A world first for Fiji
THE picture of the female crew members of the fishing vessel Seaka II (FT 14/06) inspired thousands.
Their success speaks volume of the calibre of women that Fiji has.
It’s a proud moment for every
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Fijian that in a world first, eight Fijian women created history by becoming the first all-female deck crew on a tuna long-line vessel.
The crew members have definitely inspired other women and girls to take up a career as
I WAS always taught to respect elders — weren’t you? But how many of you are really respecting the elderly people around you?
What reasons do you have for not doing so? I ask you because I’ve often seen many elders in society not being treated well.
I’ve even heard of people not respecting the elderly — especially the young generation nowadays. And that’s not all; even family members sometimes fail to spend family time with them, which saddens my heart.
I strongly feel that respect towards the elderly, their fortitude, wisdom, knowledge, and grace should be imbibed by us, though sadly it doesn’t happen.
There might be a few exceptions as I also don’t believe that growing old is a sign of becoming wiser, but we shouldn’t show disrespect for seniors in any case.
While the taboo topic of elder abuse has started to gain visibility across the world, it remains one of the least investigated types of violence in national surveys, and one of the least addressed in national action plans.
Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community.
Elder maltreatment can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. The incidents of abuse towards older people is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.
“We were taught to respect everyone, especially those who were older and wiser than we were from whom we could learn.” — BeNeca Ward. “Karma — What goes around Comes Around.”
NEELZ SINGH
Lami
Mickey Mouse political parties
IT would appear to me that many, if not all, of the potential candidates in PAP, Unity Fiji and other parties are rejects, discards, disgruntled, and retired from other political parties or from the civil service. a crew member and serve the ocean.
I agree with Floyd Robinson (FT 15/06) that women in Fiji are extending their vision beyond the horizons.
This is evident with the stories we read as far as women’s
It’s like the Mickey Mouse 7s players around the world, all second and third-raters at the end of their tether and “use by” dates.
So clearly, I believe this makes these political parties Mickey Mouse political parties.
JAN NISSAR
NSW, Australia
No one is perfect
ALL of a sudden Professor Biman Prasad becomes a person of interest after NFP merged with PAP.
If he is not in accordance as “some are suggesting” why discuss him so much almost every day?
Criticism comes for a reason. He definitely is going right somewhere which is placing him in the limelight.
I really wish “some” could pay attention towards our declining economy and drowning Fiji than discussing him.
Prof Biman is steering the wheel of that ship that can go under water anytime.
Mr Tikaram and like-minded need to know if they are trying to downgrade Prof Biman to lift the image of FijiFirst, it only goes to their failures and Prof Biman’s achievements.
No one is perfect.
KIRTI PATEL
Lautoka
Fire hazards
THERE are many new buildings in Fiji that are issued with occupancy certificates and in the process are also inspected by the National Fire Authority and according to the class of the building it requires certain firefighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers, smoke detectors’ sprinklers and others.
Quite importantly depending on the nature of the business, some premises require the installation of a fire hose reel.
Our National Building Code has adopted standards from Australia and New Zealand and adhere to those guidelines.
One of the requirements is that the water supply pipe to the fire hose reel must be achievements are concerned.
Recently, the Fijiana turned heads in the Super W competition and won it for the first time.
The emergence of women leaders in schools and corporate organisations is also an indication that women are bound for
Seaka II. made of metal, connected to the underground mains. If the building is on fire, the intensity of the heat will not affect the supply of water to extinguish the fire.
I believe what is happening nowadays in the country is many use the PVC pipe as a water supply pipe because it is easy to work with and time saving. When the relevant authorities conduct an audit with the view to provide a completion certification, the system is not checked and thus places the premises in a risky situation.
This basic and fundamental requirement is not considered at all, and such action is not aligned with the standards that are recognised by our laws.
This is creation of a fire hazards by the authorities.
Such shoddy workmanship will adversely affect the active fire protection process which is about stopping and escalating fire size.
SATISH NAKCHED
Suva
Your child’s safety
THERE are numerous cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and neglect that go unnoticed or unreported.
Many times these cases are swept under the carpet for personal gain of third parties. The very people who have been entrusted to protect and safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children sometimes fail in their obligations to uphold the trust and dignity.
In about 99 per cent of the abuse or neglect cases, the perpetrators are known to the victims. It happens to be someone whom the victims trust unconditionally and look upon for safety and protection.
Little do they know that their trust would be broken by those same people.
Many abusers brainwash their victims and make them feel guilty. The victims are made to believe that they are being punished for their sins — which is so wrong. Victims are innocent and not sinners.
Parents should talk openly to their children about these issues. Gone are the days when such topics were regarded as tabu and forbidden talk. greater success.
I wish the eight crew members — Joana, Linda, Sereana, Kasanita, Kasani, Adi Kelera and Viviana all the best and I thank them for doing Fiji proud! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Children need to be made aware of the difference between good touches and bad touches. They also should be told about “my-space” or “me-circle” and the fact that nobody can invade their privacy.
It is no use crying over spilt milk. It is the duty of parents to educate and protect their own children. And it is also equally important that parents listen to and believe their children whenever the children are reporting abuse that they may have experienced or witnessed.
Never turn a deaf ear or a blind eye. Your child’s safety is your responsibility! DINESH KUMAR
Ba
English language
I READ Dr Sakul Kundra’s “opinion” with mixed feelings.
Of course it is vital to encourage the traditional culture that give richness and meaning to life and language is integral with culture.
So it is important to celebrate and encourage those languages in a cultural context.
But Kundra goes too far when he connects the introduction of European languages into the Pacific nations as a type of ethnocide or linguistic genocide.
English language is the link across languages. Being able to express meaning, do business, travel and take part in education requires English language skills and to take resources from teaching this well does not benefit Fiji or any other island nation.
New Zealand is presently introducing more Te rep Maori into the language to the detriment of learning and communication.
Many years ago the Netherlands decided that if research and academic publications were going to be read outside their own small country, they would need to be in English.
If one language group in Solomons, Vanuatu, PNG or of Fiji’s three languages is to communicate with another group, what alternative does Kundra think will work?
Let Kundra not make silly references to English as a malign introduction. English is the language of equality and opportunity.
KIT RYND
Savusavu