Response to editorial

Tawake Kolinisau, Sawani

Jyoti Pratibha chooses to highlight Navneeta Devi’s suicide in Fiji Sun’s editorial comment (FS 02.04.15) and at the same time chooses to inform the readers that this “should be disturbing, in particular, for members of the Methodist Church”.

Yes! It is disturbing (to members and so should it be to every Fijian) that a young beautiful woman should choose to consider suicide as the only way out. Ms Pratibha goes on to state, quote, “Should Methodists take this as an indictment on their approach to education as a whole? How does a student spend the large part of her life in a system based on Judeo-Christian values that consider the dignity of life as sancrosanct and ends up debasing the very principles upon which the system stands?,” Unquote.

Why should Ms Pratibha choose to only point fingers (because the editorial comment seems to be implying this) at the Methodist Church? Aren’t there other factors involved? What about the role of the Ministry of Education? If Fiji Sun has respectfully submitted recommendations to the Methodist Church (through the editorial column), why not provide recommendations to the Ministry of Education also?

The direction that your editorial seems to be heading is the notion that a student who spends most of her time within a Judeo-Christian setting and brought up in its educational system and values cannot be seen to go against those very values that testify to the dignity of life as sacred.

Why, specifically point out this suicide? What about past suicides? Regardless of the manner in which it was committed? Why should this particular incident be used as a measure to criticise the Methodist Curch and its current education system?

Regardless, of whether a student attends a religious or non-religious institution, what measures have the Ministry of Education set up to deal with this issue? What forum have schools set up so that students are able to voice their concerns, without being bullied? What of student council bodies? The prefect body? How could this have been avoided? How can future suicides be prevented? Are bullied students able to confide in anyone within the school setting? Counsellor? Friend? What caused the teacher to behave in such a mannner?

It is not fair that the Methodist Church, its education system and values be singled out.My sympathies to Navneeta Devi’s family for the pain that they are going through.

Student death

Kirti Patel Lautoka

It is a very worrying matter that a student had to commit suicide.

The reason given due to the alleged humiliation in school because of some phone problem.

While the full details have not beeen released, people will jump to all sorts of conclusions.

The social media has all sorts of accusations and attacks on that particular teacher and the parents. Surprisingly someone even blamed the student herself for committing suicide.

It is so easy to jump to conclusions isn’t it?

One can never know exactly what is going in one’s mind. Therefore, to just to react to sensitive issues without giving it a proper thought can be devastating for others.

I do not favor the idea of suicide and never think it is the best solution to any problem, however, all I can think of that a person only commits suicide when darkness fills there is no hope of life.

We often blame the victim in the case of suicide, thinking them to be silly and weak enough but we forget to understand that emotions plays in different ways in different people.

We cannot bring back the victims to life but all we can do is pray and educate others on the ways to handle the sensitive issues especially in the case of vulnerable people.

Teachers are not to be always blamed as well.

It has been noticed after this incident certain parents are exaggerating even in the issues where their disciplinary actions towards their kids comes into action. Teachers can go wrong no doubt but not always.

Hong Kong win

Khalid Ahmed, Suva

Thanks and congratulations to our boys for winning Hong Kong 7s but the question is will they deliver in Japan or will overconfidence let them down.

In Hong Kong they were really close against England and they let New Zealand and South Africa to come back in the game.

To the boys and the coach do not let the win in Hong Kong come in your head and do not underestimate any team as it can be dangerous and Wales and England can create some upsets.

Crablet release

Nardeo Mishra ,   Suva

Our Government should be commended for concern of our marine life and the positive step taken to release 7,000 mud crablets in Lami waters.

The scientists have predicted that if we don’t take and positive steps to safe guard our marine lives, most of the species will be either badly depleted or even extinct by 2050.

We must see that we stop over fishing and harvesting of under sized fish, crabs, prawns, lobsters and other species.

Laws must be passed so that it is followed and appropriate actions taken against the offenders.

May be it is high time that certain parts of Fiji should be declared as recreational fishing areas only and during the breeding seasons there should be a tabu on all fishing and catching in those areas.

We have to protect our marine lives for our future generations.

Easter spirit

Wise Muavono,   Lautoka

The Easter feeling signals a new beginning, of nature, spring and brand new life, and friendship, peace and giving.

The spirit of Easter is all about hope, love and joyful giving.

May you and your families have a joyous and blessed Easter.