Family relies on sea for food and money

By Ulimasao Fata 13 January 2018, 12:00AM

A fisherman from the village of Manono-Uta says life in Samoa these days is tough.

Ioane Tagi’ilima, 20 years old, says it’s even tougher when the sea is the only source of income and sustenance for your family. 

“If you think that the cost of things that we have now is unaffordable, if you don’t go out and work or even search for food, you will starve.”

Mr. Tagilima says his family is struggling in terms of money because no one has a formal job.

“The only way we get money to support our family is from the sea because my older brother and I are fishermen,” he told the Village Voice team yesterday.

“Life is really tough here in our family because if we don’t go fishing, then clearly we will starve and have no money.”

“I was out there fishing last night with my older brother because we have an uncle who will be going to New Zealand tonight (last night).”

“We were also able to catch a few for our Sunday feed, so now I’m resting because I will be going to the plantation tonight (last night).”

Mr. Tagilima also mentioned that his family does not have running water at the moment.

“We don’t have access to running water at the moment because we couldn’t afford to pay our previous bill.”

Mr. Tagilima adds their catch is not the same anymore.

“Our area here in Falelatai and Aiga i le Tai are mostly dependent on the sea for food and money.”

“Recently we have been witnessing changes in our catch.”

“Back then we used to catch lots of fish, but now if you want to catch more, then you will have to spend more time out in the sea.”

By Ulimasao Fata 13 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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