Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would I like to be Chief?

I initially came to Vorovoro in March for one week at the end of a stint of traveling. I was so captivated by the experience that I arrived home had a cup of tea and came back. I had no intention of applying to become chief upon this visit, but after the month I have had, the people and experiences that I’ve benefited from and the progress which I have witnessed this month, I have decided to submit an application. I feel motivated to contribute on a more substantial level than simply ‘mucking in’ on a day to day basis and would like to pursue some initiatives that I feel will benefit the island and my own development.

What would I achieve as chief?

During my time on Vorovoro I have visiting Mali District School on two occasions and have been privileged to spend time playing sport with the children there and All Saints secondary school. Sport, especially rugby is my major passion, which works for me here as most of the boys are crazy for the game and all dream of becoming the next Serevi or Nicky Little. What surprised me more than anything else was their natural talent. All the children have is a ball and some space and with this alone they have developed skills far beyond their age capability comparative to most English children. Should I get the position of Chief my main aim would be to develop a once or twice weekly training programme, either at the school or on our own Tanoa Park to introduce some basic drills such as handling, tactics, breakdown situations (rucking and mauling) and to put more emphasis on positional play. Being typically Fijian the boys are full of flair and have dummies and sidesteps on them to beat the best of them, they are however slightly reluctant to pass the ball preferring to throw the outrageous dummies! They possess skills that you simply can’t teach, but they lack the basics that are easily transferred by anyone with even a modest amount of rugby experience. I would also attempt to source some kit to start with from some of my contacts, such as balls, pumps, bibs, touch tackle belts and cones, and possibly a couple of tackle bags.

In the month that I have been on the island I have managed to identify areas that need improvement through speaking to a number of people here. I would therefore like to place an emphasis on my potential month as chief as a ‘maintenance month’ essentially tying up many loose ends.
This would include:

• Laying wooden flooring in the Family Bure and in the new Vale.


• Completing the new Workers Vale should this not get achieved this month.


• Reinstating a sun shade area to allow for outside ‘grog’ sessions and Sevusevu presentations. This allows for a pleasant relief from the sun and I am told that the Fijians do not enjoy drinking grog directly under the moon as it makes them tired the next day.


• A general clean up of the kitchen equipment including getting a matching set of crockery and cutlery for special occasions and events, as well as building a storage area to keep them safe.


• Stream lining the sustainable aspect of the island particularly concentrating on reducing the amount of landfill litter bought to the island and hopefully reinstating a strict plastic bag ban.


• More space clearing and planting to improve the (already) beautiful island.


• The clearing and maintenance of Tanoa Park for the training programme and general recreational use.
  
  

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

In the month that I have been here I feel I have struck up a strong friendship with many of the members of ‘Team Fiji’ as well as with Giles, Amy and current chief Linda. I feel I could comfortably operate in a more professional capacity with these people and achieve the goals I have set for the tribe. I have the ability to lead situations where necessary whilst also having no problem referring to others or seeking help on matters that may be new to me. I also appreciate that the success of the island is based upon the contribution of every tribe member and would encourage people to apply their skills.

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

I hope the training programme that I intend to set up for the Mali District School would become an ongoing operation in which any willing tribe member could coach the children. This would be my ‘legacy’. I would spend money on establishing necessary kit, transport and time. Also once I arrive home, if not before, I will be able to liaise with my former school and rugby coach and potentially set up a link between the schools where further kit may be available. Any other money at my disposal would be spent on the other aims as I intend to fulfill them all, as well as keeping tribe morale high wherever possible.

Tell us something interesting about yourself…

I (with the help of Ray Mears) taught Pupu a new way to make fire.

In one sentence, why should I be chief?

We need a chief, I’m here and I’d love to do it.

Cast your vote now!