By Mike Puia
A former Guadalcanal provincial member, Mr Ron Lawson Meke, has lashed out at a $50 million payout on Hell’s Point that was reported in this paper on Monday.
Meke said Guadalcanal national and provincial leaders should stand together and reject this payment.
Chairman of Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), Mr Patrick Wong, and Kadere Party president, Mr Peter Boyers, are reportedly having talks over this payment.
The High Court ordered the sale of the site, which is being used as a bomb disposal training school by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
The court order was reportedly rejected by Prime Minister Ricky Houenipwela.
Instead, Prime Minister Hou reportedly supports the Attorney General’s Chambers and private lawyers’ view that the recent amendment to the Land and Titles Act be used to buy back the land.
Meke, former MPA for Duidui Ward Six from 1993 to 1998, said he is concerned that it is unknown where this payment will go to.
He said if this payment is made to Mr Wong and Mr Boyers then both men must prove they have the birthright to such payment.
“I don’t know which tribe they (Mr Wong and Mr Boyers) come from or where their birth place is,” Meke adds.
He said he understands RIPEL, which claim ownership over Levers land in east Honiara, has been liquidated therefore hold no right over these lands.
Meke warned such payment will stir anger among Guadalcanal people and it would lead to problems.
He said any payment of land should be made to the Guadalcanal provincial government.
