a) All accommodation businesses reduce their room rates by at least 50 per cent for locals; b) All F&B prices (in hotels,
restaurants, bars, cafes) are reduced by 50 per cent for locals; c) All attractions, boat transfers, airfares, etc. are reduced by 50 per cent for locals; d) Taxes, levies, red tape and all consumables costs for tourism industry businesses are reduced — wherever possible; and e) A “Domestic Tourism Fiji” unit be established. This is a radical but necessary way to rescue our tourism industry and create immediate “fresh sales”, to establish a domestic tourism market in Fiji and create a broader
basis — without totally relying on overseas visitors alone and “risking it all”.
Hospitality and hotels in Fiji must prepare for local visitors and custom, even
change the F&B menu if necessary. The time is now for bold initiatives — so the people can keep their jobs and hospitality in Fiji can survive. AXEL C. MEHLING
Nacovi, Sonaisali
Precautions and effects
The coronavirus is one of the deadliest uncontrollable viruses to ever infect so much of the world in such a short time. There have been other virus such as Ebola, swine flu, Zika virus, SARS, etc before but not as contiguous, deadly and effective as the coronavirus. It seems a lot of smaller nations such as Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, etc, lack proper understanding and accurate information on the seriousness and magnitude of this deadly virus. After talking to a couple of my friends who are medical professionals in Suva and Lautoka, I believe Fiji is not ready to combat this virus. It seems the citizens are not properly informed and educated on the symptom or preventive measures. To better curb and control the virus, I believe the Fijian Government should seek help from the WHO (World Health Organization), EU medical professionals, etc, to better understand and find better ways to prevent and take precautionary measures. Recently a cruise ship was allowed to dock at the Lautoka wharf which I believe was very irresponsible and poor judgment by the government considering the potential risk of spreading the virus from the cruise passengers and sailors. Many countries including the US, Canada, Germany and even New Zealand have suspended all cruise ships from their ports. I believe the following measures should be enforced by the Government immediately for the period until this virus is under control: 1. All flights should be immediately suspended from Asia precisely from countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, etc. Also direct or connecting flights from Europe in particular Italy, Germany, France, etc; 2. Do not allow any cruise ship, yacht or fishing vessel to dock or even be in Fiji waters; 3. Health Ministry to seek help from WHO, foreign governments and medical professionals to better understand how to combat this, should the virus spread in the country; 4. The Government should inform and educate people about the impact of the virus via paid TV address and newspapers in all three languages; 5. The Ministry of Health should hold meetings with the Education Ministry so that heads of schools could educate and spread the message through students’. For example: Washing hands all the time, social distancing, make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately etc; and 6. The Government should start ordering and stocking up on face masks, respiratory items. The Ministry of Health should be proactive and take all precautions to avoid any kind of mishap, God forbid should the coronavirus hit Fiji. Prayers and God bless our beloved Fiji. Abendra Ram Tahal California, USA
Tourism and coronavirus
Having previously worked in the tourism industry I do feel for employees. All sectors of the economy are directly affected by external shocks such as the coronavirus which is already resulting in large cancellation of bookings by customers. Potential tourists are also delaying if not holding back from holidaying in Fiji. Tourism is one such industry whereby the employees are among the first and hardest hit by the coronavirus. What’s even challenging is the fact that between two-four other individuals are usually dependent upon one working in the tourism industry. All in all, this is a time to take precautions healthwise, but individuals will also need to reassess their priorities and take decisive steps for now. Judging by the fact that cases of coronavirus have been reported in at least three Pacific Islands as well as Australia and New Zealand, one can safely assume that it’s only a matter of time before it hits our shores. FLOYD ROBINSON
Toorak, Suva
Control costs
At times like this we have traders who take advantage of situations by increasing costs. Government should ensure controls to stop such actions. Dan Urai Lautoka
COVID-19
The microscopic beast. Rod Matthews Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Flood issues
I saw pictures of a flooded Rakiraki and I was told Ba had water rising. I thought we had invested in dredging the rivers. Did we dredge? Allen Lockington Kava Place, Lautoka
Swimming pool
Cuz Allen Lockington, you don’t have to wait for the Botanical Garden swimming pool project to be completed. Roads around Lautoka have so many potholes that resemble a mini swimming pool. John Brown Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Oakes formula
THANK you Richard Naidu for your enlightening perspective on the Oakes formula (FT 14/3). Now I understand that any limitation on fundamental rights ought to be reasonably justified in a democratic society. Of course some might have their own interpretations on this issue. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Garbage trucks
I have seen hired garbage trucks collecting rubbish in Lautoka. What has happened to the donated and the ones that were bought? Are they breaking down that often that the Lautoka City Council has to hire trucks? It will be interesting to know why. Sunil Kumar Lautoka
Travel ban
President Trump’s coronavirus travel ban on 26 European countries and was later extended to include UK and Ireland has been met with anger and confusion. EU leaders accused him of making the decision without consultation. Hahaha. This guy never ceases to amaze me. PS. We should follow suit since Europe is now the epicentre of the pandemic. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Virus hits hard
The impact of the deadly coronavirus has been felt all over the world. Competitions such as Super Rugby and the English Premier League have either been postponed or have been played behind closed doors. Cricket Test matches have been postponed. Travel restrictions have been imposed. Nations are bracing for the worst. Fiji has finally realised the impact of coronavirus on its economy especially the tourism and health sector. Surprisingly, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe reiterated that the world games would take place although the nation has had more than 1400 cases and 28 deaths resulting from coronavirus. I hope that good sense will prevail and more proactive measures will be taken to protect people. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
