Serving the far-flung islands of Moala, Totoya, and Matuku in the Lau Group has taught Kitione Kapirieli to persevere.
The 29-year-old from Namuka-i-Lau within the same archipelago, is an agriculture assistant based in Naroi, Moala Island.
He has been there for six years serving three islands in the province.
When he was posted to Lau in 2018, the young man had to adjust himself to his new role such as travelling to and from on a fibre-glass boat visiting farmers and ensuring they were assisted and monitored frequently.
As an agriculture assistant his job includes ensuring the local communities are able to effectively produce their main commodities like dried copra, yaqona, dalo, cassava, voivoi mats, and seafood delicacies.
He also plays a role in seeing that there is a market in Suva via inter-island vessels serving this part of the maritime islands.
Despite many challenges, Kapirieli said he always reminded himself of his calling.
“Whenever I am faced with challenges, I tell myself that this is what the government has called me to do, to serve the farmers of the three islands and I should do my work with diligence,” Kapirieli said.
“I managed, I learned from my work and personal experiences over the years and I excelled. If I can do that so can any staff member, if they have the passion and the will, to serve in the rural and maritime region.”
Kapirieli is no stranger to settling in new places. He had switched schools a number of times while growing up and worked hard to be where he is today.
With a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the Fiji, he received his first hands-on training at the Koronivia Research Station’s agronomy section as a casual labourer.
Raised by his mother, Kapirieli said one of the lessons he learnt while growing up was how to toil the land.
This ignited in him a keen interest in agriculture and he pursued the subject in high school right through to university.
“The beauty of serving in Yasayasa Moala is the friendly people, the fertile land, and the variety of crops that can withstand some of the harshest conditions on the island.
“Transport mode to the outer islands is by the ministry’s fibre glass boat which I use to cross over to Matuku and Totoya on a monthly basis. I would often sleep over for days if I felt that more farmers needed to be visited and their farms monitored.”
“I work with farmers and I count myself lucky every day. It has been a great honour serving here in Yasayasa Moala and I am proud to be able to share my knowledge and expertise so that they are able to provide three meals a day for their families.”
He said civil servants must always see that the people they are called to serve come first.
“We work for the people and it’s a huge sacrifice, but one that I will cherish forever. In my profession, I help to instil’ the best agricultural practices that will ensure the families on the three islands are well nourished and are able to support themselves.”
