Lorraine Foster and Lorraine Seeto, two of the six judges for the South Pacific Business Development awards, visited a finalist for Business woman of the year, Shalini Devi yesterday.

After an early flight to Labasa and a road trip to Savusavu, the judges gave Mrs Devi of Korovesi Centre, Savusavu the opportunity to showcase her business and express her appreciation to SPBD for its financial support.

About Mrs Devi

Partnering with her husband, she operates her kava business from Savusavu market.

Ms Devi is the first SPBD member to qualify for the maximum loan of $20,000 which she took twice in 2018.

She has repaid her loan early.

Her plans are to diversify her business to second hand clothing and vegetables/food.

She wants to be a role model for women in the community, enhance the quality of life for her family and provide a good education for her two children. The awards will be held this year at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Thursday, February 28 from 6pm to 11pm.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj