JAGAT Singh was 14 years old when he left Fiji for Canada.
And 45- years later, he returned to a changed home for a holiday.
“Late than never, it’s all God’s plan,” said Singh.
New life
Life for a newcomer in Edmonton presented challenges, particularly adjusting to harsh weather conditions.
He lived it through and today he has a thriving business, Sunnyside Janitorial Services Limited and is living a Canadian dream.
“It was some awakening, from scorching sun to winter, but nothing stood in my way,” said Singh, who migrated to Canada in 1980
For Singh, school was not his forte.
“School didn’t excite me for a long run. A year of high school was all I had, and at 16, I joined the workforce,” he said.
“It was a huge transition, from working on farms to part-time work in the fast food industry and starting up a business.
“And it is not always about school, colleges and universities but self learning and hard work.
“It is all about chasing our dreams.”
Raising a family
Singh worked hard in the work sector for a good two years and saved up enough before he got married.
“I was 18- years old.”
He has two boys who are doing well for themselves.
Back home after 44 years
Singh took an early retirement and his first travel destination was Fiji.
He said Fiji has changed through major development in infrastructure and local migration, and it is modern.
“Progress and prosperity, I loved every bit of my stay in the country that lives by its slogan ‘Fiji the way the world should be.’
Backcountry Nasau, Nadi
Singh was born and raised in Nasau, a small village on the outskirts of Nadi until the family relocated in 1980.
Nasau had a population of about 200, and today it has grown in the thousands, and much has to do with the resettlement and housing developments.
“Known for sugarcane farming, a few hundred people most of who lived in lean-to shacks today has modern-day housing, running water and electricity.”
“How cool is that, unlike the day when borehole water and lanterns were the source.
“It is a vibrant community who live side by side, value every race, religion and culture.
“The area has grown in leaps and bounds, diverse and among other things, a five hotel is star attraction.”
Singh said that while everything looked new, it was a nostalgic feeling of being home.
“A lot of catching up with family and friends.
“Sadly some people I knew have passed on but those I grew up with were very welcoming.
“Can’t beat their hospitality, love and respect.”
Singh has already made plans for another trip in February of next year.
