THE Parliamentary Opposition Group says the denial by Pacific Insurance Brokers (PIB) is logical as PIB will go to any length in safeguarding the interest of their client Aggressor Solomon Limited (ASL).
The Opposition Group in a statement yesterday said, whilst they understand that PIB did not make the direct payment, however, being a broker (agent) for the insurer (QBE), the company is already part and parcel of the whole process leading up to the final payment.
The statement added that the Opposition Group understands that the assessment and negotiation of the compensation payment was done by PIB between the client (ASL) and the policy owner (QBE Insurance).
“It is understandable that even though taxpayers of this country have been affected, PIB will go to any length in defending their client as PIB risks a possible legal action against them should they reveal any confidential information regarding their client as provided under the professional indemnity of the Insurance Act,” it said.
However, the statement said the truth of the matter was that QBE had already paid a compensation claim of $1.3 million on March 2015 to cover the damages to ASL; PIBs client.
The statement added that as much as PIB would like to defend its client, the Parliamentary Opposition Group is also mandated under the constitution as the Government watchdog; and in this case to seek answers on behalf of the citizens of this country whether the Insurance Company had already settled the claim for damages to the boat as a result of the Mbike Island incident.
“The issue in contention here is that the Opposition Group is concerned and wants the Government and parties involved to tell the truth whether ASL received double payment for the damages both from the Government and the Insurance Company,” the statement said.
The statement added that the fact that there were double payments made to Aggressor Solomon Ltd is highly suspicious and questionable.
“The first payment of $1.3 million is understood to have been done by QBE on March 2015 and the second payment of $3.7 million was done by the Government on June 26 2015.
“Therefore, it brings the total payment made to ASL to $5 million which also raises the question as to why the Government has been forced to commit public funds for the damage when it has already been covered by insurance,” the statement said.
The statement reminded the Government and parties involved that, as the alternative government, established under the Constitution, it has the mandate and responsibility to inform citizens of this country and scrutinize Government on such controversial issues.
“As such, the Opposition Group is reiterating its call to the Government to do justice to the people and tell the truth. Silence is an act of guilt and ignorance and a very irresponsible approach by the Sogavare-led Government,” the statement said.
