Ashika inquiry hears final submissions [1]
Monday, March 15, 2010 - 23:15. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 21:43.
The legal counsel to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika made their final oral submissions on Friday evening, March 12 at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre.
Submissions were made by Mark Woolford for the Government of Tonga; Laki Niu for John Jonesse; Soane Foliaki for victim Salesi Havili; Kahu Afeaki for the former Minister of Transport Paul Karalus; Tavake Afeaki for Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd; and the Attorney General John Cauchi.
Counsel for the Ministry of Transport Sifa Tu'utafaiva did not make any oral submission, but referred to his written submission, which he had tendered to the commission.
The oral submissions started at 6:04pm and were completed at 8:50pm.
The Chairman of the Royal Commission of Inquiry Justice Warwick Andrew said, "it now remains for the report to be completed and handed down for March 31."
The Rev Feke Mafi blessed the Commission with a prayer, before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Sinking of the MV Princess Ashika, which has been in progress for 54 days was adjourned indefinitely.