‘Scuba dive in Rotuma’
Ghost writer and advocate for climate change, Moira Vilsoni-Raduva, is a die-hard morning person. She talks to plants – mainly edible and flowering plants, and fruit trees.
“Sometimes, when I see growth in a plant that I have nurtured from the brink of death, I sing and thank the natural elements,” the newly appointed communications and public relations officer for Fiji Airports, said.
Mrs Vilsoni-Raduva is known for her bubbly and magnetic character, her contagious smile, and her can-do approach.
“I have a wicked sense of humour, and am blessed with the gift of the gab,” she said.
“If you are from Rotuma, or you know something about Malha’a, you will know.”
The self-confessed incurable sweet-tooth said a team of medical professionals and traditional healers tried to wean her off confectionery.
“They have failed,” Mrs Vilsoni-Raduva said.
Day job aside, her hectic schedule - helping her children in their philanthropy work where she is a driver, delivery mom, event coordinator and prayer partner – leaves little room for herself.
But when she gets the time, Mrs VilsoniRaduva takes to her guitar and ukulele as her go-to stress relievers.
“I can never play a tune right – talent is a prerequisite,” she said.
“I have yet to master either.”
International attention
Mrs Vilsoni-Raduva has three daughters. Her eldest, AnnMary Raduva, made a name for herself in her formative years, when she took to the international stage to stamp her place as an eco-champion.
The results were sensational; she made gobal headlines.
Behind young AnnMary’s efforts, was her mother, propelling her in her environmental course – a fact not many were aware of.
Grooming for bigger things
Mrs Vilsoni-Raduva worked for the three daily newspapers in Fiji, before she branched out to consultations and public relations.
“I was at the Embassy of France as public affairs adviser and shadow defence attaché – a role that groomed me into strategic communications, risk management communications, and understanding the dynamics of security,” she said.
She then worked for the University of the South Pacific for three years, before she took on her new role at Fiji Airports.
Other interests
Mrs Vilsoni-Raduva was a ghost writer for a biography.
She also looks after her children’s campaigns, which include:
• Fijian Teen Climate Change activism, where AnnMary says no to balloons. She also campaigns around anti-littering, waste management, ocean and environment sustainability.
• Women’s Health, where her other daugter, Faith, leads a campaign to end period poverty in Fiji and the region.
“Sometimes, I support my husband with sandwich-making for their mangrove planting/beach clean-up events,” Mrs VilsoniRaduva said.
“That was during pre-COVID-19 days. “Now, the children have taken care of all the preparations.”
What is one place in Fiji you would take friends to?
Rotuma.
I was brought up on the island, and I love the laid back, simple life back home.
You immediately take in the natural beauty of the sand, sun, sea, and the lush evergreen environment, as soon as you get off the aircraft at Malha’a, or the boat at Oinafa wharf.
I would love to scuba dive at home, and explore the uncharted dive spots, around the island.
That would be another level of exploration. As a child, I would free dive, foraging the reef with my father for a meal or two.
But to go further out and scuba dive would be nice.
What is your favourite spot for a coffee or pie?
Nadi Airport Boat Club.
It has a charming setting and is the fish and chips eatery in Nadi.
The club is tucked away from all the craziness of rush hour.
You get to enjoy your meal in the open space, right on the beach.
It is child and family friendly, the deck space is built around a tree, and the furniture is made from recycled wooden pallets.
The club offers the best vanilla brewed coffee in the West.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
Waila, Nausori.
Our family farm is located there.
It is home.
We try to keep it as natural as we can, plant and harvest what we can, and eat from what we plant.
The property has space to grow, and forage for edible wild fiddlehead ferns.
We get to be part of the backyard farming revolution, in our very own small way.
What is one place in Fiji that is on your bucket list?
Yasawas.
I think now is a good time to start planning for an island cruise with the family.