Ashika inquiry to hear more witnesses [1]
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 - 16:28. Updated on Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 11:35.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika published its Interim Report on November 27, 2009, stating it needs to hear more witnesses and consider other evidence.
The 47-page report in Tongan and English concluded that the Commission would need to hear from many more witnesses and consider other evidence, including documentary evidence to enable it to comprehensively and definitely report upon the matters on the subject stated in their terms of reference.
"Having heard submissions from counsel and from various parties, we agree it would be inappropriate at this juncture to make any preliminary findings on any terms of reference, as to do so would be premature."
The Commission added the final report due on 31st March 2010 would be comprehensive and address each of the terms of reference.
The interim report outlined the powers of commission, witness schedule, practice notes and listed 120 exhibits submitted by various government departments and other sources.
Public hearings
The inquiry first sat on October 1 and was adjourned to October 27. Since then it has been hearing continuously up to November 19 when it was adjourned for two weeks.
It resumed yesterday, December 7 and received witnesses including members of the media who submitted documentation, pictures and footage in relation to the Ashika vessel.
Leonaitasi Kuluni of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also called to provide documentation on the records of travel movements, particularly of the Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele in April and May earlier this year, and the CEO of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd., John Jonesse.
At the end of yesterday's inquiry the Commission of Inquiry was adjourned for two days because the Fa'onelua Convention Centre venue was booked for another engagement. It will resume on December 10-18 before taking a break for the Christmas holiday.
In 2010 the inquiry will begin from January 12 to February 26 before providing the final report before March 31, 2010.