2 Dec 2010

Solomons' forestry ministry's chief executive surprised at minister's sacking

2:22 pm on 2 December 2010

The Permanent Secretary of the Solomon Islands Forestry Ministry says he was surpised to learn of the sacking of his minister, Bobo Dettke.

Francis Orodani, who, like Mr Dettke, was appointed after the August election, says he rang the head of divisions who said it was a political decision and to be calm and not panic.

Mr Orodani says he doesn't know what led to the Prime Minister's decision to relieve the minister of his portfolio and wouldn't comment on the suggestion that it was connected to Mr Dettke's seizure of a logging ship.

He says the day-to-day running of the ministry doesn't rely on having a minister and it's functioning as normal.

But Mr Orodani says when a new minister is appointed he will work loyally with him.