Dear Editor – At the time of this writing, there are individuals and families whose livelihoods are at stake as they depend very much on the allowances paid out to them by our government.
The reason being that they have to wait till the results of those studying at USP Laucala campus are out.
Already, as reported in this paper, those failing their academic requirements are aware of their returning home soon.
The question I am asking here is that why do other students studying in other institution here have to wait and suffer awaiting USP’s results?
Those studying at various institutions here besides Laucala campus aren’t very many and their results have been released a week or two ago.
The Attache and the High Commission office here and the MEHRD office should be proactive by working on a case by case basis, or individual institutions as their results come out and pay their respective allowances; rather than waiting on USP (Laucala campus results).
I have seen families suffer, because they have to wait for their allowances whilst their results have been released already.
The other day I met a father who told me he had taken goods on credit at a shop nearby and had already been ashamed of asking for more.
He went and withdrew the last few money he had in his account to buy a packet of rice and noodles to hopefully last them till the weekend. Do you think it would?
I believe this action is inhumane and those concerned should apologize to the students affected and work out ways to address this issue.
If you are here and are employed in Fiji, then you might not understand how these students feel. Because your bread and butter is assured.
If you are staying here at home, then you won’t have a slightest idea of how these students feel either.
Therefore, I suggest that as good practice, those concerned should deal with the allowances on a case by case basis so as to not make life hard for those who deserve to have their share; whilst those who are here on a holiday basis to return home as they deserve it!
But don’t hold everyone else at ransom for the failures of others!
Jackson Ray
Fulton College
Nadi, Fiji Islands
