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Richard’s
Welcome
Bula,
and welcome to the August 2002 edition of Turtle Talk!
The
sun continues to shine here, as our 150 staff welcome guests
from every corner of the globe.
Many
new and exciting activities have occurred on the island in
the past year; bure renovations have been completed breaking
the boundaries in luxury accommodation, and the dock has
been completely rebuilt.
Another
record breaking Medical Clinic was held in January, treating
more patients than ever before. A women’s health clinic
was introduced for the first time, complimenting the eye,
dentistry, dermatology and general clinics.
Our
progress on constructing a medical center, trade school and
rugby field for the community is moving forward, with the
land area being prepared for building.
The
biggest news however is a tiny addition to Turtle of my own,
our wonderful daughter Cee Cee! Milika and I were proud to
announce her birth in January this year. Cee Cee is an
absolute bundle of joy and loves the attention of her older
brother, Richard Junior and sister, Rachelli. In her seven
months, Cee Cee has positioned herself as a little
jetsetter, having already visited the USA and Australia. I
will be sure to keep you posted on Cee Cee’s future
adventures.
I
look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Vinaka
vakalevu
Richard
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Turtle
Visited by Internationally Renowned Botanist
Well
known international botanist, campaigner and television personality,
Professor David Bellamy, traveled to Fiji from London in December 2001
to speak at the Fiji Ecotourism Conference, his second visit in two
years.
Whilst
in Fiji Prof Bellamy spent time on Turtle Island. He toured the Island
with Richard Evanson and Andrew Fairley and saw first hand the
extensive environmental efforts that have transformed the once barren
and overgrazed landscape into an ecologically sustainable Island,
boasting a wide variety of indigenous vegetation and bird life.
It
has taken Richard 30 years to rejuvenate and protect the fragile
ecosystem of the Island with the support of his staff many of whom
come from the local Nacula Tikina (community).
Professor
Bellamy was the Chairman of the British Airways Award Committee in
1999, that awarded Turtle Island the British Airways ‘Tourism for
Tomorrow’ award for its commitment to sustainability.
Professor
Bellamy spoke at the Ecotourism Conference about the fragility of the
Fiji’s marine environment and the necessity for all Fijian
government, businesses and industry to take responsibility for caring
for Fiji’s valuable natural resources.
Bellamy
said ‘The first thing you must do on the land is to follow the
example which we have seen on Turtle Island, which 30 years ago was
skin bald – it was probably into third degree burns. Every time
there was a drought, it was set of fire, it was chucking soil and
chucking nutrients into the reef. The magic of the last 30 years has
put the forest back. And it is wonderful to walk round there, and go
from a fiery hell with the wind blowing over the top, to a warm almost
womb of a place, with trees there doing the things they should do.
It’s very good news.’
Professor
Bellamy is Chairman of the Coral Cay Conservation Project an
initiative that researches marine ecosystems with a view to actively
managing their conservation in the Mamanuca Island group (south of the
Yaswas). Bellamy expressed his interest in working with Turtle Island
to undertake research on the reefs of the Yasawas particularly the
Blue Lagoon. He considers them to be some of the healthiest reefs in
the South Pacific.
Interesting
Fact
Bellamy
describes Mangroves as:
‘the
kidneys of the land and the livers of the ocean’.
Mangroves
are an indigenous species to Fiji and a major contributor to a
healthy marine environment. The mangrove tree is a plant that
thrives in salty conditions and is a significant contributor to
balancing water quality and reducing pollution by filtering
suspended material and assimilating dissolved nutrients. Their
coverage of coastal shorelines and wetlands provides a habitat to
birds, crustacea, and fish.
A
significant number of Tiri mangroves have been replanted on Turtle
Island and a boardwalk allows access for guests to observe them
without impacting on the environment.
Seeing
is Believing – Turtle and Telecom’s 2002 Medical Clinics
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The
Telecom Fiji – Turtle Island Medical Clinics have been
providing support and medical treatments to the community in
the Yasawas for over a decade. In that time, the Clinics have
expanded and diversified treating a larger number of patients
each year and introducing a broader range of health services
including general medicine, women’s health and dentistry.
An
estimated 4,800 patients were examined in 2002, breaking the
record for the most patients seen in the Clinics’ 12-year
history.
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Eye Surgery at
work
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The
Clinic demonstrates the power of a good idea put into action
with energy, commitment and resources and the results speak
for themselves. Since the Medical Clinics inception in 1991
over 40,000 Fijians have been examined.
An
integral part to the Clinic’s success must be attributed to
Telecom Fiji, a committed partner in the Medical Clinics since
1998. Without the support from Telecom, the Clinics could not
have impacted as significantly on improving the health and
well being of so many Fijians.
For
the first time this year, the annual medical services included
a women’s health clinic and a second general health clinic.
Two Australians, Dr. Peter Longmore, a consultant
obstetrician/gynecologist, and Dr. Peter Stratmann, a general
practitioner, were the volunteer doctors for these. An
estimated 300 patients were treated during this clinic.
As
this was the first time this particular clinic had been run,
the Doctor’s experienced some challenging logistical issues
and cases. Nevertheless they are committed to returning again
next year with their specialist medical focus, with a view to
establishing an effective clinic and building its success from
year to year.
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Big
Fish are Biting Better than Ever
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Deep
Sea fishing was at its best when Richard Evanson (right) and
his boatman Inia Rokomatu went fishing and reef exploring
recently. The boys reeled in an array of fish but the grand
prize was a magnificent sailfish. Seven feet in length, from
point to tail and weighing 50kgs!
Richard
had been out charting the continental shelf drop-off for
future fishing adventures and was ready to head home when the
Sailfish bit. It took a twenty-minute fight to land this
wonderful south sea creature.
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Richard, boatman
Inia and guests with typical size sailfish
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The
local marine environment is ripe for game fishing and with
Turtle’s 45’ fishing boat, the Mantaray being revitalized
with two 225hp 4-stroke outboards those guests dreaming of
catching a ‘Big One’ certainly have a tremendous chance.
The
new motors are quiet, relatively exhaust free and more
economical to run. The two outboards will push the Mantaray
along at about 20-25 knots, taking guests further into the
deep in search of those elusive marine monsters.
Turtle
has been sending the HMS out to fish whilst the Mantaray has
been in “Dry-Dock” and it has been amazingly successful.
It returns from most trips with in excess of 10 fish on big
days with up to of 24 fish. Every guest who has gone fishing
recently has come home happy and with a story to tell about
the action on the high seas
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Revitalised
Dock
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Every
past guest has wandered up and down Turtle’s dock that
stretches into the gorgeous Blue Lagoon.
It may have been to board boats for fishing or sunset
cruising, to gaze at the tropical fish and colourful coral, or
to board their departing seaplane, with tears in their eyes
and Turtle in their hearts.
After
23 years the docks wooden boards have smoothed under the feet
of many wonderful guests, so this year to ensure that it
remains in top condition for another 2 decades, Turtle staff
undertook major structural works.
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Dock under
construction (Jan 2002)
Completed dock at
low tide
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New
concrete pylons were poured and new beams and bearers
installed. Finally the new planking was screwed down and the
dock was completed.
The
dock was given an early christening by Duve, who spilt cooking
oil on the new structure and left a big oily mark halfway
along. According to Richard the solution to remove the stain
was simple - we just paint the rest of the dock with cooking
oil and then it will all look the same and the oil will help preserve
the wood. (He
was right of course, and the new dock looks very smart freshly
oiled with no stain in sight.
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Wedding
Bells on Turtle.
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Bill
and Francie from the US were married on Turtle in a Grand
Wedding on the 4th June 2002. Their service started
at 6:30pm and was attended by all the guests and lodge staff.
It was a special time for everyone with the rain that had
threatened all day disappearing and the sky clearing to a
wonderful sunset. They chose the traditional Fijian costume
and Bill certainly looked chiefly as he waited on the beach
for Francie’s Bilibili (raft) to arrive.
The sounding of a Conch shell heralded the brides arrival.
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Bill & Francie
in traditional
Fijian wedding costume
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Lord
of the Turtle’s
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Another
Children’s Time went off with a bang in July this year, with
children from all over the world exploring the wonders of
enchanting Turtle Island.
Whilst
the fun and happy Fijian Nannies looked after the children,
providing entertaining games and activities, mums and dads
could sneak away to enjoy the private beaches, delight in the
tropical serenity and devour the delicious tropical dishes
created by Turtle’s talented Fijian chefs.
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Some of the kids
in the fashion show
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All ready to try the Blue Lagoon...!!
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Fifty
kids aged between 9 months to 23 years from Australia,
England, Germany, Netherlands, and the United States,
including their Nannies all experienced many exciting
adventures.
Kids
are reunited with their parents in the late afternoon for a
bit of family fun and by nightfall the nannies have the
children tucked up in bed so that the parents can socialise
with other guests at the traditional Turtle dinner party.
The
next Kid’s Time is held between December 14th and
January 12th 2002/03.
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Good
Neighbours
Heading
northwest, 10 minutes by boat from Turtle, across the turquoise waters
of the Blue Lagoon lies the Island of Nacula and one of the most
stunning beaches in all of Fiji.
Here
the local village Chief, Ratu Epeli had a vision, and with the
assistance of Turtle Island, his vision is now being realised.
Ratu
Epeli was appointed Chief after the death of his father. At the time
Epeli was living in New Zealand with his family and had to make the
tough decision about whether he should return to take on the
responsibilities of this leadership role. His decision to return came
with a condition, that the community develop a business to create
employment, and income for the villagers.
Due
to the remoteness of the Yasawas and the limited employment
opportunities, many villagers are forced to leave their homes for the
mainland in order to earn an income.
Ratu
Epeli approached Richard with his idea and he was only too happy to
assist. Using Richard’s expertise in sustainable resort development
the pair worked up the concept of an intimate budget resort catering
for culturally and environmentally conscious travellers.
Richard
provided the village with an interest free loan and skilled Turtle
Island tradesmen to construct a kitchen and dining/entertainment area,
a dormitory sleeping 10, and 6 private bures with their own bathroom
facilities. The resort was named Oarsman’s Bay Lodge after the
village elders who once fished in the bay.
The
resort has now been running for 18 months and it is so popular that
you’d be hard pressed to get a bed at short notice.
The
newest additions to the resort are two family style bures containing a
dorm style bedroom with 4 bunk beds and a double bedroom with private
facilities.
Turtle
has also assisted another budget resort called Safe Landing Resort.
This resort has a mix of traditional and modern accommodation and is
proving just as popular as its sister resort Oarsman’s Bay Lodge.
Taking
Care of our Tikina (Community)
Since
1984 Turtle Island has supported the local Vuaki Mission School
through a special fund with monies generated from guest donations.
The
Fund assists in providing better facilities to attract quality
teachers, with the view to enhancing the futures of village children
who continue on to secondary school.
Currently
the fund, stands in excess of FJ$50,000, are being used to construct a
library at the school, to give the students a broader range of
literature and study. Over $60,000 has been spent on various projects
since its inception.
Now
a decade old, the Turtle Island Community Foundation kick started by
Richard Evanson’s initial personal donation of FJ $50,000 in 1992
now stands at over FJ $200,000.
Settled
as a charitable trust in Fiji, the Foundation was created to provide
assistance in the areas of health, transport, education, communication
and the development of cultural activities in the local tikina –
which are also the villages from which most of Turtle’s staff come
from.
The
Chairman of the Foundation, Fiji’s Roman Catholic Archbishop Petero
Mataca, and the six other Trustees all have strong links with the
Yasawa Islands.
One
of the Foundation’s most successful initiatives is the annual
scholarships program which provides much needed assistance to the
families of student entering Forms 5, 6, or 7. Each year, around 25
students are awarded scholarships to assist them with the purchase of
books and school tuition.
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Accolades
for Turtle’s Service with a Smile
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Part
of Turtle’s wonderful welcome when guests arrive on the
island is our staff’s warm smiles, and the friendly and
personalized service they provide to you during guests stay.
Another
fabulous factor about staying at Turtle is the delicious
selection of fresh 5-star cuisine, created by a team of
talented Fijian chefs.
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Delicious food
presented superbly
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Most
guests remark on the staff’s top quality service in our
guest book, and now to acknowledge the hard work and top
talent of our staff, the June edition of the USA’s ‘Travel
and Leisure’ magazine ‘Reader’s Choice’ has nominated
Turtle as the choice for Service and Food, an exciting
accolade and one we are proud.
But there will be no resting on laurels. This nomination only
means the staff must raise the bar once more, ensuring that
continue to knock the socks off our guests by providing even
better quality service and cuisine.
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