2 Aug 2005

Provincial minister in Solomon Islands resigns over planned Vanikoro development

7:07 pm on 2 August 2005

A minister in the Temotu provincial government in Solomon Islands, Ben Fono, has resigned in protest at a huge development planned on remote Vanikoro Island.

An Australian consortium is planning to inject millions to develop tourism and harvest the island's forests.

Our correspondent says Mr Fono resigned because he and his people have not been consulted over the development plans.

The provincial premier, Johnson Levela has appointed Charles Nathambe to Mr Fono's home affairs portfolio.