Prepare for the worse
It is now public knowledge that Fiji’s economy is not faring well at this very moment because of a number of reasons. One of the reasons is the COVID-19 pandemic together with a couple of tropical cyclones that struck in 2020 – two of which are STC Harold and STC Yasa. Above that I believe is the reckless spending our Government has been doing in the past decade or more which resulted in the amount of debt Fiji has accumulated thus far. With this being said, I do agree with Savenaca Narube that Fiji and its people should expect the worst this year in terms of the economic crisis we are facing (FT 20/01). I sincerely believe the Government should also come out clear with this message instead of denying facts so that Fijian people can know the reality of the matter and prepare themselves better for the worst to come.
KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
New president
Today, America will have a new president and congratulations to Joe Biden for being the 46th president of his country. At the same time I would like to thank you Donald Trump for your service to your country and the world and wish you all the best. However, the impeachment is like a ghost which will follow you but I believe there is nothing in the American law that says you can impeach an individual. Since you will not be a president from today, they can’t impeach you anymore. This impeachment I believe is a personal vendetta of the Speaker of the house Ms Pelosi who is afraid that if you are not found guilty, you will come back after four years and you will be more dangerous for the democrats. Better luck next time.
NARDEO MISHRA Suva
Power that corrupts
It is heartening to see Mr Pryde acknowledge the despotism of police in Fiji (FT 19/01). Many have experienced first-hand police arrogance here in Fiji. That this directly contributes to a poor public perception of this public service generally is an understatement. Everywhere I turn, it’s common knowledge not to expect help from a defunct police service. Police corruption includes a staggering list of indicative examples, including: disappearing signed statements, or it’s not recorded, an appalling attitude of arrogance towards victims when crimes are reported, without empathy or training in counselling, or just basic humane kindness to others. Not only is despotism practised, but obvious abuses of power occur right in front of the public on a daily basis. For example: I’ve been cat called, whistled at, by officers in uniform on duty, had them refuse to identify themselves, reckless drivers numerous times, use my phone to clarify a police statement they haven’t bothered to check on while on duty, laugh at you and deride you when you phone in to update on any movement or progress of your case. All require basic humaneness, which is mostly missing. Seriously, an independent police conduct unit is long overdue in a police culture that is rife with this kind of arrogance, disrespect, corruption and ineptitude. It reflects something foul. The consistent disrespect I’ve encountered as a Fiji Citizen like them, by police officers on duty, puts to shame the hard-earned reputation of the possible majority of good hard working officers. I’m met two of these so far, in making a police report. Women officers only. The other six faceless officers have been sorry examples of humanity, not at all decent public servants, unworthy of being paid by taxpayers of our country they are supposed to be serving. I for one, in the future, and unless this arrogant attitude changes, would never call on Fiji police as a first port of call in any emergency or life threatening situation. They do not response anyway in my experience. Please Mr Pryde, get an independent police conduct unit set up, ASAP.
MCGINTY SNODGRASS Nabua, Suva
Response to letter
I refer to the letter in The Fiji Times Letters to the Editor section by Julie Sutherland, dated January 20, 2021 titled “Voter fact or fiction”. Firstly, I would like to thank Ms Sutherland for reading the 2018 General Election Voter Turnout and Survey Reports. Having received your letter through The Fiji Times gives an indication that the report is catching attention with the public. As for Section 2.5.4, please note that the report states “Consistent with the other three (3) divisions, the Eastern Division also recorded a higher turnout for females”. The report is referring to the turnout by percentage which was 70.11 per cent for females and 67.03 per cent for males in the Eastern Division. The Fijian Elections Office is always available to respond to small queries as such. You may contact us directly in the future.
NEELAM PRASAD FEO communications
Back to business
THE Fiji Times photographer Jovesa Naisua captured a beautiful shot of students from Cadranasiga District School inside their classroom on the first day of school. It was emotional seeing students turning up to school despite not having proper uniforms which add thrust to a child’s educational needs. School uniforms have been part of our education system for decades and my heart goes out to those families whose children have had to go to school without school uniforms. On the other hand, in her news report titled “It’s back to business”, Serafi na Silaitoga stated that the impact of STC Yasa failed to dampen the spirits of students living in cyclone affected areas in Bua and Macuata as most of them turned up for classes. It was pleasing to read that parents had accompanied their children to school to collect bags and school stationery that was handed out by donors such as Fiji Teachers Union, Sangam, NGOs and individuals. The smiling faces of our children in affected areas brought hope, and I commend these children and their parents for making it back to school despite the adversities. Finally, hats off to Serafina, Joseva and The Fiji Times for the coverage from the North – I must say heaps of resilience has been shown by the North!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
YOUR SAY: Traffic, aid and timing
Traffic officers
With everyone rushing to work and school every morning and the long line of cars on our roads, I humbly request police officers controlling traffic to be more well co-ordinated. It’s good to see that they’re trying to ease traffic and make life easier for every motorists, but if they’re better co-ordinated, traffic on our roads wouldn’t be as bad. It is frustrating to be told to pull up to a lane and keep up with the pace, only to be told by the very next officer to stop and wait for the green light. One can imagine the level of confusion with more than two officers giving instructions and the level of frustration when having to experience the same thing every day.
FULORI TURAGA Tacirua Heights, Nasinu
Government initiatives
I still could not comprehend why most parents are not taking advantage of these two government initiatives when schools and education are brought to their doorsteps. Parents are still either taking their children to schools outside their zone or dropping out their children from school at young age. While we moved on into the 21st century and into the digital era, I believe some parents in our society are stuck somewhere in the early 19th century when transistor radios and kerosene lamps reached our shores. I believe someone should enlighten them on the benefits of proper education and why they should take advantage of the government initiatives. Otherwise they will remain in the cycle while the rest of us moved forward with the rest of the world.
PITA SOROAQALI Nadarivatu
Vegetable vendors
The vegetable vendors have been removed from their selling place at a very wrong time. This could have been done when times were good. Please be considerate because they are only trying to put food on their table in these trying times. They should be given alternative modes of income generation. It is not easy to relocate to the main markets as transportation costs are to be considered. Getting back the customer base is also something to think about. Please make changes slowly and keep all circumstances in mind. This is not the right time.
KIRTI PATEL Lautoka
QUICK VIEWS
Daylight saving
I love daylight but hate daylight saving. Let’s save some “paisa” for dry times instead. Daylight saving, please do not come back. Please go away with COVID-19.
DHIRENDRA PRASAD Lautoka
Hypocrites
The 127 Republicans in Congress who voted to overturn the presidential election results and give legitimacy to President Trump’s lies of rampant voter fraud are now praising Dr Martin Luther King, the iconic civil rights leader who fought for racial equality, justice and truth. If that’s not hypocrisy writ large, what is?
RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Change
“Don’t tell me things can’t change, they can and they do” – Joe Biden. Food for thought for all Fijians as we journey through the hardship and challenges that 2021 will offer.
DAN URAI Lautoka
Cashless society
Selwa Nandan (FT 19/01). Your wish for a cashless society is in the not too distant future according to the Holy scriptures in Revelations chapter 13 verse 17 “and that no one may buy and sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name”.
EDWARD KUMAR Lautoka
New ministry
With the amount of potholes on our roads, maybe it’s better if we have a minister for potholes in our country. At least he or she can make sure that the potholes are filled in a timely manner.
NARAYAN REDDY Lautoka
Club soccer
The National Regional Club Championship has been hailed a success by the helm of the governing body which had six teams (not eight). Based on this assessment, are we to assume that all is well at the club soccer level in Fiji? Something that can be regarded as successful achieves what it was intended to achieve. It is difficult to comprehend what Fiji soccer is trying to achieve.
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Smile a while
Smiling is perceived as a positive emotion most of the time, and it has favourable influence upon others and makes one affable and more approachable. The value of a smile is priceless and can raise one’s spirits and build good relations. A smile is comforting and encouraging to the troubled, harried, brokenhearted and afflicted. However, this doesn’t imply we should start flashing fake smile at everyone. Into the wee hours of the night and when Lyndon O’connor calls for a touchdown mix, his kai John Ho’s (JJ) smile and steadfast gaze is priceless.
WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka