Editor,

I keep receiving e-mails and comments through the net, as well as the local and overseas media agencies regarding the report I submitted on 20 December 2007 to the Hon. Prime Minister with reference to the working environment within the Ministry I am currently serving. I have not responded to these comments to date as this was not the aim of my raising the concerns in question, although I am taking the opportunity now to make my position on the matter clear.

As you are all aware, the report I submitted together with documents as evidence pertaining to the cases, I specifically referred to was meant for the proper government action as intended. You may also note that the language I used, was carefully selected on the basis that I never wanted to use the words "Allegation", "Criminal offence", or any of those that can be legally interpreted in the court of law, and I did not at all recommend for the Hon. Minister to be "Dismissed or removed".

You may also note that my role as a CEO is to manage the staff below me, and manage and run the operation of the Ministry of Tourism to the best of my knowledge and ability. I am also required to comply with all laws relevant and applicable, and observe and promote adherence to the Public Service Code of Conduct. This is exactly what I did in my report. It was a report seeking for a solution from my superior.

You may also note that I had never provided, or submitted through any means, or gave a copy of my report either personally, or through a person, or an agent to any of the media personnel or institutions, except for the ones that were submitted to the Prime Minister, and his Cabinet Ministers.

Furthermore, I do not support the way in which this issue is being used against Government, nor do I support those who have made the information publicly available, or those who have gained access to the information in a wrongful manner.

Having said that, I kindly and humbly request: please can we leave the matter to the proper government process in which the Auditor General has the authority through the law to have access to the documents indicated in my report.

I also wish to bring to your attention that I do not have any affiliation with "Mana Fatulisi" (Thunderstorm) and have no intention whatsoever for any association at all. I am just doing my job, which I believe it is the right thing to do.

Thank you.

Edgar Cocker

Director of Tourism