Profile
When and where were you born?
Ans: September 1950; Suva. But I am really from Lautoka. My mother, being the eldest, travelled to Suva to give birth and she went back home to Lautoka. I grew up in the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR) lowliness in Misuani, in Lautoka.
Who were your parents?
Ans: My father, Vira Samy and my mother, Latchmi.
What did they do?
Ans: My father was working for CSR ( then SPSM and later FSC) as a locomotive driver. My mother took care of the large family and did a great job of bringing us all up on very meager resources. Together, they inculcated certain values which were impacting and which I greatly cherish till today.
Are they still alive and if so, where do they live?
Ans: My father died, in Auckland, just over four years ago at age 77. My mother lives in our family home in Pakuranga, Auckland.
How many of you in the family and your number in the family?
Ans: My parents had eight children. I am the eldest.
Where are your siblings and what are they doing now?
Ans: Four sisters ( Padma, Sumin, Maya and Kiran) and three brothers (Narend, Rajend and Satend). Five are in Australia, one in New Zealand and only one (Narend) is in Lautoka. All are married with children; and working.
What were some hardships your family faced when you were young?
Ans: In these years when I was young, almost always during the off-season (when the sugar mill shut down, that is for almost half the year), my father would be without a job. He used to go around looking for casual, odd jobs such was loading bags of fertilizer on trucks in Navutu. I used to accompany him and help, since the payments were on task basis. It was during such off seasons when the debts piled up; and the daily upkeep of a large family became extremely difficult and burdensome. I learnt the real meaning of poverty, the hard way from an early age. My father’s income was not enough in ‘normal’ times and during the cane-crushing off-season, we struggled much more.
How did you overcome the hardship?
Ans: My mother did the cooking and we went out selling the roti parcels and peanuts. Also, in primary school, I used to pack onions and potatoes in the Punja and Sons shop in Veitari, Lautoka and during high school days, I did various odd jobs, especially for the Reddy construction company. Mr Ranga Reddy took a liking for me and he used to give me ‘holiday jobs’. It also helped that we lived near the sea and that was an important source of food for the family.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Ans: In my family, both of my parents: my father for his hospitality and generosity; my mother for demonstrating the meaning of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up.
What are some of your most memorable childhood experiences?
Ans: Digging sea worms for bait and catching ‘kaikai’ and ‘matu’ using fly hooks. The skill of hooking a fish that nibbled the bait became an art!
Another fond memory is the great performance record of the Lautoka soccer team; and the fact that some of Fiji’s great soccer legends, such as Babu Krishna, Naga Sanjivi, Kavaia and late Wame Vosuga “Macha” and “Cheetah” were all kei- Topline and Kei- Misuani guys.
How would you describe yourself, what kind of person are you?
Ans: This is not the kind of question I like (to answer). Better to ask others who know me well.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Ans: I wanted to be an engine driver, like my father.
Has there ever been a dull or sad moment in your life?
Ans: Dull, probably not; but sad, certainly yes. On the latter, losing someone you care about (such as my father); going through a separation; betrayal of trust and confidence of friendships that I have cared about are certainly instances of sadness in my life.
B. Education
What primary school did you attend? Year?
Ans: Started primary school, at age 7 in 1957 in Lautoka Methodist Mission School, near Topline. Did Class 6 in Deanbandhu Primary in Suva and then completed classes 7 and 8 at Natabua Primary Scholol in Saru, Lautoka.
What are some memories back then about primary school life?
Ans: I was among the first to arrive at school; and during the mango season, used to have a great feast of the ripe “Fiji” mango before school would start. Also used to walk to school, from lowline to Natabua.
What are some of your academic achievements in primary school?
Ans: I got leap-frogged from class 2 to class 4; and in class 8 at Natabua Primary, was awarded the annual prize for being the “best and the brightest”.
Did your parents find it hard to put you to school?
Ans: Yes, for reasons already given above. In my pre-University Entrance year at Natabua High School, we were not able to raise the equivalent of $10 at the time for my fees. I recall going to a number of people for help and being turned down; to be told to go look for a job.
The turning point came when I mustered the courage to go and see Mr Morse at SPSM, the Australian “Columbar” who was my father’s immediate supervisor at the sugar mill. When I was able to see him, I relayed, with trepidation, my predicament to him. He called the principal of Natabua High School to verify my story, and, following that, he said: “ young man, you may now go back to school”. That scholarship from SPSM, through Mr Morse, was a turning point in my life.
Another turning point was when I had completed UE Exams. I had applied for bank officer’s position with several banks and SPSM. Before the UE results came out, I had jobs offers but I waited for the results of my application for a Fiji Government scholarship to go to USP. When I received advice of that scholarship, I recall sitting down with my parents and asking them what I should do: take the job offer or continue further studies. Without any discussion they both said I should go on to study. Even though they needed me to work and bring home an income, they let me go to USP. That was another turning point.
What secondary school did you attend? Year?
Ans: Natabua High School; from 1964 to 1968.
What was secondary school life like?
Ans: Great! NHS was among the premier high schools, good in both academic achievement and in sports.
I shied away from cadet training but took on active part in athletics and hockey.
Some embarrassing moments in school?
Ans: Not ‘embarrassing’ but certainly memorable. This is when I was a member of the NHS team at the national athletics championship held in RKS in Tailevu. I had qualified for the trials in two events – 800 m and 4 x 400m relay. On the eve of the 800m final, I devoured a hearty meal of stew and dalo. The next day, the day of race, I was down with severe stomach ache and had to give up on the 800m race . The next day, I did take part in the 4x 400 m relay in which I was the fourth runner in our team., I was the last runner. By the time, I received the baton, the last runner in front of me was about 100m ahead that is, I was the last. But I did not give up. I ran the race and managed to gain almost 50 metres but still I was last in the finish. What I recall is that the initial “boos” from the spectators turned to an applause by the time I crossed the finishing line. Even though I came last in that race, the fact that I finished it, giving it my best effort, that was acknowledged and appreciated.
Your favourite teacher? And why?
Ans: I cannot single out one teacher throughout the period of my formal education. There are many who impacted on me, in various ways; and I am particularly appreciative of and thankful to ALL of them.
What is your favourite subject? why?
Ans: In High school: Chemistry, Geography and English. At University: Economics and Sociology.
Where did you continue your tertiary education?
Ans: For undergraduate studies, 1969 to 1972: University of South Pacific: BA in Economics and Sociology.
For Postgraduate, including Post-experience 1975 -1977: Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex for MPhil (Development Studies). Also attended, University of Hawaii and Harvard University for short courses.
Qualification?
Ans: As advised above.
BA ( Economics, Sociology), USP
MPhil ( Development Studies), University of Sussex.
C : Family
Who is your wife?
Ans: Olivia. She is a Filipino, from “Gulong” country ie the Philippines.
Year you got married?
Ans: 1998. This being my second marriage.
How did you meet your wife?
Ans: At ADB in Manila. She was working there.
Number of children?
Ans: Five.2 +2 from our first marriages; and a daughter, seven and a half years old ( Aditi Dharshani is her name).
Where do you reside?
Ans: Howick, Auckland, New Zealand.
Would you consider yourself to be a family man?
Ans: Yes, very much so.
How does it feel having a family of your own?
Ans: Great! It gives meaning to life. If we stop having families, we cease to exist.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Ans: Just enjoying the moments of being together, avoiding the pressures of having “to do” something.
Does you work always take your family time?
Ans: Unfortunately, yes, at times. Certainly, like right now when I am here in Fiji, involved in the PCCPP work while my family is in New Zealand. It is not easy, in fact, it is very difficult but a fact of life. Guess we have to make some sacrifices for what we believe in.
How do you prioritize work and family life?
Ans: I see both as “ high priority”.
What are your children doing now?
Ans: Our four boys are grown up; two, Rajana and Aaron, are married and working; while the other two, (Shiva and Apollo, are in their final year at University in Auckland.
Our daughter, Aditi, is in year 3 at primary in Point View School in Howick.
What are some of the best things about having a family?
Ans: Togetherness, a sense of belonging and sharing ( the joys, as well as the challenges and the pains). It’s not all always “ hunky-dory”; but a family is about life, and that is what life is about.
D . Work Life
Could you highlight some of your work experiences? Years?
Ans: To highlight “some” of my work experience.. very difficult. It is very extensive.The problem is where to start; and where to finish.
My earliest work experience was a child, selling roti and curry parcels and peanuts; and later, during the high school days, doing “holiday jobs” including as a handy boy to a welder, mixing concrete, digging drains, cutting grass, etc.
During the undergraduate period at USP, I did several jobs as “research assistant: including hand- holding the elderly Prof Margaret Mead during her visit to Jittu Estate in Suva.
In August 1972, I joined Government as Planning Officer in the Central Planning Office (CPO). There were six of us who graduated in Economics from USP that year. I was the only one who joined the Government; the others went into the private sector where salaries then were at least twice as much.
In 1975, as part of the Government’s in-service training programme, I had the opportunity to go to the UK (University of Sussex), on a UNDP fellowship, to do a 2 year postgraduate study . Completed MPhil in Development Studies and returned to CPO in late 1977.
In May 1980, after my boss Akuila Savu left to be Chief Executive of Air Pacific, following a competitive panel selection process, I was appointed Director of Economic Planning, to head the CPO. Also concurrently, I took over as Chairman of the Prices and Incomes Board.
In 1983, I was appointed Permanent Secretary for Economic Development and Planning. In addition to CPO, the Ministry included the Departments of Trade and Industry including Weights and Measures; and Tourism.
Among the highlights of work experience:
- being appointed, at age less than 30, to head the CPO; and reporting directly to Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara who was minister responsible for national planning.
- Initiated the setting up of the National Economic Summit and the National Economic Council as a national level consultative fora on economic policy and national development issues, served as secretary to the NEC; and was the Organising Secretary for the NES.
- Introduced a strategic planning process to formulate Fiji’s Ninth Development Plan establishing seven national level Task Forces to draw upon representatives from outside of Government to get actively involved in and contribute to the formulation of DP9.
- Involvement in the Tripartite national-level negotiations on voluntary remuneration guidelines and in the resolution of industrial relations problems including ability to pay issues.
- Led the government team which negotiated with PBL of Australia the terms and conditions for the introduction of commercial TV in Fiji.
- See CV for more.
Some problems and encounters you faced during your work life?
Ans:
- Doing two full-time jobs (Permanent Secretary and Chairman, PIB) concurrently for 7 years was onerous. I was paid only one salary: for the lower paying PS position! Got used to working 12 hours a day; and multi-tasking!
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As head of Ministry , in implementing policies from time to time, some who were adversely affected applied political pressures ( even lobbied to get me removed).
How did you overcome those problems?
Ans: i) Did not think of this as a problem; just got on with it. Also important to learn to relax. Much of stress arises from thinking about it.
ii) Taking decisions involve judgment calls; and when those decisions are based on facts and analysis, and objectivity, then there is nothing to fear
What inspires you the most when you are work?
Ans: Those who know me well enough may describe me as a “workaholic”…I guess I take responsibility seriously, whether at work or at home. Motivation is something that comes from within ones own self. I guess I thrive when being faced with challenges, and being challenged.
What are you doing currently?
Ans: In Fiji, since mid-January this year , serving as the Head of the Technical and Support Secretariat (TASS) to the National Council for Building a Better Fiji (NCBBF).
How Long? Till the end of October, 08 , when the work on the draft People’s Change, Peace and Progress (PCCPP) should be accomplished.
Overseas experience
- Prior to leaving Fiji:
- consultant to Commonwealth Secretariat to prepare negotiating brief for the 8 Pacific countries in their negotiations for successor to Lome II Convention.
- Consultant to the Government of the Cook Islands to assist in its efforts to accede to the ACP Group under the Lome Convention.
- Left Fiji following the September coup in 1987, joined the Manila based Asian Development Bank in 1987.
First position at ADB: Country Economist ( for Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore) – 3 years
Three years later promoted to position of Head of the training and development – 4 years ( in this capacity led the team that developed the ADB’s first Human Resource Development Strategy and also designed developed, and successfully implemented the ADB’s first in-house Manager Development Programme).
In January 1995, moved back into the operations area and worked as the Senior Programme Officer/Economist in the Office of Pacific operations.
Worked on the ADB’s operations in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa and Vanuatu.
Some Highlights
see CV on Cook Islands and Vanuatu Work.
And visit website: www.inc-vietnam.org for more of my work.
