Letters to the Editor, 5th July, 2017

Budget Allocation for FSC
Timoci Waqa, Nadi
Thank you Minister for Economy and the Bainimarama Government for the allocation towards the Fiji Sugar Corporation in the 2017 -2018 Budget.
We, in the sugarcane belt areas, now realise that you are really taking this industry seriusly compared to past governments.
The Chaudhry Government, Qarase Government and Rabuka Government were full of false promises during their terms in power.
None of them had ever done any reform and assistance like what we are going through now. I tell my friends here in Balevuto that we need to be patient with this Government.
When the message came through last Thursday night, it was like a New Year celebration here.
Now we will wait and see what the other politicians will come up with or what promises they are going to give us with the election campaign just around the corner.
Faulty streetlights
Wise Muavono, Lautoka
A few times I have tripped and almost banged my knee against the sidewalk because it’s dark due to faulty streetlights.
It also doesn’t help with the cracked footpaths along Drasa Avenue road.
I have decided to sue the concerned authority if I injure myself during one of these dark nights. Some might suggest I use a torch.
Sega bu, au tereni, sega ni lai cina lairo (No gramps, I’m going for a jog, not out searching for crabs.)
Excited Ministers
Sukha Singh, Labasa
Mahendra Reddy said he was very excited after his ministry got $960 million and so was Mr Bala.
Mr Bala is requested to decrease the 37 per cent increase in Labasa Town rates to what it was before the increase.
Please try to learn from the Minister for Economy where he has exempted all tax from people earning up to $30,000.
Please also note a lot of rate payers are unemployed in Labasa and we also have received a notice of our lease renewal from the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
FNPF casino
Narayan Reddy, Lautoka
The Government has given the approval for the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) to build a casino in Fiji.
I am sure our pensioners and members of FNPF still remember the millions FNPF lost in the MOMI project.
Most religious organisations will say no to investing in a casino and I am sure most Fijians cannot afford to gamble.
I just hope and pray that the casino project will not cost our pensions another deduction in their entitlement.
Please make the right decision because it is the workers’ money that might be at risk again!
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj