FSII CONCERNED OVER PROLONGED GRML CLOSURE
The Facebook page of the Forum Solomon Islands International. Photo: SIBC.
Forum Solomon Islands International says it is concerned about the prolonged closure of the Gold Ridge Mine and the adverse effects on the country’s struggling economy.
A statement from FSII also said the Prime Minister and the cabinet must provide considerable consideration when dealing with the Gold Ridge issue.
CEO of FSII, Benjamin Afuga said they hope that all parties concerned will come to an understanding and remove the impasse.
Mr Afuga said the more worrying thing is what will happen to the more than 6-hundred local employees, saying these Solomon Islanders including some of the country’s highly trained technical people depend on the mine’s re-opening for employment.
He said a solution must be made as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Forum Solomon Islands International says the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to respond to the assessment report and recommendations from the Interim Working Group set up by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Working Group consists of Permanent Secretaries and technical personnel from the Prime Ministers Office, Mines Ministry, Environment Ministry, Health, Police, and Solomon Water.
The Working Group also has members of the Guadalcanal province, the 3 Associations and local technical advisors and consultants.