By Una Murray
The vuvale (family) of the Outrigger on the Lagoon-Fiji (FOR) gathered together on Friday, February 5, for their monthly recognition and awards ceremony, as well as to listen to a presentation on the Excom Community Project 2009.
Ilisoni Vibose began the program with a prayer, followed by General Manager Peter Hopgood, who welcomed and thanked everyone for their incredible dedication and hard work during January. He also announced that going forward, he would add two more awards to recognize the staff for always being eager to help and assist guests: the “Here to Help Award” and the “How May I Help Award.”
Next, Alipate Varea presented on the Excom Community Project, which is a yearly tradition at FOR. This past December, the Outrigger on the Lagoon-Fiji Excom Team divided into two groups and drove in different directions to extend the Outrigger Community Bula Spirit to the less fortunate. Team One, consisting of Darren Shaw, Gary Waugh, Leon Pink, and Alipate Varea, drove to Nausori Suva to visit the Dilkusha Orphanage. There were 29 children in total at the Dilkusha Home (27 girls and 2 boys, ranging from one year seven months to 21 years of age.) All of them received gifts of lollies and snacks from the FOR vuvale, and Deaconess Olivia, who has been looking after the home, was very happy and thanked everyone for their contributions.
Team Two, which consisted of Rajnesh Kumar, Shailesh Naidu, Eddie Liwaiono, Lucia Pau’u, and Una Murray, drove down to Nadi to the Treasure House Orphanage, which houses 20 children, ranging from one month to 16 years of age. All of them received their gifts with lots of hugs and kisses from team members. It was a wonderful presentation that truly showed that the Bula Spirit is alive and well at FOR.
Jyoti Ram then announced the results for the 2009 Fourth Quarter Grooming Award. The Activities department came in first with 300 points, followed very closely by the Finance department with 299 points.
Ivamere Matavesi, General Manager Peter Hopgood, Ravinesh Sharma, and Kinijoji Sarai.
Charlotte Steele then presented Employee of the Month winners. The Front of the House Employee for January 2010 is Ivamere Matavesi, who is a Team Leader at the fine dining restaurant Ivi. Ivamere has always been a stand-out employee and once again has shown her ability to put her superior service skills into practice. From guest comments to positive peer and manager feedback, she is an asset and an example for everyone to follow.
Ravinesh Sharma, FOR’s Cost Controller, won the Back of the House Employee for January 2010. He is very thorough in his work and is also instrumental in assisting our Chef and Sous Chef on costing out menus. He is known for his great work ethic and gets along very well with his fellow co-workers.
Kinijoji Sarai, the FOR Activities Manager, was chosen as the Manager of the Month for January 2010. Kinijoji is a wonderful team leader who leads by example and is always working hard to improve the overall guest experience. He is very focused on the safety and rescue procedures at the hotel to ensure our guests have a safe and memorable vacation.
The program concluded with afternoon tea and the excitement of the Bula Spirit Darts Competition. Thanks to everyone for making this a great day!
