Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has apologised to the Renbel Provincial Government (RPG) and its people following the unannounced visit by the Forestry Minister and Permanent Secretary to the province last week.
Last Monday Minister Bartholomew Parapolo and his PS Vaeno Vigulu visited Asia Pacific Investment Development Ltd’s (APID) agro forestry on Rennell Island without informing the Premier and his executive.
This has led to Premier Singamoana questioning the visit because there was no courtesy call made to his office.
He said, as the head of the provincial government, he was embarrassed and humiliated because no communication was made to his office of the visit. Also, there was no courtesy to call at his office at Tigoa provincial headquarter.
Premier Singamoana said he was angry because such action by the State Government was not right.
“The failure by Government officials in by-passing normal protocol procedures casts much to be debated on why such situation was allowed to happen.”
He added as a matter of protocol, the Provincial Executive has a right to know in advance any business undertaking government or anyone else for that matter who has business interest in the province.
But in an apology letter cited by the Solomon Star written by Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM) Rence Sore, the Prime Minister apologised to the Renbel Premier and his people.
“I have been directed by the Prime Minister to convey to you premier the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government deepest apology with regards to a statement you made in the Solomon Star issues in relation to Minister of Forestry Hon Bartholomew Parapolo’s visit to your province recently.
“We trust that any misunderstanding between you and the Minister will be promptly resolved amicably. We want to re-assure that despite those misunderstandings, the National Government remains committed to working closely with your government in moving forward the aspiration of our people.
“The office of the Prime Minister avails itself of this opportunity the assurances of its highest consideration. Once again our sincere apology to you and your good people of Rennell and Bellona Province,” the letter addressed to the Renbel Premier last week said.
The Renbel Premier when contacted yesterday regarding the letter said, he accepted PM’s apology.
“I have accepted PM apology on behalf of his Minister and PS and people of this nation to my province.
“But I want the Forestry Minister and his PS to come forward and explain to me their intention to visit the APID agro forestry and to brief me about the trip,” Tesuatai said.