Even in a wheelchair, Akanisi Latu says receiving handouts is not an excuse to stop a person from working hard.

The jovial 62-year-old, a recipient of the Social Welfare Poverty Benefit Scheme, says she prefers to work hard than depending on Government assistance.

She was one of the small business entrepreneurs who took advantage of the Open Market Day yesterday at Ratu Sukuna Park.

The event is a collaboration between four Government ministries and centres namely the:

• Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport,
• Ministry of Employment, Youth and Productivity.
• Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and
• National Employment Centre.

Each ministry is expected to showcase its strengths at the open market day.

Ms Latu said: “I work hard for a living, even in a wheelchair.

“I was one of the recipients that was late in recertifying my social welfare account, which delayed the payment to my account for this month.

“I am not complaining because I don’t solely depend on it, I generate income from the small businesses that I operate.”

She said people’s perception towards disability had always been different but: “I am a testimony that we can achieve anything because we do have abilities as well.

“I live alone in the Valelevu Hart and I do my own cooking, shopping, I make handicrafts that I sell, I bake pies and pastries that I drop off in offices and other income generating projects. That is who I am.”

Akanisi Latu of inclusive Women Artist of Fiji with some of their products during Open Market Day at Ratu Sukuna Park on August 7, 2020. Photo: Ronald Kumar.

She encouraged people living with disabilities and those who are able-bodied to always see things from a different perspective.

“I thank God for the strength, no matter the challenges I face as a woman living with disability, I choose to look at my abilities.”

She encouraged Fijians to move away from the life of making excuses and complaints and work hard towards income generating projects to benefit their families.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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