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Former Governor General Sir Dr. Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui has been appointed as chairman to head the newly established Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).
His deputy chair is Ms. Anika Kingmele.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare announced the appointments during the event to mark the 2019 International anti-corruption day in Honiara on Monday 9 December.
The other four members of the inaugural SIICAC are:
- Ms. Ruth Liloqula
- Mr. Waita Ben Tabusasi
- Mr. John Tuhaika, and
- Mr. Jim Senderlsly
Governor General Sir David Vunagi appointed the SIICAC members.
They had sworn in before H.E. Sir David Vunagi, on Thursday 5th December 2019.
“I am sure you will agree with me, we have an excellent Commission we can rely upon to help wipe out corruption in our country.”
Mr. Sogavare also recognised and thanked the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, the former Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Mr Frank Bollen Paulsen and his committee for undertaking the difficult task of selecting and recommending the final list of Commissioners from a very long list of eminent applicants.
“I am also delighted to inform you that the Anti-Corruption Working Group has already developed a recruitment structure for the SIICAC Secretariat. We have also identified a suitable space for the new SIICAC office. We are hopeful to start the recruitment process of the Director General in the first quarter of 2020 and we anticipate the office will be fully functional by the second or third quarter of 2020.
“I am also very happy to advise this august body that with support from the UNDP, we have reviewed the 2017-2019 national anticorruption strategy. Numerous consultations have been completed and key messages form the review have formed the basis for the new draft national anticorruption strategy.
“I am pleased to again advise you that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Steering Committee has endorsed the new draft national anticorruption strategy which I expect will be forwarded to me to present go Cabinet in the next few weeks and ultimately to be tabled in the national Parliament pursuant section 32(2) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2018.
“…Exactly one year ago this day when the Anticorruption Act 2018 was launched and commenced, we now announce and launch our inaugural Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, under the stewardship and leadership of its inaugural Chairman, Sir Dr. Frank Utu Ofagioro Kabui.
“As you have now heard, my ministry has driven the implementation of the Anticorruption Strategy 2018 – and we will do more.
“Very shortly, my ministry will be submitting to Ministry of the Public Service the proposed structure for the SIICAC. We will then proceed to recruit the staff catered for the 2020 Budget to support the newly established Commission do its work – and lead our fight against corruption.
“The role of the SIICAC includes prevention and awareness but importantly it also has an investigation and prosecution role for corruption offences.
“These roles will help the Commission curb, halt and reverse the increasing culture of corruption in our country.
“SIICAC will be assisted in its work by our existing Integrity Institutions including – the leadership Commission, the Ombudsman, the Auditor General, the CID brand of the Ministry of Police, National security and Correctional services, the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission and of course our Judiciary and Legislature.
“Addressing this cancer called corruption is everybody’s business. The government cannot do it alone. Even the new Independent Commission Against Corruption cannot do it alone. We are dealing with a malignant and invasive tumor, a malignant cancer that needs to be eradicated. We simply cannot allow it to continue to grow unabated.
“…We must aim to have a Zero Tolerance’ policy on corruption – across all levels and all walks of life in our country – starting with us, the political leaders who should and must lead with example and all levels of leadership right down to our grassroots.
“But Government cannot do this alone. We must unite against Corruption – as the theme for the 2019 Anticorruption Day aptly states. We must work and walk together to defeat corruption.
“To stay the course, we must all be champions against corruption. Each of us must embrace ethical and integrity principles. Each must act against corruption and do business based on fair competition and good governance.
“People of Solomon Islands deserve a country that is free of corruption,” PM Sogavare said.
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