Lesieli Qetaki Is First Woman Market Master

Lesieli Qetaki has become the first woman market master in Fiji, and she is charged with the responsibility of managing the biggest market in the country.

The Suva City Council appointed Ms Qetaki last month to take over a role which had been previously held by men.

Ms Qetaki, 35, was a former tourism officer at the Ministry of Tourism. She said when she saw the vacancy advertised, she knew she could take on the position.

“I felt as if it were a calling. What I am trying to do is use what I have learnt in the tourism industry, combine it with current retail trends and take the Suva City Municipal Market to newer heights,” she said.

The role is challenging. Ms Qetaki had to establish herself with the vendors who were traditionally used to dealing with a man.

“It was challenging, but slowly everyone has come on board. I have a good team at the market and the vendors are wonderful,” she said.

“I am happy to be here and share the vision the council has for the market.”

Ms Qetaki hails from Namata, Tailevu, and is a former Suva Grammar School student. Passing through the market was a daily exercise for her, but she never imagined that one day she would be in charge of the largest and busiest market in the country.

Suva and Lami special administrator chairperson Isikeli Tikoduadua said Ms Qetaki was the right choice for the role.

“She is the perfect fit for the job. This also increases the number of women in management positions in the council,” he said.

There are more than 1000 stalls in the Suva Market and on average the market sees foot traffic of almost 15,000 people.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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