Foot crossing

Suresh Chand, Nadi

Apart from two foot crossings which are far apart on the Main Street, there is no other in Nadi Town. This is forcing people to cross everywhere which is not only dangerous but slows traffic flow too. I believe the one near the ANZ Bank is well-positioned and safe to use but the one near the FNPF construction site is too close to a busy traffic intersection which is very dangerous for all concerned.

I think authorities might consider locating it at a safer place. Also, there is an urgent need for creating more market foot crossings for the general benefit of all in town.

Please also look at the issue of a shopkeeper illegally allowed manning a “NO PARKING” sign which gives him undue advantage blocking a metered parking space for his personal use near ANZ crossing in Nadi Town.

I don’t think this is fair to all. Let’s make our tourist town attractive and safe so that more and more visitors come all the time.

Embracing values

Spencer Robinson, Suva

Regardless of how big or small organisations are – there is one common feature that is prevalent in the ‘values’ they embrace. The Collins English dictionary defines “values” as “the moral principles and beliefs or accepted standards of a person or social group.”

Team work is one of these values that organisations commonly uphold.

Team work is a very important pathway to success.

While they are numerous definitions of this ‘value’ in the literature, a simplified definition would be “individuals or groups working together towards a common goal.”

In most organisations you would go to, it would be visible to see the presentation of the vision and mission statements as well as the values of the organisation.

This is regarded as important information for customers and the public at large to appreciate and understand the goals of the organisation.

However, the question arises on whether all organisations are working towards and upholding the multiple values that are elegantly displayed in the reception/inquiries section or are they just simply shown for ‘decoration.’

Through team work organisational goals and objectives are achievable.

This depicts the importance of employees within the organisational hierarchy playing their respective roles towards clearly set goals and objectives.

When an employee or a group do not perform to the best of their ability, the result is indeed a failure and sometimes catastrophic.

Someone once said that, “we are not here in this world to belittle one another but to support and help each other.” This is perhaps one of the greatest essence of life.

So whether it is at the work place, school or at home, helping one another with a kind heart will allow the fruits of our work to ‘stand up tall like a light house and shine.’ Therefore, “actions speak louder than words” so please ensure that the true meaning of ‘team-work’ is readily shown and embraced at all times.

Be safe

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

Stay safe during this school holiday. Vigilance is the key to protecting children over the school holidays. 

Who is the boss of QVS?

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa, Suva

Thank you Amena for your letter (FS 26/11) regarding the current Queen Victoria School saga where 78 students were given notice to find another school next year.

We read that the Permanent Secretary for Education is not happy saying that his ministry was not consulted of this end of the year expulsion.

This brings out the question, “Who is the boss of QVS?”

Is it the QVS school principal, the QVS staff board, the Ministry of Education or the QVS Old Boys?

Lest we forget, it was not long ago when we all heard the former Minister of Education put his foot down and spelled out clearly that the Government or the Ministry of Education is the boss of Vulinitu (school of the chiefs).

This came out when the Education Ministry wanted students in maritime or outer islands to enrol at QVS instead of the QVS old boys connection or the whom you know policy.

I know the parent who spoke to the Fiji Sun is a staunch Christian and I believe his son has been unfairly and unreasonably included in the 78. Amena has highlighted the forgiveness and second chances through the Yellow Ribbon initiative for prisoners, so why the same can’t be given to the 78 students of QVS? Come on Ministry of Education, you are the boss of QVS and we all pray that you will do the right thing by reversing the compulsory expulsion order given by the school.

Movember and Prostate Cancer

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

A radiant evergreen Prostate Cancer survivor a former School Teacher, past retired Chief Magistrate, long time Civil Servant and now Chairman ITaukei Tribunal, the 76-year-old, Mr Aminiasi Katonivualiku story in the Fiji Sun on Sunday 26TH November is a talanoa that is very encouraging and should be motivational to all men irrespective of their age.

Vinaka Vakalevu to the Fiji Sun for highlighting his story and Sa Malo to OB Jope Tuivanuavou who is a great advocate for prostate cancer and his words of wisdom and his encouragement of our Weka to do the right thing and go get tested as there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Prostate Cancer is no longer a taboo issue or a joke for that matter, it is should not be about not subjecting oneself from the unnecessary suffering, their family and close associates, but a decision.

Aminiasi  had told me over a glass of beer at the Bowling Club earlier this year about his condition but I did not take it seriously, but I  am very grateful indeed from a determined elder of our society for coming out in the open and I would like to encourage all from the male category to Man Up, Get Tested.

I salute you sir, a great testimony indeed.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj