From Fiji Times Online (11 July 2009)

Gibson is all heart

By Geraldine Panapasa

George Gibson, right, with good friend and former colleague from New Zealand, Joy Clark at the Levuka Public School's celebrations on Thursday. picture by Geraldine Panapasa

TO the residents of Levuka, former and present, George Gibson is a man whose heart has always cared for the welfare of the Old Capital and her people.

The former mayor of the town will turn 80 next month but that has not halted his efforts for the community.

For more than 20 years, he has seriously immersed himself in community work.

Retirement from a successful teaching profession allowed him to do so.

Today Mr Gibson is chairman of the Levuka Hospital board of visitors and Norah Fraser Special Education School. He has also been an active member of the Fiji Red Cross Society.

"I've been involved in a lot of community activities and it's made my love for Levuka grow," he shared.

"I've done all this for the town because it is a part of my life and right now life is at a good pace for me.

His long and selfless contributions to the town's community have marked a special place in the hearts and minds of the town folk.

This was obvious on Thursday at Levuka Public School's 130th anniversary celebration, where he was one of two special guests.

Mr Gibson was born in Rotuma. He is originally from Itumuta district but was raised in Malhaha.

"I came to Levuka in 1939 where I was adopted by the Gibson family," he said.

"Towards the end of 1946, I attended Nasinu Training College and came straight to Levuka Public School after graduation.

"I never thought about what I wanted to be when I was younger but I've never regretted joining the teaching profession.

"Teaching has helped me a lot in my personal and public life. The thing I enjoy most about teaching is I get to help people. And that is what keeps me going."

He spent two years teaching at LPS before he left to broaden his knowledge in New Zealand in 1951.

In 1953, he married and was later transferred to Savusavu Government School where he taught for five years. He was again transferred to teach at Wesley School, which was then located at Furnival Park.

"I taught for a couple of years at Wesley School which is no longer in existence," he said.

"Shortly after, I became the colony's organising scout commissioner which was a different experience altogether but one I enjoyed very much.

"I spent two years in that role as commissioner and came back to Levuka to teach at LPS until I retired in 1990."

Aside from his humanitarian work, Mr Gibson is keen on the town being registered as a world heritage site. He is glad the town has retained its aura despite the gradual changes.

Much of it though is because of his conscientious influence while he was head steward of the town.