Lifelong Friends Reunite At Nadi Airport
Lifelong friendships forged decades ago were at the forefront again when former Nadi International Airport staff reminisced over the good old days. More than 150 former airport staff with their peers came together to reconnect with some of those that they had not seen for a long time.
The reunion started on Friday and ended yesterday.
Association of Ex-Civil Aviation Staff president Narendra Reddy said: “After a year of preparation we are finally here in our home turf for these exciting three days and an enjoyable reunion”.
He gave special praises to Bobby Tikaram for the time and tremendous effort to invite the Association of Ex-Civil Aviation staff of Nadi living around the world and convincing them to attend the reunion.
“A vital communication link has been re-established with many Nadi ex-airporters and so please keep the contacts details current and share the good news and the bad news with all,” Mr Reddy said. “This reunion has again provided us with an opportunity to forge ahead with the friendly relationship that we have cherished for decades. “Some of them more than 50 years.” For them Nadi Airport has been and will always hold a special place in their heart. Co-ordinator Bobby Tikaram said: “During the time of my youth, that was the era of decolonisation following the World War II, the generosity of the government saw the strategic location of Fiji in the region become the starting point of International Aviation.
“Political independence of Fiji and the push for the organisation presented opportunities for many.
“As globalisation intensified post World War II and Fiji presented a favoured destination for tourists, so the Fijian economy and population expanded greatly and the need for aviation and other related services increased. Thanks to our immediate forefathers Fiji’s education system was ready to fill the void of expertise left by departing expatriates who had played a great role in Fiji.”
Chief guest and former teacher at the Nadi Airport School Howard Politini senior said: “It is so nice to see some familiar faces because there are relationships we make and carry on when we transit in life.
“Now when we come in the airport we see the buildings have changed and the communities have changed, the roads have changed and we look at each other and, of course, we have changed also some way or the other.”