Change is needed

Despicable act

THE despicable act of desecration and vandalism of one’s divine place of worship by daring opportunists has been a national concern for a number of years.

Yet again and sadly, there have been six cases of temple breakins recorded in the West within a span of seven days (fijivillage. com). Truly heartbreaking.

May I ask why are often Hindu temples singled out for such purposes?

Are these occurrences politically or religiously inspired, or otherwise? Oh well, target our faith all you want, I assure you that the buoyant Hindu community will continue to be the drivers of the Fijian economy and be successful in whatever endeavours they pursue, like we always have been for centuries.

A grain of suppression, bullying tactics, threats, intimidation and tampering with our religious beliefs through dubious channels will never avert our focus and dissuade us from attaining our goals. NISHANT SINGH

Lautoka

Tough competition

FANS witnessed some tough battles at Lawaqa Park during this year’s McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s tournament as big names Wardens Gold, Police, USA Falcons, Yamacia, Uluinakau, Wadigi Salvos, Fire and Raiwasa Taveuni set the platform.

In 2019, Police shut out Tabadamu 17-0 to win its fourth McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s title. The defending

I AM glad that the Minister for Lands and Mineral Recourses took time out to visit and meet the staff members at the Western Division head office in Lautoka. That place needs a major improvement in customer service. It is apparent that some have become too relaxed in their comfort zones. They are still in the archaic manual system where the files are moving sluggishly from one table to another. I am talking from my personal experience.

SELWA NANDAN

Lautoka champion mastered the wet conditions at Lawaqa Park with tries to Rusiate Matai, Necani Nawaqadau and Filipe Sauturaga with Sauturaga named the Campese-Serevi Medal Winner as Player of the Tournament.

I was impressed with the standard of 7s that was displayed at Lawaqa Park and the future looks bright. I’m eagerly waiting for the naming of the 7s team as well for the Hamilton 7s that kicks off next week. Our journalists Rohit Deo and Jonacani Lalakobau have done a wonderful job, getting pictures and stories from Lawaqa Park. The literature adds glamour to the tournament which is getting bigger and better each year. May the best 7s team win! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu

Leadership issue

AFTER reading about the transgressions of all the norms of democratic good governance which Professor Wadan Narsey has so thoroughly documented (see his 2022 book Our Struggles for Democracy in Fiji, Rule of Law and Media Freedom) I am left with no doubt whatsoever that the leadership in my beloved home country from 2006 to 2022 was a national disgrace. We must never allow such a debasement of democracy to ever happen again.

RAJEND NAIDU

Sydney, Australia

$200 assistance

MY plea to both parents and students who qualify for the generous $200 handout for back to school purchases by the coalition Government, is if possible to use the “hand-me-down” bags and shoes if they are in still reasonable state for use. The savings from this could be used for other needs in the future. No need to purchase new stuff just for the sake of it.

We were required to do this when we went to school in our early childhood years.

And yes, as stated by Nilesh Lal, The Dialogue Fiji executive director, “there should now be no excuse not to send children to school”.

VIJAY P MADHAVAN

Borron Rd, Suva

Retirement age

THE Prime Minister has made it very clear that the retirement age is 60 but you can withdraw your superannuation at 55, it will be entirely up to the individual. Maybe at 55 withdraw 50 per cent to build a nice home while the other 50 per cent and the five more years of work for a long pension.

Some might already have plans for before the 60 age being extended but you will have to think wisely about your future plans. TOMASI BOGINISO Liverpool, Sydney, Australia