Dion gives Klm for relief aid

EAST New Britain Governor Leo Dion has announced a K1 million provincial grant to assist relief efforts for those affected by the sinking of the mv Rabaul Queen.
He made the funding available as he expressed shock and sorrow at last Thursday’s tragedy for the Rabaul-based coastal ferry service.
The loss of lives was most unfortunate, regrettable and hard to comprehend, Dion said.
Many questions needed to be answered and he supported the government in setting up an independent investigation team.
“I want to assure the people in East New Britain, Bougainville, West New Britain and New Ireland and other parts of the country that while we are saddened and burdened by this latest tragedy, we must not get too emotional but take comfort in God.”
Dion said provincial administrator Akuila Tubal and his senior officers reacted quickly by setting up the two counselling centres in Rabaul and Kokopo and dispatching two officers to Lae.
He called on the people to brace for the worst as news of the scaling down of the search and rescue operations turned to recovery mode.
“We need prayers for comfort and reassurance. We must not get angry with what has happened and blame the company.”
Dion said while sea transport was important for the islands and coastal areas, the government must make sure sea travel was safe for the public.