People

18th June

Living off the sea – Vusoya sells crabs and fish for a living

She got married when she was only 16 years old and after all these years, the now 49-year-old says she didn’t see it as a disadvantage but a lesson of life. Still going strong Makelesi...

17th June

Eparama’s trade skills – Former State House gardener

Eparama Rokodrava is widely known as the ‘brushcutter doctor’ in Logani Village, Tailevu. He is the go-to man for anyone who has any issues with their grass-cutting machine. But what many do not know is that Mr Rokodrava had served two governor-generals and two presidents as a gardener at the State House in a career...

16th June

Living her dream – City life lures Tali

While growing up in Matuku, Lau, in the early ’90s, Siteri Tali dreamt of traveling to Viti Levu and seeing the bright lights and big buildings in Suva City. “It was a dream I shared with many other children on the island,” the 36-year-old said. “Because there is not much to do in Matuku, all...

15th June

Dewala toils the land with bigger dreams in mind

AFTER completing his education at Dawasamu Secondary School in Tailevu, Amoni Dewala opted to return to his village instead of pursuing further studies. The 20-year-old was encouraged by his parents to till the land and to make a living out of farming. “Life in the village is very challenging because of peer pressure,” he said....

Akosita climbs up the ranks

Akosita Tukana owes the success she enjoys to her mother. “She is my biggest motivator,” Ms Tukana said. “My mum used to work extra hours at the hotel she used to be employed as a babysitter just to earn a bit more so that my school fees could be paid while I was in high...

14th June

Holding it together – Keeping business above water

AGE was certainly no barrier for Saurara Kula who started her business only four years ago on Taveuni. The Kese, Naviti native of Yasawa is in her mid-50s, but she doesn’t see that as a hindrance to starting her own business. She’s the popular face that sits near the BSP Bank in Naqara with a...

12th June

Away from home – An unforgettable period for Chan

The social and psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on Fijian families are likely to be significant with frontline workers being out of touch with their loved ones for weeks or months on end. For policewoman Loraini Chan, interacting with her family via the small screen of her mobile phone has become the norm. While many Fijian...