The sentencing of John Poloso for defrauding the state of more than $1.5 million sends a strong message to the public according to Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI).
Last week Mr. Poloso was jailed for two and the half years by Magistrate Jim Seuika after pleading guilty to two counts of false pretence.
In a statement yesterday TSI said the jailing of the man from Choiseul can be best described as a win for anti-corruption in the country.
“This is a very important victory for the people of Solomon Islands whose health money had been siphoned away by means of corruption,” said Transparency chief executive officer (CEO) Daniel Fenua.
“The court ruling serves to remind us that though corruption happens in secrecy and at times is difficult to detect, one day it will be brought to light and those responsible will be punished by the law”.
TSI believes that this is only the tip of the iceberg and wants to see others involved in stealing $10 million in health funds be brought before courts.
“Corruption is a cancer that eats into the very fabric of our society, TSI wishes to applaud the courage of those individual who put their time and effort behind this case,” Mr Fenua added.
“It’s a good win for Solomon Islands anti-corruption investigators”.
Given the success of this corruption case TSI believes it is time that other big corruption cases are investigated.
It is understood that many cases involving high ranking politicians have been reported to responsible authorities yet there has been no progress in their investigations.
Failure to balance the rule of law on all citizens will create public distrust on anti-corruption laws as being selective.
