Bravo, Qiliho

Dewan Chand,
Suva

I write to commend the Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, for his courage of conviction in admitting that there is increase in crime by students below the age of 17.

He was speaking to the students of Natabua High School in Lautoka during their cadet passing-out parade function.

Commissioner Qiliho pointed out that the students were very fortunate to be living in times of great opportunities provided by their parents and the Government of the day.

Access to information is virtually at their finger tip. The onus is on the students to use the information responsibly and to their best advantage. He emphasised that information was power and it could be used or abused depending on who is using it. The Commissioner pointed out that juveniles were getting involved in serious crimes like rape, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies and serious assaults.

It is a matter of great concern for all Fijians when the custodian of law, the Commissioner of Police, has to warn students and the nation on the increasing trend in criminal activities. We need to sit back and think about why this is happening. Has society gone berserk, or is the family unit falling apart where the parental control on children is weakening? Have the teachers lost disciplinary control over the students, or have children’s rights have something to do with it?

I believe that there is something seriously wrong when parents and teachers are too frightened to discipline children at home and in school. The final verdict is the chaotic situation we are in now!

I am of the opinion that the policies governing our children need to be put under the microscope, examined and discussed openly without fear of reprisals.

Mr Commissioner, please be assured that I and thousands others share your sentiments on the issue.

Sporting babies

Floyd Robinson,
Nasinu

Do they deserve to be called Baby Pearls?

Well, based on their historic performance our very own Baby Pearls have displayed maturity, perseverance and determination to exceed expectations. Congratulations to the management, players and family members for their efforts.

Health, education and public utilities

Tukai Lagonilakeba,
Nadi

A noticeable trait and priority of this Government are in the public utilities development, education and health sectors.

It is an overhaul and our Budget enables the revolution of these very important sectors of our society. Vinaka vakalevu for the political will. Critics are entitled to their opinions, but life, service delivery and business for our caring Government goes on, irrespective.

All Fijians are benefiting greatly from the catching up our current Government is spearheading. After the announcement of our 2017-2018 National Budget these three areas have received the largest chunks. Of particular interest is the health sector where Government is selectively upgrading from the old to the latest health technologies that are now installed in our major hospitals throughout the country.

Specialist doctors from India are now taking our health services to an unprecedented level never before witnessed. A new specific kidney facility is now in place at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. Hopefully, we can soon have one set up in Lautoka and Vanua Levu respectively.

Great to note the increase in wages for our doctors and nurses, and our teachers in the education sector. I am particularly pleased to see the allocation of more than $150 million to TELS, which in turn indiscriminately grants the opportunity to include all and any of our Fijian children wanting to pursue their dreams in any field at any of our tertiary institutes.

It is now up to the parents, guardians and their children to proactively play their part so that they can productively contribute meaningfully to their personal lives and our country’s economy.

The National Budget is a winner for all Fijians, with no stone unturned, but so sad to hear of the Opposition and critic’s ungrateful remarks. Government can only try and do what is best but can never satisfy all at any one time.

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