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Rest in peace Hank Artz
My heart was filled with sadness and pain when I read the news of the untimely death of our former publisher and managing director. Fiji Times Ltd. Hank Arts. I read an article entitled “Fiji Times On July 21, 2018, Aqela Susu published an article titled “Arts announces retirement” in which Arts announced that he would retire at the end of the month after seven years of service. I quote: “Fiji Times “Fiji News continues to thrive and its editorial independence remains unquestioned. We have the best team of journalists in Fiji and that shows in the strength of our newspaper. We work under the ordinary pressures of journalism but also many others and everyone in Fiji knows that. All our fantastic staff take it in stride and work their best every day.” He further stated that he was proud of the way Fiji News operates. Fiji Times During his tenure as General Manager, the company modernized its operations, installed modern printing presses, IT systems and graphics, and secured a solid business foundation. Fiji Times Digital platforms have ensured that it remains a modern voice in the journalism industry. I have great sympathy for Arts’ feelings during his time as publisher. His job was never an easy one but he performed his duties as publisher with great courage, especially during the long criminal trial he faced. He had a kind heart, was a fun-loving person who enjoyed life to the fullest and was a valuable member of the team Fiji TimesHe is gone, leaving behind beautiful memories. I hope those who caused him pain and suffering will have the courage to seek forgiveness now that he is gone. Rest in peace, Hank Artz! Thank you for your service! Rajneesh Ishwar Lingam Nasinu Nadawa
rest Peace
Sadly, the former publisher and general manager Fiji Times Hank Artz died on Sunday in Australia. In a brief but informative article, Repeka Nasico describes Hank’s outstanding service to the newspaper and his resilience and leadership during the most difficult years. Fiji TimesHank’s love will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. David Sushil Lal Malolo Street, Lautoka
Practice what you preach
“Practice what you preach” is sometimes just verbal diarrhoea at best. This much has been amply proven. Olympic rugby sevens double gold medalist and experienced campaigner Jerry Tuwai did not receive the “bonus” he deserved. What a shame! Perhaps the Coalition Government will soon receive that honour. The gentleman of rugby sevens did not complain. Zhang Yongzhong Martin Tower, Nadi
Advanced citizen
What does the new budget have in store for our retirees and seniors? Increased social welfare allowances and benefits to help each of them. They have played their part and fulfilled their responsibilities. Now it is our turn to support them in their daily lives! Edward Blacklock Pacific Harbour Admiral Island
Agni Report
On 8 June you published a letter from Sanya Catherine Gain stating that it had been almost a year since Minister Agni Deo Singh received a report on the tragic death of a young woman on the Fiji Showcase ’23 Ferris wheel. Despite having this report before him, the Minister has yet to publish his findings. Apparently, he has also not responded to Sanya’s letter. I wonder why?
On May 30, your front page headline quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “Have your say.” Now, that’s all very well, but what’s the point of saying it if the only result is silence? As Sanya explains, this incident raises questions of public importance. They demand an immediate and clear response. So please, Minister Agni Deo Singh, wake up and let us know your response. Michael Scott Morris Street, Lautoka
old capital
Gudu really did make me feel like I was in Fiji’s past! And the people there? Oh, the people! Such beautiful hearts. So welcoming and accommodating. This safe, quaint one-lane town, slowly aging in all its glory, is decorated with brightly colored seats and tables and hand-painted rock walled gardens. People sit on the proper cement walkway by the sea, enjoying the cool of the afternoon, relaxing, chatting and giggling. The shops have groceries that people need, as does the bottle shop, transportation options are available in addition to buses, the ferry service is very good, there is a wide range of accommodation, activities, open markets and a touch of modernity! Gudu really does feel like a home away from home! Share the spirit of Levuka! Looking forward to visiting again! Noreen Billings Smoke
No travel
Former Attorney General Sayyid Khayyum’s medical travel was denied by a magistrate who deemed Sayyid Khayyum’s surgery to be neither necessary nor essential. So, as a citizen of Fiji, I would like to ask where is the democracy? Cows don’t jump over the moon. Oh, there is plenty of water to drink. Name RAM (TD) Lautoka
road Safety
Traffic accidents on our roads are becoming a matter of concern. One of the major reasons, in my opinion, is the increasing volume of traffic on the Queens Highway and adjacent city centres. The road safety approach and measures we adopt are entirely dependent on drivers and pedestrians. Upgrading existing highways has its own drawbacks, so regulations on obtaining, renewing driver licenses and “road policing” need to be carefully enforced. Accidents can be mitigated by addressing the root causes, and the relevant government agencies need to actually explore deeper than the current statistics. Remember, safety does not cause harm, but accidents do. Sam Silatuolu Nakasi
agree letter
Parents and guardians have always taken this piece of paper lightly. We have come across incidents and events that have caused us harm and even taken away the precious lives of our children. If you think it is necessary to exclude your child from participation, please agree or disagree. As a parent, your decision is important. Queen Joan Roroclo Nasinu Road
That smell
Could the Fiji Water Authority or the relevant stakeholders plant a lot of trees on the land close to the road to minimise the smell of sewage in the Kinoya area in question? This would not cost a lot. Ash Vinay Prasad Park Rd, Rewasa, Suva
this Priorities
As the political landscape changes, what will happen to workers’ wages and salaries? Basic needs should not be neglected but should be a priority in the new budget. Edward Blacklock Admirals Circle Pacific Harbour
drug test
Will the Fiji Football Association tell the public what banned drugs some of the players were found to have used during the Fiji FACT testing in Labasa? As far as I know, it is green or white because that is the new nickname for some drugs. Jeffrey Chand Lautoka
Truth and Reconciliation
Reading the statement made by Josefa Nata in an interview with The Fiji Times, one gets the very basic foundation on which the entire Truth and Reconciliation Commission should be based. I am sure that just like him, others have the same idea that what they did was completely stupid. He pointed out that the purpose of the exercise should be “to solve the problems facing the country, not to punish” and this should be the basic goal of the Commission. No one who participated in the action should have to worry about being punished. Those who participated in the coup should be able to come forward freely and express their reasons for doing so and whether they still think it is justified. As a result of the coup, our country has experienced huge economic and social problems. Did they achieve their goals? Were they just used as pawns while the real criminals were rewarded handsomely? These are very important questions that need to be discussed in the open so that the younger generation can learn from these mistakes and no longer become pawns of the greed of certain elites. Whatever the motivation, the fact is that everyone is severely affected by this perfidious act regardless of race, gender or social class. This must be understood once and for all. Every dissatisfied citizen should overthrow a government every four years through the ballot box, no matter who they are. Those who were defeated should wait for the next election.
You don’t destroy your country to get what you want. The greed of a few can never be equated with the good of the country. Rajendra Prasad Niu Damu Road Strength
Cabbage We blow
Joe Nata, a former journalist who was sentenced to a long prison term for his part in the 2000 Spete “civilian” coup, said that his time in prison had made him realise the “wrongdoing” of his actions (FT 19/6). That is a rather euphemistic way of putting it. I think what the perpetrators of the coup did was to unleash a violent, brutal atrocity on the people of Fiji (ask the people of the farming community of Muaniweni) and their elected representatives (ask the surviving MPs held hostage at the Veiuto Parliament building). What they did was not “wrongdoing”. I think it was criminal behaviour. Rajendra Naidu Sydney, Australia
release Speight
If former journalist Josefa Nata truly repents for his involvement in the 2000 coup, then he should go public and reveal everything. He doesn’t have to wait for a truth and reconciliation commission, because it won’t happen anytime soon. But I support his call for the release of George Speight and Shane Stevens, because they have already served their sentences. Maybe they are willing to tell the truth, too. SELWA NANDAN Lautoka
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