‘A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself’

Kava ban? Sukha Singh, Labasa

Why ask any organisation or Government for a kava ban?

If a family member has died and you having prayers at your home it is up to you to provide kava or not.

You can always check your Holy books on what to give during and after prayers. Now that we have become Fijians we should be taking our own sevusevu to the grieving family.

Looking for loopholes

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

We look for “loopholes” and ways to make the Bible say what we want it to say so that we can do what we want to do.

All kinds of sin are justified from verses taken out of context and doctrines constructed. Rather than trying to force our will on the Word of God, we should take it as is and ask the Holy Spirit to help us rightly understand and apply it to our lives.

There are only two ways available - our own way and God's way. Those who insist on setting their own course in opposition to God's plan and wise advice from others can have it, but only at great cost. “And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof ” (Proverbs 5:11–12).

Saweni Beach

Satish Nakched, Suva

Saweni Beach in the outskirts of Lautoka is a very popular spot for relaxation because of the beautiful white sand that stretches out about more than a kilometre in length and is in a shape of a bay. The crystal clear water has an abundance of marine life and delights the young ones who come there with their parents on picnic trips.

On weekends, the place is buzzing with people who come to enjoy the environment and the scenery that has also caught the attention of the yachters.

One just can laze around the shaded spot and spend hours gazing towards the horizon that has a post card scenery. However, upon entering the beach area you will be greeted with a nasty sight. The shed that had once housed the rubbish bins has collapsed and its roof is dangerously resting on the two side poles, and the other two have disappeared. This shed is a physical hazard because there is a good chance of it collapsing and the risk is high that someone can be injured or even result in fatality.

The non-functional rubbish shed has created another biological hazard as rubbish is recklessly scattered in the vicinity that attract stray dogs and fly population and the swarm may increase in size during the summer months.

These fruit flies, apart from the nuisance it create, can also carry and transmit the disease-causing bacteria which may affect and contaminate the picnicker's food.

The strong breeze carries the lighter plastics out to the sea and negatively affects the environment.

A good portion of the litter is decaying and emits strong odours that suggest that it has not been cleared for a long time.

I believe that the condition of this piece of paradise should have not deteriorated to such a substandard and urge members of the public who frequent the spot to provide support and beautify the place again working together with the land owners or the municipality concerned.

There is an immediate need to restore and enjoy creation in its purest form that provides a breath taking beauty of unblemished nature.

Facebook fun Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Suva

Facebook is one excellent way of knowing what is happening in the daily lives of your family and friends, if they are really into selfies and letting you know where they are and what they are doing.

It is said that laughter is the best medicine and I have been laughing a lot lately, especially when you are friends with Allen Lockington.

Some positive comments and advice made on current issues facing our nation are just top notch and I hope the Government and political parties take it on board.

Also we have the con artists from all over the world, seeking to make friend with you and offer you a lot of money, but you have to send them handling fees through the Western Union before the promised money is sent.

You can also have your own fun on those who think we are so stupid in sending money overseas to them, before they send us the promised thousands of dollars. The other day, the famous Christian preacher and TV evangelist Joyce Meyer sent me a Friend request, When I accepted, she asked me the question: Do you know who I am?

I knew this person was a con artist using Joyce Meyer's name and photo to con people, so I replied: You are the famous Christian multi millionaire tele-evangelist who loves to give money to poor people like me!

Joyce Meyer instantly cut friend with me.