The views and/or opinions posted in the Your Say section are the opinions of the authors, not necessarily those of Fiji Times Limited. Fiji Times Limited reserves the right to edit the content, correct factual errors, remove obscene or hateful language or remove the comment and/or opinion altogether.
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Thanks for your understanding.
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FRANCIS VERMA of USA 69 days & 22 hrs ago
Part of our history
THE Fiji Times may be shut down by the present government if they don't follow what the government wants them to do. I say to the government, please no. Fiji Times is our history and legend and this should be respected by all.
It has educated many from early Fiji. I remember that I had to get the Fiji Times for my dad every morning. We all waited to get our hands on the paper after him. I have broadened my general knowledge through this paper, so too others. I can go on praising this newspaper because it did pass on knowledge to Fiji's citizens. I urge that whatever bad blood is going on, the government and the newspaper should sit down and iron out their differences and move on. I just can't see Fiji without the Fiji Times and I hope we will have the Fiji Times in years to come. We need this newspaper for generations to come. Without the Fiji Times it will be hard to welcome mornings in Fiji.
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Edwina Kotoisuva of Fiji 69 days & 22 hrs ago
Part of our future
THANK you for placing a photo of your staff in the papers today. I think that it is good for the people to see the faces of the brave staff of Fiji Times who are faced with with such uncertainty. There are many of us who value the work of each and every staff member of your newspaper. The Fiji Times has been a part of the lives of many generations in Fiji - allowing us to learn more about what is happening in our country and the rest of the world and even giving us a space to complain. I believe that just as you have your place in the history of Fiji, you have a place in the future. Please pass on words of encouragement to your brave staff from the many readers in this country.
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ALLEN LOCKINGTON of Fiji 69 days & 22 hrs ago
Part of our history
I WISH to support Francis Verma. Please do not shut down the Fiji Times. I have been reading through old copies of the Fiji Times that are stored in the Western Regional Library in Lautoka. I have been amazed by the history of Fiji that is contained in the well bound books.
I must say there is no other institution in Fiji that has chronicled and saved the history of Fiji like the Fiji Times has done. Reading through them is like going back in time. Today we talk about a dirty and polluted Nabukalou Creek, in a 1966 issue the Nabukalou Creek was a thriving river where people fished, swam and caught shrimp. I got to read about Waiyavi, my present place of abode. I got to take around copies of the Fiji Times to residents to show them pictures when the area was just being developed in 1966 to make way for new housing development.
I found a picture of by dear dad (RIP) who was one of the first underwater welders sent in 1966 by CIG to Australia to study the art. I got to see pictures of Ms. Eta Uluvula (Now Mrs. Qereqeretabua) when she was crowned Miss Hibiscus in 1962. I also found a picture of Mr. Qereqeretabua entertaining a group of students who were attending schools in the Australian Capital Territory and the Australian National University at Canberra. He was the librarian at Lautoka's Western Regional Library. I have shared the pictures with them.
I got to see pictures of Sergeant Kelepi Lesi who was the face of Fiji back then. I got to see pictures of Ratu Kadavulevu School students perform plays in which Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was an actor. I got to read about the airstrip in Ba that many people did not know about. I got to read about when Walt Disney spent a day in Fiji, he did not want to be interviewed but consented to have a photo taken. All photographs were taken by Stan Whippy (Stan Ritova).
I got to read about when Fiji beat the British Lions and when Ms. Lola Lilo was crowned the first Miss Fiji by Ratu Edward Cakobau.
I also found pictures when the Western Regional Library was opened and that Mr. A D Patel signed in as the first member. I am still being delighted with what I find and will continue to read through the Fiji Times of old. If you want to see and read about millions of things about Fijis history, come over to the Western Regional Library and be fascinated. Each time I borrow a copy of the Fiji Times from the archives its like opening a treasure chest and I have always been fascinated.
Please do not close down the Fiji Times.
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Joseva Tuimavule of Melbourne, Australia 69 days & 22 hrs ago
Keep the paper
I AGREE with Francis Verma of the United States (FT 01/07), knowing that I have spent my early years in Fiji on Sundays with a Bible in one hand and the Fiji Times in the other. May I ask the Government and Fiji Times to come up with an amicable plan--that will continue to allow the Fiji Times operate in Fiji for the future of our children and their children. Am saying special prayers for a fruitful dialogue.
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Stacy Uluilakeba of Fiji 69 days & 22 hrs ago
Part of my history
I TOTALLY understand Francis Verma's sentiments (FT 01/07) regarding Fiji Times being part of Fiji history.
I grew up with the Fiji Times, its my family's choice of daily and for as long as I can remember, it has been my reliable source of news, entertainment, information,etc long before the introduction of fancy magazines, youthful radio stations, internet services and colourful networking sites. My late grandfather, despite not understanding a word of English would get me to read articles from the Fiji Times and then translate their stories, much to his amusement. He loved Big Ben Bolt too. An uncle of mine lost his family in a fire in the 90's and it was the Fiji Times Charity, the Fiji Sixes that provided aid in the form of a large monetary donation. My baby sisters and I have been fortunate winners in a few of the exciting competitions that have been featured in the Times over the years. I watched Lucky Dube in Lautoka's Churchill Park with a free ticket from the Fiji Times. I can only assume that the Fiji Times can afford to have such awesome giveaways for its readers, because of its loyal readership and the sponsorship they will get because of this readership. I hope the Fiji Times does not shut down. It's been an intergral part of my history. Such sentimental connection to a newspaper astounds even me, but that's just how the Fiji Times is. Whatever the outcome of the next few months, my family and I remain ardent fans.
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Sailesh of United States 69 days & 6 hrs ago
Fiji Times will be a big part of my success.
I became a huge fan of Fiji Times during my primary school days. I wasn't a fan of reading books, story books especially; so the only literature that was available to me was Fiji Times which my dad, a carpenter, brought home every day.
To date I have only read two story books (honestly) but an infinite number of Fiji Times newspapers. And with all that reading I passed all my external exams with flying colors, so I think a great deal of credit goes to Fiji Times.
On weekends my dad and I would cut out "Fiji Sixes", mark our numbers, insert a dollar and he would go drop it off at the Fiji Times office in Suva. Although we never won any prizes, I think the reward that I received indirectly just by reading the articles, columns etc was much greater than the prizes they offered (no offence Fiji Times).
With a carpenters income my dad never failed to bring home a newspaper unless there was a coup and I think I know the reason why he brought home a newspaper, he hardly read it at home and I'm pretty sure it's wasn't to wrap the "roti parcel"!
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the past and present staff of Fiji Times, probably without whom I wouldn't be enjoying reading newspaper or writing this and I wouldn't be at this stage of my career. Stay strong Fiji Times and Dad I love you!
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Aisea Aisake of Navua 69 days & 4 hrs ago
I always make sure I buy the Saturday Times as it is always my favourite paper for whatever reason.
Tony
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rajend naidu of sydney 69 days & 3 hrs ago
Fiji Times - A Part of Me - Yes.
A part of Fiji - Yes.
A part of all the people of Fiji living in other parts of the global village - Yes.
Everyone - those who govern and those who are governed - need to understand this simple and straightforward fact.
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rajend naidu of Other 68 days & 19 hrs ago
no good has come to any country that has tried to muscle the free media. fiji will do well to remember that.
the fiji times is far from perfect but it has overall served the country well
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Peter Waqavonovono of Fiji 68 days & 12 hrs ago
Fiji Times has been an integral part of my life. My own opinions have been shaped in part by Fiji Times and many a times I look to the Fiji Times to make up my mind on certain issues.
I also love the responsible journalism the Fiji Times has - and recently I have been blessed with the Fiji Times positive reports on the Pride of Fiji Awards!
So I agree, the Fiji Times has been and is a important part of Fiji - but most importantly - I believe the Fiji Times is a part of me.
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Ula Nejad of USA 68 days & 5 hrs ago
Part of Family
I grew up with the Fiji Times. It was my feed for knowledge in my school years, as an adult, as a citizen.
It was the fuel to my passion for politics.
As far as I knew how to read Charlie Brown, Flotsam and Jetsam, letters to the editor, local news and sports and of course the movie guide.
It gave me an opportunity to express my opinions on their forum till it was forced shut down thus admiring them for their professional sense in understanding freedom of speech.
Most importantly, I have had family members work as editor (Samisoni Kaikaivalu), photographers(J. Berwick)
schoolmates and neighbours who have had fond memories of a faithful employer.
From a business perspective, Fiji Times has come a long way and knows Fiji's history like no other media does. Their archive was evident in the celebration of their 140 years last year. So I say Fiji Times has an important stake in Fiji's media.
The most entertaining media in Fiji but unfortunately desperate measures calls for desperate times and hopefully reviews on the media decree will be done in the future when necessary. So stay Fiji Times. You are part of Fiji's family.
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Geneva Lanyon of Suva 67 days & 22 hrs ago
I have to say, with the Fiji Times...there would be no other paper that can replace the uniqueness of this paper...it has been in Fiji for many a decade...and yet just because of some misunderstanding it has come to this..Come on Fiji..wake up...there are more serious matters that needs to be addressed and to be seen than closing down this Historical Front Paper of Fiji.
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Mereani Niuqila of Sydney 67 days & 15 hrs ago
It would be really sad to see this newspaper gone. It has been part of our lives for so many years bringing home close to us living abroad. I would really ask the government to find ways to keep the Fiji Times and continue all the good works they have done so far. I am sure you will find a way. God Bless Fiji.
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Livai Laione of Syd, Aust 67 days & 5 hrs ago
Please, leave Fiji Times alone, no government of the day in any country would like to see its people to suffer over wrong decisions, it happened here in Australia just two weeks ago, when Kevin Rudd made a wrong decision which can force thousands of workers to be unemployed, they booted him out.
The thousand plus people that put food on the table through their hard work at Fiji Times will lose their jobs and probably will leave their children out of school and put them on the streets to beg. God bless them, and Fiji Times.
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Jeke of NZ 67 days & 3 hrs ago
The voice that has kept the country informed for many generations is nearing its end; this of course is an unjustifiable act.
No matter how one tries to reason out the justification it is a bad law designed to silence the regime's critics.
If this stratocracy is to find common ground with the nation than it must be open to criticism for it is our fundamental right to voice our opinions without being assailed.
"Let our reason, and not our senses, be the rule of our conduct; for reason will teach us to think wisely, to speak prudently, and to behave worthily" - Confucius
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Sony Pal of Canada 66 days & 7 hrs ago
So true, l agree with Francis Verma. Fiji Times is like a childhood friend, you never want to lose. l have been away from Fiji for 18 yrs but always read the online paper and before that I used to buy the paper from our local store here. I remember when I was younger, my dad would bring the paper home every Friday, with his Suva marketing fruits and veges and l would rush to put everything away, just so l could read the paper from beginning to end. Those days there was no TV at all, so all those famous people and local celebrities, I remember through the local Fiji Times. Please don't shut that down, it's a memento for Fiji. The first paper published in the world.
God be with the owners and the employees of Fiji Times.
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Arvin prasad of Nakasi 66 days & 4 hrs ago
Fiji Times has been part of everyone's daily life in Fiji. It has been the voice of the Fiji public. God bless Fiji Times and its staff for their tireless efforts.
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Losh of Suva 66 days & 2 hrs ago
I have to read my Saturday and Sunday Times.....A very informative piece of reading.
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John Nansen of Tonga 65 days & 23 hrs ago
Fiji Times has been a part of life for the people of Fiji in every way. It has educated a lot of people in Fiji through reading the paper and to improved their knowledge of English, and to let the people know what's happening around the world before the TV came into the country.
Even to the people leading the country now, no offence but the Fiji Times is part of their life. Fiji Times has been in the country over one hundred and forty one years.
I've worked for the newspaper industry for over 25 years. During my time with a newspaper, the head proofreader who was in his young days could not speak a word of English, but his will to speak and read English was to read the Fiji Times and got people to teach him to read from the Fiji Times.
As I know to this very day, when people go to the shop in the early morning to buy bread, Fiji Times is must to buy, as you see people going to work on the bus in the morning reading the newspaper and at the afternoon after work on the way home after work.
Children who sold newspapers in the early hours in the morning before going to school before, earned money to pay for their school fees and bus fares to and from school.
"To close the Fiji Times"! What will happen to those people who have spent year working there? Working for the newspaper is no joke, it's long hours of work, for journalist, production department and the distribution section, and plus they don't have much time with their family because I was there.
Please have mercy on those people that may lose their jobs.
There is always a way to solve problems and that is through communication.
Come on Fiji where is the love? As the saying goes "Fiji is the way to go".
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Chandra Kumar of Auckland New Zealand 65 days & 15 hrs ago
Fiji without Fiji Times is like a man without arms - helpless! When I read the views of other readers it makes me sad to know that the newspaper I grew up with and loved reading every bit of it is being threatened to be closed down.
It used to be my duty to buy the Fiji Times after school when I was schooling at Xavier College in Ba. I would get out of the bus and the first thing to do was to buy the Fiji Times from RC Bali bookshop. I remember my friend and I would go straight to the back page and read Gunner the soccer story. Can you believe we would wait the whole day just to see if gunner had scored or not?
That is how strong the Fiji Times had made an impact on us. So my dear people in Fiji please raise your voice so that the newspaper does not get closed. Victory to Fiji Times!
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Paula Raqeukai of Fiji 65 days & 11 hrs ago
The Fiji Times is part of Fiji's history even before the 1970 independence and the current government should think about the welfare of those being employed by the media.
This newspaper has helped to build Fiji for the past 140 years. I humbly ask the honourable Commodore Bainimarama to please revoke this media decree and sort out its differences with the owners/management of Fiji Times for the benefits of all stakeholders especially those employees whose future may look bleak in the next three months.
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Andrea Patterson of California, USA 65 days & 9 hrs ago
I love reading the Fiji Times and hope that a compromise can be worked out as well, it's the best Fijian online newspaper I've found and it brings you closer when you can't afford to grab the next flight, so please keep Fiji Times alive! (From a German living in the US):)
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narayan prasad of Fiji 65 days & 6 hrs ago
Bula! Yes if one does not read Fiji Times his day has not started. I plead that Fiji Times should be awarded for the hard work all this years. God bless Fiji Times. Hope you stay many more years. Vinaka.
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Reapi Nayacakalou of Fiji 65 days & 4 hrs ago
A part of my life
It is indeed a sad ending should Fiji Times close shop because of the requirements of the new Media Decree.
I will certainly miss this newspaper that has been part of my life for the last four and a half decades.
Every bit of it from the first page to the last page has been filled with a lot of interesting and educational materials and news items, those hilarious quips of Seona Smiles that never fails to bring a smile to my face about the goings- on of the family at the darkest corner of Flagstaff, the late Lulu Buksh's corner, Rev James Bhagwan's contributions to name a few, the community news corner where we share the accomplishments, the losses, the hopes of many of our nations people, the crosswords - I will always cherish the memories of those races we used to have, my elder brother and I as to who would get to do the crossword first, the comics, the Sports news and bulletins from around the world.
Such was the contents of this newspaper.
Soon a chapter would be closed and I salute you the team at Fiji Times for the great job over the years.
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Tamani Nair of Australia 64 days & 19 hrs ago
The iconic Fiji Times newspaper has always been the newspaper of choice for the people of Fiji even with the introduction of the other two daily newspapers. It is a newspaper I looked forward to reading when I was growing up as it was my connection to the outside world as I grew up in a rural community in Labasa.
Getting rid of the Fiji Times is not the answer. Putting people out of work as the world is still struggling from the repercussions of the Global Financial Crisis is not the answer. Killing off a newspaper that is part of Fiji's history is not the answer.
I have only the utmost respect and admiration for the journalists and friends who are working in the Fiji Times newsroom even through this trying and difficult time.
May the Almighty bless you always.
Fiji Times will always be part of me and that is something that cannot be taken away from me.
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seru penisoni of lautoka 64 days & 16 hrs ago
A part of my education..
As a student, I strongly rely on this local wellknown published paper "the Fiji Times". It is a source of knowledge to me as well as other members in my school. "The Fiji Times" also broadens my understanding about current affairs as it provide daily information and daily events. I salute the Fiji Times crew for their contribution to the people.
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Usaia Peter Waqatairewa of Australia 64 days & 1 hr ago
What can I say, I grew up reading the Fiji Times. My earliest memory was following the daily Peanut and Hagar the horrible comic strips as soon as my father brought home his signed copy in the afternoon.
I was nicknamed after Gunner the soccer star while a pupil at Marist Primary, Suva Street. Why? It was a sarcastic name because I was the worst soccer player that ever put on a blue shirt and khaki shorts.
Killing Fiji Times is like killing off a big part of me and I am sure thousands other Fiji Islanders.
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Irene Lobendahn Lesuma of United States 61 days & 17 hrs ago
Because almost all of my dad's and uncle's work lives were spent at the Fiji Times, my siblings and I as well as my cousins grew up in and around its influence. We were actually Fiji Times brats.
We had nothing but the highest regard and affection for this historic and beloved organisation. This was more than a newspaper,to many of us it was family and a way of life.
In adition to being a newspaper of choice for news, education, entertainment, humour etc.
I also became acutely aware as I attended school of its powerful contribution in the moral consciousness of the people of Fiji. If the media is the unofficial fourth branch of a democracy, then the Fiji Times has been a leader in this effort in Fiji longer than anyone alive today.
I sincerely hope that there is an amicable solution to this dispute because many lives and livelihoods are at stake.
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inoke matia of Other 61 days & 15 hrs ago
Let the Fiji Times be the voice of the people, cause it was doing a great job ... I used to look foward to those Sunday Times ...
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Rod M Samuels of United States 61 days & 5 hrs ago
It's an established trusted medium that the nation and its subjects spread all over the globe use to keep their connections to the motherland alive.
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Taniela Seruvatu of New Zealand 60 days & 5 hrs ago
I have lived in three continents, African, European, and of course our continent... When I am lonely and wondering about what's going on at home, I quickly log onto Fiji Times Online and before me is the familiar environment that I grew up loving to read.
If you have lived close to the Sahara, you will realise how far away home is. Fiji Times Online brought home closer to me.
To close the company is like erasing the map of Fiji from the world map.
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Edwina Kotoisuva of Fiji 58 days & 14 hrs ago
Before mobile phones and social networking over the internet - the Fiji Times connected people. Soldiers in Lebanon writing to girls back at home, family and friends posting messages and notices. I always start with the classifieds because for me it uncovers the many stories in peoples lives - the ones that are just beginning, the ones that have ended and many others. For our family, the crossword in Fiji Times kept us busy and entertained. Growing up we called any newspaper The Fiji Times because to us - The Fiji Times was the only newspaper.
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Samu Railoa of Fiji 57 days & 22 hrs ago
Perhaps I have been stubborn in not wanting to comment earlier, but I still do not want to believe the predicament you find yourself in. This Government is for the people, so we believe, and should not fear. The people of Fiji would become poorer for want of a fine institute, whose lifetime characterises the historical timeline of our beloved nation. Please Prime Minister, I pray for your intervention, lest we drown in despair.
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BVVRobanakadavu of U.S.A. 57 days & 5 hrs ago
Fiji Times Ltd has come a long ways and for it to be denied it's rights of service to all communities via some "bad blood" amongst some others > that is being injustice to all communities .. I would suggest they do it the BIBLE way > all sit, talk/discuss, iron out all indifference, get things all straightened up and move forward , all for the betterment of everyone. Nothing beats forgiving one another. Thank y'all .. Hope for the best and let LOVE prevail amongst us all.
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Jagdish Chand of Other 57 days & 2 hrs ago
It will be a sad day for the readers when Fiji Times do close down. Ask any child to name a news paper and the first name will be...yes, you got it right, "Fiji Times".
Fiji Times has contributed enormously towards education in Fiji. They have been one bold newspaper who could call a spade a spade and what's wrong with that?
Closing down Fiji Times will mean snatching livelihood from about 180 employees and subsequently many families. I only hope if this decision can be reversed.
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Ron McKenna of Brisbane 56 days & 0 hrs ago
I have been reading the Fiji Times for many years, now on the internet everyday & look forward to the news of the day. Iwould miss it very much. It is such an institution.
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AYUB KHAN of Australia MELBOURNE 55 days & 19 hrs ago
I READ NEWS EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING. DON'T SHUT THE FIJI TIMES. ALSO THINK OF THE PEOPLE LOSING WORK AND PEOPLE HAVE WORKED HARD TO KEEP FIJI TIMES OPERATING FOR SO MANY YEARS. MY THOUGHTS AND BLESSING GOES TO THE FIJI TIMES AND THE EMPLOYEES. NI SA MOCE.
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Colin Deoki of Australia 54 days & 0 hrs ago
The Fiji Times has been like a lifeline to many individuals and families not only in Fiji but for many of us overseas. It's been our avenue to maintain contact with the land and people we love. Fiji Times has provided a forum where many of us have been able to voice our thoughts and share our sentiments. While at times, over the years, there have been issues that could have been handled with great more care and sensitivity, it would be a sad day to see an end to an iconic part of Fiji's history. I'm sure that common sense will prevail and that there will be a solution to the current crisis.
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Mike of Wellington, Aotearoa. 50 days & 15 hrs ago
The hard copies may disappear from the street vendors and shop counters but the message that they carry and it's principle will live way beyond our time. In this age of modern technology The Fiji Times can live online from beyond Fiji's shoreline. Long live the to The Fiji Times!
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Suliasi Daunitutu of Australia 50 days & 14 hrs ago
Fiji Times is the only newspaper that saw Fiji from Colonial days to where we are now. The sale of Fiji Times is the same as losing part of your history. If we are going to sell this newspaper for the sake of a rule that local media should be 90% owned shows the discouragement of overseas investors and how employment is not really a priority. The hundreds of families who have invested most of their lives in this newspaper will be feeling discouraged as well as fearing for their own welfare.
Let's not throw away something that is almost part of Fiji's entire written history.
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Mark Manning of Sydney 50 days & 13 hrs ago
The fact that they want to control the media should indicate just how important a role journalism has in any free Democratic Society. Whoever controls the Media, controls the people.
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Merewalesi Nailatikau of Fiji 48 days & 23 hrs ago
Thank you Fiji Times, for providing honest, unflinching coverage of national, regional and international events. As many previous posters have said, waking up to a morning without the Fiji Times would be unthinkable for those of us who like our news to be current, objective and insightful, without playing favourites.
I join many in appreciating the effort made by your staff to delve into the heart of the matter, refraining from passing superficial judgement and most importantly, leaving it up to us as readers to make up our own minds.
When abroad, I have always counted on the Fiji Times website to alleviate my homesickness and to keep me abreast of the latest happenings. Keep up the good work and remember that there are many who believe in your potential and support the good work you do. God bless.
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