A street vendor from Togafuafua, Junior Fealoai, has issued a passionate plea to the Government to reconsider their decision to ban street vendors as part of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking during an interview with the Samoa Observer, he said his family is suffering because they have no money. The only way he can help them is to be able to return to selling goods on the streets.

"I am not a well-educated person," he said.

 "So selling cans and bongos around the market place is the only way I know how to make money. I am aware that no workplace will hire me without any qualifications."

The 22-year-old says he regrets not finishing his studies.

And while he is prohibited from selling stuff, he has started fishing at Mulinu'u to help his family get by.

"If only I had finished my education, maybe I would've been in a good office and provide for my families needs. 

"But due to financial problems which my family faced back then, my parents couldn't afford it."

As for his life as a fisherman, he said he sells whatever he catches at the fish market.

"If there are any unsold fish, I will cook it for dinner."

He added that the S.O.E orders are understandable but given the fact there is still no coronavirus case in Samoa, he wants the Government to help them. 

"I hope that this coronavirus will not get into Samoa, so that our country can go back to our normal lives," he said. 

"I know we have suffered a great loss during the measles outbreak so I don't think Samoa can handle another deadly disease like this.

"But I am humbly asking our Government leader to allow us to go back to sell our goods."