Enlightening views
Thank you Imrana Jalal and Graham Leung for your insightful thoughts on the necessity of respecting law and order. It is crucial that parliamentarians, who are responsible for creating laws that benefit citizens, lead by example. Public officials, within the justice system, and including law enforcement officers and the security forces, must serve as guiding beacons of hope, steering the nation towards justice, prosperity, and peace. If those entrusted with upholding and modeling the law engage in its violation, they extinguish the beacon of hope, causing the state to descend into chaos and destruction. A breakdown in law and order can halt a country’s progress, as history has shown. Rogue governments often show no regard for law and order. “When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society.” – Pope John Paul II. Colin Deoki, Australia
Recruitment process
The immediate past Acting DPP Rabuku mentioned having three candidates suitable for DPP appointment. Furthermore, Minister Pio Tikoduadua, as reported in FT on 12/7, expressed his support for appointing a local female Commissioner of Police. Are these not examples of interference in the recruitment process? Why can’t these leaders advocate for the appointment of the most qualified individuals irrespective of gender, nationality, color, or creed? Ajai Kumar, Nadi
A special treat
With the numerous international awards our national airline continues to receive, isn’t it time for a special treat for our people? One could argue that taxpayer funds have contributed to Fiji Airways’ success. I hope our locals can benefit from special packages offered by our airlines. Let us celebrate our achievements and remain united through all challenges. Meanwhile, I admire the beautiful tekiteki and the warm smiles from our air hostesses. As they say, only with Fiji Airways. For now, I am planting more vibrant frangipani plants as their colorful flowers make a wonderful natural tekiteki. Floyd Robinson, Micronesia
Village chiefs
It has come to my attention that village chiefs have received warnings about potential arrests if a missing woman or underage girl is found in their village. This seems discriminatory, especially considering that men and underage boys also go missing. Have chiefs been provided with drones and GPS technology for these searches? In a “mind your own business” world, the risks for teachers, such as getting into trouble for searching students’ bags, are high. Mohammed Imraz Janif, Natabua, Lautoka
Too little, too late
I wonder if the Ret’d Brig-Gen was oblivious while underworld figures were setting up their networks within and outside Fiji during the rule of his former leaders (FT 10/7). Thankfully, the then FFP was brought down by three political parties. Had they continued to govern for the next two terms, I believe trafficking and creating synthetic drug networks would have been rampant and hard to dismantle as illicit proceeds corrupt politicians, businessmen, and law enforcement officers. I personally thank some opposition members today for having the courage to stand independently and break away from the oppressive rule of their former leaders. Authoritarian and secretive leadership threatens democracy. Areki Dawai, Maharaj Pl, Suva
Southern zone semis heats up!
The Southern zone rugby semifinals are intensifying. Nabua Secondary School’s under-15 and 17 teams are preparing to face Marist Brothers High School and Nasinu Secondary School, respectively, in the semifinals. These matches promise to be David versus Goliath encounters, and Nabua Secondary School eagerly anticipates the challenge of facing two rugby powerhouses. Morale at Nabua is high, with a strong emphasis on humility and respect for their opponents. Today’s matches will determine which schools advance to the Deans competition. Reflecting on the Junior Flying Fijians’ performance in South Africa, it’s evident that much work is needed at the grassroots level. To conclude, I wish all schools competing in today’s Southern zone semifinals the best of luck. Go Nabua! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu