Fiji is not a strange place to me, I have been there before on many occasions mainly on work combined with a bit of well earned break. Every time it is a pleasure to be welcomed by the local people who are the most gentle and hospitable in the world – it is as if serving people comes naturally to most Fijians. As an outsider from Australia, visiting Nadi, I sometimes feel we tend to take service for granted in Fiji. Yes, I know, tourism is the major earner in Fiji so service has to be good but it is the inherent sense of serving others in Fiji which makes it special.
Last month I was at an assignment in Fiji shooting at a large up market resort not very far from the Nadi international airport. Towards the latter part of the shoot post dinner at night, amongst 300 plus people at the ‘Bridal Bula Party’, I was tipped by a friend ( thank you Bhupen!) to must see the lady serving at the portable toilets. Well, I was shooting for over 4 hours it was a time to make a natures call! With my camera still slinging on my neck I walked up to the row of porta loos …once I came out I was directed to the outdoor washbasins by a lady with the most welcoming smile. She was single handedly servicing the row of dozen or so portable toilets at the event.
I asked her name, she politely replied Rosa’. I could not help asking ‘ what makes you do what you do with so much grace and pride ?’. Rosa replied ‘..it is the blessing of the Lord !’
Rosa continued serving people tirelessly for the rest of the night….