The Solomon Islands Minister for Health and Medical Services, Benjamin Una, has appeared in court in Honiara over the alleged theft of money that was supposed to be granted to a development project in his constituency.
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports that the Minister faces two charges relating to an application made in May this year by a West Kwara'ae constituent, seeking a US$5,600 US dollar grant for a cattle project in West Kwara'ae.
Police say the grant was approved in July and the money was deposited in the West Kwara'ae Constituency Account.
As the member for West Kwara'ae, Mr Una is responsible for distribution of the money from the Account to the individual or organisation which was to receive the approved funding.
The prosecution alleges that on the same day was deposited, Mr Una transferred all but 70 dollars of these funds to his own personal bank account, and used it for private purposes.
He has been bailed to appear again on November 14th.
