Songs from the heart!
I PAY tribute to the Domo Vou Talei competition as it is a great platform for people who are passionate about music and a great opportunity to showcase their ideas. As days flow by for the big one
on July 9 at the Woodstock Uprising Music Festival, stories via The Fiji Times thrill and excite music lovers. Members of the V5 Band shared their excitement when they were told they had made the top 10 list of fi nalists in the Domo Vou Talei Competition. Sharing her story with the ‘trusted brand’ (FT 24/06), band member Vika Tuisawau said her band members screamed and shouted when given the great news. They entered the original song competition with their song Mango Tree written a day before the competition ended as members shared their childhood memories. Jerome Tauleka shared about his piece via The Sunday Times. His song is about a friend who tragically drowned. Elena penned another interesting piece titled ‘Father among finalists’ (FT 27/06). Via their songs, the finalists are sharing stories and experiences. RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Brace up
The Fiji Times editorial comment on “Wake up call” (FT 25/6) alerting us about the monkeypox risk, should be seriously taken bracing with whatever tools we have to fight it. The Fiji Times with Dr Fong’s timely wake up calls have always been accorded to us at various stages as experienced during the pandemic. We already have gone through a lot taking care of the protocols for our safety and safety of others. With our combined efforts, following advice from medical authorities, let’s brace ourselves to face this to help to stop the chances of spread in our beloved nation. Safety is everyone’s concern. Tahir Ali Hamilton, New Zealand
Problems and solutions
Solutions can emanate from Problems. Problems can be resolved by Solutions. Solution is the final step, from the first step — the Problem. Problem emerges, Solution arises. Solutions and Answers, from Problems and Issues. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
General election
We see that a high-ranking chief has changed her mind about running in the upcoming general election. This is not the first time she has changed her mind. More than likely another high-ranking chief will change his mind on whether to run, perhaps for another party. These chiefs and others who cannot make up their minds or keep changing their minds are exercising their democratic rights and have every right to do so. My point is — are these flip-flopping types of people good for the country? Are people who cannot make up their minds and are indecisive good leaders? I think we have seen such people in the opposition benches in the past four years and we all have seen their performance as leaders. But then, I believe many voters in Fiji are still blind. And then they blame someone else! Jan Nissar NSW, Australia
Power and water
The comment by the Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate, that power and water disruptions Fijians face today are the direct result of poor decision making by administrators of the past (FT 27/06), is very irresponsible. This is of course the trade mark of the FijiFirst Government, where all the problems we are facing today in Fiji are the result of the past governments and nothing to do with the current Government. I must admit that from my personal experience, I haven’t encountered as many power and water disruptions with past governments compared with the current one. I would like to advise Mr Usamate and his fellow ministers to please be responsible and take onboard criticism for it is the first step to improve your services. Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua
Government responsibilities
I’m awed at the ongoing claim by Government that they have provided better infrastructure to all Fijians for the past 15 years. Can they slowly reiterate what they are saying, because as government of the day it is your responsibility or whoever is in government to provide for all Fijians? Secondly monies used for those developments is not your own money, it’s the hard earned monies of all Fijians both local and abroad. “Honest error is to be pitied, not ridiculed” — Lord Chesterfield. Jioji M Cakacaka Tadra, Votualevu, Nadi
Defence club
Thank you for John Kamea’s excellent articles about the Defence Club, of which I have been a proud member since 1978. Robert Norton also revealed a little remembered side of Sir Harry Luke’s character; but it is also worth recalling that Luke was a skilled diarist who published two first class volumes of reminiscences of life in the South Pacific in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s “From a South Seas Diary” and “Queen Salote and Her Kingdom”. Both volumes are richly illustrated and provide a fascinating record of vanished times. Norton describes Luke as controversial, as he undoubtedly was; it seems that he also had some interesting hobbies: he was a co-author of “An Unconventional Cookery Book” but I have not come across a copy. MICHAEL SCOTT Morris St, Lautoka
Basic privileges
POWER and water issues have stemmed from preceding administrations according to Minister Jone Usamate (FT 27/06). Is he also going to conveniently accuse prior governments for the current deplorable state of the nation, the national debt levels and abject poverty plaguing many parts of the country? The only people Mr Usamate should be pointing fingers at is his own administration for their epic failure in denying Fijians access to basic privileges. With all the massive international “smart loans” routinely acquired by the A-G in the past 16 years, I believe Fiji’s basic infrastructure including roads should have been on par with developed nations by now. Mr Usamate should also probe the Economy Minister as to when Fiji will transition into Australia and NZ as the former, I believe had earlier pledged to gullible citizens. Next 16 years perhaps? NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Register, update
Eligible voters should go out of their way, to register for, or update their Voter ID Card today. Please do not miss this given opportunity, to ensure your eligibility and ability, to vote in the upcoming General Elections. Your single vote will help to determine, who is to govern, our beloved island nation, for the next four year term of Parliament, as the newly elected government, to look after all our interests. So, try your best not to miss it. Edward Blakelock Admiral Circle, Pacific Harbour
Orwellian order
Richard Naidu’s article “Is this really how our democracy should be? Rules for everything” (FT 25/6). No, that’s not how our democracy should be. That sounds more like the modus operandi of the Orwellian totalitarian state. It’s a crying shame if that’s the kind of democracy Fiji has after its “return to democracy” following the 2006 military coup and subsequent period of dictatorship. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Family ties
Across all societies, as I understand, weddings are organised and held in a grand manner as two souls take vows to remain as one forever. Accordingly, the families involved do a lot of planning and try to invite as many relatives and friends as possible to make the event a memorable one. This is a time when neighbours and families come in as extra hands to share the workload of the family organising the event. For that matter, Hindu weddings are no exception. Their wedding ceremonies are full of music and cultural items as well as dancing. A Hindu wedding would be incomplete if the music was not there. It is also a gathering which brings many families and friends together in enjoyment. However, as we all know that this event was prevented from taking place because of COVID-19 and the restrictions that came with it for nearly two years. In this period it was only proper that we listened and obeyed the rules that were formulated to keep us safe. Our COVID situation was kept under control only through the majority of our citizens’ strict compliance and observation of the protocol laid down. Of course, there were few who were caught cheating the system for which they have been taken to task. I hope they have learned a lesson and will not break the rules again. Weddings are now seen coming back as things seem to be normalising as we move on. We’ve attended a number of marriages lately and enjoyed meeting our families and friends after some time. They too were as delighted as were we. Let’s hope more would-be couples are able to formally get married before anything else happens. I take the opportunity to wish all newly-wedded couples all the best. Also, let the family ties get even stronger. Thank you. Suresh Chand Nadi
FijiFirst sycophant
According to Jan Nissar, the Wise One from NSW, Australia, “those who turn up to the (election) fundraiser are the biggest idiots” (The Sunday Times 26/6). Is that the case only for those who turn up to Opposition party fundraisers, both at home and abroad, or is that also the case for those who turn up to the ruling FijiFirst party fundraisers or are donors? I don’t think anybody needs an answer because everybody knows the man’s a FijiFirst sycophant. Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Know the difference
Jan Nissar (FT 26/6) opines that those who attend fundraising events are idiots and stupid. He also castigates most Fijians as hypocrites. Conspicuously, because of his cognitive dissonance he doesn’t appear to know the difference between begging and fundraising. To me, he appears to be stupid and the biggest idiot in existence through his contribution in this column. His view reveals a lot about his mentality and perspicacity unambiguously. Ravind Chandra Naidu Tuatua Branch Rd, Labasa
Social media posts
I believe Lynda Tabuya is like that crazy ex who just won’t let it go. I believe her own leader distanced himself from her comments and admitted that electricity is a tough service to provide but she still won’t stop making TikTok and Facebook posts. Kaushal Kumar Nadawa, Nasinu
Leaking pipe
Could the Water Authority of Fiji please repair the major leaking water pipe at Nabua Muslim League settlement please. It has been leaking for 18 months. No feedback from WAF despite registering our complaints. Michael Fong Vere Rd, Laucala Beach Estate, Nasinu
Beauty of democracy
The beauty of democracy is the ability to hold views and opinions that differ from others without the fear of reprisal and intimidation. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi
Police motorcade
At 5.15am on Saturday, June 25, a police motorcade made its way towards Samabula on Rewa St, Suva. Three police bikes, a CD plate vehicle followed by two police cars. Their flashing lights were on but no sirens blaring. Sirens came on at the Samabula traffic lights to alert traffic and then went off again. Good on you Fiji police. Much appreciated. Vijay P Madhavan Borron Rd, Suva
