AN independent commission of inquiry (COI) to investigate the allegations of corruption within the local bêche-de-mer industry should be established.
The call was made by Opposition Leader Manasseh Maelanga on Wednesday.
Mr Maelanga said the bêche-de-mer industry if properly managed by the government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources should be one of the country’s major foreign receipt earners.
“Therefore Prime Minister Rick Hou should establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations of corruption and must ensure the culprits are dealt with accordingly,” he said.
He added it appears that there is a well-established corruption network involving certain politician, officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Royal Solomon Islands Police and Asians.
The Opposition Leader said this network has resulted in the thwarting of all previous investigations into alleged corrupt dealings in the bêche-de-mer industry and this sad state of affair is bound to continue if the network is not uprooted and those involved are not held accountable for their actions.
Mr Maelanga said he believes Prime Minister Hou is determined to do what is right for the nation and as such, the Opposition urges him to establish a commission of inquiry as a matter of priority so as the nation can benefit maximally from its bêche-de-mer resources and other marine commodities.
– Opposition Press
