Australian Alan Bryne managed to find an alternative way out of Rotuma after Goundar shipping halted its services, but an air ticket was not a commodity that ordinary Rotumans could really afford.
“It cost almost $1000 for two air tickets and I still have $500 in return boat fares that I won’t be able to use,” he said.
“I am lucky I had money to get back, but ordinary Rotumans and Fijians might not be able to afford that.”
He said he had gone to Rotuma with two Rotuman friends so they could visit their relatives.
He said it would be bad for the people of Rotuma as they would be left behind with no kerosene fuel, food, and other necessities.
“The shelves of the shops are empty and the baker only has one day of ingredients to use before he closes his doors and goes back to the farm.”
He claimed Goundar shipping was unprofessional and that they didn’t just suddenly find out they were running at a loss.
“So why cancel the ships now when people’s lives and livelihoods depend on this service. Isn’t it a coincidence that contract negotiations start next month?”
Managing director George Goundar in response said the company would refund people’s fares in full and refuted claims that they were unprofessional.
“When things don’t turn out to be in the favour of the people, then my company gets under the radar and receives all these comments.
“The shelves getting empty is not my problem. Now that’s under the Government, I’m just doing what’s right by my company and my employees.”
