29 July 2011
Originally from Naisisili, Nacula in Yasawa, he is all too familiar with the hardships of his fellow villagers in terms of sea
transportation to the mainland and decided three years ago to start his own sea transportation business.
A seafarer for over 20 years, Rokete has worked on resorts, fished and sailed internationally between Fiji and Noumea in New Caledonia, Fiji and New Zealand and between Fiji and Japan. He holds a Class 6 Master in Engineering certificate.
“I’m from the islands and my hobby is sailing. When I saw a need for inter-island service for the Yasawas, I decided to give it a go,” he said.
Its 9am at the Lautoka wharf and already his passengers are onboard his 40-foot wooden cutter, the Adi Sulua with their cargo ready to head home with their supplies for the month. Gallons of fuel, cartons of bread, groceries and even hardware are loaded for transport.
“I do my trip twice a week between Lautoka, Yaqeta, Nacula, Matacawalevu and Yasawas-i-rara,” he said.
“At this time, I am the only one that is providing this type of regular service to the island and I would like to buy a bigger boat,
maybe a 70 or 80ft one that can carry 30 to 40 passengers.”
Adi Sulua has a capacity of 18 passengers and depending on their destination, fares range from a reasonable $30 - $50 per person.
Rokete became a client of the Fiji Development Bank in 2010 when a year after starting his ferry service, his engine broke down and needed replacement. Under the Bank’s Small Business Scheme, he took a loan and bought a 300hp Iveco engine.
FDB’s Small Business Scheme is designed for any entrepreneur starting out or is already has a business in operation. The purpose of this facility is help the applicant purchase or establish a business including the purchase or construction of buildings, equity investment, purchase of plant and equipment including motor vehicles, provision of working capital and the acquisition of shares. There is no maximum ceiling for this facility but can only be used by businesses with a turnover of up to $100,000.
Business has been good to Rokete, his turns over a decent profit on the route and looks forward to his son joining him in the business once he’s completed his Master’s in sailing.
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07/01/2011:
Surf on Turf
20/01/2011:
Mixed Farming Yields Positive Returns
15/02/2011:
FDB hosts road show in Navua
04/05/2011:
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02/06/2011:
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Speech by GMBRS, Nafitalai Cakacaka on the ocassion of the signing of the SEFP MOU with the World Bank
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Shared experience by Wainibuka Secondary school student Aritea Tabucakau on the 2010 Money $mart" task
29/07/2011:
FDB raises $1,180 for the kids with Cancer
04/08/2011:
FDB posts $2.36M profit for 2010
30/08/2011:
2011 Small business awards to inspire innovation
12/10/2011:
Locals Inc. - Jewel Bubble Divers
13/10/2011:
Yaz Benefits from Mixed Farming
20/10/2011:
A Woman in a Man's World
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Home Loan Interest Rate Reduced
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FDB Offers RBF's Flood Rehabilitation Facility
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FDB Recognises Enormous Task Ahead
10/02/2012:
Meena's Vision
10/02/2012:
Bank Donates to PM's Flood Relief Appeal
15/03/2012:
Your Home Is Your Security
Jan
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22/01/2010:
Chief Guest Speech - SBA Night
01/04/2010:
FDB Receives Dividend From Software Factory
27/07/2010:
New Appointments
27/07/2010:
Two new branches for the North
27/09/2010:
FDB launches 2010 Small Business Awards
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FDB Posts $3.48M Profit for 2009
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A FEATURE: KORO- FORNIA DREAMING
08/11/2010:
Branches open their doors
29/11/2010:
CEO's address at the 2010 SBA Awards
29/11/2010:
FDB client turns sacks to riches
Sep
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20/10/2009:
FDB launches Small Business Awards for 2009
21/12/2009:
FDB to Assist Affected Farmers
22/01/2010:
CEO's Welcome Speech- SBA Night
22/01/2010:
2009 Small Business Awards Winners
