An inspiring journey of resilience and lifelong learning
It’s a story of perseverance, self-belief and the power of continuous learning, proving that humble beginnings do not limit future success.
Meet Jeff Payton from Tikopia and Malaita Province whose career journey began modestly after completing high school.
His first job was as a security officer at the Pacific Casino Hotel in Honiara, where he worked for close to three years.
While carrying out afternoon security shifts, Mr Payton pursued further education at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Honiara, enrolling in a foundation course in Account Management.
However, financial challenges forced him to discontinue his studies.
“I applied for a government scholarship, but unfortunately nothing came through,” he told Solomon Star in an interview at the New year’s eve.
“With no support, I had to quit,” he recalled.
“However, I did not blame the government and any individuals in our country because anyone who has the privilege gets through and grab the opportunity,” he said.
Determined not to give up, Mr Payton later worked with the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), where he closely supported a foreign coordinator and participated in community-based programs.
Despite this, he continued working as a security officer at the Pacific Casino Hotel for another three years, balancing work with personal development.
His passion for hospitality began during his teenage years when he worked as a bartender in the food and beverage sector under the Independence–Ako family, former operators of the Iron Bottom Sound Monarch.
Mr Payton also pursued a Diploma in Teaching at the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) at Panatina Campus, broadening his skills and exposure.
A turning point came when a friend introduced him to an online hospitality course based in Cambridge.
He completed the course from home, adding to his growing qualifications.
Following the destruction of the Pacific Casino Hotel during the 2019 civil unrest and looting, Mr Payton found himself unemployed.
His fortunes changed when the late Mr Tuma, a former supervisor, contacted him with an opportunity to work at the King Solomon Hotel.
At the time, the hotel’s bar and restaurant were being managed by the family that operates the Airport Motel.
Mr Payton worked there for a year before management reverted to the hotel’s owners.
When the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) was first introduced in Solomon Islands in 2013 – 2014, Mr Payton was among the first applicants selected to study Supervision in Hospitality.
He undertook a six-month course in Vanuatu, a rare opportunity secured by only a handful of King Solomon Hotel staff with some other individuals.
After returning, he worked at the King Solomon Hotel bar for one month before being promoted to Night Shift Auditor, a role he held for two years.
His steady growth continued with a promotion to Assistant Managing Operator, a position he served in for more than five years.
Recognising his dedication and leadership, the hotel-owning family later advised him to take up the role of General Manager at Gizo Hotel, marking a major milestone in his career.
Now 45 years old and a father of three, Mr Payton said his journey was not easy, especially during his school years when financial hardship meant paying his own school fees.
He reflected on how conditions have improved over time, noting that during his early days as a security officer, fortnightly pay was around $400, compared to better wages today.
Mr Payton encouraged current security officers and young workers to remain focused and proactive.
“Work hard, explore opportunities, do small courses, attend workshops,” he advised.
“Education and qualifications matter in this country. If you don’t give up, growth will come.”
His journey from security officer to hotel general manager stands as a powerful example of how determination, education and persistence can open doors to success.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
