EVERYBODY on the island of Taveuni knows Sukh Lal – from North to South.
That may sound like a bold exaggeration but it is a fair indication of his popularity.
Mr Lal has been a taxidriver for 55 years and continues to eke out an honest living by taking passengers to their destination.
He has carted passengers around the island, rushed expectant mothers to the hospital and even hosted a woman who gave birth in his taxi.
“I’m not just a taxidriver. I’m like a nurse, a doctor, a helping hand to those who need my help,” he said
“And when I do this, many people enjoy my services. That explains why I have been here for more than 50 years as a taxidriver.
“I always tell my passengers that despite the hardships of life, they need to enjoy being alive.”
When Mr Lal, 69, started his business as a taxidriver in 1970, at a time when not many people were on the island.
“There was not much development. We had little shops and not many people were around so I worked only in the day,” he said.
“But as the years moved on, more people moved to Taveuni, businesses grew and development started to pick up. My business started to thrive as well.
“I started working longer hours and even at night. When my customers call me, I go and pick them and take them to their destination.”
He said serving his customers, day or night, was his business priority.
Mr Lal was born in Matei and did not complete his education. After he dropped out of school, he started working on a copra plantation.
“I started driving when I was 19-years-old and worked for Fiji Link for five years. So they transferred me to Suva and I refused because we have a good life on the island.”
He also refused the transfer because he didn’t want to pay rent or face the high cost of living in the city.
“I told my employer that I would not take the transfer because I didn’t want to pay rent. I have my own house in Taveuni and life is cheaper for me here,” Mr Lal said.
“Then I started my taxi business and for 55 years I have been my own boss, earned a good income and supported my family.
Through his business he was able to put four children to school. They are now successful in their own fields and have their own families.
“I work seven days a week and Sunday is usually my busy day because passengers travel to the jetty to board the boat that heads to Buca Bay and Savusavu,” he said.
For someone who only reached primary school, Mr Lal believes success is achievable when the heart is willing to believe it can be done.
“I chose to stay in Taveuni to be with my family and we are still alive and well although we do not live in the city,” he said.
“Life can be good wherever you live but if you choose not to work hard and just hang around doing nothing then you will be in a difficult situation.
“I didn’t complete primary school as my father didn’t have much money to pay for our fees but I didn’t give up hope. I continued to work hard to support my family.”
