Prem Lata, a bean cart vendor in Malake Landing in Ra, is now able to run her business better after receiving a $4000 COVID-19 Concessional Package Loan.

The single mother of two has grown from being a bean cart vendor to a certified fisher and soon-to-be boat captain.

The 52-year-old sells fresh and frozen fish from her business known as Naria Seafood. Her late husband started this some 25 years ago.

Ms Lata, whose husband died 10 years ago, said he was the reason she continued to run the business.

“My husband was a fisherman. At first when we got married, I was hesitant about fishing,” she said.

“Through the years I have grown to love the sea. Now I have a fishing licence and am waiting for my boat captain licence.”

Unfortunately, she lost her fishing boat during Tropical Cyclone Winston, but that has not deterred her from going out to sea.

“I want to thank the Government for always looking out for people like me,” she said.

“My first business, which was selling beans and sweets from my bean cart, was only made possible from a grant I received from the same Government two years ago.

“Then I planted and sold vegetables and plants to help buy groceries.

“Now I don’t have to stand by the roadside and rely on only that to earn me money but can sit comfortably at home and sell.”

She said with the loan she received, she was hoping to expand her business by purchasing a freezer.

Furthermore, Ms Lata said she plans to build a fish shop by the roadside rather than selling fish from her home.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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