-Opposition leader Sogavare welcomes Government update on missing 33 bauxite shipments investigation
-Sogavare reiterates mining operation granted by Lilo’s government in 2014, and missing shipments occurred under Hou’s government Nov 2017 – Jan 2019
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Official Opposition welcomes the Government’s latest update on the ongoing investigation into 33 unpaid bauxite shipments from West Rennell, following the Opposition’s request for an update on the investigation.
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare described it as a positive step towards accountability while maintaining concerns over the Attorney-General’s role in the process, an Opposition statement yesterday said.
Mr Sogavare said the Government’s confirmation that the investigation remains active with records being examined, and that relevant authorities have been engaged was the type of public update the Opposition has been seeking.
“The people of Solomon Islands deserve to know that this important investigation is progressing,” he said.
The Government, in a statement issued on Tuesday this week said the investigation, first announced on June 10 remains active and is being conducted professionally, impartially and within the law.
The Government confirmed that relevant stakeholders and authorities met for the first time on July 6 to assess records collected so far and to identify additional documents required, following earlier correspondence among the agencies involved.
It adds that the examination of records dating back to 2017 has commenced, but is yet to be completed due to the volume of documentation requiring scrutiny.
According to the statement, the investigation may require others who served in government during the period under review to explain what they did or did not know about the 33 shipments.
The Government also said it could not yet disclose whether it has identified any outstanding royalties, fees or other obligations owed to the State, as the investigation is still ongoing.
It added that no completion date has been set, and the timeframe will depend on the volume of records to be examined and that it would not compromise the quality of the investigation to meet an arbitrary deadline.
Government said that it will not publicly disclose the names of officials, company representatives or specific investigative steps while inquiries continue, but said the public will be informed once all evidence is objectively assessed.
Responding to the Government’s statement yesterday, Mr Sogavare reaffirmed his willingness to cooperate with investigators if requested.
“If investigators believe I can assist in establishing the facts, I will cooperate fully. Accountability must apply equally to everyone,” he said.
However, he cautions against creating the impression that responsibility rested with any one individual because they held office during part of the period under investigation.
Sogavare said the mining lease enabling the operation was granted in September 2014 under the Gordon Darcy Lilo Government, while the 33 unpaid bauxite shipments under investigation occurred between November 2017 and January 2019 during the Rick Houenipwela Government.
He adds that the mining lease was cancelled in 2021 under his administration after findings of serious and longstanding breaches.
He said those facts demonstrate that the investigation must examine the conduct of all relevant individuals and institutions throughout the life of the project rather than unfairly attributing responsibility to any one former prime minister.
Sogavare, however, said the Opposition’s position on the Attorney-General’s previous legal representation of APID before taking public office remains unchanged.
He said appropriate measures should be put in place to address any actual or perceived conflict of interest to protect public confidence in the independence and integrity of the investigation.
The Government rejected suggestions that the investigation lacks independence or integrity, saying the Attorney-General, as the Government’s model litigant, has upheld the rule of law and ensured that no person, regardless of status, is above the law.
It also reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law, saying the investigation will proceed free from political interference and public pressure.
Mr Sogavare encourages the Government to continue providing periodic public updates while safeguarding the integrity of the investigative process and said the Opposition looks forward to the completion of the investigation.
Photo: Supplied
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