Ganate Apologise Over Naked Pictures at The Premiers' summit

PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Province Government, Fred Ganate, has apologised to premiers after pornographic pictures came on in a slide presentation he was showing them.

This happened on the first day of the Premiers’ Conference on Monday at Lata, Temotu.A Government source attending the conference said Mr Ganate apologised to the premiers on Tuesday, but denied he’s in possession of pornographic materials.

“The pictures were actually stored in a flash drive and police have already confiscated it,” the source said.Mr Ganate, who was chairman of the conference, was stood down as a result of the incident, which sparked anger at the conference.

The source said the premiers accepted Mr Ganate’s apology, but Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua, who was there to open the conference, reportedly suspended Mr Ganate.

Mr Ganate was giving the power point presentation in front of all premiers when the pornographic photos of a local female showed up.

The presentation was a recap on the communiqué reached in last year’s conference in Renbel.Mr Ganate was still in Lata yesterday and attempts to get his comments were unsuccessful.

Late police are investigating the incident.Meanwhile, the Opposition on Tuesday described the incident as “regrettably embarrassing”.

And acting Opposition leader Japhet Waipora called for a thorough investigation. Mr Waipora said officials responsible for this must face action.

“This incident reflects badly on the Minister for Provincial Government,” Mr Waipora said.“It only goes to demonstrate carelessness in the preparation for such an important leader’s meeting,” he said.

SOURCE: Solomon Star