This book is authored by Mr. Norman Yee, former Chief Executive Officer for CAAFI (Civil Aviation Authority Of Fiji Islands). It represents his memoirs which essentially covers his life story and allows the readers a glimpse into the workings of a Chinese Immigrant family in the early 1900’s and their descendents.
The following is the content from the Book flyer.
COMING !
Norman’s Dad
The frank and humorous story of civil aviation veteran Norman Yee. From WWII to the beginning of the New Millennium, the story vibrates with anecdotes of those eventful years. A childhood full of escapades in the shadow of some poverty – to joining the civil aviation overseas training programme, to working at Nadi Airport, to gradually replacing the expatriates there.
We follow with excitement as under a visionary CEO, CAAF implemented new technological innovations and grabbed the world’s attention for being the first in the world to use GPS for domestic aviation as well as other advances.
Norman also participated in the ICAO Asia/Pacific Region meetings in the planning and implementation of new aviation navigation systems and then involved in the same internationally. Next came the trying years of public sector reforms which split the organisation into several entities.
In the midst of all this, God intervened in a dramatic encounter that changed his whole outlook on life – with his family, work and church through many unbelievable spiritual experiences. In between, finding time to meet the love of his life and bringing up seven children under the care of his loving wife Janney.
We join with him watching his children grow into adulthood as one child faced debilitating mental illness and how they coped. We were with him and his dear wife as shocks awaited them as they approached their twilight years but they could still laugh as they grew old together.
A must read for every aviation buff, sociologist, and those seeking a relationship with God and needing to ‘Catch the Wind’ of change in their lives.
SOME REVIEWS:
A remarkable memoir, frank, heart-warming… with a healthy dose of humour. Anengrossing story of the writer’s personal and family life, steeped in religious faith, set against the backdrop of an immigrant Chinese community in Fiji.
Bessie Ali, Author, ‘ the Chinese in Fiji.’
Gentle, humorous, and unpretentious. An insightful and unflinchingly honest story about family life and a significant period of exciting aviation development, in Fiji and abroad ….
Robert Kruger, Deputy Regional Director, (retired), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
Powerful and funny, this book captures your imagination with its stories of aviation achievements, supernatural realities and homely anecdotes.
Conan Hatch, Pastor, Living Way Pentecostal Church, Nadi,
Chairman, Evangelism Explosion, Fiji
Four decades of civil aviation history, recording moments, events, and decisions that shaped Fiji’s civil aviation. Filled with passionate and focussed people who made it happen.
Netava Waqa, CEO,Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji
Norman Yee has written a true story of his life. I have known him for over 40 years and the excerpts I have read are revealing and written with a subtle sense of humour.
Mohan Lal, Former Manager,Corporate Services, CAAF
A life anchored by moral values and hard-work ethics, during the tumultuous times of reform and change, in the best interests of civil aviation in the Pacific. A wonderful contribution to the history of the Chinese in Fiji’s development.
Lionel Ding Sun Yee CP, JP, Past President Chinese Association of Fiji
This book is very entertaining: is often amusing and very readable. I greatly recommend it to those who wish to understand this piece Fiji’s history and its culture better.
Dixon Seeto, Former Chair, Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji,
President Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association.
This book will be available soon from Xlibris (www.xlibris.com) and local book stores.
Norman and I go back to High School days. After high school we worked side by side at Nadi International Airport, Norman in Technical side and myself in Communications. We were the first lot of local staff replacing the expatriate. My departed wife also delivered some of their children. From some of the feedback I have read, I am really looking forward to reading this book. Maybe I will get Janney and Norman to sign the book for me! Well done Norman.