
Chand and his family from Newtown Settlement in Lokia received the assistance under the Government's Seafarer Entrepreneurship Assistance (SEA) Programme.
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu handed over the boat and engine, saying the assistance would help the family grow its fishing business.

Bulitavu says the larger and safer boat will allow Chand to fish more efficiently, increase his catch and earn a better income for his family.
He says the SEA Programme is helping rural and maritime families improve their livelihoods by supporting fishing and other marine-based businesses.

Under the programme, recipients contribute one-third of the total cost, while the Government funds the remaining two-thirds.