By Una Murray

The Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji (FOR) vuvale (family) gathered together on June 26 to honor our outstanding employees for the month of June, recognize members of our vuvale who celebrated birthdays, and to continue our commitment to our newly-implemented Health Awareness Program.

As part of the FOR’s commitment to health, the afternoon started off with ten minutes of yoga exercises led by Bebe Spa Supervisor Romina Narain — everyone had a great time learning new poses.

After everyone finished exercising, they congratulated the members of our vuvale who celebrated their birthdays in June — and then enjoyed delicious birthday cake!

General Manager Darren Shaw thanked everyone for their dedication and commitment to excellence. He recognized the Engineering and Maintenance staffs for their strong commitment to the community this quarter. On their own time, the staff painted the walls and roof at Sigatoka Hospital. He then congratulated the Food and Beverage department as the Second Quarter winners of the “Most Positive Guest Comments” and “Best Team” awards. He also congratulated the Kitchen staff, who won the “Best Groomed” award for the Second Quarter. Then the outstanding employees for the month of June were recognized. Congratulations to:

Aruna Devi
Back of House Employee of the Month

Salote Mocemaiwaiyevo
Front of House Employee of the Month

Mohammed Billy Usman
Manager of the Month

The afternoon concluded with Executive Housekeeper Tepola Kaitani Natadra’s presentation about her recent trip to Hawaii. She said that this was the first time she traveled overseas, and it was a wonderful experience. While in Hawaii, she had the opportunity to train at the Embassy Suites® – Waikiki Beach Walk® and said the experience she gained was invaluable. Tepola said she not only learned a great deal, but came to realize how important her job is to the success of the property. She had the opportunity to visit Outrigger’s Corporate Office and to visit many of the properties in Waikiki. Tepola had a wonderful time and was very impressed with the Aloha Spirit everyone showed her—she said, “Hawaii is Heaven on Earth.”