It is FIJI Day today. Celebrating all the good things Fiji has to offer! The flag you see was first flown on 10th October 1970. The Union Jack (upper left), is representative of the country’s long association with Great Britain. The flag’s blue field is symbolic of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The coat of arms display a golden British lion holding a cocoa pod, as well as panels displaying a palm tree, sugar cane, bananas and dove of peace
No easing up just because it is a Fiji-wide holiday! Our surgeons, nurses and all our volunteers are well rested and ready for action!
STORIES FROM TODAY
Makalese is from Koro, known to many as Denarau island. Hers was a relatively easy journey only having to catch the bus to Suva and then to Taveuni on the ship. Our volunteer drivers picked her up from the ship and drove her the short distance to Taveuni hospital. She is mum to one boy and three pretty girls (her words). She is looking forward to going home on Sunday. She had cataract surgery yesterday and this morning the dressings were removed by Dr Jeff Rutgard and his band of willing assistants. Her eyesight is restored and she will be resuming normal life in a week or so.
Taniela is from the village of Navai in the district of Nadarivatu in the province of Naitasiri. In the dry season you can walk to Nadarivatu (30km southeast of Tavua). From here you can hike to Fiji’s highest peak, Tomanivi (1323m, also known as Mt Victoria) or to Mt Lomalagi (‘sky’ or ‘heaven’ in Fijian). Taniela is married to Anarieta and they have six children,. SIX in Fijian is ‘ono’. The picture you see above was taken just as his dressing was removed. He is confident of full and excellent sight in a few days.
Patients have breakfast in the morning and then wait their turn for surgery. Some, whose eyesight is very poor, are helped to the waiting area adjacent to the theatres.
Marama, pictured on the left, is from Malake in Ra province, about 100 km north of the capital Suva. Here she is with her new friend Timaleti whose picture you may remember from a few days ago. She has five children, two handsome lads and three perfect girls! She has had one cataract attended to and her sight is restored. A very good news story. Of course there are hundreds more such stories and the picture below shows some on the first day of their improved vision.
Epele is a retired police officer from Navitilevu village in Ra province on Viti Levu, the principal island of Fiji. His wife Lusiana and his five children now spend time in their retirement growing cassava, cucumbers and bananas. He is wearing a Fiji shirt showing his allegiance to his country on their national holiday.
After the patients have removed their eye patches and before they return to have a rest, they are given strict instructions on the care of their eyes. This video tells all….
Finally, in today’s edition is the story of Bale. She lives in the village of Navuso, a 70c bus ride from Nausori. (a great way to measure distance). She is mother to seven children and is supported by her son Navi. Her surgery was on Monday. Dr Grace Richter detected a minor problem and asked her to stay at the hospital a little longer. She tells me she is feeling much better today and can’t wait to get on the ship home on Sunday.
Like so many patients at the Taveuni Eye Project I can sign off today by saying – “see you tomorrow”
The Daily Report
| Daily Total | Project Total |
|---|---|
| Cataracts 32 | Cataracts 108 |
| Pterygiums 3 | Pterygiums 19 |
| Others 0 | Others 11 |
| Total Operations 35 | Total Operations 138 |
The Rotary Club of Taveuni, in association with Rotary clubs in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, have made the eye project for Fiji their primary goal for the year. Please visit the Rotary Club of Taveuni here and Rotary International here for more information.