The Fiji Times » Opinion

Editorial comment – Remove those derelicts

On this day back in 2014 we highlighted the issue of derelict vessels that littered the Suva Harbour. It is still relevant today! We suggested that if things continued the way they were going then, the people of Suva had to be prepared to see ships of all sizes, shapes and colours actually clog the...

Letters to the Editor – Saturday, March 25, 2023

Tribute to Joshco Wakaniyasi THE community of civil society organisations has lost a friend, a mentor, an advocate, a thinker, a strategist, and above all a leader of high standing. He championed the cause and issues of persons with disabilities, or differently abled people, with great courage, compassion and zeal that none of us can...

1953: A fateful year for Fiji

Greetings readers! Today I wanted to take you back in time to Monday, September 14, 1953, at precisely 00.26:34 the deadliest and most destructive earthquake seen in Fiji’s history struck our island nation, particularly Suva. The force was magnitude 6.8 with a depth of 10kms. Unfortunately, there were eight known fatalities that were reported, five...

Editorial comment – All for Education

There was joy at the start of the school term this year when the Government announced financial assistance for families. Families applied to get assistance to send their children to school. It was savoured to the brim. We place great value on education. And that’s the way it should be. The placing of value that...

Toward sustainable fiscal consolidation – Rethinking taxation and spending efficiency

Last week, I discussed how fiscal consolidation measures such as tax hikes and spending cuts could potentially be detrimental to an economy that is on a recovery path following a major economic crisis, and with dynamics such as Fiji’s. I had stated that there are other measures such as broadening the tax base, increasing spending...

Managing boxing

AT the outset, I would like to apologise to readers that this week we do not have an article totally focused on Citizenship and Belonging. Instead, it is being replaced by one on boxing in Fiji (interspersed with some crosscultural references) for a number of reasons. One, boxing returns to Suva this weekend with a...

Letters to the Editor – Friday, March 24, 2023

Rest in peace Ratu Epeli Fijians received the news of the passing of Ratu Epeli Ganilau. Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka described Ratu Epeli as a humble officer and a gentleman. He shared that Ratu Epeli’s forte was his quiet determination and love for those under his responsibility. He said that Ratu Epeli was a decorated officer....

Editorial comment – Overcoming challenges

Sometimes we need stories that will give us a reality check about life in general. Read Josaia Turagacati’s story in the Business section today and be inspired. Better known as Josh, this barber is a man of many talents. Now he owns and runs his very own barber shop in the heart of the Capital...

A new phase: The future of Fiji’s tourism industry is green

Under turquoise seas a unique cornucopia teeming with marine life awaits those lucky enough to holiday in South Pacific nation Fiji. Visitors here are welcomed with open arms. Tourism is vital to the lives and livelihoods of everyone in Fiji. Now rebounding strongly after the pandemic forced a virtual shutdown, Fiji’s tourism industry faces a...

Letters to the Editor – Thursday, March 23, 2023

Labour migration crisis THIS crisis has exacerbated given that more people are leaving under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme or via other agencies to either Australia or New Zealand. There are more and better opportunities and demands are higher in these countries. Therefore, competency-based labour markets are either depleting or draining out, thus...

Editorial comment – No time to waste with waste

Now that the Lautoka City Council has revealed plans to relocate its dump site, there will no doubt be attention focused on the move, and some joy. LCC senior health inspector Salen Singh said the Vunato landfill was located near the coastline and this posed an environmental risk. He said one of the serious concerns...

Mental health help

MANY people face mental health issues that arise out of things they go through in their lives. Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions, that is, disorders that affect mood, thinking and behaviour. Some examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and...

Letters to the editor – Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Hidden statue I WAS at the Government Buildings yesterday and couldn’t help noticing that the statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna is slowly being overwhelmed and hidden by the flamboyant tree branches and leaves growing nearby. Since his public holiday is being resurrected, I was wondering if something could be done by the powers that...

Editorial comment: Children and drugs

The revelation that some children living in Public Rental Board (PRB) flats around Suva were allegedly being used to sell and courier drugs is cause for concern. PRB general manager Timoci Naleba made the revelation during an interview with the media last week. He said it was one of the reasons closed circuit television (CCTV)...

Pacific marine invasion

Marine invasive species are an ecological and economic threat to Pacific nations, the founder of a New Zealand-based ocean conservation and science organisation says. James Nikitine, who founded Blue Cradle in 2020, said species of algae, mollusks and worms could travel around the world and “invade local ecosystems” by hitching a ride on the bottom...

Letters to the Editor – Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Heart-breaking loss Heartbreaking as the Queensland Reds survived a furious Fijian Drua finish to post a 27-24 win in Brisbane and climb the Super Rugby Pacific ladder to sixth place. Filipo Daugunu won a crucial turnover in the 79th minute to repel the momentum of the Drua. It was the Reds first game at their...

Editorial comment – Fighting RHD!

The revelation that rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects one in every 50 children in Fiji, with 4958 active cases in the country now is cause for concern. In fact it should attract a lot of attention! Speaking at a World Oral Health Day workshop in Suva yesterday, Dr Hinal Tailor, the pediatric registrar at the...

OPINION: Pacific aid strategy

When security experts are offering advice to the Australian government on how to do development in the Pacific, you know that winds are changing. Couple that with Pat Conroy’s declaration that he wants development to take over DFAT and there’s no doubt: development is having a renaissance in Canberra. But what’s a policymaker to do?...

Letters to the Editor – Monday, March 20, 2023

What can we expect in Hong Kong We are only two weeks away from the prestigious Hong Kong 7s and Fiji’s loss at the 47th Marist finals served as an indicator that we could be expecting nothing but the worst. To be bundled out by a local club in a spectacular fashion is the least...

Editorial comment – Our water challenges

It is good to know that 70 per cent of the water system along Suva to Nausori was restored as of midday yesterday. This followed a major shutdown at the Waila Water Treatment Plant on Friday. Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, while acknowledging the water woes faced by residents at the weekend, said it...

Overcoming hardness of heart and toxic appetites

International Woman’s Day, celebrated on March 8, was filled with both celebration and lament. This newspaper gave space to the powerful stories of our women as they experienced triumph and loss. What International Women’s Day again revealed is that, sadly, our social realities are also our social ills. Domestic violence remains a too familiar experience...

But that’s our policy!

Some years ago, when I was employed at a premier retailer, an American tourist bought an expensive watch for her husband’s 50th birthday. When she went back to her home in Washington, DC and gave the watch to her husband, he was overjoyed and gave her a long passionate kiss. Then he wore the watch...

Opinion

Letters to the Editor – Sunday, March 26, 2023