MALAITA premier Peter Ramohia says a big lesson has been learned from the illegal borrowing his government had entertained over the past 21 months that led to a vote of no-confidence in his leadership this week.
And he promised the borrowing will stop immediately.
“…yes, we’ve learned a big lesson. I’ll be putting a stop to this culture of borrowing at once,” Mr Ramohia told the Solomon Star after he defeated the no-confidence vote, Thursday.
Twenty-four provincial members voted against the motion, while seven supported it.
Two did not show up.
“All we want now is to get out from this current situation and move forward,” Mr Ramohia said.
“My executive will do its best to stay out of this culture of borrowing.
“We will from now stick to the province’s revenue stream and follow proper financial procedures.”
Mr Ramohia said the motion of no-confidence came at a right time to remind him and his executive of what is expected of them, adding a big lesson has been learned.
He thanked mover of the motion, Malcolm Moli, and called on members of the provincial assembly to work together to move the province forward.
Mr Moli had accused the premier and his executive of fraudulently misleading the Malaita Provincial Assembly on the borrowings from private money lenders not duly authorized under the Provincial Government Act 1997 Section 40 between October 2015 and September 2016.
It’s understood the provincial executive borrowed up to $5 million from private money leaders at 20 per cent interest rates.
The lenders are mostly members of the provincial executive.
Funds borrowed are used to keep the province afloat.
By BIRIAU WILSON SAENI
in Auki
