THE Parliamentary Opposition Group is concerned that the recent sacking of the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Mines & Energy, Jeffrey Kauha is linked to the issuance of an export license to a foreign company, BT Mega Bingtang Borneo Ltd.
The Opposition Group says recent revelations made by Mr Kauha that his sacking was orchestrated by certain Cabinet Ministers would suggest there are serious issues for all Solomon Islanders should be concerned about.
The Opposition Groups said that from what the former Permanent Secretary has said; it would appear that he had been terminated because he stood by the former Minister, Hon Samson Maneka, not to grant an export permit to BT Mega Bintang Borneo Ltd, since the company has no valid mining lease to operate in Rennell Island.
It also said that the position taken by the former Permanent Secretary and the former Minister was in accordance with the recommendation of the Minerals Board.
The Opposition Group expressed serious concern that Mr Kauha’s termination comes after Cabinet also moved to suspend the Director of Mines Peter Auga, whose signature appeared to have been fraudulently obtained for the export permit to BT Mega Bintang Borneo.
The Opposition Group said, “Within a span of few days after the Minister of Mines Hon Samson Maneka was reshuffled to another ministry, Cabinet has allowed BT Mega Bintang Borneo Limited to export Bauxite, the Director was suspended and the PS sacked.
“These are officials who are not only trying to perform their duties but to protect the laws of this country. Given that the company’s mining lease and prospecting licenses has already been revoked on the 7th of May 2015, obviously all commercial activities by the company since then would have been illegal.”
The Parliamentary Opposition statement added that Mr Kauha’s revelation is worrying as it would appear this situation has been brought about by foreign interests other than of Solomon Islands.
The Parliamentary Opposition urges the Prime Minister and the DCC Government to ensure this matter is corrected so that foreign and personal interests do not interfere with the laws that safeguard the management of our resources and sovereignty of this country.
