is that it?, page-104

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The Island Sun News
9 mins ·

WHY NO ACTION?Caretaker PM accused of weak and indecisive leadership, or could he be a victim of bad choices from his predecessor?By Gary Hatigeva The Caretaker Prime Minister and former Member of Parliament for South Malaita, Rick Hou has been accused of demonstrating poor and irresponsible leadership even at the eve of his caretaker status as Prime Minister.This accusation was echoed following numerous calls for the Caretaker Prime Minister to sack the caretaker mines minister and to call for investigations into the propspecting licences granted in respect of the nickel deposit in Isabel and that of the bauxite operation on Rennell Island.So many allegations were raised in the recent past regarding the issuance of prospecting licences to the same company over tenements in the two provinces, and allegations suggesting that the company did not meet a lot of legal requirements under the Mines and Minerals Act including rehabilitation plan, which would outline how the company will be able to mitigate any environmental risks or damages, yet responsible authorities gave the green-light for it to operate.The latest wrecked MV Solomon Trader on reefs at Rennell Island, which has now become one of the biggest environmental disasters Solomon Islands has ever faced, is one obvious example of why the call for action is vital according to Lawrence Makili, who has always been advocating on issues affecting the environment of this country.This issue was also highlighted by the Former Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga Matthew Wale in an earlier statement, which was reasoned by the Caretaker Mines Minister as a political statement on behalf of his candidate within the same constituency in which the Minister belongs.However, Makili believes that anyone including independent or party candidates has the right to speak out on the issue at hand.He thought the former Aoke/Langalanga MP was speaking as a concerned leader regarding the issues raised, and that includes the oil spill saga in Rennell and Bellona province.Makili stressed that what continues to come out in the media is not a matter of provincial or national interest any longer, “it has now become an international concern”.He said the situation is now out in the open, and there is nothing to be political about, as no doubt the oil has spilled into the ocean and environmental damage is eminent. “While there are efforts being put in place to deal with the aftermath, the extent to which government officials may have failed their duties in ensuring that the ship was not loaded during cyclonic weather and response mechanisms that the government have to mitigate such situations as and when they arise is still outstanding.“These are issues that touch on domestic and international law, and conditions of operation of mining companies. “These legal frameworks are put in place to ensure mining does not damage environment and are responsible if they do. “If it appears as though they have been breached, someone must answer. In this case, the Caretaker Prime Minister’s call on Australia to assist is a demonstration of a weak Government response system. “This is serious as clearly it has put the people of Rennell Island at risk,” a concerned Makili shared.Makili therefore noted that by refusing to act, the Caretaker Prime Minister seems to be sending the signal that he either does not care about public interest and the need to bring to account Government officials responsible including the caretaker Mines Minister.He then suggested that the status of the mining company, which was allowed to operate in the first instance was perhaps not the current caretaker PM’s fault, “as he may have gotten himself caught up in the midst of all his predecessors earlier mess”, but reiterated his call for him (caretaker PM) to take action now.

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