MSC ENDS TAULAPAPA’S CONTRACT PREMATURELY
By: Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga
The Mediterranean Shipping Company, (MSC) the sole employer for over 300 Samoan seafarers ended Taulapapa Pa’o Lauiliu prematurely before the Coronavirus Pandemic was declared worldwide earlier in the year.
The information verified by the Samoa Shipping Services was relayed to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi this week.
According to official communication from the MSC, Taulapapa had assaulted a bosun (supervisor) on board the MSC Armonia where the Samoa seafarer was employed.
MSC reportedly had started the process to return him to Samoa but could not proceed due to the COVID 19 pandemic and as a result of an urgent plea from SSS to the Shipping Company to look after Taulapapa with the other Samoan sailors employed on the cruise ship until the pandemic is resolved. He remains quarantine with the other Samoa seafarers on board the MSC Armonia.
Responding to the report, Prime Minister Tuilaepa is again urging all Samoans afforded the rare opportunity to work abroad under the Government’s flagship to consider the consequences of their behaviour and actions on their families not to mention Samoa’s reputation.
Currently there are 321 Samoan seafarers employed by the MSC in her shipping fleet which include cruise and cargo ships.
