THE Parliamentary Opposition Group has applauded the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources for its firm stand against a scam fisheries project.
In a statement on Sunday, the Opposition Office says its suspicion on the proposed scam mari-culture farming and hatchery project in Ontong Java has been confirmed by the ministry.
The Opposition Office welcomed the statement issued by the ministry recently that the ministry has withheld a proposed project in the Malaita Outer Islands, Malaita Province.
The Ministry of Fisheries has strongly refuted an earlier statement by local businessman Dr. Reginald Apia and his foreign business partner claiming that the Ministry has approved the proposed project.
The ministry’s acting Permanent Secretary, Mr.Ferral Lasi said the mariculture farm and hatchery is a cover- up to harvest the banned sea cucumbers.
The Acting PS added that the bio rock technology that will be used in the mariculture farm and hatchery project is a scam.
The Parliamentary Opposition Office said it is aware that whilst the ministry officials have advised against the scam project; several senior ministers’ including the Prime Minister has already given their full support for the project.
“The ministry must not allow political interference and personal intereststo manipulate their position. They must stand firm and report any illegal dealings from this project,” the statement adds.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Opposition Office was also shocked to learn of the news that the Prime Minister has supported the project.
“Why is the Prime Minister supporting a scam project which was advised against by technical people in the ministry? This is not surprising given the history of this Prime Minister who is known for having a soft heart towards financial scams,” it said.
The Opposition Group said it is not new for this Prime Minister to run after financial schemes and fly-by night groups.
“It is pathetic. We thought the Prime Minister has learnt a lesson from financial scams such as Tulagi gold, Ontong Java gold bars, and business groups like Nazar and Skyline Investment; he has done it again,” it said.
