The closure of the Rakiraki sugar mill has resulted in substantial job losses, leaving many workers and the local economy in a vulnerable position, as highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. To address this economic gap, he emphasized the importance of diversifying income sources, citing the recent opening of Shop Plus Supermarket in Rakiraki as a key component of revitalizing the province of Ra.
Rabuka hailed the supermarket, owned by entrepreneur George Shiu Raj, as a significant step towards economic recovery, not merely a retail outlet but part of a broader vision to foster sustainable growth. His support for Raj’s entrepreneurial venture underscores a commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities, especially in a region urgently seeking investment.
In his address, Rabuka also stressed the importance of empowering women in the workforce, recognizing the nearly equal male-to-female ratio in Ra’s population, and advocating for enhanced gender representation in business and politics.
Raj articulated his pride in providing international-quality retail services to Ra, attributing his success to his family and community support. With the launch of the Shop Plus Supermarket, over 120 jobs have been created, with 40 specifically for the new store. Notably, approximately 80% of these roles are occupied by women, reflecting a positive shift towards gender inclusivity in employment.
This initiative aligns with other recent community-focused business openings in Fiji, similar to the Cagivou Supermarket launched by rugby star Jerry Tuwai, which was designed to meet local needs and create employment for youth, further embodying a collective movement towards economic resilience and community engagement. Such ventures underline the promising potential of local businesses in transforming challenging economic circumstances into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
The ongoing development of supermarkets like Shop Plus shows a hopeful outlook for the local economy, addressing job losses and fostering a supportive community environment while encouraging entrepreneurial spirit and local investment.
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