Living off his hobby
Daniel Nilesh Raj takes motivation from renowned Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci and his quote: “Painting is like poetry that is seen rather than felt.” Painting has been Raj’s life since he was a little boy, and this hobby of his has blossomed. Raj started sketching and painting as a hobby, and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, through the Barter for Better Facebook page, he was able to barter the paintings he had made in exchange for groceries. According to Raj, painting soothed his mind and transported him to a different world. His story is a beautiful reminder that our hobbies can come in handy when the going gets tough. Raj, for instance, shared how he coped with his financial worries by using his talent. His message to youths was simple, “Start believing in yourself and in whatever you are doing. Always be positive and work on your dreams every day so you can succeed.” A beautiful message from some who has been through the thick! Thank you for the story Pekai Kotoisuva and The Fiji Times! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM, Nadawa, Nasinu
War in Ukraine
It seems that Aren Nunnink from Savusavu in his letter dated February 7, 2023 has overlooked the fact that Ukraine has also bombed civilian towns including hospitals in Lugansk and Donetsk and that since 2014. I believe Russia only got involved in early 2022 when Ukraine prepared to take back those independent republics and also members of the Russian Union by force. Therefore Russia was forced to intervene militarily and the West knew it very well. Besides, bombing civilian cities has been a preferred war tactic by the USA and GB as well, look at Germany 1944/45. Berlin, Cologne, Dreden and Hamburg were destroyed to the ground by a bombing campaign code named “Gomorrah”. Hans-Bernd Boernke Savusavu
Bread and butter issues
I was particularly interested in Professor Sitiveni Ratuva’s statements titled “Focus on bread, butter stuff, NFP’s doing great” (FT 07/02). Prof Ratuva believes that the PA/NFP/SODELPA coalition should prioritise immediate social and economic issues over contentious political issues. He went on to praise the NFP, particularly the suggestion of a national economic summit by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He also urged ministers to consider themselves public servants rather than party representatives. In conclusion, Prof Ratuva reiterated that controversial political issues should be put aside for the time being. While I agree with the viewpoints expressed regarding the importance of focusing on more pressing issues, I also believe that correcting a contentious political agenda is equally important. Some political issues must be resolved concurrently in order for economic growth to occur. Nothing can be accomplished overnight but Fiji will prosper as a nation with the combined efforts of all coalition partners. Let us be optimistic and grow together. DINESH KUMAR Ba
Unprecedented Government
I think the appointments by this Government of people to positions on statutory boards, the civil service and semi-government bodies are so independent, transparent, unbiased and fair that these appointees are already showing what professionals they are. No hint of provincialism or nepotism and any appointments from members of the coalition parties is just a coincidence, I believe. Everyone is following the law to the letter including the new A-G. I cannot see any hint of victimisation, trial by media or people’s rights and reputations being affected in any way. All stop departures, concerns about salaries being paid to CEOs and terminations, all seem to be above board and have been conducted to the letter of the law. Not sure about anyone else, but I do not see any “cowboys” or “heroes” here. And all these appointees have been in their positions for only a few weeks. They are really a godsend. At this rate I believe all of Fiji’s problems will have been solved well before the 100 days that they promised. Where have they all been all this time? The unity, stability and more importantly the happiness, compassion, and love that this Government has brought so swiftly to the country is unprecedented. Other countries must learn from this. I solely attribute this swift turnaround solely to the leadership qualities of our Prime Minister. Jan Nissar NSW, Australia
Traffic congestion
TRAFFIC congestion has increased substantially on our urban road networks and slowly encroaching onto the adjoining areas. It costs individuals, businesses and Government money, despite attempted remedies in the past 25 years. Even our economic growth is also affected. Today, we can not differentiate whether we are driving on weekdays or on weekends. Why can’t we learn from developed countries that have efficiently and economically managed similar problems? SAMU SILATOLU NAKASI, NAUSORI
Electronic billboards
I’M not sure how it was approved but the electronic or digital billboards at the end of Nausori bridge (towards Suva) and Jerusalem Rd (towards Vatuwaqa) is a major distraction to drivers. The same goes for electronic billboards erected in our major towns and cities. At night the lights that these screens emit is piercing and is similar to someone driving towards you with the headlights on high beam. Anyone having one too many bowls and driving towards those electronic screens would think they entered another realm, especially with ads contain flashings lights, full motion videos and animation. I urge the authorities to put in place a night-time luminance limit or remove these screens completely. Without these limits, owners of the LED screens can increase the distractive effects of the digital signs, cause potential disruption of visual perception and flood the neighbourhoods with excess light. If we do not have any regulation in place for electronic or digital billboards it’s time we have one. If we do, then we need to ensure that these billboards are not a hazard and cause safety issues by distracting motorists. By the way, are these billboards addressing the issue of sky glow? SAILOSI NAEWE NAUSORI
Sugar industry
A lot has been said and heard about the problems facing the sugar industry. Numerous consultation and studies have already been undertaken in the past. It’s time for some action. By now we should be able to identify the pressing issues and the solutions to address them. In order to move this forward, we need to draw up an action plan with clear milestones and timeline for the delivery of the reforms. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework also needs to be developed to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the interventions. Otherwise we will keep talking till the cows come home. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
Corporal punishment
On Monday, February 6, 2023 thousands of our students returned to their respective schools. Teachers too were eager to meet the students but this time with a smile on their faces. Aseri Radrodro, the new Minister for Education has removed a number of bottlenecks and stress factors in teaching. The reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools is now being openly discussed. From the general feel of the public pulse, it seems a majority want the corporal punishment back in some form. Brutal attacks on children are certainly not wanted nor is it desirable. However, I am of the opinion that corporal punishment must be reintroduced in schools in a controlled fashion. Fear is an essential element in maintaining discipline in schools. It must be controlled by the head of the institution to be administered as a last resort. Records must be kept and open to inspection. It is preposterous that teachers have lost their employment as a result of minor infringements. This situation is the direct result of copying the western model as enunciated by the ILO Conventions without taking into account the socio-economic conditions of Fiji. They have jumped to meet the international best practices concept. I am afraid that I totally disagree with that. I am of the opinion that there has to be debate and discussion on the subject so that there is wide awareness of it. The associated problems will automatically emerge for the good of our people and the country as a whole. Dewan Chand Namadi Heights, Suva
Alleged rape of children
Why are some members of our society resorting to such heinous and disgusting crimes against children? What is really happening inside the brains of such culprits? Children have rights. Please bring back corporal punishment with immediate effect. Locking up the violators is a huge waste of taxpayer funds. Incarceration is not a deterrent. Damn shame on such men and boys who inflict so much physical and mental harm on innocent girls. These culprits deserve no mercy. The regularity of such despicable acts is unbelievable. Such disgusting animalistic behaviour has no place in society. Do not spare the rod, please. Ronnie Chang Martintar Nadi
Powerful earthquake
Our hearts and prayers go out to people in Turkey and Syria who have faced the worst. Innocent lives have been lost. People are looking for their loved ones. Let’s keep them in our prayers and stand in solidarity as always. Jaheed Buksh Korolevu, Sigatoka
Artificial intelligence
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI), is growing rapidly and exponentially, to become the greatest threat to humanity. It’s an existential threat, that will shortly surpass, all other current threats, to our various existence. It’s a threat that is endogenous, unlike some which are mainly exogenous. We are only to blame, for this predicament and situation we are in today. Edward Blakelock Pacific Harbour
Political dramas
Complaints being filed with FICAC left, right and centre as the political dramas continue. Aralai Vosayaco, my tau come nowhere the Korean drama you often watch. Wise Muavono Balawa, Lautoka
Vernacular language
It’s such an amazing news that MPs are given the choice to deliver their messages in their vernacular language in Parliament. It is important to conserve in our language and what better way to promote it. English is good for international communication but vernacular language should always come first. Ashneel J Prasad Abu Dhabi, UAE
Prayers and thoughts
Prayers and thoughts go out to the people of Turkey and Syria who are having to deal with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes. The death toll is reported to have crossed the thousand mark but details are still pouring in as the search and reduce efforts continue. Buildings have collapsed with many still trapped under rubble. Whether they are alive or dead is another issue. Survivors including children will be among the most traumatised. Reports are emerging with some citizens describing the experience as worst than wars, especially those in conflict zones of Syria. As we listen to continued updates, let us remember that natural disasters know no boundaries and can strike at any time. Floyd Robinson Nasese, Suva
