Page 49 - Islands Business May 2023

SPBD

MEET THE MEMBERS

Ruth Roselyn Sidal, Waitavala Centre, Taveuni
A young Taveuni woman has survived the slow economy of
the past two years to now run her business on two islands.
Ruth Roselyn Sidal’s success has been made possible, thanks
to the help provided by her family and South Pacific Business
Development (SPBD).
“Many of our customers come and buy large quantities of
walu (Spanish mackerel) and kawakawa (grouper),” Sidal says.
“We sell a variety of fish, lobsters, sea prawns, mud crabs,
octopus, and just recently, we added coconut crabs, mussels,
sea grapes and sea urchins on our product list.
“We have our own boats and we work with other local
fishermen when there’s less seafood supply. We buy it from
them and retail it,” she adds.
Her business, Ruth Fish Supplies, is based in Taveuni and she
has just opened a new branch in Votualevu, Nadi.
While she has met with success, operating a seafood
business comes with risks, she says. “When the weather is
bad, I don’t get supplies and I don’t get enough cash flow. But
when the weather is good, everything is blooming.
“As a 26-year-old business owner, it took a lot of trust in
myself. Right now, I not only support myself but also all the
people I employ. I see my business growing every single day. Ruth Roselyn Sidal
We’ve established another shop and we have bought more planning to increase my loan cycle to $15,000,” she said.
freezers and other inventories; we’ve even got a vehicle now. She encourages other young women to join the program.
The business is expanding. Even though COVID hit us, we’re “Their service is timely and they give you more time to use
still in business and staying strong,” she says. the funds,” she added.
Sidal joined SPBD in 2018 and through their support, she Sidal has big ambitions for her business, and hopes to be
says she has managed to save $3,200 so far. “I’m currently exporting her seafood products to the international market
in my fifth cycle with SPBD and in two months’ time, I’m next year.

Lavenia Savai, Nabouwalu 3 Centre,
Nabouwalu
In Nabouwalu village, a small canteen has become a go-to
spot for its delicious homemade ice treats.
The business is owned by 44-year-old Lavenia Savai, who
joined South Pacific Business Development (SPBD) in February
this year.
“My usual customers are government workers and the
village children who buy my strawberry-flavoured ice blocks
and ice cream,” said Savai.
“People love my homemade ice block and ice cream, yet
sometimes, when the electricity supply in our village goes off,
it affects my sales,” she revealed.
To circumvent this issue, she prepares and sells other
products like suki (local Fijian tobacco) and yaqona (kava).
“My business in selling yaqona has been successful. I sell my
yaqona for $6 per kg,” she said.
The businesswoman and mother of six children is very
grateful for SPBD’s support. “SPBD has enabled me to have a
starting capital. And, they have also helped me fulfil most of
my family and village commitments. I hope to keep improving
my business and living standards,” she said. Lavenia Savai

Islands Business, May 2023 49
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