Tears rolled down Niumaia Rayawa’s face as he stepped forward before his fellow villagers to receive a new fiberglass boat, saying that the new equipment represents the rebirth of a cooperative that the village had fought hard to bring back to life.
In that quiet moment at Vadravadra Village on Gau Island, the Chairman of Vadravadra Cooperative Limited struggled to contain his emotions.
The donated equipment includes a boat fitted with a 40-horsepower outboard motor, and a newly installed solar-powered freezer unit for their cooperative store.
The milestone handover was officiated by Director and Registrar of Cooperatives, Iosefo Koroidimuri, who presented the equipment as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperative enterprises in rural communities.
For the villagers gathered, the moment marked a powerful reminder of what unity and determination can achieve.
Rayawa says cooperation is not just a business model, it is the heartbeat of their village.
The cooperative, now boasting over fifty registered members, currently operates a retail store and fuel outlet, providing essential goods and services to villagers while generating income for its members.
He says the newly installed solar-powered freezer unit now further expands the store’s operations by enabling the storage and sale of frozen goods, which are often difficult to access in remote maritime communities.
The project was made possible by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development’s Integrated Human Resources Development Programme (IHRDP) Grant, which continues to support community-based enterprises throughout Fiji.
The total investment for the Vadravadra Cooperative project was $43,741.02.
The cooperative itself contributed $14,580.34, while the IHRDP grant covered $29,160.67, specifically for the boat, engine, and solar freezer.
Speaking during the handover, Koroidimuri commended the members for their commitment and vision, saying the solar freezer will strengthen their business and allow access to goods normally found only in urban centres.
He noted that cooperatives once played a central role in village economies, helping communities fund education, housing programmes, and other development initiatives.
He adds that strengthening cooperative enterprises remains just as important.
Koroidimuri says only about five percent of registered businesses in Fiji are owned by iTaukei, highlighting the importance of expanding indigenous participation in business.
He says every business journey presents hurdles, urging everyone to stay the course.
