Seru Tuidravutu’s story takes a familiar path like that of many other Fijians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After eight good years of working at a resort in Yasawa, Mr Tuidravutu packed his belongings and moved back to his village in Tailevu when our borders were shut in the wake of the announcement of our first case.
The rest, as they say, is history.
That announcement subsequently set in motion a series of events that saw many businesses suffer greatly.
Thousands of people have since lost their jobs, and many more are on reduced working hours.
Many were forced to take owed leave, and many were forced to take leave without pay, and suffer pay cuts.
With a heavy heart Mr Tuidravutu knew his best option was to move to the village for the sake of his family.
Being the sole breadwinner, it was the logical option for his family of four children and his wife. He had enjoyed working at the resort for the past eight years. Everything changed after our first case was announced though.
It changed everything for him and his family. Moving back to the village, he said, was not easy, particularly settling down in a different environment, having been away for many years.
“While some welcomed us, there were others with different mindsets and opposing opinions,” he shared.
But the 37-year-old never lost hope, and fell back on a skill he had learnt many years ago.
“I was once a joiner employed at Tabua Furniture for about three years,” he said.
He studied at the Monfort Boys Town near Togalevu outside Lami.
The Waikete man now is able to put food on the table for his family and is not thinking of returning to his old job any time soon.
He admits things aren’t getting easy, but he’s content with what he has been able to achieve so far for his family.
In the face of this young family’s transition back to village life, it is encouraging to note that the Government has taken note of the urban to rural drift.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture Jale Sigarara said the reverse of rural to urban drift is possible when “we are committed about raising standards of living in the rural areas”.
He made the comments during the budget debate, saying he had seen the movement of people from urban to rural areas.
“Now men and women who have suffered job losses have returned to their village or farms to live off their land and also contribute positively to the progress of Fiji’s rural economy,” he said.
There can be no doubts about the impact of COVID-19 on Fijians.
We are not immune to the negative effects of the pandemic.
As many people slowly come to terms with the reality of their situation now, we are reminded about the important role we must all play to keep the virus at bay.
Let’s adhere to social distancing rules.
Let’s wash our hands often with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser, and do not touch your face when out in public.
Let’s say on course Fiji.
