Saturday BriefingPage 1

February 15, 2014 A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

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Fiji Moments >> 2

Front: Una Namudu, Peter Hopgood, Vasenai Likubua, Ecelini Vunaki, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Dr. Richard Kelley, Emele Wati, Josephine Vulakoro, Salote Bali,

Jese Lawakeli, Aliti Delailoa and Russell Blaik. Back: Lindsey Palmer, Finau Raqisia, Kushend Kumar, Bella Sarai, Savenaca Senikau, Eddie Liwaiono,

Amenia Raisele, Mesake Dralolo, Joseva Tuinagigia, Joseva Mailagi, Anasovaia Neliko, Mela Vidovi, Koroi Suguta and Miriama Hicks

A Few More Fiji MomentsBy Dr. Richard Kelley and Dr. Chuck Kelley

On our recent trip to Fiji, we were delighted to spend our final day visiting the Outrigger on the Lagoon • Fiji. (FOR). Returning there always feels like coming home. As we passed through the entry gate, an attendant gave us a loud, sincere greeting –– “BULA!!!” Many more members of our vuvale (family) were at the porte-cochère with a musical greeting, a fresh moist towel and a cool drink. It was a great way to begin our visit to this beautiful, AAA five-star resort, which Outrigger has been involved with for more than 13 years. Our tour of the property found that everything was “shipshape.” The grounds were well cared for and the new Vahavu pool really adds to the beauty of the area. There is now a lap pool for guests looking for a workout. Most prefer the main pool with a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy their favorite beverages under a thatched roof without leaving the water. Adjacent to the pool, there is an open Vahavu pavilion that can host up to 100 guests for receptions and

banquets. We had a business lunch there and the food was excellent.

Although February is usually a slow month, there was a lot of activity at the hilltop Bebe Spa, which was hosting a wedding in its beautiful chapel with a panoramic view of the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island.

As we toured the property and spoke with staff, we heard all about their current “Greatest Winner” contest which has most of the staff enthusiastically exercising, eating healthily and losing weight. We agreed that this is a wonderful way to start the New Year!

That evening, we joined General Manager Peter Hopgood as he hosted cocktails for guests in the hilltop Kalokalo Bar and introduced them to the resort’s department heads, each of whom explained their background and responsibilities. The guests were delighted to hear the stories and make a personal connection with the staff.

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Fiji Moments ... << From 1

Dr. Chuck and Dr. Richard Kelley receive a warm welcome

from General Manager Peter Hopgood

Beautiful island hospitality continues with Salote Bali, Emele Wati and Aliti Delailoa

A musical welcome from FOR staff by (front) Vasenai Likubua, Ecelini Vunaki,

Emele Wati and Josephine Vulakoro and (back) Metuisela Tabua, Mesake Dralolo,

Suliasi Waqavolau, Joseva Mailagi and Josese Sowata

Dr Richard Kelley with Talai Butler Koroi Suguta (left) and Melaia Vidovi (right)

Left: The beautiful Vahavu pool has a swim-up bar and pavilion for banquets and receptions

One of the guests we chatted with was Shane Gould, an Australian swimmer who won three gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. She and her husband, Milton Nelms, have been volunteering and setting up swimming programs in Fiji. Surprisingly to us, some Fijians are not strong swimmers. Shane and Milton’s efforts have paid off tremendously, and recently one of our staff members, Jonacani Masi Tuimatai, who participated in their lifesaving class, swam out past the barrier reef and saved the life of a kayaker who had gotten into trouble. Well done!

Sadly, we had to leave all too soon. Dr. Richard flew out that evening from Nadi International Airport, a 45-minute drive down the rural coastline. Dr. Chuck departed the next morning after a quick workout in the air-conditioned gym and a dip in the lap pool. It was a wonderful visit and we are already looking forward to a return. Our sincere vinaka vaka levu (thank you) to everyone who made our time in Fiji so memorable.