BEING from Naluwai Village in Naitasiri, Avakuki Ravatakoto never thought that he would be working on a secluded island, let alone interact with local and international guests.
Four years after being hired by the Ministry of Lands to take care of the very popular and famous Nukulau Island, Avakuki continues to count his blessing.
When he was informed about looking after the beautiful island, Avakuki’s first thought was how would he a Kaicolo (highlander) be a caretaker on an island and how would he get to and fro from the island while working there without knowing how to operate a boat.
He said he wasn’t familiar with remote island life because he was raised in the interior of Viti Levu, but by being quick to adapt to his new surroundings, Avakuki now knows the island like any island guy does.
“I use to hear a lot of stories about Nukulau Island and its deep-rooted history and I’m happy to be able to welcome guests to the island to enjoy themselves here whether it’s for a day or for a sleepover,” he said.
“It’s funny when some guests come to the island they think that the retention centre is still here but I have to explain to them that it was removed.
“The island is very popular among locals especially during the holidays and it has become a very popular picnic spot.”
He said as a caretaker he makes sure that the island is well-kept and infrastructures on the island are maintained especially those used by guests.
“I use to do forest surveys before in Serua for two years and then I heard about the previous caretaker retiring from his job,” he said.
“I was fortunate to have been given the job soon after and my family and I moved to the island and now occupy the caretaker’s home.”
He said he had to learn how to operate a boat after getting the job.
“As a Kaicolo I was just used to horse-riding, carrier, trucks and bus rides, but now I can operate a boat too,” he said with a smile.
“Something that I’ve learned is to always be content with life. Thank God often for your blessings and always learn new things, there is no harm in learning.”
Upon our visit to the island with the Royal Australian Navy, the Fiji Navy and Republic of the Fiji Military Forces personnel during an amphibious tri-service training exercise last month, Avakuki had just finished cutting the grass and simply enjoying his daily dose of sunshine on the island.
