During a recent press conference held on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derrick Manuari and Mines Director Mrs. Krista Jacobs Tatapu took questions from the press on the issue of 33 unpaid bauxite shipments exported from West Rennell, the Minister of Mines, Hon. Derrick Manuari gave a hopeful update on the ongoing scandal. He announced plans to establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the issue, bringing renewed optimism to locals who have long called for answers and accountability.
However, while the Minister expressed a strong desire to set up the COI as soon as possible, he cautioned that the process may not begin immediately. The key challenge lies in securing the necessary funding. Hon. Manuari explained that working together with the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister’s Office to allocate resources for the inquiry.
This financial hurdle means the actual establishment of the COI could take time, despite the urgency of the matter. Still, the Minister’s commitment to pushing the process forward has been seen as a positive step, giving the public hope that justice will eventually be served.
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