It was interesting to read about former hotel workers Viliame Tagisaya and Semi Waqa now being labourers on a sugarcane farm.
As we reported yesterday, three weeks ago they made the switch from greeting tourists daily to battling the scorching heat in the cane fields of Drasa, Lautoka.
They have accepted the cards dealt to them by COVID-19 and said they were ready to accept whatever came their way.
That’s the reality of their lives right now.
With the tourism industry hit hard by the pandemic, the two were part of the large number of people who were directly impacted.
Thousands of people have lost their jobs.
Thousands are on reduced hours, many are on leave without pay and many have been forced to take massive pay cuts. It’s just the way things have turned out.
This is the new normal.
This is the way things are going to be for some time.
Mr Tagisaya previously worked at the activities department of a Denarau, Nadi resort while 26-year-old Mr Waqa was a groundsman at an island resort.
They had been at home ever since the pandemic hit Fiji. Their journey to become canecutters wasn’t an easy one to consider. But it had to happen.
“At first it was hard because it is something totally different from what we used to do, but we have learnt that life is about learning to accept what comes by and just learn to go with the flow.
“Working in the cane field is a lot different compared to that in the resort because by the time the sun is up, we are already half way into our daily routine. But we have learnt so much in the past three weeks.”
Mr Waqa said he had to do something to support his wife and two-year-old twins.
Their story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit and resilience.
It talks about hope, and the need to survive.
It touches on the very heart of commitment, and consideration for the welfare of others.
When faced with the harsh reality of unemployment, these two reached out.
They never shirked their responsibility, and took on the challenge, even though it went against everything they had ever done before.
They embraced change, overcame their doubts and insecurity, and learnt to do something fruitful, for themselves and for their loved ones.
It’s the way things are supposed to be anyway.
We meet obstacles head on, overcome our fears, and survive. Lest we forget though, let’s keep at it. Let’s keep the virus at bay.
Adhere to social distancing rules. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue and dispose this thoughtfully.
Do not shake a hand and no hugging please. COVID-19 is real.
