THE Premier of Isabel Province says that there is no document that qualifies logging companies to harvest Tubi in Isabel since the government banned the species for export.

Premier of Isabel Province Hon James Habu said his government is not aware of any legal document that permits the harvesting of Tubi as reported this week.

He made the clarification following report of illegal harvesting of Tubi raised on popular Facebook page Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII).

A photo of a logger and a local standing next to a container filled half way of suspected Tubi logs was posted on FSII.

The post triggered anger among most Solomon Islanders questioning the legality of the activity.

FSII reports state that Tubi logs were just delivered from a landing craft allegedly from Santa Isabel and expected to be exported soon.

When asked yesterday, Premier Habu said Isabel provincial government is still acting on the government’s decision years back banning illegal harvesting of Tubi.

“My government has no idea who give the authority to harvest Tubi here in Isabel province.

“Every logging application for Consent and Business license are supposed to be endorsed and approved by the provincial government and in this case, we are not aware of endorsing any document that authorise logging companies to harvest this tree species,” he explained.

Premier Habu further stated that there has been no discussion held between Isabel Provincial Government and the Ministry of Forestry on the ban of Tubi.

He adds that cooperation between Isabel Provincial Government and the Ministry of Forestry has been very poor.

Premier Habu continues to say that the ongoing harvesting of Tubi tree without the province’s knowledge has been a huge issue and that only officials from the upper level can give exact explanations on what is going on.

He said the national government, provincial government and landowners need to discuss the real issue behind illegal harvesting of Tubi and also illegal logging in the country.

Premier Habu said illegal logging has been a huge issue for Isabel Provincial government to deal with at the moment as a large number of logging companies are invading the province illegally.