Relatives of 27 ferry victims demand meet, compensation
Honiara: Relatives of the 27 people who died in the MV Taimahero ill-fated tragedy demanded their Member of Parliament (MP) for West Are’are and the government to compensate the lives of their loved ones.
Speaking to the Solomon Star at the Honiara Central Police Office, chairman and spokesperson of the community said they cannot wait any longer.
The chairman led a group of relatives to Honiara Police Station last Thursday in the hope to meet their MP John Maneniaru. But their MP did not turn up as requested.
“We cannot hold our grieving heart and sorrow any longer while waiting for our MP and the government to respond to our peaceful call.
“We all have culture and customs on how to settle such issues and today as you can see mothers, father and other relatives of our missing loved ones want to see that both our leader and the government to do what our cultures demand of us,” the spokesperson said.
On April 2, the MV Taimahero embarked on an inter-island crossing despite maritime warnings advising vessels not to take to sea because Cyclone Harold was in the area.
Also, it was also understood that at that time the government came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of the COVID-19.
A total of 27 people, mostly high school students perished in the tragedy which occurred early on
April 3.
Most of the deceased allegedly fell overboard when the passenger ferry reportedly carrying more than 700 passengers was hit by rough seas in the crossing between Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces
“It was a horrible experience for us the relatives since then we cannot overcome the situation until our MP and the government compensate the lives of our loved ones. Solomon Star