Komo youths chart new course with boat, engine handover

For youths in the remote maritime island of Komo in Lau, a new fiberglass boat and engine now represents more than just transportation, it is a symbol of opportunity, youth development and hope.

Komo Village youths yesterday received a fiberglass boat, engine and safety equipment through a joint funding initiative between the youths and Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, aimed at supporting youth development and improving maritime access.

The project cost $20,682, with the youths contributing one-third of the total amount through their own fundraising efforts, while Government provided the remaining balance.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Head of Corporate Services and Project Planning at the Office of the Prime Minister, Moape Rokosuka commended the youths for taking the initiative to invest in their own future.

“I speak on behalf of the Government leadership in acknowledging the youths for such a great initiative,” he said.

Mr Rokosuka said the boat should become a tool for progress and community development in Komo Village.

“We hope you will use this resource for the development of the youths, the village and the wider community,” he said.

“Use it well because this comes from your hard work with assistance from Government.”

Head of Corporate Services and Project Planning at the Office of the Prime Minister, Moape Rokosuka (right) with Komo youth lead Jone Ledua during the handover ceremony.

He also reminded the youths about the importance of sea safety, stressing that life jackets must always be used whenever the boat was out at sea.

“Life jackets are an essential part of the boat whenever it goes out,” he said.

Mr Rokosuka said Government would continue to monitor how the resource was being used to ensure it delivered long-term benefits for families and the wider community.

“We want this to create a lasting impact for the Komo Village youths and families,” he said.

While receiving the boat, Komo youth leader Jone Ledua said the dream of owning a new boat and engine had been more than 15 years in the making.

“We have been trying for the past 15 years to get this,” he said.

Mr Ledua said the boat and engine would greatly assist youths, families and school children on the island.

“The boat and engine will be very useful in the development of the lives of youths on the island and also school children,” he said.

The boat has been named “KY25” meaning Komo Youth 2025.

KY25

Mr Ledua thanked Government for supporting youth development in maritime communities and helping turn their long-awaited goal into reality.

“I thank the Government for encouraging youths to be strong hands in the development of their villages and islands,” he said.

“We also thank Government for agreeing to fund the delivery of the boat to the island.

“We acknowledge the Office of the Prime Minister and the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development for this great help that will greatly benefit youth development on the island.”