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Attorney General and Minister for Tourism Aiyaz Sayed - Khaiyum at the traditional ceremony for the Malolo Cat IV on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanucas yesterday.
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
Made in Fiji, the Malolo Cat IV yesterday made its maiden voyage to the Mamanucas.
The ferry, which was the pet project of the late tourism pioneer, Dick Smith, was displayed at the Malolo Lailai Island during an official ceremony.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the ferry, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it was a milestone that such a fine ferry was built in Fiji.
He gave special thanks to the 40 Fijians who worked with expatriates during the building of the ferry.
Made in Fiji
He said there had been a mentality that certain things just could not be made in Fiji, yet this ferry was testament to the fact that Fiji was developing and stepping ahead.
This is the first ferry to be constructed on Malolo Lailai island and was built as an alternative to importing a vessel. This allowed the Leeward Island Services to tailor the boat according to its needs and to take a more commanding role in the design process.
Director of Leeward Island Services Jayson Raffe said that the Malolo Cat now represents the best value, and most reliable passenger ferry service in Fiji.
The christening of the boat was done by the widow of Mr Smith, Carol, and another Leeward director Margie Thaggard.
Mr Smith’s daughter, Josephine Smith-Moffatt said seeing the boat finished was an emotional thing for the Smith family.
“It was so important for Dad. Even during the last weeks of his life, he was desperately wanted to go down and check on the boat, he really wanted to see it finished. When he knew that he didn’t have very much time left, the first thing he said was,‘But I haven’t finished the boat’.
“As you can imagine, this is very emotional for the family and also very rewarding.”
Mrs Smith-Moffat runs Musket Cove, the pioneering sland resort and Marina established by her parents.
She said with the Malolo Cat IV, the resort would be benefitting very much.
“This means that we can get our guests here on time and particularly during the high season, when we have to put on an additional boats to carry the number of guests to the island, this means we would be able to carry everything in one load. This would be far more fuel efficient and better usage of staff resources and efficiency all around.”
The boat
The Malolo Cat IV can accommodate 181 passengers in seats from leading marine seat manufacturer Bertereaux Australia.
It cruises at 20 knots and can achieve a top speed of 26 knots.
“This boat represents an investment of over $3million and has further pushed the envelope in fuel economy, passenger comfort and capacity,” Mr Raffe said.
To date, he said, Leeward Island Services has contributed close to $20million into the Fijian economy.
