COVID-19 and new year
Happy 2022
ALAS! Finally 2021, a dreadful year has come to an end. Many would agree with me that 2021 was indeed not an ordinary year. It started when COVID-19 was creating havoc among the population of Fiji, mostly in Viti Levu and created fear and animosity among all of us. Movements were restricted and many chose to remain at the comfort and safety of their homes.
Children were deprived of face to face learning and had to embrace the technological concept of distance learning. Children as young as the ones in early childhood education were made to attend online learning. Parents who did not have smartphones had to invest involuntarily into owing one for the sake of their children’s education.
Wine and dine for many had become a thing of the past. There were no social gathering and our theatres were like a ghost house void of the hassle and bustle it once experienced. 2021 brought many small and medium entrepreneurs on their knees and some could not survive the impact of it.
Everyone’s live almost came to a standstill until very recently when restrictions were a bit relaxed. People could breathe a sigh of relief.
Life slowly seems to be emanating positivity as we prepare to leap into 2022.
Even though there is an imminent fear of yet another wave of COVID outbreak, people have an unwavering thought that 2022 will be better for all.
Despite the adversities, people celebrated and welcomed 2022 in the manner they felt befitting.
New year celebration is all about leaving bad memories of the past behind and stepping into the unknown new year with renewed desires. It is a time to let go of all the hurdles of the past and accept new aspects of the future.
It is for this reason people celebrate and rejoice at the end of an old year with great excitement.
It is the rule of the nature that everything changes and so does time.
Therefore, the new year is a perfect time to make new resolutions and make a change for better. Time is the best healer of all problems and sorrows and I sincerely hope 2022 will be a dawn of a new era.
Happy and a prosperous new year to all avid readers of the people’s paper from the Sharma family.
VISHNU DEO SHARMA
Vishnu Deo Rd, Nakasi
Time to reflect on 2021
THE never-ending 2021 is history and today is the first day of 2022. 2021 flew by and left behind good and bitter memories. Trust me, this year is going to be remembered by Fijians in years to come because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic derailed the Fijian economy leaving hundreds jobless.
Nonetheless, when the economy reopened to trade, we made use of the available opportunities. While the tourism sector was affected, the agricultural sector flourished as Fijians planted flowers and seeds.
The Fiji Times highlighted the plight of thousands of Fijians who had suffered because of the pandemic and as usual humanitarians reached out to them with assistance and support. As we bid 2021 goodbye, let’s hope for the best this year.
It is important that we join hands to take our beloved Fiji forward.
The death of Professor Brij Lal left behind valuable lessons in terms of dignity, human rights and democracy.
At this juncture, I acknowledge the humanitarians, civil servants, market vendors, public service drivers, bank workers, health staff, cashiers, waitresses’, salespersons and those Fijians who served us tirelessly.
I thank our letters to the editor family and those who penned their opinions for their valuable contribution.
Finally, I wish every Fijian a blessed, eventful and happy 2022! May the good Lord bless our beautiful Fiji and fellow Fijians!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu