It was a significant moment for Road Haulage Association (RHA) as it welcomed their newly elected president, Hector Smith.

Mr Smith who has been a member of RHA for five years was thankful to the members for placing their trust in him.

“This is something that was not expected really, but I am grateful to the members of the association for having faith in me.

“Dave Aidney (founder of the association and president for last 12 years) has left a mark in this association and I hope to carry this on,” he said.

Mr Smith said he would be focusing on strengthening relationships with stakeholders.

“One of the ways that we can learn to overcome things is by working together,” he said.

“I’m not about the fighting, but more of delivering a win-win situation to all stakeholders.

“That way everyone will be happy and satisfied,” he said.

The 58-year-old engineer of Consort Shipping said they shared the same concern and hope to get relevant authorities to work with them.

“We raise the same issue of trucks being overloaded, the road conditions and other worrying matters that we would like to work on with relevant authorities,” Mr Smith said.

The former Fijian national coach said that they would need to also work together to achieve their targets.

“Given the above statement, we should also keep in mind that we, as members of RHA, will need to work together as a team to achieve greater things.

“I cannot work alone on this. I will need the assistance from the team to ensure that all concerns are being heard,” Mr Smith said.

Meanwhile, Mr Aidney gave his best wshes to Mr Smith saying, “Now I wish Smith nothing, but the best for him in his new role. All I look forward to now is enjoying my retirement in Fiji,” he said.

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