Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/14/2024 20:56
PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA'S SPEECH AT THE LAUNCH OF THE MV LADY DAYA AND TANKER CAPTAIN...
●Mr. George Goundar, Executives, Crew and staff members of Goundar Shipping Limited
● Deputy Prime Ministers
● Ministers and Assistant Ministers
● Distinguished invited Guests &
● Ladies & Gentlemen
Ni sa Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is a privilege and honor to be here today as we celebrate the official launch of Goundar Shipping's two newest vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and Tanker Captain Lai.
This day marks an important milestone not just for Goundar Shipping, but for Fiji as a whole, as we continue to advance our maritime capabilities and strengthen the connections between our islands.
And we have a third important addition to these launches today - in the unveiling of Gounder Fast Ferry PTE Ltd.
In the Pacific, the sea is more than just a body of water-it is our lifeblood.
It connects us, sustains us, and defines who we are as Pacific Islanders.
As the Fijian proverb says, "E dua ga na sala ni bula e Viti, sa no na wasawasa": "Fiji has only one path to life, and that is the ocean."
These vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and Tanker Captain Lai - both respectively paying homage to the Gounder family - parents, is a symbol of the commitment that Goundar Shipping has made to the people of Fiji.
For decades, the Goundar family has been at the forefront of our maritime industry, providing essential services that have linked our islands and supported our communities.
Their dedication to Fiji's maritime sector is a testament to the values passed down from the late ( Narayan sami Goundar) Captain Ilaitia Goundar, known as Captain Lai, whose vision has paved the way for what we celebrate today, and after whom the Tanker ship is named.
M.V Lady Day is named after the Gounder matriarch - late Mrs Daya Gounder.
I am told that on September 10th, 2010, Goundar Shipping Limited registered its first vessel in Fiji with the help of then commissioner eastern now the Minister for Itaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu.
With the arrival of the MV Lomaiviti Princess on July 27, 2011, GSL ushered in a new era in Fiji's shipping industry.
The Lomaiviti Princess embarked on her maiden voyage on September 15, 2011, marking the beginning of a new chapter for maritime transportation in Fiji.
Since then, GSL has expanded its fleet significantly, bringing in vessels such as the Lomaiviti Princess II in 2012, the MV Lomaiviti Princess III in 2015, and the Lomaiviti Princess IV, V and VI in 2018.
Its fleet continued to grow with the addition of vessels from Japan and South Korea, culminating in the introduction of the MV Joseph P., Lomaiviti Princess XI, and XII in 2021.
Their latest addition, the Motor Tanker Captain Lai, named in honor of GSL founder, signifies a new branch of operations focusing on fuel oil and dangerous cargo.
The Motor Tanker Capt-Lai is a significant milestone for Fiji as it is the first-ever locally owned, operated, and registered tanker.
This achievement opens up new opportunities for local seafarers, allowing them to pursue careers in the maritime industry with the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
With this vessel, Fijian seafarers are better prepared for offshore work, positioning themselves for better career prospects both locally and internationally.
This development is a step forward in expanding Fiji's maritime capabilities and workforce.
From its humble beginnings with a small wooden boat to its current fleet of 14 vessels, Gounder Shipping has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our people.
I note their constant growth with around the same number of ships being bought as their years of service and this launch sees this commitment of constantly looking to the future.
The addition of this new vessel demonstrates their ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and service to Fiji.
Goundar Shipping Limited now serves approximately 90 percent of Fiji's population, boasting the largest fleet and crew in the nation.
Their commitment to diversity is exemplified by the significant number of female seafarers and captains who break barriers in this traditionally male-dominated industry, through GSL.
The M.V Lady Daya will not only provide faster and more efficient transportation between our islands, but it will also support our growing economy by improving the movement of goods and services.
This vessel represents a significant investment in the future of Fiji, particularly as we look to improve connectivity, foster economic development, and ensure that all Fijians have access to reliable maritime services.
Today's unveiling of the M.V Lady Daya and Motor Tanker Capt-Lai marks a new chapter in the Goundar Shipping journey.
This vessel will be the fastest ship in Fiji, serving as a reliable and efficient means of transportation for our people.
I would like to take a moment to recognize George Goundar and his family, who have carried forward the legacy of (Narayan Sami Goundar) Captain Lai with passion and determination.
Their contributions to the maritime industry are invaluable, and their commitment to training the next generation of seafarers, including women, is truly commendable.
As we continue to encourage gender equality and inclusivity in all sectors, Goundar Shipping is leading the way in showing what is possible when opportunities are extended to all.
This launch also comes at a time when Fiji's maritime sector is poised for further growth.
The Government is committed to supporting this vital industry, ensuring that our people and goods can move across our islands with ease.
We will continue to work closely with stakeholders, including Goundar Shipping, to ensure that our maritime infrastructure remains strong, safe, and sustainable for future generations.
Today's launch marks a significant milestone for Fiji's maritime industry with the unveiling of a new means of transportation.
The newly established company, Goundar Fast Ferry PTE LTD, introduces a fast ferry service that will revolutionize inter-island travel.
The new vessel, named Capt-Inoke in honor of the late founder and pillar of Goundar Shipping, will serve the Levuka, Natovi, Nabouwalu, and Ellington routes.
With this addition, travel time will be significantly reduced to under two hours, offering a faster, more efficient option for passengers.
This development promises a brighter future for the industry and enhances connectivity across Fiji's islands.
In closing, I would like to once again congratulate the Goundar family and everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.
The launch of the M.V Lady Daya, Tanker Capt Lai and unveiling of the fast ferry Capt Inoke today is not just a victory for Goundar Shipping, but for all of Fiji.
As we look to the future, let us be guided by the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood that the sea is not a barrier but a pathway.
May these vessels and all future endeavors of Goundar Shipping continue to strengthen the bonds between our islands, our people, and our shared destiny.
Vinaka Vakalevu, and may you all be blessed with safe journeys across our beautiful seas.
● Deputy Prime Ministers
● Ministers and Assistant Ministers
● Distinguished invited Guests &
● Ladies & Gentlemen
Ni sa Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is a privilege and honor to be here today as we celebrate the official launch of Goundar Shipping's two newest vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and Tanker Captain Lai.
This day marks an important milestone not just for Goundar Shipping, but for Fiji as a whole, as we continue to advance our maritime capabilities and strengthen the connections between our islands.
And we have a third important addition to these launches today - in the unveiling of Gounder Fast Ferry PTE Ltd.
In the Pacific, the sea is more than just a body of water-it is our lifeblood.
It connects us, sustains us, and defines who we are as Pacific Islanders.
As the Fijian proverb says, "E dua ga na sala ni bula e Viti, sa no na wasawasa": "Fiji has only one path to life, and that is the ocean."
These vessels, the M.V Lady Daya and Tanker Captain Lai - both respectively paying homage to the Gounder family - parents, is a symbol of the commitment that Goundar Shipping has made to the people of Fiji.
For decades, the Goundar family has been at the forefront of our maritime industry, providing essential services that have linked our islands and supported our communities.
Their dedication to Fiji's maritime sector is a testament to the values passed down from the late ( Narayan sami Goundar) Captain Ilaitia Goundar, known as Captain Lai, whose vision has paved the way for what we celebrate today, and after whom the Tanker ship is named.
M.V Lady Day is named after the Gounder matriarch - late Mrs Daya Gounder.
I am told that on September 10th, 2010, Goundar Shipping Limited registered its first vessel in Fiji with the help of then commissioner eastern now the Minister for Itaukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Ifereimi Vasu.
With the arrival of the MV Lomaiviti Princess on July 27, 2011, GSL ushered in a new era in Fiji's shipping industry.
The Lomaiviti Princess embarked on her maiden voyage on September 15, 2011, marking the beginning of a new chapter for maritime transportation in Fiji.
Since then, GSL has expanded its fleet significantly, bringing in vessels such as the Lomaiviti Princess II in 2012, the MV Lomaiviti Princess III in 2015, and the Lomaiviti Princess IV, V and VI in 2018.
Its fleet continued to grow with the addition of vessels from Japan and South Korea, culminating in the introduction of the MV Joseph P., Lomaiviti Princess XI, and XII in 2021.
Their latest addition, the Motor Tanker Captain Lai, named in honor of GSL founder, signifies a new branch of operations focusing on fuel oil and dangerous cargo.
The Motor Tanker Capt-Lai is a significant milestone for Fiji as it is the first-ever locally owned, operated, and registered tanker.
This achievement opens up new opportunities for local seafarers, allowing them to pursue careers in the maritime industry with the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
With this vessel, Fijian seafarers are better prepared for offshore work, positioning themselves for better career prospects both locally and internationally.
This development is a step forward in expanding Fiji's maritime capabilities and workforce.
From its humble beginnings with a small wooden boat to its current fleet of 14 vessels, Gounder Shipping has continuously evolved to meet the needs of our people.
I note their constant growth with around the same number of ships being bought as their years of service and this launch sees this commitment of constantly looking to the future.
The addition of this new vessel demonstrates their ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and service to Fiji.
Goundar Shipping Limited now serves approximately 90 percent of Fiji's population, boasting the largest fleet and crew in the nation.
Their commitment to diversity is exemplified by the significant number of female seafarers and captains who break barriers in this traditionally male-dominated industry, through GSL.
The M.V Lady Daya will not only provide faster and more efficient transportation between our islands, but it will also support our growing economy by improving the movement of goods and services.
This vessel represents a significant investment in the future of Fiji, particularly as we look to improve connectivity, foster economic development, and ensure that all Fijians have access to reliable maritime services.
Today's unveiling of the M.V Lady Daya and Motor Tanker Capt-Lai marks a new chapter in the Goundar Shipping journey.
This vessel will be the fastest ship in Fiji, serving as a reliable and efficient means of transportation for our people.
I would like to take a moment to recognize George Goundar and his family, who have carried forward the legacy of (Narayan Sami Goundar) Captain Lai with passion and determination.
Their contributions to the maritime industry are invaluable, and their commitment to training the next generation of seafarers, including women, is truly commendable.
As we continue to encourage gender equality and inclusivity in all sectors, Goundar Shipping is leading the way in showing what is possible when opportunities are extended to all.
This launch also comes at a time when Fiji's maritime sector is poised for further growth.
The Government is committed to supporting this vital industry, ensuring that our people and goods can move across our islands with ease.
We will continue to work closely with stakeholders, including Goundar Shipping, to ensure that our maritime infrastructure remains strong, safe, and sustainable for future generations.
Today's launch marks a significant milestone for Fiji's maritime industry with the unveiling of a new means of transportation.
The newly established company, Goundar Fast Ferry PTE LTD, introduces a fast ferry service that will revolutionize inter-island travel.
The new vessel, named Capt-Inoke in honor of the late founder and pillar of Goundar Shipping, will serve the Levuka, Natovi, Nabouwalu, and Ellington routes.
With this addition, travel time will be significantly reduced to under two hours, offering a faster, more efficient option for passengers.
This development promises a brighter future for the industry and enhances connectivity across Fiji's islands.
In closing, I would like to once again congratulate the Goundar family and everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.
The launch of the M.V Lady Daya, Tanker Capt Lai and unveiling of the fast ferry Capt Inoke today is not just a victory for Goundar Shipping, but for all of Fiji.
As we look to the future, let us be guided by the wisdom of our ancestors, who understood that the sea is not a barrier but a pathway.
May these vessels and all future endeavors of Goundar Shipping continue to strengthen the bonds between our islands, our people, and our shared destiny.
Vinaka Vakalevu, and may you all be blessed with safe journeys across our beautiful seas.