THE Member of Parliament (MP) for Marovo, Chachabule Amoi has urged the Geruana landowners in Vagunu, Marovo, Western Province to determine the true ownership of the disputed land.
This call follows accusations by the Geruana landowners that MP Amoi used his political influence to push for the suspension of Sunway (SI) Ltd’ logging license on two occasions.
The first suspension was issued by the Commissioner of Forests, Reeves Moveni on 24 May 2024.
However, the suspension was revoked on 26 June 2024 by the Minister of Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini after an appeal from Sunway’s lawyer.
The land in question is PN 143-001-24, known as Geruana Registered Block C, situated in Vagunu, Marovo Lagoon.
Minister Tagini cited alleged breaches of the Forestry and Timber Utilisation Act (FRTU) and its 2005 regulations by Sunway (SI) Ltd.
But he added that the key issues of contention were before the High Court and stressed the importance of respecting judicial independence.
They key issues are:
- Revocation of Suspension: To prevent loss of market value, the suspension was lifted, enabling Sunway (SI) Ltd to export logs before deterioration.
- Survey Directive: A joint survey was ordered, involving Forestry Office representatives and both parties, to verify trespass claims.
The Geruana landowners alleged that MP Amoi engaged another lawyer Peter Tedi to request a second suspension, which Commissioner Moveni approved.
MP Amoi clarified that he works with two lawyers and they are Wilson Rano, who handles cases in the Court of Appeal, and Peter Tedi, who manages the High Court cases.
MP Amoi dismissed claims of personal interest in logging, stating his focus was on honouring a 1972 court decision made in favour of his great-grandfather, which ruled against the Geruana landowners.
He claimed the Geruana landowners sold Plot 16 in 1962, but registered it as Geruana Block C in 2014, which he believes was forged.
According to MP Amoi, there is no customary land identified as Block C.
He stated that proving ownership is essential and alleged that even the registration was fraudulent, with the Commissioner of Lands denying its legitimacy.
MP Amoi supports the suspension of Sunway (SI) Ltd’s license and insists the court should determine true ownership before logging continues.
The Geruana landowners accused MP Amoi of using his political influence through the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to suspend Sunway’s logging license.
However, MP Amoi denied any political motivation, emphasising that the dispute began in 2013, long before GNUT was formed.
The Geruana landowners have urged Marovo voters not to support MP Amoi in the next election.
In response, MP Amoi highlighted the low support for the Geruana tribal candidate in the 2024 National General Election where he secured fewer than 100 votes.
He asserted that the issue is a tribal matter, not a constituency-wide concern.
