A contingency plan has already been set in place to bring home government sponsored students studying in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa who are likely to be affected during the end of year holidays.
Over the past months government sponsored students studying in Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa have raised their concerns over the aviation impasse between Solomon Islands and Fiji which could affect students traveling home for their end of year holidays.
But the Director of Civil Aviation George Satu told this paper the government is aware of the students’ concern and there has already been a contingency plan in place to bring home all students.
“Relevant authorities including the civil aviation, ministry of foreign affairs and Solomon Airlines have already set in place a contingency arrangement to bring back all Solomon Islands students studying in Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa who might be affected by the aviation impasse between the two countries,” Mr Satu said.
He said students should not be worried because this issue has already been taken into consideration by relevant authorities and a plan is already in place if nothing positive turns out before the time for students’ return.
However Satu said with the way things have unfolded, Solomon Islands is hoping for a positive response from Fiji authorities anytime soon when a new government comes into power following their elections.
He added if no positive outcome comes from the proposed meet with Fiji authorities whom they hope will take place soon when Fiji gives the green light, then they will turn to the contingency plan which will not cause any issue at all for returning students.
“We know students are getting worried about this aviation issue. And it’s not only them but the traveling public at large. But we are still negotiating and have received positive feedback from the other end which is a good news,” Satu said.
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
