New ‘Meals on Wheels’ concept
CONGRATS to Ravinesh for the new concept of ‘Meals On Wheels’.
This is different for our country where you get hot meals on the move.
In our country, people will find a way to have a decent way of living and this is a good example.
Good work and may God bless you.
NARDEO MISHRA
Suva
Tale of ‘88’
OUR sports writer, Noa Biudole, penned an interesting piece titled ‘Tale of 88’ (16/12).
It was based on the police team drawing strength during yesterday’s Sukuna Bowl challenge, which was covered well by The Fiji Times.
The solidarity and euphonic of the chant ‘88’ or ‘waluwalu’, that echoed across the
ANZ Stadium rallied the men in blue.
Police development rugby coach Solo Nute shared the story of Barrack 88, which is synonymous with the basic recruits’ course and is a reminder of the hardships, the blood, sweat and tears that every police officer had given and faced on the road to becoming a police officer.
Hence, ‘88’ has become a source of inspiration for our police officers - no wonder they are doing so well in 7s rugby and football, and players like Joseva Talacolo, who have gone through the ranks of the police team, have made a mark on the 7s series.
Well done, police, and thank you Noa for the piece!
I also commend The Fiji Times sports team for creating excitement and positive vibes, heading to the ultimate battle at Laucala Bay.
The heart-touching stories and colourful pictures intensified the clash!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu
FNPF to the rescue
THE family pressure of day to day living in this Delta outbreak, as the schoolchildren are preparing to go back to school when many parents are still unemployed, the FNPF is once again to their rescue (FNPF relief withdrawal FT16/12/21). It’s a great relief for the members with some financial assistance in these trying times.
“Secure your future with Fiji National Provident Fund”.
Long live FNPF!
TAHIR ALI
Hamilton, New Zealand
Petition for residency
THERE is a brave move building up momentum in Australia today, which will affect Fijians who helped out in the Australian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
I believe a petition number “EN3547 Permanent Residency Path for Contributors to Economy During the Pandemic” is to be presented and heard in the Australian Parliament on December 22, 2021 and the last time I checked, nearly 60,000 people had signed the petition online.
The reason for the petition is as follows: Temporary residents have lived in Australia and supported the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their support of the economy has taken many forms: work, study, paying rent, paying taxes, supporting local businesses and Australian online retailers, etc.
Disruptions to the migration program during the pandemic coupled limited or unattainable pathways to permanent residency means that the future for many temporary residents in Australia is uncertain.
Over the next couple of years, many will be forced to leave Australia, a country they have grown to love.
Australia must follow the lead of countries like New Zealand and Canada and recognise the contribution of temporary residents during the pandemic with a permanent residency pathway.
The petition, therefore, asks the House to establish a pathway to permanent residency for temporary residents who had lived in Australia and supported its economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have read of articles suggesting that Australia should not be sending or deporting people who have worked, paid tax and helped the economy, as it would be a costly exercise. Instead, Australia should grant an amnesty, allowing these people to become residents of Australia.
I believe, if we have Fijian family and friends living or stuck in Australia right now, it would be to their advantage to sign the petition as we never know, this Christmas might just turn out to be an unforgettable one!
Get Fijians in Australia to sign the petition on: aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/ EN3547
I believe, we, in Fiji, will also benefit immensely if this petition becomes a reality! SAVENACA VAKALIWALIWA
Lautoka
Maintenance and bills
THROUGHOUT the year, the EFL does maintenance to its existing grid.
Every now and then, there is an advert in the newspapers regarding planned power shutdowns.
For the whole year, they are into this. Recently, EFL shut the power to the whole of Savusavu for 12 hrs - 6am to 6pm.
Then during natural disasters like cyclones, even before a branch falls, this EFL grid comes down!
But what’s interesting is the bills never go down. I wonder why?
Is the cost of maintenance passed on to the consumers?
Please remember, every good or bad thing has a beginning and an end.
So will EFL!
Your days are numbered!
SHARIF SHAH
Savusavu
New variant
I’VE heard that there has been a new variant (Omicron) brought into the country a few weeks before.
I suggest that now is the time the authorities should act more seriously than before, also they should harden the law for the sake of our nation.
Us, as citizens, should now do our part by following whatever the law declares.
I know that there are some who dislike my idea but, like I said before, doing it for the sake of our nation so I hope that this message is clear to all those who are against the new law.
KELEPI DAKUIYACO
Waikalou, Serua
Experts gathering
IN a usual gathering of wannabes, high level boasting was taking place.
Apparently, in their areas of expertise, each one knew it all.
The mechanic in the group entered the non-stop (maybe brake fail) zone and claimed, “I can tell what repairs are needed in a vehicle just by smelling it.”
The plumber in the group cut in to save the day, “That means, the vehicle has a leakage in its sewer line.”
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF
Natabua, Lautoka