A pre-trial conference (PTC) regarding a restaurant owner, who denies distributing plastic disposable forks to his customers, has been postponed to 3 January 2025.
The deferral was made to allow the court to arrange for an interpreter, as the defendant, Xian Pan Li, does not speak or understand English or Pijin.
The pre-trial conference was originally scheduled for Friday, but it was adjourned when no interpreter was available.
Magistrate Emily Zazariko Vagibule Pakoa therefore postponed the proceedings to next month, granting additional time to secure the necessary language support for the defendant.
Li’s bail has also been extended.
Li faces one count of distributing single-use plastic, contrary to Clause 4 (2) of the Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulations 2023, in conjunction with Section 55 of the Environment Act 1998.
The prosecution alleges that Li is the owner of the Wah Leung Shop, located on Tandai Highway in West Honiara.
According to the charges, on 12 June 2024, police officers observed Li distributing plastic disposable forks to customers at his restaurant.
These disposable forks are listed among the banned items under the Single-Use Plastic Ban Regulations of 2023.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
