Subsistent fisherman hunting for a job

By Ulimasao Fata 27 October 2017, 12:00AM

One way to tackle the high cost of living and financial challenges in life is by making wise use of the resources around us. 

The sea, for example, is a source of hope for 39-year-old Tavita Hala, of Tufulele.

“Fishing is my only source of income,” he told the Village Voice team.

And for 10 years now, fishing is what sustains him and his family financially and for their daily survival. 

Tavita and his brothers, together with their families, live on a piece of land and they all toil the land and fish for their survival to help their father. 

“No one works from all of us, but then we go out fishing in order to get food as well as sell our catch for money.”

Tavita Hala said fishing was not new to him.

“I was also in American Samoa working on one of the fishing boats there but I came back here and I haven’t been working again, but I am also good with welding.”

The father of three also shared about the money he makes from the work he does.

“It’s good money when the catch is good but it all depends on the weather, which is why I really need a job when the weather becomes a challenge.”

Tavita also shared about how his family survives through the high cost of living today.

“I don’t go fishing every day. I only go fishing from Monday to Friday and Saturday is my time to work the land.

“That is my routine every week and so far that is how my family survives,” he said.

Tavita said life had been tough lately and the cost of living was not helping at all.

 He is looking for a job so that he can help provide for his family and his children’s well-being.

“To me, the only thing I want at the moment is to have enough money to provide for my family.”

By Ulimasao Fata 27 October 2017, 12:00AM

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