3 Jan 2007

Solomon Islands government tight lipped over sacking

4:40 pm on 3 January 2007

The Solomon Islands Government continues to remain tight lipped about why it sacked Police Commissioner Shane Castles calling him an undesirable.

The sacking which bans Mr Castles from re-entering Solomon Islands has brought widespread criticism from Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Island News Agency Pacnews reports that Mr Castles believes the Solomons government is trying to destroy his credibility following a number of police investigations which included senior government members.

But Mr Castles quoted by the Agency believes it was the continuing probe into the suspended Attorney General, Julian Moti, which led to his constructive dismissal under the guise of an immigration ban.

Mr Castles says he believes the Solomon Islands action was in breach of his contract, and according to the Agency he's believed to be considering defamation action, even if the ban is lifted.

The permanent secretary of the department, Jeremiah Manele, deferred all comment to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Patteson Oti, who was unavailable.