Solomons Opposition leader Matthew Wale has lashed out at the Solomon Forest Association (SFA), calling on them to stay out of politics.
His call came after the Island Sun newspaper reported today that SFA members supported Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s Our Party fundraising at the Cowboys Grill on Saturday last week.
Island Sun has reported that SFA’s vice president Philip Tiew invited all their member companies on behalf of Our Party to support the political fundraiser.
“I am calling on loggers to stay out of our politics,” Wale said in a strongly worded statement.
“Our Party is the Prime Minister’s political party and this already raises suspicion of SFA’s involvement and financial support to Sogavare’s party ahead of the national elections,” Wale stated.
The Opposition Leader said this country had had enough of governments backed and controlled by loggers.
“People of this country should never vote for candidates or any political party backed by loggers.
“It is very clear that Our Party and this current government is backed by loggers and recent media reports only confirms the concerns raised by many people in this country.”
The Opposition Leader said this country is fed up with logging companies always influencing the formation of the government in every election.
“The political history of this country is that governments are no longer formed from a national vision, direction but from handouts from loggers.
“This must be stopped.”
Wale said Solomon Islands needs a change of government and leadership that is not driven by logging money but by the passion to see a change for a better future for out children.
“I call on all ordinary Solomon Islanders who want to see change in leadership and direction to make the first step and not to vote candidates that are linked to loggers, especially Our Party and DCGA,” he said.
Elections are due early next year after the DCGA postponed it due to the hosting of the Pacific Games this month.
Already, a number of political parties have regathered to prepare for the polls, which many billed will be tensed and interesting.
Comments are being sought from SFA.