The distribution has begun of the $1.1 million pa'anga Ashika Relief Fund to the next of kin of the 74 people who were lost at sea, and the 54 survivors from the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika in Ha'apai waters on August 5, 2009.

 

 

 

Families of the victims and survivors gathered at the Fa'onelua Convention Center in Nuku'alofa on the afternoon of Friday, March 5, the the start of the funds distribution.

The occasion had a solemn atmosphere. Though the families of victims and the survivors were relieved to receive cash, with $12,948 for each of the 74 who died going to their families, and $2000 for each of the 54 survivors; the cash could not compensate for the tragedy and lost lives of loved ones who perished in the sinking of the ferry.

The names of the victims were called, and their next of kin stood up to identify themselves. Some were in tears as they proceeded to the front to sign and to receive their envelope of cash from one of the trustees.

Ashika relief fund

The Ashika Relief Fund has been collected and managed during the past seven months by seven trustees, Rev. Dr 'Ahio, the Royal Chaplain and the President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga; Rev. Semisi Fonua, President, Free Church of Tonga; Rev. Dr Feke Mafi, President, Church of Tonga; Bishop Soane Patita Paini Mafi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tonga; Elder Sione Fineanganofo, President, Church of Latter Day Saints; Mr 'Aisake Eke, Secretary for Finance and Planning; Ms Lau'aitu Tupouniua, Assistant Police Commander, and Mr Busby S. Kautoke, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet.

Busby Kautoke told the gathering before the distribution of the fund that there were 48 contributors to the fund, and the latest contributor was from a group of regional tax collectors who made their contribution of $600 as they were about to start the thanksgiving Service and the distribution of the fund.

Distribution

The Ministry of Finance, which handled the fund confirmed on Monday, March 8, that to date they had issued 54 cheques to the next of kin of the 74 lost; and 44 cheques to the 54 survivors.

The families of some victim are living in the outer islands, and cheques will be presented to the next of kin of three victims in Vava'u, and two in Ha'apai. At the same time the police are also working to confirm the next of kin of five foreign nationals who were among the dead.

 

 

 

Tears

HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita who attended the thanksgiving and the distribution service conveyed her best wishes to the families of the victims. She said that the money they were given would never compensate for the lives of their loved ones, but she hoped it would give them some comfort

Princess Pilolevu was Princess Regent at the time of the MV Princess Ashika tragedy on August 5 last year and her presence at the distribution of the Ashika Relief Fund was to conclude the fund raising.

Also present was the Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele, as well as Cabinet Ministers and Diplomatic Corps.