THE Parliamentary Opposition Group is calling on the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to tell the truth to the public regarding the $3.7 million compensation payout.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Parliamentary Opposition Group says revelation that the Finance Ministry has already paid $3,732,828 to Aggressor Solomons Limited (ASL) is “shocking especially to taxpayers of this country”.
“We’re calling on the Prime Minister and his Finance Minister to explain and verify the payment,” the statement said.
The Group reiterated to the Government that people needs answers as this payment has been facilitated out of public funds.
The statement adds that the close family and business links that the beneficiary of the payment has with a senior Cabinet Minister raises more questions than answers.
“It was revealed that the Minister for Forestry is a co-director of Aggressor Solomons Ltd, to which the $3.7 Million was paid.
“This borders on nepotism and is a serious conflict of interest and if that is not corruption, then what is it?”
The statement adds that the Opposition Group has been reliably informed that the Pacific Insurance Brokers (PIB) has already paid the insurance for damages to MV Sun Express.
“Therefore, the Opposition is calling on the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to clarify reasons behind the $3.7 million payment.
“If the PIB has already paid the insurance for damages to the boat then what is the $3.7 million for?
“This payment is highly suspicious as the Government has yet to clarify to the people the real motive behind the payment,” the statement said.
The Opposition Group also cautioned the Prime Minister that his media strategy to snub questions and concerns raised by the Opposition and other groups on this issue will only cause public frustration.
“For the sake of public trust and confidence, the Prime Minister and his cabinet have to be swift and responsive in clearing issues of national concern.
“The people of this country demand the truth of the matter from the Prime Minister and his Finance Minister,” the statement said.
