A 71-year-old fish vendor in Suva, Jone Waqaituinayau, is advocating for urgent enhancements to security measures in local markets following the theft of 48 bundles of fish from his deep freezer last Saturday morning. Waqaituinayau reported the incident, which he believes occurred around 6 AM, to the police at the Totogo Police Station. He expressed his concerns about the recent change in opening hours for the Suva Municipal Market, which began opening at 5 AM the previous week, leaving vendors vulnerable due to a lack of security presence during those early hours.
Waqaituinayau noted that things had run more smoothly when security personnel were present in the past. He emphasized that without adequate oversight, vendors like him are at a higher risk of theft and vandalism. “It’s disappointing. We’re not asking for much, just proper security so we can work in peace,” he said, highlighting that the theft has negatively impacted his weekly earnings. Fortunately, a secondary freezer, which also contained an inventory of fish, remained untouched, sparing him from a more catastrophic loss.
Calling for the employment of more seasoned security personnel—preferably individuals with years of experience—Waqaituinayau hopes for a visible and committed security force that will help restore a sense of safety in the market. In light of recent crime trends affecting local business, his plea echoes broader community calls for increased vigilance and police presence, similar to concerns raised by other local business owners like Harminder Singh of Maya Dhaba after their establishment faced burglary.
This situation shines a light on the pressing need for collective action and support within the community to foster a safer environment for all vendors and businesses. Encouragingly, it emphasizes the resilient spirit of local entrepreneurs who continue to seek solutions and advocate for a more secure marketplace, underscoring the importance of community solidarity in addressing safety concerns.
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