From taxi driver to full time planter

By Seia Soloi 09 February 2017, 12:00AM

Onosai Filipo is not ashamed to say it.

Life as a farmer makes more money than being a taxi driver.

The 48-year-old man from Leauva’a made the admission yesterday when the Village Voice caught up with him.

The father of three said he used to drive a taxi but it was a tough life because he would spend more time to earn less.

That’s when he came to his senses and returned to work the land.

And he has not regretted his decision.

“I receive $200tala weekly and that money goes first to my kid’s school fees then family matters after,” he said. 

“The cost of living is too high, it is very expensive so we have to make every tala count.”

At the plantation, Onosai harvests taro, vegetables and other root crops.

“I sell pumpkins and other vegetables,” he said.

“This money allows me to provide for my family. The most important thing about this is that the plantation also feeds my family.

“You see we find our own food on our land. There is nothing to worry about.”

Onosai believes more people should return to work the land.

“There is a lot of food but people are too lazy to work.

 “Life is very peaceful and perfect when we have all the things we need. That’s what the land brings.”

One of the plusses is the safety aspect.

“The safety of my kids is very important to me,” he said.

The only concern he has is accessing their house.

“When it’s raining we hardly move or travel because of the bad road.”

He concluded: “I have to be strong enough and work hard so that I can provide more of what my family want, especially for the sake of my children.”

By Seia Soloi 09 February 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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