Where are you priorities Minister?, page-96

This Article in todays The Island News shows what the MInisters priorities really are, he has absolutely no conscience at all over this disaster taking place, he probably only cares about lining his own pockets before the Election.

The Island Sun News
9 hrs ·
RENNELL OIL SPILL, JUST ANY OTHER BUSINESS?M&M Board questioned over leaked meeting agenda showing little priority given to the oil saga in Renbel province
By Gary Hatigeva

People are outraged over the fact that despite its urgency and concerning nature, the Mines and Minerals Board for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrifications, has seen it fit not to prioritise the ‘Oil Spill’ issue in Rennell and Bellona province.This was revealed to Island Sun yesterday from an outlined agenda sheet of the Ministry’s Mines and Minerals Board.The Mines and Minerals Board (MMB) will today hold the first of its quarterly meetings for this year, where it is expected to meet over new and outstanding businesses, which include new applications for gold dealers and other mining application matters.Well placed sources within the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification told this paper it is unfortunate that the oil spill issue in Rennell and Bellona province is not a priority agenda.“Though it is in the agenda for tomorrow’s [today] meeting, it is unfortunate that it is the last in the list, and regarded as just ‘AOB’ (Any Other Business), when it should be at the top of the list.“It is also unfortunate that it is only given half an hour according to the time scheduled for the board meeting,” sources explained.This has also shocked chiefs and elders from Rennell Island when contacted, who noted that it is a shame the government continues to show no care attitude towards the issue, despite the fact that it is now an international concern.They thought it was an embarrassment that while the rest of the country and the world is worried, those responsible saw it fitting to prioritise other issues, which are of course important, but suggested that in this current circumstance, should have prioritised what to be dealt with first.This issue has also taken local online forums by storm, attracting thousands of protesting comments and statements, many of which called for a mass rally, while others have expressed emotions over the impact of the largest catastrophe ever experienced in the country.Commentators have also feared that this issue could lead to an unwanted social problem, noting how the amount of anger and frustrations are building.Many suggested that with the revealed outlined agenda, it is obvious that the Board will not be taking any action against the responsible company, including the status of its licence despite the widespread call for the government through the ministry, to deal with the company.They then reiterated calls on the government to seriously set this issue a priority and see that those responsible are severely dealt with under the mining laws of Solomon Islands.Island Sun was able to interview a few people who are familiar with the Mines and Minerals Board meetings who pointed out that usually any items that come under “Any Other Businesses” (AOB) are briefly discussed, given little attention, or are put forward to another session, and for an issue like the oil spill to be noted under AOB is absurd and the board should be questioned over it.Issues noted under each agendas item are outlined as papers, which includes applications by various companies for prospecting and mining licences, and pending mining leases over tenements in a number of provinces in the country.The MMB is also expected to deliberate on a number of Gold Dealer Applications, for both new and renewed licenses.Ministry top officials were contacted for clarifications early afternoon yesterday, but no responses were forthcoming before this article was sent in for print.

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