While being in Suva, Tom, a Fijian sailor passed MaRe daily and stopped by to say “hello”. We had a cup of tea or coffee and talked about many things.

He worked like some others from his village, on Canadian fishing boats. In Canada, he also got Canadian certificates and licenses.

Here in Suva he tries to get 5 – 6 old, mostly Chinese fishing boats back in operational state and wants to set up a small fishing fleet, which will improve the local employment situation. He even trains students of the Maritime School on Suva during their time off.

This is particularly good because in Suva I saw a few young man, most likely without jobs but quite a high level of alcohol. It was sad for me to see these drunken young men but it was very good to see Tom’s initiative.

One day, he asked if we want to visit his village next Sunday. What an offer!