JOSAIA RALAGO
Going out to sea and catching fish for a living will now be little more convenient for the Duavata Fisherman Association in Bua after they received a fiberglass boat worth $26,000 last week.
Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau, while handing over the boat, said this Government assistance was intended to improve the fishing efforts of the members of the association.
Association president Maikeli Ramaidama said the lack of boats would often hinder the fishermen from going to sea.
“We had requested for a boat to help the members of this association get to sea more conveniently. “Most of the times we would look for boats to take us to sea and at times, the fishermen would waste a good day out at sea because of boat shortages,” Mr Ramaidama said.
“We have a lot of plans for the association and we are thankful to the Government for assisting us with this, clearly showing their support towards us.”
Minister Koroilavesau said the assistance would improve the members’ fishing efforts, assist the association financially and also ensure a better relationship between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Duavata Fisherman Association.
“The Ministry of Fisheries is currently embarking into the new initiative of promoting the Establishment of Fishermen Associations throughout Fiji,” he said.
“The whole idea of this establishment is derived from our forefathers idea of working together as a collective group for a common purpose of development and growth and most importantly to create a better foundation of life for our future generation.” There are 102 fishermen from the four districts of Vuya, Nadi, Dama and Wainunu that make up the Duavata Fishermen Association.