COVID-19 Fiji: Deal signed to employ former tourism workers in road repairs

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Managing director of Rosie Travel Group Tony Whitton during an interview in Nadi. Picture: BALJEET SINGH/FILE

About 35 Rosie Holidays staff members who were stood down because of the impact of COVID-19 on tourism will soon be fixing roads, thanks to a deal inked this week with Western Division road contractors Higgins Fiji.

Rosie Travel Group managing director Tony Whitton said they appreciated the opportunity given to their employees who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“We are trying our best to ensure that while we wait for borders to reopen, our former frontline drivers and maintenance crew are still able to care for their families,” he said.

“So we entered a partnership with Higgins to get about 30 to 35 of our former staff to work with them in doing basic maintenance works for them.

“The contract was signed between Rosie Holidays and Higgins and now we have our employees now working between Tavua and Rakiraki.

“Our crew work in shifts and alternate between groups so that everyone gets a chance to earn some money every week or so.

“It’s hard work and I’m very grateful to our former staff for agreeing to do this not only to help Higgins but also earn some wages for their family.”

Mr Whitton said like other tourist properties across the country and around the world, Rosie Holidays was hit hard by the closure of local and international borders, however, they remained optimistic that things would improve.

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