Road conditions in Tunuloa
I JUST recently returned from my traditional abode and we tread on muddy tracks unplayable even by pigs and horses.
There is no road that people can access.
Recent attempts by a company proved futile to develop the ailing road conditions.
Then I heard from my earthlings that there were few clan members who did not want to surrender part of a mega hill rock that sat adjacent to their houses which acted as a major buffer during huge waves or tsunamis.
The Wailevu River is another hindrance to this road project thus two villages and three huge settlements are denied the freedom of movement and equal opportunities as enjoyed by the rest of Fiji.
There is only 4.5km of road to link up with Napuka Secondary School. But then again, we heard from FRA that rehabilitation work will begin soon on Viti Levu plus tarsealing of the road to Naitasiri, Nadarivatu and the Nadroga/Navosa stretches.
We have been looking forward for the past 70 years for a government to make us happy.
JIOJI O TORONIBAU Navetau
Vaccine wonderland
WE got vaccinated, we got COVID and we transmitted it to those who herd immunity was supposed to protect.
For me, this means the vaccine is useless.
A learned medical doctor also states that hospitalisation can be reduced through early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Those pushing vaccine sales do not say this, nor those pushing for more aid money.
My family feels privileged and better protected to now have natural immunity thanks to Omicron.
I believe in vaccination but not pushing vaccines that has for me and many — been proven useless.
RICK EYRE
Labasa
Magic of money
I WAS so happy to read (FT 13/1) that 27,949 iTaukei minors were eligible for $29.3 million windfall in lease money and that six of them would get more than $100,000 each when they come of age.
I am sure they know who they are and are already dreaming about how to spend the money.
I am sure financial planners will be hounding them to show them how to compound their money, car dealers will entice them to buy fancy cars and real estate agents will try to sell them homes. And premium retailers will present them with offers to buy super-duper sound systems with no money down and no payments until next year! Banks will invite them to open accounts and offer them a free smartphone. And they will get missed calls from long lost friends who would want to become their best buddies. Such is the magic of money.
Those over 18 who are not eligible for this good fortune should not lose heart or feel any envy.
I believe they will also get a windfall right before the elections. And the good news is that this will not be limited to just iTaukei citizens! OMG, such generosity.
Make sure your voter registration cards are “current” whatever that means. Not sure how I ended up with two voter registration cards. They both look greenish blue. My wife thinks they are bluish green.
My name on both cards are the same but not the same as my name on my birth certificate.
I went to change it once but the wait was so long I had to leave. I am mulling over going to get it changed.
Will it be worth the wait? I wish we know how much the payout will be. This will make the decision to go or not to go much easier.
Maybe I can hire a stand-in for this torturous chore. I wonder if the Government has a program like this for senior citizens.
You know how cranky and grumpy we get when we have to wait for a long time. As if that was not enough, we have to deal with our wives when we go home.
I think the movie Double Jeopardy was made based on a similar gruelling experience. Suddenly, I’m envious of the 27,949 iTaukei minors. But as Shakespeare said, “I will sit like patience on a monument. Smiling at grief. And hope the wait is worth the reward”. My wife already has plans how to spend it. ARVIND MANI
Nadi
Protective gear
WITH so many medical staff members getting infected with Omicron, does it mean the protective devices used by the medical staff members and people in general are not able to stop the virus from entering the people’s mouths and noses?
OK, if I wear a mask to town, what should be done when I come back home, hang it on a nail and wear it again or do I wear a new mask?
SUKHA SINGH
Labasa
Teacher unions
I REFER to the letter titled “Teacher unions” (FT 14/01) by Asish Vinay Prasad.
In his letter, Asish enquires what FTU was planning to do for teachers addressing COVID-19 and if FTU was planning to give any of its facilities for any isolation or vaccination programs.
It’s funny to note that Asish, being a
Above: This is where the bus stops.
Letf: The adjacent river is the Wailevu River that we tread on after disembarking from the bus. non-member of FTU is so interested in knowing what FTU is doing.
For your information Asish, you can pose the same question to the Health Ministry.
I’m sure they have experts who can answer your queries as FTU is a teacher union and is answerable to its members.
FTU is accountable to its membership. FTU has been proactive during this pandemic, Asish.
I’m sure you have not been reading The Fiji Times. I rest my case Asish, but I’m waiting for you to accept my invitation for a cup of coffee.
I’m sure Dhirendra Prasad would join us. We have so much to share with you about FTU and its operations so that this information can take away your ignorance and you can encourage teachers to join FTU.
Just make sure you have the ears to listen to all that we have for you and please don’t run away in the middle of our coffee session!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu