By Grace Tiden 

PRELIMINARY observations have revealed landowner company and developer agreements were largely in favour of Gilford Limited, a subsidiary of logging giant Rimbunan Hijau, with landowners of West Pomio getting less in benefits. Rimbunan Hijau owns The National newspaper

It was also observed that there was no legal representation of the landowners during the signing of the sub lease agreements. 

Gilford Limited representatives were called to give evidence yesterday during the third day of the third week of the Commission of Inquiry into the granting of Special Agriculture Business Leases (SABLs) in Kokopo yesterday. 

Company accountant Tuong Yew Wong was called to give evidence on logging exports and how much timber was being exported out of the Drina Camp in the Sigite-Mukus Integrated Project area of Pomio. 

He was also asked to comment on how much landowners were receiving in benefits and to provide a cost benefit analysis. 

However, the accountant could not provide the document and was told to have it furnished by next week Wednesday when the inquiry re-convenes in Port Moresby. 

CoI Commissioner Alois Jerewai said some officials of the independent State of PNG may be also asked to give evidence in relation to significant matters that were raised during the inquiry including benefit sharing. 

It was also revealed during yesterday’s inquiry hearing session that there was no independent legal representation of the landowners during the signing of SABL lease agreements. 

The company representatives were asked if they had read and explained the agreement to the landowners and if they had told them to seek legal advice before the signing of the agreements. 

Gilford Limited executives appeared to have given the documents to the executives of the landowners companies without any proper explanation or advice of its contents

“RH is no small player in the forestry business. You treated this very lightly…,” Mr Jerewai told the company representatives. 

He said preliminary, he has not seen a fair go for the landowners. 

“Unfortunately, this is not reflected in all the agreements we have seen,” he said. 
It was also observed that logistics support was given to government officials during the agreement signing period. 

Mr Jerewai further cautioned all who were present during the inquiry to refrain from threatening or intimidating witnesses including landowners.  “…I will charge you for contempt,” he said. 

The Kokopo leg of the CoI hearings will end today.