It is time to say we are really sorry [1]
Sunday, August 16, 2009 - 11:15. Updated on Monday, April 28, 2014 - 09:46.
Editor,
I feel terribly sad at the lost of lives in connection with the sinking of the Princes Ashika. My younger brother died at sea many years ago and not a day comes by without me thinking about this brother. I can feel for the victims and the survivors and their families. My condolences to all. This has got to be one of the saddest day for Tonga.
Tragedy of this magnitude here in the US is usually addressed by none other than the President himself. It is situation like this that I really believe that King George or Princess Pilolevu Tuita should do the following:
1. Address the Public with apology for what has happened. It would calm a lot of sad feelings that has developed into madness if some of the probable cause is mentioned at this early stage, but stay with the facts. Tragedy of this kind can be the result of one major factor such as: rough seas with no prior warning, happens at night, wrong decision by the captain and the crews, the Ashika was not sea worthy, loaded with passengers and household effects above and beyond the ships capacity, or a combination of some or all the above factors.
2. Assure the public that Independent Investigators will be brought in to investigate this incident fully. If determined that this accident may have been due to negligence on any part of the government employees, crew members, owners, etc, they'll be dealt with to the fullest power of the law.
3. Accept full responsibility for this disaster and promise the Public that the government will do everything to assist victims and their families during this recovery period. People feels good when there is a responsible person or government owning up to tragedies where loved ones are killed. Details can be confirmed later.
4. Government assist with funerals and other personal needs arises from or directly related to this accident.
This is definitely not the time to find excuses or worse is for the responsible party or parties to become defensive.
The People of Tonga, Friends and families of the victims will welcome the comfort of reasons and condolences.
Respectfully
Mafi 'o Amerika Samoa
slkava [at] hotmail [dot] com