By Una Murray
The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji (FOR) holds monthly celebrations to honor its outstanding employees and to recognize members of the vuvale (family) who have excelled in their area. On Friday, January 30, the first Get Together of 2009 was held in the Conference Centre Reef 1 and Reef 2. Jacob Pau‘u, who was the Master of the Ceremony, invited Kini Sarai to open the gathering with a prayer.

General Manager Darren Shaw congratulated the staff, managers, and executives for their outstanding achievements in 2008. He stated that he was also very happy with the guest comments received over the past year and said that if the FOR vuvale continued to give the same level of service, 2009 would be another successful year.

Praveena Dewan, Una Murray, Jone Tani, Ravikash Chand, Marica Naitiri, and Eddie Liwaiono

Back of the House Employee of the Month Viliame Taufa is congratulated by Manager Darren Shaw

As many of you know, January was a very difficult month for Fiji, as it experienced the worst floods in 50 years. Darren took the time to thank all staff for contributing their time and personal funds in assisting coworkers whose homes were damaged in the storm. He also thanked the executives for distributing fresh bread and food to the evacuation centers each morning during the week after the storm. He said that this expression of caring for the community, along with the Bula Spirit, is what makes the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji such a special place.

During the event, members of the vuvale whose birthdays were in January, were recognized, and everyone took part in the celebration by enjoying cake, coffee, and tea. Then the outstanding employees for the month of January were recognized and congratulated.

Viliame Taufa
Back of the House Employee of the Month

Peceli Kina Junior
Front of the House Employee of the Month

Manager Darren Shaw (right) congratulates Front of the House Employee of the Month Peceli Kina Junior