Temotu Vatud constituency on Saturday commissioned its new passenger and cargo vessel, MV Vatud Star.
The ceremony was held at Point Cruz wharf, Honiara.
The vessel arrived Monday last week.
Member of Parliament for Vatud Constituency Freda Tuki said the vessel will provide sea transport for Vatud constituents who live in the outer islands of Temotu.
She said the MV Vatud Star will act as a bridge for the people of the constituency to the outside world.
Tuki is the current Minister for Women, Youth and Family Affairs.
She said she owed a big thank you to the Government for providing funding to purchase the vessel to serve her people.
“At last the people of Vatud constituency have finally acquired a sea transport of their own, fulfilling their long-time dream.”
Tuki said the people of Vatud constituency can now look forward to greatly improving shipping service to their home islands with the use of their new ship.
Earlier, she clarified that the ship belongs to the people of the constituency and this can be clearly depicted by how she chooses its name.
“I named the ship ‘MV Vatud Star’, because it belongs to the constituency,” she said.
“With regards to the company I registered, it is called Vatud Shipping Company and it will be managed by a body that will be responsible for its day to day business,” Tuki added.
“For time being, I and the Constituency Development Officer (CDO) are the current directors. But as time goes on, we will announce the new directors of the company,” the MP clarified.
She added that her fear now is the future of the ship and company.
This is because, from what she understands, not at any time did Vatud constituency survived or become successful in any immense developments.
“Under my leadership as the MP for Temotu Vatud, I will try my best to ensure the shipping company is up and running for a longer period.
“And I hope that anyone who comes after me when my term lapses will do the same,” she said.
Meanwhile, the MP also advised any interested person that wishes to apply for a position within the vessel itself to listen out for the vacancy advertisements.
“Anyone wishing to apply will have to do it orderly. Proper screening will be made and I do not encourage wantok system here.
“Because, the ship will be responsible to look after herself and proper administration of it will be decided through the services it provided.”
By LESLEY SANGA
