Fishing Provides His Source of Survival
Elvin Kumar, 34, did not know about the Northern Development Programme (NDP) grant until a friend told him about it.
And, for that, he will be forever thankful.
The father-of-one applied and received the grant in 2017. It was enough to pay for a boat and outboard engine.
“I received the grant in April last year. I go fishing at the weekends or at nights if the weather permits,’’ Mr Kumar said.
“Before I used to hire a boat to go fishing but now I don’t have to.
“I used to pay $40 to hire a boat and then I have to buy the fuel. That is costly because I don’t know if my catch will be enough.”
Mr Kumar said he has a day job as a back-up plan.
“I work during the day as a back-up plan because I will not be able to go out fishing when there is bad weather,” he said.
“At the end of the day I have to put food on the table.
“I sometimes let people hire my boat but I only give it to those I trust. I sell my catch at the Savusavu market and I am able to pay bills for the house.
“I have attended one Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji workshop and have a fishing licence.”
Mr Kumar urges fishermen to always take heed of the weather because it is better to be safe than sorry.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
