MINISTER FOR COMMERCE, TRADE, TOURISM AND TRANSPORT, HON. FAIYAZ KOYA'S OPENING REMARKS AT THE SIGNING OF YES MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

YES/RISE Chair, Mr. Saud Minam, 

Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade Tourism and Transport, Shaheen Ali, 

YES/RISE Panel,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.

It is a pleasure to be here this morning to present to you, two new grant recipients of the Young Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES). YES, is a Fijian Government initiative intended at empowering young Fijians to encourage and tie together their capabilities in becoming future ‘job creators’.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now more than ever, our youth must be empowered and become agile participants in economic activities. By investing in our youth, we are contributing to their capability to succeed, providing a starting point to young Fijians in making a difference in society, and introducing a sense of independence and distinctiveness. 

Through this programme, the Fijian Government is encouraging youth inclusivity in decision making and recognising innovative concepts.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the global economy and our daily lives. Something as simple as a going for a coffee now needs to be considered with a whole new light.

At the same time, the crisis is also a strong driver of creativity and innovation. If harnessed constructively, our response can be a great source of innovation. All over the world, we are seeing countries adapt by a shift in behaviour to support social distancing, and supply chain solutions. 

Through initiatives such as YES, we want Fijians to be able to provide solutions that allow us to better adjust to the new normal. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we will be handing over grants to two recipients, Mr. Rakin Wahed and Mr. James Colata. These young Fijians have adequately met the requirements for funding such as having innovative and unique business ideas, which are commercially viable and sustainable.

Mr. Rakin Wahed, 21, is a young entrepreneur who started his business when he was just 15 years old. Through YES, he is being awarded $12,000 to establish Fiji’s first health app called Pasifika Heartbeat. 

The Pasifika Heartbeat app will provide valuable information such as:
• The geo-location of several healthcare institutions - public and private health clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals;
• Data on health services offered by these organisations; and 
• Medical information about common diseases in Fiji.

The second successful entrepreneur, Mr. James Colata, 32, has also been awarded YES grant of $30,000. 
• Mr. Colata’s goal is to position his CrossFit fitness gym, Ultimate Fitness, as a globally recognised CrossFit gym, certified by CrossFit Inc., the International governing body of CrossFit, and; 
• Make a leading contribution towards Fiji’s fight against NCD’s and raising the standard of health and fitness in Fiji. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Both these businesses carry innovation with the longer-term vision of the health and well-being of Fijians. 

Till date, YES has assisted a total of 8 recipients  through grant funding worth $129,000, supporting young entrepreneurs successfully undertake businesses in tiny homes construction, health and fitness, traffic management, hydroponic agriculture and green energy to name a few.

Income turnover generated by these 8 Fijians range from $12,000 to $150,000 per annum. Overall, our previous recipients have successfully created employment for 21 Fijians collectively, either on a casual or full-time basis, supporting the livelihood of at least 50 dependents. 

Given the current economic conditions we are presented with due to COVID-19, it is essential that we continue to provide support and encouragement to young Fijians like Rakin and James.

I would like to encourage young Fijians with unique and innovative business ideas to submit their proposals through our dedicated website www.yes.gov.fj or get in touch with one of our business advisory officers to be a part of this encouraging programme.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wish to once again commend our two grant recipients and wish them the very best in their business accomplishments.

Vinaka Vakalevu