28 May 2008

Solomon Islands government and RIPEL management may hold talks

10:47 am on 28 May 2008

Fresh talks with the management of Russell Islands Plantation Estate with the Solomon Islands government outside of court is a possibility.

RIPEL's general manager John Whiteside and investor Patrick Wong say they have been pursuing talks for some time now with the government, over the estate.

Various matters still before the courts involve other ministries, such as Land, Finance and even the Prime Ministers office.

An official at one ministry says it appears there are a number of issues that may need to be further negotiated outside the court process.

RIPEL was a key producer of cocoa and copra products and a major contributor to the economy until it becoming embroiled in a drawn out dispute with the worker's union and landowners.