22 Jan 2003

Samoan minister deplores sacking of Samoan sailors

9:14 am on 22 January 2003

The Samoan transport minister says 22 Samoan sailors employed by an overseas company have been sacked for unacceptable behaviour.

Palusalue Fa'apo II told parliament that the young men were sent home to Samoa.

The minister said such behaviour closed opportunities for other sailors from Samoa.

The prime minister has said the problems arise from thoughtless consumption of alcohol.