Editor's Desk
A Police investigation into allegations of fraud and misuse of public funds is currently underway.
Police sources say the corruption and fraud squad is leading the probe.
Sources say a case file has been opened and officers are now talking to those alleged to have been directly involved.
This came as Government announced last week it has suspended the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Guadalcanal Land Dealings.
The decision was taken after cabinet met to discuss the issue.
The Government said the suspension will allow a "taskforce to look into the allegations raised by Counsel assisting the inquiry, Ruth Townsend."
Meanwhile, Solomon Star reports Ms Townsend, who brought to light the allege corruption network, has welcomed the steps taken.
She was quoted as also warning certain commission staff against providing false information to the public about her.
Ms Townsend denied claims made in a letter to the editor in the Island Sun newspaper on Tuesday about her salary and other claims.
She said the figures quoted as her salary "were excessive."
Ms Townsend said she is prepared to reveal the salaries of these people so that the public could see how much they are getting from the COI.
Thanks to Ms. Townsend as need for the Police to fully investigate the alleged report. Persons implicated in the report should stay out from interfering in the Police investigation to allow Police to carry out independent investigation.
ReplyDeleteHowever,something where one should appreciated only certain people with courage reported corruption and Ms. Townsend has set an example for us to see.
Corruption in public offices many people are silent about because there is no third party involved. It happened between two persons known as happy giver and happy receiver. So when it happen in that way no one will report it for investigation.
For Guadalcanal investigation I questioned the investigation strategies used to go out and held meeting s with people of Guadalcanal. What I suggested is that investigation should go to and find out with the National Mesum, Ministry of Lands and other government institutions of how BSIP/SIG obtained the controversial lands form original landowners of Guadalcanal.
By doing this will find out the ways the previous governments/British obtain the lands from the original landowners. However, for those who purchased land from original land owners should look at how customary land are transfered after being purchased. Should also look at it was registered or still not registered.
After finding these facts the Commissioners should hold Public hearing with parties concerned and give their report to the Commissioners.
After the public hearings then submit report to the government by making recommendations to the
government. Any recommendations from the the Commission the government must adhered to or try to address it.
I know that resources in terms of finance and manpower spend, but end up nothing happen it is a waste of time.
I want the Police and Audit General to carry out joint investigation into the report and produce a report of their findings for the public.
I suspected that something must be wrong and also to look at April, 2006 Riot similar thing also happen. I was one of the investigators in the April, 2006 Riot and saw interesting happening but swept under carpet.
All the bests.
Chris Akosawa
Fujen Catholic University.
Taipei, Taiwan.