The hardships experienced by miners at Vatukoula Gold Mine and their families over the past 33 years are well-known, many of which involve living below the minimum wage and dealing with untreated water. These struggles were brought into sharp focus for 41-year-old miner Paula Vukunisiga when a $9.2 million aid package for 368 unionized miners affected by the 1991 strike was announced in the 2024-2025 National Budget.
Emotionally moved by the news, Vukunisiga expressed his gratitude, finding himself reflecting on the plight faced by past and present miners including his late mother. The unity and collective determination of the union executives, including Fiji Mine Workers union president Josefa Sadreu, was also acknowledged by Vukunisiga.
Elaborating on the hardships faced, Vukunisiga shared an anecdote of how his mother wouldn’t bid him goodbye when he left for work, rather, she would assure him he would return alive. He reflected on how the tough conditions of the miners and their families have often been underappreciated, and concluded by expressing his thankfulness for divine guidance and protection.