SI Government mums about its action against banned police commissioner

The Solomon Government continues to remain tight lipped about why it declared Police Commissioner Shane Castles an undesirable immigrant.

The declaration which bans Mr Castles from re-entering Solomon Islands has brought widespread criticism from Australia.

Mr Castles says he believes the Solomon Islands government is trying to destroy his credibility following a number of police investigations which included senior government members in his effort to rid corruption amongst the top brass. He says the continuing probe into the suspended Attorney General, Julian Moti, led to his constructive dismissal under the guise of an immigration ban.

Mr Castles says he believes Solomon Islands action was in breach of his contract, and he’s believed to be considering defamation action, even if the ban is lifted. His contract should end in April this year and he intends to return to Solomon Islands after completing his current leave at home in Australia. However, with the immigration ban been gazetted late last month he may not be allowed to enter the country. It is understood Mr Castles will be pursuing legal actions against the decision, in order to enter and complete his contract in the Solomons, as originally agreed upon through bilateral means between Australia and Solomons.

The SIBC national radio has reported that Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs, Jeremiah Manele, deferred all comment for the Minister, Patteson Oti, who is currently unavailable.

Source: SIBC