Truth Telling
Professor Wadan Narsey concludes his article “The Truth about the 2000 Coup and Mutiny” with the crucial question: Is there any chance the 2024 Rabuka Government will establish a genuine Truth Commission for the 2000 coup and mutiny? The key word here is genuine. My answer is no. Fiji’s “coup culture” is not conducive to truth-telling. With many influential figures still part of Fiji’s politics and society, the likelihood of truth hiding will continue, as it has been so far.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney, Australia
What’s the Plan?
What plans does the Coalition Government have in place to lift people out of poverty?
Colin Deoki
Australia
Cleaner Martintar
Here’s a suggestion to make Martintar cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Starting January 1, 2025, the Nadi Town Council should enforce environmental by-laws requiring proper garbage bins. Bags of rubbish left by the roadside make it too easy for stray dogs to look for food. For a cleaner Martintar, we must start somewhere. Though some critics might disagree, cleanliness cannot be compromised.
Ronnie Chang
Martintar, Nadi
War Strategy
Israel’s military destroyed more than 30 water wells in Gaza this month. Is this part of Netanyahu’s war strategy in his must-win war in Gaza? Is this war strategy compliant with international laws governing the conduct of war today?
Rajend Naidu
Sydney, Australia
WAF Response
I thank Peni Mitchell Shute, WAF spokesperson in Suva, for his clear and informative response published in The Fiji Times on August 3, 2024. Thank you for enlightening affected consumers accordingly. As a voice for the silent majority, I appreciate the detailed updates. Nadi, with its expanding boundaries, is experiencing significant real estate development, and water supply demands need close, progressive attention. The water supply on the evening of August 2, 2024, was better than in recent days, allowing us to manage a decent shower after 5 pm, which has been a rarity. Vinaka vakalevu.
Ronnie Chang
Martintar, Nadi
Health Facility
The former attorney-general has a medical history formed from his iron-fisted rule once upon a time. Please have mercy on him so that he can be treated overseas because the then FijiFirst government neglected to upgrade our health facilities so people like him could be treated here at home. Anyway, my relative has some vevedu if needed!
Areki Dawai
Maharaj Place, Suva
Welcome Dallas
Congratulations to Fiji Airways for securing direct flights to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, approved by the United States Department of Transport. This is worth celebrating as it will boost our economy. More tourists mean more money, particularly benefiting the Yasawa archipelago, which relies on tourism. Three cheers for Fiji Airways!
Meli Bogileka
Natabua, Lautoka
Fiji Sports
Athletes need better pay. Planning and a talent identification program should start now for the next Olympics. A Fiji Sports Academy must be established.
Asish Vinay Prasad
Park Rd, Raiwasa, Suva
Ready to Serve
Congratulations to Pareshwar Singh on becoming a lawyer. The young lawyer pays tribute to his parents and grandparents for helping fulfill his dreams. He also values his grandfather, who had a vision and never withdrew his FNPF savings but converted it to a pension for his grandmother. Many FNPF members could learn from this. Best wishes to Singh in his future endeavors.
Tahir Ali
Hamilton, New Zealand
Interesting Times
Once it was a “war of words” between Mahendra Chaudhry and Biman Prasad. Now it seems there will be a court battle with Biman threatening to sue Chaudhry for defamation. The people of Fiji are in for interesting times.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney, Australia
The D Word
66 times, eh? Two-thirds of being in the dark side? Now you understand why the “Darth Vader” dance took place on the Parliament floor.
Manoj Lal Patel
Drasa Ave, Lautoka
An Informed Nation!
The Fiji Times is a blessing for keeping Fijians informed and educated. Yesterday’s edition was impressive, with the front-page headline “Bula Murmu” catching attention. It is an honor to host the 15th President of India, H. E. Droupadi Murmu. Let’s showcase our hospitality and engage with India in areas like medical, tourism, agriculture, education, and technology. Talks on constitutional reform are gaining momentum, and people are becoming aware of the imposed 2013 Constitution. It’s time to review it to unite Fijians. Congratulations to Natabua and Grammar for their successful cadet pass out. Kudos to the sports reporters for their coverage. All in all, The Fiji Times echoes the sentiments of “Your Voice Since 1869!”
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu
‘Prop’ Up Budget
Australia has provided $86.6 million to Fiji to “prop up” the budget. With increases in butter and milk prices signaled by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, could the government provide Fijian households with $F50 per month to cope with these increases in basic food items? The government has already successfully propped up their household budgets with a hefty pay rise.
Sanya Catherine Gain
Lami
Australian Aid
As mentioned in a letter on August 1, Australia, being a large and developed nation, has budgetary allocations to support Pacific Island nations including Papua New Guinea. Australia has received support from the European Union, especially after Britain’s exit (Brexit).
Sarita Lal
Malolo St, Lautoka
Constitutional Reform Overdue
Reforming the constitution requires consultations and dialogue with Fiji’s multiracial society. I asked friends who were ministers in the former FFP government why they supported the 2013 Constitution. One said it was a “bulls#it Constitution” that must be changed. Another said they supported it because of “Baini” despite not liking it. The third mentioned it was for job security. It raises the question, was it wrong for Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum to bring about the 2013 Constitution? What’s Niko Nawaikula’s take on this?
Tukai Lagonilakeba
Nadi
Appease Voters
DPM Professor Biman Prasad stated their budget was not to appease voters for the 2026 General Election. It did not particularly benefit the underprivileged and low-income earners. Is VAT the only direct tax Biman can sacrifice? Where are the foreign aids for schools, hospitals, climate change, etc.? The fundamental issues of life are met in our daily living. The corporate tax seems to be the only sacrifice for the rich. There are a few people who could provide a much better budget under the same circumstances.
Samu Silatolu
Nakasi
World Records
With the elusive third consecutive Olympic gold medal, Fijians should aim for other world records. Fiji recently got the world record for the longest-running strike by the Vatukoula gold miners, lasting 33 years. We have the record for the number of deputy prime ministers at the same time. We should aim for the world record on how many times we can change our constitution. Since independence in 1970, the constitution has changed multiple times. We could change it after every election to provide better opportunities for those aggrieved. Additionally, we could aim for the world record in the number of coups. Although I have lost count, there is always a record to beat. Despite these challenges, the people of Fiji remain truly blessed.
Jan Nissar
Sydney, Australia