‘Beche-de-mer’, a controversial issue in Solomon Islands

Beche-de-mer exporting is one of the many controversial issues that continually causing corruption among politicians, prominent government officers and business men in Solomon Islands. The said marine product cost millions of dollars which attracted many politicians and government officers to use their political power or authority to offer business men some controversial dealings or under table dealings. Hence business men involved can easily escape from laws and regulations of the country under the umbrella of these leaders through bribery and so on. The public raised concerned that the Ministry of Fisheries which responsible for the Marine products has do little to curb such corruption practice, which in return should yield large lucrative revenue for the country. A heated controversy has been again erupted last week between politicians and the public over a 20-foot container of beche-de-mer due for shipment this weekend.

Container stored at minister's residence. Source Solomon star.

The container was owned by a local Chinese Xu Qiang and was kept at the residence of Solomon Islands' Foreign Affairs Minister Clay Forau at his residence at Henderson, East Honiara. The statement said the contents of the container may have been falsely declared and the public had prompted the relevant authorities to check it carefully before shipment. Also Sources familiar with beche-de-mer export said while the number of bags loaded and quantity declared may be correct, Customs need to check out all types of species in the container.The public raised questions on whether the local Chinese has an export licence as he previously used Rendova Trading company's licence to export his beche-de-mer container. Also public raised concerned on why the minister has allowed his residence as a loading point. Forau in his respond said that he did not see anything wrong with it.

“I am a just an ordinary person like everyone else and we all do things for survival. We all work hard and do things for our livelihood.” 

Charles Dausabea a president of Malaita Ma’asina Forum called on Mr Forau to resign or the Prime Minister should sack him. Dausabea also stated that Qiang should be referred to the court for questioning or ban him from returning to the country.