Letters to the Editor – Friday, September 10, 2021

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Former Fiji Bati steelman Eloni Vunakece. Picture: SUPPLIED

Fijian ninja warrior

The sporting fraternity was shocked to learn about the passing away of veteran sports journalist and writer Osea Bola.

I pay tribute to our fallen warrior who entertained and inspired many sports lovers with his beautiful writings.

Rest in peace OB!

Another veteran sports journalist and writer Maikeli Seru has always impressed readers with his in-depth knowledge and creative writings on sports.

Yesterday, Maikeli penned an impressive and interesting piece titled “Fijian ninja warrior” which was based on Eloni Vunakece our former Fiji Bati steelman.

It was pleasing to read that Eloni was the lone Fijian competitor in the Australian Ninja Warrior which is a sports entertainment competition.

I agree with FNRL acting CEO, Don Natabe, that Vunakece’s participation has promoted Fiji and Fiji rugby league to new heights.

Eloni has been an exemplary rugby league player, and he has set the standard for younger players who are willing to take up rugby league.

He was a tough and versatile player during his prime days, and now he has ventured into other sporting activities.

All the best Eloni!

Vinaka vakalevu Maikeli for the piece!

Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu

Sugar price, consumer rights

Reference is made to Selwa Nandan’s letter in the edition published on Monday, September 6, 2021, titled “Sugar price and consumer rights”.

As rightfully stated by Mr Nandan, one of the functions of the Consumer Council of Fiji is to advise and make recommendations to the minister or any other organisation or person(s) on issues affecting consumers.

In relation to the submission by Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) for the increase in price of local sugar, the council has made a submission on behalf of Fijian consumers to FCCC.

In its submission, the council has carefully weighed and outlined the socio-economic implications an increase in the price of sugar will have on consumers.

The council provides assurances to all consumers that continuous submissions are being made to different organisations on issues affecting consumers.

Seema Shandil, Chief executive officer, Consumer Council of Fiji

September 11 attacks

IT’S a date that we will always remember 20 years ago, in the year 2001, t’was the 11th of September.

The day two planes crashed into each one of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, was regarded as a terrorist attack by Al Qaeda.

Many lives and assets were lost suddenly, resulting in later reprisals by the US of America.

A day forever etched in our memories, not only the towers’ unbelievable destruction, but the targeted search in the Middle East, for the leader, Osama Bin Laden.

Security checks became very stringent and not eased for those travelling locally and mainly overseas.

Bin Laden shot to death while in hiding, ending a gruesome and violent chapter, beginning with those two planes crashing in a terrorist attack on 11th of September.

Edward Blakelock, Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour

Shirley Park

The article on Shirley Park, “$560,000 for park” by Repeka Nasiko (08/09), suggests that Lautoka City Council (LCC) has already decided on a plan for developing what is left of Shirley Park (that being the remaining area outside of where the planned four-star hotel will be located) and that council intends to go ahead with their plans.

A few months back LCC also put out a tender for this project.

Point 9, of the Conditions of Approval for the Rezoning of Shirley Park states: “That the balance area of Lot 1 ND5149 and part of DP1805 shall be maintained specifically for passive recreation for the use of the public.

“The Lautoka City Council and any third party shall be inclusive in its design of the proposed passive and active recreational areas and must work in collaboration with residents and ratepayers of Lautoka City, so as to maximise the functional area of the communal open space.”

Can the Minister for Local Government and the Lautoka City Council CEO confirm complying with condition 9 of the conditions of approval?

Where, when and how were residents and ratepayers input considered in the council’s plans for these two areas of the park?

R Maude Elbourne, Lautoka

To the A-G

I believe the A-G’s frustration tells a lot.

Relax sir.

How about you sit and think with a calm mind and show the greenlight towards the grants being released to USP.

Isn’t it childish to hold the valuable grant which is not yours?

Is that your level of leadership?

Is that the best shot you can give to have the USP matter sorted?

You are on those big chairs but you are also a human being.

There may be chance of things being just like this until your time comes to an end.

Just in case you don’t get elected again, would you feel good and proud out of humanity?

Think about it.

Don’t let the poor students suffer in these hard times.

Power is not eternal in this situation.

The “highway or my way” is only suitable in certain scenarios not when it comes to the welfare of the general public.

Release the grant and see that beauty sleep you will get.

Think about it.

Kirti Patel, Lautoka

My Government

Referring to the Government in power as “my Government” by a head of state appears inappropriate to me as an ordinary layman.

In the unlikely event of a change of Government in the next elections, can he then morally refer to the new Government as “my Government”?

Bharat Morris, Rifle Range, Vatuwaqa, Suva

Time will tell

There are suggestions that some from the trouble-riddled SODELPA may join the newly-registered People’s Alliance Party.

Time will tell but if that happens, what are the odds the new party starts to experience similar problems as well?

I think the PAP leader must be well aware of this danger which will compromise his chances of becoming the next PM.

Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka

Public holiday

In your edition of FT 8/9, Professor Biman Prasad indicated he will replace Constitution Day with another holiday.

May I suggest bringing back Ratu Sukuna Day, because I believe that was what was replaced.

It certainly will earn him a lot of kudos from the iTaukei people.

Mareko Vuli, Delaidogo Settlement, Wainibuku Rd

Cleaner toilets

I was so pleased to read that the new Minister for Education is insisting on cleaner toilets at all schools.

Proper hygiene and sanitation walks hand in hand with education.

Hopefully this new standard will eventually filter through to public conveniences.

If our toilets are not hygienically clean then neither are we, be it in our homes, our schools or even our country.

Hopefully the next generation will finally know and teach their children the importance of clean toilets.

Thank you minister.

Doe Miller, Ritova St, Labasa

Vaccine lottery

For as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of the vaccine lottery, I believe the main prizemoney should be divided into one major prize and some consolation prizes.

For example, the next $51,000 can be divided into one major prize of $16 thousand, followed by 15 consolation prizes of $1 thousand each and another 40 consolation prizes of $500 each.

Bharat Morris, Rifle Range, Vatuwaqa, Suva

Suicide prevention day

Friday, September 10, 2021 marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

This is an opportunity to raise awareness and to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.

The theme is “Creating Hope Through Action”.

Prevention is better than cure, so this event should provide occasion to raise awareness that suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death and how can we put an end to this?

Due to COVID-19, various events and activities are put on hold instead online portal events are highlight with webinar and online live events.

Many individuals on average scale commit suicide, for every person who completes a suicide, or more may attempt to end their lives.

Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death which is influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors that can be prevented through worldwide responses that address these main risk factors: Decrease stigmatisation regarding suicide; Depression of stress or other family or financial burden; Less attention in society or knowledge about suicide; and COVID-19 pandemic stress and household environmental impact.

And can be used as prevention tool: Launches of publications about suicide awareness and prevention; Media programs promoting suicide awareness and prevention; Training courses about suicide and depression awareness; Sharing of view and perception with someone; and Family and friend support with care and respect; and Counseling.

Suicide prevention is an umbrella term for the collective efforts of local citizen organisations, mental health practitioners and related professionals to reduce the incidence of suicide.

In the Pacific and Fiji, there are many NGOs; including the Ministry of Health that receives a call on an everyday scale that provides counseling services for both children and adults.

Suicide prevention interventions fall into two broad categories: prevention targeted at the level of the individual, and prevention targeted at the level of the population.

Such efforts include preventive and proactive measures within the realms of medicine and mental health, as well as public health and other fields.

The hope is to prevent such an act.

Neelz Singh, Lami

Top accolades

A ranking of an institution of higher education by Times Higher Education (THE) is the ultimate recognition of excellence that an institution can aim for. USP has achieved two accolades by being ranked and secondly being the only institution of higher education in the Pacific to gain this recognition.

All USP graduates of the 12 member country states can look back and appreciate the wisdom of the decision to establish the USP with the main campus at Laucala.

Fiji as the host of the main campus continues to be the largest beneficiary in terms of graduates and financial income and has much to be grateful for.

I am an alumni and a grateful Fijian!

This kind of recognition takes a team and every team has a captain.

VCP Pal Ahluwalia is the captain that took the university across “the finishing line” that won us “gold”.

In this journey he has acknowledged the contribution of the many who played a part in this achievement that is about all of us Pasefikans.

Congratulatory messages have been received from alumni, current and former staff members, stakeholders and generous donors inclusive of messages from the member governments of Nauru, Samoa and Tuvalu to date.

The silence from the leadership of the country hosting the largest campus that also leads the Pacific Islands Forum is deafening to say the least!

Should we live in hope?

Nevertheless this will not detract from USP’s status as the most successful example of regionalism in the Blue Pacific as it continues to “Shape Pacific Futures”.

Long live USP!

Elizabeth Reade Fong, Hutson St, Suva

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