The chief urges the government to present a solution within the next three weeks and to commence with talks with the local community. He made it clear that the villagers do not approved with the way things are going in the area. According to the chief, people have already started cutting down the trees in the forest without the approval of the local community. “We are put under pressure and that it unacceptable. They should talk to us first but they do not want that”, said the chief who added that in the past things were different between the companies and the villagers. In the past the companies informed and consulted the local community first. But things have changed. “The villagers are no longer allowed to use certain roads and camps are demolished. The situation could escalate further if the government does not intervene. The concession permit must be revoked”, said Chief Aloe who added that no ultimatum has been presented officially but that the community expects a response within the next three weeks. The chief explained that laborers have been working in the area for more than 40 years and that the government must take this into account before allocating concessions. “These workers must take care of their families”, said Chief Aloe who added that the company does not hire members of the local community but that it hires Cubans and Venezuelans. The chief pointed out that the agrarian fields of the villagers are located within the concessions. An official freeze on the allocation of concessions was announced in 2007 but this still happens. The chief also expressed grave concern regarding the possible use of chemicals that could end up in the creek and rivers whenever it rains thereby making the water unsuitable for consumption. The local villagers have made it clear that they are against the plans for the construction of a runway in the area. “Letters were repeatedly sent to parliament and the minister of Natural Resources but we never received any response. I hope that the government will commence talks with the villagers within the next three weeks. Dialogue is essential in order to prevent tensions and to protect the interests of the villagers and the laborers.”