MP thanks the helping hands who re-floated her constituency ship after being perched between rocks by Cyclone Judy
TEMOTU VATUD MP Freda Rotutafi Rangirei was all smiles on the weekend after her Constituency ship the Vatud Star was refloated last week.
Vatud Star was driven ashore at Kukum by strong winds and heavy seas associated with the cyclone which battered parts of Vanuatu two weeks ago. The ship, laden with building materials for Churches in her Constituency, was re-floated and is now undergoing minor repairs at Avi Avi near Tulagi.
The ship was perched between rocks behind and the front, but nothing substantial in terms of damage was done to the boat, Mrs Rangirei, told Solomon Star.
“I thank God for saving the ship. Vatud Star is a lifeline for the people of my Constituency in terms of transporting goods to and from Honiara. Sadly, when the mishap happened, I received no help but criticisms,” she said.
“But I thanked the people including those who come from other Provinces, including Malaita who helped one way or the other in the efforts to refloat the ship,” Mrs Rangirei said.
It was a huge relief, she said.
Mrs Rangirei said she expects the ship would be ready to sail again in a week or two.
Mrs Rangirei is the Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
By Alfred Sasako
