Jonesse rejects suggestion of improper payments [1]
Saturday, January 30, 2010 - 08:00. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 20:42.
The evidence of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Managing Director, John Jonesse, took an interesting turn on Friday morning, when he was asked whether he received any improper payments in relation to the prospective purchase or purchase of the Princess Ashika. He denied this suggestion absolutely.
Jonesse who appeared on his third day at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika was bluntly asked by the Assisting Counsel to the Commission Manuel Varitimos whether he received any improper payment associated with the prospective purchase of the vessel.
"Absolutely not," said Jonesse.
"Did you receive any benefits from any other persons in relation to the prospective purchase of the Ashika?" said Varitimos
Jonesse said, no, apart from a meal at an Indian restaurant that was paid by the Ashika's previous owners [the Patterson Brothers].
Jonesse agreed that he went on four occasions to Fiji in relation to the Ashika and that the SCP paid for his airfares and reimbursed his accommodation expenses.
"The Patterson brothers paid for two of your meals, and they never gave you any other payments?" asked the counsel.
Jonesse answered, no not at all, but added they did pick him up and dropped him off at one time.
He was asked what they talked about during their meals. He said he can't recall specifically but they did talk about the Ashika.
He was again asked by the counsel whether he obtained any improper payments to Ashika, and he answered no he did not.
Why?
"But why did you advise the Board that this vessel was in a very good condition?" asked Counsel Varitimos.
Jonesse said this was in relation to the history of the operation [of the Olovaha] here and it seemed like a good opportunity at the time. He also confirmed he advised Board as well as others including the press that it was very well maintained. But he added when he meant it was very well maintained he was referring to it in relation to the level of operation in Tonga and pointed out to mechanical and electrical state.
"But it was abundantly clear to you that upon your every inspection of the Ashika it was not well maintained," said the counsel, but Jonesse disagreed.
"I suggest to you that at all times from March when you first saw the Ashika to the time it sank it was unseaworthy?" said the counsel.
Jonesse said that was entirely incorrect. On the other hand he said subsequent to the evidence before the inquiry that it may have been the case, that it was unseaworthy.