Lets Go Local: Lau And Katawaqa Island Tops Seremaia Bai’s List
A man known to many, Seremaia Bai was one of Fiji’s greatest rugby players.
The former Flying Fijians inside-centre and fly-half was known for his game-breaking abilities and given his size and footwork, he was a difficult man to tackle.
Bai was deceptive and always proved a tricky man to tackle given his size and footwork. He also was an astute kicker in general play and a great goal kicker.
He first played for Fiji in 2002 before continuing his rugby careers in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Wales, France and England.
He retired in 2016 and is now an entrepreneur.
From wearing muddy jerseys and boots, to speaking at business conferences, including an appearance at the 2017’s Top Executives Conference, Mr Bai admits the transition still feels surreal.
It is his way of breaking free from a ‘colonisation’ mind-set that he feels has held back Fijians from being job creators.
“I think us as Fijians, our mind-set is a colonised mind-set,” Mr Bai said.
“Because of that mind-set, we always say that it’s better for us to work for somebody because we are not good enough. In that way, we limit our ability to go further.
“In Fiji, we are not trained to think independently – that’s become our culture here.”
For Mr Bai, starting a business was a liberating experience.
He had no desire to make money for someone else and wanted to control his own fate
Mr Bai is a commercial farmer, a property manager, and recently, he set up a rugby academy for Fijian children.
He is also opting to be a motivational speaker.
The Suweni, Vanua Levu man is married with five children
What is one place in Fiji you would take visitors to and why?
Katawaqa Island in the Northern Division. A sand-bank stretches from the island into the brilliant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, inviting island dwellers to dive head first into an unforgettable private island adventure.
Katawaqa Island in Vanua Levu
Favorite Place for coffee or pie?
Gloria Jeans in Damodar City.
Oh the space and Fijian Delicacies is one to look out for.
What is your favorite backyard spot?
Spending time at the Farm.
Seremaia Bai at his farm
What is one place in Fiji on your bucket list?
Lau Group of Islands.
The white sandy beaches and of course the people.
The Lau Group.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
