Rural Drift in the North Positive Sign, Envoys Told

Apositive wave of rural drift is now being witnessed in the North as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was highlighted by Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere and Commissioner Northern Uraia Rainima during a briefing on Wednesday at the Commissioner Northern’s office in Macuata House, Labasa.

They were speaking to heads of missions:

■High Commissioner of Australia John Feakes;

■High Commissioner of New Zealand Jonathan Curr;

■U■ited States ambassador Joseph Cella;

■Deputy Chief of Mission from the Embassy of Japan Tsuguyoshi Hada; and Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom Paul Welsh

Ratu Wiliame explained how the northerners prepared themselves for COVID-19. He said the increase in rural drift was a positive sign because people would now make use of the abundance of natural resources and land that Vanua Levu was known for.

“We are aware that some have lost their jobs due to this coronavirus pandemic and they have returned to their villages to work in the farm for survival,” Ratu Wiliame said. “We were not worried about food security during the COVID-19 lockdown because we have abundance of food. We have lot of fish and crops and we were sustainable.” Mr Welsh said he was interested to know their response to COVID-19, particularly in the area of education as students stayed at home unable to go to school for four months.

Northern Divisional Education officer Ili Volai said that there were many social services programmes in place and students who need support were provided.