Vendor Arrives Early to Beat Short Market Hours
Root crops, coconuts, lemons, vegetables and chilies are some of the common foods people look for this long Easter weekend as families prepare to feast on the occasion after a month of devotion and fasting.
To meet this demand, market vendors like Amelia Kainavatu travels from Bureiwai, Ra to sell her farm produce at the Suva Municipal Market.
Mrs Kainavatu has been selling at the Suva Municipal Market since 2016 as an avenue to support her family’s needs.
For the 37-year-old, Easter season is the opportune time to earn extra money as the demand for vegetables and crops increase.
“I came early this week with 18 bundles of dalo which I am selling for $18 each bundle and 12 dozens of coconuts which I had harvested from the village. I have been doing this the past five years to earn enough to cater for my family’s needs,” Mrs Kainavatu said.
“This is also a short week as the Suva market closes on Good Friday, then reopens on Saturday.”
“We have all seen and experienced the challenges of COVID-19, we are still trying to make enough to get us through the week,” she said.
Mrs Kainavatu who is the Methodist says that Easter is a time for devotion for all Christians.
Mrs Kainavatu who is a Methodist says that Easter is a time for devotion for all Christians.
“It’s a time we reflect on our sins and pray about it to the good Lord; He is the only one who can direct us the right path to follow.
“I plan to spend this Easter week with my family and relatives in the village,” she said.
Some produce she sells at the market also include lemons, chilies and ginger.