Serving the far-flung islands of Moala, Totoya, and Matuku in the Lau Group has taught Kitione Kapirieli to persevere. The 29-year-old from Namuka-i-Lau within the same archipelago, is an agriculture assistant based in Naroi, Moala Island. He has been there for six years serving three islands in the province.
When he was posted to Lau in 2018, the young man had to adjust himself to his new role such as travelling to and from on a fibre-glass boat visiting farmers and ensuring they were assisted and monitored frequently. As an agriculture assistant his job includes ensuring the local communities are able to effectively produce their main commodities like dried copra, yaqona, dalo, cassava, voivoi mats, and seafood delicacies. He also plays a role in seeing that there is a market in Suva via inter-island vessels serving this part of the maritime islands.
Despite many challenges, Kapirieli said he always reminded himself of his calling. “Whenever I am faced with challenges, I tell myself that this is what the government has called me to do, to serve the farmers of the three islands and I should do my work with diligence,” Kapirieli said. “I managed, I learned from my work and personal experiences over the years and I excelled.
If I can do that so can any staff member, if they have the passion and the will, to serve in the rural and maritime region.” Kapirieli is no stranger to settling in new places. He had switched schools a number of times while growing up and worked h.
