“BULA bro!” exclaimed Usaia Sotutu as he introduced himself with a smile not only on his face but in his eyes.
Born and bred in Pacific Harbour, the 23-year-old works as a guide with adventure tour company, Terra Trek.
Mr Sotutu studied at Rampur College and then furthered his education at the Fiji Maritime Academy.
He is also a certified boat captain.
The young man has had job offers that would take him away from home but he chooses not to.
“I love what I do but I would love to stay put in Pacific Harbour. My parents are home and I want to be able to look after them,” he said.
“I am the youngest and I have older brothers and sisters but they are not in Pacific Harbour because they have their own families and work takes them away.
“If I go, then I leave my parents by themselves. They sure did not leave me by myself and I am not going to do that to the two people who mean the world to me.”
Mr Sotutu maintained the strong belief that if the family roots are strong then the tree will prosper.
“Charity begins at home. That was what I was taught and I am grateful that my parents never led me down a path which could have been destructive for me,” he added.
“I feel it is my duty to look after my parents.”
As a guide, Mr Sotutu also is a firm believer that people can do little things to help the environment, especially the conservation of nature.
“People are very ignorant. There are small things they can do to help nature especially if it means that the beauty of the natural Fiji, which is in the mountains and forests, is conserved,” he said.
“We can start with litter. People ensuring that they take their garbage with them when they finish picnics and throwing of rubbish from cars, these things matter.
“Awareness is also needed for people to realise that logging and mining activities degrade the environment and deplete natural resources.
“The authorities need to ensure that logging companies are following the cutting and planting system.
“These are just my thoughts and I want our rainforests to stay the same for a very long time.
“People have to realise that it is not only the sand and the sea but also the lush natural beauty the mountainous region offers that entice tourists.”
