Sharing The COVID-19 Load: Exploring How Those In Outer Islands Are Affected

While the pandemic COVID-19 continues to put a strain on people and their livelihoods, it has also shown how closely-knit families and communities in Fiji are, as they try and overcome the challenges together.

In the village of Tovu on the island of Totoya in the Lau Group, one could assume that the villagers would not feel the effects of the pandemic, not directly, anyway. Such is the case with Arieta Vuli and her husband Josateki Temo, who are feeling the effects through their children.

“We have six children. One of our sons stays with us in the village, while four live in Nadi and one lives in Suva,” Mrs Vuli said. “One of them worked in a hotel in Nadi but was laid off after the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The other three have reduced working hours and irregular work and have reached out to their parents for help.

“Yes, they have requested our help with some things and finance. So, we have been waiting for the first passenger vessel to the island to send them some food to help them for the time being.”

The Government imposed inter-island travel restrictions after the first confirmed COVID-19 victim was identified. From March 25 to April 25 there were no ferry services and Totoya Islanders had to wait until May 14 for the first passenger vessel.

Mata ni Tikina (district representative) for Totoya Josateki Temo and his wife Arieta Vuli in their home in Tovu.

Mrs Vuli said that COVID-19 would pass and they were optimistic that things would get better for their loved ones on the mainland. Until then, her family will continue to look out for them.

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