SPECIAL Secretary to Prime Minister Andrew Muaki says the termination of an agreement with NAZAR by the government will have no impact whatsoever on the proposed Tatamba cannery.
Island Sun newspaper in its issue 2241, 18 March 2016 said that the termination by the SIG of an MOU between itself and NAZAR Group of Companies would jeopardise the proposed cannery at Tatamba, Isabel Province.
Mr Muaki said the DCC Government’s decision to terminate the MOU should not in any material way have an impact on the operation, if any, of NAZAR Group of Companies.
“The termination does not mean that NAZAR Group of Companies cannot operate in Solomon Islands.
“In addition, it does not mean that NAZAR Group of Companies have to leave Solomon Islands. Provided they meet all statutory and regulatory requirements, NAZAR Group of Companies can continue with their proposed investments in Solomon Islands.”
Mr Muaki said the letter informing the Directors of NAZAR Group of Companies about the SIG decision to terminate the MOU was quite clear.
“The letter states: ‘This means that different arrangements will be made by the SIG regarding funding for the Kilufii Hospital in Malaita Province. Other areas stipulated in the terminated MOU are for your companies to progress in line with your investment and business plans and in accordance with the laws of this jurisdiction.”
“Those other areas of investment here include Tatamba Cannery as well as those listed in the terminated MOU.
“Therefore, it would be misleading for the Directors of NAZAR Group of Companies and their supporters to suggest that the termination of the MOU would be the chief reason for NAZAR Group of Companies not to fulfil its investment aspirations in this country.
“The article apparently attempted to convey that impression to the public and your readers.”
The SSPM said even if the MOU was not rescinded by the SIG, NAZAR Group of Companies were solely and surely responsible for the Tatamba Cannery and all of their propose investments in SI.
“To conclude the status-quo has not changed for NAZAR Group of Companies in terms of its proposed investment plans in Solomon Islands.
“The only change is that SIG had decided that the marriage between itself and NAZAR Group of Companies is now over.”
