Who Is Stopping Rice in Solomon Islands?
A Statement from the Management of South Pacific Economy and Technology Development Co., Ltd.
Our company came to the Solomon Islands with a clear and positive mission: to partner with local landowners to bring back rice cultivation, a vital step towards ensuring food security for the nation. After years of successful trials at our GIPPOL 2 demonstration field, proving that at least three rice varieties can thrive here, we were ready to move to large-scale farming.
We entered into a legal and willing lease agreement with Mr. Samuel Kuri, the rightful and sole surviving trustee for the land parcels in Guadalcanal. Our shared goal was simple: to see the land flourish once again, to provide jobs, and to put local rice back on the tables of Solomon Islands families.
That shared dream is now under direct attack.
A Pattern of Intimidation and Violence
Our efforts have been systematically and violently obstructed by one individual, Mr. Desmond Nimepo. This is not a simple disagreement; it has escalated into criminal behavior directed at our staff.
This was not the first instance of violence. We will never forget the incident in December 2024, when we first arrived to survey the legally leased land. Mr. Nimepo arrived with a truckload of his associates to physically stop us. While holding a large stone in his hand, he shouted at our team, “Get the fuck out of my land and get the fuck out of my country.”
More recently, the aggression turned into assault and robbery. Mr. Nimepo and his associates, who had been drinking, physically blocked our security team from entering our site. They proceeded to rob our guards of $100 and then slapped two of them in the face—one of our Chinese staff and one of our local Solomon Islander staff.
Mr. Desmond Nimepo and his associates
company staff in hospital
company car damaged
An Unjust Legal Obstruction and Systemic Failure
Alongside this physical violence, Mr. Nimepo has used the courts to halt our progress. We understand Mr. Kuri, the landowner, only ever consented to a small 50m x 50m plot for Mr. Nimepo, a transfer that was never completed. Critically, Mr. Nimepo has never received any Perpetual Estate (PE) title for the land. Despite this, he is now demanding 5 hectares—a claim the landowner vehemently denies.
We have sought help through the proper channels, but our pleas have been met with inaction and apparent indifference. We reported the violent assault and robbery case to the police twice, and on both occasions, we were told the case files had been lost. Furthermore, we have reported several other crime cases to the police, only to have them either lose the case file or never give us any updates.
As a foreigh company, we are left feeling threatened, unprotected, and unwelcomed. We are legitimate investors, working with a local partner to develop a project for the national good. Yet, our project is halted, our people are being physically attacked, and our official complaints disappear without a trace.
The future of a project that promises to feed communities now hangs in the balance. The question for the people and authorities of the Solomon Islands is this: Why is one man’s campaign of violence and questionable legal claims being allowed to stop a project that can benefit everyone?