Making ends meet
After Api Kurusiga’s hit piece in the People column (FT 08/04), Viliame Ravai had another classic as Sakiusa Ledua featured with his inspirational story (FT 09/04).
Sakiusa Ledua, who is 54 years old, and used to work for PWD, is using the skills that he acquired to provide for his family. Now that Fijians, who were laid off from work because of the pandemic, are struggling to make ends meet, they can start off their own business as many others have done so, and have been successful.
Sakiusa started his own business, and his company was doing well until the pandemic hit Fiji hard and he struggled to feed his family and to meet his family’s daily needs.
However, this opened another opportunity as he used his talent when the going got tough. Sakiusa concentrated on making garden tools, and it has worked out well for him.
Sakiusa’s story is a reality of what many other Fijians have gone through, and like his piece, The Fiji Times and their writers are commended for the daily doses of inspiration and motivation! RAJENSH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Confusion over human rights
I believe the director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Ashwin Raj, is defensive much of the time and gets tangled-up in his own rhetoric.
He speaks of everyone enjoying “equal treatment” (FT, 7/4) but when it comes to investigating cases of human rights violations and evoking section 30 of the Act, I believe he can be selective about which cases he chooses to investigate.
Furthermore, the director appears to make dangerous assumptions about who can and cannot afford legal counsel. For example, if someone is a businessman with vocal supporters then, according to Mr Raj, they can arrange for their own lawyer.
He refers to social media as being like a kangaroo court.
On the contrary, social media provides a platform for freedom of expression which is a fundamental human right, whether the director likes it or not. Julie Sutherland Tamavua, Suva
Safety of our dogs
Sadly, we hear that some dogs were hit on our roads and left for dead by some arrogant drivers.
Surely, speeding is the main cause of these injuries and death to these poor animals. Most families count dogs as part of the family and take time out to celebrate their birthdays as well.
Some crazy drivers will speed up as soon as they see a stretch. Even if it’s only 20 metres.
Road humps are needed on long stretching roads such as Salato Rd (Namadi Heights, Adi Davila Rd (Davuilevu Housing), Grantham Rd (Raiwaqa) and many other similar roads.
A lot more needs to be done to stop this unnecessary suffering and to ensure the safety of man’s best friend. Steven Chandra Suva
Historical place
The historical place where the deed of cession took place needs to be cleaned up properly, grass cut and broken fence needs to be repaired soon.
Part of that history that every Social Science student learned about in primary school is slowly eroding.
I humbly request the special administration team in Levuka to urgently look into this place. Narayan Reddy Ovalau
Do you think it’s right
Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife Sandy Price were detained and deported in early February this year.
Mr Raj, how did the pair breach the Immigration Act and what public risk did they pose? According to the Fiji Trades Union Congress national secretary, a permit application to march has been denied for the sixth time.
Mr Raj, what have you got to say about this?
The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation continues to refer to Ben Padarath as a convicted felon.
Mr Raj and the Fiji Corrections Office, do you think this is right? Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Cultural, linguistic heritage
Please allow me to join your correspondent Mareko Vuli (ST 4/4) in applauding the turaga na Tui Bua for urging his people not to neglect to educate their children in their cultural and linguistic heritage. He is also right to point out that speaking ‘English’ to one’s children has become a bit of a fad, but is in fact harmful to their education.
In my experience during my many years at USP, I have found that the best students are not the ones who had ‘English’ inflicted on them by their parents — which is usually done simply to viavia kaivalagi — but the ones who are well grounded in their own language and culture.
A case in point is a gone ni Bua who grew up in the highlands of Wainunu and didn’t speak a word of English until he came to Suva for his secondary education, then became the first indigenous Fijian to win a gold medal (he in fact won two) at USP.
As Mareko points out, multiple studies of acquisition of English as a second language have come to the conclusion that children who speak their mother tongue well also acquire English well. So my advice to parents who want their children to speak good English — and I’m sure we all do — is to leave it to the experts.
Concentrate on teaching your children to know their cultural and linguistic heritage — and be proud of it. Paul Geraghty University of the South Pacific, Suva
Why many didn’t vote
Opposition member of Parliament, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, stated that there needs to be a proper analysis to ascertain why 178,998 Fijians did not vote during the 2018 General Election (FT 05/04).
Ro Filipe said the number was significant and he could find no explanation on why people did not turn up on election day. I have a fair idea why, Ro Filipe.
They just don’t care and are not bothered because any change to government doesn’t make any difference to their struggles or adversity. In fact, the thought is why waste their time and effort if there is no significant change to their livelihood?
On the other hand, I believe the only time we get to see politicians vying for a seat in Parliament is leading up to elections.
Once in, I believe, they are very quick to forget the people who put them there! So in retrospect many are really just not bothered! Simon Hazelman Rava Estate, Savusavu
Silktails make move
Two back-to-back losses have not taken the sting out of the Kaiviti Silktails team as they prepare to face Glebe Dirty Reds at the Mascot Oval.
Coach Wes Naiqama had to reshuffle his squad because of injuries, but he has enough depth in his team to counter the Reds.
The Silktails are on a learning mission, and every game is set to expose our local rugby league players.
I wish Wes and the Silktails all the best for their hard-hit outing against Glebe Dirty Red!
Regardless of the result, the boys need our prayers and support! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Road repairs
Thanks to the team that carried out road repairs on Kuku Rd.
The above mentioned will greatly benefit the community, motorists, pedestrians and especially school children from two schools who use Kuku Rd daily.
Potholes were not only dodged by motorists but pedestrians and stray dogs as well. Shamal Chand Kuku Bau Rd, Nausori
Fixing work
The current curfew time is the best time for the roads to be repaired or patched. If FRA repairs roads during curfew hours, the traffic jams will not be as bad as it is now.
Think, think, think and think again FRA for the betterment of everyone. Narayan Reddy Lautoka
Gifting scheme
I received a call asking if I was interested in joining a “gifting scheme”.
The call ended abruptly when I asked if I could use monopoly money. Sobo! Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Article review
I am not sure how well Arvind Mani’s article (FT 3/4) would have been received by adherents of masculinity, but I duly hope the likes of Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and feminists alike, would have recognised and rejoiced the existence of a man they’d probably love every man to be! Bimal Prasad Newtown Rd, Wailoaloa, Nadi
Union members
What have the union members got from the union after being laid off? Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
Respect and steam
Can one expect to brush aside an attempt by Rewa to wrestle the Farebrother Trophy from Nadi?
For now, am not ruling out the chance of an upset as the first challenge is often the best chance.
Backed by the calibre of a coach like Alivereti Doviverata, Rewa is steaming with aggression and cannot wait to rock Prince Charles Park.
All in all, let’s welcome team Rewa and give them respect.
Let’s also hope that law enforcement officers are out in numbers as tempers are expected to flare as the intensity of the match picks up. FLOYD ROBINSON Toorak, Suva
Sugar City writers
Allow me to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to a pool of prominent writers emerging from the Sugar City — Lautoka.
I have observed that these writers have given so much insight and deep thinking by raising a number of issues relating to our everyday lifestyle, our community and even on a global scale.
Led by Allen Lockington, we have Selwa Nandan, Dhirendra Prasad, Narayan Reddy, Kirti Patel, Mohammed Imraz Janif and few others have been very consistent in their contributions.
Definitely, the contributions of these writers have set a new paradigm for so many other writers and readers of The Fiji Times.
The issues raised must also be taken positively for the betterment of our society.
I urge these writers to continue with the noble work they have been doing so far. Fiji needs writers like you to inspire and give birth to new writers.
I have no doubt that there are many followers of your articles.
God bless all with greater urge to read and write. Naveen Dutt Wainibokasi
Saving tips
The Easter weekend just went by and many of us spent a lot of money on buying necessary items and also spent money on not so essential things.
Many would be short in finances after that. It is most important to save money.
During these hard times, saving money becomes paramount.
But saving is so hard sometimes with escalating expenses and new expenses adding while income remains same or has decreased.
Added to that is the attractive pull of special deals and temptations. Unexpected events can put a strain on any person and if it requires spending, the burden gets heavier.
So it is better to save even if it is a minimal amount. Even saving a little bit is big. The simple practice of setting aside any amount of money has the potential to enrich our lives in ways later on in life.
One saving tip is to collect $2 coins. When you go shopping or spend money, you may receive change; and in the change maybe some coins.
Try to put the $2 dollar coin aside and into a 500ml Powerade bottle wherever possible.
Keep putting the $2 coin into the bottle as much as possible whenever you can. You will be amazed that when the Powerade bottle is full to the top, it contains a total of $500, which is a large amount.
You may try with other coin denominations of 20 cents and 50 cents also. Try this saving tip and it may help you when you are in need of money sometime later in life. T. T. Munger, a research scientist, has said very aptly: “The habit of saving is itself an education; it fosters every virtue, teaches self-denial, cultivates the sense of order, trains to forethought, and so broadens the mind.”
So save money and it will save you someday. BHAGWANJI BHINDI Nasinu
I was told
I was told make others smile even if you have to suffer
I was told tell the truth even if it causes failure
I was told remain calm and cool even if they get mad at you
I was told to help everyone even after suffering losses
I was told to speak politely even if you are treated harshly
I was told respect all even if you are hated badly
I was told live life on principles even if bad is happening to you
I was told to trust the Lord even when things are against you
MAHARAJ KUMARI BHINDI LBE, Nasinu
