Grant Is A Leg Up Not Hand Out, Musician Advises
You should start with something and Government will just come in to assist with growth. Inia Tuicakau Hanahana Music Studio Owner
People should learn not to depend on Government for their survival.
These were the words of Hanahana Music Studio Owner, Inia Tuicakau, from Cuvu in Nadroga.
The 57-year-old said in most cases, people would wait around for Government assistance to get them out of poverty.
“You start by working hard, be content and try to build your lives with the little you have. There is no short cut to success,” Mr Tuicakau added.
The father of seven was one of the successful recipients under the Government’s small and micro business grant in 2015.
The $1000 grant, Mr Tuicakau said, was Government’s assistance to help Fijian small businesses grow.
“You should start with something and Government will just come in to assist with growth,” he added. Mr Tuicakau is originally from Nasegai in Kadavu, but has been residing in Cuvu for the past decades.
He plays jazz at hotels along the Coral Coast which had been the family’s main source of income. Mr Tuicakau had been assisting various local artists in Nadroga and conducting music classes. He thanked Government for the assistance.
“With the $1000, I was able to buy a few materials to repair my music instruments.
“I have worked hard for years to be where I am today and the $1000 grant was a boost,” Mr Tuicakau said.