The Government’s attempt to deregister Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII), an independent public watch dog organisation, had been hampered by a refusal from the Company Haus, to hand over official documents about FSII.
Company Haus was reported to have refused a request to access the files by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
It was reported that a request for the files by the executive personal secretary of the Ministry of Finance Gloria Tovusia , had been refused by Company Haus.
Government had earlier threatened to de-register FSII, accusing it of meddling with Government policies and actions through propaganda attacks over its Facebook page.
Explaining the stalemate situation, deputy registrar at Company Haus said the only person legally vested with jurisdiction to handover such files would be the substantive holder of the Registrar post, a position still vacant within the organisation.
The official further explained that ethically, such files can only be released by Company Haus under court orders in the event of a search warrant instigated by police in the course of carrying out an investigation.
In the meantime, Chief Executive Officer of FSII, Benjamin Afuga said the organisation has not received any official notice as yet from the Government about its intention to de-register FSII.
Afuga said FSII feels Government had done them injustice by going public about its de-registration intention without taking the courtesy to officially inform the organisation first.
He added that FSII was ready to hold mutual discussion with Government to deliberate on issues of concern to them resorting to taking such intended action.
Afuga said all along, FSII had always maintained that it was carrying out its functions of disseminating information of public Interest in line with its status under charitable act.
He said the fact FSII had contributed 10 points to the Democratic Coalition for Change policy guideline thus in a way make the organisation feel so much part of the Government.
“We have no intention to defame the government because we see it as our government, hence our position is neutral and non-political,” he said.
By AATAI JOHN
