The Fiji Times » Opinion

Editorial comment – Keeping a lid on complacency

The revelation that a 66-year-old man has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now recorded as Fiji’s 19th case, will receive mixed emotions. On one hand, it was to be expected given the fact that we were still receiving repatriation flights. This meant our border was open for returning citizens. Now the positive bit here...

Letters to the Editor – July 6, 2020

Reading culture IT is worrying that the book-reading culture is diminishing (FT 30/07). There was a time when people would pick up a book of interest and read at home, while travelling on a bus, while on the farm grazing cattle and in their free time. People also chose to read books written in their...

Editorial comment – Long tentacles of a pandemic

It is interesting that the Marriott International Fiji has acknowledged COVID-19 has had a huge impact on its business. In hindsight though, it was to be expected. As our report today states, as a result, Fiji Marriott Resort on Momi Bay and The Westin and Sheraton Resorts on Denarau Island will be consulting with each...

‘Critical juncture’ – Australian aid in five years time

In his article in early June, Stephen Howes said there was “a lot to like” about Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) new partnerships for recovery strategy. There was also a lot to like about Stephen’s blog. He ended by suggesting that the COVID-19 response strategy was too tentative to be convincing. My concern...

Letters to the Editor – July 5, 2020

Potholes pose a threat Potholes on our roads today are posing many threats not only to vehicles but to people as well. The Fiji Times 24/06 reported that a man was going through a second surgery at the CWM Hospital after he tripped into a pothole in Nasinu. How bad are our road conditions, that...

Editorial comment – Getting into survival mode

It was interesting to read about former hotel workers Viliame Tagisaya and Semi Waqa now being labourers on a sugarcane farm. As we reported yesterday, three weeks ago they made the switch from greeting tourists daily to battling the scorching heat in the cane fields of Drasa, Lautoka. They have accepted the cards dealt to...

Letters to the Editor – July 4, 2020

Rugby heading in the right direction Many fans expressed their delight with the prospect of seeing our Flying Fijians play in the expanded Six Nations tournament. If the dream comes true it will be a slap on the face of SANZAAR, for too long Fiji, Samoa and Tonga have been crying for the inclusion of...

Editorial comment – A different 4th of July

Today is an important day for the people of the United States of America. Much like our special day on October 10, today, Independence Day or the Fourth of July is significant for Americans. It means different things for different people. Americans around the world will reflect on many things today, ensuring the day is...

Opinion: Cultures that support reciprocity

COVID-19 has left few countries unscathed. Pacific Island countries make up many of the few countries still with no reported cases, and while this brings a sense of relief the Pacific is not untouched by the impacts of COVID-19 on primary sources of income. Tourism, a major industry in the region, has been particularly hard...

Talanoa: A silent killer

Bula readers, last week was the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and seeing that headline hit a chord within me that took me back to my childhood days. As an adolescent I studied in London before returning to my beloved Fiji and have so many fond memories and strong friendships with an array...

Opinion: So much we can do working together

The coronavirus is the most challenging epidemic the world has faced in 100 years. And for us in Fiji, it has created our worst economic situation in our 50 years of independence. More than any time before, this is a time for us to work together. But, you may say, politicians always say that. What...

Cybersecurity: ‘Securing your information assets including data and devices’

Today the Internet plays a major part in our lives – at home, work, school and at play. Yet this was not the case a mere decade ago. In 2010 you couldn’t do half the things we do online today – well not with any ease. As we become more reliant on e-everything there is...

Opinion: Cervical cancer can be treated; Stop the spread

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. About 90 per cent of deaths from cervical cancer occur in low — and middle-income countries. Effective primary (HPV vaccination) and secondary prevention approaches (screening for, and treating precancerous lesions) will pre-vent most cervical cancer cases. When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most...

Resolve issues: More questions than answers in USP saga

The USP Council has reinstated the vice-chancellor who was suspended by the executive committee. The Council found that the suspension of the VC was not correct and that proper processes were not followed. The failure to follow proper processes by the sub-committee of the council raises many questions about the extent to which council members...

Opinion: Has FNPF lost its way

A full page ad by FNPF (FT July 1, 2020) proudly announcing a 5 per cent interest payout to members, hides the fact that interest paid this year is substantially lower than the 6.75 per cent paid last year. The lower rate may be the result of a number of poorly performing investments made by...

Letters to the Editor – July 3, 2020

Addressing Lautoka market issues We thank Natasha Becky and Rahul Prasad (23/06) for highlighting issues in relation to the operation of the Lautoka market. Lautoka City Council appreciates feedback from the ratepayers, vendors and users of our facilities, which helps us continually improve and upgrade our services. LCC has increased the frequency of cleaning up...

Editorial comment – A step in the right direction

The revelation that the Flying Fijians could join the Six Nations competition with Japan as guest teams in an expanded eight-team tournament later in the year once restrictions are lifted is interesting. Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer John O’Connor sees the opportunity as a breakthrough for Fiji rugby. Fijian fans will see it as...

Letters to the Editor – July 2, 2020

Sivo shatters records in the gym Reading that Maika Sivo is shattering gym records makes me wonder what must be going through Tedesco’s mind. Pranil Ram Votualevu, Nadi Prove yourself The two articles on The Fiji Times sports back page (01/07) complement each other and proves that commitment and hard work are required in order...

Editorial comment – Keeping the focus on COVID-19

It’s interesting how things have changed over the months since the announcement of our first COVID- 19 case in Lautoka. As the pandemic continues to grip the world, we aren’t immune at all. On the international front, the CNN reports that China is just one of several countries trying to produce a vaccine for the...

Letters to the Editor: Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Suspension lifted, SODELPA’s back There was some joy for SODELPA supporters as the Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem, announced the lifting of SODELPA’s suspension. Emele Duituturaga was confirmed as SODELPA’s new general secretary. Furthermore, the party’s acting president Vijay Singh and the acting vice presidents Ratu Epenisa Cakobau and Jone Lesuma issued a statement...

OPINION: Plant a better future

As the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic continues to reverberate, for Pacific Island countries such as Fiji, access to productive lands has meant that agriculture has again gained prominence as a potential powerhouse for livelihoods, food security and to stimulate economic growth. Reset Fiji focused on agriculture The panel provided a sobering analysis of the...

Editorial Comment: Exciting times for women’s soccer

The confirmation that the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand is like a breath of fresh air for soccer in the region. Scheduled for July and August, the event will shift the focus of attention on to our region. The fact that NZ are hosts means they have...

Opinion

Letters to the Editor – July 7, 2020