Stop discrimination

Penitiko Taoi (Jnr), Suva

Women all over the world have come a long way in terms of fighting for their rights, freedoms and standing up against a patriarchal society.

A vast change has also taken place over the decades for women here in Fiji because they have been representing themselves in the public and private sector and have succeeded holding prominent positions in certain male-dominated fields. However, what concerns me is the discrimination that still exists in society, which needs to be highlighted before it becomes a norm.

This discrimination is in the form of revolting sexual messages towards our female population stuck or mounted on various parts of our private and public transportation.

These messages hinder development of women in society by bringing that old ancient mind-set, which is not needed for a developing nation like ours.

As a concerned citizen I think that this is disappointing and very sad and reflects the ignorance of drivers and vehicle owners; it maybe a right but rights come with responsibilities!

Therefore, I suggest that the authorities concerned consider this issue and impose strict laws which will involve the ban on the sale of these materials and hefty fines for those who use it.

Lastly, for the male population, let us keep empowering women in every aspect of life and let us continue to create a better supportive mechanism at our homes which will ensure positive development for our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters.
Rising sea level

Ratulevu Soronakadavu, Kadavu

Being an islander, I am concerned about the rising in sea level and its immediate effect and aftermath that continuously plague my village of Tabuya in Kadavu.

The rising sea level has dramatically affected the landscape of my village’s shoreline.

Over the years, we have seen, what used to be a sandy beach running along the coastline turned into beds of beach rocks unearthed by king tides, coastal currents, sea level rise and flood waters.

Coconut trees that used to act as barriers when the king tide occurs, are now either halfway down the ground or completely uprooted.

This is because the sand and soil that used to hold the roots down are being washed away by the rising sea, over time. With the eroding coastline and no barrier to break or slow the rising sea, the village is left vulnerable to flooding caused by king tides.

Building a seawall along the coast to stop or slow down waves entering the village would be a band-aid solution.

In the long run, it would be practical to relocate the entire village inland.

Government, stakeholders, community elders and villagers should meet and discuss action that needs to be taken with appropriate measures put in place to protect the villagers and the village and people should hold to account developed countries who contributes immensely to climate change which directly contribute to global warming raising the sea level.

Developed countries should strongly be reminded that they are the biggest contributors to climate change while we become the victims of their greed and quest for power.
Prevention from STDs

Praneeta Shivajalee, Nausori

With the expanding number of positive HIV cases in our nation, it is significant that some extremely proactive advances are taken by the State in preventing its spread.

I believe one spot where trade of blood can happen unknowingly through minor cuts is the barber shop.

It is practically difficult to discover a barber shop which has sanitisation offices for shaving equipment.

On the off chance that a barber shop is not sticking to wellbeing measures with shaving instruments, sharing tattooing equipment, the State needs to control that and issue a consistence declaration for it to work.

I accept simply changing the razor does not dispense with the risk in light of the fact that the device may have the blood of a tainted individual which can be passed on to someone else with a straightforward cut.

I trust these two arrangements in the 2013 Constitution takes into account State mediation, except if the State can demonstrate that it can’t.— (1) The State must take sensible measures inside its accessible assets to accomplish the dynamic acknowledgment of the privilege of each individual to open and satisfactory lodging and sanitation.— (1) The State must take sensible measures inside its accessible assets to accomplish the dynamic acknowledgment of the privilege of each individual to wellbeing and to the conditions and offices important to great wellbeing and to medicinal services administration, including regenerative social insurance.

I ask the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete to make a brisk move to shield clueless people from this fatal ailment.

I suggest to the ministry to undertake necessary precautions in protecting everyone from this fatal disease.
Food labels

Anilesh Prasad, Vatuwaqa

It is satisfying to note that the customers are wary now when out shopping and many read the data on the back of the bundle before a choice is made to buy it.

Gone are the days where the consumers in a grocery store were pulled in by the splendid hues and the wonderful wrappings.

The essential job of sustenance marks is to educate customers of the nourishment’s healthy benefits and fixings, its maker, wellbeing cases and conceivable allergens or some other possibly undermining food data.

This information enables individuals to choose whether they will eat certain nourishment, which is the reason sustenance makers put a ton of exertion into making ideal names for their item.

The products should have the items expiry date.

Food labels are an imperative wellspring of data about calories and the dietary benefit of the food.

In numerous nations the items have a warning as the caution labels.

This turns into the duty of makers to tell their buyers of any conceivable hazard or damage when utilising their items.

Absence of adequate cautioning marks or even deficient wording may bring about taking the items off the racks to ensure the clients’ safety.

Such rebelliousness is seen as a genuine rupture of the regulatory prerequisites.

Therefore, it is noted with incredible worry to see an expanding number of outside nourishment items on our store racks sold at a sensible cost.

The issue is that there are sustenance marks on the items however written in an alternate language separated from English in a little text style.

I have noticed a medicine for diarrhoea retailed in a chemist that had the whole direction in the Arabic language.

We should be aware of what we buy and devour and I trust that the dumping of such outside items will increment through this unscrupulous exchanging.

We as individuals on the less than desirable end would be appreciative if the Consumer Council could exhort us if there are any authoritative forces that would give us assurance on the issue.

The spread of the data in the right structure and language must be made.

I believe if there is then more audits must be conducted in the markets by the Consumer Council in a proactive measure to eradicate such dangers.

Non-communicable disease

Luisa Drigita, Labasa

It is really shocking to hear our loved ones dying from non-communicable diseases which is the highest health burden in the country.

Recently, a large number of Fijians have suffered from NCDs and there are cases of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney failure, heart attack and other related diseases being recorded every year.

According to the world health organisation, more than 100 million people in the world diagnosed with these diseases have improper diet, unhealthy eating habits, stress and obesity.

Preventive health measures, awareness and consultations are not taken seriously.

However, the best approach to this issue starts back at home in choosing the best alternatives for the family’s health.

My humble opinion is for everyone to take extra responsibility in improving their lifestyles by planting home grown vegetables and fruits for healthy and nutritional meals.

I wish to thank the Coca-Cola Games organisers and other sporting events for promoting sports that are essential for our health.
Terrorism and fear

Kushagra A Lachman, Suva

As a law student and a concerned citizen, I bring to your notice, the fear of a terror attack.

I urge local intelligence and security services to increase counter-terrorism capabilities.

At this moment in time, I see possible attacks as a threat to our peaceful nation.

All these global issues create fear and directly affect our well-being and security.

The despicable acts of terror that New Zealand experienced recently certainly require due diligence from appropriate agencies.

Frankly speaking, our agencies are not ready to counter a terrorist attack and it can happen anywhere, anytime.

I think I can protect myself from other forms of violence, but I feel defenceless against terrorists.

Our special units from the armed forces and the police should increase their presence on our streets.

We have excellent military resources for use in the region when the situation demands in rare cases.

I urge all concerned citizens to call on the government to improve international cooperation and the sharing of information to combat terrorism and provide us with additional security.

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