The recent threat by loggers should be taken seriously, with a constructive solution, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Edward Kingmele said.
"The same situation happened in 1999, and it did have some economic repercussions, around with, logging plays a great role in the economy of Solomon Islands," says Mr. Kingmele.Mr. Kingmele stated that they are meeting with the loggers association and are trying to resolve the issue. "There will be a lot of negative effects to the economy if the loggers go ahead with their threat...to the land owners and also the economy," say Mr. Kingmele.
However, Mr. Kingmele stated that the Minister, Sir Allen Kemakeza, is still adamant that the new rate shall be maintained.
Mr. Kingmele said that the cabinet is also looking at various options to resolve the current stand off.