QVS 78: Find another school

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Delainavesi

The sorry dismissal of 78 QVS students as reported (FS 24/11) reflects the strong treatment they face in schools.

Although expulsion is part of the school culture, it is unfair that we are preaching forgiveness and second chances at the Fiji Corrections Service, that is with Yellow Ribbon initiative, while a different thing is done in schools.

I thank the Permanent Secretary for Education for coming in.

Road deaths

Steven Chandra ,  Suva

Despite numerous pleas and awareness on speeding, many drivers still aren’t changing their attitude. But the truth remains that two skilled young men (contributing to our economy) are no longer with us. This is a loss to Fiji.

Concrete barriers similar to those on Nausori Bridge half a metre-high should be built to separate opposite lanes. Therefore eliminating overtaking onto opposite lanes, avoiding head-on collisions.

As for pedestrians crossing along the highway certain areas with one-metre openings should be allowed.

Privilege parking

Satish Nakched ,  Suva

Many people living with disabilities have fewer economic opportunities and this is largely due to the lack of services available that was mentioned in Ba during the International Day for Persons with Disabilities the past week.

It was also stated that a good ten per cent of the total population falls into this category and I believe this might grow in the years to come.

In Fiji, we normally view the wheelchair users as such people but there are others with vision, hearing, mental and physically challenged problems.

I believe this group of people’s needs are not catered for especially for the drivers.

In the city of Suva there is a lack of provision for parking for such disadvantaged people that will enable them to lead autonomous and independent lives. These parking places increase opportunities for the people to access shops and enjoy the lifestyle that many of us do.

Just recently after the completion of the new building at Grieg Street in downtown Suva, the Fiji Roads Authority allocated a parking space for the physically-challenged drivers with road markings to identify the special spot.

Another one is in front of a pharmacy beside the Post Office which is strategically located.

We are now witnessing some positive changes as to how we develop our towns and cities in line with the progress made in the other countries.

The rights and protection of the disabled are enshrined in the 2013 Constitution.

As we make progress in the infrastructure aspects of the development, our legislation and the bylaws, I believe are not in par with the changes that are happening.

I believe, we are not creating laws fast enough to facilitate the development of mechanisms and facilities to cater for the needs of the disabled especially those who drive vehicles.

The physically-challenged parking at both the locations is no different from the other spots and used by all. This is not legislated and has no enforcement powers.

At one such parking with very clear disabled parking signs in Suva I asked a Traffic Infringement Officer as to why there were other cars parked in the reserved spot.

He said that as long as the driver has paid and has a receipt there should be no problem. There is an urgent need to legislate such policies to eliminate discrimination for the less-privileged drivers.

Got the Bati

Spencer Robinson ,  Suva

The Vodafone Fijian Bati has really made significant progress in its pool matches and then beating New Zealand in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final spot against the best in the world rugby league -Australia.

While there was much anticipation by supportive fans at home and abroad for the unthinkable, the fact remained that the ‘Kangaroos’ were still a ‘one-of-a-kind’ team.

Regardless, our boys played their best and we must give credit for their sacrifice and teamwork.

The final score turned out to be 54-6 in favour of the mighty and strategic Australian team. It was indeed thrilling to watch how our opposition capitalised on our mistakes and showcasing high class skills, strength and consistency throughout the 80 minutes battle.

The Bati on the other hand displayed some classic action especially with the likes of Apisai Koroisau, Akuila Uate, Viliame Kikau and the lone try by Suliasi Vunivalu in the 60th minute.

We have a lot to learn from the best teams in the world of rugby league to continuously improve on our performance for the coming years.

All in all, the Bati have achieved so much in its campaign to represent our ‘island home’ and indicating that through teamwork goals can be achieved and lasting friendships are forged.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj