The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t going away any time soon.
That much we know.
Given the fact there is still no vaccine, and medical experts are still trying to understand the virus, the impact on the human body, how a vaccine is supposed to work, and how our body responds to it, we are still nowhere near toppling COVID-19.
Given the fact that we are slowly starting to relax rules surrounding safety measures to keep the virus at bay, we still cannot afford to be overly confident that we have it under control right here in Fiji.
The global impact is near catastrophic, with millions losing their jobs, thousands dying, and thousands more infected.
In Fiji, we are not immune to the negative impact of the virus as thousands of people lose their jobs, many have been forced to work on reduced hours, and many more forced to take leave without pay.
The negative impact on our domestic economy is frightening as businesses come to a standstill, and many more struggle to keep their heads above water.
It’s not a pleasant scenario for anyone, moreso when you have mortgages to pay, loans to repay, a house to upgrade, or build, mouths to feed and loved ones to look after.
The reality is thousands of Fijians are facing a very tough time.
Many have been forced to fall back on their FNPF to sustain them.
We can talk about savings now, and rue the many opportunities we had to put some cash aside for a rainy day.
Well.
Rainy days, it seems, are certainly dragging on.
They aren’t going anywhere any time soon by the looks of things.
Tough days are upon us.
For those who did not have enough to start with, putting aside something for a savings account would have been tough to begin with.
So we are back to where are we right now.
Times are tough.
When the blankwall appears intimidating, and scenarios are just overwhelming, there are moments in time that will stand out as a beacon of hope.
That’s why about seven families living in Tore Settlement, just outside Lautoka, are thanking their lucky stars for saviours.
They were assisted with basic food items and groceries yesterday.
The assistance was given by good Samaritans Ropate Toroca, Allen Lockington and a few of their friends.
Tore subdivision settlement president Joeli Sauqaqa said most sole breadwinners in the community were unemployed since the COVID-19 Lautoka lockdown.
The donation, he said, would assist most of the affected families.
“A lot of them have been struggling to survive and most of them have small children.
“I would like to thank the two gentlemen for assisting the needy in our community during this difficult period.”
About 100 families in Lautoka and nearby areas have been assisted by this group of friends.
Mr Lockington believes in such times, people should be reaching out to assist the underprivileged.
We acknowledge the efforts of this group and all those un-named people and groups around the country and abroad doing such work, and we wish them the best in their endeavours.
They stand out like the monolithic Joske’s Thumb which is visible along the Suva harbour, reaffirming the goodness of the human spirit.
When we look back at the annals of history, hopefully we will read about their tireless work, and read about the great sacrifices and willingness to give.
Thank you.
