Student leaders

Gender-based violence

IT appears there is a new pattern of violence against women and girls in Fiji now.

When is our Government going to listen to the plea of normal citizens who are calling for a national forum on this social issue before we have another woman or girl viciously killed?

JIOJI MASIVESI CAKACAKA Tadra-Votualevu, Nadi

‘Smart borrowing’

I USED to think Sri Lankans are the smartest people in the world. They are CEOs in private companies in Fiji, magistrates, judges and engineers in Fiji.

Now I have changed my mind after our A-G has said they need to learn “smart borrowing”. I think our A-G should get all these university economists like Dr Biman, Dr Narsey and lawyer Richard Naidu and teach them “smart borrowing”.

SUKHA SINGH

Labasa

Sincere apology

BOTH my wife and I are early risers. She likes to listen to bhajan while I like to read the Washington Post and the New York Times to find out what’s happening in the world — mostly to see if Trump has been jailed.

Yesterday morning was different. My wife said I needed to publish an apology in The Fiji Times. I was stunned at her unexpected suggestion and wondered silently what must have provoked her to say that. I started to consider when should one apologise: when we wrong someone we know, even unintentionally, we are generally expected to apologise. The person we hurt feels entitled to an admission of error and an expression of regret. We, in turn, try to diffuse the situation by saying, “I’m sorry”, and perhaps make restitution.

But what had I done wrong to apologise? I would not even hurt a fly — lizards maybe. I could not think of anything. So, I finally asked her why. “I thought you would never ask,” she said coyly, “let me count the ways.” I thought you used that line as a follow-up when you say “How do I love thee?” But my wife is different. She still has me guessing even after 50 years of being married.

“For starters” she continued. “Why do you have to insult politicians all the time?” I said, “I am insulting them. I am describing them.” “See what I mean?” she said, “you are not even acknowledging your mistake. And then you go on to say how crooked lawyers are, how unethical realtors are and how bigoted priests are. Who are you going to be writing about next —mean mothers-in-laws?” Hmmn…I hadn’t thought of that. I love my wife for unwittingly being such an unending resource for my letters.

I can never win with my wife (I am sure most married men will agree) so the best course of action is to meekly acquiesce. So, dear readers, here is my sincere, humble and heartfelt apology – I would like to apologise to anyone I have not yet offended. Please be patient. I will get to you shortly.

I hope that satisfies my wife. After all an apology is an apology, right? Maybe I will run it by a lawyer. I know what you are thinking… yeah good luck with that.

ARVIND MANI

Nadi

Just cruising

HE cruised down the highway,

at least it was not so busy today.

He ensured that he kept within the speed limit,

to avoid getting a speeding ticket.

There was no use in rushing,

it was better to be just cruising.

It’s much safer to arrive at your destination, a bit later than planned, then to be dead on arrival, in a way that’s unplanned! EDWARD BLAKELOCK Admiral Circle,

Pacific Harbour

RECENTLY I have watched with deep interest the prefects investiture ceremonies in various schools. My heart goes out to each one of these students who have opted to be student leaders (appointed or elected) of their respective schools. As a former secondary school principal I have gone through the thrill and euphoria of prefect investiture ceremonies.

Prefects and the students council play a vital role in running the affairs of a school in conjunction with the teachers. Channels of communication open up as each class prefect becomes the voice of his/her class. Regular feedback to the staff in charge gives the school administrators the pulse of the student community. Student council meetings are a great source of information.

Students with excellent academic record and leadership qualities are elected/ appointed as class prefects or head prefects to carry out a variety of school responsibilities ranging from classroom duties to compound cleaning, sports activities boarding buses or any other school activity. The prefects must ensure that the task at hand is executed smoothly and efficiently.

Prefects act as ambassadors for their respective schools through their good behaviour, promoting ethos and values of their schools. Their exemplary behaviour encourages other peers to follow suit. Maintaining discipline and solving problems is yet another important aspect of a student prefect.

Students council is a great leadership learning opportunity. Here the prefects learn how to chair meetings, keeping secretarial records, asking questions and debating student related issues. Carrying the voice of the student community to the school administration.

I wish to warmly congratulate all class prefects, general prefects and the head prefects in their appointment. It is a great honour and a great privilege and opportunity to lead and learn.

Never let your alma mater down!

With best wishes and warm regards.

DEWAN CHAND

Donu Place,

Namadi Heights, Suva