Stanley Simpson’s life is well, quite literally, an open book.

And if we were to take that phrase in its literal meaning, what kind of book would that be then? You might ask.

“My whole life’s on Facebook,” the veteran journalist and director of Mai TV said.

That’s because Mr Simpson, also the general secretary of the Fijian Media Association, likes to document and share his experiences on his page.

From his family life, his funny encounters or conversations with his circle of friends, to his candid and honest comments in sports, especially rugby, politics etc, Mr Simpson’s posts on his page will not disappoint.

And there’s nothing quite like a bowl of grog to help him stir up a conversation and liven up the party.

But despite having travelled more than 30 countries around the world from Africa, South America, India, Europe, the South Pacific, none touches him more than the feeling of being in his hometown, Savusavu.

Though his career has taught him to maintain impartiality on all fronts, Savusavu is the exception.

Once in a while, he’d take his family to Wyndham Resort Denarau Island and other tourist spots.

But most of all, visiting and mingling with the local community on his travels, be it for work or home, is what intrigues him most.

Below is an excerpt of a lively interview with Mr Simpson.

Savusavu

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors To And Why?
I always tell people to come to Savusavu.

You can visit Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Daku Resort, the Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel, Rava (where he’s from) because all my relatives are going to be hosting you there.

We are world class!

I’m 100 per cent biased and even if I see some places that are beautiful, it’ll be like nothing like when I land in Savusavu and everyone knows that, ‘The king has landed’.

People know I love the food in Savusavu, the people, I love everything about that place.

Even the bad things about Savusavu, I love.

I would go there every week if I could.

I try to go every month.

My dream is to find a way where I can have an office while fishing and operate from the sea while catching pakapaka or catching tuna [laughs].

An island in the Lau group.

How Many Other Places In Fiji Have You Visited?
Kadavu, the Lau Group, the Lomaiviti Group, the North.

I like to mingle with people and for me travel is about meeting people.

You can see my own travel style and system is quite different.

Favourite Place For Coffee/Tea And Pie?
I’m more of a tea person.

I always invite people to come to my office and have tea with me.

A beachfront on the island of Rotuma.

What Is One Place In Fiji That Remains On Our Bucket List And Why?
Some islands in the furthest part of Fiji including Rotuma and Cikobia.

I’d like to go to these outer islands and just stay there for two weeks.

Midday drinking grog with the locals, enjoying their stories and going fishing with them.

Stanley Simpson in his garden. Source: FaceBook

Your Favourite Backyard Spot And Why?
Since COVID-19 I’ve enjoyed gardening.

I know a lot of people don’t believe me because it’s my cousins and my sons and nephews that I get to do the work with.

But I really enjoy my time in the garden and watching them grow.

I post them on Facebook but no one believes me [laughs]!

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