Tears flowed as 64-year-old Senimili Rasila bid farewell to her workmates and employer of 24 years.

Ms Rasila was among the five staff at the Fiji Hideaway Resort who retired on Thursday.

The Tagaqe, Nadroga native said it was a sad day for her to live a place she was so passionate about.

“I am satisfied to have contributed as a team player for so many years to Fiji Hideaway Resort,” Ms Rasila said.

She said she would miss the resort and the staff.

“There have been a lot of tourist visiting our resort and I would normally shed tears whenever they depart our shores and much happier to see them return,” she said.

She said she would treasure the memories she had with them and now returned home to spend time with her family.

Ms Rasila was introduced to the property in 1985 under housekeeping and enjoyed every bit of it.

She said she tend spend with her family, her three children and seven grand-children.

Resort general manager Chandar Dutt said, “This is one way to mark and give respect to five of our employees who have worked so hard and decided to call it a day after so many.

“As the first local general manager I have made it reasonable to have a lot of programmes put in place and also having a close tie with the vanua.”

He said when a staff died the resort got someone from the family to join the resort provided they fulfilled the recruitment procedures.

Other retiree include Emoni Tanoa, 67 (a groundsman for 31 years), Meliki Qoli, 55, (housekeeping attendant for 11 years), Ravi Chand, 57, (Butcherman for eight years) and Mosese Ravouvou, 55 (security for six years).

Meanwhile, a total of 16 staff will be retiring this year marking their dedication and hard work.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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