Home arrow Letters To Fiji Buzz arrow Vatukoula's Cry for Help
Vatukoula's Cry for Help
Written by Daniel rae Costello   

Dear friends,

The families affected by the closure of Emperor Goldmine in Vatukoula are literally starving.

I am hearing stories now of parents stealing to feed their children. We all knew this was only going to be a matter of time. That time has come.

Nothing is being done about this by the Government or anyone else for that matter. I wrote to the editor of the Fiji Times asking if he could do an editorial on this to gain the nations attention and am awaiting the outcome of that.

We have approximately 4000 to 6000 people that are experiencing poverty beyond comprehension. They have nothing! There is no alternative work in the area, and they just can't all pack up and leave to move elsewhere.

The Goldmine has new owners, who are facing start up problems and there are no dates set for re opening as yet. In the meantime we have starving people /children who need our help now.

Anything you can give would be very much appreciated. The Mayor of Tavua has set up a committee to deal with this. They approached me to organize a concert of all Fiji's top entertainers, but something like this will take time to put together. These families need food now!

Hopefully we can get an immediate response from the Government, Prominent businesses and the people of Fiji and Fijians living abroad to participate in an appeal. Basically, the banks of Fiji will open accounts where all can deposit cash for this cause. The Mayor of Tavua and his committee will then distribute in either cash or food to all families affected.

I will post information as it becomes available. Please whoever reads this.... tell everyone you know. We need to unite and help these families.

In the meantime if you would like to do something right away you may contact Rusila Ralulu on cell number : +679 9271043

Vinaka and we look forward to your support! It's Urgent!

Comments (4)add comment

John Swift said:

There is considerable risk in giving cash as like what happened with the flood victims in the North it all ended up in someones pocket. Far better to give items such as food, clothing etc direct to the beneficiaries.
Banks also bleed money away with their exorbitant and unjustified bank charges.
 
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23 July, 2007
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Daniel rae Costello said:

The Mayor of Tavua is driving this appeal. A bank account has been set up by ANZ for this cause. The Mayor and committee will buy food for these families.
This is no time for debates or Skepticism.....its an urgent crisis and is well monitored!
Because of some problem in the past , are you willing to let these families suffer? Children are starving for crying out loud! I take it we will see no help from you then?
For those who are willing to give the account number is. ANZ/TAVUA 0008361742
FOr those overseas who would like to donate towards this please use this swiftcode.
ANZBFJFX. To verify this account please call the Mayor of Tavua!
Thank you and God's blessings to those with giving hearts!
 
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24 July, 2007
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Noeline Miller said:

Seriously! Now is not the time to be cynical or skeptical - have faith! The ANZ bank in Australia has agreed to transfer $$ over to Fiji without charging any fees so you can negotiate with them - they will understand. Aussie's are organising a telethon asap and will organise more fund raising in the very near future. Understandably, this matter is super urgent so the quicker we get off our backsides and stop procrastinating, the faster we can help them!!
 
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26 July, 2007
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Ian M. Simpson said:

Daniel,
Some of these families must face reality and a future that may require relocation.
Check with Mr. Redike Qereqeretabua of South Pacific Hostings.(Fijian/Macambo Hotels) He manages a large property in Taveuni that I believe has land available for farming.
Dalo farming is the simplest, most profitable, quick return crop in Fiji to grow. For a lot less physical effort and danger then mining offers, a family can find dignity and deent livleyhood.
They have a school and Taveuni is a vibrant community.
Sam Foy is another individual that is involved in sub-dividing land at Soqulu, central Taveuni, for dalo and grog farming.
If concerned individuals like yourself can hook up with these two gentlemen and tie in government bodies like MPI, FDB, etc. then there is a real likelyhood that something good can be achieved.
I have had a family from Vatukola working for me soon after it closed.
Loloma
Ian Simpson
Taveuni
 
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01 September, 2007
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