Protest another day

Ronnie Chang, Nadi

For a small South Pacific Island nation like Fiji to be chosen as a venue for the historical 2019 Annual Meeting for the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank at the mecca of Fiji tourism, Denarau Island, is indeed an awesome opportunity for all in Fiji’s vibrant tourism industry – the backbone of Fiji’s ever-steady economy.

This globally important meeting, scheduled for May 1 to 5, 2019 must be allowed to proceed, unhindered.

Much pride, shining light and hard work to promote and protect our famous BULA smile cannot be allowed to suffer in any way, with every concern and respect.

As a “kai Nadi” through and through, I have watched and observed, in awe, the unbelievable steady growth of Denarau Island to what it is today – spanning some 40 glorious, and not-so-glorious years.

Denarau’s steady growth in its handsome contribution to Fiji’s tourism and gross domestic product will be hard to surpass.

I respect the call for union leaders’ call to a peaceful protest to be heard and to air their grievance.

You are better men and women. Please do not “use” innocent union members’ to further your cause.

I cannot fathom the time of this protest to take place on May 3. Now is not the time, please.

Vo na Momo, na Tui Nadi, Ratu Vuniani Navuniuci qu mata vavinavina ya. (To the Chief of Nadi, I want to thank you).

To all in Denarau’s tourism industry, please heed our Tui Nadi’s maturity, wisdom, foresight and call not to partake in any protest to dent, damage or hurt your employment.

Denarau’s pride, respect and dignity as a defining hallmark to Fiji’s tourism must not be blemished at this critical time.

Peacefully protest another time please.

Qu kerevia vo mutou kece na veivosoti biri ena gauna ni bose levu ko gile. Me dure kai- kai tu o Denarau. Vina du. (I apologise in advance for those who may be present at the protest. Let Denarau Stand Strong).

This great meeting of the Asian Development Bank’s brains trust is far too important for Fiji, the South Pacific and beyond. Benefits to all workers and their children are too enormous to allow any disruption to bring harm and disrepute “to the way the world should be”.

SODELPA loss

Simon Hazelman, Savusavu

How can Mere Samisoni say and prove that 10 SODELPA candidates lost the 2018 elections because the party headquarters violated their own policy objectives?

Whether the votes cast went to one or an- other SODELPA candidate, the number of votes cast remains the same! SODELPA are still reeling from the 2018 loss and can’t seem to come to terms with it!

Swallow the pride and move forward!

Human Rights violation
Apenisa Koli, Nadi

Human rights violation is a major concern in our society today. In Fiji for instance, nearly 3 to 4 separate cases of human rights abuse is reported in a week. These violations are rape, violence and molestation is common one in Fiji.

Regarding this issue, I would like to comment on the increasing number of rape cases in our country. Some weeks ago, a man raped his own 80-year-old mother-in-law. In relation to this, a pastor was also alleged to have raped one of his church member’s .

More cases are reported about rape and this is unacceptable in our society. As a concerned citizen of this country we need to stand up and address these issues publicly so that people can understand that this is not acceptable.

In trying to combat and eliminate the increasing number of rape cases, I do belief that we should all take responsibility. This should start with family.

Family is the foundation of our community and social structure. It is where children are taught to determine their futures. As a parent I would like to urge all parents and guardians to lead our children to a positive direction. Vinaka Vakalevu

Mess Up

Kaushal Kumar, Nasinu

Fiji TV got it wrong. They falsely claimed that the bus fare was to increase and misquoted the Attorney-General.

What a terrible thing to happen. Zero research, zero checking up on facts and a basic lack of proper and responsible journalism.

Furthermore, Fiji TV in their apology did not apologise to the A-G for misquoting him.

Fiji One News has regressed from its golden years to an embarrassment in journalism.

Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj