Minivans

Taitusi Sokiveta, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

In 2013 I caught a minivan taxi from Nausori to Cautata Village, Vatoa and Waicoka.

It was the scariest ride I have ever had and I have been driving more than 30 years in the United States.

I sat in the front seat next to the driver.

The seat I was on was not screwed onto the floor, so whenever the van stopped I slid forward and when it moved again I slid backwards.

It was like riding a wave in the open ocean.

Then, to make it worse, the driver was speeding as if he was racing in a grand prix event.

I braced myself hoping I wouldn’t end up in a drain, ditch or rice field.

The Nausori-Bau Road between Naitalasese and Bau Landing had about a billion potholes.

Imagine someone speeding and dodging potholes at the same time.

It can be a very scary experience.

It’s so true that the seats on all minivans are so close to each other.

It’s like a packed can of sardines – no space or room to move.

It’s a money-making machine.

Road Deaths

Nitin Prasad, Suva

There has been an increase in the number of road accidents in Fiji.

One major reason for this is speeding.

I have also noticed that there are not enough Police checkpoints on the Kings and Queens highways.

We all know that human lives are very precious and it can’t be left to these careless drivers who ignore the road cautions and signals.

We should not show mercy to them.

They should be caught and punished.

The rules should be followed strictly to avoid these accidents.

The Police should be on our roads with speed riders and should impose heavy fines and licences, should be checked frequently.

Future Of The Nation

Avenai Serutabua, Serua

It is really heartbreaking seeing young people dying at an early age.

Isn’t it a national loss?

As a concerned youth of this nation, I would like to encourage parents to be more cautious about their children’s wellbeing, have more time with your children discussing their personal issues and ways to overcome it, tell them their purpose in life and how they can achieve a better life and bring sustainable development in the community and nation as a whole.

Youth are the building blocks of a nation.

It is a fact that the stronger the youth, the more developed the nation is.

Youths have a major role to play in the country’s progress, but because of some personal issues they are facing many new challenges in today’s society.

They have been afflicted by an identity crisis, lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem, a sense of hopelessness and confusion and ambiguity concerning moral issues and the future.

They have been trapped in a culture marked by discrimination, violence, and drugs.  Youths should be clear about their future and youths should be at arm’s length from bad company.

Youths of today can do a marvellous job for the nation.

The future of the country is in the hands of the youth.

On this International Youth Day (August 10), I am sending warm wishes to all youths around the country because we are the hope for the generations to come.

This is our time youths!

No Comment?

Dharmendra Kumar, Suva

It is indeed surprising!

No comments from the opposition on the Chinese hospital ship Ark Peace.

We have heard so many negative comments on the Government of China, but this time everyone is quiet.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj