OUR PARTY President and Minister for Police and National Security, Jimson Tanagada, faced the music in Caucus last Tuesday as the weight of the Memorandum of Demands (MoD) on the Prime Minister begins to sink in.
The Party’s founding President Manasseh Sogavare asked Minister Tanagada “to clarify his support” for the ministerial reshuffle contained in the 10-point demands signed by 16 politicians, including Ministers and Backbenchers in the GNUT coalition.
Minister Tanagada was one of the senior ministers who signed the demands.
Minister Sogavare in effect “lectured” everyone on the protocols and procedures before turning to Minister Tanagada.
“So where is the list of names (to) justify why there is a need for reshuffling because, according to protocols, reshuffling can only be done on non-performance or ministers acting against procedures or against the government that warrants immediate removal.”
“So, OUR Party President ought to be transparent,” insiders told Solomon Star.
Minister Tanagada never looked up, during Minister Sogavare’s lecture, one insider said.
In his response to the demands, Prime Minister Manele said he would consult with the (GNUT) Coalition Executive to consider this demand. Solomon Star has sighted a copy of the “Not for public distribution” confidential document, which was distributed in Caucus last Tuesday.
“Honourable Colleagues, whilst this demand does not specify which ministers to reshuffle, it nevertheless calls for a reshuffle of Cabinet Ministers. As per the Coalition Agreement I will consult with the Coalition Executive to consider this demand. All ministers were appointed in accordance with the process set out in the Coalition Agreement, therefore any reshuffling or termination must be done in line with the Coalition Agreement. The Coalition Executive will meet and decide on this matter,” Prime Minister Manele said in his response.
In Tuesday’s Caucus meeting, three Opposition MPs – MP Lazarus Rina, MP James Bonuga and MP Tei’ifi – also attended, boosting the ruling GNUT coalition number to 33.
Their intention in attending remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the rivalry for political support has spilled over, exposing what was described as “Chinese monopoly” in the traditional hardware industry, which was blamed for closing down hardware outlets such as Bowmans, LKP and other Solomon Islands-owned and operated hardware outlets.
Now, this is coming back to haunt them, an observer told Solomon Star this week.
“So, you can say that the price war is on, particularly on pricing for building materials,” the man said.
“For example, the prices for a bag of cement range between $95 and $125 under the Preferred Supplier Arrangement (PSA).
“By comparison, new Chinese cement price is only $55 a bag. Opening the BNBM at King George area is like pouring fuel on the fire,” he said.
By Alfred Sasako
