Nine Fijians left Nadi for Papua New Guinea to take up work contracts.

Ronald Rohit Kumar was among them on the 7pm Wednesday flight at the Nadi International Airport.

Seven of them were held back from resuming their employment contracts in Papua New Guinea, following the close of international borders on the heels of COVID-19.

The 48-year-old supply distribution manager of JJS Holdings Limited in Papua New Guinea was among passengers on the chartered PX 9085 Air Niugini flight.

The Air Niugini chartered flight had made it possible for them to return to PNG to fulfil their employment contracts.

Mr Kumar, who had extended his three years contract, said: “It was very heart-breaking to leave behind my two kids who were with me at the airport.

Ronald Rohit Kumar with his children at Nadi International Airport on December 9, 2020. Photo: Mereleki Nai

Heart Breaking
“But I was encouraged that it was good that I returned to PNG to support them back home.”

“I finished my three years contract, and I was given another contract in March this year.”

“The border was closed so I was stuck here.”

“I am happy with the company that I have worked with.”

“They have paid for my travelling expenses.”

Meanwhile, Samuela Leweniqila was one of the six pilots who returned to work in PNG.

Mr Leweniqila, who is pilot with HEVILIFT Group Pte Ltd, said even though he missed his family back home, he was grateful that he could return to work.

“Even though it was hard to leave my family behind, we have to go and work to support our family who are back home.”

“I enjoyed my three years contract working for the aviation company,” the father of two said.

About HEVILIFT
HEVILIFT is operating from Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar.

According to the HEVILIFT website, the company is a leader in aviation services across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We provide safe and reliable air transport for personnel and equipment.”

“Our advanced fleet is operated by a highly experienced and safety driven team.”

“They are backed by management professionals, maintenance and support personnel, with an extensive combined knowledge of aviation,” the website said.

Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj