Month: March 2021

Another much anticipated horizon has now been witnessed by FTA and its subsidiaries, is the harvesting of the Yaqona plants at the Vanuavou Farm. Last month saw the first consignment of yaqona being harvested and sent over to Suva for the local market. Whilst it is anticipated that the first few batches are being sold locally, to ensure a swift turnaround time for marketing and trading, there is also ongoing talks to secure overseas market and a wider reach for the local consumption. A farm audit conducted in August 2020 revealed a total of 19,000  well grown plants.

Our newly renovated office space has been completed, at a total costing of $95k excluding variation costs. It boasts a modern day dimension into a conducive and technological provision of Office and meeting space. In investing in a totally vibrant transition of service delivery, that reflects a high standard of information Technology, we believe members and users shall benefit greatly in its utilization.

The installing of a new software program that is specifically designed to cater for services rendered by our Association has also been installed to replace the old one that has been with us from yester years. Although both these 2 new investments, had been targeted to lift the corporate standard and identity of FTACTL, it also has provided member friendly environment and updated business provisions to members.

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Approaching the retirement age, one has to plan well so that the transition will be enjoyed with a lot of business plan for the last two decades utilizing the God given provision of Land which will bring great returns to the member and the immediate and extended family as a whole.

It is no difference to Mr Sailosi Nakelo, a 52-year-old Secondary School Economics teacher who has confidently declared that with the Loan assistance from the Fijian Teachers Association Cooperative Thrift, he was able to secure his business that is bringing great income generating to support him for his Retirement Plan.

Mr Nakelo is originally from Naila, Bau Tailevu and married with 5 children. The eldest is now attending Tertiary, two attending Primary and two at Secondary Education. His Retirement Plan has now enough to support his obligation to the Koro and family as a whole.

As I approach retirement in the next few years, I have been carefully considering ways to secure a sustainable source of income when I return to my village. Reflecting on the hardships I faced as a child and the struggles of growing up in Gau and Koro, I developed a strong desire to give back to my community. At the same time, I hoped to establish a small business that could support my livelihood during retirement.

This dream took a significant step forward when I envisioned setting up a small bowser facility at Qarani Jetty in Gau. With the jetty undergoing reconstruction and the ongoing efforts to revitalize inter-island shipping—aimed at supporting rural farming and local export—the opportunity became even more promising. During my time as a primary school teacher in Koro, I witnessed how much more developed inter-island shipping services were in Koro and Ovalau, which highlighted the need for similar progress in Gau.

With this goal in mind, I pursued the project and was fortunate to secure a lease on land near the jetty. I also received the full backing of the vanua, along with traditional approval to establish what is commonly known as a Gunugunu ni benisini(bowser facility).

However, one of the greatest challenges was securing funding for the project. Identifying potential sources of financial assistance proved difficult, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, I was encouraged by my understanding of the Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited (FTACTL) and decided to apply for a loan to support my start-up.

After submitting my application, I waited with eagerness and spent much time in prayer. To my surprise and joy, I received a phone call from the FTACTL Chairman on Sunday, 26th July, informing me that my loan application of $5,000.00 had been approved.

I felt truly blessed by this outcome—whether it was the sincerity of my prayers or the privilege of being a member of FTACTL, I am grateful for the opportunity to receive financial assistance for this business venture.

With the funding secured, I have now been able to purchase essential hardware materials and fencing. I have also acquired an empty container to serve as a shed and initial base for the bowser facility, along with chain-link fencing to ensure proper security.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge the timely assistance and understanding shown by the Fijian Teachers Association Co-operative Thrift Limited. Their support and belief in my vision have played a crucial role in helping turn this humble intention into reality.

“Vinaka saka vakalevu FTACTL, for making dreams a reality”.