The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is sending a strong reminder to businesses to not to exploit people this festive season.

The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) President, Ram Raju said businesses need to understand that the people had a tough year with Tropical Cyclone Winston hitting the country.

With this, Mr Raju has declared Nadi town a 24 hours shopping zone for this Diwali.

This means that until Diwali there are no restrictions to opening hours for shopkeepers.

“Members of the business community have always responded kindly and generously in times of disasters and I would like to request all of them again to assist the needy and brighten up their lives,” he said.

“Diwali, the festival of lights and happiness is now well entrenched in our multicultural, multi-religious and multiracial society that everyone celebrates with grandeur and excitement.”

Dr Raju said people should not forget the neighbours who are not so fortunate.

“It’s time to share, care, love and embrace one another in warmth and kindness.”

“I wish to convey, on behalf of NCCI, a special message to all the members of the community gearing up for this festival of distinctive significance at a time when we are also celebrating the arrival of the last Girmitya ship to Fiji.”

Meanwhile, people in huge numbers came out to make use of the extended shopping hours yesterday.

A shopper, Sanjesh Prasad said this was a great initiative of the authorities because many workers only resorted to last minute shopping.

Another shopper Angeline Kumar said, “It is a good time for us who work in shops to do shopping as well.”

The owner of Rani’s Variety Store, Chandar Bhaan Singh said the 24-hour zone was economical to the sellers.

EDITED BY: FARZANA NISHA