Siminone Tuiwai wheeled his barrow one last time through the Suva Municipal Market yesterday before parking it for good as he called it a day after more than 20 years of service as a Bara Boy.
Tuiwai, now in his early 60s, said he would never regret being a Bara Boy for a living because through it he was able to put food on the table for his wife and kids.
The Suva Wheelbarrow Association presented him a retirement cheque for $1050 to honour his hard work and commitment to a job he started in 2003.
So, what does Tuiwai plan to do in retirement?
“I want to focus on my new business and sell produce at the market,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude toward the Suva Wheelbarrow Association, which he credited for supporting him during some of life’s most challenging times.
“I don’t regret being a bara boy for a living. Over the years, I was able to support my wife and kids with this job,” Tuiwai said.
To honour his hard work and commitment, the association presented Tuiwai with $1050 yesterday as a token of appreciation. The gesture was part of a retirement celebration held in his honour.
Tuiwai began working at the Suva Market at the age of 38 and now plans to return to his roots as a market vendor, a role he first took on in his 20s.
“I want to focus on my new business and sell produce at the market. When I was going through financial difficulties, this association helped me. And we’d do the same for others, we fundraise for each other,” he said.
Tuiwai’s story stands as a testament to resilience, community support and the dignity of honest work.
The association’s assistant vice president, Jiuta Soko, said they were grateful to Tuiwai for being a dedicated member, and said he had plans to continue to support those who turned to the association for help.
“Wheelbarrow boys are not like before. We have rules. We have regulations and we are collaborating with the Fiji Police Force and the Suva City Council,” Mr Soko said.
“People used to think wheelbarrow boys were thieves, but times have changed and we have taken this on as a job.”
