The people of Kadavu are getting comfortable with the age-old trading system known as bartering, four months into the COVID-19 crisis.
Jiu Tuni of Buliya, Ono, said many were getting used to not using cash as a system of exchange.
She said it had helped them because all the usual means of getting cash had been on hold since the outbreak began in April. “Most of the villagers are using the system to get what they need,” Ms Tuni said.
“Villagers barter coconuts, coconut crabs and seaweed but I barter fish for groceries.
“My first barter was fish in exchange for fuel because it’s hard to get it here in Kadavu and even when it’s available, it’s quite expensive.
“The best way to get what we need is to barter with relatives in Suva.”
Ms Tuni said recent news that Government was considering lifting the ban on beche-de-mer had been welcomed.
“We are living on an island and the sea is our only source of income and beche-de-mer was a good source of income until Government put a stop to it a few years ago.
“It was very good that they are discussing starting the beche-de-mer business again.
“For now, the only way to get what we need in the village is through the exchange of village food for grocery items.”
