Dear Editor – It would be great if you spare a corner on your paper for this article. As already being spelt overhead, I want to put forth my opinion on this issue.
Kolombangara Island, like other islands in the Solomon, hasa land trust boardcalled Kolombangara Land Trust Fund.
This body is formulated to assist and promote fair administration of land, especially, the alienated land of Kolombangara which covers nearly two-third of the island.
I’m soexcited to hear about the transfer of alienated land title to this body, recently, by the Commissioner of Lands. I want to really commend you for this great move. Well done!
However, I can sense some inconsistencies about this transferring of title.
Instead of the KLTFholding the title, the transfer was narrowly given to only one person. This makes me wonder, how will this be?
A piece of land is always attached to a group of people or tribe. Are these people, who dwell along this area, particularly, from Tobulu to Pulisighau, north of the island, very well aware of this?
Do they mandate this person to represent and hold their land title?
This matter further raises questions. Where did this person, who holds the title, get the money to cater for the payment of the premium and stamp duty?
The payment is estimated to be around five to ten million dollars. Where this money doescome from is a mystery?
Living in a country where a person hardly earn such amount, this payment come as a rising of eyebrow to me and urge responsible sector in the country might as well investigate this money. Or be it from other investors?
If this millions of dollar come from overseas investor, I suppose this land is already set as a security for the investor.
Kolombangara Island may already be sold out to investors without notice given to people who dwell at the rural area.
Finally, I want to urge every single being that settle or stay abroad but from Kolombangara Island to work together.
We are tired of this same old style of under-table dealings and corrupt attitudes. Let’s come together and make things right, not for personal gain but for Kolombangara people.
Tom Hence
Guadalcanal Plains
