Transport Minister, Goundar trade barbs online

The Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Goundar Shipping Limited managing director George Goundar have engaged in a war of words over the year-long detention of the fast-ferry MV Captain Inoke.

Mr Goundar in a Facebook post, challenged the Minister to participate in a public forum with media present.

He claimed all statutory documentations had been submitted and Ro Filipe had no objections during a vessel inspection last year.

However, Ro Filipe swiftly rejected the claims, warning that the public statements could constitute contempt of court.

“You don’t seem to be aware of basic law,” Ro Filipe replied.

“You have taken the matter to Court for judicial review and matter is now sub judice.”

Sub judice is a legal term meaning a case is under judicial consideration and should not be publicly discussed to avoid influencing court proceedings.

Ro Filipe had confirmed to this masthead last week that court papers had been served on the Government, himself, and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).

“Making subjective comments in public and running commentaries could prejudice case and could be contempt of court,” Ro Filipe warned.

He disputed GSL’s version of events, stating: “This post by you is not completely true, so refrain from spreading untruths and rumours.”

Ro Filipe advised Mr Goundar and other shipping operators to remove old or derelict vessels polluting traditional fishing grounds.

“You and all derelict ship owners need to get rid of your old ships and stop polluting our qoliqoli,” he said.

The $7 million vessel has been detained since last January.