SOLOMON Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (SICCI) has maintained the organisation has not been in breach of any laws.
SICCI chairman Jay Bartlett reiterated this following recent media publicity casting doubt and questioning his organisation’s legality.
“SICCI is an organisation of members with similar interests and is the Peak representative body for the private sector business community,” Mr Bartlett pointed out.
“Recent media attention had been unwarranted and was diverting attention from the real issues of the day, now that the dust has settled it is appropriate to set the records straight,” he added.
The Office of the Registrar General has confirmed that SICCI’s status as a trade union representing the private sector is legitimate.
Deputy Registrar of Trade Unions Nixon Qurusu says “SICCI is a registered organisation under the Trade Union Act and its status as a union has not been cancelled nor suspended as reported in the media.
“My office has looked into the matter and I am satisfied with the necessary documentation I have sighted.”
Mr Bartlett welcomed the news noting that SICCI had always strive to do the right thing and follow proper procedures.
“Our records indicate we have submitted all relevant documentation to the Registrar of Trade Union and sentiments previously raised in the media are merely speculation and untrue,” he said.
Mr Bartlett further stated that “as the peak representative body for private sector industry in Solomon Islands, SICCI’s board and management remains committed to work closely with the government and relevant stakeholders.”
