Page 54 - Islands Business May-June 2022

Pacific Makete

DOWN TO EARTH, STILL ATOP

THE WORLD

By Jason Jett
Vuniwaqa was awarded
The story could have ended with a flight attendant being the 2020 Women in Ag-
told she would never walk or talk again, simply being ground- riculture Award by the
ed, but Vitila Vuniwaqa hopes to inspire others with chapters Ministry.
in which she overcomes the physical block of a stroke to stick “Today, for the many
a landing as a farmer entrepreneur. young USP students in
Not so long ago, Vuniwaqa was literally atop the world fly- the audience who wish
ing for Air Pacific, now Fiji Airways. Then one morning, in 2010 for an entrepreneur
she awoke to “the worst headache I have ever had.” It proved career, have a positive
to be a stroke that would end her flying career. mind, accepting any
After having to re-learn how to talk and walk, through challenges you may
months of agonising rehabilitation that had her completely come across,” Vuni-
dependent on others, Vuniwaqa felt the need to be self- waqa said at the event.
reliant and more attuned to nature. She purchased a farm and “Success is not an ac-
began literally living down to earth. Vee’s Organic Farm pure honey cident. It is hard work,
Ten years later, on Vee’s Organic Farm in Sabeto – not far perseverance, learning,
from Nadi International Airport where she once was based — studying, sacrifice and
Vuniwaqa is growing an array of vegetables and selling them, most of all, loving what
along with honey, beeswax and coconut oil, to vendors at you are doing or learn-
Namaka Market and to townspeople. ing to do.”
The 48-year-old Suva-born woman heads a three-person Vuniwaqa showed
team operating the 12-acre farm, with community mem- USP students images of
bers hired to help in the planting and harvesting of spinach, flowering plants, trees,
eggplant, cassava, beets and more. She also runs a bed-and- crops, herbs and more
breakfast property, coordinating with Fiji Tourism to share her on her farm. She noted
peaceful slice of nature with others. there are 10 bee boxes
“I want people to know that I am on top,” Vuniwaqa said from which organic hon-
before speaking in April at the University of the South Pacific’s ey has been produced
2022 Entrepreneur Fair, where she shared her story with aspir- the past five years.
ing businesspeople. She also has chickens,
“In February 2010 I had a major stroke,” she told the Vee’s Organic Farm a nursery for seedlings
conference. “It happens when the blood supply to some part and produces organic lemongrass, pickles and jams.
of the brain is cut-off. This changed my life, when I was told I Some 10 years ago, Vuniwaqa had a narration of the story
would not walk or talk again. of her stoke recovery transcribed by a friend, hoping to one
“But I beat the odds by God’s grace, and with the help of day have it published. She titled it, Change for the Better:
my mom, family and friends who supported me,” continued Defying the Odds.
Vuniwaqa. “During the hard and trying times, I had a dream It begins, “I needed to share how events that could easily
that I would fight to get back on my feet and do the things bring you to your knees, did not have to keep you there, but
which I enjoy. through prayer and spirit, you can use those situations to up-
“Today, I challenge all of you,” she said. “If I can do it, so lift yourself, to discover your purpose, and at the same time
can you.” be a beacon to those who are also facing challenges.
Vuniwaqa said after her recovery, she wanted to go into “Change is good, embrace change, even when it seems all is
organics and visualised starting a farm. against you.”
“I established myself as a viable entrepreneur through
communications with the Ministry of Agriculture and being in- editor@islandsbusiness.com
volved in different farming projects,” she stated. “I attended
workshops and learned from them. This has helped me with Visit pacificmakete.com.fj for lessons from entrepreneurs
farming information, and what I can do to improve my farm.” and business mentors, and MSME opportunities across the
In 2019, Vee’s Organic Farm added hiking and meals to its Pacific.
offerings for tourists and nature enthusiasts. A year later,

54 Islands Business, May-June 2022