Mohammed Hakik, 63, shows no signs of slowing down.
While many his age choose a retired life to enjoy the fruits of their labour, Mr Hakik roams the grounds of Nadi’s oldest hotel Fiji Gateway making sure that everything is running smoothly.
Committed to his craft, the Nadi resident is a jack of all trades when it comes to building maintenance.
“If I don’t do some of the work that I do, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.
“I have to be moving and I have to be doing something or fixing something.”
The father of one was recently recognised by the hotel for being the longest serving staff for Fiji Gateway Hotel which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.
Mr Hakik started as a maintenance trainee at the hotel in 1970 which culminated in a 48-year career. Of the accolade from Fiji Gateway, he said hard work always paid off.
“Hard work drives me. “I’ve always believed that if you do honest work every day and it is done with you giving your best then you will always be rewarded for it.
“You don’t do the work to get people’s approval or for favour.”
He said over the years he had seen the many changes that the hotel had undergone.
“Gateway is like a second home to me.
“I spend most of my time here. I start at 8am every morning and knock off at 5pm. That is eight hours of my life over 48 years spent here.
“Working here and in the service industry has really changed my life. I have a family now with a daughter and grandson who inspire me every day to keep going and keep doing what I love to do.
“The people at the hotel have become my family too.”
He said looking back over the past 50 years, he had no regrets.
“I know I have done everything I could to take care of my family.
“I have been blessed with a good job, a good family and a good life.”
