Blame it on Laxity!
The board of inquiry into the grounding of the RFNS Puamau has concluded that negligence and non-compliance were to blame for the incident. The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) revealed that the report found significant breaches, negligence, and non-adherence to professional and accepted best bridge management by the commanding officer and his command team. This negligence must not be repeated, and it is believed those responsible will be held accountable. The grounding of the RFNS Puamau should serve as an important lesson.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu
Board of Inquiry
The Board of Inquiry (BOI) report on the unfortunate grounding of the naval ship Puamau has revealed significant issues such as negligence, which I had suspected all along. As ordinary citizens, we commend the RFMF for unveiling the report not only for transparency and accountability but also in the national interest. Those involved will be held accountable for not adhering to basic professional seamanship. The incident should serve as a lesson to all serving personnel. It’s worth wondering what the patrol briefing was on that fateful day. Maybe reminding the crew that the ship was named in honor of a fellow sailor’s sacrifice during World War II might have encouraged them more in their duties.
Taniela Senikuta Sauva Farming Settlement, Tailevu
Who is Who?
The 26 former FijiFirst MPs are now independent MPs and will become “crossbenchers” during internal parliamentary voting. This is unprecedented in our Parliament. These MPs were previously loyal to FijiFirst’s leadership, even amid an oppressive environment. With the next general election just two years away, their true nature has been exposed. The inescapable law of life is that we make our choices, and our choices make us.
Samu Silatolu Nakasi
Strong Education
I respectfully disagree with the Minister of Education, Aseri Radrodro, who said that “Strong Education starts with ECE.” While increasing the budget for early childhood education is commendable, strong education begins at home with parents and families. In today’s world, the importance of education from home before ECE is often underestimated. A child who is well-taught at home lays a solid foundation for strong education.
Kositatino Tikomaibolatagane Vuninokonoko, Navua
Against the Tide
In a time of declining sugarcane production, labor scarcity, high operating costs, and falling global sugar prices, talks of erecting a new factory in the north seem counterintuitive. Other sugar-producing countries have moved away from such models. Instead, we should focus on consolidating and centralizing the industry. Small farmers should join cooperatives to share resources and technology for sustainable farming. The government can assist with land preparation and providing treated seed cuttings at minimal cost. An extra mill is not the way forward.
Samu Railoa Nadi
Taveuni Electrification
While the government focuses on organizing itself, the minister responsible for electrification needs to address why some families on Taveuni still struggle to connect to the main electric grid. The higher populated areas in Taveuni are either communally owned or leased, providing people with homes and enabling their education and farming or tourism careers. Although public water supply is connected to their homes, electricity is not yet available. What is the holdup, considering that the main posts and lines are already in place?
Noleen Billings Savusavu
Responsibility
Remember what was said before the election? It seems like it was just yesterday.
Mohammed Imraz Janif Natabua, Lautoka
Non-readers
Many high school learners remain non-readers. The increasing number of students receiving honors cannot compensate if the students themselves are not driven. Parents should be encouraged to share books with their children and foster a reading habit from home. Everything starts from home.
Navneet Ram (TD) Lautoka
Thank You
Thank you, Daniel. The unusual parliamentary situation presents a possible solution to the constitutional impasse. The government is now in a position to review the Constitution for Fiji comprehensively. A representative body could be set up to draft a new Constitution in conjunction with the public and all political parties.
Terry Hulme Russell St, Eastwood, NSW, Australia
Different Tone
It’s been a while since we’ve heard the commanding tone of the former A-G on a daily basis.
Areki Dawai Maharaj Pl, Suva
Opposition
Whether it’s the Opposition bench, cross-bench, back bench, or sitting on the fence?
Christopher Griffin Perth, Australia
Vatukoula Strike
Mr. Usamate, have a heart. The cries of Vatukoula mine workers and their families have finally been heard. No worker respects your negative statement in Parliament.
Dan Urai Lautoka
Tyranny Days
The new Attorney-General Graham Leung is right: we must never return to the dark days of tyranny. Protecting our liberties requires ongoing vigilance. A change in government should not make us complacent.
Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia
Rule of Law
I appreciate Professor Wadan Narsey’s illuminating opinion piece on the FNPF board’s fiduciary duty. Recently, Attorney-General Graham Leung and Imrana Jalal emphasized the importance of the rule of law. Mr. Leung focused on this in his maiden speech in Parliament, and both he and Ms. Jalal advised the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions to vacate his position following the Supreme Court’s decision. The principle of rule of law should also apply to the reduction and misappropriation of FNPF pensioners’ funds over the past 12 years. The grievances of affected pensioners, including adequate compensation for 12 years of misappropriation, will not go away. FNPF must be held accountable. An independent commission of inquiry should investigate this serious breach of trust.
Professor Vijay Naidu Suva
Crossing the Floor
It looks like a circus with members of a de-registered political party talking about “cross benching” and supporting the Prime Minister. Newspapers should not give this group valuable space. They were elected through a political party and should stick to its vision or resign and go home.
Ajai Kumar Nadi