BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

The San Jorge Landowners Association (SJLA) is facing mounting criticism amid growing allegations of corruption and lack of transparency in its dealings with a mining company operating at San Jorge Island.

A number of landowners have spoken out in recent weeks, expressing disappointment over how the association has been operating and questioning whether it genuinely represents the interests of resource owners.

Last month, outspoken landowner Allan Tavake claimed that many landowners had been sceptical of Far East Mining Company Limited and the association from the very beginning of the engagement process.

Tavake alleged that most decisions reached between the company and the association did not reflect the views of the actual landowners but were instead pushed forward by the association’s leadership.

He further warned that unresolved issues between landowners and the company could potentially threaten the mining project.

This week, fresh questions were raised on the Association’s Facebook page regarding several payments allegedly received from the mining company.

Among the concerns was a SBD200,000 payment for damage and compensation.

The post called for clarification on how the money was spent and who the rightful beneficiaries were, in line with the tenements marked for mining operations.

Other payments also came under scrutiny, including a SBD10,000 payment linked to the SARA agreement and a SBD40,000 withdrawal from the Association’s bank account. In addition, the public questioned a SBD5,000 assistance payment made to certain families.

Responding to the allegations, SJLA Secretary John Kabu welcomed the criticisms, saying they were important for promoting transparency and accountability.

Kabu explained that the SBD200,000 compensation was paid to the G7 land block, where the main concentration of mining and prospecting activities has taken place.

He said the payment was agreed upon and would be supported by a damage assessment report to be made available for public scrutiny.

He said the SBD10,000 payment was accepted in good faith as a token of appreciation for the negotiation and signing of the SARA and was not a bribe.

Meanwhile, the SBD40,000 withdrawal by the Treasurer is currently under investigation, with further clarification promised once the review is completed.

The SBD5,000 assistance paid to certain families is also under review due to concerns about fairness.

“We, the Executive, were entrusted to act in the best interests of our people. That trust is not taken lightly. “Transparency and accountability remain our guiding principles, and we will provide full clarifications as promised,” Kabu said.

He assured landowners that all outstanding concerns would be addressed with facts and supporting evidence.

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