Justice has finally been served for the 14 founders of Matua Taxis in Nabua, Suva, marking a monumental victory after a long 12-year battle against Tiko Kece Taxis and Hire. Despite the bittersweet nature of the occasion, as only eight of the original founders were present, the celebration was filled with joyful kava and lovo feasts, prayers of gratitude, and a sense of relief that their hard-fought assets had been returned to them.
The board chairman, Apisai Vasuturaga, expressed the triumph as symbolic of the biblical story of David and Goliath during a recent celebration at their original taxi base, reaffirming their resilience and faith throughout the lengthy legal struggle. The court finally ruled in favor of Matua Taxis in April, demanding Tiko Kece’s co-founders, Lomaca Baleilevuka and Ifereimi Kubukawa, to pay over $300,000 to Matua Taxis and return essential business assets they had taken.
The roots of the conflict trace back to 2012 when disagreements over management practices led Matua Taxis to seek justice in the courts. Mr. Vasuturaga noted that the protracted legal processes had tested their endurance, with countless disruptions and attempts on the part of Tiko Kece to change the case’s direction. During this time, Matua Taxis suffered significant traffic infringements linked to vehicles still registered under their name, further complicating their situation.
Despite the numerous challenges, including perceived favoritism towards Tiko Kece by the previous government, Matua Taxis displayed remarkable resilience. The ruling not only restored their status but also reignited their original business vision. Mr. Vasuturaga mentioned that they have since procured new cars for their fleet and are eager to operate with newfound accountability and transparency.
Looking ahead, Matua Taxis plans to address additional civil cases and reclaim lost income from their operating licenses. This hopeful outlook represents a commitment to their founding ideals of shared prosperity and community support, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over individual gain within their business.
Now equipped with over 60 taxis and hire cars, Matua Taxis is poised for a revitalized future, grounded in the lessons learned from their lengthy ordeal. Their story stands as a testament to patience, unity, and the belief that truth ultimately prevails.
In summary, Matua Taxis’ long-awaited victory is not merely a legal triumph but a reaffirmation of their community spirit and collective ambition. As they step forward, they embody hope and resilience, ready to rebuild and thrive in their renewed enterprise.
Leave a comment