Forum Solomon Islands International is accusing the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of taking sides with the illegal cigarette importer, Oceanic Oasis Company Limited, OOCL.
In a statement yesterday, F-S-I-I said the Ministry appeared to be siding with the Asian company in a letter it wrote to the importer, dated the fourteenth of last month.
F-S-I-I says according to the letter, Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Becha instructed a Peter Wong from the company to put graphic and written health messages on the pack of cigarettes he imported in order to comply with the Tobacco Act and its regulations.