THE 2015 Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting kicked off on Wednesday without the presence of the Honiara City Council (HCC).
And this had seen senior tourism officials expressing their disappointment in failing to attend the official opening of the Tourism Ministers’ meeting at the Heritage Park Hotel.
A senior government official told the paper, HCC should not miss out at the meeting because it’s very important for them to contribute.
“I was very disappointed and unhappy to see HCC chair was vacant which they should be here since they are in Honiara.
“All issues being discussed today (Wednesday) are issues that are within the city and their responsibilities which they should be here to contribute to in the meeting,” he said.
Another participant from Choiseul who wants his name withheld also shared similar sentiments.
“I’m very disappointed to see all provincial seats being filled while the HCC seat remained vacant which is shameful and disrespectful.
“I call on the Lord Mayor and City Clerk to explain why both of them have missed out on this very important meeting. If they are busy they should send someone to represent them,” the unhappy officer said.
An officer from tourism division confirmed an invitation letter was sent to them early this week and they should be aware about the meeting.
A statement from HCC last night said, both the City Clerk and Lord Mayor have attended a forum held at CYP on Wednesday.
“Lord Mayor and City Clerk have attended a closing of a two days forum held at CYP. “The forum is very important which is attended by various government stakeholders and NGOs. That is why these two leaders failed to attend the tourism meeting yesterday,” the statement said last night.
The statement which concluded with an apology said, it was a misunderstanding that resulted in their absence.
By DENVER NEWTER
