Solomon's High Commissioner to Australia denies provincial minister claims

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Victor Ngele had categorically denied claims that he had avoided visiting the Minister of Provincial Government, David Dei Pacha while in Australia for medical treatment.

In a press statement, Mr Ngele refutes claims by Mr Pacha who told Parliament during debate on the motion of Sine Die that he felt embarrassed and disappointed because the country's Ambassador to Australia had ignored paying him a courtesy visit while in Hospital in Australia.

Mr Ngele who resides in Canberra explains that at no time was Mr Pacha hospitalised in Canberra as he had claimed.

Mr Ngele says he had made several attempts to contact Mr Pacha who was being treated at Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney but was unsuccessful.

The diplomat says despite not being able to meet Mr Pacha, he knew the M-P was in good hands of Trevor Garland, Solomon Islands Honorary Consul General at Saint Vincent Hospital in Sydney.

Mr Ngele says while he had been unable meet Mr Pacha, the costs in travelling from Canberra to Sydney and back would have been a burden on limited operating budget provided to the High Commissioner's office in Canberra.

Source: SIBC