Mixed Reactions from Tavua Vendors on Poll
I am voting for FijiFirst because they are helping my family and my children and have supported us a lot.” Ivamere Lewaniqama Tavua market vendor
Tavua Market vendors have raised their views on two political parties that will contest this year’s General Election.
At least six market vendors spoke their mind during their usual everyday commitment. Among them was the Tavua Market Vendors Association president, Abdul Azeem.
Mr Azeem, 34, who resides at Kavuli, Tavua, has been a vendor at the Tavua Market for many years.
“My view is that the current Government is doing a good job. For example after Cyclone Josie and Keni, we were assisted by the Government,” he said.
“We were enjoying six weeks of free fees we were not paying any market fees to the council.
“The market fee was waived and the ministers were personally coming to me as the Tavua Market Vendors Association president to ask me if any kind of assistance was needed. “I would like to commend the Government for the assistance it has provided us with through the FarmsCARE, Homes-CARE and also with the waiver of market fees.
“I think without their assistance most of my members wouldn’t be in the market today. “Government has provided a lot of seedlings through the Farms-CARE and they also helped them through the Homes-CARE, all the stuff and most members of the Tavua Market Vendors Association recovered and came back to the market business quickly.”
Wati Laite, 53, however had a different view on her choice of a political party contesting at the 2018 General Election.
She said: “I am voting for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) because we are iTaukei and they can bring back our iTaukei heritage again, now everything has changed.” Asinate Cokonaki, 35, who is one of the many friendly faces seen at the Tavua Market, also made a similar statement.
“I will be voting for SODELPA because it is an iTaukei party.” Ivamere Lewaniqama, 53, has been selling fruits and vegetables for more than 20 years to cater for the needs of her family.
“I am voting for FijiFirst because they are helping my family and my children and have supported us a lot,” she said.
“They have assisted us through the Homes-CARE, free transport for my children, free education and they have given me a Walesi.”
Dhirendra Prasad, 45, is also a Tavua Market vendor for at least 24 years.
“FijiFirst because those people helped a lot during the disasters and with the free education for children,” he said
“My house was partly damaged and they gave me $1000 and my house is okay now.
“I have three kids still in primary and secondary school, even though my children don’t go by bus to school, I know other children enjoy the free bus fare initiative.”
Roshni Devi, 49, who is a resident of Damasi, Tavua, said: “FijiFirst, they are helping me a lot. “Everything they are giving to me. They supported us by giving money for our agriculture, to buy seedlings.”