Being a school dropout did not deter Felix Parker from pursuing a career in politics.
He is a provisional candidate for the National Federation Party (NFP) for the 2022 General Election.
Mr Parker said he was inspired to join NFP because of parliamentarians like Lenora Qereqeretabua, Pio Tikoduadua and party leader Professor Biman Prasad.
“I admire the courage they have to challenge Government whenever they feel the system is not right because that is the type of person I am, I question when I feel something is not right,” he said.
He attributed his success to his wife, Antoinette Parker, for pushing him to further his education which resulted in him graduating with a degree in Human Resources and Law from the University of the South Pacific in 2018.
“I dropped out of school when I was at Rotuma High School and then went to complete studies at Monfort Boys’ Town where I managed to sit for my Fiji Junior Certificate Examination (FJCE),” Mr Parker said.
He managed to attain a motor mechanic trade qualification from Monfort Boys’ Town and got his first job as a mechanic at a prominent car dealership.
“I am a tradesperson by profession and I thank the brothers and teachers at Monfort Boys’ Town for molding me to be the person I am today.
“No one ever believed that one day I would graduate with a university degree and I thank my wife for her support and for always holding it down for us during challenging times.”
Mr Parker was born in Tavua and spent his childhood in Vatukoula before moving to Natokowaqa in Lautoka where he attended St Thomas Primary School before moving to be with his maternal grandmother, Mariana Ross, in Motusa, Rotuma.
“I also attribute my success to Fesaitu Fesala, my grandmother’s husband from No’atau Village in Rotuma for showing me unconditional love and not treating me different when I was not his biological grandson.”
He lived in Rotuma from 1985 to 1988. Mr Parker said he met his biological father, who is Samoan, for the first time when he was 37.
“The day I met my dad, it was one of the best days of my life and it also changed me too.”
During a recent visit to Rotuma, he said a lot had changed on the island compared to when he was there decades ago.
“The island of Rotuma is not what it used to be.
“When I went there a few weeks ago, I noticed a lot of incomplete government projects and the people are suffering.
“I hope people will vote for change and that is the decision we will leave to the people to make during the upcoming general elections.
“Before you cast that vote, think about the future of your children.” Mr Parker currently oversees a homeless shelter run by Catholic Church charity arm St Vincent De Paul and he also owns a construction company.
