There is always a way to find money in order to support your family.

This is the belief of this young man, Tovi’o Mapusone, 39, from the village of Satapuala. 

Mr. Mapusone was selling coconuts and raw bananas when the Village Voice team met him yesterday afternoon.

He said life in his area was really hard, but that did not stop him from finding money to support his family.

“I have never been employed in all my life instead I have worked on our plantation every day for my family’s survival,” Mr. Mapusone said. 

“Our plantation not only provides us food for our family, but it sometimes provides money when we sell our produce.”

Mr. Mapusone said the cost of living in Samoa had been so expensive given the price of things from the supermarkets and small shops.

“The prices of things are all going up especially the price of fish cans, whereas before it used to be much cheaper.

“Prices of everything here in Samoa are going up, and even the stuff needed for my work in the plantation like machetes and other equipment are expensive too.”

Mr. Mapusone two people in his family were also employed.

“Our family has two people currently employed and they provide money as well for our family.

“And then the plantation and that’s me right there because I don’t have a job, selling crops from my plantation is my contribution to my family.”

Mr. Mapusone said finding money is never hard if one decides to work the land.

“Money is just right there at the plantation, you only have to go and work it to find it.

“Life is expensive already so let’s not depend on shops and supermarkets. There will always be a way to earn,” he said.