Recently, a visitor to a supermarket in Navua expressed surprise when several shoppers inquired if she operated a canteen, mistakenly assuming her stockpiling was for that purpose. The encounter led to a conversation with a canteen owner from Beqa, who highlighted the common practice among canteen proprietors of purchasing goods at retail prices, despite the higher costs cutting into their profit margins. The visitor expressed confusion over why canteen owners do not acquire their supplies from wholesale distributors, potentially allowing them to achieve better profitability. Various factors could influence this trend, including transportation issues or a lack of knowledge on how to navigate the wholesale market. Given the increasing support for small businesses, it raises questions about the motivations driving these canteen owners to continue this practice.
In another reflection, the unresolved case of five soldiers from the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) unit, who were killed during the mutiny in November 2000, was mentioned. Families of the deceased still seek closure as the murders remain unsolved with no accountability for the responsible parties. This raises concerns about the justice system’s ineffectiveness in resolving cases even decades after they occur.
The dialogue continues with critiques about the military’s attempts at seeking forgiveness. There’s frustration that these efforts focus on internal reconciliations rather than addressing the grievances from past coups with those who were directly impacted.
Additionally, the term “iTaukei democracy” has sparked discussion. A letter accused Noleen Billings, who identifies as a proponent of this style of democracy, of not providing clarity on her stance, suggesting a need for recognition of the contributions made by all ethnic groups in Fiji’s development despite the cultural nuances involved in governance.
Lastly, concerns about tribalism and how it intersects with iTaukei nominations and democratic processes were explored, revealing the complexities of societal identity politics in Fiji. The discussion suggests that traditional frameworks may not adequately address contemporary issues reflected in a multi-ethnic society.
These conversations illuminate the challenges faced in navigating the delicate balance of traditional practices and modern democratic ideals in Fiji. There remains potential for fostering understanding and solutions that respect cultural identities while promoting equitable governance for all.
In summary, the letters to the editor highlight various societal issues ranging from canteen operations and unresolved murders to the complexities of tribalism’s impact on democracy in Fiji. As these discussions unfold, they may pave the way for further dialogue and actions that foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
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