An opportunity to make a difference
Fiji is a small island nation with a population base not even reaching one million yet we continue to punch above our weight in many areas. Rugby 7s of course being the obvious one. Over the weekend, more talent was witnessed in our motoring industry during the Penrite Car Show.
People have not only painted their cars to look beautiful, but the modifications spoke volumes of the capability of our car enthusiasts as well as the mechanics who make this happen. There are instances where people have bought vehicles at a cheaper cost, stripped it off its various parts and rebuilt the vehicles – this is called real talent. And is no wonder the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, decided to hand over special recognition trophy to one of the guys who achieved this successfully. This was the owner of the vehicle – JC4LYF. The car was stripped off and then rebuilt here locally. For locals to achieve this, it is indeed tremendous. Who would have thought that we have would such skilled people? Having said so, this also opens up opportunities to get people trained into mechanical field and for them to be able to work abroad and remit money back home. Not only was the vehicle modifications noteworthy but the concept of presentation – out of box thinking – was remarkable.
Over 40 cars participated in the Fiji Car Club’s first car show this year – a few having to be turned down from participation because of late arrival and no space. Spectators continued flowing in running in excess of 750 – a milestone achievement for the car club.
People spent thousands of dollars getting their cars ready and for sure, rainy weather conditions the past week did not dampen their spirits. Even though one may not think of it that way, but every dollar spent is being injected into our economy. There remains opportunities for businesses to get into custom importation of motor parts. Most car enthusiasts currently have to import their own parts etc because of non-availability of the parts they need.
This gap can be filled if someone starts to import the products based on specification – it might even be cheaper and boost further investments and upgrades.
Fiji Car Club is all about promoting better driving skills and safer roads so don’t get confused by thinking that the club is only about racing and speed.
It is the avenue for racing provided by the club which allows members to build their cars and race instead of racing on our roads and creating a big risk.
People have not only painted their car to look beautiful, but the modifications spoke volumes of the capability of our car enthusiasts as well as the mechanics who make this happen. There are instances where people have bought vehicles at a cheaper cost, stripped it off its various parts and rebuilt the vehicles – this is called real talent.