Fish exchanged for groceries

The barter system continues to gain momentum amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Western Division, a barter group headed by Ana Masere and Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association, are exchanging fish for clothes and groceries.

This is to help Fijians living in Kadavu, Vatulele and the Lau group who were affected by the virus pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold. The fish barter is done every Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm at the Viseisei, Vuda bypass and Navutu, Lautoka stretch, across from the Total Service Station.

The Savu, Vugalei, Tailevu native said bartered items include baked goods to the Natabua Golden Age Home on Mother’s Day and groceries to squatter settlements in Nadi, Lautoka and Ba. “We can’t sit and wait for the Government to do everything. I think they need us as well to help out and if we all start, we could make a difference because someone has to start,” she said.

Photo: Salote Qalubau Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association member Narayan Reddy (left) and Ana Masere (second from right) barter fish for clothes from Raijieli Lakena (second from left) and Ecelina Tamani (third from left) in Navutu, Lautoka, on May 28, 2020. On the far right is Wili Drasuna.