Congratulations to the new Roko Tui Bau

Taitusi Sokiveta, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Congratulations to the newly nominated Roko Tui Bau Ratu Tavanavanua.

A direct descendent of the first Roko Tui Bau who with my Rokowiri ancestors were the first two families to inhabit Bau Island and also created the first village on the island which is in existence to this day.

Bau Island was known as Ulunivuaka Island until the first Roko Tui Bau changed the name to Bau Island, the Roko Tui Bau and my ancestors, the Rokowiri came from Nakauvadra with Vueti, head of the migration and relative of Lutunasobasoba.

They first settled in Nayavu Village, Wainibuka and established their first houses, their house foundations were called in iTaukei yavu.

When they left, the village was called Nayavu to this day.

The Roko Tui Bau’s foundation still stands today in Nayavu Village, Wainibuka. Then from Wainibuka, the Roko Tui Bau and the Rokowiri settled on Bau Island.

Their yavu in iTaukei on Bau Island was the first yavu on Bau or house foundation.

On that island to this day, everyone else’s ancestors came later from somewhere else.

Again, congratulations to Ratu Tavanavanua, the new Roko Tui Bau!

Thank you International Women’s Body

Dewan Chand, Suva

I write to thank the International Women’s Association for providing $60,000 for upgrading facilities at the Maternity Wing of the CWM Hospital.

It is very generous and thoughtful.

Dr James Fong was delighted that this upgrade will provide much needed privacy for the nursing mothers.

However, I am puzzled by the recent mind boggling revelations at the Road-show hosted for civil servants by the Minister in-charge of the civil service.

According to media reports a sum of $14 million was returned to the government’s central fund.

This was a budgeted amount for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

With this fund the Health Ministry could have easily built parking facilities at major hospitals, a new National Diabetes Centre, installed hand washing facilities at all hospitals and health centres, provided toilet paper and paper towels/air hand dryers and liquid soap and so on.

But somewhere along the line the hospital administration failed to do all this.

Is this due to a lackadaisical attitude on their part or is there a glitch in the system.

Whatever the reason the Ministry of Health and Medical Services needs to come out clean and explain to the people what went wrong!

Fijian tax payers demand an explanation.

What termite solution?

Mohammed Imraz Janif, Lautoka

Termite infestation has wasted a lot of resources. It is wreaking havoc in so many communities.

One of the solutions suggested by the concerned authority is to light controlled fires in the evenings which attract the termite swarm.

But this is a cheap band-aid solution. Lighting mass fires add to an already escalating problem of global warming.

It is disrespectful to our Prime Minister who is heading the delegation to fight global warming.

It disregards the plight of all Fijian and Pacific Island citizens. We are the ones who will be affected foremost.

Surely the concerned authorities should have a better alternative solution.

Make amends to improve

Spencer Robinson, Suva

Time really flies as the COP23 Climate Conference is a few days before commencement and the fact that Christmas is just two months away! After this we will be embracing the new year, 2018.

The months of November and December are usually known for Office/Team Christmas Break-up parties or get together as we rapidly approach the conclusion of 2017.

It is where there are lots of “drinking” (alcohol and kava) and less eating.

Perhaps that could be the other way around for some.

Nevertheless, please enjoy, drink responsibly, eat sensibly and continue with exercising regularly.   

There is always the occasional quarrels and brawls resulting from excessive consumption of liquor and the scenes where people say they are fine (okay) to drive even though they had been drinking or are already showing symptoms of being “drunk and disorderly”.

The drama I tell you! Like I said drink responsibly and say no to “drink and drive.”

Perhaps it is only wise that we reflect on our achievements and failures for 2017 and make amends for improvements in 2018.

Spending time with our family members is perhaps the best thing one can do as we approach the festive season of Christmas.

No matter what, our family will always be our family in good and bad times   Finally, never forget to always embrace the true meaning of “Christmas!”

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