PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela and Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare have refuted claims that they are not in talking terms with each other.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the two leaders said they have a lot of work to do in such a short period of time and they cannot be deterred from this goal.
“We have a lot to of work to do and we cannot allow people with evil agendas to frustrate our resolve.”
The statement further explained the SI DCCG is determined to pass the 2018 budget as schedule in March and deliver on its goals it has set out to deliver on.
“It appears someone is bent on driving a wedge between the Prime Minister and his deputy.”
The statement added that the people should not listen to groups and individuals who maybe advancing issues aimed at destabilizing the government.
“These motives are not in the best interest of this country.
“We both assure our people that the Prime Minister and the DPM will not be deterred by such evil motives. The SIDCCG is determined to do the best for its people,” it said.
Meanwhile, as regards to the Prime Minister’s Discretionary Fund, Prime Minister Hou said he is not aware of a “secret fund” being ran in the Prime Minister’s office.
“I have no knowledge of a secret fund under ROC funding,” he said.
Mr Hou said that ROC grant funding is a matter for that country to decide on under its normal aid program to Solomon Islands.
– Source: PM Press Secretariat
