Lessons from the recent flooding!
NOW that floodwaters have receded and lives have returned to normalcy, valuable lessons have been learned. Firstly, there is a need to keep our surroundings clean and ensure drains are not blocked.
People must clean and clear the blocked drains surrounding their homes and ensure they do not throw debris, trash, plastics, wrappers, and bottles in the drains.
Communities were caught by surprise, as there were flash floods due to drains clogged with drains. In addition, drinking water must be boiled to avoid the spread of water-borne diseases. Furthermore, warnings given by those in authority must be taken seriously.
Despite being warned to stay away from flooded areas, children and adults were seen hanging out or swimming.
I’m thankful to NDMO and the Ministry of Education which took necessary steps to ensure that schools were closed, as flood waters posed a risk to their safety and lives. NDMO director Vasiti Soko has been a busy lady, with so much on her plate, but I commend her for being brave and handling the situation in a professional manner. We aren’t out of the woods yet, so precautionary measures must be put in place and taken- lives are at stake. Take care fellow Fijians! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM
Nadawa, Nasinu
Interview challenge
MANY have expressed disappointment that Vijay Narayan’s Straight Talk interview with RFMF commander Jone Kalouniwai (March 20) was soft talk with no solid substance.
I believe they had put their expectations too high. I knew the interview would come no where near the kind of interviews British journalist Tim Sebastian conducted in BBC’s Hard Talk. They were brutally honest and hard hitting.
Tim Sebastian carries on in the same vein as moderator of Conflict Zone and New Arab Debates on Deutsche Welle. So I was not disappointed with the Vijay Narayan interview because I had no false expectations about it.
RAJEND NAIDU
Sydney, Australia
Internet problem
I BELIEVE none of the internet service providers in Fiji are providing a good service for customers.
Every day we encounter problems when we want to liaise with our overseas clients, business associates, friends and families.
The major problem we face is when sending and receiving emails. When the server is down, we are stranded and bound to lose some important correspondence.
Also while chatting on the internet we frequently get disconnected and it becomes quite frustrating.
Our neighbours Australia and New Zealand do not face the same problems. Is it because we are regarded as a third world country that we get third grade service?
Hopefully all our internet service providers will upgrade their systems to provide us with a better service which we all deserve.
NAVNEET RAM (TD)
Lautoka
Pothole pain
WISE Muavono’s letter (Poor workmanship FT15/3) needs to be attended to urgently to prevent road accidents and damage to vehicles. There may be more loopholes than potholes that eventuates through poor workmanship. Let’s hope the “$40m paid to contractors through FRA” (FT 15/3) will be fully utilised to maintain road works as per contract. Or else those concerned in the mismanagement of funds be taken to task.
Road safety is life safety.
Safety first!
TAHIR ALI
Hamilton, New Zealand
Unravelling misinformation
I AM writing in response to one Raynav Chand of Nakasi, The Fiji Times of March 16, 2024. From the contents of his statements, it is obvious he seemingly has missed the boat. We respect the powers of the permanent secretary and all we are requesting is to uphold the rule of law.
Firstly, let me address the assertion he copied from PS Education Ministry that the unions are somehow favouring “elite members” over others. It is absurd for him to suggest that unions would prioritise the interests of a select few over the collective wellbeing of the entire membership.
It is the responsibility of the unions to hold the employer, in this case, the Ministry of Education, accountable for upholding the rights and entitlements of teachers as outlined in the constitution and relevant legislation.
Instead of perpetuating false narratives and engaging in baseless accusations, I would encourage you to seek a better understanding of the issues at hand. The unions are committed to advocating for the rights and interests of all teachers and are dedicated to upholding the principles of fairness, justice, and equality within the profession.
I urge you to educate yourself on the facts.
The unions will continue to fight for the rights of teachers, regardless of the misguided opinions of individuals.
MUNIAPPA GOUNDAR
General Secretary
Fiji Teachers Union
Different take
MR Naupoto, Opposition MP, has pointed out the Coalition for the increase in overseas departures. In my opinion, the Coalition has nothing to do with the temporary phenomenon. The spike in departures was influenced by study and work in New Zealand and Australia. And that was made possible by accommodative migration policy, to fill workforce gaps created by the closed borders between 2020 and 2021. And I am positive that Fiji should get back its fair share of returnees, in the near future. SAMU SILATOLU
Nakasi