BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Thavia clan has convened a meeting at Suma in Isabel Province, marking what elders describe as the first step towards seeking retribution for damages allegedly caused to their land by Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited (SIRCL).
Reports reaching Island Sun state that the meeting, held yesterday, was organised by a tribe leader who wishes to remain anonymous.
The meeting brought together men and women of the Thavia tribe to reach a common understanding before deciding on the next course of action.
The Suma mining operation has been under intense public scrutiny following a recent High Court ruling that found Solomon Islands Resource Company Limited to be operating illegally.
As a result of the court’s decision, the company was ordered to cease all operations at Suma and has since attempted to shift its activities to another tenement near the area known locally as “Jaho”.
Earlier reports indicate that attempts by the company to relocate its machinery to Jaho Camp were unsuccessful.
The most recent attempt, reportedly made last month, involved a barge trying to land at Suma Camp to retrieve machinery.
However, the mission was aborted after angry landowners confronted the barge with bush knives, forcing it to turn back.
The clan leaders said the Suma meeting is crucial to ensure that all members of the tribe speak with one voice to consider the next step following the court ruling and ongoing developments surrounding the mining company.
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