A representative of the Garavu tribe, Joel Jackson, has raised concerns over $2 million in royalty payments made by Win Win Investment Limited to the Koehota Landowners Association (KLA).
Jackson alleges that the funds have been misused by KLA leaders.
According to a Pan Oceanic Bank (POB) account statement covering the period from December 28, 2020, to February 27, 2024, Win Win Investment made five royalty payments to KLA:
- $447,302.83 on December 29, 2021
- $1,547,095.79 on October 4, 2022
- $290,909.24 on March 21, 2023
- $489,242.74 on July 18, 2023
- $1,214,997.48 on January 29, 2024
Jackson, an activist against alluvial mining operations by the Chinese-owned Win Win company in Turarana, Central Guadalcanal, claims that the third and fourth payments were misused.
He further alleges that the second payment was never discussed by the KLA Board of Directors, unlike the first and fifth payments, which were reportedly handled appropriately.
Jackson’s concerns have sparked dissatisfaction among some landowners, who are planning to report the matter to the police to investigate the beneficiaries of the $2 million in royalties.
The Garavu tribe, to which Jackson belongs, is one of four tribes constituting KLA.
The other tribes are Koenahau, Lasi, and Manukiki.
In response, KLA Chairman Celestine Seri has denied any misuse of funds.
Seri stated that the royalties were distributed to the Board of Directors, who then passed the money to their respective trustees.
He also claimed that Jackson is not a member of KLA and has no standing to raise complaints about the payments.
Despite Seri’s assertions, Jackson has called for a meeting to elect new members to KLA, emphasizing the need for greater accountability.
This controversy arises as Win Win Investment ceased its operations in March 2023.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
