I am absolutely heartbroken and furious. As someone who promotes the beauty of our islands, I can’t stay silent while our own people are lost to sheer negligence. The MV Matui tragedy was preventable.

How was a deregistered vessel, reportedly uncertified for that many passengers, allowed to leave Santo in a marine gale? The Met Office issued warnings days in advance! We can’t just blame ‘the weather’ when we have a systemic failure of regulation and corporate greed.

I’m a social democrat at heart—I believe our government exists to protect its citizens, not just rubber-stamp shipping licenses. PM Napat taking over maritime oversight is a start, but we need heads to roll. We need mandatory EPIRBs, strict pre-departure inspections, and a total ban on sailing during red alerts. If a vessel isn't safe for my dive gear, it sure as hell isn't safe for families and children.

Stop calling these 'accidents.' They are choices made by authorities who value shipping schedules over Ni-Vanuatu lives. My heart is with the families in Luganville waiting for news. We deserve better.