Matava hires locals to transport its guests from the airport in Kadavu to the small harbour were one gets on a small boat. This time I was greeted by the driver called Quio. Also on a way to the harbour errands (shopping, checking mails etc) had to be done. Quio and I started conversation. I answered questions about my flights, if I am tired, where I am from, how long will I stay. I also asked Quio about him. He is married. Has two kids. Generates main income growing tarro, tomatoes and other vegetables at his local farm. He sells veggies to the local school and hospital. But says it's very hard to live from a farm. Therefore he also works as a military contractor. In transportation. He was in Lebanon, Kosovo and Iraq. He explains he built his house after Kosovo. His new car is bought after he has been to Iraq. In few weeks he goes to Afghanistan. He was very enthusiastic about it. He works in transportation. I am familiar Fijians are considered tough warriors. I know Fiji is poor country. Economy is weak. After the coup in 2006 foreign aid is restricted. Nevertheless I was surprised to talk to someone who wants to leave a beautiful island of Kadavu and work in Afghanistan doing dangerous transportation work.
I asked Quio - if he has a house and a car what he needs next. The answer was a boat. Makes sense. I wished him good luck. On a photo above Quio is next to his pick up.
Later I shared with Richard my conversation with Quio. Richard told me hiring Fijian mercenaries is a huge business. From some villages about 70% of young men left for Iraq or Afghanistan in recent years. Such outflow forced the government to restrict mercenary activity but men still leave.
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