Nestled in Fiji’s fourth-largest island, Kadavu is renowned for its lush landscapes, fertile farmland, abundant marine resources, and strong farming and fishing communities. Home to generations of hardworking families, the island continues to provide opportunities for those willing to invest in its people, land, and future.
At just 26 years old, Iliame Laveta is already wearing many hats. He is a husband, a father of two, a farmer, a businessman, and a transport operator serving the people of Yawe in Kadavu.
After completing his first year at Fiji National University in 2019, Iliame made the decision to return to his home village of Yakita. While many young people leave rural communities in search of opportunities elsewhere, he saw potential right where he grew up.
With the support of his wife, Sharon, Iliame focused on farming yaqona and working towards a better future for their young family.
His hard work paid off in 2024 when he harvested his first yaqona crop and sold it in Suva, earning $18,000. Instead of spending the money, he reinvested it into a business that continues to support both his family and local farmers. Through Iliame’s Kava & Investment, he buys yaqona from farmers across the six villages of Yawe while continuing to harvest from his own farm.
As he travelled around the district, Iliame noticed another challenge faced by many families. Getting to Vunisea for shopping, medical appointments, government services, or school can be difficult, especially with only a few vehicles operating in the area.
Wanting to help, he started a transportation service between Yakita and Vunisea. Today, many villagers rely on his vehicle to get where they need to go.
“Transport is a real challenge for many families in Yawe. With only a few vehicles operating in the area, it can be difficult for people to get where they need to go. My goal is to purchase another vehicle so I can better serve the six villages in our district and meet the growing demand for transportation.”
For Iliame, success is not just about earning an income. It is about creating opportunities at home, supporting local farmers, and making life a little easier for the people around him.
With his family by his side, Iliame continues to invest in his community while proving that there are opportunities in rural Kadavu for those willing to work hard and give back.
