Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would you like to be chief?

TribeWanted is a unique opportunity; one which I felt could not be missed. I first found out about the tribe and its mission after watching the television series ‘Paradise or Bust’. Forgive me but I’ve always wanted to be stuck on a desert island just as in the film ‘Castaway’ and here was my opportunity. I have ambitions to improve tribe members on-island experience by building a stronger community, ensuring that the tribe is living as sustainability as possible so to guarantee new tribe members have the best possible experience on Vorovoro. I have been on Vorovoro from 7th November 2009 and I’m already planning to come back after my time here ends in January 2010, perhaps for 3 months between June to August 2010.

What, other than your skills, makes you he right person for this role?

Hard work does not faze me; I thrive on pressure and love a challenge! I have experience in managing a team, leading from the front whilst effectively communicating tasks and schedules which are key attributes for a Tribe Chief. I am a proactive person with experience in public speaking who will energize the tribe helping to build a close nit community between Team Fiji and TribeWanted and achieving goals along the way. One may see the issues their way however by ‘listening’ to the tribe, the project director and the tribe manager we can make a difference that we can all appreciate and benefit from.

What would you like to achieve as chief?

I feel the role of Chief has changed over the lifetime of the tribe and I will be assisting the Project Director, Tribe Manager and making sure tribe members are getting the most out of their time on their new home!

1. Dam
Unfortunately the dam built last year requires maintenance. It has been suggested that the dam is leaking and so I am proposing to investigate this by digging a couple of pilot holes. It may be that the dam’s surface does not protrude down to the bedrock causing water saturation of the soil which is a risk during high rainfall levels. After digging pilot holes myself and the Project manager can plan our schedule of works if feasible.

2. Boat Safety
In January 2010 new boat safety rules will be introduced whereby it is a requirement for all passengers to wear lifejackets. I am proposing the tribe implement the new rules in December in the interest of safety.

3. Building more water collection systems
There are many water collection tanks dotted around the village, however, more systems can be fabricated to improve future tribe member’s on-island experience whilst helping to save water.

4. Structural assessments
I have noticed particular buildings need assessments on their structural integrity, I am not yet a Chartered Surveyor however I can provide a preliminary assessments where further ‘professional’ investigations maybe needed.

5. Bure and Vale maintenance (to prepare for the wet season)
There have been a couple of reports where maintenance is needed on accommodations ahead of the height of the wet season. During heavy rain leaks become apparent also who can predict whether a cyclone could hit the island this season. We and the Bures need to be prepared for any eventuality!

6. Other smaller issues or improvements:
- Improving the gardens to optimize crop yields
- Improving paths
- Implementing new solar lights for paths
- Hammock maintenance
- Make headway on improving the Vales and Bures accommodation
- Manufacturing new pillows

As chief you will be given a small pot of money with which to leave your legacy. How will you spend it?

Unfortunately the tribe is very small at the moment making a budget unachievable at this time. However, the tribe still goes on and there are issues (above) that need addressing therefore I shall, from my own pockets, be making a donation of $2000 FJD if elected.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I have just graduated from Oxford Brookes University reading Real Estate Management. The degree was partly focused on environmental sustainability, sustainable systems, green buildings, sustainable and community building (town) planning, environmentally friendly construction, mixed-use developments, climate change, renewable energy systems and delivering a sustainable development just to name a few. I hope to benefit from learning from the tribe, the community and the project as well as the tribe benefiting from me.

In one sentence, why should the tribe elect you as chief?

One island, one tribe, so many ideas to implement, so little time.

Vinaka,

Thomas ‘Tomasi’ Rushton

Cast your vote now!