Yasawas for Ex Corrections Officer – Mary Rose Wye-Qiqi.
A city girl and former Corrections Officer has turned to renewable energy for a change in career.
Mary Rose Wye-Qiqi is the Northern Branch Manager for Dawn Renewable Energy (Fiji) Pte Limited.
The former Saint Joseph’s Secondary School student was once a clerical officer at Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
She worked in the tourism industry for 21 years.
The eldest of her siblings, she looked after her father – a move that meant leaving everything, to stay in Taveuni.
Although she did not have any qualification and training, Maravu Island Resort, a boutique resort took her in.
Its owner, Jochen Kiess, taught her the ropes about running a resort.
“I had hands-on training from front office to reservations, restaurant and bar to housekeeping and human resource ,” Ms Wye- Qiqi said.
“In 2000, I had to babysit the resort during the family’s extended holiday in Germany, because of the coup.”
Ms Wye-Qiqi was promoted to operations manager where she worked closely with the maintenance team.
“It helped to actually know the difference in services provided, such as a surfing set up that is Nagigia Island Resort in Kadavu, or backpacker resorts such as Beachcomber, Funky Fish and Robinson Crusoe.
Ms Wye-Qiqi gained experience from the family resort that is the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort, as well as three and four star resorts, Musket Cove Island Resort, Koro Sun and Matamanoa Island Resort.
“I also worked in diving resorts such as Paradise Island Resort in Taveuni and Dolphin Bay in Viani Bay,” she said.
At one time, she was a team member of Laucala Island Resort, where she worked under expatriate heads of department.
The mother of three has visited three countries – Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, she stayed with her husband, farming in Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu.
She said God sent the Chief Executive Officer of Dawn Renewable Energy (Fiji) Pte Limited to ask her to help in setting up the company branch in Labasa.
Bouma Falls in Taveuni .
What is the one place in Fiji you would take visitors to?
Taveuni.
It has the number one dive site – White Wall and great waterfalls, in Bouma and Lavena.
There are coastal and mountain treks to hike.
Ancient landmarks are at Des Voeux Peak ,where the tagimoucia flower grows.
You can also visit the blow holes and water-slides.
What is your favourite place for coffee/pie?
New Era Café in Labasa for latte and tavioka pies.
A part of the island of Taveuni.
What is your favourite backyard spot?
The Southern end of Taveuni.
It is very quiet.
I enjoy watching the sunset on the beach.
South Sea Crusies in the Yasawa Islands. Source: www.pacific-destinations.com
What is one place in Fiji that is on your bucket list?
Yasawa.
The white sandy beaches and snorkel sites are the best.
Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj
