It’s all about investment back to the grassroot people of Lomaiviti.

This is the main focus for the organising committee of the Lomaiviti Carnival.

The theme for this year’s weeklong carnival is reviving traditional knowledge, culture and investment.

Roko Tui Lomaiviti, Penijamini Velitokaduadua, said the main driver behind the rolling out of the investment plan is Lomaiviti Holdings.

“When I am talking about investment, the first wave is to invest back to the resources within our Tikina and villages.

“We want to invest back to the farmers, fisherman etc in Lomaiviti province.

“For example; people are planting in Lomaiviti and then a middle man comes and buys and sells it off too much a high price then it was sold and we don’t do anything.

“So within these five years we are trying to implement an investment programme where the products from these farmers, fishermen, women who work on handicrafts are marketed directly to potential overseas buyers.

“We are trying to economically empower them.

“Our strategy is starting now and we are trying build up capital that can activate this project.”

There are 12 districts altogether in the Lomaiviti Province.

He said they are working with the various Government ministries to ensure that all proper processes are followed.

“Of course trainings and capacity building will be at grassroots level for both male, female and youths to empower them to use their resources.”

The carnival ends on Saturday at the Furnival Park, Toorak.

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