Representatives of Lovu Co-operative Limited and Veidrala Youth Fishing Co-operative Limited,
Commissioner Eastern and his Team,
Ministry of Youth and Sports Team,
Ministry of Fisheries Team,
Members of the Media,
Ni Bula Vinaka and Good Afternoon to you all
I am pleased to be here today to officiate the handing over of the Boat and Engine to these two co-operative businesses; “Lovu Co-operative Limited” and “Veidrala Youth Fishing Co-operative Limited”.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
What great opportunity created by youth of these co-operative businesses! Bringing new life and economic prosperity to the co-operative businesses in the Eastern and Western Division.
Co-operative businesses have always been thought to be a model for the aged however the two co-operative businesses are setting an example that is showing that the young people are taking reigns and securing the future of their community businesses.
From the conventional consumer and marketing co-operative businesses, it is refreshing to witness diversification and ingenuity by the youths in utilising the available resources and venturing into the Fisheries Sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fiji has abundant ocean resources which allows business ventures into fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, these are all part of the blue economy. The protection of which the Fijian Government is resonating at COP26. Climate change is having a devastating impact on our traditional land and ocean resources and that too at an accelerating rate.
Your Government along with the other Pacific island nation’s delegates are holding the large carbon gas emitters accountable for the promises made and are securing urgent and accelerated action plan to limit global temperature rise and tackle the effects of an overheated planet.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we challenge the protection of our ocean resources at the global arena, domestically the Fijian Government ensures that our people are properly equipped to carry out sustainable business ventures especially with the rise in the blue economy.
The Integrated Human Resources Development Programme or IHRDP has worked with Lovu Co-operative Limited and Veidrala Youth Fishing Co-operative Limited, so communal businesses can pool resources and work together on projects that generate income and create decent employment.
The joint partnership and collaboration amounting to $48,330.36, between the Government and Co-operative businesses has enabled the procurement of fiberglass boats and outboard motor engines. Furthermore a deep freezer and the solar panels will be delivered and installed in Gau Island for Lovu Co-operative Limited.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have been informed that the 40 youths of the two co-operative businesses apart from fishing have been engaged in agriculture well. These young men are motivated in utilising available resources and have an economic impact not only for their wellbeing but for the entire community. Their move to become self-sustainable is truly inspiring.
I understand that currently the co-operatives have been hiring boats to catch fish and also transport its catch to their markets in Suva and Gau Island. However, through this boat handing over, that will be a thing of the past. This will allow the co-operative to save on hiring boats and will allow you to invest more in your co-operative activities.
Today’s handover will enable and ease market accessibility for fishing co-operative businesses. It will also assist in sustainable fishing practices and improve quality of produce in the domestic market.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
That is why I would strongly encourage other co-operatives and groups to step out of their comfort zones and come forward and apply for the IHRDP grant assistance. Expressions of Interest have been widely advertised in the papers and the Fijian Government social media platforms.
With the aim of creating employment and reducing poverty in rural and peri-urban areas, we have seen firsthand how the IHRDP programme has transformed communities and improve their livelihoods. Today is just another example.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As a nation, we’ve had to deal with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a significant impact on our economy yet assistance as such is a needed boost. However, despite been located in the maritime zone or western division – we have not forgotten you. It is the sheer vision and motivation of Lovu and Veidrala Co-operative Limited that is the driving force that will help overcome the impacts of COVID 19 and return some normalcy in our economy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To the two co-operative businesses, I encourage you to reach greater heights, strive to better your commerce, instil enterprise values and utilise the opportunities provided. Be the medium of growth and pioneers of positive change as there are many out there who are not as fortunate.
There is so much potential and possibilities for the Western and Eastern part of Fiji, I hope that today’s handover motivates and encourages the existing and emerging businesses in these parts to strive to excel.
With these words, it gives me great pleasure to officially hand over the boats and the engines to the members of Lovu Co-operative Limited and Veidrala Youth Fishing Co-operative Limited.
Vinaka vakalevu