Dear Editor – Following the most recent security breach at a logging site in the Western Province earlier this month with led to the arrest of 70 or so people by the RSIPF there was yet another occurrence at Palepale Logging Camp at South Vella Island in the Western Province last Thursday.
In that incidence the Gizo police quickly arrested three suspects for allegedly burning a bulldozer.
A similar case of arson occurred in 2016 in Vanikoro in Temotu Province when logging equipment was allegedly attacked and machinery torched.
The police have rightly asked villagers at Palepale not to resort to violence and not to take the law into their own hands.
Logging remains contentious wherever it is being conducted and the potential for flash points will remain a constant security threat.
The RSIPF must remain watchful nationally and continue to caution landowners to exercise restraint and to keep within the law.
It is hoped the SFA will prevail on logging operators to keep with the terms of their logging licenses and loggers will undertake their operations fairly and within the strict guidelines of their logging terms and agreements, but time will tell.
Frank Short
Bangkok, Thailand
