IN memory of his wife, former Nadroga soccer star George Hickes got involved with charity work.
He lost his wife to Leukemia in 2023. That became his turning point and he decided to help sick people in need of wheelchairs.
“My wife died at the Lautoka hospital on July 5, 2023,” he said. “I yelled out for a wheelchair at the hospital, but there was none in sight.
“So we used a bed sheet, lay her down on it and pulled her with the bed sheet but when she finally reached the bed, it was too late. She had passed away.
“On that day, I promised myself I was going to seek the support of donors and help people who struggled with wheelchair assistance.”
Mr Hickes represented Nadroga during the 1980s. “I was brought up in Kedrakulu and share maternal links to Nasama Village in Nadroga.
“I stopped playing soccer after I got suspended in 1983 so I stayed with my mum in Nadi and decided to harvest sugar cane.”
During that time, he met businessman Mick Beddoes. “I worked for Sun Tours and Coral Sun Fiji. I started as a cleaner, then I went on to become the driver for the coach bus that went around the island (Viti Levu).
“For me, this was very interesting; to show tourists Fiji’s natural attractions.”
The 67-year-old later became Mr Beddoes’ driver during the latter’s term as the Leader of Opposition in 2001.
After the coup, he went on to work for ATS Pacific in Nadi.
“I was slotted in for tours and I used to look after groups. Today I am a freelance tour guide with Teki Tours.”
The Lautoka resident said to become a tour guide one needed to be passionate about meeting people.
“You’ve got to have the passion and love for your country to become a tour guide, you got to have a good heart and be honest about what you do.”
“And if you do not know an answer to a question, just say no.
“Fiji is very important to me and I want to showcase my country to tourists by telling them how beautiful the people are.
“Even though we are facing some social problems like drugs, we are still a beautiful country.”
