A  55-year-old, Giyaan Chand smiled as he tipped the last load of cane to be processed at the Labasa Fiji Sugar Corporation Mill on Sunday.

And as the curtains fell for yet another successful crushing year, Mr Chand also closed an important chapter in his life.

After being employed at the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Mill in Labasa for the past 37 years, he is finally set to retire next month.

“I started work here a few months before I turned 18 and have been working here all my life,” an emotional Mr Chand said.

“I started out as a casual labourer and now I’m a lime maker.”

The Siberia, Labasa man said he was thankful to the Fiji Sugar Corporation for employing him all these years.

“The Labasa FSC team has been a family to me and my work place a second home. Thank you so much FSC,” he said.

“I have two children. One is working while the other is in her final stages of studies before she gets employed too.”

He said the best thing about working at the mill was a constant reminder that the work they do had a great impact on the economy and people’s lives.

“I always do my best because I know that whatever I’m doing is for the benefit of the company and the people,” he said.

The Mill manager Karia Christopher while addressing about 50 employees present at the event on Sunday applauded them for a job well done.

“Our successes over the years have been due to team work and effort put in by everyone here,” Mr Christopher said.

The Labasa FSC Mill has a total of 564 workers, 22 of which are retiring this year.

 Edited by: farzana nisha

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