Graham sells fish for a living

By ROSELYN ELLISON
GRAHAM Pelis, 31, of Karavara Island in the Duke of York Islands local level government in Kokopo, East New Britain sells fish for a living.
The island is not far from mainland Kokopo, about a 40-minute boat ride. Graham, like most young people, had big dreams to become somebody in life. But things did not always work out in their favour.
At school, he failed to make it past Grade Nine at the Malaguna Technical Secondary School.
“I withdrew from school because I was very sick and couldn’t cope up with my studies and school work. I was worried when I left school that it was the end of everything. I lost hope and did not know what to do.”
After giving it some thought, he decided to do something for himself and his family instead of sitting at home all day sulking.
Being a village boy, he did not want to be a burden to his parents. So he decided to start selling fresh fish at the market.
That was in 2010. He spent the K100 he had to buy fish from local fishermen from the island and later travelled to Kokopo to sell the catch at the market.
“I sell fresh fish according to the sizes – from as low as K1 to K100.”
He travels to Kokopo daily now to sell fish. He can make up to K200 a day from his sales. He makes more during special events such as Christmas, Easter and New Year.
He is married with two children and is supporting his young family from what he earns from his small business. He has also not given up on his education. He is looking forward to the day when he can return to school to complete grades 10, 11 and 12.
“But for now I need to bring up my family, give them a good and proper shelter. I am concentrating on my fresh fish business.”
Like any responsible father, he wants to also provide a good home for his family.
“Later when I earn enough, I plan to build a permanent house for my family.”