M.M.F UNRESERVEDLY SUPPORT PM & CAUCUS ON BECHE-DE-MER LICENSE
MMF President Charles Dausabea talking to the press as General Secretary Charles Ashley looks on. Photo credit: SIBC.
Pressure group, the Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) says it gives unreserved supports to the decision made by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and members of his Cabinet to grant a beche-de-mer exporting license to the Ontong Java Development Company Limited.
Speaking to local reporters at a media conference today, MMF President Charles Dausabea says they support the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s decision unreservedly.
He says the government should protect its peoples’ resources so that they can fully enjoy its benefits to the fullest.
“The Government should protect its people to enjoy their resources to a maximum that they can get. This is the government’s role, to protect its citizens, but the last NCRA government only exploit its citizens’ resources. The money which was brought into to the country under the NCRA government concerning the beche-de-mer was owned by an Asian who is currently a license holder. The money was brought in by the Member who used to buy vessels into the country, who in turn gave it to Dr. Apia to harvest the beche-de-mer. I knew that, and he’s the one who would sell the products, so I urge the DCC Government we are taking corruption head on, so set up a Commission of Inquiry.”
SIBC News understands, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said his decision was based on a recent Caucus Consensus that the Government should prioritise assisting indigenous Solomon Islanders in their business endeavours.