COVID-19 Fiji: Lal, 76, fights on

By: SERAFINA SILAITOGA

Life has thrown everything it can at Brij Lal but the 76-year-old says he will never give up.

Despite losing his wife to cancer and struggling to earn enough to support his 49-year-old daughter who has a disability, he refuses to give up.

Mr. Lal is a familiar face in Dreketi, Macuata, as he goes around selling Indian sweets, savories, and roti parcels.
He said sales had been very poor because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I choose to remain positive and rise above the challenges for the sake of my daughter Daya Wati,” he said.

“I earn between $10 and $15 a day but I never give up because I have to look after her, she is disabled and can’t do everything on her own.

“So whatever little money I earn is used to buy our food, I cook for her, we have dinner and are happy. “Before COVID-19, I used to earn $60 a day, sometimes more but now I have to make do with the $15 or even $10 and buy whatever I can to feed us.”

Apart from preparing sweets and roti parcels, Mr. Lal also cooks, washes their clothes, and cleans the house. Although tough and not easy for Mr. Lal, he has not allowed it to ruin his daily routine and plans.

“I am able to do all this because of my faith in God. “Without God, I wouldn’t have come this far. I am old but I still have the strength to earn an income and support my daughter.”