BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
DEPUTY Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Andrew Houlia praised on Monday, the invaluable contributions of the seafarers to the nation’s economy as the country commemorates the annual International Day of the Seafarer in Honiara.
Andrew said the Solomon Islands is a Maritime nation that puts the Maritime industry as the lifeline of the country’s economy and seafarers are the people who play a huge role in connecting our nation.
“The Solomon Islands is a Maritime nation and seafarers are the people who play a huge role in connecting our nation and these are the people who make things happen in this country by moving people and cargoes between islands. They are the ones who work day and night to make things happen,” said Houlia at the International Seafarers Day Celebration event held on Monday at the Solomon Islands Ranadi Campus Maritime School, East Honiara.
He also emphasized that Government fully support the Solomon Islands seafarers and the maritime shipping industry, in general, and would always be considered as one of the government’s key priority area.
On that occasion, he praised local seafarers for their contributions to national development and more especially for their invaluable and immense contribution to the domestic shipping, transport, and national economy.
“While seafarers are the very people moving goods and navigating these ships around the country, they have often been forgotten.
“More often we take for granted how our cargoes, and merchandise are shipped and transported. But we never have thought or a moment that these are made possible by our down-to-earth, humble, and hardworking seafarers,” he said.
The Day of the Seafarer, which is celebrated every June 25, aims to recognize the seafarers’ contributions to international seaborne trade and the global economy. It was established in a resolution adopted by the 2010 Diplomatic Conference in Manila to adopt the revised International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), according to the International Maritime Organization.
Andrew later expressed his gratitude to local seafarers for their invaluable contribution to the country, society, communities, and wellbeing.
“Today we gather here to simply remember the seafarers, nonetheless, I also join previous speakers in saluting and offering best wishes to you all seafarers gathered here today and those serving on all ships around our country and overseas. I take off my hat and congratulate you all for choosing this lifelong arduous career and service for your commitment, endurance, and perseverance in your work.
“At this juncture, I wish to express sincere gratitude to the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA) together with all stakeholders for hosting this very important event. I understand that this is the first ever major international day of seafarers’ celebration ever witnessed and experienced by Solomon Islanders in the country.
“On this note, I wish all seafarers on behalf of the Honourable Minister for Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) who gathered here today and around the country and overseas ‘A Happy International Seafarers Day,” he said.
On a similar note, the Director of the Solomon Islands National Ranadi Campus Maritime School, Dr. Teorae Kabure said this year is the first ever time in the history of the Solomon Islands to celebrate the annual global event.
“Celebrating the Seafarers Day would put the name of our beloved nation Solomon Islands on the global stage.
“Today’s marking of the Seafarers’ Day at the Maritime School in Honiara marks exactly 61 –years and 18 days since the date of June 1962 when the Ranadi training school was built in the country,” the Director of the Solomon Islands National Ranadi Campus Maritime School said.
He added: “There important factual point to remember; 90% of goods and commodities that we do have are transported or arrive at our shores mainly by ships by sea and Seafarers are the ones traveling, navigating, and moving these ships from ports to ports in other words, no seafarers, no ships coming.”
He also expressed that the Solomon Islands Maritime School under the Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) Faculty of Science and Technology is currently starting to ensure it is improved from all perspectives to be upgraded to the required national standard in line with the latest amendment to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
He strongly believes that the main stakeholders including the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) can continue to improve quality training for the current and future seafarers to be able to work locally, regionally, and internationally.
“Because as I have mentioned, Solomon Islands is a Maritime nation,’’ he added.
