- suspension revoked as Lands Commissioner returns to office
BY NED GAGAHE
Suspended Commissioner of Lands Alan McNeil has got his job back after the Ministry of Public Service revoked and set aside his suspension just weeks after he was suspended over allegations linked to land dealings at the Kongulai water source.
McNeil was suspended on 13 November 2025. A letter from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Luke Cheka, alleged misconduct relating to:
- Fraudulent execution of lease documents in November 2023;
- Breach of a 2009 High Court order;
- Misrepresenting a “Good Will” payment from a former Prime Minister as a final lease payment.
McNeil immediately denied all accusations, branding the suspension “unprocedural” and insisting he was never given the chance to respond before disciplinary action was taken.
He vowed to challenge the matter legally.
However, in a turn of events, PS Cheka who initially signed the suspension issued another letter dated 28 November 2025 informing McNeil that the suspension had been revoked and set aside.
“This letter serves to inform you that your suspension has now been revoked and set aside, commencing the date of this notice.
“On the same note, your suspension conditions are also withdrawn.
“You are therefore required to resume your normal duties immediately,” the letter stated.
No explanation was given for the reversal of the decision.
McNeil confirmed to the media following the development on Friday that his suspension was revoked.
McNeil has continually rejected the allegations and says he has “solid grounds and good evidence” proving they are false.
He added that if he had been given the opportunity earlier, he would have explained himself.
Over recent years, McNeil has been at the centre of several major land litigations that resulted in unlawfully allocated government land being returned to the state.
One of the biggest cases he is currently pursuing supported by Cabinet is the government’s move to resume Levers Solomons Ltd land in the Lungga–Henderson–Tenaru corridor.
Levers has challenged the government’s action, and the matter remains before the High Court.
McNeil is now expected to return to work immediately while preparing to publicly address the issue in a press conference.
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