If the Bush was not affected by the riots, the consequences are still being felt there. Proof of this is with the famous Gaby from Focola, who shares her travel and supply difficulties.
Without gas, it takes Gaby more than an hour to reach La Foa on foot from Focola. This New Caledonian figure, who became known in the 90s during a report on his life in the bush, has retained his cheekiness and energy at the age of 71.
She continues to transform natural products to sell them to regulars and people passing through. And despite the shortage, Gaby organized herself for the La Foa market this Saturday.
“Ah yes I have everything I need, I’m stocking up, apple creeper… All that. I still have flour. It’s sacred my customers. I don’t want to be in poverty again like in my youth“, comments Gaby.
However, for more than two weeks Gaby has not had a place at the market, enough to allow herself to be overwhelmed by worries. “I was afraid for my retirement, of not being able to pay for electricity, water, trash… I didn’t have enough money coming in, it upset me“, she continues.
“To eat, we always manage, my son, he farms too… And then on Wednesday, I was able to withdraw a little money to buy food.” Until now, the OPT agency was closed, the ATM empty: Gaby didn’t have a penny in her pocket.
Far from the riots in Greater Nouméa, but directly affected by their consequences, Gaby will not talk about politics, but about simple, everyday life. Since our report, the municipality of La Foa has informed him that the market, Saturday June 1, will be reserved for producers. But what happens to the mothers and grandmothers for whom this meeting represents their only Source of income?
Gaby de Focola to be found at Julie Straboni’s microphone:
