Results for Law

At the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika this afternoon, Tonga's Ports Authority manager, Commander Lupeti Vi revealed that Tu'i Uata of Uata Shipping Company had attempted to bribe him with $5,000 in December 2009.

Transport Secretary 'Eleni Mone giving evidence at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika today, broke down in tears and apologised to everyone particularly the families of the Ashika victims for her failure and her inaction to query vital matters in relation to the vessel.

The Sale and Purchase Agreement for the MV Princess Ashika signed on May 8, 2009, was unusual because the Government of Tonga was required to pay the full F$600,000 dollars regardless of the condition of the vessel, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Ashika learned on February 10.

A preliminary Inspection Report conducted by Tongan Surveyors this week on a possible replacement vessel for the Princess Ashika in Malaysia, revealed an open deck that would drench cargo unless covered, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Ashika sinking discovered on February 9.

Due diligence is the normal process prior to the purchasing of anything, the Manager of the Regional Maritime Program of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Captain John Hogan told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika, at the Fa'onelua Convention Center this afternoon, February 8.

Rev Dr Tevita Haukinima a Director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd. accepted that the Board and Company Secretary failed to conduct proper due diligence of the Ashika, prior to their recommendation for purchase. He also admitted to the Ashika Inquiry that he had long forgotten his obligations as a director under the Public Service Act.

The Minister of Transport Noble Nuku asserted that he did not approve the sailing of the MV Pulupaki to sail in the weekend, after it was detained in Nuku'alofa.

Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd Managing Director John Jonesse told the Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika on January 28, that he was equally responsible for the sinking of the ferry as other individuals and institutions.

SCP Chairperson 'Alisi Taumoepeau on Wednesday accepted that the SCP Board are accountable in relation to the sinking of the Princess Ashika, in that they failed to verify or request vital survey certificates prior to the purchase of the vessel.