Managing Directors of Ice Bar & Grill, Ron Goundar and Kyrie Goundar,
Chief Executive Officer Tourism Fiji, Brent Hill,
Fiji Airports Limited Manager for Landside Operations and Customer Services, Joe Gray,
President Nadi Sports Club, Mike Jamieson,
Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka, and a very good evening to you all.
It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening, to be part of Ron and Kyrie’s achievement and to officially launch “Ice Bar & Grill”.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the last few days, I have launched a niche skin care ritual, resort wear collection and a co-working space – all within Nadi. And today, we are gathered to launch another existing venture, pinning the resilience of the business community within this township.
Ron and Kyrie, the location of your establishment in the entertainment locale of Martintar is ideal – as a lively and exciting hub. I am sure Ice Bar & Grill will be added to the bucket-list of those seeking the experiences you will offer.
I am told, sixteen Fijians will be employed at the Ice Bar & Grill. In addition, three at the “eco-fresh” garden based on Fantasy Island, supplying organic produce to Ice Bar & Grill’s kitchen – what a synergetic concept of linking farm to table.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Like many other businesses, Ice Bar & Grill has been in business for over a decade (13 years). That’s a decade of continued investment, a decade of providing jobs and decade of service. Again, like every other business, the COVID-19 pandemic has called for remodeling and re-engineering the traditional way of doing business as a matter of survival.
Today, the team under the leadership of Ron and Kyrie are re-introducing Ice Bar & Grill – operating, from 10 am to 10pm, a bistro, kava bar, cocktail bar and restaurant services. They will also provide shuttle service – taking their service to another level.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The pandemic has taught us to acquire new skills, re-establish and most importantly, adapt to new situations. So I commend Ron and Kyrie for utilising this down-time in business to remodel and renovate at an investment of $80,000. This is an impressive space and coming back anew.
The operation will contribute to the much needed impetus within this locale and will operate within COVID Safe protocols for the safety of patrons and staff.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We know that certain businesses are proven to be riskier than the others during the pandemic.
Like all other high-risk businesses, strict adherence to COVID Safe measures are crucial in this time. It is adaptability compliance that will – to a very great extent – determine your fate.
In fact, it’s these two principles that have allowed us to safely open our international borders to visitors.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To be a compliant bar today goes beyond doing your taxes and paying your dues. To be compliant today means you MUST have in place public health measures. From maximising natural ventilation and having hand sanitisers, to checking vaccination status and disinfecting surfaces.
I want to emphasise that we cannot be complacent and disregard the COVID Safe procedures that are in place. All businesses must remember that by following the rules today, you are securing your future.
Do not try to cut corners or compromise practices to earn an extra buck. Because all you are doing is risking the health of your workers and clients and the reputation of your business and Fiji on the whole.
So, we must ensure that Fiji remains the safest place to visit and that our visitors always feel safe in Fiji.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, together with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services have put in place protocols and measures to ensure minimal risk when continuing business.
The Framework together with the subset protocols calls for hygiene and infection controls such as adequate ventilation in places of workplace and communal activities, with the aim to encourage adherence to COVID Safe operational plans.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is our home, our own Fijian businesses and our own people, so we must do our very best to protect what is ours. And I say this with utmost sincerity.
To ensure this layer of protection is maintained, we have COVID Safe Ambassadors and other enforcement officers from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Fiji Police force on the ground – ensuring COVID Safe protocols are practiced.
While the last thing we want to do is fine or shut businesses down – if the need arises, we will not hesitate to do so.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Coming back to today’s event, I once again commend Ron and Kyrie and the team at “Ice Bar & Grill” for pursuing a decisive aim with determination.
It is my hope that when you serve your customers – their health and safety becomes the pinnacle of your service value.
I wish you the very best in your business accomplishments and success in creating a “must – visit” spot here in Martintar.
Vinaka Vakalevu.