Kinijoji Bebe hid his teary emotions as he hugged his three children who were part of a successful repatriation to Nacula, Yasawa over the weekend.
For the past six months, he was not able to see his primary and secondary school-aged children because travel restrictions denied him the right to do so.
“I am so happy that my children are back with me,” an elated Mr Bebe said.
“I was worried about this sickness and because they live in Lautoka, they could get it as well.
“This is such a happy moment for us as a family and their arrival back home is such a relief for me and my wife.”
Mr Bebe said he had prayed for the safety of his children in the past six months and he was thankful they were back safe and sound in their home.
Nacula district representative Lavenia Naivalu said 30 villagers who were stuck in the Sugar City since April were part of the successful repatriation trip.
She acknowledged the huge contributions rendered by Yasawa tourism stakeholders in Turtle Island and Nanuya Island Resort, whose owners contributed to the safe return of villagers back home.
“Turtle Island funded their meals during the 14 days quarantine and also provide for their transportation back home and Nanuya Island provided for the cost of fuel,” Ms Naivalu said.
“We are so thankful to these resort owners for coming onboard and assisting us during this time of need.
“Most of these returnees are fully vaccinated.”
A total of 30 villagers were part of the repatriation trip.
