The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort continues to lead the way in community development and enhancement, says general manager Peter Hopgood.

He thanked staff and his management team for what he termed a successful 2017 for the hotel and the community surrounding them.

At the hotel’s corporate Christmas event last night, Mr Hopgood shared with guests some of the astounding work that had been carried out in the Sigatoka area.

“Three weeks ago we hosted 20 eye surgeons from the United States. Over the past 5 years they have undertaken over 4000 consultations but more importantly they have undertaken surgical procedures and returned the eye sight to over 400 local residents of Nadroga Navosa.” Mr Hopgood said.

“Only this morning we officially opened our latest Community Tourism project, 2 new classrooms at the Conua School. We also undertook a ground breaking ceremony for new teachers’ quarters at Conua,” he added.

Mr Hopgood also thanked renowned Australian Football star Eddie Betts who also organised for the famous Adelaide Crows team to help out, with their families in building and helping with the Conua kindergarten.

“I would like to acknowledge a very special friend of Outrigger, one of the greatest Australian Rules players in Australia, Eddie Betts and his beautiful wife Anna. Last year Eddie and his team mates and families from the Adelaide Crows helped construct the new kindergarten at Conua,” Mr Hopgood said.

Later in the weekend on Sunday, Mr Hopgood said the hotel would continue in its work to help other local bodies and the Sigatoka Hospital being one.

“On Sunday we will conduct the Fiji Chemicals Sigatoka District Hospital Charity Golf Day and attempt to raise over $70,000 for our local hospital. We are wanting to assist in upgrading the operating theatre,” Mr Hopgood said.

Chief guest at the function, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said he was grateful for places such as the Outrigger resort.

“It’s people like Mr Hopgood and hotels like the Outrigger  Beach Resort that really go out of their way to make a difference for good for the tourism industry and the communities where they are stationed. So thank you Outrigger Beach Resort. You set a standard for other people to follow.” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

The event honoured and acknowledged hardworking staff throughout the year and Mr Hopgood publicly praised the dedicated staff at the hotel.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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