Letters to the Editor | Saturday, May 20, 2023

High quality rugby expected in first Test!

The Wallaroos begin quest for post-Rugby World Cup glory ahead of a crucial 2023 rugby season. They are eager to set their season up perfectly as they prepare for today’s Test against the Vodafone Fijiana Drua at the Allianz Stadium and coach Jay Tregonning named four debutants, headlined by playmakers Carys Dallinger and Faitala Moleka. There’s a good mix of emerging and established talent in the Wallaroos and captain Shannon Parry will start in her final Test match, looking forward to ending her career on home soil. Going up against Fijiana will be a physical contest, and both sides will want to rip in and kick off the 2023 season with a strong performance. On the other hand, the Vodafone Fijiana side will be expecting nothing short of a crunch battle. The Drua lost 36-19 to the Wallaroos the last time both sides met, but the second meeting will be exciting as Fijiana 7s sensation and WRSS DHL Impact Player of the Year Reapi Ulunisau has been included in the team. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu

Attacks on critics

Rajend Naidu is absolutely correct in pointing out that every citizen including the politicians have every right to criticise and question the Government on the spending of taxpayers funds. For the government is obliged to provide that information to the public. Whether one agrees or disagrees is entirely on the individual. But you cannot suppress their freedom of expression. That is why the Media Industry Development Act was repealed as it infringed upon those rights. Its nonsensical to suggest that if a political party polled the lowest votes it has forfeited its right to hold the government to account. They seem to be ignorant of the fact that the votes of the smaller parties were crucial in deciding which political party is sitting on which side of the House today. I have often observed that instead of attacking the message some writers are targeting the messenger. It is obvious that they are either writing to please somebody or on behalf of somebody. They need to be reminded that our Prime Minister has stated on many occasions that his government is the servant of the people. They will be accountable and transparent and would consult with the people on major issues. Therefore, they are always open to scrutiny. That is how a democracy works. Let me conclude with this famous quote from Evelyn Beatrice Hall – “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” SELWA NANDAN Lautoka

De-register party

With the FijiFirst party now suspended (FT 19/05) and their once autocrat leaders (Bai and Kai) also embroiled in pressing legal matters, I believe it would be in the best interest of the party to have itself de-registered. Their support base has significantly dwindled, as it was evident in the Girmit Day celebrations which the FijiFirst “family” had discretely organised in Lautoka last week. I could not identify any fervent FijiFirst donors and business tycoons who were once meticulously allied with this regime prior to the 2022 general election as being part of the girmit festivities. Apparently, they have all abandoned the sinking FijiFirst canoe! Perhaps playing it safe from being witch-hunted? Kaila! Nishant Singh Lautoka

Diverse views

I have long been a reader of The Fiji Times and my interest has been the letters published here because they reflect the diverse views of contributors. The column thrives because of the writers who deserve our appreciation for their time and dedication. Not forgetting the significant part the editorial staff play in ensuring that the column remains attractive and balanced and carry the message that are of relevance and current. It is not any easy task, but, they are doing exceptionally well. Please accept my sincere appreciation and may you be as committed as you have been thus far. As a whole, the paper survives all odds and obstacles that have been thrown at you from time to time, but you stood your ground undeterred. Like many others my days are also made better through reading The Fiji Times. Long live the paper. Suresh Chand Nadi

Power of forgiveness and reconciliation

Power of forgiveness and reconciliation Is too deep and complex Its depth is embedded in the psyche of the human mind Its complexity is deeply rooted in the process of fulfilling it It involves profound reflection, courage, and realization To beseech for forgiveness and reconciliation Forgiving past wrongs at the national level Is a hopeful and faithful pathway to reconciliation This symbolizes our engagement In carving a new niche in building a newer Fiji Through meaningful and faithful relationships Where people at all levels may live with heads held high The historic event of forgiveness and reconciliation That took place on Sunday 14 May, 2023 Is a milestone in the history of Fiji It reflects the narrative of profound repentance, conscience and humility The expression of forgiveness and reconciliation is over The victims may have accepted and embraced the confession Believing in moving Fiji forward on the path to harmony, prosperity and peace This historic event ignites the glimmer of hope and vision for Fiji Only time will unfold this spark of aspiration. Bhagwanji Bhindi Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu

Criminal activity

Crime is as old as mankind itself. Therefore, no society is really free of crime, be it petty or sophisticated. It is a tussle between haves and have nots. When hunger strikes no moral value really works. Laws are broken to meet the demands of hunger. Petty crimes happen in our towns and cities on a daily basis. There are organised gangs in major cities who do this. Snatching gold chains, mobile phones, hand bags and pocket wallets can be expected at any time. The perpetrators pick on their victims and execute the operation in a dare devil fashion. Snatched items are quickly thrown from one gang member to another and it disappears just like that. The victim remains stunned and speechless and helpless most of the time. Police are not to be seen in action-oriented areas. Most criminals are street wise and well experienced in their job. Many of them have survived in this situation for years. Are they to be blamed or is society to be blamed or is it the government to be blamed for its inability to provide employment to the youth or to provide reasonable welfare allowances? The allowances are a pittance! Therefore, the vulnerable members of our society take to crime of sorts: prostitution, stealing, drugs etc. Most of them are immune to the pain they inflict on the victims! Increase in crime is a clear indicator of the economic wellbeing of our society. When people fail to make the two ends meet they have no option but to take to crime as a means of survival. No amount of religious pontification can stop this trend. Hunger is a very powerful tool in crime promotion. People have to eat even if it means snatching from the plates of others. The government of the day needs to do justice with the people who live well below the poverty line. Visit the squatter settlements in the Suva-Nausori corridor and you will see the squalor in which our vulnerable people live. It is a cut-throat competition for survival! Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva

5-star living

Walking past the newly-built Police Station in Lautoka yesterday morning, my son quips that it will be good for those who get caught for breaking the law and be held in remand. With a raised eyebrow, I asked why. Brand-new cells, he replied, five-star. Kids say the darndest things. True though. Manoj Lal Patel Drasa Ave, Lautoka

Our reality

With the cold season approaching, let’s not forget that COVID is still around and hurts badly. It’s best to take precautions by staying warm, taking in vitamins and watching our diets. And also let’s also not forget the importance of regular physical exercise. Like it or not, COVID has no respect and no mercy. This is a reality we now all have to live with. Floyd Robinson Micronesia

American aid

THE President of the United States, Joe Biden, is not coming to our region because he has had to prioritise his focus on pressing domestic matters. But rest assured, US development aid is coming big time to Fiji and the entire blue Pacific region (FT 19/5 ). In the final analysis that’s what’s important, to meet contemporary challenges — geopolitical competition — here in this part of the world. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia

Suspensions over the top

? While the failure by a political party to provide properly audited accounts is clearly a serious matter, is not the consequent effective disenfranchisement of about half our population, however legal, a bit over the top? What if none of our parties provide satisfactory accounts in regards to their finances? Does that mean that our Parliament will be stripped of all its members and therefore cease to exist? Michael Scott Morris St, Lautoka

A shocking twist

I couldn’t help but allow myself the luxury of a chuckle when I heard the news that FijiFirst has been suspended from Parliament. If you really think about it, it’s not every day that a certain political party gets sent to the naughty corner! Avenai Serutabua Nabukelevu Village, Serua