Government vessel MV Cagivou is expected to set sail for the Island of Rotuma on Friday replacing the sus­pended franchise service of MV Brianna.

District Officer Rotuma Osea Ravukivuki has confirmed that the directive of the sus­pension of MV Brianna was from the Minis­try of Infrastructure, Trade and Transport.

“The announcement of the suspension of service of MV Briannawas directly from the Ministry responsible,” Mr Ravukivuki said.

“The people of Rotuma and members of the public were informed of the change recently,” he said.

“I cannot comment further as only the Per­manent Secretary can comment.

The suspension of the MV Brianna came into effect at the beginning of November (this month) and is expected to remain until Janu­ary 2019.

MV Brianna is owned by Victoria Marine Limited with its office in Walu Bay, Suva.

VML Operations Manager Felix Maharaj refused to elaborate on the suspension when contacted yesterday.

The MV Cagivou commissioned by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in 2015, has a stern roll-on roll-off design and is capable of carrying 100 passengers.

Ministry of Infrastructure Trade and Trans­port acting Permanent Secretary David Kol­itagane confirmed giving the directive.

Mr Kolitagane said a statement will be is­sued with regards to why MV Brianna’s ser­vice has been suspended.

MV Cagivou has recently returned from the Eastern parts of Fiji carrying pre-polling ma­terials for the 2018 General Election.