In continuation of my previous articles highlighting the unconstitutionality of Legal Notice 114 of 2007, this piece focuses on how it serves as a platform for organized crime, with the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MOFR) and the Attorney General (AGC) allegedly playing complicit roles.

Background: Court Orders and Contempt

The High Court of Solomon Islands issued Ex-Parte Interim Injunction orders (22/05/2017) against ES Suba Enterprises Limited, Chief Rence Vagalo, Bulacan Integrated Wood Industries (SI) Company Limited, and Metro Team Limited (High Court Civil Case 496 of 2016).

An Interim Ex-Parte Court Order (31/07/2018) was issued in High Court Civil Case 246 of 2018 against Cromwell Qopoto, ES Suba Enterprises Limited, FR Resources, and Glengrow (SI) Limited.

The MOFR, through the Commissioner of Forest, issued letters dated 05/06/2018, 03/08/2018, and 30/11/2018, ordering the seizure of machineries, equipment, and forest produce.

Contempt of Court: A Pattern Emerges

The MOFR, despite court orders, appears to be in contempt, evident through the issuance of Market Price Certificates (Appendix: 7, 8, 9) and actions such as awarding sales orders to Bulacan International Limited, owned by Johnny Sy, President of the Solomon Forest Association (SFA).

(a) The awarding of the Sales Order to Bulacan International Limited lacks transparency and proper protocol.

(b) The Commissioner of Forest and the Attorney General allegedly violated court orders by releasing proceeds through a Consent Order.

(c) Lack of transparency in the disbursement of proceeds and the use of seized equipment and assets raises accountability concerns.

Market Price Certificates and Contempt

Market Price Certificate No. 062/2019 (11/01/2019) under a “Local Sales” arrangement further showcases contempt, as it involves domestic milling contrary to the Interim Ex-Parte Court Order dated 31/07/2018. Notably, FR Resources Limited and ES Suba Enterprises Limited, both restrained parties, are involved in the transaction.

Moreover, PWP (SI) Limited’s declaration of ownership in the exportation process, as per Form EX1, raises questions about deceptive practices.

Conclusion

The evidence presented suggests a disturbing pattern of organized crime, with the MOFR and AGC allegedly abetting the SFA and its members. 

The Commissioner of Forest’s repeated contempt for court orders demands a transparent investigation into the transactions and practices in the forestry sector.

These revelations necessitate immediate action to restore trust and uphold the rule of law in the Solomon Islands’ forestry industry. –ENDS//

Photo Credit: llegal logging roads open up sensitive habitats to degradation and destruction. | Credit: Monique Jaques