Weather rules a fisherman’s life

By Ilia L. Likou 31 July 2017, 12:00AM

Nineteen-year-old Muta Ina is a young, fisherman.

He was spotted by the Village Voice while resting from his normal chores at his village, Vailu’uta’i.

 “Yes I am a fisherman, and this is what I do to help my family financially.” he told the Village Voice.

“I left school, because of my family’s financial problems, and that’s why I ended up going to the sea to serve my family especially my parents.

He believes that everything in this life comes with lots of challenges.

“Being a fisherman is not an easy life for me, because we all know the sea is an open grave, but there’s no other way that I can earn for my family.” Muta said.

“When we talk about fishing, it’s not that you just walk and then you expect a lot of fish waiting for  you on the beach.

“You have to be prepared... in whatever circumstances, you have to make sure that you’ll return safely to your family.

The most challenging part of being a fisherman is the weather.

“If the weather is not good, then be prepared for high tidal waves...sometimes even though the weather is fine but waves still increase from time to time...and that’s very dangerous.

“Sometimes, the sun is killing me but nothing stops me from going out there because that’s the source of income for us (family).

He knows the equation of life – ‘if you don’t work – you don’t eat’

“We are living in those days, that you have to help yourself in whatever way you can – if not – you’ll starve to death.

“You don’t have to rely on others for living but, you’ve got to help yourself with the understanding that it’s not easy to live today because of the high cost of goods that we are facing.

“But if we believe in ourselves and know that God will help us get through then everything will be all right.

Muta goes fishing three times a day.

“That’s my normal routine but it all depends on the weather, to tell you the truth, I don’t want to go fishing knowing the weather is not fine.

“I’d rather stay home.... looking after myself is very important, for tomorrow is another day.

By Ilia L. Likou 31 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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