Ex-Cane Farmer, Security Guard Drives Truck for a Living
Owning a truck helped Prem Chand graduate from a cane farmer and security officer to being his own boss. After dropping out of school at Class 5, the 59-year-old grandfather knew that driving would assist him raise his family and buy himself a house.
After driving for more than 30 years his Toyota Hilux four wheel drive is his pride.
“This is my tenth truck and I can tell you that driving has taken me to places I would not have been able to set foot on,” Mr Chand said.
Mr Chand started out as a cane farmer and a part-time security guard.
He drove other trucks before buying his own. He saved up and bought his first ten years ago.
“I never looked back after that day.
“I would never trade this one for anything else.
“Driving trucks have helped me put my three daughters through school and teachers college.
“Now they’re all teaching and are married with their own families.
“That includes their graduations, weddings and other family commitments.
“I have been able to buy my own house and put food on the table for my family.”
Now that he is an expert with trucks, he confidently says that his truck rarely breaks down.
“I have driven through steep hills, roads and even flooded areas,” he said.
“The last time we had a flood here in Rakiraki dusty
the water got up to the headlights, my truck pulled through regardless.
“Unfortunately for other vehicles they could not pass through.
“The authorities easily allowed me to pass and I had no problems driving in through the flood waters.”
Mr Chand who is from Waimaria, Rakiraki is based at the carrier stand opposite the Rakiraki
Mr Chand’s advice to younger generations: “Although I left school at Class 5 that did not stop me from being able to get to where I am now.”
Market.
He is grateful to be still running his business during this time.
His advice to the younger generations: “Although I left school at Class 5 that did not stop me from being able to get to where I am now.
“This pandemic is affecting everybody; I believe we can all find ways to survive. This is not the worst time; we can make the best out of it if we are determined and focused.”
Prem Chand