19 Dec 2014

Solomons MP must quit logging links

7:56 am on 19 December 2014

Watchdog group, Transparency Solomon Islands, is recommending the new minister for logging resign any directorships to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

Bodo Dettke, who has close links to the forestry sector, was made the minister responsible for logging, earlier this week.

The prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, says the performance of any minister will be strictly supervised by cabinet and that no minister will be allowed to use his or her office for personal gain.

Transparency says Mr Dettke holds directorships in logging companies and Mr Sogavare should force him to resign these.

The agency says this would minimise the potential use of office for personal gain.

It says conflict of interest is a form of corruption that undermines fair conduct in decision making and it is the duty of governments to minimise gaps that allow abuse.

Logging operations in Solomon Islands

Logging operations in Solomon Islands Photo: Supplied