The announcement of a $9.2 million allocation for the Vatukoula Goldminers union members brought emotional relief to Lusiana Guvanua, a resident of Qoma Village in Tailevu. Guvanua, aged 54, reminisced about her father, late miner Waisea Votuna, and the struggles he faced.
As one of seven siblings, she revealed that they couldn’t pursue higher education owing to financial constraints. However, she appreciates the hardships their parents endured, a lesson imparted to them by God.
Guvanua was overjoyed when Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, announced the financial aid meant for the union’s 368 members affected by the 1991 gold mine workers’ strike. Sharing her feelings with her husband, she thought of the struggles her father and others underwent, providing for their families in the face of adversity.
She expressed gratitude towards the union president, Josefa Sadreu, and fellow union members for their solidarity during these challenging times. Giving credit to divine intervention for the relief, she acclaimed God for his bountiful blessings. The source of this news was first reported on The Fiji Times.