The recent hike in fuel prices is like ‘a noose around our neck, say Ba fishermen Lasaro Ratu and Taniela Rogo.
Both have been in the fishing trade for more than 20 years, the only trade that has sustained their family’s needs all these years.
“We’ve lost hope,” Mr Ratu said. “We depend on fuel to catch the best fish to sell and to provide nutritious meals for our families.
“We will not be able to do this now because we cannot afford the high fuel prices.”
The duo usually accompany each other on fishing trips to waters around Ba and they both contribute towards fuel.
Last week, they could not make a profit because their catch was just enough for them to sell and earn for their family’s daily expenses.
Mr Ratu said the continuous hike in fuel costs would mean forking out extra from their pockets to go out fishing.
He said fishing was not just a trade for both of them but allowed them to meet their family’s demands and those of the vanua and the church.
“Before, we would leave early in the morning and return in the afternoon with a decent catch, however, we’ve had to spend entire nights out at sea since last week to be able to catch enough fish to sell,” Mr Ratu said.
