A new venture aimed at fostering community engagement has officially opened its doors in Kinoya, Suva. The Cagivou supermarket, a result of a collaborative investment by local businessman Vineet Singh and Ratu Tevita Mara Latinara, the Vunivalu of Serua, represents a $150,000 project designed to enhance access to essential goods for local residents while creating job opportunities, particularly for young people in the area.
Jerry Tuwai, renowned Fiji sevens rugby star, has stepped in as the supermarket’s brand ambassador, highlighting its community-oriented mission. The supermarket is led by manager Alan Kumar, who emphasized the establishment’s commitment to community involvement and support for local employment, stating, “Cagivou means a new start.” The supermarket is not just about employment; it aims to boost local agriculture by featuring products sourced from the Serua region, contributing to economic sustainability and growth.
Despite concerns regarding its location within a Red Zone, Kumar reported that the opening has already created jobs for over 15 construction workers and eight permanent employees, primarily from the Kinoya community. Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Ifereimi Vasu, officiated the opening and lauded the project as a significant step towards enhanced economic participation for indigenous Fijians, who have historically been underrepresented in business investments.
Vasu’s remarks underscored the supermarket’s role in addressing persistent economic barriers faced by iTaukei peoples, symbolizing a shift toward more inclusive economic opportunities within Fiji. The Cagivou supermarket not only aims to sell local products but also seeks to provide a supportive network for local entrepreneurs, reflecting a growing trend of community-focused economic development.
This initiative is a continuation of ongoing discussions about enhancing iTaukei involvement in business ventures, signaling a positive shift towards a more inclusive economic landscape in Fiji. The supermarket also has plans for expansion, with additional locations slated for Nadi and Labasa, suggesting a hopeful outlook for the revitalization of the local economy and further empowerment of indigenous communities.
The Cagivou supermarket signifies an important development for Kinoya, illustrating a broader movement in Fiji that encourages local entrepreneurs and uplifts communities, generating excitement and optimism among residents about what the future may hold.
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