Hearing of evidences on the case of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Selina Boso will continue today.
The trial started yesterday before Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota, in the Honiara Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution has already two of its witnesses who testified in court.
They are the Ombudsman Joe Poraiwai and the Director of Investigations from the Ombudsman Office.
After their evidences yesterday, the matter was adjourned to continue with the trial today.
Before the trial started, George Gray who represents Boso made an application for an adjournment.
He said his client has some urgent business to attend to this week.
He added the reshuffling of Ministers recently has affected the Ministry of Rural Development and therefore his client would therefore needed to carry out briefings for the new Minister and other important government business.
But Public Prosecutor Sirepu Ramosaea however objected to any adjournment.
She said the matter has been adjourned for several dragged on too long and the first trial fixed was already vacated.
Mrs Ramosaea said, their witnesses are ready and are in court ready to proceed.
The chief magistrate said, he respects the job of the accused but agreed with the prosecution that they cannot keep adjourning the matter forever.
He refused the defence’s application and ordered that the trial proceeds.
Boso is facing a charge of failure to furnish information or failure to produce document as requested by the Ombudsman office or any member of staff acting on behalf of her duties.
She was charged contrary to section 20 (2) of Ombudsman (Further Provisions) Act. This was in relation to the allegation between 29 May, 2013 and 25, September, 2014. Prosecution alleged she failed to furnish information on the Rural Constituency Development funds as lawfully requested by the Ombudsman and members of his staff.
George Gray of Public Solicitor’s Office represents Boso while Public Prosecutor Sirepu Ramosaea appeared on behalf of the Crown.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
