Twenty-six year-old Lorraine Rigamoto’s decision to get vaccinated on August 21, 2021, was rewarded last night when she was named the winner of the $8000 National Vaccination Lottery Draw.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun, Ms Rigamoto, who hails from Yasaqa Island in Lau, with maternal links to Pepjei in Rotuma, acknowledged God for her blessings and said she was still shocked and speechless after the win.

She said the decision to get vaccinated was not a choice she took lightly as she wanted to protect herself, her five-month-old baby and her family.

“Hearing all the rumours spread by Anti-Vaxxers discouraged me at first, but I have a small baby and I have to protect her so I went ahead and got the jab,” Ms Rigamoto said.

“I hope that by getting vaccinated I contribute to ensuring that things return to normal. I hope others follow suit and get vaccinated.

“After I gave birth in March, the second outbreak happened in April and I have been at home ever since. I want to get back to work as soon as possible so that was also one of the reasons I got vaccinated.”

She says all seven members of her family have been vaccinated.

She plans to spend her prize money on her baby’s baptism, first birthday and the family’s needs.

“Don’t listen to the rumours and the negative things that people are saying about the vaccine. In order for things to get better and normalise we have to get the jab, especially with the ‘No Jab, No Job’ policy,” she said.

“Also think about your loved ones and their wellbeing.”

The next $51,000 lottery draw will be done on October 10, on Fiji Day where 10 winners will be selected to win $5100 each.

Officiating at the draw, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said for eight years the Fijian Constitution has served as the foundation of a united Fiji.

Mr Bainimarama said the constitution is a living document and for every day for the past 8 years it has been the guiding star for Government’s mission to empower all Fijians

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