The Solomon Islands Secretary to the Prime Minister is defending a $US308,000 trip to the UN General Assembly.
Dr Jimmy Rodgers told local media the money was worth spending because government 'got all the agendas brought up at global level.'
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Collin Beck added the cost of the trip is small compared to its benefit.
The Solomon Star obtained documents listing charges of the trip.
Photo: UN/Cia Pak
The Solomon Star obtained details of the types of hotels used, and daily rates for each hotel in Australia, New York, and the Pacific Leaders' Summit with US President Joe Biden in Washington DC as well as a five-day transit in Singapore.
The 12-member delegation including Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and his wife spent seven nights in Brisbane on the way to New York costing $US24, 500.
There were nine nights at the Westin Hotel in New York and five nights at the Hotel Washington, coming to $49,000.
On its return, the delegation flew back via Singapore where members spent five nights at the Hilton Orchard.
The bill for this was $US17, 500.
According to a memo, the government was only springing for accommodation and other provisions, including hosting official dinners, transit and local transportation costs and gifts.
The memo said travel and per diems for the delegation were met by the Honiara-based South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency.
