A new breath of optimism
AS I put pen to paper, this inspiring quote on the media field by Tom Stoppard, “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon,” gave me hope and the much-needed inspiration to get through the piece. The transformation brought about by the coalition Government has renewed people’s hopes and faith in media organisations, and the days when media organisations in Fiji operated out of fear of being victimised are fast becoming something of the past.
The equal playing field in the media industry
The announcement by Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, that the much-anticipated Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Act is being reviewed and expected to be tabled in the next Cabinet meeting, brought relief to many. This review was long overdue and it will give media organisations in Fiji an equal playing field. For the past decade, The Fiji Times and Fiji One went through a lot, while some media organisations had a jolly time, and became the past government’s mouthpiece. The winds of change after 16 years have brought new life and breath to the media industry. Reading the letters to the editor column and opinion pieces, indicate the positive vibes brought about by the change. It is imperative that the coalition Government, which has won hearts in as many days since it was elected, ensures that all media organisations in Fiji have an equal playing field. For long some benefitted, while others were under scrutiny, and an equal playing field will allow media organisations to fully operate in an independent and transparent manner, something which has been lacking in the past. In the recent past, media organisations, which highlighted shortfalls, were on the receiving end, The Fiji Times being a subject of discussion in Parliament where it could not defend itself.
The role of an independent media
The openness with which our ministers are talking to the media is encouraging. Gone are the days when questions sent to ministers by journalists remained unanswered for days. In any true democracy, the media and journalists play a vital role as they disseminate valuable information which is used by citizens to make educated and well-informed choices. I’m impressed with the way our ministers have been responding to queries regarding their ministries. It is important that the government uses media in a positive way to disseminate policies and decisions that will affect the lives of its citizens. On the other hand, a media outlet must never lose its independence for short-term benefits, and must never exist to act as government’s mouthpiece. I’m thankful to the management, editor-in-chief and staff of The Fiji Times that the trusted brand continues to play a prominent role in safeguarding the freedom of the press and that journalists continue to forge forward with their pursuit of truth and human dignity, regardless of the political party in power. I expect nothing less from Fiji’s 153-yearold trusted brand!
Tribute to a print media contributor
The letters to the editor column are incomplete without the contribution of the legendary writer and my guru, Allen Lockington, from the Sugar City. Allen, who has been writing for many years, has set the platform for many upcoming writers and those who contribute to the letters to the editor column. His short, crispy and delightful letters have touched many and made a difference in lives. I was inspired by Allen, and when we became friends, he continued to encourage me to write, but stay away from political and sensitive issues that could jeopardise my job. He analysed my letters, opinion pieces and sports writeups and highlighted the areas of improvement. Apart from writing, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Allen had been at the helm of charity and humanity, assisting hundreds of families with food, water, basic necessities and medicine. His fun-loving, kind, compassionate and caring nature has made him a hero. He has always stood for what is right and has expressed this via his powerful writing. Many Fijians are missing Allen’s hive of activities normally shared on his Facebook posts. The letters to the editor column misses his letters. Thank you for being a loving and wonderful person, Allen!
Light at the end of the tunnel
Agni Deo Singh, who is our Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Minister, won the hearts of the employees and trade unions in Fiji with his statement on the tripartite agreement. It is pleasing to read that 15 years of uncertainty over the right of assembly, expression, association and to strike or picket with negotiations with employers fall through will come to an end soon. As a unionist, I welcome wholeheartedly Mr Singh’s assurance. The tripartite agreement, which will guarantee workers’ rights and business sustainability, will set the course in the right direction. In the past, workers in this country were denied their fundamental rights, for instance, the right to strike. The reconstitution of the Employment Relations Advisory Board will also set things right. I’m sure Mr Singh and his team will identify all the laws that are in breach of the ILO Conventions that Fiji is a signatory to and restore the fundamental rights of workers including the rights of trade union leaders. This assurance by Mr Singh brought smiles! Time for workers of this country to
enjoy their fundamental rights!
State assistance brings relief
The PM and his government is commended for the timely intervention to support families, whose combined annual income is less than $50k, with the $200 assistance per child weeks before the academic year starts. With the escalating cost of living, this assistance will bring much relief to parents who have been struggling to make ends meet. According to the PM, the Government decided to make the $50m back-to-school support available because of the higher-than-usual inflation and the fact that increased prices for any basic consumer items had stretched family budgets. Such good news by our PM and his team at the beginning of the