Let’s light up 2015 together!

Pranil Ram, Nadi

Once again the ‘Festival of Lights’, Diwali has arrived. I believe Diwali has brought a lot of joy and messages for all Fijians as well.

Diwali, just like other festivals is just not celebrated only by Hindus but by people of all races. Diwali is more to what we may perceive it to be. It is more than eating sweets, lighting crackers, candles and diyas.

Once again it has come to remind us about putting away all our differences aside and working together for the betterment of the nation. We had our ups and downs in race relations. We had been living in through some testing times as secular nation. But let’s bury the dark days of the past.

It is time to rejoice and create bonding between individuals to increase togetherness in our communities.

It is a time to promote good relations and improve race relations as well. Diwali is referred to be as triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

It is also a time to empower our youths and upcoming generation with what is the true spirit of Diwali.

Let’s show the world we are one country with many cultures.

Let’s celebrate Diwali with its true meaning of peace, truth and hope. So let’s light up 2015 together. A very happy Diwali to all.

Good delivery           

Osea Sivo Naisau,  Ba

Though as always some may find loopholes. Many are happy and satisfied with next year’s budget.

With the reduction of VAT by six per cent, all ordinary citizens will benefit.

On last Sunday’s 4 the Record TV Programme Finance Minister Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum highlighted the need to tighten up specific loose ends in the business sector.

Especially in some supermarkets who are making profits by illegal means literally stealing millions of dollars annually in such well-organised unlawful activity.

Another critical area that Mr Khaiyum referred to is the need for experts to handle and do the job required in their particular field of expertise.

In reforming the civil service to boost performance and up the tempo of services provided. The Government of the day is making needed changes that will coincide with its local policy.

Which is to many is good and beneficial in the long run.

Though we have some Govt departments in all Towns, some locals had stated that the Lands and the TLTB offices is must in Towns where land is commercially used.

For in these past years, it had been the norm to travel to and fro to Lautoka or Suva. In order to complete the end product of a need.

Since its time consuming and a financial drain to continue with that to and fro movement.

How about bringing it closer to their doorsteps in order to lighten their burden. And in turn make the service easy and available.