Security forces, drugs
Official speeches
CAN the Coalition Government explain why its Cabinet including the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, and senior officials, who are themselves iTaukei, are continuing with the FijiFirst government practice of making the key official address, speeches, statements in the English language when addressing an audience which is either fully or predominantly iTaukei.
I tend to find this type of action not only unacceptable, but also insulting, repulsive, and downright disrespectful. It would be acceptable and understandable if the officiating minister or official is a non iTaukei.
SAVERIO BALEIKANACEA Delainavesi, Lami
GCC meet
MINISTER for iTaukei Affairs says preparations are underway for another significant gathering for our chiefs. What will be so significant for this meeting?
Looking after the interest and welfare of the iTaukei should be the main priority of that not so significant group of men. Sobo!
WISE MUAVONO Balawa, Lautoka
Tourism boom
THE tourism industry looks very promising with a $1.3b investment on the horizon, said DPM Mr Gavoka.
I believe the Coalition Government’s eagerness towards the nation’s economic recovery is crystal clear.
On the other side of the coin, “bogus” investors, drug related “packages” and prostitution are usually attracted as well.
We have to “upgrade” our border security capabilities and our investment regulatory requirements, to appropriate such booming prospects.
SAMU SILATOLU Nakasi
Fiji’s stand
THESE two articles in The Fiji Times of the same day ‘Fiji stands by Israel’ and ‘Palestinians seek end to Israeli occupation’ (FT 21/2) made me wonder so whose interest is Fiji serving — the oppressor or the oppressed?
RAJEND NAIDU Sydney, Australia
Future PM
TUKAI Lagonilakeba’s vision in The Fiji Times 18/2 is any Fijian could be Fiji’s prime minister irrespective of race, colour or religion.
It could be anyone’s guess who could be the next PM of the democratic government of, for the people, by the people. Help us God for a well blessed better Fiji tomorrow.
TAHIR ALI Hamilton, New Zealand
Army’s help
THE army rendering its timely assistance to combat Fiji’s drug pandemic sounds promising indeed (FT 21/02).
Our police officers can certainly use the military’s expertise in curbing this overpowering threat.
But first, corrupt cops involved in the drug trade need to be weeded out and kicked out of the force.
NISHANT SINGH Lautoka
Army ready to help!
READING pages two and three of The Fiji Times (21/02) scared me, as I pondered about the path of destruction that our youth are taking in terms of consuming drugs and becoming addicted to drugs.
The fact that children are shooting ice into their veins by sharing used needles is also scary.
What honourable Sashi Kiran shared (FT 21/02) is worrying as vulnerable kids are being targeted.
On the other hand, I thank the army for pledging assistance to police.
Once the forces join hands, addressing social ills will be easy.
The use of drugs is affecting children and the uphill battle our authorities face is real and challenging, so a joint effort is needed to curb the devastating impact of hard drugs.
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu
Army’s role
THE army being ready to help the police is a good thing, however, for a regular citizen as myself, this latest development makes me question:
■ The capability of the Commissioner of Police and his force;
■ The recent headlines of corrupt cops lurking within the police force, if not cleaned up!
What would that mean with the two forces coming together?;
■ The recent concern about section 131 (2) of the constitution and the army’s involvement in activities with the police and what that could imply?;
■ Where all the new recruits are going? It seems like the police force is still understaffed?;
■ Can we afford to support all these additional resources? and
■ No, the answer is not in making fast money through quick fixes like medical cannabis and casinos — both of which will multiply our current problems and drive us further into debt by eating up resources that can be better spent in the betterment of our nation or in paying off our debts!
NOLEEN BILLINGS Savusavu