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Chinese Ambassador describes PM Sogavare’s China trip as a success

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Chinese Ambassador Li Ming

Chinese Ambassador Li Ming has described Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s recent trip to China as a successful one with political mutual trust between two countries being consolidated

Mr Li echoed this to Island Sun Newspaper in an exclusive interview.  

He said during the visit, he met with Chinese President Xi Jingping, held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, had a meeting with Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Ming said Prime Minister has also attended the inauguration ceremony of Solomon Islands embassy in Beijing and the First high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development with Mr Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China.

He said Sogavare also attended the Solomon Islands-China High Level Business Dialogue, and visited Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces.

“I had the honor to participate in major events of the visit and was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of further development bilateral relations of both countries.

“The visit has yielded fruitful outcomes. The political mutual trust between the two countries has been consolidated. The leaders of our two countries agreed in a joint statement to officially establish a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development for a new era. It show that our bilateral relationships has reached a historic height, and will surely open a new chapter in the history of our relation,” he said.

Li reiterated that a number of Memoranda of Understanding in development cooperation, trade, infrastructure development, civil aviation, education, policing cooperation, customs and meteorology were signed by the two sides during the visit.

“These documents will bring more benefits to the two people.

“The people-to-people diplomatic has been enhanced,” he said.

Li adds with the opening of the Embassy of Solomon Islands in China, it will become a bond between the people of Solomon Islands and China.

He further stressed the bilateral relationship between the two countries have developed rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly four years ago.

Li stressed that Solomon Islands has actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative and China has become the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands.

“Our bilateral relations has become a model of solidarity, cooperation, and joint development among countries of different sizes and developing countries. Standing at a new historic, starting point, China is ready to continue to work with Solomon Islands to firmly support each other’s core interests, strength mutually beneficial cooperation and expand exchanges at all level,” he said.

Man facing multiple abuse charges in court

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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The case of a man facing multiple counts of abuse was mentioned in court yesterday.

Joseph Tekohe was brought before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly at the magistrate court.

He is charged with three counts of Domestic Violence Psychological abuses contrary to section 4 (1) (c) & 58(1), Psychological abuses contrary to section 4 (1) (c ) & 58 (1) (2)  and lastly, Domestic Violence on Economic abuse contrary to section 4 (1) (d) & 58 (1) (2) of the Family Protection Act 2014.

The complainant and Mr Tekohe are biological siblings from Sikaiana Island, Malaita Outer Islands. They currently reside together at their family residence in Koloale.

Allegations say on May 13, 2023 between 11pm and midnight, an intoxicated Tekohe arrived at their residence in a public taxi and psychological abused the complainant, using insulting words that degraded her and her husband’s status.

He also allegedly used a timber to damage the door of the complainant’s bedroom and various household items, including plates and cups.

Tekohe is on court bail extension – he has to report every Monday from 8am to 4pm at the China Town police post office for his court bail.

Court adjourned for August 7 as Tekohe is yet to find a lawyer.

Man jailed 15 yrs for wife’s murder

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for the murder of his wife.

Raphael Sare, from Onemae Zone, Fiu village, Central Kwaraae, Malaita Province, will become eligible for parole after 15 years.

Sare was charged and convicted with the murder of his 20-year-old wife on March 27, 2022.

The sentencing was delivered by High Court judge Justice Leonard Maina during the High Court circuit in Auki.

The court proceedings revealed that on the early morning of March 27, 2022, Sare returned home to find his wife absent from their room. After searching for her, he discovered her at another house and escorted her back to their residence.

It was during their return home Sare assaulted his wife at their family home. Due to her injuries and distress, some women came to her aid and rushed her to Kiluufi hospital. Despite the nurses’ efforts, she passed away due to her injuries around 9am the same day.

The autopsy report presented during the trial indicated that the cause of death was severe internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity caused by a rupture of the spleen, resulting from blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Justice Maina concluded that the defendant had brutally kicked his wife twice in the forehead, leading to grievous injuries, excessive blood loss, and ultimately, her untimely death.

Based on the conclusive evidence and the doctor’s report, the court found Sare guilty of murdering his wife with malice aforethought and subsequently convicted him on the charge of murder.

As a result, he was handed a life imprisonment sentence with the condition that he serves a minimum of 15 years in jail before being eligible to apply for parole.

The prosecution was represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, while the defense counsel, Limeniala, represents the defendant.

‘RE-COOK THE HALF-COOKED’

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Press Release
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Opposition leader, Matthew Wale

-Opposition calls for re-draft to Honiara City Bill after all stakeholders say they were not consulted

Opposition is calling out the government over a Bill which appears to be rushed and not properly and completely drafted.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale says all stakeholders that appeared before the Bills & Legislations Committee were not consulted on the proposals Honiara City (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2023.

Mr Wale said the stakeholders have expressed disappointment.

They include the Law Reform Commission, the RSIPF, the Corrections Service, the Magistracy, Women’s groups, & Taxi Operators Association.

He said the Law Reform Commission proposed that perhaps the Bill be amended to remove Divisions 4 & 5.

The Bill has five divisions.

Divisions 1 & 2 enable infringement notices to be issued and fixed penalties. Division 3 empowers law enforcement officers and provides for the conduct of their work. Division 4 empowers detention of suspects by the City Council. Division 5 provides for the prosecution of offences, where an accused has not taken advantage of the administrative penalty scheme.

“Given the short time to the Games, the pressure on resources, the need for recruitment and appropriate training, it is sensible to leave the functions in Divisions 4 & 5 to the Corrections & the RSIPF and that the City Council collaborate with them closely,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader said the proposals in those two divisions are too far-reaching to be rushed upon the City Council.

He said the removal of Divisions 4 & 5 should not affect the City’s efforts towards the Games.

In terms of penalties standardisation, Wale expressed that the penalties proposed in the Bill are inconsistent with the general scheme in our various legislations, where the base is 5,000 penalty units and is equivalent to six months imprisonment.

“In this Bill 2,000 units is 6 months, 20,000 units equivalent is 5 years (instead of 2yrs); 50,000 units equivalent is 10 years – 100,000 units would be the revised equivalent. This is the same issue for the other penalties as well. This is probably just a problem with the drafters not having recourse to the standardised penalties scheme in our laws. I hope there is such a tool, readily accessible to drafters,” he said.

Wale said it is likely also a result of the lack of wider consultations, which would pick up on this important issue.

He said detention and prosecution of offences are better left to existing institutions in our criminal justice system to handle.

“An amended Bill ought to be limited to granting powers for the issue of infringement notices and set penalties for offences. Therefore, it would be prudent to withdraw the Bill and redraft it for submission to Parliament again soon,” he said.

–OPPOSITION PRESS

FIGHTING CDF FRAUD

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Press Release
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MRD Deputy Secretary Technical Hugo Hebala (center) front row, Director Rural Development Division Milfred Delemani second from right with RSIPF investigators who are part of the RSIPF Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course: PC MRD

MRD, RSIPF discuss potential areas of collaboration to stamp out fraud in CDF

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through its National Crime & Investigation Department (NCID) have discussed potential areas of collaboration to stamp out fraud and corruption in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme.

This was after a team from the ministry (MRD) made a presentation on CDF to detectives/investigation officers from the NCID of the RSIPF on 28 June 2023.

The presentation was on an invitation by the RSIPF NCID to guarantee investigation officers who are part of a RSIPF Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course being conducted at the Rove Police Academy in Honiara between 26 and 30 June 2023 understands the roles and responsibilities of MRD within the Fraud and Corruption space in the country.

It also provided an opportunity for both government organisations to start mapping a way forward – especially how they can collaborate to assist investigators with criminal investigations if a referral is received by Police.

Other potential areas of collaboration discussed are;

  • Reporting/investigation of official corruption cases/misappropriation of CDF funds 
  • Promote Community awareness/campaigns to educate citizens on CDF program
  • Safety and security of CDF-funded projects/assets/infrastructures  

Deputy Secretary Technical (DST) of MRD Hugo Hebala said establishing a coordination system amongst relevant ministries like Ministry of Finance, MRD and RSIPF and other pertinent institutions is important for ease of information sharing.

He said with the momentum that the ministry is now taking by reforming the CDF program to improve its delivery mechanism and governances, it is more than important that such coordination system must be recognised.

Mr. Hebala acknowledged RSIPF for the opportunity and said such undertaking requires collective action not only from relevant ministries and organisations but from citizens as well.

The MRD team also took the opportunity and informed officers on the current reforms that the ministry is undertaking towards improving the CDF programme. 

Meanwhile, Detective Constable Edward Vilaka acknowledged the MRD team for the important presentation.

Constable Vilaka was speaking on behalf of his detective colleague officers who are part of the Serious Crime, Fraud and Corruption Course.

He said they are looking forward to working closely with MRD to improve the delivery mechanism and governance of CDF and make sure the CDF program serves its intended purpose by improving social and economic livelihood of rural people.  

The presentation covered the overview of CDF, its objectives, medium-term development key focus areas, legislative framework & guidelines, governance structure, program requirements and modalities, implementation pathway – funding process, pros and cons of CDF and its challenges.

CDF is a programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) purposely to improve the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

-MRD PRESS

Participants hail SIIVA weeklong training

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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BY NED GAGAHE

Participants that attended the Solomon Islands Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (SIIVA) weeklong workshop have commended the training saying it is really useful and relevant to their work.

The weeklong training commenced on Monday 27th March and will conclude this Friday. The training has brought together more than 30 participants from various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) organized by Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) in collaboration with the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP), Disaster READY Program Partners and key stakeholders.

The training was aimed at equipping the participants with the relevant skills and knowledge on how to use the SIIVA tool to collect right data and information to support the Climate Change Division on climate vulnerability assessment when working across with Solomon Islands communities. 

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday a participant William Rikirongo who works for World Vision SI as a Community Development Officer and is based in Makira province.

“As a participant the training has broaden his knowledge and understanding about the SIIVA tool, its methodology, components and user interface itself. There are communities we have identified to conduct Disaster Risk Management activities.

Some of the participants who attended the weeklong workshop.

“The training is so useful because it is of similar nature to our baseline survey we have done in the communities. The baseline survey is similar because we use tablets, survey questions etc… That’s is what we are doing in our work.

“For me it’s a great learning experience and valuable one to get to know what the SIIVA tool is, how it is used and the technical aspects of it How to interact with focused groupings in the communities. I see it important that we as organizations to work with the tool in our field work. To get fair knowledge and understanding on how to use the tool to get relevant data that holistically captured the pressing issues within the community.” Rikirongo said.

Another participant, Naomi Tai is a person with disability. She is currently the Disaster Risk Reduction Officer for People with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI).

She is currently heading a disaster reduction program under the Australian Humanitarian Partners (AHP) on the inclusion of people with disability.

“The training has given me a valuable opportunity to learn about the SIIVA tool. The tool will ensure that needs of people with disabilities are captured to enable government come up with interventions which address the issues within the community.” Tai said.

Meanwhile, Principal Resilience Officer of the Climate Change Division Mr. Marlchom Zion Row, said SIIVA is an assessment tool that is crucial to assist decision makers and policy makers to see how they will intervene in terms of projects to address problems of people.

“SIIVA tool is a holistic approach that addresses the nine human security key objectives that is geared towards addressing the pressing issues faced by people in their communities.

“Decision makers can use the data collected to design policy that fits in the context we faced in the country. These data are crucial to develop interventions to address the needs of people.” Mr. Row said.

Participants of the training includes, Save the Children SI, Oxfam SI, World Vision SI, Church Agency Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) that includes, ADRA (Adventist Development Relief Agency), CARITAS & ACOM, Live and Learn SI and Plan International Solomon Islands and People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI).

Disaster Ready is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by all its Australian Humanitarian (AHP) partners in Solomon Islands.

NINE MORE

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Sogavare. Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO

Tighter grip in Sino-SI relations as more MOU are signed. PM Sogavare gives break-down

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Solomon Islands has signed nine more agreements with China during prime minister Sogavare’s second trip to China last week.

PM Manasseh Sogavare said the nine memoranda of understanding (MOU) are aimed at establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership framework that is cross-sectoral.

He had signed six agreements when he first went to China in October 2019 after switching Solomon Islands’ diplomatic relations from Taiwan in September of that year.

Addressing media at his second ever press conference, upon arrival from China yesterday, Sogavare cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of area including agriculture, aviation, climate change, disaster management, education, sports, tourism and trade.

“Within three years of cooperation China has become the largest infrastructure and remains the largest trading partner of Solomon Islands.

“The path on which our relationship is heading has become increasingly broader, this is why we agree to have established a comprehensive strategic partnership framework that is cross sectoral but at the same time more focused.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have signed nine more agreements and Memorandums of Understanding,” he said.

Sogavare said the first agreement is the implementation plan of the Police Cooperation between the Ministry of Public security of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands 2023 to 2025.

“The implementation plan enhances cooperation on law enforcement and security matters with a commitment by China to provide support as needed for strengthening Solomon Islands Police law enforcement capacity.

“The plan aims to maintain law and order, security and social stability to protecting the security and interests of all citizens of Solomon Islands thereby creating a sound a stable environment for the social and economic development of our country,” he said.

Sogavare stressed a signing between the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology of the Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China    on the cooperation in the area of disaster risk reduction and emergency Reponses is the second agreement.

“This cooperation will cover emergency supply assistance and contingent plans between Solomon Islands and China also it will enable the sharing of information on disaster and disaster reduction measures between both parties,” he said.

Sogavare adds the third MOU is between the China Metrology and Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology of the Solomon Islands. The MoU provides for exchanges and collaborative activities in the Meteorological Science and Technology in support of the United Nations Early warning of all initiatives and activities to be undertaken.

The fourth MoU is between the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade with China Council for promotion the international trade he stated.

Sogavare the protocol on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for the export for copra oil cake from Solomon Islands to the People’s Republic of China between the general administration of customs of the people’s republic of China and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Solomon Islands is the fifth MoU.

“The sixth MoU is on the 2023 Rural Sustainable Development program between China International Development Cooperation Agency of People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Rural Development of Solomon Islands. This MoU is to facilitate the global development initiative and the 2030 agenda for the sustainable development implementing projects to promote economic development and improvements for people’s livelihood.”

“The seventh MoU that was signed is the implementation agreement on Sports Technical assistance project to Solomon Islands for the 2023 Pacific Games 28th of March  2023 an exchange of note has been signed between China and Solomon Islands agreeing to undertake sports  technical assistance project to Solomon Islands 2023   Pacific Games.”

“The eight MoU that was signed is agreement between the government and People’s Republic of China and the government of Solomon Islands relating to civil air transport. The agreements provide for the operation and regulations of international air services on routes specified for the air transport of passengers and cargo,” he said.

Sogavare said the ninth MoU on joint Chinese Language education program in Solomon Islands between the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development of Solomon Islands.

He further stressed that the trip is fruitful and successful

“I delighted to announce that this was a very fruitful and very successful trip,” Sogavare said.

In early October, 2019, a month after he led Solomon Islands away from diplomatic relations with Taiwan in exchange for China, Sogavare led a delegation of 30 to Beijing on his first official visit to China.

He signed six agreements with China: 1) MOU between ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries; 2) Economic and Technical Cooperation; 3) Education; 4) Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Maritime Silk Road Initiatives; 5) MOU between Guangdong Province of PRC and the Ministry of Provincial Government; 6) MOU on the establishment of Diplomatic Relations.

Solomon Islands foreign affairs minister, Jeremiah Manele revealed and explained the six agreements in parliament six months later, in March 2020.

“The MOU between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of SI and PRC recognises that the foreign ministries of both countries will manage all forms of cooperation between the two states including all bilateral, multilateral, consular, people to people and formal and informal relations,” Mr Manele said, responding to a question by the shadow foreign minister, Mr Peter Kenilorea Jr.

This MOU also spells out the commitment of both ministries to establish diplomatic embassies in each other’s capitals, and was for a five-year period, open for review anytime.

“The Memorandum on Economic and Technical Cooperation commits China to develop Solomon Islands’ economy and improve our people’s livelihoods.

“The MOU also specifically identifies China’s grant aid of two years to support RCDF from 2020-2022 and four national projects namely; Pacific Games Stadium, Water Purification facility, National Referral Hospital and SINU,” he added.

The MOU on Education was an agreement between the two countries’ education authorities to cooperate, covering student mobility, teach exchange and language teaching.

Manele said China would send teachers to Solomon Islands and have Solomon Islands teachers do language training in China.

The MOU also covered potential new students studying in China both on private arrangements and those on scholarship.

Manele said the implementation of the MOU will be carried out by education authorities of both countries and all financial cost implications of the MOU will be discussed through diplomatic channels.

This MOU had a life span of five years, and was open for review “anytime” “given a six-month notice”.

The MOU between Guandong province and Solomon Islands’ provinces allowed for cooperation and investments in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism investment and training, Manele said.

MOU between PRC and SI on the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Maritime Silk Road Initiatives strengthened cooperation through regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

This MOU had a five-year life span and can automatically be extended or amended by written consent of the parties, Manele added.

The MOU on the establishment of Diplomatic Relations addressed a confidential MOU that called on Solomon Islands to abrogate all its agreements with Taiwan, Manele said.

This MOU committed China to support Solomon Islands economic progress, cooperation in trade, infrastructure, sports, education, tourism as well as other sectors.

Mayor Siapu commends JICA’s LEAF project

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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City Mayor of the Honiara City Council Eddie Siapu.Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO.

BY NED GAGAHE

Mayor Eddie Siapu says Honiara City is honoured to host Learning Ecological Activities Foundation (LEAF) project under the JICA partnership programme which supports environmental educations.

Speaking at the LEAF project session and forum towards promoting relations between Honiara and Nishinomiya City on Tuesday Mr Siapu said LEAF project has over the past years supported Honiara City in terms of waste management in its phase one project from 2014 to 2017 that help the council to identify waste collecting points and put them into google maps.

He said LEAF project also helps in waste management education within the various pilot communities on how to separate wastes.

He said from 2017 to 2023 phase 2 of LEAF Project is implementing the existing Honiara Public-Private Cooperation Committee which has been organized in cooperation with citizens, businesses and the administration as the focal community multi-sector partnership.

Siapu said the project aims to develop systemic and continuous environmental education and learning activities for children who will carry the next generation of Honiara’s community develop.

He said Honiara City Council (HCC) is an entity that looks after the affairs of the City. HCC is responsible to formulate and implement comprehensive and systematic measures for sustainable community development.

“Environmental measures mean making active efforts to reduce burden on the environment while preventing environmental pollution generated from its activities at its own responsibility and cost.

“Participate in and provide support to the environmental conservation activities carried out by business operators and the citizens.

 “Concerning waste issues in Honiara City, Council is a responsible authority that collects waste from the residential, commercial houses, council school and clinics.

“The collection systems are done through both council Staff and the outsourced to private companies,” Siapu.

PMTA Conference 2023 a platform to tackle climate change: Maelanga

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE 45th Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance 2023 conference is a crucial platform to share best practices to build resilient Ports in the time of climate change.

That is according to the Acting Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga.

“In light of these challenges, we come together as a collective force to address the impacts of climate change   on our ports and maritime transport systems,” Maelanaga said

He said shipping industry has been a main contributor to global emissions.

“And it is our responsibility to find innovative solutions to reduce our carbon emissions,” Maelanga said.

He said the theme of the event resonates deeply in across all nation as the realities of climate change is seen and experienced as well its overall impact on Pacific Islands maritime transport systems.

Maelanga adds Pacific region is home to some of the vulnerable nations in the world when it comes to the effect of climate change, rising sea level, and changing weather patterns and ocean acidification.

Geruana Trust calls for Minister’s action

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary of Forestry, Vaeno Vigulu

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The GERUANA Tribe Trust Board Association (GTTBA) has called on Minister of Forest and Research, Dickson Mua, to suspend his Permanent Secretary, Dr Vaeno Vigulu, due to allegations of a conflict of interest.

This request comes after the Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni, suspended the Felling License No. A102303 of the contractor, Sunway (SI) Limited, from conducting logging operations on GTTBA’s registered land in Vangunu, Western Province.

In their letter to Minister Mua, GTTBA claimed that Dr. Vigulu, who is also recognized as the enthroned chief by the Marovo Councils of Chiefs, has a personal interest in the logging operation and is pursuing a personal vendetta against them.

They allege that Dr. Vigulu is using the customary land issue as a means to disrupt their logging operations on the registered land.

GTTBA also stated that Dr. Vigulu and his brother Plinty took them and the Commissioner of Forest to the High Court in Civil Case No.162 of 2023 regarding the logging operation on the land.

They questioned the fairness of the Commissioner’s decision to issue the suspension notice and raised concerns about potential undue pressure from Dr. Vigulu, who is the Claimant in the ongoing court case.

Additionally, GTTBA questioned why the Commissioner of Forest addressed the suspension notice to Dr. Vigulu instead of the Forestry officer at Seghe.

They claimed that the report received by the Commissioner, which led to the suspension notice, was not true according to a report produced by Senior Forester Mudi of Seghe.

GTTBA argued that the company, Sunway (SI) Limited, did not commit any serious forestry offenses.

They stated that no logs were harvested from Geruana customary land, and the area referred to as Block C, where harvesting took place, belongs to them and shares a common boundary with their land.

GTTBA also mentioned that they had given consent to the company to access the licensed concession area through their land and to set up the logging camp on their land.

GTTBA expressed their belief that both Dr. Vigulu and the Commissioner of Forest should be suspended.

They claimed that the Commissioner did not base the suspension on a substantial report but only on a complaint from the Vigulu brothers.

They accused the Commissioner of being in a position of conflict of interest and incapable of making independent decisions.

GTTBA referred to Minister Mua’s statement in the Island Sun newspaper on Tuesday this week, where he acknowledged issues within the ministry involving officers with vested interests.

They requested that Minister Mua address the issue of vested interests within his ministry, specifically regarding the Permanent Secretary.

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