BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE Shipping Industry has suffered badly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s according to a shipping company operator and chairlady of the Solomon Islands Maritime Committee Advisory Committee, Joy Ririmae.
She was speaking at the launch of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) as the newest State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), yesterday.
“We, the shipping industry, have suffered from the COVID-19 crisis but at all price we have maintained the best of the services we could provide to our communities,” Riria, who also manages Franjit Shipping, said.
“We are also resolved to support the soon-to-come recovery phase, but we desperately need the recognition and support from the Government and partners to build the shipping industry of tomorrow,” she added.
Riria said it is highlighted through the SIMA Corporate Plan that safe and resilient shipping is the lifeline for Solomon Islands communities.
“Are we the lifeline for Solomon Islands communities? Definitively yes we are.
“Are we safe and resilient?
“Probably not at the level expected by our customers but we work hard for this.
“Is SIMA able to create the environment for safe and resilient shipping in Solomon Islands?
“Probably not yet, but we definitively have the right people and framework now.
“I call to our Government and partners to assist the development of safe and profitable shipping services, resilient maritime infrastructure and sustainable maritime employment.”
