Luisa Molidrau Tigarea and Dr Sainimili Bulatale are very thankful to Fiji Airways for inviting them to be part of the Special Valentine’s Day Flight FJ679 yesterday.

Both Mrs Tigarea and Ms Bulatale were on board the flight and among personnel who are frontliners in the fight against COVID-19.

They came from the Ministry of Health, the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on board the flight.

Mrs Tigarea was on the flight with her husband Jo, while Dr Bulatale was joined by her partner Esava Mara.

Mrs Tigarea has been a Health Inspector for the past 27 years.

In light of COVID-19, Mrs Tigarea has been working long hours along with Dr Bulatale at the Nadi International Airport as part of the Nadi Border Unit.

Mrs Tigarea said: “Working at the airport in light of COVID-19 is different feeling altogether.

“It can be quite tiring because you are always on call but I must say it has been a whole new learning experience in ensuring the safety of our people.

“It’s been more than 300 days now and we are so fortunate that there has not been any COVID-19 community transmission.

“Taking a break from work today (yesterday) after a long time is good.We would like to thank Fiji Airways for offering us this trip to enjoy and celebrate our wedding anniversary in the air,” Mrs Tigarea says.

Joe and Luisa Tigarea on board the Fiji Airways Special Valentine’s Day Flight with Esava Mara and Dr Sainimili Bulatale also on board for the FJ679 flight on February 14, 2021. Photo: Maraia Vula

Dr Butale
Dr Bulatale says working in a COVID environment at the border was different from the previous experience of working in the hospital (pre-COVID).

“It’s very interesting to work with different stakeholders, especially at the airports working with the airlines, but it’s a good experience.

“I am very thankful that we have a good team and also good support from the aviation and key stakeholders.”

Dr Bulatale says we have been able to achieve 300 days without any community transmission through a lot of dedication and hard work.

“So we are thankful to Fiji Airways for this opportunity to just spend a few hours with my partner.”

Guests on board the Fiji Airways Special Valentine’s Day Flight FJ679 on February 14, 2021. Photo: Maraia Vula

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