For Suzane Iahit, the reopening of the Port Vila Market House is more than just business ,it’s survival.

“This market hemi wok blong mi. Mi no gat narafala sos blong inkam,” Suzane says softly, arranging fresh island cabbage on her table.

Originally from Tanna Island, Suzane has been selling at the Port Vila Market since 2015. But when the powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit the capital in December 2024, the building was closed forcing her and many others to relocate.

She spent the last seven months at the Seaside Market, an open area with little protection from the elements.

“Taem mifala i go long Seaside, hemi hard tumas, evri dei mi mas stap strong,” she recalls. “But mi mas mekem from famli blong mi i depend long mi.”

Now that the Market House has reopened, Suzane says she feels both grateful and afraid.

“Mi still fraet blong come insaed long building bakegen, from mi no save wanem bae i happen. But mi no gat choice. Mi mas kam back from mi mas strong for famli blong mi.”

For Suzane, and hundreds of others, the reopening of the market is not just a return to routine it’s a return to dignity, purpose, and the hope of stability after months of uncertainty.