Dear Editor – “PM reveals contracts”. That was the front page news in the Solomon Star newspaper No. 6025.
A day before the same newspaper carried a story, “PM: I’ve no interest in airport contracts”.
What is going on here people of this peaceful nation? Is this the reason for not setting up the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) which the PM assured the nation at the beginning of this year?
On corruption within the government, I think this is only the tip of the iceberg. Had it not for the former Minister Commins Mewa revelation of this hidden issues, the PM would not have revealed this to the public. I know more of this types are coming.
Usually in a contest where a big sum of money is set aside as a prize for giving a right answer to a question, one condition is that those who work for the organization including their immediate families are not allowed to participate in the contest because they might have access to the correct answer.
Now the PM tried to put things in the “right perspective” by putting the contract issue on his wife.
The PM, his wife or any of his sons should not take part in any of the government financial deals. This is conflict of interest.
If the contract is put out on public tender, it is very likely that the PM or any Minister for that matter will be awarded that contract.
They use their positions to take away any benefits which the public should be entitled to.
I was stunned to learn that Ministers of the crown were also awarded the contracts.
Why the wealth of this nation is not spread so that we people of this nation at least have a share of the cake?
I just looked at “Man Talem Duim Cartoon No.213” in the same issue (No.6025) and it proved that this is what is happening now – no equal distribution of development in Solomon Islands.
You have all the financial benefits under the sun in Solomon Islands: $400,000.00 terminal grants, tax-free pay, big salaries,RCDF and other benefits which I cannot list here because of space.
You are rich. You are millionaires in Solomon Islands. You are selfish. You think you are the only persons in Solomon Islands.
The ICAC should be set up by Judiciary of Police to protect its neutrality with recommendation from the Governor-General; not the Prime Minister.
Please other MPs or ordinary citizens, reveal more. They are making interesting reading.
Alfred Maesulia
Honiara
