Russell residents support MP’s call to rehabilitate key industries

By Lachlan Eddie

Former workers of Russell Island Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), settlers and indigenous people of the Russell Islands have applauded their Member of Parliament, Hon. Oliver Salopuka, for his contribution in parliament to rehabilitate the cocoa, coconut and cattle industries.

Hon. Salopuka voiced his support in his debate on the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 now in its Committee of Supply stage in parliament.

“Former workers of Russell Island Plantation Estate Limited, settlers and indigenous people of the Russell Islands welcome and fully support the call made by the Member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency, Hon. Oliver Salopuka, for government intervention to rehabilitate the cocoa, coconut and cattle industries,” a resident Tome Kiki said.

Two prominent leaders from RIPEL have endorsed their political leader’s call, describing it as a timing call for the people of Savo Russel Constituency.

“Two prominent leaders for Russell Island Plantation Estate Ltd – Claudius Kabasi and Fisalulu from Yadina in the Russell Islands – said the call made by the MP comes at the right time as the government seeks potential sites across the country for economic development projects,” Kiki added.

Both Kabasi and Fisalulu highlighted the ongoing controversy between the government and RIPEL, which remains unresolved.

Looking ahead, however, Kabasi and Fisalulu said the government should seriously consider Hon. Salopuka’s call, noting that the Russell Islands’ cocoa and coconut industries were major contributors to the national economy in past decades and continue to play an important role today.

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