Turaga na Tui Dere,
People of Nataleira Community,
Representatives from the Vanua,
Government Ministry Representatives,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Maleka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here today to officiate at the handing over of two (2) by 115 horsepower outboard engines to Dolphin Watching Fiji. This is an eco-tourism project that will lead to generation of income for the people of Nataleira village, here in Tailevu.
Dolphin Watching of Fiji employs the people of Nataleira village which is an avenue to earn a livelihood for themselves and improve the standard of living of their families.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Beyond employment generation, you have the ability to showcase to the world the pristine worth of our blue economy – investment into projects such the Dolphin Watching Fiji just reaffirms our commitment into striding high sustainably through our oceans and seas.
Fiji’s diverse marine life is what draws many to its warm waters between its 333 islands. While turtles, sharks and even whales can be seen throughout the islands, nothing quite beats the excitement of seeing dolphins leap alongside your boat.
I am sure you are well aware of the fascination with various types of dolphins seen in Fiji with the most common being spinner dolphins, known for their acrobatic displays of spinning out of the water.
One of the best places to see dolphins from Fiji’s mainland, Viti Levu, is with Dolphin Watching Fiji. Based at the Nataleira Eco Lodge, Dolphin Watching Fiji takes keen day-trippers out to the famous Moon Reef Marine Reserve where spinner dolphins frequent. The experience is thrilling as the cruise allows time for swimming and snorkelling to view the coral and tropical fish.
I acknowledge the hard work that you all have put in this project, to accomplish what we all see before us today. I also urge you to link up with other Tourism operators, particularly Tourism Fiji to market your product better and have access to more international tourists.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dolphin Watching Fiji targets international tourists and local walk-ins, and the community members around Fiji who intends to experience a live expedition and provide an unforgettable experience in enjoying the spectacle dolphin nature rather than seeing them in Television or photographs.
Mr Bau has invested in building a boat worth $39,540 to transport people for dolphin watch to the beautiful coral reef and this investment has been complemented by the Ministry with two outboard engines amounting to $58,190.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Coalition Government believes that the best and most effective way to economically empower the rural communities, is to identify what they do best and provide them the necessary support to achieve that vision.
This is a prime example of how resource owners can economically benefit from entrepreneurship.
Under the Ministry, MSME Fiji provides an armoury of assistance to small businesses like Dolphin Watching which ranges from direct grant assistance to training and handholding.
I would like to urge Dolphin Watching Fiji that you need to take full ownership of the assistance provided and ensure that your business flourishes and grows.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
With those words, it gives me great pleasure to officially handover the 2 by 115 horsepower outboard engines to Dolphin Watching Fiji.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
