Roneel Kumar only hopes for better days ahead.

The woodcarver from Nadali in Nausori says the COVID-19 pandemic has not really left him out of his business but has only made him stronger and more determined.

He was a regular distributor of wood carvings to the vendors at the Suva Handicraft Centre. However, the pandemic has forced him to put a stop to this as businesses were not fully operational.

He was among the many who took advantage of the opportunity at the Open Market Day at the Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva on Friday, August 7.

The Open Market Day aimed to provide a platform for unemployed Fijians and existing entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products for the benefit of their families or community during this pandemic.

“I love this job and I have taken advantage of all opportunities I get to market and sell my products during this pandemic,” Mr Kumar said.

“Business may be down but I am not out.

“I am the sole breadwinner of my family and I depend on sales like this to be able to put food on the table.

“Initiatives such as this will greatly benefit us during this pandemic and I only hope this will not only be the first and the last one.”

The Market Day was an initiative by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Ministry of Employment, Youth and Productivity, Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the National Employment Sector.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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