Orion Limited’s, Chan Chee Min claims of collusion amongst government agencies with Solomon Forest Association (SFA) in what he claimed “systematic collusion”, is inaccurate and being dismissed outright.
In an issued statement, the Forestry Office says what has become obvious inside Chan Chee Min’s written allegation in the Solomon Star dated 6th September is a misconception of the real issue, driven with intention to tarnish and at the same time attempt to gain favour on his side.
The statement clarifies that there are actually two separate issues raised, first is the HC CC299/2021 which Orion Limited filed in that case against the Ministry of Forestry and Research together with the Solomon Forest Association (SFA).
Reason being, Orion Limited was axed of its membership with SFA for non-compliance.
And yet, Mr. Chan Chee Min tend to forcefully pursue Orion Ltd’s matter with the Ministry of Forestry and Research in attempt to proof its innocence and continue its operation. He failed as Orion Ltd; a foreign company is no longer a member of SFA and cannot operate. On these regards, Mr Chan Chee Min took them to court.
Secondly is the matter with the HC CC246/2018, which Orion Ltd is not a party to that case.
In fact, Kubongava Bere customary land is licensed as A101432 under Treasury Timber Limited.
However, ES Suba Enterprises who holds felling license A101639 for a registered land Lot 23, Parcel 023-003-32 made arrangement with FR Resources whom together
deceive SFA into an alleged fraud agreement with them in order to have access into Kubongava Bere customary land.
This fraudulent act was reported by SFA in a written confirmation dated 6/08/2018 to the Ministry of Forestry and Research, stating that SFA has no agreement whatsoever
with FR Resources.
Thus, felling within Kubongava Bere customary land by ES Suba Enterprises and FR Resources was illegal; and that is when a seizure order was issued by the Forestry Office.
This seizure order was issued prior to a magistrate ruling noting the powers vested on the commissioner of forest over such issue over any customary lands.
However, the grounds to ascertain the issuance of the seizure order was both ES Suba Enterprise and FR Resources have breached and committed forest offence.
This includes their fraudulent act to deceive SFA and for felling within a concession that they do not have license over.
This is being confirmed in an assessment carried out by the forestry officer stationed at Taro.
The statement further explains that upon issuance of the seizure order and, because trees or logs are perishable goods, meaning they are subject to speedy and natural
decay.
‘An order of sales was issued followed suit with conditions; to sale the goods on behalf of the state.
Thus, if Orion Limited or Mr Chan Chee Min thinks otherwise as he is so vocal of in his article; he should have made an appeal to the magistrate and make his claim by then, which he did not.
No appeal was made neither by Chan Chee Min or any other interested party.
And because it was a direction or order to sale, the issue of certificate that he brags about is a non-issue.
The issue here does not follow the normal process to obtaining export permit, whereby a certificate as such be thoroughly considered.
This is a certificate issued based on the directive to sale, clarifies the Forestry Office.
The statement adds the fact that Bulacan International (SI) Co. Ltd was chosen, was based on its application, and it has met all criteria or requirements set out in detail by the Forestry Office.
One such condition is…“distribution of proceeds will be subject to any further orders by the magistrate court pursuant to Section 38 of the FRTU Act, and where there is no appeal or determination by the court, the Government through the Office of the Commissioner of Forests shall determine the distribution of the proceeds of the sale of logs.
“…please note that all proceeds of the sales of seized round logs shall be paid to the Solomon Islands Government and deposited in the SIG Revenue account with the CBSI.
Any person aggrieved with this matter can appeal to the Magistrate as required under Section 37 of the FRTU Act.”Thus, to say the Forestry Office collude with SFA as alleged is a mere speculation that has no evidence at all rather based on hearsay.
Moreso, Mr Chan Chee Min’s attempt exposing claim article lacks the truth and facts; instead, he is gathering information’s all over that are not linked to each in any way but are separate issues altogether, says the Forestry Office.
“Whilst the Forestry Office acknowledges the role media has played, it is always important to be responsible in its reporting; in ensuring fair and balance reporting is paramount.
“It is only through fair and balance reporting that information’s meant for public consumption can be meaningful with clarity.”
– MoFR Press
