Passion and resilience
The gut-wrenching photo of Boteinaulu villager Ratu Jese Tuisuva with a smile tells it all about the way the world should see.
Taking the tradition forward from past generation and without a single complaint shows the Viti noqu qele, noqu vanua mana magic.
Braving the cold currents of the Wainimala River and at 2am when the nation is sleeping, to ferry their produce for a living highlights passion and resilience.
The own boss approach to farming and working hard to reap benefits is a true symbol of hope, focus and vision.
It cannot get powerful than this and Viti kei na vuravura, toso Viti mana magic.
Why go anywhere else?
Stay in Fiji, stay safe and be COVID-19 free.
Joka dina Viti.
SHALWYN PRASAD Mukta Ben Place, Nabua, Suva
Social distance
When I see officials posing for a photo in the press and are well away from each other, I think about the people in business, towns and especially supermarkets.
And then I scratched my head, and two taxis stopped for me.
ALLEN LOCKINGTON Kava Place, Lautoka
Lautoka market
Early yesterday morning I went to the Lautoka market to buy some vegetables.
The market was filthy, rubbish bins were full and overflowing and rubbish was everywhere. I asked a vendor who was selling dalo why the market was so dirty and the vendor replied that recently this had been happening every weekend.
The government of the day is educating people about hygiene and cleanliness.
Can the Minister for Local Government please look into the state of the Lautoka market?
ABDUL K. KHAN Lautoka
War against COVID-19
I believe the honourable PM admitting that Government cannot win the war against COVID-19 alone (FT/17/5) is a mouthful.
I believe the same principle should be applied to overcome the economic downturn brought about by COVID-19.
After talking with economists, general managers, businessmen, trade unionists, government contractors and a host of workers, I believe, with the greatest of respect, Government lacks the ability or know-how to do it alone.
The PM should engage all stakeholders to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19 for the benefit of our beloved nation.
DAN URAI Lautoka
Diverse economy
I think COVID-19 has taught Fiji the importance of a diverse economy, and a market that places precedence on locally sourced goods and a decreased reliance on overseas imports.
We need to remember that it was our farmers, our fishermen and women and our market vendors, that fed us and kept us from experiencing a food shortage.
It was our local breweries that ensured our beer stocks were primed for the long nights and our toilet paper factories that were our lifeline against the mayhem and savagery that ensues from an empty toiletries aisle. Fiji has done well to stay calm, to check on our neighbour if he needs some sugar or invite them to share a meal.
There may yet be a long road ahead. We can get through this Fiji. I believe in you.
PETERO LALAGAVIVI (S11109945) Nairai Rd, Suva
Bus ride
I had witnessed a bus packed with people and myself like sardines on what I hoped would be a joyful Saturday bus ride to the village.
To my horror passengers from Nabouwalu, Wailevu, Tunuloa and Napuka got into one bus.
The idea was for Nabouwalu passengers to disembark at Naibalebale and Wailevu, Tunuloa at Savusavu before its onward journey to Napuka.
It is unhygienic and not safe.
The idea here is to economise but I believe people are victims of the management’s strategic plan.
I plead with authorities to check this out please.
JIOJI O. TORONIBAU Navetau Tunuloa
Soccer news
We read in Kameli Rakoko’s column that the new national soccer coach organised a workshop with the aim of ensuring soccer standard in the country enjoyed “unprecedented heights” ( FT 17/5 ).
Fiji soccer followers have been waiting for that to happen for one heck of a long time.
It will be great if the current coach can make that happen. Many others have come and gone and soccer has remained stagnant.
RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Two metres
When we are conscious of COVID-19 restrictions, we stay 2 metres apart.
When we get engrossed in our daily routines, we lose contact with reality.
The 2 metres becomes 2 centimetres.
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Assistance
Is it true that the prime minister said that the Minister for Economy will help the unemployed by allowing people to use their own FNPF funds?
JOHN BROWN Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Samaritans
The smile on the faces of the residents (FT: 18/05) living in the HART homes said it all and I’m grateful and thankful to the good Samaritans who reached out to these needy residents.
Since The Fiji Times published stories about the plight of those residing in the Makoi and Nakasi HART homes, good Samaritans have reached out with cash, food supplies and even diaper (in the case of Sashi Lata).
Like a good watchdog The Fiji Times has done so much to assist these residents. If their stories were not highlighted they may not have received help in cash and kind.
Some good Samaritans also paid their rent and this has brought them great relief.
Thank you dear good Samaritans for your assistance to the residents of the Makoi and Nakasi HART homes and also to those who have been affected by COVID 19! Thank you so much The Fiji Times, Nilam Kumar and Rama for the stories and photos!
God bless!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Deaths
Hopefully we will soon be COVID-19 free. But why are people dying of leptospirosis?
SUNIL KUMAR Lautoka
Tough times
Times are hard for average income earners since most are on pay cuts or reduced hours. So many of us have pending bills to pay and every month more bills keep adding to our list.
Very soon most of us might have to eat only one time a day to survive.
I wish the Government can at least give some kind of financial help from all the donations that they received from overseas.
JOHN BROWN Drasa Vitogo, Lautoka
Work from home
The new acronym which has been taken on by some of the biggest businesses in the world — Work From Home.
Some employees are reacting, WTF (what the fruit) is one which is uttered most.
Quite understandable though. For some are more comfortable around a whole heap of people than most.
Therein lies the dilemma. WFH and save lives, including yours or go out and kill. Shoot. I digressed.
Imagine the wonders it will do to the environment if all around the world this WFH becomes the norm.
No going to work, less travel and lesser modes of travel. Lesser modes of travel means lesser damage to roads which in turn will unburden the unnecessary repairs and maintenance of these roads. Imagine the savings to the Goment (as uncle Allen says) and what the Goment will be able to spend on us citizens.
Most of all will be the huge reduction of burning of fuel which will minimise the quantity of fumes in the atmosphere which will mitigate the effects on the environment. Mother Earth will be cool as. Imagine that. Lesser storms, hurricanes, cyclones, earthquakes, twisters and such.
Except for times when we push our luck, Mother is there to smack the bejesus out of us by sending us one of the harrows mentioned. The absolute most is the amount of quality time you will have with your loved ones. I know you all love your vegie garden now, also.
No more travelling to COP this or COP that. Cop that. For those who come in late, WFH — stay home, save lives, save Mother Earth. Oh! Uncle Ozone too.
MANOJ LAL PATEL Drasa Ave, Lautoka
Lovely stories
Thank you for the lovely stories by so many generous Fijian folks who helped out their neighbours in the HART homes from The Fiji Times’ great coverage.
This is greatness that we share in these times of hardship. Its atrocious to read that the HART’s current policies do not allow for direct donations from the public to individual families, or media contact about their lives in HART homes.
Why is this?
HART was supposed to be run to assist those in need and hardship. Please reconsider your attitudes and policies, regarding visitors, direct donations and giving, as well as good journalism / media, Paserio Furivai: These are all basic human rights that must not be ignored in entrenched outmoded HART housing policies that I believe degrade and devalue human beings.
Stop the degradation and dehumanising policies HART homes.
We all know now.
JEAN HATCH Sawau St, Nabua, Suva
