After spending 20 years in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Jesoni Kuruyawa Naivalutoki ventured into what many island children would consider an extraordinary career, working aboard a huge and majestic cruise ship.
He grew up in the village, spending most of his days fishing, helping provide for his family, and watching cruise ships dock at Dravuni Island in Kadavu, their final port of call.
His namesake, a former boat captain in Fiji, was among those who lost their lives aboard the ship Uluilakeba when the vessel was struck by a cyclone in Lau in 1973.
Naivalutoki, who hails from Narikoso, Ono, Kadavu, says years later he found himself working aboard on a cruise ship this time nearly 20 times larger than the 212-tonne cargo vessel Uluilakeba that his name sake died in: the Carnival Horizon.
Naivalutoki describes the Carnival Horizon, where he works, as essentially a floating five-star hotel that cruises the western Caribbean and visits destinations such as Bonaire and Curacao.
He is based in Miami, Florida, and from time to time, the ship travels to the Cayman Islands, Mexico and the Bahamas
Naivalutoki is a father of two sons and a daughter, and he says being away from his family is the biggest challenge of his work.
His wife, Vika Marama Racolo, who hails from Vugalei, Naitasiri, is the pillar of strength for their family back home.
Despite missing home, Naivalutoki says he feels blessed that the Lord has provided him with this pathway.
He considers the opportunity to travel and work abroad a great blessing for both himself and his family.
His advice to young people is simple: always put the Lord first in everything you do, work hard, and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest.
