Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would I like to be Chief?

To increase my experience of Fijian culture, share knowledge, ideas, stories and laughter.

What would I achieve as chief?

1. Start implementing some water awareness strategies as we approach the dry season.
2. Accommodation needs to be increased not only for tribe members but the locals who work on Vorovoro during the week.
3. Be the bridge between the island members and the Fiji people.
4. The completion of a giant map if it isn’t already finished.

What other than my skills makes me the right person for the job?

Well, there hasn’t been a male TW chief on the island for a few months so that seems like a valid reason. But seriously, I’m already here on Vorovoro and have developed good relationships with all of the locals – they go crazy when we perform the meke. I know what can be achieved and already familiar with ‘Fiji time’.

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

1. I will pay for all tribe members trips to the school ($6FJD per person). This is something I feel should be part of the experience and already absorbed into the cost of your stay here, especially since you’re asked to bring a book or gift for the school.
2. Any money left over will go towards the building of a salt water shower that will run on solar power and a marine sure flow pump. Showers on the beach looking out to sea, sounds good to me.

Tell us something interesting about yourself…

A few years ago I earned some extra cash by participating in a market research group. The topic was health and your opinions on the subject. Most people responded with the usual gym memberships, exercise, diets etc. When my turn came I spoke:

“I agree with everyone here but this only deals with our physical being. I feel that the health of one’s soul, spirit is more critical because this lasts more than one lifetime. Practicing meditation, yoga, qi gong or tai chi is more beneficial in my opinion. Our bodies will fade with time and grow old. There seems to be a trend of plastic surgery to remain young, but what is wrong with aging gracefully and accepting this as part of life? And health not only relates to our physical and spiritual self but the way in which we see the world and how we interact with our environment.”

The group thought I was joking, someone asked if I was on drugs? I wasn’t and more questions followed which I answered. At the end of the session the interviewer thanked everyone for coming and took me to one side…

“I have asked the same questions to hundreds of people all over the UK and no one has replied like you. Most people fit one demographic or another but I will have to create a whole new one for you.”

I smiled.
“What would that be?”

She replied

“Soul searcher”

In one sentence, why should I be chief?

Good for me, good for you, good for Vorovoro.