Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during budget consultation at Fiji National University Samabula Campus on March 20, 2018. Photo: Ronald Kumar.
Budget consultation
Pramesh Naidu, Suva
The budget consultations have begun with the first session for tertiary students at the FNU Samabula campus.
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The session was a very detailed presentation on the current state of Fiji’s economy.
The open floor system of questions and comments was very encouraging because everyone got to clear any doubts they had. A highly enthusiastic expectation has been set for all views to be taken into consideration and the very best financial report is delivered.
Another interesting thing about the consultation is the clarity in delivery by the Minister of Economy.
I believe everyone should take advantage of these consultations to give their views regarding the next financial year’s expenditure.
Job opportunities
Alipate Senikuta, Mata ni tikina Rewa
I write to acknowledge Jone Usamate and his innovative staff at National Employment Centre for their untiring efforts towards providing employment opportunities in New Zealand for youths from the Tikina of Rewa.
Materialising his words at Tavuya Village into action depicts trustworthiness in the uppermost degree. The onus is now on our boys to prove their worth and to achieve the purpose of their trip. The third batch left our shores on Sunday (18th/03/18).
Credit must be attributed towards his (Mr Usamate) smart strategies, through utilising the existing societal structures of various tikina during his recruitment initiative. In addition, I urge Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto to follow suit on the same approach in his next recruitment drive.
The slandering of recruitment processes by a former army officer on an overseas radio station is uncalled for and should not hinder his (Rear Admiral Naupoto’s) continual drive to provide employment to our children. If it is true that they (politicians) are championing the plight of indigenous people, then please be mindful that these children are one of our kind.
To that former army officer, publicly vilifying the educational status of our children abroad (Class 4) and to overtly ridicule their spaces for a sustainable career path speaks volumes of employment inequality and is an insult to us as parents.
Gone are the days of pernicious, colonialistic separationism between the children of the elite few and the sons and daughters of the underprivileged many.
This “divide and rule” attitude creates a malignant impact towards our children and poses an enormous threat to participative and inclusive economic contributive systems.
It increases the economic gap and raises the risk of societal disparity. Fiji badly needs leaders who equally distribute wealth concentration to all our present and future generations.
To the two gentlemen (Mr Usamate and Rear Admiral Naupoto), continue with the good work that you are doing because the struggling majority are silently eyeing your smart recruits.
Your peacekeeping assignments and the seasonal workers scheme have massively trickled down developmental accomplishments to innumerable households out in the villages. It rapidly achieves the 15-year Sustainable Development Goal (2030) in a short span of time, (one year).
As we are on the verge of the general elections, my simple message to all these political rivals is to play it clean and fair and not to the detriment of the people on the ground.
As the saying goes; “When there is conflict between two elephants, it is the grass that suffers most.”
Assistant ministers
John Brown, Lautoka
For the past four years assistant ministers in our Government have said very little in most debates.
I am of the view that the Government does not need assistant ministers. It will be a big saving for the Government and I am sure the Government will be able to use that money somewhere else.
Poor speed signage
Viliame Naulivou, Lautoka
I am writing to the concerned authorities on poor road signs along the highway to Lautoka City. As I was driving down from Saweni to Lautoka, it caught my attention when I was following the road signs along the way.
As I reached Wairabetia Junction, I saw the speed limit sign for 80 km/hr. About 400 metres away from the sign was a hump with a do not reduce speed limit sign.
In my opinion, there should be a speed sign along the corridor and I strongly suggest that the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) lift its standards in ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
On the contrary, as I was approaching Natabua junction - a busy highway - I could not see any speed signs.
Further down the road when I approached the Navutu roundabout, I finally saw the speed limit decrease to 60km/hr. At the back of the sign it was written 80km/hr. Along the highway from Navutu to Wairabetia junction it’s a full 80km/hr.
However, most drivers are driving 40km/hr to 50km/hr. No doubt there is an increase in road accidents. This shows that the concerned authorities are not aware of these issues.
It is high time the authorities and FRA are vigilant to ensure the safety of the society. It is disappointing to see that Land Transport Authority (LTA) is more concerned about booking vehicles, but not aware of the failure of road signs.
I strongly urge the authorities to take note of cases of poor planning of road signs.
Today, road accidents are increasing and there is little effort being made by the authorities.
Therefore, it is time to work together to reducing the number of road accidents.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj
