Fiji needs creative minds like this to infuse into its ranks, the ability to think outside the box.
Unfortunately Fiji's horizons look bleak when one takes into account, how Laws
are made and enforced in Fiji. Qoroniasi Bale is definately peeved at Fiji Military Commander, Bainimarama for thumbing his nose at Qarase's Government.
Another behemoth is created when Fiji Inland Revenue and Customs Authority takes over the reigns of Immigration Department.
S.D.L party spokesman is defending the Bill by offering scapegoats as usual. Predictable billigerance from S.D.L.
Fiji Times the nation's oldest newspaper has it's credibity tarnished by High-school pranks. Two offences of plagarism is embarrassing for the 'First newspaper published in the world today'.
Fijian Landowners are not settling for trinkets by N.L.T.B anymore. As it should be.
What is going in Parliamentry chambers. Mary Chapman needs to go. The thievery within the complex
is a sad reflection of her incompetance. First the over budget, then this.
The Native Lands Trust Board are dangling a lousy carrot, just in time for the 2006 elections.
Things look very suspect when Qoroniasi is around. I consider this another Vote-buying Government programs to improve their standing which according to Tebbutt Polls, Qarase is in the dumps.
Turtle Island owner voices his opinion on the proposed Fisheries Bill. This Bill will sure unravel
more drama as individuals and mataqali members jockey for position. The idea to have N.L.T.B involved is in an indication of their intent to control Fiji's maritime assets as well.
Fiji Sports is finally getting onside with international training regimes, by establishing
a new academy in Nadi for Olympic athletes.
Letters to the Editor in F.T Friday's July 1st 2005.
Allowance in Iraq
BEFORE we left for the mission on May 15 2005, there was an assurance by the Minister for Home Affairs that the allowance for soldiers in Iraq would be increased from $65 to $150 a day.
Your article (FT 12/5) was based on a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The outgoing commander, Colonel Meli Saubulinayau, had made it clear in an interview in your newspaper the kind of life and the dangers soldiers face in Iraq.
He commented on the allowance and we believe it is all the evidence the Government needs to increase the allowance. It is now three months and nothing has happened. I beg the minister to be careful in dealing with sensitive issues such as that.
Soldiers have suffered much while serving with UNIFIL from 1978 to 2002 in terms of allowance and pay. We should no longer be regarded as the sotia ni vanua (soldiers of the land). We have sacrificed much since World War I.
Enough is enough. We are humans like everyone else. The Bible says: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's." The election is around the corner and our tick will count.
Maikeli Tuibeqa
Baghdad
Free chicken
I AGREE with Rajend Naidu (FT 28/6) that the culture of doing business in Fiji has long been one done by donation of chicken and ducks to officials.
I remember in the mid-80s it took a bottle of whiskey to have a prisoner released from jail the day after he was sent in for nine months for a charge of larceny by a servant.
As a kid growing up in downtown Suva in the late 50s and 60s, I've seen many Customs officers sipping whiskey in the backrooms of shops. Now, I hear a kilo of kava is enough to get a favour done.
Bharat Jamnadas
Auckland
Nobel prize
I AM surprised Adi Asenaca Caucau or Mere Samisoni were not nominated for the Nobel Prize. I suppose their names are being held back for the Woman of the Year.
Winning both titles would smack of favouritism. But let's admit it, these women deserve both titles.
Mahen Prasad
Sydney
Good reading
I refer to Losana Tunabuna's comments (FT 21/6). The article certainly makes good reading and was timely.
However, I differ with her comments regarding the army commander.
There is nothing wrong with the Commander's language in both print and visual media.
He is a man of dignity with the nation's security and well-being at heart.
It is the Commander's moral obligation to comment on issues of national security, if and when the need arises. He is in charge of the armed forces and it is imperative he voices his concern in a manner he chooses to so that the message gets through to all stakeholders.
It was he and the military who steered the security situation back to normal after the mayhem in 2000. Surely, he and all right-thinking citizens do not want to go through the same despicable events of 2000 again?
I say to Ms Tunabuna that we all love our beloved Fiji and would like to live here freely. So does the army commander. That's why, as chief of the security forces, he has to uphold the rule of law and avert any dubious legislation that just might make us a terrorist's paradise.
James Pillay
Nasinu
Indian takeover
The argument that Indians will take over Fijian land has often been used and abused by politicians and columnists.
We will hear more of it before the next election.
Can someone give us statistics on how much Fijian land has been illegally taken over by Indians and how much was taken by the white settlers?
While at it, could they provide figures on how many Fijian homes have been broken into and burgled by Indians?
How many Fijians have been murdered by Indians in their homes (robbery gone wrong)?
How many Fijian women and men have been robbed by Indians in daylight on our streets?
How many Fijian families have been evicted by Indians from their homes?
Maybe Caz Tebutt and John Fraenkel, with the help of police, the Bureau of Statistics and the Native Land Trust Board could provide us answers.
Vijay Madhavan
Suva
Trains of thoughts
THE letter from Mere Samisoni that appeared in FT June 25 edition, warrants a reply.
Mere Samisoni's harangue on how Fiji needs civil societies is a wonderful example of misguided trains of thoughts; which is far removed from the best interests of Fiji and her people.
Secondly, I would like to also point out the role of the Fijian mataqali members have been usurped by colonial era institutions. These organisations have perpetually adopted this primogeniture benefiting only, themselves. I would like to share these inspirational words with your readers that may apply to the junction of democracy, which the nation of Fiji approaches.
Written by Thomas Paine, English-born American in the article called The Crisis published in December 23rd 1776. "...These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.
Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated..."
Reginald M. Lutu
Sacramento
Fiji Water
OUT of curiosity, I am inquisitive to know the following:
What's the volume of Fiji Water that's exported?
How much foreign exchange does it earn?
How much of it comes back into the nation?
How much is retained in the offshore accounts?
It is a fact that no tax is paid on water exported. Have we left our taps leaking while we seek donations from China and Japan?
David C. NAIDU
Labasa
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