Editor,

The enquiry to the MV Ashika is shedding more light to Tonga's Governmental Department dealings as appalling.

Scores of money spent on this so called project to find a second vessel as a replacement went ahead. Lavish hotels, daily expenditure in US dollars, first class airline tickets, $600,000 Fijian Dollars of Chinese Aid Money for satellite slots used and it all came to a tragic loss of lives beneath Tonga's seabed.

Certain checks and balances were over ridden without getting a second or third opinion or even checking the vessel themselves. All the weight of approval accumulated like a bottleneck towards Mr. Jonesse.

Approval from Government and Ministers to release funds to purchase this coffin was a lemon deal. Meanwhile in Fiji, MV Ashika was doomed for the rubbish heap as certificates of seaworthy was reduced each year to basically to ride only in a bath tub. Patterson Brothers in knowing the state of the ship still sold it as if it was worth $600,000 Fiji dollars.

Misuse of international aid funds, forged document, misleading information, approvals by ranking senior Ministers have tainted their hands with blood. Those involved from the Board Members of the SPC, Ministers and CEOs of Governmental Department are all involved in this saga of 'Who Done it?'

All I can see is the boat was bought sinkable or as is, no questions ask and to be paid in full. Those involved hadn't heard that faint voice of an Angle on their right shoulder whispering "Are you sure of this?".

All steam ahead Tonga says.

Regards

William Mariner