‘Workers not forced’

Local workers are not being forced by the company to come forward and fight for them, says Grace Road employee Asenaca Nuku.

Speaking to The Fiji Times, she said they wanted to give back to Grace Road because they’ve seen the positive impact the company has brought them.

“We want to do something, because we have seen the impact in our lives. It’s easy for us because we are living in the village and we don’t have to go to look for job opportunities. It’s right here on our doorstep and it’s very easy,” Ms Nuku said.

“Even now, our children are working. Some of them have left school last year and started working here in December.

“So, I think everybody’s happy with this, with what company has done for us, the locals, the villagers.”

She said one thing the company was doing was empowering women to work and be self-sufficient.

“It was much harder to deal with, it was limited. Job opportunities in Navua (is) very limited.

“People have to go to Suva or Western (Division) to look for job but not any more when they set up this business here.

“Husbands and wives are all working here. Now our children are coming. They don’t have to go far.”

Ms Nuku said Jung Daniel Kim was not a threat to the country as he was helping them.