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When Parliament moved into debate mode at yesterday's first sitting for 2008, Transport Minister Tangata Vavia found himself bombarded with the current issue of shipping.
He brushed off concerns about sending a team to Norway to buy a second ship to service the Outer Islands.
The Minister explained that the team will be able to inspect the boat, the 40 metre long, 27 year old Stordoy, first hand before deciding on a purchase.
He said that at this stage there was no confirmation to purchase "until we knock on the steel of that boat and know its quality".
He was also quick to block any question whether he was helping shipping company owner Tapi Taio.
Vavia said "before anyone asks whether I am doing this for Tapi, let me assure you, I'm not." Taio is Chairman of the Cook Islands Investment Board and is travelling with the team to Norway.
Vavia said Taio has 18 years experience in shipping service to the Outer Islands.
Source: Govmedia |
