Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

WEEKEND READING.  ♦ Allen Lockington column ♦ The Eleven Pillars of the People's Charter  ♦ Critique of Jone Baledrokadroka's Ideas on Legitimacy  ♦ Fr Barr on VAT ♦ When is an Indian Not an Indian by Crosbie Walsh  ♦ The extensive posting published late on Friday.

And don't forget to read the comments to postings. They are just as important, informative — and controversial. 

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in Fiji. I thank Allen for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

Mosquito Repellent

After the recent rains we in Waiyavi Lautoka have been attacked by mosquitoes galore. It's a natural phenomenon. They breed and hatch seven to eight days after the rains. With everything so green and roadside grass and many back yards with healthy grass, the mosquitoes have lush homes.



We usually sit outside on our porch in the evenings relaxing with a tanoa of yaqona and mosquitoes are attracted by the light and the body heat, and maybe the small talk. Last week we bought a brand of mosquito coil and it was useless. Then we invested in another brand and it was the same. So we bought a third brand. We now have  Jet fighter, ZAP and Knockout mosquito coils. Either the coils are not as strong as the ads tell us or the mosquitoes have adapted and become immune to the insecticide contained in the coil – or the coils are just made of sawdust without the insecticide. We use VAPE mat in the house and its like the mosquitoes love the smell of the scented mats and gather round the machine. Each evening we see that the insects get bolder and fly right through the smoke coming for the three coils lit at strategic points.  We spend good money buying things to protect us from insects and we are finding out that these things may be faulty.

It has been established some time ago that Fiji was becoming a dumping ground for inferior and cheap products. We need to check on stuff that come in at the borders for quality and price.

We have had the Health Department checking on food products (and good on them) but what agency is available to check on the coils and electronic repellent that the mozzies in Waiyavi love so much?

Footnote: As a matter of interest, mosquito coils are not good for humans because they release burnt insecticides.