The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the Suva air long before the morning rush sets in.
Behind the espresso machine, Timoci Qoro moves with confidence, greeting customers with an easy smile before crafting another cup that has become part of someone else’s daily routine.
Few would guess the 27-year-old barista is chasing a very different dream.
Originally from Namoli Village in Lautoka, with maternal links to Tubou in Lakeba, Lau, Qoro never trained as a barista.
Everything he knows about coffee has been learned on the job at The Republic of Cappuccino in Suva.
“I didn’t go to school to become a barista,” he said.
“I learned by watching, practising and asking questions. Every day, there’s something new to pick up.”
Coffee, he says, is more than just a drink. It is part of a culture.
“It gives people a reason to slow down. Friends meet over coffee, families catch up and strangers start conversations. It’s amazing how one cup can bring people together.”
While he enjoys creating that experience for customers, his heart has always belonged to the ebbing sea.
A part-time Fiji National University maritime school student, Qoro dreams of one day becoming a ship captain. It is a childhood ambition that never faded, despite having no family background in the industry.
“I’ve always wanted to explore the world. Being a captain means travelling becomes part of the job. That’s something I’ve held onto since I was young.”
The second youngest of seven siblings, he now works part-time to save enough money to return to his studies and complete his Class 3 Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency.
For now, every shift behind the coffee machine is another step towards that goal.
“You have to work hard and support yourself,” he said.
“Being independent means making good decisions today so you can reach where you want to be tomorrow.”
Until the day he stands on the bridge of a ship, Qoro will continue serving the best coffee money can buy at The ROC. with the same purpose that fuels his maritime dream.
