Eritara Kaierua, Murdered Kiribati Observer
Donation protected
Eritara Aati Kaierua was killed by a blow to the head while serving his country as a fisheries observer. He was assigned by the Ministry of Fisheries Management and Resource Development (MFMRD) to a Taiwanese tuna purse seine vessel to monitor the fishing of the vessel, Win Far 636, where he met his death on March 3, 2020. He leaves behind his wife and four children. This was his last phone message to his wife, on February 21, less than two weeks before he was pronounced dead:
"Hello my wife and children whom I love so much.
I apologise that I have just managed to get in touch, it has been over one week fishing on this vessel and we have just caught only 70 tonne of catch. Fish is a little scarce or maybe this location is not fertile, we are now fishing in Papua New Guinea and we are still here.
How are my children? Yes, let them know to go hard at school so that they become intelligent and wise. Tell them to study really hard and to be obedient to you at all times.
And you, how is your sickness? Please try to stay well, and do not miss any of your medicine dosage so that you recover, and I will try be best to stay healthy from here too. I guess that is it for now for the fishing net is now going to be (let down/casted/released/discharged whatever the correct term is) but I will hear back from you.
I love you all and wish you all the best.
Eritara Aatii"
Eritara’s wife, Tekarara, depended upon his income and we hope that his workers’ compensation will become available soon. In the middle of a pandemic, Tekarara has been to the police almost daily seeking answers. Now, on top of the grief; sparse information from officials; and suddenly adjusting to becoming a widow and single mom, she now has medical bills from her own illness and she has to feed her four (4) children. The Association for Professional Observers (APO) is hoping to raise $5000 to give her a rest while we work on assisting her to navigate the insurance process.
The police are working with Interpol and the USCG with delays in the investigation process due to the Corona 19 Pandemic.
Eritara is the 7th Pacific Islander fisheries observer in 5 years who has died under suspicious circumstances in the region and the Police are approaching it as a murder. Please consider donating to help his family during this difficult time.
Thank you.
"Hello my wife and children whom I love so much.
I apologise that I have just managed to get in touch, it has been over one week fishing on this vessel and we have just caught only 70 tonne of catch. Fish is a little scarce or maybe this location is not fertile, we are now fishing in Papua New Guinea and we are still here.
How are my children? Yes, let them know to go hard at school so that they become intelligent and wise. Tell them to study really hard and to be obedient to you at all times.
And you, how is your sickness? Please try to stay well, and do not miss any of your medicine dosage so that you recover, and I will try be best to stay healthy from here too. I guess that is it for now for the fishing net is now going to be (let down/casted/released/discharged whatever the correct term is) but I will hear back from you.
I love you all and wish you all the best.
Eritara Aatii"
Eritara’s wife, Tekarara, depended upon his income and we hope that his workers’ compensation will become available soon. In the middle of a pandemic, Tekarara has been to the police almost daily seeking answers. Now, on top of the grief; sparse information from officials; and suddenly adjusting to becoming a widow and single mom, she now has medical bills from her own illness and she has to feed her four (4) children. The Association for Professional Observers (APO) is hoping to raise $5000 to give her a rest while we work on assisting her to navigate the insurance process.
The police are working with Interpol and the USCG with delays in the investigation process due to the Corona 19 Pandemic.
Eritara is the 7th Pacific Islander fisheries observer in 5 years who has died under suspicious circumstances in the region and the Police are approaching it as a murder. Please consider donating to help his family during this difficult time.
Thank you.
Organizer
Patrick Carroll
Organizer
Tallahassee, FL