Lockington's Everyday Fiji ... Life Goes On

Allen Lockington is a self-employed customs agent and business consultant who has regular articles published in www.connectme.com.fj/news/opinion. I thank Allen and Connect for permission to reprint some of them in this political blog. They remind us that life goes on, whatever the political situation. And it's good to know that.

 Inter-island travel  

Someone wrote and asked if the Princess Ashika tragedy can happen in Fiji. The Ovalau was one. In previous years the inter-island vessel Kadavulevu sank. It can happen again if we are not careful with our interisland ferries. Many travelers will take their travel for granted.

I remember working in Levuka and acted as a Marine Checker. Many times I would advise small craft when they were overloaded and was politely told it was OK because they always travelled that way and nothing ever happened.

When boats drift because of engine trouble or bad weather and are overloaded, the authority is always taken to task.
But the Princess Ashika and Ovalau tragedies can be lessons for us to start tightening up our act as far as inter- island travel is concerned. The roll-on-roll off ferries are meant to sail within the safety of the reef because they are practically
flat bottomed. High seas and swell are not for them. Food for thought.