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Opinion
Opinion: Fiji’s bula spirit is alive
On Saturday November 26, the staff of Nabua Secondary School made a trip to Beachcomber Island for a staff retreat. There was so much sparkle and excitement as Denarau hosted visitors since the gloomy days...
Opinion: A hackers mind and the space race
It’s that time of the year when family and friends meet up and especially with the pandemic this may not have occurred for some time. I attended a wedding last weekend and it was sublime! No other words to describe it (Bravo Anthony/Chung families and Co). I hope this holiday season is good for you...
Opinion: Pacific cultures and human rights; bound by common values
Today, December 10, is International Human Rights Day, marking the day in 1948 when the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a way of committing countries around the world to values and principles which help to reduce the risk of another world war. The declaration sets out a broad range of...
Vet Corner: Fleas – More than just a nuisance
Fleas are more than just a nuisance! Dog and Cat owners are aware of the itchiness, hair loss and red rashes that happen with fleas, especially when the animal is allergic to flea bites. Fleas can do a lot more damage than that. Plague is caused by a bacteria carried and transmitted by fleas. This...
The democratic divided: Our military could be the big winners
RFMF Commander Kalouniwai’s “most important speech” on December 5 has been received with cautious approval not just in Fiji, but also in our important neighbours Australia and New Zealand, promising windfall benefits for all three countries. The “windfall benefits” are obvious for Fiji, if the election result produces a government that is democratic, respects the...
OPINION: A need for change; We must embrace it
The much-awaited 2022 General Election are taking place within a few days. Many citizens are quite anxious while politicians are running campaigns. Many are not sure who will win, however, many are certain that it will be a close call. Major opposition parties such as National Federation Party and The People’s Alliance have run good...
OPINION: Citizenship and belonging
The last article in this series highlighted how a sterling opportunity to share the reins of power, within a constitutional framework that actually mandated it and provided guidance on how to make it work, went begging because the Rabuka-Reddy vision was rejected by the electorate in 1999. That was the last in a string of...
Talanoa with Ajay Bhai Amrit: The final countdown
We are now heading into the final few days before one of the most anticipated and also talked- about election races in Fiji’s history. Whatever change or non-change that the public wants, it is in your hands as long as you vote. With the recent arrests of The People’s Alliance deputy party leaders Daniel Lobendahn...
OPINION: Soon we will all be free
As the clock rapidly ticks us forward to Wednesday, December 14, 2022, never has every waking hour been so precious to candidates of political parties running for election, as it is now. The stakes for the champagne-lifestyle types on our tab, are of course way higher for the FFP as it dawns on them that...
OPINION: Fear must end; And why I’m voting NFP
Fear is the common thread of Fiji’s last 16 years. The fear has changed over that time. It began in December 2006 with fear of “the barracks” or “the camp”. Now the fear is more subtle. Fear, if you work for Government, of being “sent home”. Fear, if you are in business, that “they will...
Letters to the Editor – Saturday, December 10, 2022
Resilient Fiji After a not so impressive performance in the Dubai 7s last weekend, coach Ben Gollings is quite optimistic that the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team will definitely bounce back this weekend in Cape Town. Pooled alongside the Dubai 7s champions South Africa and Hong Kong 7s bronze medal winners France will not be...
Editorial comment – Counting down the days
A day away from the start of the blackout period, there is a sense of great expectation in the air. The countdown is nearing the end as the nation looks ahead to Election Day on December 14. The political parties have raised the tempo in their campaigns around the country, hoping to round things off...
9th December
Letters to the Editor
Raising the tempo Indeed the political parties are raising the tempo heading into the final stretch of their campaigns to woo voters on December 14. Thank you Mr Chaudhry for reminding political leaders to campaign on issues of national interest rather than questioning an FLP candidate’s ability to contribute to meaningful discussion and debate in...
Editorial Comment: Intention to vote
Four days away from the 2022 General Election date of December 14, it seems emotions are riding on the shoulders of many voters as they go through the pre-polling process. Whether it is a yearning for improvements to infrastructure, construction and allocation of school quarters, assistance to construct a bridge, issues on education, or discussions...
7th December
Undoing Sir Mekere’s financial sector reforms
The November 2022 session of Papua New Guinea’s national Parliament witnessed a flurry of important decisions and debates, including on the impact of alcohol on violence, and the reinstatement of the position of Chief Secretary. Questions were also raised on the deferment by a week of the 2023 National Budget – the second time a...
Letters to the Editor – Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Military position It is absolutely uplifting to hear the Fiji military chief Kalouniwai tell his soldiers that the position of the military is “to honour the democratic process by respecting the outcome of the votes in 2022 General Election” (FT 6/12). The people of Fiji couldn’t have asked for a more assuring message from the...
Editorial comment – The final stretch
Pre-polling is on the roll, and as we count down the days to the big day on Wednesday next week, there will no doubt be interest focused on the power of attraction. However you want to look at it, one thing is certain, thoughts are flying, strategies are being discussed now and there is political...
6th December
Aim to achieve SDGs – Bringing the world together to solve global issues
The team at ListenGive Initiative and TheCreators2030 UN SDGs, Arts, Youth and Global Citizen Initiative has created a methodology that will help countries, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Fiji, achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The team is led by its co-executive director, Gail Davis-Carter. Ms Davis-Carter has served as both a...
5th December
End violence against women
As we head towards the end of the year, many of us will soon be surrounded by our family and friends sitting around dinner tables as we celebrate the festive season. Looking around the table and reflecting on the fact that, on average, every third woman you see will have experienced sexual or physical abuse...
Letters to the Editor – Monday, December 5, 2022
Fiji Airways success THE astounding story of how Fiji Airways made an astonishing recovery post pandemic is a must read for every entrepreneur craving for success. How they reorganised their operations from their loans, their costs and creating teams in readiness to spring into action the moment the gates were opened. Wow! Very impressive. So...
Editorial comment – Make it count!
Today 18,836 registered voters in 152 pre-polling venues across Fiji will be casting their ballots on the first day of pre-poll for the 2022 General Election. It’s part of the process that will culminate with the masses heading to the polls on December 14. Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, at a media conference yesterday, said...
4th December
Letters to the Editor – Sunday, December 4, 2022
Lessons for us in Dubai Suffice to adequately say it is rather sad and most unfortunate for our men’s 7s side to have failed to qualify for the HSBC Dubai Cup quarter finals. There are huge lessons to be learnt for this failure. Pre-tournament talks for top finish worked against us. Guess it made us...
Editorial comment – Counting down the days
As the Fijian Elections Office began packing election day materials at its warehouse in Laucala Beach Estate yesterday, we are reminded about the very important role we must play this month. Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem said the ballot boxes were prepared to be sent to their respective offices. He said packing would continue right...
