Renewed Hope for Families
Fully vaccinated individuals and residents of the Northern Division, who wish to return or reunite with their families in Vanua Levu have breathed a sigh of relief.
They have found renewed hope following the announcement by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarara on the ease of maritime travel restrictions.
Among them is Anil Kumar, a sugarcane farmer, from Movo in Tabia, Labasa.
Mr Kumar said the announcement has given him hope to return home and regather the fallen pieces left behind after their house burned down in a fire last Friday.
The family members are in Suva and had completed their quarantine period awaiting final clearance to travel from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services team.
Mr Kumar and his wife had travelled to Viti Levu to visit their two children, who are studying in Suva.
He spent seven months in Viti Levu following the lockdown starting on April 20.
“I am in a very bad state at the moment because all my belongings were destroyed, however, my mother, Ganga Wati, who was at home alone that day, managed to survive unharmed,” he said.
He looks forward to reunite with his mother and youngest son to provide some comfort following the tragic incident.
Thank Government
Meanwhile, another soon-to-be repatriated family said the constant feeling of isolation and staying away from their home had been a challenging experience.
Sushi Lata, thanked the Government for lifting the interisland border for fully vaccinated individuals hoping to travel back to Vanua Levu.
“I have no one at home looking after our property and our family car has not been used for more than seven months now,” she said.
The couple had initially travelled to Suva for the purpose of medical treatment and to visit their only daughter, Sonam Sheenal.
Ms Lata said they hope to return to Labasa and apply for a travel pass with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport after which they could travel and complete their quarantine period at home in Labasa.