93% OF 323 SAMOAN SAILORS RE-EMPLOYED DURING COVID19
By: Joshua Lafoa’i
Samoan sailors employed by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, (MSC) are all safe and not under any immediate danger from the COVID-19.
The reassurance from the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Shipping Services (SSS) Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Va’ai is in response to concerns for the safety of the sailors which have continuously resurfaced on the social media and media outlets.
Despite the severing distance from home, Lautimuia says he can confirm that all 323 Samoan sailors employed on the MSC fleet in different locations around the globe are free of COVID19 and are at minimal or no risk of ever contracting it.
Also on the upside, Lautimuia confirms that the majority or 93% of the 323 Samoan sailors employed by the MSC fleet are back on the job despite the employment impact felt across the globe with the shipping industry not exempted.
Reiterated the SSS Chief Executive, “An estimated 300 sailors have already started working again, while the rest are either awaiting re-employment confirmation or working part time.
“We have kept close contact and constant contact with our sailors during this whole ordeal. Especially when they need us most,” he added.
With the repatriation of students from China, Japan and Australia whom have completed their scholarships already in the talks for Samoa, Lautimuia says the efforts to keep Samoa COVID19 free are still a priority.
“Right now the main job is to ensure that the shipping companies that employ our sailors are looking after them well, and if there was anything they need from us, we have to make sure were there to answer,” he said.
As for repatriation of sailors, Lautimuia says the SSS will stand by the preventative measures taken by Government in keeping Samoa safe.
“Until our borders open, this is the best we can do for our sailors. They’re all doing well, with most of back at work during the pandemic. We do our part and await Cabinets orders at this point,” he added.
Government repatriations have been successful keeping the COVID19 virus at bay.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operations Center have been tasked by Cabinet to explore ways to repatriate Samoan students marooned in China, Japan and Australia.
