Going to the Pacific Again 🇭🇰🇨🇳🇫🇯🇹🇴

01/12/18 05:13

August 2018: Monitoring Mission to Tonga and Fiji

At the end of August 2018, six months after Typhoon Gita devastated parts of Tonga, I embarked on a monitoring mission to assess the progress of the humanitarian projects we had supported for the disaster-affected communities. This time, my journey took a slightly different route—travelling via Hong Kong, rather than the usual Australian path. The trip included a stopover in Fiji, where I met with colleagues from various humanitarian organisations to discuss ongoing regional efforts and disaster preparedness strategies.

Before continuing to Tonga, I had the opportunity to take a day off in Fiji, which allowed me to explore the main island, Viti Levu, beyond the confines of meetings and official duties. Some of the key attractions I visited included:
• Suva, the bustling capital, offering a unique blend of colonial architecture, lively markets, and cultural landmarks such as the Fiji Museum, which provided insights into the nation’s rich history and diverse influences.
• Coral Coast, renowned for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and traditional Fijian villages where I was able to experience a kava ceremony, a traditional ritual involving the consumption of a drink made from the kava root.
• Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, an awe-inspiring landscape of rolling sand dunes with archaeological sites that date back over 3,000 years.
• Nadi, a vibrant town known for the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the Southern Hemisphere, reflecting the island’s multicultural makeup.
• Denarau Island, a popular tourist hub offering stunning coastal views and luxury resorts, perfect for a relaxing escape.
This short visit provided me with a deeper understanding of Fiji’s diverse cultural fabric, blending indigenous Fijian, Indian, European, and Chinese influences, which makes the country a unique and fascinating place.
Upon arriving in Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga, I was struck by how much the country had progressed in its recovery efforts. Although the scars of the storm were still visible in some areas, the resilience of the local communities was evident. Homes were being rebuilt, schools were reopening, and livelihoods were slowly being restored. The local and international humanitarian response efforts had made significant strides in improving shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, and it was reassuring to witness the dedication of the people working tirelessly to restore normalcy.
Beyond Nuku’alofa, I had the opportunity to visit ‘Eua Island, one of Tonga’s most rugged and naturally stunning islands. It was fascinating to see how the residents had adapted to post-typhoon challenges, implementing sustainable solutions to rebuild their communities. The island’s lush forests, towering cliffs, and pristine beaches provided a stark contrast to the hardship they had endured, reminding me of the delicate balance between nature’s beauty and its sometimes harsh realities.
This trip to Tonga allowed me to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of the Tongan people even more than during my previous visit. The vibrant Tongan culture, deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, was on full display, with locals warmly welcoming me and proudly showcasing their traditional crafts, music, and cuisine. Their sense of community and strong connection to their ancestral lands played a pivotal role in their recovery efforts, reinforcing the importance of cultural resilience in disaster response.
Reflecting on the mission, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness the resilience and determination of the Tongan and Fijian communities. The journey reinforced the importance of long-term recovery efforts and the value of cultural heritage in rebuilding lives after disaster strikes.
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Going to the Pacific Again 🇭🇰🇨🇳🇫🇯🇹🇴