Pensioners, safety and rugby
Drug bust
POVERTY and the lure of easy money is a dangerous combination.
This is why we see many drugrelated cases in this country.
The sad thing is that it’s the big fish who are the masterminds and often escape and it is the poor who get netted.
Any government which comes in power should ensure that they have a comprehensive social welfare policy and strategy in place to address the root causes since the stage of catching peddlers is akin to holding the wrong end of the stick.
AJAI KUMAR
Nadi
Pension issues
IT is pleasing to note that the Coalition Government has sympathetically considered the plight of more than 1500 pensioners.
They were affected by the imposed reduction of their monthly pensions since 2011. A total sum of $1million was facilitated in the December payout according to Minister for Women, Children & Social Protection honourable Lynda Tabuya (FT, January 17, 2024).
This has been well-received by the affected members and their families. However, there are other issues that have to be addressed such as the members have signed an agreement as a life time payment, and that money is the sole income for many as planned since early days. It took many years for them to derive such benefits as income, while on the other hand, it took less than a month in 2011 to inform the members about the reduction, because of reasons best known to the FNPF board at that time.
The members had to adjust to this loss for 12 long years only to receive pittance by the Government.
The hard fact is, there is a draconian law, which has not been rescinded. The Coalition Government has removed many laws that were against Human Rights etc.
Hence, I believe the law made by the FijiFirst government in 2011 must be revoked in order to see justice is not denied to those who may contest the case to seek redress in court as the board unilaterally denied the rights of pensioners by such reduction without any formal consultations.
If this is done than, there may be cases filed in court to payback the deducted amounts since the affected date circa, 2011 to August, 2023. This will be only fair and just.
Then there may be issues of interest as well.
Other options may be to allow the board of FNPF to make a settlement on gradual basis to the members as it has considerable income to be above the issues of high liquidity. The board has recently approved more than $700k to the senior executives late last year. Everyone feels that the management is in the safe hands, while on the same pitch, it must ensure no former contributors are affected. It had been largely the members’ support towards FNPF from many years that FNPF now has assets in billions! Legally, I believe no government allows personal debt to be owed by any person at any time, in this case if the affected members are not paid arears as pensions, then there is civil debt. The Government of the day must see this from legal aspects as well.
Finally, no member knows how much was taken out from the 1500 members in 2011, and or, where the money was utilised. It was no fault of pensioners but their sacrifices had to make them suffer for a long period of time. Once again, thanks to the Government and hope it will do more justice as per the points and issues raised herein.
KESHWA NAND KRISHNA Nakasi, Nausori
Road carnage
I JOIN Diwan Chand (FT 11/1 - LTE) and other letter writers alerting us with messages for everyone’s safety on the road.
The Fiji Times’ editorial continuously reminds us to avoid road accidents at all costs.
It’s sad to note that many road users take it lightly, causing road carnage.
Road safety first.
TAHIR ALI
Hamilton, New Zealand
Yellow cards
THE number of yellow cards dished out at the 2024 McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s is a huge worry. Discipline is a big problem. Fiji Rugby Union must pay special attention.
Too much youthful exuberance and individual play need to be addressed. Does a FRU statistician have any record of yellow cards given throughout this tournament? Sevens rugby must bring into close scrutiny these disciplinary issues.
RONNIE CHANG
Martintar, Nadi