Kiribati Works To Salvage Reputation, Jobs Of Seamen

By Batiri Bataua on Tarawa Friday: October 10, 2008 The Kiribati government and the local seamen’s union launched a workshop this week focusing on drug and alcohol abuse in an effort to salvage the reputation and jobs of its overseas workers. The Kiribati Overseas Seamen Union (KIOSU), in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs (MISA), is currently running a two-week workshop, aimed at saving I-Kiribati employment overseas. KIOSU Secretary Ioteba Tekee explains the workshop is being attended by seamen, non-government groups, government ministries and other related organizations who will cover issues on drugs and alcohol abuse. These are the two main problems facing I-Kiribati working onboard foreign vessels. In addition, the workshop is also taking stock of the seamen’s contributions to the Kiribati... [read full story]