ATS Walkout
It does not matter if one calls it a lockout, walkout or a lightning strike, the saga at the Air Terminal Services workplace will have a negative impact on our tourism industry across the border.
Our Government allocated some $30 million in our 2017 August National Budget to Tourism Fiji for marketing and millions of dollars to Fiji Airways and other tourist related stakeholders in the interest of our economy and destination Fiji.
The workers and shareholders at ATS have walked off their jobs to register their disappointment relevant to the inability of the current CEO Hare Mani and his management team to realistically resolve the 10-yearold impasse.
The workers demand seems genuine, but the question to ask is: Why has it taken so long to bring everyone to the table and to find an amicable solution so as not to subject our budding fragile industry to such irresponsible actions.
Our Minister for Employment Jone Usamate must step in immediately to mediate and get the parties concerned to talk irrespective of which side is right or wrong. Keep the communication line open please and do not hold the country to ransom.
Mr Usamate is a master tactician and an excellent negotiator. The country needs you most now sir.
Negotiate in faith.
The Christmas fever has gripped the country. You turn on any radio station, TV station and turn the pages of newspapers and they are all hyped up to provide a mind boggling dose of Christmas advertisements. Supermarkets are cajoling buyers to stock up for the Christmas lunch/dinner by making unbeatable sales on food items. Children’s moods are being cashed on to buy toys, new clothing and heaps of ice creams and sweet drinks. Lovos and BBQs are being planned, tables are being booked in advance in restaurants. Father Christmas will make his appearance with Ho ! Ho! Ho! Goodies and incessant jingles whet the appetite of all for more. It is party time.
Amidst all these festivity moods the LTA and the police are deeply concerned with the increasing number of accidents on our national roads. They are advising motorists to observe traffic rules and to be extra vigilant while driving. Additional police personnel have been deployed on our roads to minimise accidents and to see that all enjoy the festivities responsibly. But, we still find drivers speeding and jumping the red lights, using mobiles while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or overtaking on double-lines or making sudden u-turns.
The national death toll has risen to 63 this year against 53 for the same period last year. This may be attributed to an increase in the number of vehicles on our roads, increased number of young and reckless drivers, lack of road courtesy and the poor condition of our roads. However, in my view the biggest factor of all is the congestion on our roads; there are far too many vehicles than the roads can cope with.
LTA has installed speed cameras around the country to track down offending drivers and to punish them according to law. There are two mobile cameras with LTA and there are dummy posts as well to educate and caution drivers. So far 80,000 bookings have taken place, but we still find drivers offending. It is a matter of great concern and reflects the lack of civic pride.
My humble appeal to all drivers is to observe road rules, show road courtesy, be mindful of the happiness of others and never drink and drive.