James Hayago didn’t expect that he would be offered a job as an admission clerk at the Port Moresby General Hospital, when he was simply helping a man build his fence. But one chance encounter changed everything.
“That is your office, go sit down and start work,” the man told young James after showing up at the Port Moresby General Hospital. James recalled, “with no interview, no paperwork, and only my grade 10 certificate.” Looking back, he laughed at how unexpected his career started. What stayed constant throughout was his honesty, willingness to work hard, and his readiness to step in wherever needed. Those qualities opened doors for him from the Health Department at Port Moresby General Hospital, to the UN Fisheries, and later at Oilmin, opportunities he never took for granted.
James grew up in Koroba, Hela Province, where he attended Koroba Community School in 1976 and later Koroba High School, completing Grade 10 in 1985. Without further offers of study, he spent ten years in his village before traveling to Port Moresby. That move marked the start of a career defined by resilience and opportunity.
His first job was as an admission clerk with the Health Department at the Port Moresby General Hospital. He landed the job through initiative and a bit of luck after helping a friend build fence around his yard. Later, he joined Yuwan Fisheries as a seaman, where he recalled traveling across Kerema Bay, Torres Strait, and Daru. Once again, with this job there was no formal application, but his determination and honesty convinced the captain to give him a chance despite having no prior experience at sea. “The captain asked me ‘have you been to the sea before?’ No, I said, then why are you here? I want a job. Okay, because you are honest, I’ll try you.’” James states
In 2011, he transitioned to Oilmin, beginning as a casual worker unloading cargo. His leadership was quickly recognised, and he was appointed as a supervisor. James shares, “because Willie Martin (Then Operations Manager) saw I was going ahead and working hard, he said, ‘You supervise the boys.’
At Oilmin, James’s career grew. He moved from warehouse clerk to operator, mastering forklifts, telehandlers, and other heavy machinery, eventually becoming the Warehouse Supervisor. More importantly, Oilmin became more than just a workplace but a family to him.
“I love to work with Oilmin,” James says. “With Oilmin, there is no pressure unless there is a project. Otherwise, we relax with full PPE and everything. I am happy to be with Oilmin for the rest of my life.”
James gives credit to colleagues like Vicky Moab (Deputy Procurement and Logistics Manager) and Karen Kave (Procurement and Logistics Manager) for their guidance and support. He gives back to the company by mentoring new employees, teaching them safe forklift operation, proper loading techniques, and the importance of protecting company property. “When you drive, don’t drop anything. Look after the company’s property so we all keep a good name,” he advises.
Life was not without hardship. In 2014, James was evicted from his home in a settlement at Rainbow. Oilmin stepped in to help. “They gave me some days off, and then they also give me a car to load my items.” James jokingly added, “even my pigs and dogs”.
He expresses that outside of work, he enjoys gardening, house maintenance, and spending time with friends. In his younger days, playing rugby was his favorite pastime, now he prefers reading newspapers and library books during his free time, and admits occasionally gambling, but his priority remains his job. “Work is always first,” he says firmly. Even when sick, he makes the effort to show up, determined never to let anyone doubt his commitment.
Looking back on his 15 years with Oilmin, James spoke about how much the experience has shaped him. “I learnt a lot of things like painting, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and machine operation. It was very lucky that I came to this company,” he says. “I learned many things, and I will stay to learn more.”
His advice to younger employees: “Look after your work. Jobs are limited in PNG, so if you are inside the gate, don’t let the company push you out. Show that you love the work.”
As James approaches 15 years with Oilmin, his hopes are clear, to continue serving the company that has become his second family. He remains grateful to leaders like the Company’s General Manager Fintan Lalor, who kept Oilmin Field Services alive during difficult times, and he looks forward to contributing as long as he is able.
“The company has become like a family type now. When I have a very big need, they are there to help me.” James says. His legacy is one of gratitude, resilience, and dedication. A reminder to all that hard work and honesty will always open doors.