When Stephen Didivera left his home in Guadalcanal, he never imagined he would one day become the first Solomon Islander to serve as a firefighter with the Kindersley Fire Service in Canada.
But today, his journey—from a humble village upbringing to the front lines of emergency response in a foreign country—stands as a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself.
Humble Beginnings
Born into a simple family in Guadalcanal Province, Didivera completed Form Seven in high school and initially set his sights on attending the University of the South Pacific.
But financial challenges forced him to seek alternative paths. He enrolled in Surveying studies at what was then the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE), now known as Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
Despite his efforts, school fees continued to be an obstacle.
“That’s when I decided to fill in a recruitment form for the Solomon Islands Correctional Services,” he told Solomon Star Online.
He passed the fitness test, exams, and interview, earning a spot in the first recruitment batch.
A new career opened before him, and Stephen soon shifted his focus fully to serving with the Correctional Service.
During this period, he married and welcomed a child, eventually securing a permanent position within the institution.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
In 2018, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government partnered with the Canadian International Training & Education Corp (CITREC), offering locals chances to work abroad.
Stephen and his wife, Sue Tracy, applied and were both accepted.
But timing was not on their side. Because Stephen had not yet resigned from the Correctional Services, his wife travelled ahead.
Stephen remained in the Solomon Islands with their son—and then the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delaying their plans further.
It was not until 2022 that Stephen and his son were finally cleared to travel to Canada.
Upon arrival, he formally resigned from the Correctional Services and took up part-time work.
Unfortunately, fate struck again—he was involved in a vehicle accident and spent eight months recovering under medical restrictions.
A Chance Encounter With Destiny
One ordinary day would change everything.
A large trade show was held in the community—showcasing businesses, government departments, and service organizations.
Among them was the Kindersley Fire Emergency Service. Curious, Stephen filled out a recruitment form, never expecting the outcome that followed.
“After eight months, I received a phone call… It was the Kindersley Fire Service accepting my application for an interview,” he recalled.
He completed a short-written exam and an online course provided by the Fire Chief—passing successfully.
“The selection criteria were very tough. But my experience as a Correctional Officer in Solomon Islands helped me a lot. Many aspects of the work are similar,” he said.
Joining the Front Lines
Stephen’s first emergency response was during a wildfire—an intense baptism of fire that tested both his physical and mental endurance.
“The work is risky. Sometimes we might even deal with international issues, including potential terrorism threats,” he said.
His achievement has sparked interest among other Solomon Islanders working in Canada, some of whom are now considering shifting toward the firefighting career path.
Future Goals and Words of Encouragement
Looking ahead, Stephen hopes to advance further in the firefighting field and eventually bring his experience home.
“I want to return to the Solomon Islands one day and help introduce some of the new ideas I’ve learned here,” he said.
“My advice to any Solomon Islander wanting to work in big organizations abroad is: focus, don’t underestimate yourself. Even as a black man in a foreign country—stand confident.”
Stephen and his wife, now parents of two, are already a Canadian citizen and they build a new life in North America.
A Trailblazer for His People
From Guadalcanal to the icy plains of Saskatchewan, Stephen Didivera’s journey is not only a personal triumph—it is an inspiring reminder that Solomon Islanders can excel in any field, anywhere in the world. His story opens doors for others to dream bigger, push further, and break boundaries once thought impossible.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star Online
