It was in the late 80's as a fully fledged Police Officer roaming the bustling streets of Fiji's' Capital Suva City, the pounding heart of the South Pacific, blessed with over 300 Stunning Tropical Islands, the soul of the Universe where HAPPINESS finds you. Yep, It is indeed paradise.
So, on one of these typical Tropical Sunny days, dressed in our Fijian Police Uniform, a heavy dark navy blue tunic (Not suited for hot weather) and sulu (wrap-around skirt). It was definitely a very hot and humid day, probably hitting the thermometer at 38 degrees celsius. Patrolling my beat area I was savouring something cold to cool me down when my section Corporal Peniame arrived to check my notebook and welfare. As he completed his official business, I told him I was thirsty. For someone I know who was very tight on cash, surprised me as he licked his lips featuring his thick bushy moustache (The trend at the time) was implying to me that he agreed, I was just anticipating the next part where he will demand that I buy rather than him, surprisingly he invited to buy us an ice cream, my day was made.
Briskly patrolling along Cummng Street, we crossed over to Mark Street through the shortcuts to get the best ice cream available in Town, according to him anyway which was sold at the 'Century' cinema, I found out why? His niece was serving and we were bound to get extra scoops, probably free too, but I was still young and naive to know at the time....lol! No wonder it was the best...lol! Anyway, as we were making our way to the cinema, I was sharing my experience about ice cream vans back in UK and Northern Ireland where everyone would be listening out to the chimes and know then ice cream was on its way....He popped up and told me that there are none in Fiji and would be a great idea especially in this heat!
This remark made me think and it was then I started grooming the idea observing and gathering facts and figures, unfortunately being as young as I was, lacking funds and finances I placed the idea on hold......
It's taken a good 30 plus years and it seems the dream is eventually going to become true .......Happy days, Happy JIMBO's.
