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Seniors’ Driving Test Dewan Chand, Suva

I write this letter to express my disgust at the decision of LTA (Land Transport Authority) to impose a driving test for people over seventy years of age. I wonder if this decision is based on some statistics collected from accidents on our national roads or is it simply the whim of someone in LTA.

This decision smacks of authoritarianism to make the life of senior citizens very difficult. In the first instance these unfortunate people are asked to provide the Medical Certificate of Fitness (Dr fees $35.00) with a copy of the latest passport size photograph. Upon presentation at the designated LTA office they are asked to make a written application to the CEO (Chief Executive Officer/LTA) for his approval. This takes some time and the senior citizens are asked to come back and collect the papers and to confirm the date and time for a driving test.

So on the appointed day one has to go for a driving test. In all the senior citizens have to make at least three trips for the renewal of their driving licence.. Sheer waste of time and additional cost to these retired people.

Furthermore, I consider this test a gross violation of the seniors human rights. Once they are medically certified fit I do not see any reason to take them out for a test. Sounds very childish and amateurish. It is also a source of embarrassment.for people who must enjoy their retired life.

I,on behalf of all people over seventy, humbly appeal to the Minister responsible to have this driving test repealed.

Welcome to the New Year

Bhagwanji Bhindi, Nasinu

The New Year is here with much to offer Promising opportunities to consider Many making resolutions so sincere Wishing for happiness and pleasure Some praying for peace and order Many wanting sufferings to disappear

Some wishing to bring to others some cheer Some working to keep the family together Many having a vision very clear

Wishing to make their future secure

To fulfil ambitions and develop character Wanting to profit from every endeavour Many wishing to become wise and clever And to give life some stability and structure Wishing to rectify their mistakes and error And many wishing to learn from past failure Hoping to improve their lives and prosper Some planning for a major makeover

Many wishing to embark on a new career Some hoping to further their education this year

Some wishing to improve for good however Let’s pray the New Year brings a better future.

My New Year’s Prayer Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

I pray for the President, our PM and our politicians so that they will govern our country according to the will of the Great Lord Jehovah Yahweh and I also pray Lord for the maintenance of the welfare, life and good health of every Fijian, we pray for a prosperous and stable economy.

A special thought for all our politicians is that the good Lord gives them resolve so they become exemplary and sensitive to the plights of those they represent, but most importantly for them to first have self-respect and treat every Fijian the way they wish to be treated in return.

I pray please Lord these politicians to stop the misleading culture that they may provide hope and direction to our people where everyone Fijian must submit to the Leadership of our country through the will of God and which was ordained by the Lord Jehovah to take charge until 2022.

Until then best wishes to all!