The FijiFirst government has been supporting maritime based businesses, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

While responding to question posed by Opposition MP Anare Jale on the assistance provided to maritime islands, Minister for Commerce, Transport Faiyaz Koya said the government helps them generate income from their primary traits and alternative livelihood programmes.

Koya says 60 women from Vanua Balavu were assisted with the establishment of a business centre that also functions as a collection centre for handicrafts, training and manufacturing site for weaving which amounted to over $76,000.

He says another community Income Generated Project was provided to Cicia villagers for their Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Ginger Project.

“The total project cost amounted to $69,666. The assistance allowed the procurement of electronic scrapper, VCO filter, coconut press, generator, goat fence, seedlings and hardware materials. The project has indirectly assisted around 320 people and further direct assistance to 80 individuals”.

The government has allocated a total of $2.28million for subsidized shipping service to maritime communities including Vanua Balavu, Lakeba, Kabara, Ogea, and Ono-i-Lau.

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