Editor,

What happened to Princess Ashika can be described simply: ineffective policing of non-compliant operators. I will be diplomatic and refrain from other words like lack of standards, lack of accountability, rampant corruption and a general indifference to Tongan welfare. I believe it is a true reflection to the world of how things work in Tonga and indeed confirmed the "omg - Oh My god" statement's from mate's overseas. "omg, you slept in between rows of chairs due to overcrowding?", "omg, the life jackets were stuffed in a small compartments long abandoned?", "omg you jumped from the Pulupaki to the wharf because it was safer than walking the plank?". It's scary but true and the list is endless. If anything it displays government's negligent attitude to quality assurance and duty of care. We all know of Pulupaki and Olovaha's un-seaworthiness, we've experienced and seen it first hand. We all remember the stench from the overflowing toilets below, your nostril wouldn't allow you to forget. We all know the unsuitability of an old-whaling ship as a passenger carrier and yet we all understand a 3rd world budget provides for a 3rd world transport system, but is it right we accept it? No! Is it wrong to expect that the Tongan government leads for the greater good to assure the safety of its people? No!

We need to saturate our department of transport with the importance of compliance so it seeps from its seams the need to feel responsible. We need the Minister for Transport to start caring about the welfare of its fellow citizens and act as our other limb, effectively. We need a Minister and government to probe other nations as to their quality assurance systems and look to emulate. We need the Minister for Transport to take responsibility and feel inspired to lead for a safer sea faring island nation.

We don't ask for much, do we?!

Sesika Vea