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More Correctional Officers graduate

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Press Release
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Recruits pose for a Group photo with the official guest and CSSI Commissioner after the official program at the Correctional Head quarter

Forty new Correctional Officers graduated last Friday and will become part of the Correction Service Solomon Islands work force after completing their 20 weeks of training.

The graduation was held at the Correctional Headquarter, Rove witnessed by family members, invited guests and officials from the CSSI.

Known as ‘Sir Peter Kenilorea Recruits 03/2019’, 26 of them are male and 14 women.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNS&CS), Karen Qalokale said the graduation of 40 new Correctional Officers is significant as they prepare themselves for duties as Correctional Officers.

She congratulates the officers for successfully completing their 20 weeks of training which comprises of 27 units with 11 other essential areas of expertise.

“I wish to congratulate you for your hard work, perseverance and professionalism you have displayed during the 20 weeks of training.

“Your successful completion of 27 units together with 11 other essential areas of expertise from other stakeholders, affirms your capabilities and potentials as loyal correctional officers.” Qalokale said.

She said she is proud to see 14 female officers are graduating among the men.

“You have broken the barriers that our society thinks that CSSI is only for males.

 You undoubtedly face many challenges and I believe that you can do the work with much enthusiasm, vigor and competency as your male colleagues,” she said.

Qalokale highlighted that Correctional Officers play an essential role in any correctional facility and the criminal justice system.

She said precisely correctional officers form the ‘foundation of today’s correctional institution.

Charles Kimaere receives his dux award “Baton of Honour” from Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Dr. Lachlan Strahan.

“As correctional officers take heart, your primary role in looking after the inmates is essential to human services professions.

Accept the fact that you are good role models to the inmates, and you should be respectful and lead by examples to them, helping them to cope with the many challenges of life they encounter behind bars.

 The hallmark of any profession in the commitment to a robust code of ethics and to task expertise,” Qalokale adds.

She encourages the new recruits to uphold their integrity and professionalism in executing their responsibilities as correctional officers.

“Your work ethics and goals must be guided by the vision and mission statements of CSSI.

 Do not work in fear or doubts or laziness but build your competency and confidence in yourself and use your best discretion to deal with various circumstances.

“Take pride in wearing your uniform, which symbolizes the values and virtues of the Correctional Service Solomon Islands,” she said.

Qalokale also acknowledges the Australian Government through the High Commission to Solomon Islands Justice Program for its ongoing commitment and assistance towards the training of CSSI and the rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

She also thanked the prominent Faith Based Providers – Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA) for capacity development on spiritual rehabilitation programs for inmates as they established hope when they return to their communities, homes and to their families. Simply, they should prepare to reintegrate back to their communities.

She commends the CSSI Commissioner and his officers for their commitment towards their duties.

“Let us be vigilant to create a safe and professional working environment for our officers and those we are called to look after with strong determination, let us move our CSSI organization forward for the betterment of our country, Solomon Islands,” she said.

–CSSI

Workshop on inclusivity for persons with disability ends on high note

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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Left-right) Susan, Francis, Claude, Janice and Silas join the workshop in singing the happy birthday song in the sign language for Janice, whose birthday fell on Friday

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

A workshop looking at ways to enhance inclusivity for persons with disability has ended in Honiara on a “high note”.

A thrilled Mr Casper Faasala summed up this milestone event with this idiom because of the achievements made during the course of the four days and the promising pathways paved going forward with the aim to make Solomon Islands a more inclusive home for the persons with disability (PWD) community.


.   Lead facilitator Ms Naomi Tai (left) and participants. Ms Ellena (right) and Grace Hilly of Strongim Bisnis (back turned).

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare failing to turn up and open the workshop on Tuesday did not dampen spirits, rather strengthened resolves to speak up, share and learn, network and improve, all for a greater inclusivity for the PWD.

Faasala, Manager of PWDSI (Persons With Disability of Solomon Islands), in closing the workshop on Friday said he would prefer calling it an adjournment, hinting at the need and prospects of more dialogues to come.

He adds that the workshop’s end signals the start of participants going forth and spreading the word on concepts and contexts learnt.


Casper concluding the workshop with remarks

Rashmi Chary of UNDP, in her remarks, concurs with this, reminding stakeholders including media: “We’ll keep this conversation going because from the four days we’ve spent together, we’ve built our confidence to talk openly with one another. And, we’ll just keep going because there are plenty resources.

“The most powerful [resource] is hearing the lived experiences from this community [persons with disability]. That has been a privilege.

“It is important that social inclusion is not just a box-ticking exercise or bringing people together and that’s it. Since the inception we have to be including everyone. Now it’s also not just about walking the talk, but also actioning the promises.

“During the workshop, a lot of things have been gained. And the conversations will continue as friendships and networks strengthen over time, that is important.”



Ms Jemina captivates the workshop with her beautiful voice and message in song.

Ms Naomi Tai, workshop lead facilitator, who is living with disability and has been a community worker since 2009, shares that the highlight for her is the workshop providing a space in which nearly 30 persons with disability came face-to-face with stakeholders such as media, UNDP, Ministry of women (MWYCFA), Ministry of health (MHMS), Parliament, Strongim Bisnis, civil society organisations via Development Services Exchange (DSE), and Ministry of Justice.

“Through this space the PWD community representatives can share their lived experiences and convey their preferences to help the society become more inclusive.



Visually impaired group in discussion

“We are not stopping here. Let’s add on to what we’ve built here. Let the fruits of our discussions help in making our country a more inclusive one for persons with disability.”

The workshop was capped off with a presentation on covid-19 by Dr Divinal Ogaoga, chair of the Technical Working Group for MHMS.

Ogaoga made simple what covid-19 is, how it is spreads, covid variants, measures to help avoid getting it, covid-19 vaccination and why it is important that we get vaccinated.

He also quelled concerns and fears expressed through questions in the Q&A segment.

Following Ogaoga’s talk, it was agreed that an arrangement be done to get participants with disability, including others not present at the workshop, vaccinated.

The objectives of the workshop include:

-Collate approaches, practices and tools applied by the PSO and the broader justice sector within the context of PWDs.

– Reflect on the participation and perspectives of PWDs, drawing from their direct experiences with the justice system.

– Design information dissemination tools and products that are closely linked with PWDs experience with the justice sector and with their vision for full participation.

– Share experiences of different actors in developing approaches, practices and tools to support PWDs, for potential use by the project and the broader justice sector.

In a post-interview, Ms Tai (PWDSI) says the workshop has achieved its objectives and more.



(Left-right) UNDP’s Jone chatting with MHMS’s Dian and PWDSI’s Casper

“Adding on to the objectives, participants with disability have made new friends and networks, media publicity have boosted the reach messages relayed in the workshop get throughout the country, and even overseas.”

Faasala, in his remarks conveyed to the workshop that issues raised have reached parliament level. Earlier that day he had had an audience with the parliament’s Bills and Legislations Committee (BLC).

“I informed the BLC, I made mention this workshop to them, that this workshop is about communication and outreach when I went before them regarding the public health bill they are sitting over.

“I brought our collective message to the BLC. I hope it is taken onboard including some of the suggestions I gave them.

“The BLC is interested in knowing more about the PWD community. BLC asked how many PWD we have in the country. And, this question implies that none of the politicians want to know the contents in CENSUS Report.

“I will submit a detailed data report to BLC on Monday [tomorrow].”

Faasala also announced that WHO (World Health Organisation) will launch a framework called ‘Action the Promises’.

He explains that this framework is important to furthering the cause of the PWD community as it may result in the fulfillment of the many promises that government had given to the PWD community.


(Left-right) Interpreter Stella Damutalau discussing with Francis, Janice, Susan, Claude, Silas, Eric and Jack (back turned).

On reflection, Ms Tai tells Island Sun that having worked with the PWD community for more than a decade, she has seen progress, “although slow, it’s progress nonetheless”.

“But, this workshop, for me, it is an actual boost, especially with the interaction with stakeholders and the media publicity of the workshop and the collective messages raised here.”

The workshop was run by the UNDP in partnership with PWDSI and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs through the Public Solicitor’s Office.

WHY THE DELAY?

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Isabel Premier Leslie Kikolo.

Kikolo queries gov’t over promised development

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PREMIER of Isabel Province Leslie Kikolo has voiced his province’s disappointment to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over the long delay in the relocation of the National Agriculture Research institute to Garanga land near Buala.

Premier Kikolo highlighted this disappointment in his speech during the 37th anniversary 2nd appointed day celebration in Buala.

“I’m disappointed after signing the MOU with Ministry of Agriculture Livestock for a total of 374 hectares of land in Garanga for the National Agriculture Research institute, cattle, livestock and rice farming, since the signing was done a couple of years ago, nothing has eventuated,” Kikolo said.

“If the National Government is not interested in utilizing that land, I might reclaim it for other purposes,” he added.

Kikolo said although Isabel doesn’t have commercial farms as in other provinces, there are still great opportunities in terms of the development of Kava, now an export commodity which has begun in this Islands 30 years ago.

He also highlighted that Isabel is the only province that owns almost 45 percent of its total land.

He also assured the Prime Minister that his government is willing to use those lands for National Development projects, either it be SIG funding or on PPP arrangements with equitable benefit sharing regimes.

Meanwhile, Sogavare said that his officers already made a follow-up on the issue and will update the province in due course.

“I do note your disappointment with the relocation of the National Agriculture Research Institute and Livestock, my officers have already followed up on this before we left Honiara, we will update you on this,” Sogavare said.

However, Sogavare said he is happy to note that there is a field experiment station at Garanga, and that is something the national government will work closely with the province.

Gov’t cautioned on impacts of mining

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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A recent mining exploration on Isabel Province. Photo by Axiom Mining Solomon Islands.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE national government has been urged to strongly consider the negative impacts of mining.

Isabel premier Leslie Kikolo made the reminder in his second appointed speech in Buala, Thursday.

Kikolo said with the current provision in the Mines and Mineral Act, it does not provide the legal right for the Province to say something regarding mining.

He said learning from the negative impacts of mining developments that has occurred in the country and also other countries, there is a need for the government to consider the negative impacts of mining.

“I urge the national government that as much as possible let those negative impacts on mining be not repeated in our province should mining take place anytime as from now,” Kikolo said.

He also said in one of the Isabel leaders’ summit there was a decision to halt mining operation until when the province is ready.

However, Kikolo said the province is also aware that with the current situation in order to sustain the economy of the country, in any event resource owners allow their land for mining, then the province want to see resources owners, surrounding communities living around the proposed tenement area and the province as a whole must receive the maximum benefit from such operation.

Half of Isabel’s revenue from logging

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Logging Camp at Ngoibo Isabel Province

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ISABEL Premier Leslie Kikolo says about 51 percent of the provincial revenue is collected from logging royalty and licenses.

He said the total revenue collection makes up 57 percent in total, which is half of its revenue collected, while only six percent through other local collections.

“I understand, that there is no simple solution to transition from the logging industry, my government has envisage attracting foreign investment for tourism, the mining sector, agriculture and fisheries,” Kikolo said.

He said it is a fact that the current revenue regime is unstainable and his government are doing their best to redesign by looking at investing into the six percent revenue collection.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said Isabel Province is second only to Western Province in production of round logs.

“From an economic perspective this is good but we all know that the current rate of logging is unsustainable, not only that, but we are also concerned about the social problems that came with logging which is on the rise.

“We have had situations where families are fighting each other because of land disputes, this ugly side of logging is a reminder that we cannot continue to rely on logging,” Sogavare said.

He said logging is an industry that needs to be reformed and better managed and the government is working on a new Forestry Bill, which should be presented to Parliament soon.

Sogavare also acknowledged the province’s idea for re-forestation on areas that have been logged.

“This is something that we would like to further develop and improve on especially as we put more focus towards rehabilitating and restoring our over-logged areas,” Sogavare said.

Western tourism badly affected

Written by
Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

TOURISM Industry in the Western Province was badly affected due to border restrictions in response to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Few operators have local guests visiting their resort while others remain open with no guests.

Tourism Officer of Western Province, Zaza Gina said tourism operators in Western Province are not certain what their future holds.

“Our operators are feeling the impact of COVID-19. I’ve visited some of the operators in Munda and overall respond is that they are badly affected,” she said.

Gina said some of the operators have undergone redundancy while some of the operators established new policies where employees takes turn to work.

“Like Agnes Lodge, they’ve established a policy where employees can take turn to work. Employees will work for certain period then stayed at home for a month for their turn,” she said.

Gina said Agnes Lodge established the policy to help its employees to stay afloat during this time of COVID-19 economic crisis.

Diarrhea scare in Gizo

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Western Provincial capital Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

A VIRAL diarrhea has alarmed Gizo residents, prompting the public to take extra precaution on what they eat as a way of maintaining good hygienic practices.

Reports reaching SunGizo office state that the viral diarrhea has claimed few lives at Gizo hospital last week.

Reports also state that there are increasing numbers of patients complaining of diarrhea since last week.

Director of Health and Medical Services for Western Province, Dr Dickson Boara said his office received the report and officers have been sent to the communities to investigate it.

“We have received the report and our staff have been sent to community concerned to investigate the issue,” Boara said.

“We are not in the position to say that this is an outbreak until we get to the bottom of this report,” he added.

“At the moment, we are waiting for the feedback of our team who are now in the communities investigating this report,” he said.

SunGizo understands that Gizo Primary School has taken urgent measures in respond to the report.

The school had stopped parents from selling food at the school and at the same time encourages parents to provide fruits and other healthy food for student’s lunch.

Are’are Land summit organized

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Press Release
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Leaders within Arahanimane Council of Chief participating in group discussion during the event.

A special gathering of leaders from the Are’are community on Malaita was held at the end of April.

The Are’are Leaders Land Summit was held at Kopo village, Waisisi frim 27 to 28 April and was organized by the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association in collaboration with the Are’Are planning committee based in Honiara as well as chiefs of the region.

This important event was hosted by Arahanimane House of Chiefs. It was co -funded by the Pacific People Advancing Change (PPAC) through the South Pacific Community, WARA and Member of Parliament for West Are’Are.

 The Land Summit was attended by more than three hundred leaders throughout the whole of Are’Are Region, covering three House of Chiefs namely; Arahanimane HOC, Hahuarahana HOC and Namoaraha HOC. Leaders who attended the Summit represented young people, women, Chiefs, Church leaders, Waisisi Community High School, Member of Parliament for West Are’Are, John Maneniaru, WARA staff and members, Planning Committee and community leaders.


Some of those that were part of the summit. This was within Kopo Village Waisisi, West Are’Are

Furthermore, it was attended by representatives of the Malaita Provincial Government led by the Deputy Premier of Malaita Province, Randell Sifoni who was also the Guest of Honour who officiated the opening ceremony. 

Also, the Director of Winrock International, Dr Morgan Wairiu and his Team were present and did an awareness talk about the roles and functions of Winrock International.

The purpose of the Land Summit was for Are’Are Leaders to come together to dialogue and discuss Are’Are land matters, meaning land and all that is on it, in it, above it and around it which are the most important resources of the Are’Are region.

In addition, that Chiefs sort out genealogies, tribes and leadership. 

There were five perspectives that Presenters spoke on. These perspectives are:

First, Chief John Pa’e, Chief Bernard Paurara and Chief Joel Hutaranimae spoke on the Are’Are Kustom/Traditional perspective on Are’Are land – meaning how does Are’Are Kastom see and embrace land a as useful resource.

Second, Dr Fr James Ereai spoke on the Biblical Perspective – how does the Bible/Holy Scripture see land in the past and the present.

Third, Nelson Naoapu spoke on the Government Perspective – how does the Solomon Island government see land, referring to the Acts such as the Land and Title Act etc.

Fourth, Max Totorea and Edward Huitarau from Maimasina Green Belt spoke on the Environment and Conservation Perspective – Should the Are’Are people conserve land?

Fifth, Pascal Oritaimae spokesman for Advance Technology talked on the Economic Development Perspective – introducing and explaining how Are’Are people can engage in economic development but in a sustainable way.

Following these presentations, the audience were divided into their House of Chiefs and had open dialogue and discussions on land issues that affect people and tribes and look more constructively on the Are’Are Land Tenure System. They also discussed on exploring economic development opportunities that are available for the people to engage in to raise cash to meet people’s needs.

Participants were encouraged to keep talking on land matters at the Summit and to continue talking afterwards to sort out any land issues and disputes that affect families, tribes and the rest of Are’Are communities. Participants were also called on to work together and restore relationships and map the way forward for peaceful coexistence and active participation in economic development. They were also called upon to strengthen Are’Are Traditional leadership at all levels. WARA wish to acknowledge all who support and made this event possible: The Pacific People Advancing Change (PPAC), South Pacific Community, the Are‘Are Planning Committee, the Waisisi community and hosting committee, Waisisi Community High School, leaders from both east and west Are’Are, Honorable Member for West Are’Are, Deputy Premier for Malaita Province and Team, Winrock International, Maimaasina Green Belt, Advance Technology Limited and everyone who were not mention but contributed one way or another towards and during the Are’Are Leaders Land Summit

Call us by our names, please

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Each person has a name, and he or she is called by it. Or so we thought.

For persons with disability, this is not always the case.

In day-three of the ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ workshop yesterday, participants living with disability gave powerful and moving testimonies of having suffered discrimination of all sorts.

One such is name calling.

In many instances they have been called by ‘names’ relating to their impairment. If it’s not worse enough being called behind their backs, some have had it said to their face.

One, Mr Fred, who lives with visual impairment, shares that it is only in this workshop that he is being called “Fred”. Back, in his community he is simply called “Blind”, he says.

Another, Mr James, who is living with stature and speech impairment, shares that he used to be called “Bottle”, “Big-head” or “Short”.

Ms Marella, says sometimes people in her community even her relatives call her “Bend-leg” or “Short-girl”.

For Ms Ellena, a word in her local dialect meaning “leg that has been shortened” has been used by other people to call her by.

These are just four examples of the many testaments shared yesterday to insensitive and hurtful treatment participants have had to face in their lives – some still do.

Few say they are fortunate to have supportive families who do not put them through this or shield them from it. Others share that although their immediate families do not show them this cruelty, they receive it from relatives.

From public? Nearly all are victims to this cruel act.

One brave girl, living with a limb impairment [name withheld] tearfully recalls that her first encounter with the word “disable” was a one-time incident early in life with her father, who called her using this label. Although he later retracted his comments and apologised, having realised his mistake, this experience left its mark – this participant still painfully remembers it.

Yesterday, a segment in the workshop involved participants dividing into groups to discuss the topic ‘Respectful Language’.

From discussion results, the issue at the forefront is name-calling.

As with any non-disable person, our name is one of the things we hold dear in life. This is the same with persons living with disability.

“Please call me by my name” is the silent cry for each one. Not by labels pertaining to an impairment.

Dian Row, media and health promotion officer for the Ministry of Health (MHMS) partaking in discussions with participants living with hearing and speech impairment, later said:

“[In societies across the country, persons with disability are called by words with meaning that describes their impairment].

“For people living with speech and hearing impairment, they have names, they have real names including a surname. Some also have sign language names which they accept to be called with.”

Ms Row posed a challenging statement for non-disabled persons:

“You just imagine putting yourself in their shoes? What if it was you who was called by those [cruel labels]?

“What if you had hearing and speech impairment and were walking, and someone who wanted to get your attention, threw a pebble at you just to get you to look their way?

“You wouldn’t like it!”

Mr Jabesh Manaika, who is a programme presenter at the SIBC, and is living with visual impairment, speaking for his group, lays it out: Say the person’s name, followed by the impairment.

“You cannot say blind Jabesh, or blind Desmond, you say Desmond who is living with visual impairment.

“You cannot put ‘blind’ in front of the name, because this means ‘blind’ is my first name, making Jabesh my second, thus I no longer have a surname!”

Reflecting on the importance of family in protecting their children who are with a disability, Mrs Eileen Maetoloa-Akaramo shared how her family have taken it on themselves to stand with Jacineth, her third son, who is living with visual impairment.

“As Jacineth grew up, I told my first and second born sons, to stand with their brother.

“I am always by my son’s side because I worry a lot in case someone discriminates my son. I don’t want anyone to ridicule him. If anyone does, they will have to deal with me. I’ll stand there with him, I’m like his advocate.”

Underscoring the vital role family plays in support and awareness for persons with disability, Mr Desmond, who is living with visual impairment, establishes how it should be.

“Awareness and support for persons with disability should begin at the home, and from there go to the community, and from there to the top level [of authority].”

The undaunted Desmond shares that he has faced ridicule even from the likes of members of Parliament (MP).

“Honest, some honourable Members ridiculed me to the bottom of their level, but I remind them that my ballot is important, so please do not discriminate me, call me the right way. You are the one who should be helping me, that’s why I cast my vote, so don’t call me ‘blind con-man’ or ‘blind beggar’. No!

“Just call me Desmond or Desmond who is with visual impairment. In that way, I will feel in my heart who you are as my MP.”

Through the course of these sharing, one could not help but realise just how rife and far-reaching such discrimination and insensitivity is in our society.

This reinforces the idea that more of such workshops and similar awareness activities are needed.

“This workshop is an eye-opener for me. And, I believe it is time we who share this journey we stand together, we preach it in our homes, in our communities,” Mrs Maetoloa-Akaramo said during her reflection.

For Solomon Islands, the road is long and hard, but such activities as the ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ workshop are milestones which help hasten the country towards inclusiveness of persons with disability.

The four-day workshop is being run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs through the Public Solicitor’s Office and People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI).

The industrious Ms Naomi Tai of PWDSI, who is with a disability, is the facilitator, and is supported by UNDP’s Mr Jone and Ms Rashmi.

The workshop concludes on Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel conference hall.

SFA to meet over proposed Forestry Bill today in Honiara

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Forest Association (SFA) will go through the Drafting Instructions of Forestry Bill today at 10am.

The meeting will be held at SFA Conference Room to discuss matters pertaining to this Forestry Bill.

In an email received by Island Sun, SFA President Johnny Sy advised all members to attend the meeting.

Sy also asked the members who have an issue with Foreign Investment Division to kindly bring the show cause letter and cancellation of FID Certificate plus the Central bank LC issue.

He asked the members to kindly cooperate or else SFA won’t be able to act on behalf of them.

The main objective of the Bill is to make amendments to the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act, Cap 40, in order to make it more robust and forward looking in nature to cater for the new activities and developments which is occurring in the forestry sector now and into the future its fundamental aims and objectives.

The secondary objectives and purposes of the recommended Amendment to the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act include:

  1. Enable the Act to accommodate changes in the Forestry sector and establish the platform for changes in the Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act and its relevant Regulations [2005]
  2. The licensing and enforcement of the relevant conditions of the License

One of the recommended Amendments is the Commissioner of Forest Resources” should be replaced with the word “Forestry Technical Committee” (Commissioner will issue License based on the advice of the Forestry Technical Committee).

According to section 10 (1) the word “appropriate Government” should be replaced with the word “Council of Chiefs” and the word “Customary Land Appeal Court” should be replaced with the word “Tribal Land Panel” (as Local Court will no longer have the power to hear Land matters).

Section 17, a fine of three thousand dollars or imprisonment for two years or to both such fine and imprisonment” should be replaced with the phrase “a fine of fifty thousand dollars and five years’ imprisonment or both’.

There will be a Forestry Board established to:

  1. To receive appeals from the Minister of Forestry and Research from aggrieved parties
  2. To advise the Minister to lift suspended license and reinstate cancelled Felling License.
  3. To advise the Minister of Forests on appeal matters generally
  4. Any other matters that are referred to the Board by the Minister.
  5. Make decisions on issues pertaining to all Forestry plantations either owned by individual, family or community.
  6. To call up relevant expertise to advise on technical matters when needs arise.
  7. Deliberate on the Declaration of a Moratorium when the need arises
  8. Deliberate on forest clearance for other development purposes e.g., Agriculture, Palm oil, mining, major settlements, infrastructure developments,
  9. To advise the government of the day on Forest Policy issues, e.g., policy review.
  10. Forestry Board’s decision is final

Furthermore, the Ministry of Forestry and Research will put in place a Budget for all Timber Rights Hearing. The total amount should not exceed $80,000.00 dollars per sitting.

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