Truth about the chemical spill

I refer to the above article in your local news column of your paper in yesterday’s issue where the CEO of FSII, Benjamin Afuga claimed that he had unsuccessfully attempted to talk to our management over the incident. That claim is pure nonsense. Our telephone lines and e-mail contacts are open around the clock and…

Rural and urban divide: Lessen the gap

I am writing this article from the provincial capital of the Western Province, Gizo. The last time I visited Gizo was in December year 2000. There were some obvious developments in Gizo over the last 14 years. These include new shops and buildings, new hospital, and more vehicles. Just to name a few. However, the…

The World Cup is here – Enjoy it

THE 2014 World Cup is here – host Brazil taking on Croatia in the opening match. This brings an end to the long wait of the nation’s football lovers, who have been eagerly waiting to see their teams and stars shine out on the world stage. We thank Our Telekom for bringing the tournament free…

Correctional Services trip to Fiji

DEAR EDITOR – As correctional officers concern, we believe it is our right under the constitution to express our concern regarding the visit that was approved by the Commissioner of Correctional to Lotus Fiji that two acting deputy commissioners have taken. Our concern is that, is the trip value for money? Is it necessary for…

Assessment before planning

DEAR EDITOR – Spare me few lines to share my humble view on the OBE issue. Learning is a mutual process. Both teachers and students should be able to understand and learn from each other. Students should not alone listen and conscripted to follow instructions, but be able to share their views and opinion freely.…

The art of living: Respect

DEAR EDITOR – There are a lot of spiritual speakers and self-help experts as we know now. I am not trying to be one, but I feel relieved in sharing the little inspirations which springs within me. As long as it touches one heart and triggers another one’s thinking will give me the satisfaction of…

Thanks to the Kiwis

LET’S thank the New Zealand Government and its people. The bailey bridge they’ve funded had been completed yesterday after a few weeks putting it together.It will open for use today. The completion of this temporary bridge is a huge boost to the flood recovery stage after the old bridge was destroyed in the April 3…

A scandal that must end

Solomon Islanders have every right to demand the removal of constituency development funds from their Members of Parliament. It’s becoming clear as day that the millions of dollars channeled through the MPs each year have not be used for their intended purpose. The result is the lack of development in the rural areas. Central Bank…

Fear of kina appreciation

LAST week, we discussed about fear of devaluation of Fiji dollar. This week our focus is on the fear of appreciation of Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s currency, the kina. Under a fixed exchange rate regime, the Fiji dollar can be up-valued or devalued only by central bank.  PNG has a floating exchange rate regime under…

The art of living – sharing

DEAR EDITOR – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wonder if happiness too is in the heart of its beholder.  If a person is asked to define happiness probably the best he could say or do is find a synonym of this particular word. Happiness is not a verb to be defined;…