People

2nd June

For the love of family

Motivation allows people to see beyond their jobs. For Joneti Rokotuibau, her source of inspiration has always been her family. Though her wages were, for many years, inadequate to afford the life she wanted for...

1st June

From streets to farm

After spending most of his life on the streets, Naqelesi Tikolevu decided to call it quits. He realised he needed to change a few things in life if he was ever going to be successful. With a change of heart, he turned his life around. Today, more than anything else, the 62-year-old does not want...

31st May

Ana the sea voyager

The vaka (Tongan for sailing canoe) changes you, says Ana Fifita. She is a member of the Uto Ni Yalo crew and had been sailing on contemporary Pacific voyaging vessels since 2011. Originally from the village of Matamaka, on the island of Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga, she comes from a boat building family....

30th May

Ram reminisces the old days

Cola vina (hello in most western dialects)! That’s how nonagenarian, Ram Narayan, usually welcomes visitors to his Drasa home on the outskirts of Lautoka. His greetings are usually followed by his insistence on sharing stories reminiscent of the olden days. At 92 years old, Ram’s voice and bodily strength are a far cry from what...

29th May

People | Grandma’s post-Winston trauma inspires Dr Moleen’s research

Witnessing the trauma her 80-year-old cane grower grandmother experienced after the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston was Moleen Monita Nand’s inspiration to pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy research on policy options for climate change loss and damage. What better way could she finish her latest educational accomplishment than to be awarded the John Lewis Prize (Gold...