MINISTER for Fisheries and Marine Resources Bradley Tovosia has denied allegations that he supported rioters at Gold Ridge last month.
The denial follows an incident on the night of January 20, 2026, when rioters — including men, youths and women — allegedly burned about 30 machines belonging to Gold Ridge Mining Limited.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) responded to quell the unrest but reportedly faced resistance at Obo Obo village.
It was alleged that Minister Tovosia and Minister Shanel went to the site and provided water to the rioters.
However, Minister Tovosia said the claims were untrue and should not be interpreted as support for those involved in the destruction.
“We approached them with custom shell money, but they instead asked for water, smoke and money.
“We know everybody. I was angry with them. It has nothing to do with me,” he said.
Minister Tovosia said that was the only time he went to the area, and it was solely to present custom shell money together with Minister Shanel.
Meanwhile, Chief Primo Amusaea of the Kolobisi Tailings Dam Association (KTDA), which represents landowners and communities surrounding the Gold Ridge Tailings Storage Facility, has also denied allegations that he was behind the riot.
Chief Amusaea, a former mines officer, confirmed this to the majority shareholders of Wanguo Gold Group Limited — Mingqing Gao and Jinzhu Gao — during a Chinese New Year luncheon at the Gold Ridge mine site on Tuesday.
During the occasion, Mingqing Gao and Jinzhu Gao donated $1.5 million from their personal funds through the Gold Ridge Foundation to support 21 churches, as well as elderly and vulnerable people from tribes that support the mining operation.
Chief Amusaea described the incident as unfortunate.
“I want to confess here that there have been many accusations that I stirred up the burning of the machines.
“I categorically deny, Mr Gao, that I am behind these people’s actions,” he said.
He appealed to the Government to identify and prove who was responsible.
“This is a national project. It is not just for GRCLC, MDA and KTDA.
“If you drive along GPPOL 1, you drive on a cement road because of this project,” he said.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner of Police for National Operations, Chief Superintendent Francis Ramoni, said recently that RSIPF continues to take seriously any allegations involving its officers.
This follows allegations in October 2025 that some officers were involved in illegal mining activities.
Those officers have since been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by Professional Standards and Internal Investigations.
RSIPF reiterated that matters relating to mining operations, royalties or policy decisions fall outside the role of policing.
“RSIPF does not make commercial or government decisions,” Ramoni said. “Our responsibility is to uphold the law impartially, protect lives and maintain stability within our communities.”
Police will continue to maintain a visible presence in the area to support safety, encourage peaceful engagement and prevent further incidents while investigations continue.
