MINISTER for Women & Youth in Western Province Oelyn Muala has appealed to every transport owners/providers and the province’s travelling public to make informed decisions before travelling between islands by canoe.
She highlighted that it is important that decisions on travelling arrangements must be made by both women and men before they can travel between the islands.
The minister was speaking in the wake of the tragic incident that happened last Wednesday when a boat carrying nine passengers including two children failed to reach its destination.
It was travelling from Gizo to the southern part of Choiseul Province, when the incident happened.
A statement issued through the Women Development Division also called on men and women to make informed decisions together and not just men.
“This was the case last Wednesday when the outboard motor capsized in the high seas,” it stated.
It was also reported that the searches conducted for the missing nine was already called off by authorities.
However, Mrs Muala is appealing and reminding transport owners and the traveling public to be very careful about the current weather pattern.
“Do not attempt to travel by outboard motor when the weather is not looking good,” she said.
The minister also urges transport owners and travellers to be better equipped with all safety gears when travelling.
She also joined the rest of the Solomon Islands community in sharing her condolence message to family of the victims.
