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Lenora’s Hibiscus Festival Story
Thanks to the Fiji Times team for the photos and story about Lenora Salusalu Qereqeretabua.
It really brings back a lot of memories.
I remember her as a person of good qualities and humble character when we worked together at Fiji Television.
Keep up the good work.
Jagdish Pratap Chand Tokoroa, New Zealand
Do we need military force?
When I came to Fiji over 60 years ago, the Fijian Armed Forces was something we could be proud of.
Our two sons grew up loving those special occasions when the troops would march through Albert Park in their white and red uniforms.
The salute was ready, and we were amazed that our youngest, then a swaddled baby, counted correctly to three. He was the math genius in our family!
Growing up in England during World War II, the army was our savior, but we rarely actually saw them. My father was a conscientious objector, so he was exempt from military service. We didn’t discuss the army at all.
I was therefore surprised at my own reaction to the Fijian military display.
How things have changed over the years! There is no threat of war, yet the military has been maintained and strengthened.
When Fiji first proposed joining the United Nations Middle East regional body, we were concerned and questioned Fiji’s role in it.
Now, Dan Fatiaki asks the question: Do we need military force?
The harm they are causing to our own people seems to be greater than any lasting benefit to the people of the Middle East.
We should be very thankful that there is no threat of war in our Pacific region.
Therefore, when considering constitutional amendments, we must carefully consider the necessity, role, size, and purpose of the military.
Tessa Mackenzie Sowerby
DIY Constitution
Daniel Fatiaki (FT 20/-8) quite rightly pointed out that the Fiji Military Force (FMF) was the common factor in all coups in Fiji and as he said, each coup plotter gave himself immunity in his self-declared constitution, thereby acknowledging the illegality of their actions.
The treasonous acts committed by the military against Fiji go against the culture of Fijians to respect and be loyal to their leaders. Two sections of the Constitution may apply here. Section 131: (2) It mentions that the FMF has a duty for the security, defence and welfare of all Fijians.
This provision has been used to justify the use of the RFMF against members of the public protesting against government actions.
Article 81:(3) states that the President is only the “nominal” Commander-in-Chief of the RFMF. Changing the wording to make the President the de facto Commander-in-Chief of the RFMF may strengthen the bonds of loyalty within the RFMF.
Terry Hume Russell Street, Eastwood, New South Wales, Australia
Another Hawaii?
In my opinion, albeit belatedly, Fiji could have been another Hawaii of the South Pacific without our infamous coup…peaceful, tranquil and prosperous…without the massive brain drain.
Thousands of people suffered tremendous economic hardship as a direct result of these man-made disasters.
I remember clearly that before 1970, under the then colonial “masters”, people had much more respect for law, order and property.
No offense intended.
We needed a license to buy alcohol back then. I remember it was “a dozen bottles” per week.
The government premises and buildings are clean, tidy and impressive.
CSR and FEA houses around the country at that time, as well as housing for expatriates and locals at Nadi Airport, are well preserved.
Once a popular place to go. Many of the houses in Nadi Airport, Old Town and New Town are now sad ruins.
They lost their pride, prestige and charm…really decayed and quite lonely.
No matter how remote their location, the homes of CSR supervisors and FEA executives are almost spotless and spread over large areas, including maids’ quarters.
Nadi International Airport has an Airport Club which is open 24/7 and offers a back bar for “heavy cargo workers” and a cosy cafe.
The pool was well maintained. There is a well stocked co-op store next door.
Inside the terminal, there is a government doctor and a nurse on duty for every incoming and outgoing international flight.
Today, more than 60 years have passed, and most of the above-mentioned buildings have fallen into disrepair, which is a pity.
Namaka Police Station has been in existence for many years.
It is unable to cope with the rapid population growth.
Our police station can actually be considered a “museum piece” of some kind.
This is a part of Fiji’s wonderful history that we have almost completely lost.
What a difference a lot has made between the two generations.
Isha, Jieviti.
These are my personal observations and I share them for the benefit of our better young generation – the law abiding youth of today – our future leaders. I pray that you make your parents, your community, your church and Fiji proud.
Ronnie Martintar, Nadi
Ratu Sukuna Park
The $7 million upgraded Ratu Sukuna Park opened to the public on Monday. Children and adults alike are enjoying the revamped park in central Suva.
The park’s upgrades have exceeded the original $6 million budget due to the addition of several additional facilities.
I am delighted that this project has been designed to be so inclusive, providing an ideal destination and space for family, friends and loved ones to enjoy.
It will offer great value and enjoyment to those visiting the capital. I can just imagine what it will be like during the festive season.
I agree with the Honorable Manoa Kamikamica (FT: 20/08) that the completion of the park is a symbol of national progress and urban regeneration.
Hats off to the Suva City Council team for taking this initiative. The public must take care of these facilities and amenities.
On the other hand, I am concerned about the impact drunks and drug addicts will have on the renovated park.
We need to come together and work together to protect the newly restored Ratu Sukuna Park. Fellow Fijians, we can do it!
Nasinurajneesh Ishwar Lingam Nadava
Coup and Constitution
I write in support of Daniel Fatiaki’s letter (FT 20/08) in which he points out that his own children grew up in Fiji during a period of four coups and three constitutions, when electoral arrangements were not conducive to power-sharing and national unity.
Likewise, all Fijians born between 1987 and 2013 have not experienced any significant period of democratic government. He also raised legitimate questions about the support provided by the military to the coup plotters and the immunity clauses that protect the coup plotters and the military from unlawfully overthrowing elected governments and violating human rights. He rightly stressed that the common denominator in the unlawful overthrow of governments was the Fijian military and that if the soldiers had not supported the coup plotters, the coup would most likely not have taken place.
This raises the question: does Fiji need an army?
While acknowledging that there were no mass protests against the coup and the military dictatorship that followed it, it is important to note that there were protests both inside and outside Fiji against the overthrow of the elected government and the suppression of human rights and press freedom. After the 1987 military coup, the Fiji Labour Party and the National Federation Party protested and appealed to the British government (the Queen was represented by the Governor-General), the Australian and New Zealand governments, and the Indian and Commonwealth governments. They were subjected to detention and other harassment.
Amelia Rokotuivuna and others were detained by the military and police as they led a protest march from Veiuto along Queen Elizabeth Dr. Trade unionists, academics and some prominent Indo-Fijian professionals were also arrested.
Dozens of ordinary people gathered at Albert Park and Sukuna Park for peaceful prayers but were either dispersed by the army and police or attacked by coup supporters. Several villages in the west, including Malevu along the Coral Coast, unfurled banners in support of Bavadra’s government.
The Back to May Movement, organized by public-spirited leaders including clergy, presented a petition to the Governor that collected over a hundred thousand signatures in a short period of time, although I believe the government has taken countermeasures to suppress any open opposition to the coup makers and beneficiaries of the coup.
After each coup, protest leaders and protesters were hunted down, detained, verbally abused, beaten, and tortured by security forces.
I support the review of the 2013 Constitution in line with the 2012 “people’s” Constitution proposed by the Ghai Constitutional Commission.
Vijay Naidu Suwa
The roots of the coup
In his illuminating letter, “The Roots of the Coup” (FT20/8), Daniel Fatiaki said he could not help but ask “Would there have been a coup if we had no military power?
Do we really need it? ” I believe the answer is a resounding “no”.
The Costa Rican constitution prohibits the creation of a standing army, and since 1949 Costa Rica has gotten along just fine without one.
It is one of the most progressive countries in the world.
Knowing the role the Fijian military has played in all of our coups, why do our democratic international partners provide such tremendous support to the Fijian military?
This is to preserve their own interests and agenda as it is clearly not in the interest of the Fijian people as Daniel Fatiaki suggests in his letter.
Rajinder Naidu Calgary, Canada
Sugar Factory
Why does Labasa Sugar Mill use pine sawdust for its boilers when it has tons of bagasse? If the excuse is that the bagasse is wet, dry it out!
Sukha Singh’s Favorite
SVC Road
On Friday, August 16, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad went to Swami Vivekananda College during the day to attend the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Before the Minister’s arrival, FRA filled all the potholes with medium crushed metal. Now they are all scattered on the roadside, leaving the potholes exposed. I am sure the Finance Minister will ask why crushed metal was used instead of asphalt.
Rakesh Chand Sharma Nadi
upright
It is good that Mr Usamat points out the importance of good governance to the integrity of institutions. Now that he has left the coalition government and is an independent opposition MP, he has begun to notice the difference. Ten years ago, I never thought he would realise this, or that he simply did not care due to ignorance. To give a typical example, a former FSC CEO hired his brother from South Africa at a salary of $80,000 per year without any job advertisement and reimbursed his airfare. Does this count as good governance for FFP? This is just the tip of the iceberg. Never be afraid to speak up for honesty, truth and compassion, and against injustice, lies and greed. Generally speaking, history only tells us what is bad governance.
Sam Silatoru Nakasi
Any updates?
Can the Ministry of Health update the public on the progress of the investigation into the untimely death of late Harshika Devi since a “formal complaint” was lodged a month ago? What is our position?
Nishant Singh Lautoka
School Life
I watched the Coro Secondary School graduation parade in awe this week. The uniforms and perfection combined with the parade were stunning. The boys and girls on the day were first class, the standards and discipline mirrored those of Queen Victoria School. Go and see the young boys and girls.
Jioji O Toronibau Navetau, Tunuloa
Blessing or curse?
The world is at your fingertips. The digital revolution has and will continue to change our world and our lives.
We have access to an almost unlimited amount of information at any given time through our electronic devices.
We have easy access to more information, which leads to greater knowledge and understanding.
Sadly, some people would rather watch porn and share sexually explicit images.
A room!
Wise Muawonobarawa (Lautoka)
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