OUTSPOKEN land owner in Renbel Province, Jefter Tahungenga has lashed out angrily at the West Rennell Island Council of Chiefs, accusing them of failing to resolve mounting land disputes on the island.
Mr Tahungenga said it is rather ridiculous to conclude why on earth the chiefs council of West Rennell had kept very quiet and silent when it should be a robust and thriving force to act as an intermediary in resolving the on-going problems of land disputes in West Rennell .
Mr Tahungenga said members of the West Rennell council of chiefs should be pro- active and take leading role in resolving many land disputes between different tribal land owning groups on the island.
He said these land disputes have often created so much problems ending up in controversial activities carried out in partnership with foreign investors.
Mr Tahungenga alleged some members of the chiefs council may have compromised their status by accepting possible bribes for favours .
He said the chief’s council no longer holds public trust and confidence from the communities of West Rennell and the only sensible thing they should do is to resign from their position so that they can be replaced by active members.
Mr Tahungenga accused the chiefs council of acting like judges of the courts in their previous deliberations of land dispute cases instead of resolving the disputes in line with traditional norms.
Solomon Star could not verify the allegations against west Rennell council of chiefs by Mr Tehungnga.
By AATAI JOHN
