Yalayala receives the Kimaya Star of the Year award

Fiji Hideaway Resort reservoir attendant Jonetani Yalayala goes up the dam every Monday, despite the weather conditions, to clear the clog and allow water to flow from the source to the property.

His hard work paid off after the 43-year-old scooped the Kimaya Star of the Year award during the inaugural Kimaya Group awards night at the Landers Bay Resort in Vuda, Lautoka, last Saturday.

The father of five wears three hats, and despite the challenge of struggling with priorities, he has never claimed sick leave, has a nil absenteeism record, and is always on time.

"I could not believe that I got this award, it is hard to bring down a hardworking person," he said.

"I always love my work, simply I want to give my five children something worth. It all rests on my hard work.

That's the push it gives me to be engaged in the workforce at always."

A plumber by profession, a boat captain assisting the activities department. The hours attached do not include days he shows up when there is a heavy downpour just to check the water supply (it's either early in the morning or in the middle of the night, on foot sometimes).

Over the years, he opened himself to doing a few courses that came to his doorstep.

As part of his prize includes a return trip for two to New Zealand/ Australia with $15,000 spending money.

OTHER AWARDEES:

• Employee of the Year - Jonetani Yalayala (Hideaway), WasifarKhatoon (Yatule), Kirti Chandra (Landers), Ashmita Lata (TM HQ), Eseta Sama (Paradise Bride)
• Rising Star of the Year- Varanisese Rokotaro (Hideaway), Latileta Navuga (Yatule), Senileba Baleisuva (Tour Managers HQ),
• Culinary Star of the Year - Shivneel Singh (Hideaway)
• Resort Operations Manager of the Year - Vijay Mani (Yatule)
• Driving Excellence Award Avinesh Narayan, Sameer Shiraaz Aiyaas (Tour Managers HQ)
• Team Leader of the Year - Laisa Paulo (HF), Verenaisi Toga (Yatule), Losalini Nau (Landers), Aisea Navuruvuru (Tour Managers)
• Service Ambassador of the year - Jemese Curuki (FR), Luke Kuilanikoro (Yatule), Mere Stark (Landers), and Naqiri Tuwai (TM HQ).

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj