Caption: Vuaki, Yasawa villager Mr. Setevano Bogileka officially receives his brand new fiberglass boat from the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Jovesa Vocea.

SUVA – A fisherman of Vuaki Village in the district of Nacula in Yasawa is hopeful that the provision of his very own fiberglass boat funded under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Seafaring Entrepreneurial Assistance (SEA) Programme will enable him to expand his business to support his family.

Mr. Setevano Bogileka, 40, received his boat from the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Jovesa Vocea in Lautoka last week.

The father-of-seven sells fresh fish at the Lautoka Wharf every week to make ends meet for his family.

“Previously I used to have an old boat. When I go fishing I will only fish in shallow waters because it is really old and risky to take into deep waters,” he said.

“For a long time, I had to struggle using my old boat, but today I would like to thank the Government for coming forward to help me with the provision of this new boat. This will boost my business venture and also help me grow it so I can earn more money to support my family. This will also improve accessibility and provide us with a safer means to travel to and from the island.”

Money earned through fishing has enabled Mr Bogileka to put his seven children through school.

In handing over the bat, Hon. Vocea praised the efforts of Mr Bogileka in trying to grow his small business.

“We are confident that this new boat will not only support you in providing for your family’s daily livelihood but will also assist the villagers of Vuaki. The Government wholeheartedly supports such an initiative as it aligns with our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 1 on alleviating poverty,” Hon. Vocea said.

Caption: Vuaki, Yasawa villager Mr. Setevano Bogileka inside his brand new fiberglass boat in Lautoka.