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Nativi Village up in the hills of Ra is an hour's ride by car or two hours by bus from Rakiraki Town to Vasemaca Toga's home where she runs a family canteen business.
With able support from her husband they have sought other means to earn income after retiring from the civil service.
“My husband was a former teacher and so when he retired, we moved here to his village up in the mountains of Ra,” she said. Vasemaca moved to Nativi and with the support of her husband, built and opened a canteen in the village.
She is a recipient of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism's small and micro business grant assistance given to successful applicants in 2015.
“I bought my stock and supply from the grant of $1000 that was given to me by the Government.” Vasemaca has not relied on the income from the canteen alone.
“After I got the grant, I realized that I can do other things to occupy my time and bring in extra money too.”
Having other canteens in the village has also provided stiff competition for the soft spoken woman. “When it's cane cutting season, the business is good because people come in to cut cane, and there is constant flow of money.”
She has big plans to expand her business and will try and cater for all different age groups in the village.
“I want to extend my shop and include a pool table where the young people can come and play a game,” she said.
“I thank this Government for giving me the grant. It has indeed been a huge boost to my business and my confidence in running a business here in the village.”
“I have seen a big difference in my family. My children are well educated and working and one of my son's is going to be admitted as a lawyer soon in Suva.
“This business has really helped my family.”