FISHERIES Minister Nollen Leni has admitted that his orders to release the two boats were incorrect.
PFNET reported Mr Leni as saying it was the Fisheries Director Eddie Oreihaka who was wrong.
Mr Oreihaka gave an approval for one of the boats to fish in the Solomon Islands waters while waiting for their fishing license to be processed.
Mr Leni said that it has since transpired the Director was wrong to give such approval.
“Unfortunately, because of that misinformation, my initial order for the release of the boats was not correct.”
He earlier said the director has no power to issue that approval.
“Normally the Ministry would present a paper to caucus and cabinet to approve that kind of a Memorandum of Understanding.
“In this case, it wasn’t and that is the problem we have with the director’s action.”
It not clear what action is taken against the Director.
Skippers of the vessels appeared in Court this week, while the 13 members of both crews are detained by Immigration officials, on bail of US$1,800 per person.
He however said police continue to detain the ships because they don’t have the work permit and the visa to enter Solomon Islands waters.
The boats had been detained since January, but the Minister announced last week they were to be released, after he was informed by the Director of Fisheries, Eddie Oirehaka, that he had issued the vessels a comfort letter, giving them temporary approval to fish.
Skippers of the vessels appeared in Court yesterday but the matter was adjourned again for 29 March while the thirteen members of both crews are detained by Immigration officials, on bail of 1800 US dollars per person.
By EDNAL PALMER
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