Parliament independence

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

Both members from the government and the opposition subject themselves to the supreme authority of the speaker of Parliament, Dr Jiko Luveni.

Her decisions or ruling within Parliament cannot be challenged in a court of law.

The SODELPA Party took the suspension of their MP, Isoa Tikoca to the Suva High Court to seek redress while also challenging the recommendations of the disciplinary committee of parliament to the madam speaker to invoke special powers vested in her and suspend Mr. Tikoca.

The landmark decision by the High Court reaffirms the supreme status of the parliament; it is the highest institution of the land and is a known and respected fact, the learned Roko Tupou Draunidalo was smart not to unnecessarily waste her time and money in challenging her suspension.

The Internal Affairs of this August House must be protected from outside interference to maintain its respected status.

That is Democracy.

Economic Development

Nitin Prasad, Suva

Travelling has been made more affordable; with Fiji Link’s lowest ever fare of just $65 one-way.

The announcement was made in Labasa by the Attorney General, and Minister for Economy and Civil Aviation, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North.

The Attorney General said the release of these $65 fares is excellent news for the people of Vanua Levu.

These low fares will allow more Fijians in Labasa and Viti Levu to visit each other more frequently.

Labasa students will find it easier to get to and from their tertiary institutions in the central division.

A lot more people, including tourists, will now fly from Suva to Labasa and also travel onward to other destinations like Savusavu.

Teacher Tenure – Reform

Abendra Ram Tahal, California, USA

A lot has been said on civil service reform, including the teacher tenure carried out by the current Government.

Education is the fundamental right of every child and should be guaranteed under the state constitution.

The teacher tenure, in other words, the term limits every teacher to renew the contract based on performance is not only a great idea but also an extraordinary system where the teachers are accountable for the child’s success in their studies.

It also safeguards the welfare of every child regardless of their learning abilities, race or sexual orientation.

The system also prevents incompetent or negligent teachers having guaranteed tenure and keeps them focussed on the students welfare as their primary goal.

I totally support and understand the hard and selfless struggle of teachers in seeing that students succeed as three of my siblings were high school teachers.

But on the same token the students welfare is the most important and primary matter in the classroom.

I still know some teachers who are associate, assistant and head teachers who excel in the education system and also the students who had achieved great careers deserved acknowledgment and to be rewarded for their hard work.

Many times it has been seen grossly, ineffective teachers are transferred from school to school in the hope that the problem will be improved.

This should be stopped as it affects students as well as the school system.  Instead appropriate action needs to be taken.

Response to Agni Deo Singh

Dewan Chand, Suva

I write to thank Agni Deo Singh, General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union in response to my letter (Fiji Sun 31/08/17). Yes, I accept the fact that my letter was not based on the facts as he has presented now.

I was merely responding to the perception created by the first Road Show hosted by Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at Jai Narayan College.

Part of my perception was formed by media reports and partly by the reactions of the teachers that I had spoken to and some by the coconut-wireless as well.

Agni Deo Singh has fully explained the reasons why the unions are opposed to contractual agreements vis-à-vis salary increases because it can have serious ramifications in the education sector.

My ultimate concern was and still is that teachers make well informed decision rather than being carried away by some sort of euphoria.

In the past we have made such mistakes and still regret it today. I do not want this generation of teachers to meet the same fate.

Derelict Ships

Satish Nakched, Suva

It was good news to read that the tender process to remove the sunken vessel Southern Phoenix from the Suva harbour is about to be completed.

Hopefully it is removed and taken care of before the next cyclone season sets in as the vessel will be more difficult to remove due to the massive movement adverse weather might create.

The Fiji Port Corporation Limited has issued a list of twenty one vessels that are partly submerged or completely under the water and the Southern Phoenix is at the top of their priority list as these ships are considered to be a huge risk.

The MV Suilivan which sank some time ago is nowhere to be seen in the listing.

I fail to understand why there is no effort to remove this ship.

The other one is stranded at the Port of Levuka while the third one is sitting merely a few metres from the road near Toki Village.

Two of the three ships mentioned belong to one company which was the result of the recent Tropical Cyclone but the MV Suilivan sank long before that.

Ovalau has one of the most beautiful natural sceneries and the sight not to be missed every morning is when the sun rises over the Koro Sea horizon.

Now the only sight that can be seen from the nearby resort is the image of the huge junk of the troubled ship.

I believe that immediate action must be taken by the relevant authorities to eliminate this visual and the environment pollution which has become a permanent feature of the Coastal Road drive.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj