Cut out racist talk
Naca Nabutu, Nasinu
I totally agree with the sentiments expressed by the Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, on racist talk.
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We should not look at issues from a racial perspective because it is morally wrong and will not eliminate our problems.
When we get a cut, the blood that comes out is all red no matter which race we belong to. In his own infinite wisdom, when God created us, he made sure that certain physical characteristics are the same like the colour of our blood.
We have different blood groups and people of the same blood group can donate blood across ethnic and cultural divides.
An iTaukei can donate his blood to his Indo-Fijian brother if they have the same blood group.
When we go to the hospital for treatment, do we object when a doctor from a different ethnic group or religion comes to attend to us? Of course not, we just want to be seen by a doctor.
When we are waiting for public transport, do we catch a bus or a taxi driven only by someone from your ethnic group? Of course not, we just want to get to our destination as fast as we can.
When we want to eat in a restaurant, do we go to the one that is only staffed by people from your ethnic group? Of course not. It does not matter who is serving you. All you want is a nice meal.
Does it matter that a pilot of an aircraft or captain of a ship and crews belong to your ethnic group? Of course not. You just want to go from point A to point B safely. So what’s all this fuss about this indigenous issue?
We recognise that the iTaukei are the indigenous people of the land.
They, their land and natural resources, culture and customary practices are protected in the Constitution.
No one can take those away from them. But we are all equal when it comes to national issues. We are equal before the law and God. The Holy Bible says we are all God’s children and we are all equal before him. He loves each and every one of us. He does not divide us. He unites us and wants us to love each other and live together peacefully.
Despite this some people talk about doing the opposite in the name of indigenous rights. Let's all work together and focus on the issues that unite, us not divide us. Those who are engaging in the politics of fear and division are doing it to suit their own political agenda.
Talk about God
Sova Pace, Sydney
There was a lot of talk about God in Parliament. That was good. But was it genuine?
Those who really understand the nature of God will do the right things and say the right things too. Otherwise, I call them hypocrites. Hypocrites are those that say they believe in something but do otherwise. Those who have God’s spirit will respect other people’s views but not necessarily believe in them or follow them.
But God’s standards are clear. They stand for truth, equality, respect, obedience, love and forgiveness.
I hope that our conscience guides us to do good at all times. Because that is a Godly trait. I hope that when God tells us through his spirit that something we are saying is not good, that we will listen to Him. We need to know we will be held accountable by God for everything we think, say and do.
That’s why we have freedom of choice. We are free to choose what we want, whether it’s good or bad. But we are not free to choose the consequences of our choice. We will face the consequences of choice. When we make a wrong choice we will pay the price.
When we make the right choice we will be blessed. This is an eternal law and even God is bound by it otherwise He would cease to be God.
I hope that when the parliamentarians return to Parliament next year, they will watch what they say and do.
No one is exempt from God’s law.
Road cameras
Ronnie Chang, Nadi
Congratulations to Land Transport Authority for switching on all speed cameras and red lights from tomorrow December 10, 2018.
Going live two weeks before Christmas 2018 will put all offending drivers “under the radar”. This has taken a long time coming. Thank you, LTA.
Pay review
R Smith, Auckland
It’s positive to see the Fijian Government engaging the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to do a pay review in Fiji.
So many factors are involved in determining minimum wage guidelines. It is not a simple exercise. It is complex but when it’s done properly, it can be empowering and sets the proper standards.
Small employers make up an important group in the equation. Their views must be considered in this review too.
Human Rights Day
Neelz Singh, Lami
Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10 – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Why we celebrate and objectives of Human Rights Day:
Human Rights Day is the worldwide observance celebrated by the people all across the world to get the real rights for human beings. This day is celebrated to improve the physical, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing and welfare of the vulnerable group of people globally. Some of the important reasons of why we celebrate and objectives are:
n To promote the awareness about human rights among the people all around the world;
n To emphasise the endeavours of the United Nations General Assembly in order to progress the overall human rights conditions;
n To get together and celebrate in cooperation to discuss and highlight the specific issues of the human rights; and
n To encourage the vulnerable groups of people like women, minorities, youth, poor, disabled persons, indigenous people, etc to take part in this event celebration and political decision-making.
We need to stand up for our own rights and those of others. We can take action in our own daily lives, to uphold the rights that protect us all and thereby promote the kinship of all human beings.
Taxi permits
Shah Shariff, Savusavu
Our good government has given out so many taxi permits in the West.
The taxi with permits, which was sold for 70k three months ago, will go for 25k now. And I don’t need to state the reason why it will be sold for less.
I just hope our good government does the same for buses, rentals and land hire.
That will be some fun. Surely, one will lose and one will gain.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj
