COMMISSIONER OF LANDS HITS BACK AT FALSE CLAIMS

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Honiara, Solomon Islands, 26 May 2025 –The Commissioner of Lands, Mr. Alan McNeil, has strongly refuted statements published in the Solomon Star on Monday, 26 May 2025, in an article titled “Land Buyers Face Eviction”by Alfred Sasako. Mr. McNeil says the article contains numerous false and misleading claims, prompting him to issue this statement to clarify the facts and reassure the public.

Recognising the vital role of the media in a democratic society, Commissioner McNeil emphasised the importance of accuracy and responsibility in reporting—particularly on sensitive legal and land issues.

“Journalists serve a critical function in informing the public, and with that comes a duty to report truthfully. It is dangerous and irresponsible to incite fear or suggest unrest through unverified or misleading claims,” he said.

The article asserts that the Commissioner of Lands does not have the legal authority to forfeit Fixed Term Estates (FTEs), claiming that this power belongs solely to the Land Board. While it references a High Court ruling to support that position, it omits a crucial fact: that same ruling was overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Commissioner McNeil acknowledges that the 2014 amendments to the Land and Titles Act transferred the power of forfeiture to the Land Board. However, under section 8C(2) of the Act, the Land Board may delegate its powers—and it did so, formally delegating the power of forfeiture to the Commissioner of Lands. That delegation remains valid to this day.

He further explained that although the High Court, in case HCSI CC 326 of 2021, initially ruled the delegation invalid, that decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal in CAC 16 of 2023, which upheld the legality of the delegation. The matter has since been referred back to the High Court for further consideration and remains ongoing.

“It is therefore false and misleading to claim that the Commissioner does not have forfeiture authority—especially without acknowledging the Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the delegation,” Mr. McNeil stated.

The article also suggests that the court’s ruling could lead to mass evictions in areas east of Honiara, affecting families, businesses, and even former Prime Ministers and Members of Parliament. Commissioner McNeil described this as a baseless and fear-mongering claim.

“The High Court’s ruling was overturned, and there is no final judgment at present. Even if there were, the case in question applies to a single parcel of land—not the entire eastern area of Honiara. Apart from that parcel, one adjacent parcel, and the FTEs registered to Levers Solomons Limited, no other land in the area is subject to forfeiture proceedings,” he explained.

“I am not forfeiting any Fixed Term Estates held by Solomon Islanders, including those held by current or former Members of Parliament. These sweeping statements are not only incorrect—they cause unnecessary alarm among our people.”

The article also quotes unnamed sources who describe the issue as a “nuclear bomb” for government policy and even suggest the possibility of “civil war.” Commissioner McNeil called these claims irresponsible, inflammatory, and dangerous.

“I am not planning to evict anyone. The only forfeiture proceedings currently underway relate to the FTEs held by Levers Solomons Limited and two parcels held by foreign individuals—not Solomon Islanders,” he clarified.

“Where legal challenges exist, we are following due process. If the courts uphold forfeiture, the government incurs no cost. If not, legal costs apply, and that is all. Cabinet has endorsed the forfeiture of Levers’ lands—this is government policy, not individual discretion.”

He added that the power of forfeiture is not new and has been used for decades when landowners fail to meet obligations under their FTEs.

“Every FTE grant comes with conditions. If those aren’t met, the grantor has the right to act. This principle has existed since independence.”

Commissioner McNeil also expressed concern over what he describes as a pattern of unbalanced and targeted reporting by Solomon Star and Mr. Sasako.

“This is not the first time Mr. Sasako has attempted to discredit my work or stir public division. Previously, he published confidential draft court orders from Levers Solomons Limited before I had even received them myself. Such actions raise serious questions about motivation and journalistic integrity.”

He further noted that significant commercial interests—such as those involved in the ongoing legal dispute with Levers Solomons Limited—stand to gain or lose millions of dollars depending on the outcome of these cases.

“That’s why accurate, independent reporting is so important. The public must not be misled by misinformation shaped to benefit vested interests.”

Commissioner McNeil reaffirmed that he is acting in full accordance with the Land and Titles Act and under direction from Cabinet. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and due process.

He also called for higher standards in journalism, especially when reporting on legal matters affecting national policy and land ownership.

“We need responsible journalism in this country—journalism that informs, not journalism that misleads. The public deserves the truth, not fear-based reporting.”

Commissioner McNeil has formally requested that Solomon Star retract the article and issue a public apology. He reminded the newspaper that he has previously won a defamation case against both Solomon Star and Mr. Sasako in the High Court and warned that further legal action may be taken if corrective steps are not promptly undertaken.

[ENDS]