Letters to the Editor: Sunday, January 23, 2022

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Asif Aimud Ali in all smiles after receiving his cheque at The Fiji Times Lautoka Office. picture: BALJEET SINGH

Thank you The Fiji Times

First of all I wish to thank The Fiji Times for being there for us. Bringing us local and overseas news.

Thank you for the Back in Time news commemorating the newspaper’s 150 years of existence. Each article I read takes me back in time.

Thank you for the $150 cash prizes given to ardent readers. Congratulations to Tessa Mckenzie for winning the Letter of the Year award.

Congratulations to Aimud Ali for winning the $15,200 grand prize. To all the contributors to the editor’s column, I salute you.

It’s always good to read what’s on people’s mind.

To all, hope this year will be a good one for you all. ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Lautoka

 

Letter of the year

CONGRATULATIONS Tessa Mackenzie.

The content of your letter was simply great. Thanks. KIRTI PATEL Lautoka

 

Political polls

INTERESTING to note the current polls on the status of Fijian political leadership, especially with the two “coup makers” topping the polls.

I wish to raise a few important points which we Fijians need to be reminded of. Both “coup makers” took over government via military means — 1987 and 2006.

Once they took over the nation, they both ruled “unconstitutionally” until such time they introduced new constitutions to suit their vision for the nation (and with immunity clauses for themselves).

Sadly, when the “new constitutions” became the law of the land, democratic elections were held, we Fijians voted both “coup makers” into power – 1992 (SVT) and 2014 (FF) and 2018 (FF). I believe this shifts the blame on us Fijians for supporting and electing “coup makers”, so please stop moaning, groaning or complaining about either of them.

What we portrayed to the world in these two instances (1992 and 2014 elections) is that “it’s OK to commit a coup, because we will support and elect you into government”.

The onus is now on us as Fijians to decide in 2022, that we no longer support nor elect “coup makers” into government. Is it possible for us Fijians to vote someone, apart from “coup makers” to lead us into the future?

I leave this in the capable hands of my fellow Fijians to decide. God bless Fiji. PAUL SEFORANA Ba

 

Tsunami warning system

AFTER the Tongan volcano, a lot has been said about the delay in the tsunami warning, the system itself and the processes involved so I thought of resending the following letter which was published in The Fiji Times in February last year.

This might sound absurd and comical but I think the current tsunami siren system should run parallel with a developed tsunami warning system linked to our mobile phones because tsunami threats are real. Technologically speaking, we have all sorts of expertise available. Activating a tsunami warning system would give a representation that we are getting a call.

For cancellations, text messages could be used later. MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka

 

Sugar price

NINETY per cent increase for sugar price (FT 20/01/22) looks like consumers will have to dig deeper into their pockets to enjoy sweet foods.

In these times of needs and wants for survival in this new pandemic world, we should try to avoid such sugary foods that may be damaging for our health, leading to diabetes.

Just as the cigarette price rise may have discouraged many from smoking for better health, let’s look at the sugar price rise as well, for a healthy, wealthy lifestyle for our wellbeing.

Eat less sugar. You are sweet enough already. TAHIR ALI Hamilton, NZ

 

Tribute to Prof Brij Lal

WE read in Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Queensland Doug Munro’s “Tribute to Prof Brij Lal: One of the greats” ( FT 22/1 pg 30 ), “… But what caused him real anguish was being banned from Fiji, along with Padma (his wife), in 2009 on the spurious grounds that they were a threat to national security, and then the ban being confirmed in 2015, this time on the staggeringly false grounds that he had opposed the government’s moves towards democracy”.

Professor Brij Lal opposed moves towards democracy when the man had dedicated his life to upholding democracy at home in Fiji and around the world?

That is your classic case of adding insult to injury.

What a perverse claim! Shame on all those responsible for it. RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia

 

Games to go live

THANKS to Sky Pacific and FBC, rugby lovers will be able to watch the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s games live.

Those who have Sky Pacific will also be able to watch the 91 matches for the entire season. I’m really grateful to Sky Pacific and the FBC team for their commitment in promoting Super Rugby in Fiji.

It’s going to be an emotional moment for the families who will be able to watch their loved ones don the Fijian Drua jumper.

The Drua will face the Waratahs in Sydney on February 18, and it’s going to be a cracker.

With the depth that we have in our squad, an upset is on the deck if we use our cards right! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

 

Alternative energy

POLICIES and strategies need to be more focused, on the use of our alternative energy sources. Whilst we always promote alternative energy, there is only a smattering of use of solar energy.

There is of course more effort in hydro-electricity. A more concerted strategic drive is needed, given our commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

However, we are still basically fossil-fuel driven, change is required and that is a given. We see ourselves as a climate change warrior but we are really still an ocean frontliner.

We are a receiver of the output of others and not a carbon emitter, or even a producer.

However, like other Pacific island countries, we also have our unique comparative advantage. Let’s just utilise what we have aplenty, like solar, wind, thermal and wave energy.

We may need to re-look at their own feasibility and the economies of scale here in Fiji and then structure our approach accordingly, on what’s really viable for our island country. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour

 

Teaching qualification

I write to bust the myth that a better academically qualified teacher is a good classroom teacher as well. I believe teachers need to have basic teacher training and qualification for an appropriate level of teaching.

A trained kindergarten teacher can do wonders with a certificate or diploma level of qualification.

He/she need not be a graduate Those who aspire to teach at higher levels must upgrade their qualifications accordingly to meet the demands of teaching at the desired level.

Yes, I agree that all teachers need to keep abreast with the latest developments in their respective subject areas and learn to grapple with the new technologies as they come along. For an ambitious teacher this should not be difficult.

I believe getting highly academically qualified persons to teach (e.g @ university level) could end up in disaster.

Patience, dedication, love for children, understanding child psychology and the ability to keep calm under pressure is a hallmark of a good teacher. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva

 

Games to go live

Thanks to Sky Pacific and FBC, rugby lovers will be able to watch the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s games live.

Those who have Sky Pacific will also be able to watch the 91 matches for the entire season. I’m really grateful to Sky Pacific and the FBC team for their commitment in promoting Super Rugby in Fiji.

It’s going to be an emotional moment for the families who will be able to watch their loved ones don the Fijian Drua jumper.

The Drua will face the Waratahs in Sydney on February 18, and it’s going to be a cracker.

With the depth that we have in our squad, an upset is on the deck if we use our cards right! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

 

Alternative energy

Poilcies and strategies need to be more focused, on the use of our alternative energy sources. Whilst we always promote alternative energy, there is only a smattering of use of solar energy.

There is of course more effort in hydro-electricity. A more concerted strategic drive is needed, given our commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

However, we are still basically fossil-fuel driven, change is required and that is a given. We see ourselves as a climate change warrior but we are really still an ocean frontliner.

We are a receiver of the output of others and not a carbon emitter, or even a producer. However, like other Pacific island countries, we also have our unique comparative advantage.

Let’s just utilise what we have aplenty, like solar, wind, thermal and wave energy.

We may need to relook at their own feasibility and the economies of scale here in Fiji and then structure our approach accordingly, on what’s really viable for our island country. EDWARD BLAKELOCK Pacific Harbour

 

Teaching qualification

I write to bust the myth that a better academically qualified teacher is a good classroom teacher as well. I believe teachers need to have basic teacher training and qualification for an appropriate level of teaching.

A trained kindergarten teacher can do wonders with a certificate or diploma level of qualification.

He/she need not be a graduate Those who aspire to teach at higher levels must upgrade their qualifications accordingly to meet the demands of teaching at the desired level.

Yes, I agree that all teachers need to keep abreast with the latest developments in their respective subject areas and learn to grapple with the new technologies as they come along.

For an ambitious teacher this should not be difficult. I believe getting highly academically qualified persons to teach (e.g @ university level) could end up in disaster.

Patience, dedication, love for children, understanding child psychology and the ability to keep calm under pressure is a hallmark of a good teacher. DEWAN CHAND Namadi Heights, Suva

 

 

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