News 08.2014.1
15.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville hopes mining giant embraces new law
The Bougainville Government says Bougainville Copper Ltd will have first right of refusal when the first negotiations over mining licences get underway.
Last week, the autonomous Papua New Guinea province passed its first mining law - one that gives ownership of the resources to the landowners for the first time.
It also stripped companies like BCL of existing licences.
The Bougainville Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi, says they do not anticipate legal action from the owners of BCL, Rio Tinto, because the new law allows for BCL to be the first cab-off-the-rank in new negotiations with the people.
"It is incumbent on the company to try and come up with a suitable agreement in place of the Bougainville copper agreement. An agreement that matches the times - this day and age, an agreement that gives additional wealth to the people of Bougainville."
The Chief Administrator in Bougainville, Chris Siriosi.
15.08.2014
Source: PNG Industry News Net
Bougainville Copper to pursue dialogue
by Alison Middleton
BOUGAINVILLE Copper says it will continue to pursue dialogue with landowners in Bougainville to assess the viability of reopening Panguna copper mine.
The company confirmed in a statement that chairman Peter Taylor had received a letter from Bougainville president John Momis stating the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014 had been passed by Autonomous Bougainville Parliament.
The transitional mining bill transfers powers from the Papua New Guinea government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government before a complete mining law which is expected by early next year.
As a result, when the Bougainville Mining Act begins, section 212(2) will vest Bougainville Copper with an exploration licence for the area where a mining lease was previously held for the Panguna mine.
That exploration licence will give BCL the right to apply for a mining lease under the Bougainville Mining Act, while the grant of a lease will depend on the outcome of negotiations in the Bougainville mineral resource forum.
Bougainville Copper chairman Peter Taylor said: "I have made BCL’S concerns about the potential adverse impact the new Act may have on the company's asset base known to the National and Bougainville Governments.
“Dialogue will continue with both governments and landowners in an effort to reach agreement on providing the company with the assurance it needs to go forward with community and study programs that are required to further assess the viability of reopening the mine,” he added.
The company has been eyeing a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit after the mine was closed in 1989 following civil war.
Meanwhile, copper lost nearly 0.9% to $6839 per tonne, while aluminium dropped 1.1% to $1986.50/t.
The gold price was sitting at $US1312 an ounce, while the iron ore spot price remained at $93.20 per tonne after four consecutive losses.
Bloomberg quoted the China Iron & Steel Association as reporting that China’s iron ore market remained in oversupply, but there could be a price rebound towards the end of the month.
Metals in London were mixed with nickel and tin the only commodities in positive territory.
15.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Public will see benefits of mining law, says Bougainville Admin.
The Chief Administrator in the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville says once the public are informed about a new mining law, they will see the protections it offers.
Bougainville's parliament last week passed what President John Momis called a world first, with the legislation ensuring that landowners will own the resources on their land.
Critics claim the measure will make it easier for foreign companies to gain a foothold, but the Government says there is no basis to that claim.
The Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi says people with vested interests have spread mis-information, but awareness building will overcome this.
"The confusion has been caused by misinformation. That misinformation has to be rebutted. People have to go in and explain the real purposes of the law and get people to understand that contrary to what other people are saying, the law is actually designed to protect them."
The Chief Administrator in Bougainville, Chris Siriosi.
15.08.2014
Source: MINING WEEKLY
Rio Tinto's Bougainville holds out hope for project
By: Esmarie Swanepoel
PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper on Friday said that it would continue its dialogue with the Bougainville government after its mining licences in that country were revoked earlier this week.
Bougainville’s Parliament passed a new Mining Act, which devolved power to regulate the mining industry from the government of Papua New Guinea to Bougainville’s autonomous government.
Bougainville Copper chairperson Peter Taylor said on Friday that the company had received a notice from President Chief John Momis, stating that with the passing of the new Mining Act, the company’s mining licences would be converted into an exploration licence.
The exploration licence would give Bougainville Copper the right to apply for a mining lease under the new Mining Act, depending on the outcome of negotiations with the Bougainville Mineral Resource Forum.
“I have made Bougainville Copper’s concerns about the potential adverse impact the new Act may have on the company’s asset base known to the National and Bougainville governments,” said Taylor.
Bougainville Copper produced copper concentrate from its Panguna mine between 1972 and 1989, at which point operations were suspended owing to military activity.
The company, which is 53.58% held by Rio, has been maintaining readiness to restart the mining operation since 1999.
“Dialogue will continue with both governments and landowners in an effort to reach an agreement on providing the company with the assurance it needs to go forward with community and study programmes that are required to further assess the viability of reopening the mine,” Taylor added.
15.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Leaders provide rationale behind Bougainville’s new mining bill
by KEITH JACKSON
THERE’S been much discussion in the Papua New Guinea press and in parts of the social media, but one of the most important and interesting stories of the year in PNG has been pretty much underdone.
And this concerns a major new piece of mining legislation passed by the Bougainville House of Representatives last Friday.
There were three significant Bougainville political contributions to the public debate on the bill: the first being a speech by Autonomous Bougainville Government, President John Momis (pictured below), on the day the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 passed through parliament.
The other contributions - by ABG Finance Minister Albert Punghau and Natural Resources Minister Michael Oni – were delivered three days before the passage of the mining bill to the first meeting of the 65 member Panguna Negotiations Forum.
The ABG established the Forum to help develop a combined Bougainville position in advance of possible negotiations with Bougainville Copper Ltd on the future of the Panguna copper mine.
The Forum comprises nominees of a wide range of interest groups, including women, churches, civil war ex-combatants, Bougainville business organisations, Bougainvillean professional living outside the province, Panguna landowner associations and the ABG.
In his speech (download here in full), President Momis said he was very proud to presents the first Bougainville mining law.
“Bougainville has bitter experience of previous mining laws,” Dr Momis said. “This terrible experience began with the Australian colonial Mining Ordinance. CRA began exploration in Bougainville under that law.
“It continued under the extremely unjust and unfair Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Law 1967, again a law of the Australian colonial government.
“After PNG Independence in 1975, our sad mining history continued under mining laws of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea after September 1975.”
Dr Momis said that at many points over the last 50 years, Bougainvilleans objected to unfair mining laws.
“Successive colonial and PNG governments failed to listen,” he said. “That was a critical factor in the origins of the Bougainville conflict.”
Dr Momis said he and his Cabinet were proud of this first Bougainville Mining Bill.
“We are especially proud that our Bill is completely unique in the world in the focus it gives to protecting the interests of the people of Bougainville – that is, those who are Bougainvilleans by custom and who own land by custom,” he said.
“For the first time under written law, all of our customary landowners will own the minerals in, on or under their land….
“Customary owners will have many rights. In particular, they will have a right of veto over the grant of any exploration licence over their land. They have the power to say ‘no’.”
Dr Momis said the ABG had also considered giving owners a right of veto over mining development but decided this was not feasible.
“The reason is that if an explorer spends many millions on exploration approved by landowners, only then to have the landowners veto development, the landowners or the ABG would have to refund the explorer their exploration costs.
“If we did not promise to do that, we would never be able to attract quality investors.”
Dr Momis also directly addressed accusations that he was “selling Bougainville”.
“What a terrible lie it is to claim I am selling Bougainville. The truth is that the Bill is designed to stop unscrupulous and dishonest outsiders who together with a few weak or dishonest Bougainvilleans are the ones trying to both buy and sell Bougainville.
“The ABG takes very seriously its responsibility to promote and protect the real interests of Bougainville and its people.
“As a result, we have no choice but to oppose and stand up to the unprincipled, dishonest, greedy and self-interested foreigners who want to attack the ABG and undermine its mandate, destroy the rule of law and end good governance.
“They want to do this so that they can help themselves to the wealth of Bougainville.”
Dr Momis went on to criticise a number of Bougainvilleans who attacked the ABG when they themselves were trying to benefit personally from exploiting the province’s resources.
He also disparaged “anonymous commentators” in the social media.
“PNG Mine Watch often attack[s] the ABG over mining…. They have never approached me or any minister in my government for facts. They never talk to the ABG Mining Department.
"Instead they restrict themselves to statements based mainly on their own narrow conspiracy views. As a result, their attacks are almost always incredibly short on evidence in support of claims made and very long on innuendo, and conspiracy theories.”
Read President John Momis’s full speech here
Hon Michael OniIn his speech to the Panguna Negotiating Forum Meeting, ABG Minister for Natural Resources, Hon Michael Oni, said although the ABG supports the resumption of large-scale mining, it is focused on more than that.
“We want to see broad-based development,” he said. “That includes Bougainville’s home-grown mining industry – the small scale gold mining industry.
"We estimate 5,000 to 6,000 Bougainvilleans are directly involved, and they may be receiving as much as K75 million or more from gold sales.”
On large-scale mining, Mr Oni (pistured on the left) said “we are moving with an interim law mainly to make sure that all outside interests understand they must have approval under Bougainville law – they cannot go through the back door by dealing directly with small groups of landowners.”
He said the final version of the new “long-term mining law” should be ready for initial debate by the end of 2014 or early 2015.
“There are some Bougainvilleans opposed to the new draft Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill,” Mr Oni said.
“They say it gives too much to BCL. Yet the clear reality is that we propose a law that takes almost everything from BCL.
“All they will have is the right to negotiate for a mining lease over the old SML [mining lease] area.
"If we also took that away from them, they would have little choice but to challenge what we are doing in courts, or in international tribunals. The result would be long and costly legal battles.”
Read the Hon Michael Oni’s full speech here
Hon Albert PunghauHon Albert Punghau, the ABG Minister for Finance, told the Panguna Negotiating Forum that “we all want the highest possible autonomy as soon as possible….
"But the reality is that without much more revenue, we can’t reach highest autonomy or independence. We cannot meet the increasing needs of our people.
“We are together building Bougainville up from the ashes of a terrible war which destroyed and damaged lives, destroyed services and infrastructure, and severely damaged the capacity of our public service,” Mr Punghau (pictured on the right) said.
“Through the war and the following peace process, we have achieved our unique autonomy status, giving us wide authority to deal with our unique problems and needs.
"But, at the same time, to make autonomy work requires far more capacity than any provincial government.
“We have the right to make policies and laws on most things needed to meet our people’s needs but, although we are making progress, we have a long way to go.
“We have the right to a referendum on independence, but in setting the date and in getting international community support, we need to show we adhere to good governance and are dealing with weapons. And to do that we have to greatly improve law and order.”
Mr Punghau said Bougainville’s budget expenditure this year is estimated to be K312 million. “[We] know that level of budget expenditure is far too low to meet the real needs of Bougainvilleans.”
He said Bougainville was a very long way from achieving “our much talked about, and very important, goal of fiscal self-reliance.”
“We clearly face the very real need to be financially independent from the National Government by the time we reach independence,” Mr Punghau said.
“So the big question I have for all of us here is: How can we move quickly to expand our economy?
“It’s clear that agriculture is important to our economy. But it’s not going to be the key source of government revenue unless there is long-term and significant investment in the industry.
“If cocoa and small-scale gold are our major economic activities at present, what else is there that can bring us massive economic development and associated ABG revenues in the time frames we are looking at?” Mr Punghau asked.
He told the Forum that “what brings us all here today [is] the search for agreement amongst us, on behalf of all Bougainvilleans, of the conditions for allowing mining to happen that will ensure a fair return to landowners of the mine lease areas, as well as to all Bougainvilleans.
“It’s not a matter of any of us having any special love for mining and its impacts. We Bougainvilleans know the problems that mining can cause. But we also know that mining can be done differently from what happened under an unjust colonial agreement signed in 1967.”
Read Hon Albert Punghau’s full speech here
15.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
The unique challenges of making a mobile phone call from Torokina
By Maryanne Hanette
Access to the cellular network has always been good for those close to the towers, but in some areas of the autonomous region people struggle to find coverage.
The introduction of Digicel in Bougainville came in early 2007 to mixed expectations on how it was to be used.
People in the remote areas are not to be deterred by their geographical disadvantage and always seek to find a solution.
At Torokina, along the west coast, people climb at an almost at a 90 degree angle to the top of a hill and then stand in a rocky outcrop to get the best signal. Some are known to paddle out to sea or climb a big pandanus trees to access to cell coverage.
The source of the signal is from the tower across the sea on the mainland, about 60 kilometers away.
The view of the island from the top of the hill is spectacular but when the signal goes off you have to wait hours for it to return.
At any given time there is always someone up there making a call, even at night, and they better be sure to have credit, because there is nowhere to top up.
Everyone is looking forward to the day when they can make a call from their bedroom on the coastal areas from Sipai to Torokina.
15.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Islanders welcome Sir Peter in style
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Sir Peter with the Mortlock dancers that welcomed him upon his arrival at the airport yesterday. Picture: WINTERFORD TOREAS
FORMER minister for Bougainville affairs Sir Peter Barter was welcomed in style by a traditional dance group from the Mortlock Islands when he arrived at the Buka Airport yesterday.
The former Madang MP and his delegation were given a surprise reception from these islanders upon disembarking from the plane. Sir Peter had travelled to the region as the chairman of the trust fund board that was set up by the members of the Joint Panguna Negotiations Committee comprising of representatives from the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Panguna mine landowners, Bougainville Copper Limited and the national Government.
This trust fund board will be responsible for the coordination of discussions involving the above mentioned stakeholders on issues concerning Panguna mining and its subsequent re-opening (see separate story below). Sir Peter explained his decision for accepting this chairmanship, saying he had always wanted to return to Bougainville and accepting this position would give him the opportunity to do so.
The former national parliamentarian, who was very moved by the reception, said he was happy to visit Bougainville again.
Sir Peter last visited Bougainville in 2007 when he was the health minister, and it was during that visit that he was initiated as the paramount chief of the Naboen clan of Hagogohe.
During that ritual, he was also given the traditional name of masalohana, meaning man of peace.
Former member for Hagogohe constituency and a chief of the Naboen clan, Robert Hamal Sawa, while welcoming the senior statesman at the airport yesterday, said his clan had given Sir Peter this name because it befits him for the tremendous efforts he had put into the peace building process during his term as the minister for Bougainville affairs.
After paying a courtesy visit on the acting Chief Secretary and acting ABG President yesterday, Sir Peter travelled to Hagogohe village to visit the traditional men’s house, known as tsuhana, where his initiation ceremony took place more than seven years ago.
Sir Peter will depart Bougainville today.
15.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Panguna trust fund board meeting held in Buka
A ONE-day meeting for the trust fund board responsible for the coordination of discussions on issues concerning Panguna mining and its subsequent re-opening was held in Buka yesterday.
The board, which is being chaired by the former Madang MP and Bougainville affairs minister Sir Peter Barter, was established with blessings from the members of the Joint Panguna Negotiations Committee, which comprises representatives from the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Panguna mine landowners, Bougainville Copper Limited and the national Government.
This will be the board’s second meeting after the first one was held in Port Moresby in May this year.
According to the director of the office of Panguna Negotiation, Raymond Masono, the purpose of yesterday’s meeting was to deliberate on two agendas, including the approval of the trust deeds that will set the guidelines on how the trust funds will be managed and on the appointment of an accounting firm that will be responsible for managing the funds from the trust account.
Mr Masono said on the second agenda, two refutable accounting firms have already expressed their interest and the board will be deciding which of these firms will be responsible for the management of funds.
He also gave an update on the purpose for establishing this board, before adding that Sir Peter was appointed as the chairman because of his experience and that he was an independent person without having connections or affiliations with any of the above members of the joint Panguna negotiations committee. Mr Masono said the other reason for the appointment was that Sir Peter has a heart to help Bougainville before adding that the ABG greatly supports and has trust in Sir Peter to perform this chairmanship role.
Meanwhile, Sir Peter said upon his arrival in Buka yesterday that as the chairman of this trust board, his decisions will not be influenced by any parties from the negotiation committee.
14.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Leader calls for diplomacy
THE people of Ieta village in Buka have been told not to close the airport by executives of their Incorporated Land Group (ILG) yesterday.
The people were asked to let the ILG sort themselves out first before their outstanding dues can be released to them.
This call was issued by the vice chairman of the Rungunahana ILG, Raymond Hakena following a report published in this newspaper yesterday.
According to the report, the chairman of the Rungunahana ILG, chief Herman Tugan, had issued a warning to the Lands Department to immediately release the outstanding K5 million compensation claim owed for the usage of their land to accommodate the airport.
Chief Tugan said this money should be given to them before tomorrow (Friday).
He said if they do not get this money they will have no other option but to close the airport.
However, Mr Hakena said chief Tugan and his supporters should not resort to closing the airport.
He instead called on his ILG president to come to an understanding with the executives of the ILG before they can go and collect the payment from the Lands Department.
Mr Hakena said he is in contact with the ILG’s secretary and treasurer and that chief Tugan should also do the same so it would be easier for the money to be released to their people through their registered ILG account.
“I want Herman to join us so that we can go and collect the cheque. The money is ready to be given to us,” Mr Hakena said.
“He should not encourage the people to close the airport. The closure of the airport is the last thing that we would like to see happen.”
Mr Haken said they should leave the airport open while the executives, including chairman Tugan, continue to negotiate with the Lands Department for the release of funding in a diplomatic manner.
He said he and the other executives have been trying to source this payment because they want the Ieta people, who are the legitimate landowners, to benefit from it and not for his personal gain as certain people from Ieta had speculated.
14.08.2014
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited
Press release: Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill
posted by Ben Jackson
Bougainville Copper Limited has submitted the following press release to the Australian Stock Exchange regarding the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill:
Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill
The Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), Peter Taylor, received a letter on 12 August from the President of Bougainville, Chief John Momis, that stated the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act (Act) 2014 has been passed by Autonomous Bougainville Parliament and will come into force upon notice in the Bougainville Gazette. No date was set for publication of the notice.
The letter advises as follows with respect to section 212(2) of the Act:
“(1) Prior to that Act coming into operation, BCL is the holder of an SML over the area of the current Panguna SML, primarily by virtue of the operation of the relevant provisions of the Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act concerning the SML;
(2) As a result, when the Bougainville Mining Act commences, section 212(2) will vest BCL with an Exploration Licence for the area of what will then be the previous SML;
(3) That Exploration Licence will give BCL the right to apply for a Mining Lease under the Bougainville Mining Act, while section 66(2), the grant of such a lease will depend on the outcome of negotiations in the Bougainville Mineral Resource Forum.
Peter Taylor said, “I have made BCL’s concerns about the potential adverse impact the new Act may have on the company’s asset base known to the National and Bougainville Governments. Dialogue will continue with both Governments and landowners in an effort to reach agreement on providing the company with the assurance it needs to go forward with community and study programs that are required to further assess the viability of reopening the mine.”
Yours faithfully,
Paul Coleman
Company Secretary
14.08.2014
Source: The National
New powers strip BCL
RIO Tinto’s subsidiary, Bougainville Copper Ltd, has been stripped of its mining lease and exploration licences following the transfer of Bougainville Island mining powers from the National Government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Bougainville mining (transitional arrangements) bill 2014 was passed in the Bougainville House of Representatives last Friday, completing the draw-down of mining powers from the PNG government and leaving the company without its mining leases and licences.
Bougainville Copper Ltd previously warned the draft bill could “adversely affect” its mining rights. The company had held a number of resource tenements in Bougainville, including a special mining lease, various leases for mining purposes and several exploration licences.
It had been eyeing a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit after the mine was closed in 1989 following the Bougainville civil war. It spent the first half of this year focusing on the continued engagement of stakeholders with discussions directed towards a potential restart.
Negotiations are expected to continue but Bougainville President John Momis said the decision to cancel the licences came after wide-ranging consultations with the community on Bougainville.
“We have invited them to come and negotiate with us and if they don’t meet our mutually acceptable terms then they are welcome to go,” Momis told Radio Australia.
“The critics are totally wrong – we have stripped Bougainville Copper of all powers,” he said.
“I think (the critics) are being misled deliberately by outsiders who have a vested interest.”
Meanwhile Bougainville Copper chairman and managing director Peter Taylor told Radio Australia: “At this stage there is no decision being made to take legal action.
“But the company is obviously taking advice on what its options are and the possibility of legal action I wouldn’t dismiss although it is not my preferred way of moving forward,” he said.
“My preferred way of moving forward is to negotiate an outcome … with all the parties and try to get a mutually satisfactory result, rather than one of the parties simply changing the ground rules.” – PNG Industry News
14.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Miner not happy with Bougainville Mining Bill
Bougainville Copper Limited chairman Peter Taylor is not happy with the recently passed Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014.
The mining company, until the Bill was passed last Friday, held the mining lease for the Panguna copper mine, which it operated before the Bougainville Conflict.
The new legislation effectively strips the miner of its exploration licences and the lease on the mine.
Some stakeholders in Bougainville, including Panguna landowners, have slammed the Bill for giving too many rights to BCL, saying the landowners have again been made "mere spectators".
The legislation gives BCL the first right of refusal to negotiate for mining rights in Panguna, though Bougainville President John Momis has pointed out BCL simply has the first right of refusal to negotiate with the government and landowners for a mining licence.
Mr Taylor, referring to the Bill, told ABC Radio that; "it is not the way I would have preferred to have progress the possibility of re-opening the mine".
The chairman said negotiations entered into by the company prior to the Bill’s passing had been "proceeding rather well" but the Mining Bill had "really to a large extent pre-empt(ed) the outcome of these negotiations because it has made a decision, a unilateral decision, about the existing mining lease and exploration licenses".
When asked by the Australian broadcaster whether the company, in light of losing its licence, would be pursuing legal action, Mr Taylor said he would prefer negotiation.
"At this stage there is no decision being made to take legal action," he told the ABC. "But the company BCL is obviously taking advice on what its options are and the possibility of legal action I wouldn’t dismiss although it is not my preferred way of moving forward. My preferred way of moving forward is to negotiate an outcome."
When commending the Bill to Bougainville Parliament last Friday President Momis explained it is a "transitional law" and that the long-term law is still being developed.
He expects the final Bill to be ready by early next year after further community consultation.
14.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Nisira allocates funding towards education
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Mr Nisira stands next to the school signboard of Basbi Elementary School after officially opening a new classroom there amid a heavy downpour. Picture: WINTERFORD TOREAS.
THE vice president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and member for Halia constituency in Buka, Patrick Nisira views education one way of improving the people’s standard of living.
And in order to make this become a reality, Mr Nisira has already allocated funding from his constituency support and constituency development grants towards improving educational infrastructures in his constituency.
Apart from improving the state of primary schools, he has also allocated funding towards the constructions of elementary classrooms because he believes that this is the foundation stage where students should be properly moulded before moving on to primary and high schools.
Since becoming a member in 2005, this two-term member has already allocated nearly over K300,000 towards the construction of elementary classrooms, with counterpart funding assistance coming from North Bougainville MP in the national Parliament, Lauta Atoi.
14.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Japan helps maintain war crash site
By ANTHONY KAYBING
The Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, Hiroharu Iwasaki, has presented to the people of the local surrounding area of the historical Yamamoto crash site in Buin, South Bougainville equipment for its up keep.
The equipment, comprising five chainsaws and five slashers, were received by Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis at a dinner hosted by Mr Iwasaki on Tuesday.
The equipment are gifts made possible by the Yamamoto Association based in Nagakoa, Japan following a request by the locals around the Yamamoto crash site through President Momis.
Mr Momis thanked Mr Iwasaki on behalf of the people of Bougainville while extending his gratitude also to the Yamamoto Association.
Mr Momis says this shows strong the bonding between Japan and Bougainville.
He said the act of kindness shows how strong the historical bonds between the people of Japan and Bougainville are.
The President said the commitment by the Japanese Government and its people to Bougainville has been positive through its continuous support of Bougainville’s development.
Mr Iwasaki, whose term in PNG ends next week, also spoke about the historical bond shared by the people of Japan and Bougainville.
He said the people and Government of Japan will continue to work closely with the people of Bougainville through mutual cooperation and strengthen its ties.
The Yamamoto crash site in Buin, South Bougainville is where Japanese Marshal Admiral and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Imperial Fleet during World War II, Isoroku Yamamoto, was shot down by allied forceson April 18, 1943.
Admiral Yamamoto was the Commander-in-chief of the Japanese Imperial Navy during the decisive early years of the Pacific War and so was responsible for major battles such as Pearl Harbor and Midway.
He died when American code breakers identified his flight plans and his plane was shot down.
His death was a major blow to Japanese military morale during World War II.
14.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville passes Chief Legal Adviser Act
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government will shortly be seeking the service of a principal legal adviser following the unanimous passage of the Principal Legal Adviser Act 2014 by the Bougainville House of Representatives last week.
Minister for law and justice Rev Joseph Nopei while tabling this bill on the floor of parliament, said the ABG needs to be provided with legal advice of the highest standard.
“It is imperative that the government be provided with legal advice of the highest calibre. While we have been ably served in the past, it is of utmost importance that the position of the principal legal adviser in the public service be settled, and that there be clarity regarding the advisor’s role and function,” said Mr Nopei. “The Secretary for Justice
13.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Buka airport faces closure
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Landowners of the area encompassing the Buka Airport in Bougainville have issued a warning to the Lands Department in Port Moresby to immediately release the outstanding K5 million compensation claim for the usage of their land to accommodate the airport.
According to their spokesman and chairman of the Rungunahan Incorporated Land Group (ILG) Herman Tugan, they want the Lands Department to deliver the money to them before Friday this week.
Mr Tugan boldly said if they do not get this money, they will have no other option but to close the airport on Friday.
He said they will only reopen the airport upon receiving payment.
Their stand was made known during a meeting the landowners held yesterday with representatives from police, Air Niugini, and the manager of the local security firm that is contracted to provide security at the airport.
The meeting was held at Mr Tugan’s residence, which is situated near the Buka airport.
The landowners decided to take this stand after learning of the arrest of Mr Tugan and three other youth leaders at Jackson’s Airport in the nation’s capital last week.
Mr Tugan had travelled to Port Moresby accompanied by these three youth leaders last week following an invitation from the Lands Department to sign some documents which would then pave the way for the release of funds to the landowners through their ILG.
However, upon stepping out of the terminal they were approached by some policemen who said that they had received reports from Buka that the group of Bougainvilleans were armed with a pistol.
Mr Tugan and the youth leaders said they were then taken to Boroko police station where they were further interrogated before being locked up at the police cell for about three hours.
The landowners believed that this plot was made to disturb Mr Tugan from signing the deeds for the release of payment.
They are now calling on those responsible to immediately release payment or they will close the airport.
The Post-Courier understands that there are two landowner groups from Ieta village that are claiming to be the rightful landowners and should be given the compensation payments.
One of the groups, Rungunahan Incorporated Land Group is chaired by Mr Tugan while the other is led by another prominent leader from the area.
It is understood that the leader of this second group arrived in Buka from Port Moresby yesterday and also held a meeting with his members; however this newspaper was not able to get details of their discussions.
13.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Water comes to villagers
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE people of Rorovana 1 village in the Eivo-Torau constituency of Central Bougainville will no longer have to travel up the mountains next to their village to fetch water for cooking and drinking.
This is because the local Catholic women’s group has championed the drive in securing financial assistance towards their water supply and sanitation project.
The women’s initiative became a reality after securing K57,000 from the Australian Government funded program, Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen (SPSN) while the Rorovana community contributed K3819 towards the project.
Apart from securing the funding, the womena group, led by their leader Mary Genu with assistance from six youths from the area, also took the lead by physically carrying materials including three water tanks, cement and water pipes up the mountain for this supply project.
Though not all the villagers were able to lend their support, this did not deter Mrs Genu and her helpers from trying their best to complete the project.
This was because they wanted all villagers to have access to clean and fresh water at their doorsteps instead of walking up the mountains to fetch water. All their efforts and hard work finally paid off when they witnessed the launching of the project by their local ABG member and Minister for Community Development Melchior Dare last week. Other invited guests present during the occasion included SPSN’s Bougainville field program coordinator Thomas Betitis, chief executive officer for Bougainville Community Development division Mana Kakarouts and the chiefs and people of Rorovana.
Mrs Genu who was very emotional when called to speak, thanked SPSN and all those who were involved in the project. She said the project was identified after seeing the struggles that the people were facing in relation to having easy access to clean water for having their bath, cooking and drinking.
“Though this is a small scale project, it is a priority in our area when we get water at our doorsteps,” she said.
13.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
City cops in shameful act
A CHIEF from Buka Island has strongly condemned the treatment he received from some policemen when he arrived at the Jackson’s Airport in the nation’s capital last week.
Chief Herman Tugan, who hails from Ieta village in the outskirts of Buka town, and three other youth leaders from his village had travelled to Port Moresby last Wednesday to meet with senior officers from the Lands Department.
The purpose of their meeting was to finalise documents that will pave way for the release of an outstanding K5 million compensation payment to the landowners of the area encompassing the Buka Airport.
Chief Tugan is the chairman of the Rungunahan Incorporated Land Group, which is made up of the Ieta villagers who are the owners of most of the land in Buka town, the airport as well as towards Novah village and Kubu. He has been trying his best over the last 14 years and has travelled more than 20 times to meet with senior officers from the Lands Department to negotiate the release of this payment, which would compensate the landowners for allocating their land to accommodate the airport.
However, upon stepping out of the terminal last week, Mr Tugan and the youth leaders were surprised when they learnt that a group of policemen were waiting for them.
“They told us that they had received reports from Buka police that we were carrying a pistol. They said that we had fired two shots at Buka Airport before boarding the flight,” said chief Tugan. Buka police denied this.
“The policemen then told us that we were not in Buka before swearing at us. They even said that they would kill us,” he said.
They were then taken to Boroko police station where they were subjected to further interrogation and abuse before being locked up at the police cell for about three hours.
However, instead of locating the firearm the policemen found some betelnut in the bags of one of the youth leaders and told Tugan and his men that they would only be released after paying a K9500 penalty fee for carrying the banned nuts into the city.
Chief Tugan said they were released from custody after giving K800 to the policemen.
Airport security at Buka also denied that there were shots fired at Buka Airport.
13.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville launches first rice project
By JACOB IENU
A historic launching of the first ever rice project in Bougainville occurred over the weekend.
It was held at Rumba Seventh Day Adventist Mission on the outskirts of Arawa.
This is the first of its kind in the region and it is headed by the SDA Church of Bougainville under its Adventist social economic development program.
The project is initiated by James Rutana, one of the highly respected businessmen in Bougainville, and is aimed at building economic growth in the autonomous province through agriculture.
This project will encourage people to grow their own rice and at the same time it will be their income earner. Representatives throughout the island attended the launching.
Among the guests were Bougainville House of Representative Speaker Andrew Miriki, Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry Wilfred Komba and Member for Selau Terry Mose.
Mr Miriki thanked Mr Rutana for taking the initiative and making the project a reality.
At the launching, rice seedlings were distributed throughout the region in North, Central and South Bougainville.
“Make God bless your business and God will make your business His business,” Mr Miriki told the farmers.
13.08.2014
Source: PNG Industry News Net
Bougainville Copper stripped of licences
by Alison Middleton
RIO Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper has been stripped of its mine lease and exploration licences following the transfer of Bougainville Island mining powers from the Papua New Guinean government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 was passed in Bougainville Parliament on Friday, completing the drawdown of mining powers from the PNG government and leaving the company without its mining leases and licences.
Bougainville Copper previously warned the draft bill could “adversely affect” its mining rights.
The company had held a number of resource tenements in Bougainville, including a special mining lease, various leases for mining purposes and several exploration licences.
It had been eyeing a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit after the mine was closed in 1989 following civil war and it spent the first half of this year focusing on the continued engagement of stakeholders with discussions directed towards a potential restart.
Negotiations are expected to continue but Bougainville President John Momis said the decision to cancel the licences came after wide-ranging consultations with the community on Bougainville.
“We have invited them to come and negotiate with us and if they don't meet our mutually acceptable terms then they are welcome to go," Momis told Radio Australia.
“The critics are totally wrong – we have stripped Bougainville Copper of all powers," he said.
“I think [the critics] are being misled deliberately by outsiders who have a vested interest.”
Meanwhile Bougainville Copper chairman and managing director Peter Taylor told Radio Australia: “At this stage there is no decision being made to take legal action.
“But the company is obviously taking advice on what its options are and the possibility of legal action I wouldn't dismiss although it is not my preferred way of moving forward,” he said.
“My preferred way of moving forward is to negotiate an outcome … with all the parties and try to get a mutually satisfactory result, rather than one of the parties simply changing the ground rules.”
12.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Français
Bougainville, « l'île de BCL » ?
de Caroline Lafargue
La loi transitoire sur l'exploitation minière est controversée. Plusieurs organisations dénoncent les faveurs accordées à BCL, la filiale de Rio Tinto, qui exploitait la mine de Panguna.
The scars of the Panguna mine are etched deep in the land and people of Bougainville
Panguna était la mine de cuivre à ciel ouvert la plus grande au monde. Désaffectée depuis 1989, elle pourrait être reprise par BCL, l'ancien exploitant.
La loi sur l'exploitation minière a été votée par le Parlement de la province autonome vendredi dernier. Désormais, seules deux mines peuvent être exploitées au même moment à Bougainville. La loi octroie également un droit de veto aux propriétaires coutumiers des mines sur l'attribution de nouvelles licences d'exploration.
Enfin, la loi offre un statut spécial à Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL). Cette filiale du géant minier Rio Tinto exploitait la mine de cuivre de Panguna avant la guerre civile. C'est entre autres le désaccord sur la répartition des royalties de la mine entre les propriétaires traditionnels et le gouvernement papou de Port-Moresby qui a déclenché le conflit en 1989. À l'époque, Panguna était la plus grande mine de cuivre à ciel ouvert du monde.
Le Parlement a décidé la semaine dernière de rouvrir les portes de Panguna à BCL. La compagnie n'aura pas besoin de repartir à 0, elle ne sera pas obligée de suivre le processus normal, qui impose aux autres compagnies minières de solliciter une licence d'exploration. Chris Siriosi, du gouvernement autonome de Bougainville, au micro de Liam Cochrane :
« BCL peut venir parler directement aux propriétaires coutumiers de la mine et au gouvernement. C'est ce que veulent les Bougainvillais, ils veulent parler aux gens qu'ils connaissent déjà, en l'occurrence BCL, ils veulent que BCL revienne. Mais attention, BCL revient dans un contexte très différent d'avant-guerre, on ne rétablit pas l'Accord sur le Cuivre, dont plus personne ne veut à Bougainville. »
Cet accord était largement en défaveur des propriétaires coutumiers. La nouvelle loi leur donne plus de droits, mais une grande partie de la population s'oppose au retour de BCL, à l'instar du blogueur et écrivain bougainvillais Chris Baria:
« Le gouvernement a organisé des consultations avec les propriétaires coutumiers, certes, mais ils n'ont pas écouté ce qu'ils ont dit. Vous pouvez venir me voir, m'écouter, et puis repartir et ne pas prendre en compte ce que je vous ai dit. C'est ce qui s'est passé avec le processus de consultation. »
L'Association bougainvillaise des Vétérans de la guerre civile estime que les privilèges accordés à BCL pourraient déclencher un nouveau conflit. Quant au gouvernement d'unité de Mekamui, la principale organisation indépendantiste, elle a publié un communiqué dans lequel elle dénonce « cette dernière tentative de voler nos terres et de faire de Bougainville l'île de BCL ».
Réponse du gouvernement autonome : le gouvernement d'unité de Mekamui aurait été approché par d'autres compagnies minières concurrentes de BCL, désireuses de prendre le contrôle du gisement de cuivre de Panguna. Des « profiteurs, parachutés depuis peu à Bougainville », estime Chris Siriosi, le porte-parole du gouvernement autonome :
« Le gouvernement de Mekamui marche main dans la main avec ces petites compagnies minières arrivées à Bougainville avant le vote de la loi. Ce groupe s'oppose à notre loi parce qu'il n'a pas compris le contenu de la loi. C'est un malentendu. Et il diffuse de fausses informations. »
Cette loi transitoire était avant tout destinée à couper les liens avec le gouvernement papou. Désormais, ce n'est plus Port-Moresby, mais le gouvernement autonome de Bougainville qui a le pouvoir de légiférer sur l'exploitation des mines. C'est un prélude au référendum d'autodétermination qui doit être organisé à Bougainville entre 2015 et 2020.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BAGANA SPITS DUSTS OVER TOROKINA
By Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville's most active volcano, MT BAGANA is spewing dust and is getting stronger each day since last Wednesday.
Reports gathered by New Dawn FM today stated that thick dusts that started last Sunday has worsen since this morning.
District Administration staff, PAUL TAKILA told New Dawn FM that water tanks in and around Torokina have been contaminated by dusts and they need good clean drinki water now.
He says that more than three thousand people have been affected and immediately need tents water and food.
Meanwhile the bougainville disaster office has already moved to secure a boat to carry emergency supplies into Torokina.
We have talked to the people at the Rabaul Volcano Observatry and they told us that they are sending two of their officers to Torokina this Thursday to help monitor the situation.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Japan Ambassador Presents to Bougainville
Anthony Kaybing
The Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, Hiroharu Iwasaki, presented to the people of the local surrounding area of the historical Yamamoto crash site in Buin South Bougainville equipment for its up keep.
The equipment, 5 chainsaws and 5 slashers were received by Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis at a dinner hosted by Ambassador Iwasaki on Tuesday (120814).
The equipment are gifts made possible by the Yamamoto Association based in Nagakoa in Japan following a request by the locals around the Yamamoto Crash Site through President Momis.
The President thanked Ambassador Iwasaki on behalf of the people of Bougainville while extending his gratitude also to the Yamamoto Association.
President Momis says this act of kindness shows how strong the historical bonds between the people of Japan and Bougainville are.
The President said the commitment by the Japanese Government and its people to Bougainville has been positive through its continuous support of Bougainville’s development.
Ambassador Iwasaki, whose term in PNG ends next week, also commented on the historical bond shared by the people of Japan and Bougainville.
The Ambassador said the people and Government of Japan will continue to work closely with the people of Bougainville through mutual cooperation and strengthen its ties.
The Yamamoto Crash Site in Buin, South Bougainville is where Japanese Marshal Admiral and the commander-in-chief of the Combined Imperial Fleet during World War II, Isoroku Yamamoto was shot down by allied forces in 18th April, 1943.
Admiral Yamamoto was the Commander-in-chief of the Japanese Imperial Navy during the decisive early years of the Pacific War and so was responsible for major battles such as Pearl Harbor and Midway.
He died when American code breakers identified his flight plans and his plane was shot down. His death was a major blow to Japanese military morale during World War II.
Pic Caption: Ambassador Iwasaki presenting a chainsaw to ABG President Momis(L-R) Japanese Embassy Aide, Ambassador Iwasaki, First Lady Elizabeth Momis, President Momis, Dr Joseph Bana Koiri and Albert Nukuitu
12.08.2014
Source: The National
Call to push for changes
DIVINE Word University student Leonard Fong Roka has called on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to push for radical social and economic changes to boost its revenue.
“Bougainville can raise its own revenue and fund its developmental aspirations from agriculture and other income sources,” Roka said.
He said critics were claiming that the ABG seemed to be compromising with the Government and the Bougainville Copper Limited again.
“I agree from certain angles of historical and political relevance but disagree with critics since all of them don’t want to accept that the Bougainville Constitution operates under the PNG Constitution until we decide at the referendum to secede or integrate in the 2015-2020 windows.”
Roka said some people were negotiating political deals to sell Bougainville while the ABG was financially dependent and providing for its people.
12.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Rio Tinto subsidiary takes legal advice after being stripped of its Bougainville mining licences
The Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper is unhappy with the Bougainville parliament's decision to strip the company of its exploration licences and the lease on its mine in the autonomous region.
The company's Panguna mine used to be one of the biggest copper mines in the world but it was closed in 1989 after it became the spark which ignited a civil war on the island. On Friday, the Bougainville parliament passed a new Mining Act which gives it the power to regulate mining. The Act also cancelled exploration and mining licences issued under PNG legislation.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Peter Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director of the Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper
LISTEN HERE !
12.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Central Bougainville alluvial gold miners seek government support
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE alluvial gold miners of Dantanai in Kieta District of Central Bougainville want support from the government to improve their gold panning activities.
Spokesperson Sylvester Everinu said the government should direct its attention the alluvial gold miners instead of concentrating on Panguna Mine and pushing to bring back Bougainville Copper Limited.
Mr Everinu and his people of Dantanai, which number more than 100 are panning for gold on the banks of Katero River near the former Aropa Plantation. The gold they are panning in the area has 90 per cent purity.
Mr Everinu said ABG through its mining ministry should be pumping more money into the alluvial mining industry instead of funding the Panguna mine and bringing back BCL to Bougainville.
“BCL has spoiled our land with their mining technique which is not environmentally friendly. Our land, environment including forest and waterways are polluted. The government should be putting more emphasis on small scale mining and help us alluvial miners in our areas,” Mr Everinu said.
Since the closure of the Panguna mine, Bougainvilleans have engaged themselves in the small scale mining activities panning for gold in all corners of the island.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FOREIGNERS BREAK LAW WHEN THEY COME THROUGH THE BACK DOOR
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis has revealed that foreigners who come into Bougainville without the ABG’s knowledge are breaking the law.
He called on the people of Bougainville to be aware that we have a very short timeline of five years to establish our government.
He pointed out strongly that there are many foreigners who come in and sweet talk with some Bougainvilleans.
Chief Momis said these foreigners break the law when they do not come through the ABG.
He added that these foreigners do not want to come through the front door but are coming through the back door and are confusing the people thus creating in them false expectations.
The president calls these false expectations because in any country, one cannot do any project with landowners without the approval of the government.
He explained to the people of Bougainville that the foreigners are wasting their time.
Chief Momis said but now, foreigners have to come through the front door because we have guarded ourselves and they will not come and do anything without an approval.
He pointed out that the ABG will not allow liars to come in and mislead the people because this will undermine our autonomy and our independence.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO GENERATE REVENUE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG deputy president Patrick Nsiria has revealed during the Bougainville Budget forum in Arawa yesterday that the ABG has not done enough to generate its own revenue so it can be re-invested in businesses with a high chance of success.
He said the ABG urgently need to be committed to finding and investing in businesses that will generate jobs for the people and revenue now and for the next ten years.
He added that the ABG is not doing enough to collect revenues that it is entitled to and to re-invest those in productive partnerships with the private sector.
Mr. Nsiria pointed out also that the ABG needs funding from government sources to the private sector to determine Bougainville’s future.
He said when preparing this budget and seeking support from development partners, the ABG and its ministers need to get serious about providing real contributions to good economic proposals.
He challenged the ABG and its members to concentrate their sources on the most productive activities, clearing away bureaucratic inefficiencies and constraints and seeking unity of purpose and investing seriously in good business prospects.
The two day Bougainville Budget Forum was held to enable the ABG and its members to sit and put together the Bougainville Government’s budget for 2015.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE HAS URGENT NEED FOR RELIABLE STREAM OF FUNDING
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The finance minister for Bougainville Albert Punghau has stated yesterday that Bougainville has an urgent need for a reliable stream of funding as provided for in the Peace Agreement to re-establish services and infrastructure.
Speaking at the opening of the Bougainville Budget Forum in Arawa, he revealed to the participants that our government’s entitlements are written into the constitution of Papua New Guinea and the ABG wants nothing more or nothing less than what the law says based upon the Peace Agreement.
He added that officials from both sides have met many times to agree to the calculation of the RDG and at the Joint Supervisory Board meeting, it was recognized that the matter of the formulae cannot be resolved and that a joint resolution was made that the outstanding issues will be resolved by a joint reference to mediation and arbitration.
Mr. Punghau said all the ABG needs now is to agree jointly on the appointment of a suitable mediator and arbitrator because we need to resolve the RDG formulae so that we can maintain services in Bougainville.
He pointed out that the ABG’s work in the next six months will include reviewing the collection of taxes and revenues by the internal revenue commission (IRC).
He explained that the joint review of the Autonomy arrangements identified a number of major problems in this area which shows that the ABG is not receiving from IRC all the revenue it is entitled to.
He said the ABG want to work with IRC to improve this situation.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PUNGHAU THANKS THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG finance minister Albert Punghau has thanked the National Government for its consistency in funding towards Bougainville.
When opening the Bougainville Government Budget Forum in Arawa yesterday, he said the ABG is very grateful for the National Government’s continuing commitment to meet ABG’s personnel emoluments budget and in 2015 to recognize Bougainville’s need for additional funding to support the implementation of the new Bougainville Public Service.
He added that there is an agreement in place with the National Economic and Fiscal Commission to jointly work on Bougainville’s cost of functions.
He explained that this work will focus on critical service delivery areas such as education and health and will impact on the recurrent grant calculations for the services provided by the ABG from 2005 and those functions and powers drawn since then.
Mr. Punghau also took the opportunity and thanked the National Government for its agreement to release the K100 million payment for the 2014 special intervention fund and K40 million for the 2014 RDG in the near future.
He said this will allow the Bougainville Government to continue with some important infrastructure development projects and to honour our responsibilities for timely payment of our accounts to local suppliers.
He added that while the National Government’s contributions are very much appreciated, their impact is invalid by the lack of positive movement to reach an agreement about the formula and debts for the Restoration and Development Grant (RDG).
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG PRESIDENT RESPONDS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis has pointed out that many forums have been held by the ABG to consult the people.
He said in comparison, the Papua New Guinea government does not consult the people whilst in Bougainville; the ABG is the first government to consult the people.
He added that all these talks about Bougainville being sold by the ABG are all false rumors’ by people who want to protect their own interests with illegal activities that spoil the peace and harmony.
Chief Momis said the people of Bougainville must be happy because the ABG is empowering the people and we are also seeing autonomy at its best.
He explained that in the modern world, when the law does not recognize you as the landowner, you have no power.
He also pointed out that under the PNG law, resources under the ground belongs to the state and urged Bougainvilleans to be honest and accept what happened in parliament last Friday.
The president said for the first time in the world, the law protects the right of ownership of the resource owner.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG MUST COME OUT CLEAR, SAYS USU
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The paramount chief of Rabatsi Clan in the Torokina district wants the Autonomous Bougainville government to come out clear on the Torokina Oil Palm Project.
He said he is aware that the project is an impact project for the ABG but his people are already tired of waiting because the government is not doing things quickly.
Chief Thomas Usu told New Dawn Fm that the land has been made available but no government money was received by his people to do awareness and other general business.
He pointed out that stage one, which includes feasibility studies for the oil palm project has been conducted.
He added that they are now onto the second stage of the project and they need money and directives from the government to meet with the developer or organize own company to harvest logs before the developer comes.
Chief Usu said he wants the government to come out clear to the people of Torokina and tell them if the project will continue.
He said he wants to know what is taking the ABG so long to provide directives and financial assistance for the oil palm project in Torokina.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BCL STATUS CLARIFIED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Exploration Licenses for Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) ceases to apply and exist now that the Transitional Mining Bill has been passed.
This was revealed to New Dawn Fm by the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis.
The president explained that the Exploration Licenses that BCL is holding onto, the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA) and the Special Mining Lease ceases to apply and exist now that the law has been passed.
However, he added that BCL now only has the first right of refusal meaning the ABG gives them the right to come and negotiate.
He said when BCL comes and negotiates; they must meet the conditions of the landowners, the ABG and the people of Bougainville.
Chief Momis said if they meet the conditions, BCL will be allowed to do mining on Bougainville and if not, then Bougainville will have to say goodbye to BCL.
He explained that this is fair because under the international law and under the PNG law, the Bougainville Copper Agreement was made in Australia and it became a law.
He added that under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Bougainville must recognize other treaties that PNG makes with other countries and if we remove them unnecessarily, they will take us to court.
He stated that if BCL takes us to court, Panguna will not be reopened because no other company would want to come and work with us.
Meanwhile the president said that the ABG has done the best thing which was achieved by freeing its people and they now own the resources and the ABG is ready to negotiate with any company that comes if BCL does not accept our conditions.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PRESIDENT TALKS MORE ON THE NEW MINING BILL
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis wants the people of Bougainville to be informed that the ABG parliament has passed three very important laws last Friday.
He said the most important of the three laws is the Transitional Mining Bill which is very important to us Bougainvilleans because it gives ownership rights to landowners which never existed before.
He told New Dawn Fm that not one law in the world gives ownership rights to landowners when it comes to mining.
He pointed out clearly that Bougainville is the only nation that gave this right to landowners for the first time to own resources.
President Momis added that most people are confusing themselves with section 23 of the Bougainville Constitution.
He explained that section 23 of the Bougainville Constitution is not an enforceable law but is a directive principle which says that when governments makes a law , it must take into account the customs of the people and that is what the ABG has done.
He said his government looked at the constitution and came up with a law that recognizes that principle.
Chief Momis stated clearly that Bougainville is the first nation in the world to give legal rights to landowners following our customs.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PNG TOURISM AUTHORITY TO VISIT BOUGAINVILLE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Chief executive officer for tourism in Bougainville, Lawrence Belleh has revealed that a team from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority will visit Bougainville during the Bougainville Mona Festival celebrations.
He explained that the purpose of their visit will be to see the festival and also visit tourism sites across the region.
He said they will be visiting tourism sites during the three festival days and the sites they will be visiting are the Mumuni Caves at Halia, Haku and Kesa and on their way to Arawa they will stop over at Numanuma to see the trail and also get a picture of the entrance to the trail.
Mr. Belleh added that the team will stop over at Manetai and visit the nesting grounds of leatherback turtles and caves as well.
He explained that because of timing, they will not go into the caves and visit Lake Mitchel or go up Mt. Balbi.
He said in Buin the team will have one full day to visit small Tokyo, Kangu Beach, Yamamoto’s plane site and other tourism sites that are there.
12.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE MONA FESTIVAL DATES SET
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Bougainville Mona Festival for this year 2014 is set to take place this month on the 28, 29 and 30.
This was revealed by the chief executive officer for tourism Lawrence Belleh during an interview with New Dawn Fm.
He said the festival will be held at three venues, Hutjena, Bel Isi Park and Isa Beach Front but the main arena will be at the Hutjena Oval.
He explained that the festival will not be held at the showground because the venue was not prepared and also they did not talk with landowners about issues concerning the showground.
Mr. Belleh said they will not postpone the date as this will allow for tourists to visit Bougainville and also watch the festival.
He said if we continue to postpone the date of the festival, tourists who have prepared to come for the festival will not come to Bougainville.
12.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bill to end ‘back door’ bargains
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
BOUGAINVILLEANS can be rest assured that there will no longer be any “back-door mining deals” struck by locals with outsiders.
This follows last week’s adoption of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 into law by the Bougainville House of Representatives last Friday.
President John Momis, while presenting the second reading on the transitional mining bill, said he was very concerned with the number of back-door deals taking place in Bougainville.
“Outside economic interests, with limited track records in the mining industry were entering into arrangements with Bougainville factions and leaders,” he said.
“They were doing this without consulting the legitimate Bougainville Government.”
The President also denied accusations made by certain Bougainvilleans that he was trying to sell Bougainville, he said that this bill, once it becomes a law will “stop unscrupulous and unprincipled outsiders who together with a few weak or corrupt Bougainvilleans”.
Member for Kongara in Central Bougainville, Dominic Itta expressed his opposition towards this and called on the members not to pass it.
He then moved a motion for the withdrawal of the bill, citing many irregularities contained in it. Member for South Nasioi also in Central Bougainville, John Ken quickly seconded the motion.
However, Speaker Andrew Miriki, after consulting the parliament clerk and procedural officer, overturned their motion and called for all members to debate the bill.
Central Bougainville MP and Minister for Communications in the National Parliament, Jimmy Miringtoro has also called on ABG to defer the debate of the bill.
All other members expressed their support towards the adoption of the transitional mining law.
Member for Ramu constituency in Siwai District, South Bougainville, Thomas Mauroko Pa’ataku said the mining law is a clear sign of “autonomy at its best”.
12.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Leader keen to improve Buka
By ADRIANA SCHMIDT
BUSINESSES and individuals in Buka who plan to develop their land in town, whether for residential, commercial, industrial or church lease purposes, must seek approval from the Lands and Physical Planning Board.
This was the call made by ABG Minister for Lands and Physical Planning Newton Kauva following businessman Damien Sikaina’s call for businesses to be operating in buildings that are compliant with the Lands and Physical Planning Board.
In a statement, Minister Kauva said reasons for this are to ensure that the building is in accord with the terms of health, safety and hygiene.
He said Bougainville is heading towards referendum so plans must be made ahead to erect buildings that will depict a planned town that Bougainvilleans can be proud of.
The Minister also responded to street vendors’ questions of why the government is stopping them from making sales on the streets which appeared in last week Tuesday’s edition of the Post-Courier.
He said the main reason for this is that towns have to operate in a regulatory manner and also the town authorities will not be getting any tax to keep the towns clean, plus the items on sale are not acquired through genuine means and it contributes to urban drift.
He said this kind of practice is not common in Bougainville and is apparently being imported from other major towns in the country by people who are unemployed and have no land.
Mr Kauva He said Bougainville is blessed with vast resources and he urged all Bougainvilleans to tap into these available resources instead of making the town areas look unregulated.
12.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
New legislation strips rights from Rio Tinto's subsidiary Bougainville Copper
Bougainville President John Momis says his new Mining Act, passed on Friday, strips significant rights from the Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited, but he is still facing stiff criticism from grassroots organisations.
The main aim of the legislation is to transfer powers over mining from the Papua New Guinea government to the local legislature.
But many people on the island fear it gives too much power to Bougainville Copper, the company that ran the Panguna copper mine that sparked the civil war in the 1990's.
Philip Miriori, Chairman of the Me'ekamui Government of Unity, a rebel group based near the mine site, says the legislation is dangerous and potentially destabilising.
The Panguna Veterans Association says it will lay the foundations for a repeat of the crisis which left thousands dead.
Bougainville's President John Momis says the critics have got it wrong.
He told Jemima Garrett the new mining legislation strips away most of Bougainville Copper's rights and has wider significance as well.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: John Momis, Bougainville President
LISTEN HERE !
12.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Bougainville Manifesto 16: Making a modern state on Bougainville
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
BOUGAINVILLE will not move along the path of advancement with the current notion of ‘dancing to the PNG and BCL tune’. The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) should step outside the box and streamline the politics in a way that meets with public approval.
Bougainville is not a fragile state. In the 2008 paper, A Promising Liaison: Kastom and State in Bougainville, Volker Boege argued:
‘Although, state institutions on Bougainville are still rather weak, it is misleading to see Bougainville as a fragile state. It is instead a hybrid political order in the process of state formation. This process is driven by actors and institutions not only from the realm of the state, but also from the customary sphere and civil society.’
The state-building process on Bougainville is a participatory one. All factions in the field of political conflict have one goal and that is an independent Bougainville in its rightful place in the northern Solomon Islands.
But the problem on the ground is that the current legitimate government, the ABG, is overpowered by a lack of financial strength to deliver to the people and it does not see that the Bougainville conflict is about the people’s stand against exploitation, indoctrination and genocide that the islanders faced since 1886-99 when Bougainville was removed from the British Solomon Islands and dumped into German New Guinea.
This problem is still going on and the critics see it thus. The ABG is having a hard time dealing with criticism and there must be a stop to it. The ABG is in a better position with the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Bougainville Constitution underpinning it.
Bougainville, under the Constitutional directives of Paragraph 57 (subjects not now known or identified) and Paragraph 58 (transfer or delegation of powers and functions) has the right to streamline its politics. It has to get all the people and factions behind it and to focus itself in all its endeavours.
Currently Bougainville is financially dependent upon PNG and its leadership is not willing to creatively and aggressively pursue economic growth from available resources especially in the agricultural sector.
Indoctrination of the leadership has nurtured Bougainville to host a massive exploitative industry that does not equally distribute wealth from the economic heart of the island.
Bougainville needs to see development from the perspective of the 1960’s The Stages of Economic Growth: A Non-Communist Manifesto that outlines economic growth and development as an incremental step-by-step process.
Bougainville is engaging in state building in an era of globalisation and the leadership needs to create its own political culture. Bougainville already has a relevant and manageable system in the Bougainville Constitution where we have a marriage of republican and Westminster systems. But this is a system and not a culture.
A culture needs to be developed from the amalgamation of the system with the traditional egalitarian leadership modes throughout Bougainville. This is a challenge but the government system known on Bougainville has gone down well with the people and a culture of participatory politics has emerged.
The challenge now is to invest in economic power which will drive the developing political culture and system. Developing Bougainville’s agricultural sector is a way forward along with small-scale mining operations that Bougainvilleans are now employing.
These economic avenues should be owned by the Bougainville people and the Bougainville government and resist or remove all non-Bougainvillean businesses already on Bougainville or trying to enter.
By so doing, Bougainville will nurture and develop the business culture that is still foreign to the island. This engagement will be a source of self-reliance and independence that 15,000 people died for.
With a secure economic base and the subsequent benefits, Bougainville should march towards a situation where development frees the citizens from poverty by investing in social capital to support sustainable development and modernisation.
With these strategic approaches and development processes Bougainvilleans can be a free and independent and happy people.
12.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Carteret Islanders take command of their search for a new home
In 2006, with sea levels on the rise due to global climate change, the Council of Elders (CoE) of the Carteret Islands looked to secure the future of its people with a strategy for voluntary resettlement.
The CoE represents the communities on the small islands of the Carteret (or Tulun) Atoll, which for nearly 30 years have experienced a number of misguided plans and attempts to relocate.
In the 1980s the North Solomons Provincial Government launched program that resettled ten families in Kuveria, near Arawa. Once they had relocated the people did not receive any ongoing support from the government nor from the local people, who were not pleased with the program. With the eruption of the Bougainville Crisis in 1988 near their adopted home, the Carteret islanders returned to the atoll.
The topic of relocation was again discussed in 2001 by the transitional government in Bougainville, but with no tangible outcomes.
The CoE, spurred by the lack of progress, established Tulele Peisa in 2006 (at that time known as the Carterets Relocation Program); a non-government organisation to that exists to support, promote and facilitate the voluntary relocation and resettlement of the Carteret Islanders.
The Carteret Atoll (Tulun) as seen from space.
Tulele Peisa is a phrase in the Halia language of the northern regions of Bougainville that translates to ‘sailing the waves on our own’. In this context the name reflects the organisation’s commitment to the people of the Carterets; “Striving for strength and action through capacity building of our own people”.
In 2009 Tulele Peisa began a relocation project that would bring families from the Carterets to Tinputz in North Bougainville. The project relied on close consultation with the host community in Tinputz and a donation of 38 hectares of land by the Catholic Church of Bougainville.
So far over 100 people from ten different families have been relocated to Tinputz, where the host community have embraced Carteret Islanders as their own and integrated them in to the local CoE.
Each of the ten families was assigned a one hectare block for their garden and economic activities.
The land, having been a part of the Catholic Church of Bougainville’s Tinputz Plantation, is fertile and already the new members of the community are growing cocoa, coconut, hardwood & softwood trees, palm and bamboo.
The people of the Carterets have a self-reliant and sustainable future with the work of their own organisation, Tulele Peisa.
11.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Bougainville's historic new mining legislation under fire from critics
Despite President Momis' assurances critics are still worried.
Chris Baria, is a Bougainvillean who was working for Bougainville Copper when the civil war began and has since worked for Oxfam and other agencies.
He told Jemima Garrett the legislation needs to be withdrawn.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Chris Baria, Bougainvillean blogger and writer
LISTEN HERE !
11.08.2014
Source: Islands Business
Bougainville House passes historic mining bill
BUKA, PNG --- The passing of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 by Bougainville Parliament on Friday was an historic occasion for the Autonomous Region.
The bill’s passing completes the drawdown of mining powers from the national Government.
The symbolic and practical significance of this event is clear – the 10-year Bougainville Conflict was sparked by the giant Panguna Copper Mine which was closed down by dispossessed landowners.
As such, mining is an emotive issue for Bougainvilleans with up to 20,000 having died as a result of the Conflict.
The bill, in its fourth draft when passed, is the result of comprehensive community consultation, including wide-ranging forums and workshops.
It has been a long battle for Bougainville President John Momis who, with his team, has developed and pushed forward the bill over the past two years, changing it and tailoring it to fit the needs and expectations of the greatest possible amount of Bougainvilleans.
Despite this, not all are satisfied, with an angry protest being held outside Parliament last Tuesday when the bill was originally supposed to have been put before the House.
But the president strenuously defended it, saying "I firmly believe that we have done has been practicable". He explained it is a "transitional law" and that the long-term law is still being developed.
Momis said he expects the final bill to be ready by early next year after further community consultation.
In a stirring speech to Parliament on Friday, the president said "as we all know, Bougainville has bitter experience with previous mining laws that were applicable to Bougainville".
After outlining the ills caused by of past mining laws imposed upon Bougainville, he went on to say "mining can occur only if it is done in ways that respect our people’s rights, brings as many benefits as possible and does the least amount of damage to our land, environment and culture".
The bill is considered a world-first in the unprecedented rights it gives to landowners.
“We are especially proud that the bill is completely unique in the world in the focus it gives to protecting the interests of the people of Bougainville,” Momis said.
“Customary owners will have many rights.”
11.08.2014
Source: MINING.COM
Papua New Guinea new mining law takes away Rio’s subsidiary rights
by Cecilia Jamasmie
Panguna copper and gold mine once generated over 40% of PNG's GDP.
Papua New Guinea’s autonomous region of Bougainville passed Friday a new mining bill that strips significant rights from Rio Tinto’s (LON, ASX:RIO) subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited (ASX:BOC).
The agreement under which Bougainville Copper ran the Panguna open cut copper and gold mine for 20 years has been eliminated.
The ruling formalizes the province's control of its own resources, which means the national PNG mining law no longer applies and that the agreement under which Bougainville Copper ran the Panguna open cut copper and gold mine for 20 years has been eliminated.
According to Radio Australia, locals worry the legislation —which transfers powers over mining from the Papua New Guinea government to the local legislature — gives too much power to Australian copper, gold, and silver company Bougainville Copper, whose Panguna mine sparked a civil war in the 1990's and has not seen mining activity since then.
The internal conflict, which came about in part due to a demand from Bougainville rebels for higher mine royalties, and their anger at alleged environmental destruction, resulted in an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 deaths.
Philip Miriori, Chairman of the Me'ekamui Government of Unity, a rebel group based near the mine site, told Radio Australia the legislation was “dangerous” and “potentially destabilizing.”
But Bougainville President John Momis defends it: “I firmly believe that we have done has been practicable," he told Island Business, adding the law is a "transitional” one and that the long-term law is still being developed.
11.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville's Momis unconcerned about disquiet over mining laws
Bougainville's president says he isn't concerned about disquiet among some landowners to the province's new mining laws.
A new transitional law was passed last week to replace Papua New Guinea mining law, which formalised the province's control of its own resources as laid out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The complete mining law is expected to be passed by early next year.
John Momis says landowners will be happy once the government has explained things to them.
"We will explain, we will take measures now to embark on a massive awareness programme. Another reason why we've had to have this transitional law is to prevent foreigners who come here and go straight to the landowners. From now on, any dealing with the people must come through the ABG."
John Momis says some landowners have been misled by foreigners.
11.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville House passes historic mining bill
By DAVID LORNIE
THE passing of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 by Bougainville Parliament on Friday was an historic occasion for the Autonomous Region.
The bill’s passing completes the drawdown of mining powers from the national Government.
The symbolic and practical significance of this event is clear – the 10-year Bougainville Conflict was sparked by the giant Panguna Copper Mine which was closed down by dispossessed landowners.
As such, mining is an emotive issue for Bougainvilleans with up to 20,000 having died as a result of the Conflict.
The bill, in its fourth draft when passed, is the result of comprehensive community consultation, including wide-ranging forums and workshops.
It has been a long battle for Bougainville President John Momis who, with his team, has developed and pushed forward the bill over the past two years, changing it and tailoring it to fit the needs and expectations of the greatest possible amount of Bougainvilleans.
Despite this, not all are satisfied, with an angry protest being held outside Parliament last Tuesday when the bill was originally supposed to have been put before the House.
But the president strenuously defended it, saying "I firmly believe that we have done has been practicable". He explained it is a "transitional law" and that the long-term law is still being developed.
Mr Momis said he expects the final bill to be ready by early next year after further community consultation.
In a stirring speech to Parliament on Friday, the president said "as we all know, Bougainville has bitter experience with previous mining laws that were applicable to Bougainville".
After outlining the ills caused by of past mining laws imposed upon Bougainville, he went on to say "mining can occur only if it is done in ways that respect our people’s rights, brings as many benefits as possible and does the least amount of damage to our land, environment and culture".
The bill is considered a world-first in the unprecedented rights it gives to landowners.
"We are especially proud that the bill is completely unique in the world in the focus it gives to protecting the interests of the people of Bougainville," Mr Momis said.
"Customary owners will have many rights."
11.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
A right to use but not destroy – the kiaps & Panguna
by BILL BROWN
In the late 1960s, with the Australian government pressing CRA to get on with mining in Bougainville and CRA still assessing feasibility, the district field staff – the kiaps – were caught in a position of having to mediate between their impatient bosses in Canberra and Konedobu and increasingly disgruntled landowners.
An extract from ‘Telefomin and Panguna: A Kiap’s View’ from ‘Australians in Papua New Guinea, 1960-75’, edited by C Spark, S Spark & C Twomey, UQePress
CRA had been pushing Canberra and Moresby to arrange access to mineralised areas at Mainoki, Karato and Atamo from where they had been ejected.
Those areas had to be evaluated before the Company committed to Panguna, and ADO (a new title for those formerly known as senior Patrol Officers) Chris Warrilow and Patrol Officer John Gordon-Kirkby had the job of escorting the geologists to the sites.
Warrilow was responsible for Mainoki and Atamo; Gordon-Kirkby for Karato, and they had their unwritten instructions: there was to be no violence. Warrilow and his colleague Ross Henderson had been transferred from the Highlands to Bougainville in 1967; Gordon-Kirkby had been drafted from Boku – a Buin Patrol Post - for a one-off event.
District Officer Ross Henderson took over at Barapina in October 1967 and was given a multitude of tasks: to try and explain the Company’s continuing changing plans to the people, to protect the people’s interests, to organise the delineation of land ownership boundaries before landmarks were destroyed, to prevent violence, and to keep the peace in a burgeoning – almost Wild West – township.
Henderson spent over three years with that horror, supported variously by Mike Bell, Mike D’Abbs, Brian Dodds, Noel Mathieson, Chris Warrilow, Jim Wellington and Peter Wohlers. They each experienced the opposition to stream sampling, drilling, surveying and the mine.
The people from the villages around the mine were overwhelmed by the destruction. The trees in their forest were poisoned, and then felled by a giant hawser dragline. The undergrowth was sprayed with herbicide, and then every vestige of vegetation burnt in fan-forced fires, accelerated with diesoline.
The ash, soil, rocks and huge boulders were hosed into the streams by a battery of six monitors (water cannon), each ‘fed’ by three bulldozers. One hundred and twenty million cubic metres of soft overburden, followed by the waste rock, were flushed into the Kawerong, thence downstream to destroy the Jaba River environment.
The Guava people were left first with desolation, then with a void: a gaping oval-shaped hole more than 300 metres deep, 2,000 metres long and 5,000 metres wide. A huge part of their heritage had gone forever. Ross Henderson, recorded by Film Australia in July 1969, said:
It did not surprise anyone that the Moronis were angry over the land situation. It is not just a block of dirt to them – it is part of the body and the soul. Their whole social system is based on land. The land is owned by the ancestors now dead, the present occupiers and by the unborn generations to come.
The occupiers have the right to use the land, to lease, but not to destroy. From as early as 1966 we have been telling all the villages as much as we knew of the project … It was difficult even for us to envisage what was going to happen. You can imagine how bewildering it must have been for the Moronis.
John Wakeford, who had replaced Mollison as DC in March 1967, was also concerned about the CRA problems. He visited Kieta once a month, told Headquarters that mining was going to destroy communities, and was replaced by Des Ashton in January 1968.
Ashton thrust himself into the CRA activities, and moved district headquarters from Sohano to Kieta in August. Ian Downs said that Ashton ‘was not easily disturbed by violent situations … not an imaginative man … unimpressed by the awesome political and commercial power of Conzinc Riotinto … prepared to do his duty in any situation to which he was called’.
I had attended the monthly Port Moresby meetings between the Company and the Administration since May 1967; Ashton attended two or three, decided he was being disdained, and did not attend again.
Those meetings were where CRA discussed their progress and their projections, made their demands, and were the scene of solo battles for me until Tom Ellis was appointed Director and came to my support.
Chaired by an Assistant Administrator (Economic Affairs), they were attended by the Treasurer, the Secretary for Law, the Directors of District Administration, the Director of Lands & Mines, someone from the Department of Territories, and by CRA’s Frank Espie and his team from Melbourne.
In August 1968 the company tabled their ‘urgent survey proposals’ covering a band of country stretching from the east coast to the west coast: town site, access road, power transmission line, tailings flume, quarry sites, siltation study and water supply. Those operations would cover an enormous swathe of land, including villages and gardens.
We were allowed eight weeks to explain the proposals to the people, but there were no certainties to explain. The planners, surveyors and all manner of engineers would intrude on the land, cut survey lines, drill soil and rock, take samples, and conduct all sorts of tests – but all to what end?
The company had yet to decide if the project was viable, and, even when the decision was made to go ahead in early 1969, they still did not know where the roads, power lines and other facilities would be located.
New areas of concern were outside the prospecting area: in the Pinei Valley on the east coast, and the Jaba River valley on the west coast, where the tailings would soon become a hazard.
Some of the villages in the Pinei Valley had already put up with the construction of an access road through their land. The new activities would disrupt all the villages as survey lines were cut through their gardens and through their small plantations of coconuts, coffee and cacao, as they would be inspected, and surveyed, in the search for a town site, and as rock outcrops were drilled and blasted in the search for materials.
Five officers were involved in visits, attempting to explain those intrusions, and to dispel distrust. In March 1969 I moved
John Russell-Pell to Pakia so that he would be immediately available to the people. Mike Bell arrived on transfer from the Eastern Highlands in August 1968, and, after a three-day briefing period, moved to the Jaba River headwaters where he lived in a tent for almost 12 months. Bell’s neighbours, the Darenai, first endured him, then threatened to burn him out, and finally accepted that he was there to help them.
The so-called Agreement between CRA and the Administration had a similar trajectory to the amendments to the mining legislation; negotiated with Canberra, endorsed by Cabinet in April 1967, and pushed through the House of Assembly in August.
From the Bougainville perspective, the most significant implications were that it obliged the Administration to provide mining leases over any areas applied for by the Company, and to provide reasonable land requirements for the mining operation.
The Company tabled their requirements at a meeting on 11 February 1969; a staggering area totalling in excess of 57,000 acres (23,000 hectares) for the mine, pipelines, powerlines, port, roads, tailings and the town.
In the Pinei valley, the proposed townsite, an area of 1,000 acres (405 hectares), encompassed Pakia village and gardens. The new two-lane highway would cut a swathe through the coconut, coffee and cocoa groves, while nearby land was said to be required for a garbage dump and industrial waste.
At Rorovana, CRA required 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of native owned land for loading facilities, an overseas wharf, oil storage, a 135-megawatt powerhouse, and a beachfront recreation area.
(In August 1968 CRA had said that ‘Loloho plantation and a small additional area’ would be sufficient for the port, and I had relayed that to the village.)
I was certain that a town could not be located at Pakia without bloodshed. I had said so the previous year, and I said so again. I could not see why Guava village, not even in the Panguna valley, was to be encompassed by the mining lease, and I thought the land grabs at Rorovana, and for the garbage dump, were an outrage.
11.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
LOs not happy with Bill
THE Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 passed by Bougainville Parliament on Friday has not pleased everyone.
The executives of the SML (Special Mining Lease) Osikaiang Landowner’s Association, which represents people in the Panguna mine area, said in a statement that they were not happy with certain aspects of the Bill.
“Our position on this Bill has always been that BCL (Bougainville Copper Ltd, the previous Panguna mine operators) must not be given an easy access by our Government through our own Bougainville Mining Law. Our law must be a standalone law,” they said.
“The Bill that our Government had passed is a very clear violation of our customary rights to our land and our resources.”
There is a clause in the Bill which gives BCL the first right of refusal to negotiate for mining rights in Panguna.
However, Bougainville President John Momis said in Parliament on Friday that, “the draft Act does not grant any minerals to BCL. It just gives BCL a right to negotiate with the ABG and landowners for a mining license for the area previously covered by the SML.
“If conditions satisfactory to the ABG and landowners are not agreed then BCL will not receive a mining license. They will leave. Then the ABG and the landowners will decide what to do next.”
A statement the association submitted to the Panguna Negotiation Forum held last week in Buka outlined the association’s position in detail, covering issues such as participation of stakeholders, local asset management, environmental management and benefit sharing arrangements.
Association Chairman Lawrence Daveona said “in order not to be subservient to Rio Tinto’s nonsense again we are proposing that we as SML Landowners must participate directly in the Panguna Mine’s Operations.”
He added that his landowners had again been made “mere spectators.”
11.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Arawa observes book week
By Lance Sikave Itta
THE National Book Week was launched last week in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
The National Book Week is an annual event that promotes books and reading. This was the first time the event has been held in Arawa, the former capital of Bougainville.
It is also being observed in current provincial capital Buka.
This year’s National Book week theme is “Need to know-Read”.
At the official launching, national librarian Karina Bundu said there is no limit to the type of National Book Week activities that can be organised in schools, libraries and homes.
Storytelling, reading aloud, book talks, games, quizzes, bulletin boards, book swaps, book character parades, treasure hunts, drama – even cooking adds flavour to the fun and festivities of National Book week, he said.
The local theme noruko piarora – derukiaing, (local Kieta-Nasioi dialect meaning “need to know – read” refers students to books.
Ms Bundu challenged parents, school boards and even teachers and students to make Education a priority.
She said books must be made available for students to assist with their learning. That is why parents and boards of school management must build libraries in schools. Teachers and students must also care for the books they have, she said.
“As stakeholders, we all have a responsibility to these assets,” she said. “I encourage students to read more books. In my school days, I loved and enjoyed reading. I always spend time in the library, reading and borrowing books even during weekends. This has helped me to excel in my education and life,” said Ms Bundu.
The most important thing is giving children ideas to access quality education and that can only be done through reading. Books are a gateway to information.
“If I have to know the world, the National Librarian told students and teachers, “I need to read to acquire the necessary knowledge,” she said.
Students, who are the future leaders within our society, were given the important message that good readers become good speakers and eventually become good writers’.
09.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville Parlt pass mining bill
Yesterday the Bougainville Parliament passed the historic Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014.
The Bill completes the ongoing transfer of mining powers from the National Government.
The Mining Bill was in its fourth draft when passed and is the result of comprehensive community and stakeholder consultation, including wide-ranging forums and workshops.
The first version of the Bill was drafted in 2012.
The President said “as we all know, Bougainville has bitter experience with previous mining laws that were applicable to Bougainville.”
After outlining the ills caused by of past mining laws imposed upon Bouginville, the President went on to say “mining can occur only if it is done in ways that respect our people’s rights, brings as many benefits as possible and does the least amount of damage to our land, environment and culture.”
The Bill is a world first in the unprecedented rights it gives to landowners.
Speaking for his Cabinet and Natural Resources Minister Michael Oni, the President said, “We are especially proud that the Bill is completely unique in the world in the focus it gives to protecting the interests of the people of Bougainville.
“Customary owners will have many rights. In particular they will have a right of veto over the grant of any exploration over their land.”
Landowners will also be given “significant rights to share in mine revenues, including royalties, rents and compensation”.
SEE Monday’s Post-Courier for more, in-depth stories on the Mining Bill.
09.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Full Bougainville mining law hoped for new year
The president of Bougainville says he hopes to have a complete mining law for the autonomous Papua New Guinea province passed by the end of the year.
The President of Bougainville, John Momis Photo: RNZI
A new "transitional" law was passed last week to replace PNG mining law, which formalised the province's control of its own resources as laid out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
John Momis says the new law ensures that landowners will own the resources on their land, but more work still needs to be done to prepare the full legislation.
" Well we are still working on the provisions for environmental safety standards and hopefully by the end of the year of January next year we'll have the complete mining law passed."
Bougainville's President, John Momis.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
New Bougainville mining law a world first
A new mining law in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville ensures that landowners have will own the resources on their land.
The Bougainville Transitional Mining bill became law on Friday and formalises the province's control of its own resources as laid out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
It means that national PNG mining law no longer applies, meaning the Bougainville Copper Agreement under which Bougainville Copper ran the Panguna mine for 20 years before the civil war has been eliminated.
President John Momis says it is an historic development ensuring protection for both landowners and the mining companies they reach agreement with.
"We have now legally given the landowners the right of ownership and I think this is the first time anywhere in the world where a government legally gives the ownership to the landowners."
The President of Bougainville, John Momis.
08.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
People told to vote good leaders
BOUGAINVILLE Regional MP Joe Lera is calling on Bougainvilleans not to vote leaders who do not have the heart to help the people.
He said next year’s Autonomous Bougainville Government elections is very crucial so people should vote for leaders who will prepare the region for the referendum to decide Bougainville’s political future.
Mr Lera said leaders who only care about themselves are not fit to be elected into parliament because they will not develop any tangible programs and the people will continue to suffer.
He said next year’s elections are crucial for Bougainville so people should not waste their votes on unproductive leaders.
"People should vote for leaders who have the heart to help the people and develop Bougainville.
"Those who do not care for others should not be voted into parliament as they will concentrate on their personal wellbeing without thinking of helping others," said Mr Lera.
"Don’t vote leaders who bribe people with money to get elected into parliament because these kind of people are not good leaders."
08.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Me’ekamui against mining bill
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
Some members and supporters of the MGU with a copy of the draft mining bill yesterday. Picture: WINTERFORD TOREAS.
THE Me’ekamui government of unity (MGU) has strongly voiced out its opposition to the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014 scheduled to be tabled and debated in the ABG parliament tomorrow.
Their stand was revealed to the Post-Courier yesterday by MGU president Philip Miriori and his followers.
Mr Miriori and other members of his government, including some former combatants, had travelled from their villages to the ABG parliament house at Kubu in Buka yesterday to show their opposition and also air their frustrations on ABG’s stand to debate and adopt into law a transitional mining law that will govern mining operations in Bougainville.
“We came to Buka because we saw that this mining bill will not bring anything good into our livelihood at Panguna and Bougainville as a whole,” Mr Miriori said.
“Many people lost their lives during the crisis therefore we want the government to come up with a good mining law after having consultations and discussions with the 350,000 population in Bougainville.
“All people have their constitutional rights to have a say on the future of mining in Bougainville. But the total population was not consulted to gauge their views on the future of mining in Bougainville.”
Mr Miriori and his followers had gone against the ABG after seeing that section 212 of the transitional mining bill was in favour of BCL, a company which the Me’ekamui government said is not welcome on Bougainville.
Section 212 (2) (b) on special mining leases states that “The company that was the holder of the special mining lease immediately before the commencement of this Act becomes by force of this section the holder of an exploration license within the meaning of this Act in respect to the area to which the special mining lease applied”.
Mr Miriori said the issue on the re-opening of mining in Bougainville should be discussed after Bougainville gains independence.
“Mining is not an issue. The real issue here is we must get independence first before we can talk about mining,” Mr Miriori said. “We have other sectors like agriculture that we can turn to instead of talking of mining.”
The transitional mining bill is one of the three important government bills that the ABG was supposed to have debated on yesterday.
08.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Locals question MP over use of funds
BY ALEX MUNME
SOUTH Bougainvilleans are questioning their national Member of Parliament, Steven Kama Pirika, on how he has spent their District Support Improvement Program (DSIP) fundings for the past years.
Their grievances were expressed to the Post-Courier in Buka this week by their representative and paramount chief, Steven Taraisi.
In a prepared statement, chief Taraisi said since taking up leadership, South Bougainvilleans have yet to see changes taking place in their area.
“There was no single toea spent in South Bougainville in 2013,” he said before demanding a report in the form of acquittals dating back to 2010 to prove him wrong.
He said Mr Pirika had informed them that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill had used up K7 million from the K10 million DSIP funding for South Bougainville.
“The people of South Bougainville are now appealing to Mr Pirika to clarify this claim or they would sue the government for spending their DSIP funds,” Mr Taraisi said.
The chief said this money is constitutionally and legally guaranteed to the people of South Bougainville as owners of the DSIP funds.
They want the acquittals report so that they can cross check with the physical projects under the K10 million DSIP funds.
He said they want a proper and realistic report that would signify what has been actually implemented in South Bougainville. He said the people have elected a leader who cannot lead them.
The chief said the Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera has submitted his K15 million PSIP report which they are happy with.
08.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
New boat for seaweed industry
By ALEX MUNME
THE seaweed Industry in Bougainville will soon have its own work boat for extension work while implementing out the industry’s rollout program.
Project co-ordinator Kenneth Kumul and Bougainville Commerce Division senior co-ordinator for investments, Raymond Moworu both confirmed the arrival of the boat this week in Buka.
The two officers said the workboat was funded by the Autonomous Bougainville Government under the Special Intervention Fund at a cost of K554,000 and will arrive from Malaysia by the end of September.
They said the boat is very important as it will be used to transport seaweed cuttings, as seed stock, from Cartrets Islands to other parts of Atolls including Nissan Island, Tasman Island, Mortlock Island and the outer Islands of Buka and mainland Bougainville.
It will carry four tonnes of seaweed.
They said officials will also use the boat to co-ordinate the seaweed project in Bougainville.
Mr Moworu said in six months the whole of Bougainville including Kieta and Nissan should be covered.
He said this is a big seaweed project compared to other Pacific island countries like Cook Islands, Kiribati and Fij.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville mining bill irks former fighters
A group of ex-combatants from North Bougainville in Papua New Guinea have expressed anger at what they claim is misinformation being spread about the Bougainville Mining Bill.
The Post Courier reports that there was a protest against the bill held outside the Bougainville Parliament on Wednesday, which disturbed the sitting of the Bougainville Executive Council.
The protesting ex-combatants said they were not happy with the bill's second draft, although it was the fourth draft that was under discussion.
The current draft has been the subject of mining forums over the past weeks but has not yet been made public.
The ex-combatants have suggested that not enough awareness is being conducted about the draft process.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE GOVERNMENT PASSES ITS OWN MINING LAW
By Aloysius Laukai
The Bougainville Autonomous Government House of representatives this afternoon passed the controversial Bougainville Transitional Mining law after a lengthy debate which included the 41 ABG members and two National Government members, the Member for Central Bougainville, JIMMY MIRINGTORO and the Regional member, JOE LERA.
The new Bougainville transitional mining law now means that the PNG mining law ceases to apply in Bougainville and this means the Bougainville Copper Agreement also ceases to operate on Bougainville as of today.
This means that any future mining on Bougainville and including exploration would only be granted license under this law and by the ABG.
This law has also created history in that Landowners are now the rightful owners of their resources and have the VETO power to stop any development on their land.
This law also addresses the call by many critics that wanted stolen rights to return to the people of Bougainville.
And all other interested players must now come through the ABG instead of dealing directly with the landowners as many cases in the past.
Today's parliament sitting was witnessed by all stakeholders who have a special interest in Bougainville and was also witnessed by people who travelled all the way from North, Central and South Bougainville.
The law now enables any interested groups especially landowners who want to work with their partners to register their interests either on exploration or mining on Bougainville .
The new Bougainville mining transitional law will operate until the permanent law on mining is passed by the ABG House by the end of this year.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PNGIPA RECIEVES SECOND PAYMENT FOR CONDUCTING TRAINING
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Papua New Guinea Institute of Public Administration (PNGIPA) received its second payment for conducting trainings for Bana District today.
In a short but very important ceremony at the Buka administration conference room, chiefs from Bana District, officers from PNGIPA and representatives from departments responsible witnessed a cheque totaling K188, 115 being presented by the executive manager for Bana district Sam Roroga to the PNGIPA training coordinator Bill Samson.
This second payment which was taken from the DSIP funds now completes the payment of the training agreement between PNGIPA and Bana district.
Executive manager for Bana District explained during the presentation that PNGIPA has been providing training to Bana District administration officers upon request from his people and the training was made possible with funding from South Bougainville member Steven Pirika.
He said PNGIPA is offering short courses to over one hundred people to build up the capacity of administrative services in his area.
He added that the work of his officers has improved through this training and he hopes that it will improve more when the training is completed.
Mr. Roroga then assured the sponsors that that the money put into this training have been well spent.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NEW MINING LAW MEETS OBJECTIVES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Acting chief secretary Chris Siriosi said because of opposition from companies and a few Bougainvilleans, it clearly shows that the new mining law has met its objectives.
He made this statement yesterday when opening the one day workshop for the ABG members of the House of Representative on the new mining transitional arrangement Bill.
He said when the law is passed; all liars will be locked out of Bougainville.
He added that it is necessary that the ABG establish a framework of laws where people who come into the region will abide by.
Mr. Siriosi pointed out that laws are there and will be there to prevent problems from happening.
He then stressed to the parliamentary members that they cannot trust the interpretation of the new mining law by non-lawyers.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SIRIOSI EXPRESSES HAPPINESS ON AROPA CONTRACT SIGNING
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG acting chief secretary Chris Siriosi has expressed happiness during the signing of the works contract for Aropa airport last Saturday.
Speaking during the small signing ceremony, he told the people who gathered for the signing that the occasion has given him great happiness because it has not been easy for the ABG to get to where they are now.
He said it has been a long, tiring and challenging road for the both the ABG and the National Government.
He added that the projects are part of the commitments that the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made during his historic visit to Bougainville earlier this year.
Mr. Siriosi said he is pleased to inform the people of Bougainville that the ABG is finally rolling out these projects in partnership with the National Government who is one of our valuable developing partner.
He then pointed out that the private sector must not be forgotten because it also has a special place for the development of Bougainville.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
REAGAN RESPONDS TO CRITICISMS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The legal advisor to the Autonomous Bougainville Government Anthony Reagan explained clearly to the ABG members of the House of Representatives yesterday that he is a lawyer by profession and is working as a legal advisor for Bougainville.
Speaking during the one day workshop of the ABG members on the new mining law in Buka, he said he is not an agent for Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) as claimed by Philip Miriori through an article in The National newspaper.
He added that he has never worked for a mining company and has never received any money from any one.
Mr. Reagan said he only gives advice and he does not tell the ABG or the president and his ministers what to do or what to include in the laws.
He explained further that the new mining law came about from lots of work from lots of officials after much consultations and field work.
He then pointed out that laws are interpreted differently from normal sentences and therefore lawyers alone can interpret laws properly and accordingly but not anyone on the streets.
He said he is in Bougainville as Bougainville’s legal advisor and not as an agent for Australia or BCL.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ASSERT LEADERSHIP AS A TEAM, SAYS ABG PRESIDENT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Chief Dr. John Momis has encouraged the leaders who attended the Panguna Negotiations Forum to be brave and to assert their leadership as a team.
He said since we have the authority, we must not be scared to assert our leadership as a team and as a team we must assert our authority because we have expert advice.
Speaking during the closing of the forum on Wednesday, he pointed out to the members of the forum that leadership is not individual leadership but must be a team leadership.
He stressed that Bougainville must have a team leadership because all of us have special roles and we must coordinate and play together so Bougainville will win.
He added that their work now is to establish and form a united front in Bougainville.
Chief Momis said our timeline of five years is too short and if we allow for foreign interference to come in and sidetrack some of our leaders, our team will be disbanded.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MINING LAW WILL STRENGTHEN AUTONOMY, SAYS MOMIS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis said during the closing of the Panguna Negotiations Forum on Wednesday that the new mining law will strengthen Bougainville’s autonomy.
He added that autonomy in the Bougainville Peace Agreement is the number one pillar which will help establish an autonomous government that is physically self reliant and one that respects the rule of law.
He pointed out to the leaders who attended the forum that autonomy is the first pillar so we have strengthened the autonomous government and it is the foundation for independence.
Chief Momis said this will be a big move when the mining law or bill is passed.
He added that members of the forum will play a big role in the reopening of the Panguna mine with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) or another company.
He told members of the forum that they have formal authority to give directives to the negotiating team but when they stand collectively; they will be able to prepare everything such as negotiation steps, ideas, skills, tactics, and strategy and when the negotiation time comes they will be ready.
The forum was attended by ex-combatants, ex-combatant leaders, women leaders, the ABG president and his ministers.
08.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
August 8 2014: the important day in the history of Bougainville.
Pictured is ABG President Dr.John Momis walking into the house for the bill on Mining on Bougainville. The place is full to capacity with all stakeholders and their supporters watch the result of the proceedings. God Bless Bougainville
By Aloysius Laukai at the ABG House
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
GUNSHOTS BECOMING A BIG ISSUE IN BUKA TOWN
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Gunshots are becoming a big issue in the Buka Town area after a couple of complaints have been brought forward to the Bougainville Police Service.
North Bougainville Regional commander Inspector Spencer Aili revealed this during an interview with New Dawn Fm.
He pointed out that guns do have their good and bad sides and he is appealing on behalf of the police to whoever is firing off the shots to use their common sense and not alert the public like that.
He said that it is not good for people who are still holding onto their guns and asked that they give the guns to the police.
He added that guns are now of no use and it is very important that we respect the laws of our region.
Inspector Aili explained that the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Weapons Disposal program is in place and we as Bougainvilleans must respect them for the good of the island, for development and when we are moving towards referendum and finally independence.
He added that we must put away all the guns and appealed to whoever is firing off the shots to put an end to what they are doing and to surrender their arms to the police.
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
UNITY IMPORTANT FOR BOUGAINVILLE PEOPLE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG finance minister Albert Punghau has strongly stressed that unity is very important for the people of Bougainville.
Speaking during the closing of the Panguna Negotiations Forum in Buka yesterday, he told the leaders who attended the forum that there are two things that the people of Bougainville shed their blood for and they are the Panguna mine and political stability for Bougainville.
He said if the political stability of Bougainville is not fixed, we will continue to face problems and as leaders we have fought each other but we made peace because we must unite in order to make this political stability.
He pointed out that we have come a long way and we will also solve the issue of the Panguna mine because we have a way forward.
Mr. Punghau explained that he has made a statement already that Bougainville needs money.
He added that we have this golden opportunity and we must not miss this opportunity but we need money to run this nation if we have to make it as a nation according to this democratic process.
He pointed out that Panguna mine is the issue that we have to solve and therefore we must collaborate, talk and come to a compromise in order for us to move forward and bring prosperity to our people.
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS COMMITMENT AND CONSISTENCY FOR BOUGAINVILLE RECOGNIZED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG deputy president Patrick Nsiria has revealed to Bougainville leaders during the Panguna Negotiations Forum that the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis has played a very big role in Bougainville’s political and socio-economic development.
He said from his leadership one can clearly see his commitment and consistency since his involvement with the PNG government up until now.
He added that the president has been fighting for the rights of the people of Panguna and the rights of the people of Bougainville for so long.
Mr. Nsiria said today we are so fortunate for having him as our president from 2010 up to the present.
He added that the executive council are in full support of the president and are committed to helping the people of Panguna by working on this new agreement which will be better than the old agreement.
He assured the leaders and the people of Bougainville that this is the commitment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government to its people.
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BCL CONCERNS MADE KNOWN TO ABG
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Two senior officers for Bougainville Copper Limited met with the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis and his ministers last week to state their complaints concerning the new mining law.
This was revealed by the ABG minister for natural resources Michael Oni at the Panguna Negotiating Forum in Buka on Tuesday.
He said their main concerns included;
1. The value of BCL shares and the company as a whole will be reduced by losing its previous rights under the Bougainville Copper Agreement and especially the Special Mining Lease
2. It will become harder for BCL to raise loans in preparation for negotiations and operations as it would not have valid legal title
3. Without the exploration licenses, it would probably be harder to achieve a viable Panguna Project and
4. BCL feared other companies might try to get rights over its exploration License areas thus adding to the problems in achieving a viable Panguna Project
Minister Oni said the ABG ministers and an advisor responded strongly to the BCL officers and made the following points;
1. The injustice of the Bougainville Copper Agreement was the source of the terrible conflict for Bougainville and so cannot be recognized in any way in the ABG law thus BCL can only return under a new agreement
2. The BCL Exploration Licenses were approved in the 1960’s under the same unjust colonial power relations as the BCA and so cannot be recognized under ABG law and
3. No company, including BCL will be able to obtain a new Exploration License without agreement from fully representative landowner bodies
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
UNDERTAKINGS MUST BE DRIVEN BY THE SPIRIT OF PARTNERSHIP
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The National Minister for Civil Aviation, Steven Davis pointed out strongly that in Bougainville any undertakings that we commit ourselves to from the National government must be driven in the spirit of cooperation and partnership.
He made this statement during the signing of the works contract for Aropa airport on Saturday.
He added that it is indeed very true because we would not have come to this stage where we are signing contracts to commence the undertakings if it wasn’t for the very hard work that was put in by the ABG chief secretary and his staff and the hard working staff of the National Airports Corporation.
Mr. Davis said as a political leader in the aviation sector, he is very grateful to these very dedicated and committed public servants who are driving these projects and initiatives.
07.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RARA RAREI FOUNDATION HELPS SIWAI PRIMARY SCHOOLS
BY ELEANOR MAINEKE/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI
Rara Rarei meaning hope in the Siwai Motuna dialect is a non profit organisation that works with a vision to build young people to build an educated society.
Its mission stands to design and deliver education based programmes to rehabilitate, motivate and empower young people to realise their full potential and become change makers for the future.
The organisation is made up of young and vibrant university graduates and professionals who have the passion to make a positive difference in their district of Siwai and ultimately Bougainville.
The organisation was formed in 2012 and is slowly gaining momentum.
Co-founder and Director of the organisation Richard Rowaro was in Siwai last week to deliver the first lot of library books to three pilot primary schools.
The schools, Siuru in Ramu Constituency, Koruma in Kopi Constituency and Iruh in Motuna Huyono Tokunutui Constituency were identified with the help of District Education officer, Mr. George Ariku.
These schools were chosen due to their difficulty in accessibility to services and because they are geographically located quite far from the service centres.
The ABG Member for Ramu Constituency, Thomas Pata’ku who was at the presentation of library books to Siuru Primary School said he was grateful for the initiative of the foundation.
He encouraged the students to value the library books and to spend quality time with the books as they are Bougainville’s human resources.
07.08.2014
Source: EMTV
AROPA WORK BEGIN
The National Government’s commitment to reopen Aropa Airport in Kieta, Central Bougainville has sown.
This follows the blue print documents, signed between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, National Airports Corporation and contractors.
This is to allow construction work for airport facilities, before flights resume to Aropa.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill in his goodwill visit to the Autonomous Region Of Bougainville early this year, made a commitment for the national government to reopen Aropa airport.
This commitment was sealed following the signing of the Consultancy Contract Project Management Services, over the weekend in Buka, between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Airports Cooperation worth K2.1 Million.
Three contracts for the Aropa airport development are Dekenai Construction Limited with K8.2 Million for pavement works, Kompaini Investments Limited with K2.4 million for flank grading and drainage improvement, and Red Sea Housing Services Company Limited with K7.5 million for building works.
Acting Chief Secretary, Chris Siriosi, explained the Bougainville Supplies Tenders Board were aware of these contracts, that will be supervised by the National Airport Cooperation.
The National Airport Cooperation with the ABG Project Management Unit complied with a procurement procedure of the PNG Public Finance Management ACT, and the Bougainville Contracts 2014.
ABG works & Civil Aviation Minister, Luka Karaston, thanked the National government for honoring its commitment, and restore services in the Autonomous Region.
Bougainville is the first region in Papua New Guinea that has two airports, with Aropa totalling the list to twenty two.
The Aropa airport is one of the high impact projects funded under the special intervention fund.
07.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Aus Government funds mess renovations for Bana High
By Liza Kabui
11 June 2014 was a happy moment for the students, the teachers and parents at Bana High School as it was announced that the saksak roof on the mess is to be replaced with iron.
The Australian Government has funded the project after years of waiting for a better place for students to dine in proper shelter. The students had been using an old wrecked bush house for meals, but now Bana High School in South Bougainville will dine for the first time in a standard mess.
Bana High is one of the institutions offering a better education to local kids and graduates from the school are a valuable human resource in the public and private sector across Bougainville.
The school was established after the height of Bougainville Crisis and many youths who did not have the chance to complete their education were fortunate enough to be enrolled at Bana and finish high school there.
During that time the students used bush material buildings, including the mess that the current students still use.
At the same time many other schools were receiving improved facilities and in 2007 the Autonomous Bougainville Government funded facility improvements for Bana High School that saw work take place on the dormitories, ablutions, classrooms and teachers houses, but the mess remained the same.
People from Bana district are very thankful to the Australian Government for giving their children a better and standard mess to dine.
“In 2006 I was studying at Bana High School and we dined in a saksak house while other schools dined in a proper and an iron roofed mess,” said Mr James Keto, a former Bana high school student
“Now, seeing my little sister all excited to dine in a new mess, my heart cries with happiness.”
“Now she can sit and eat well in a new mess without any disturbance of water leaking from a roof during the rainy days.”
A parent from Melola felt that Bana people had most of the time had been left out from development and services, he was pleased that the Australian Government recognized their children’s need and built a new mess for them.
The only thing left to be improved now is the road, which will make the students’ travel easier between school and their respective villages.
A local businessman, Tony Sigo from Bana District, said the new mess was built because of the hard work of the school’s headmaster, Mr Iarako, and he saluted Mr Iarako for serving his people.
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MINING NECESSARY FOR BOUGAINVILLE’S FUTURE ECONOMY
BY JENNIFER NKUI
When the Bougainville Peace Agreement was being negotiated, many of the Bougainville leaders thought large scale mining might never happen again, says ABG finance minister.
Speaking during the Panguna Negotiating Forum in Buka yesterday, Albert Punghau revealed to the participants that when the ABG was established in 2005, President Joseph Kabui changed his mind.
He said Mr. Kabui understood the heavy reliance of the ABG on the National Government and on donors and so decided that large scale mining was necessary which was the conclusion reached by ABG political leaders.
Mr. Punghau explained that it is not a matter for any of us to have any special love for mining and its impacts because we Bougainvilleans know the problems that mining can cause.
But he added that we also know that mining can be done differently from what happened under an unjust colonial agreement signed in 1967.
He said the meeting is a search for an agreement amongst leaders on behalf of all Bougainvilleans of the conditions for allowing mining to happen that will ensure a fair return to landowners of the mine lease, as well as to all Bougainvilleans.
The finance minister then told the leaders present that he is happy to take such an historic step together with them on the search for new and fair mining agreement that contributes significantly to the ability of future Bougainville governments to meet the needs of all Bougainvilleans.
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BCL UNHAPPY WITH NEW MINING LAW
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Bougainville Copper Limited is very unhappy with what the new mining law says and it has given notice to the National Australian Stock Exchange of its concerns.
This was revealed by the ABG minister for Natural Resources Michael Oni at the Panguna Negotiating Forum in Buka yesterday.
He said there are some Bougainvilleans who are opposing this new draft Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangement) Bill saying it gives too much to BCL.
The minister however pointed out that the reality is that the proposed a law will take almost everything from BCL.
Mr. Oni explained that all BCL has now is the right to negotiate for a mining lease over the old SML area.
He added that if that is taken away from them, they would have little choice but to challenge what we are doing in courts or in international tribunals which would result in long, legal costly battles.
He said the ABG is confident that they have got the balance right in the new draft law because BCL is attacking them for taking away too much from them while a few Bougainvilleans oppose them.
He then called on the opponents of the draft law to be honest because when the law is passed, it will mark a historic step for Bougainville.
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The National Government of Papua New Guinea is going through a very interesting time right now where we see the emphasis on development infrastructure being guided by our international partners and observers in PNG’s progress and our future aspirations.
This was revealed by the national minister for civil aviation Steven Davies on Saturday during the signing of the works contract for Aropa airport.
He said there has been a clear sounding message to the government led by Peter O’Neill that infrastructure has become an important investment to underpin our objectives going into the future.
He added that right now the nation is seeing varying movements and activities throughout the provinces but the reality is that now we have a government that sees the need to place the resources and the priorities where the people are.
Mr. Davies said the DSIP which is going out to the districts is enabling that dream to come true.
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HAVE THE WILL AND THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
You must have the will and the right attitude to work on whatever circumstances that is there before you and you must continue learning and be good role models for the young people.
This was strongly stressed to the graduates of the Global University of Life Long Learning by the executive manager for Kieta District Lucy Travezt in Arawa last week.
She pointed out clearly to the graduates that Bougainville is suffering from the dependency syndrome and as people with the training; they must help change the attitudes and mindsets of the village people.
She explained that World Vision is empowering people through this education project to better the living standards of people in the villages.
Mrs. Travezt urged the graduates to go home and help the administration because the administration lacks the capacity in terms of human resources.
She told them that now that they are trained, they can help the administration to institute infrastructures and at the same time address the village people to be more hygiene conscious, to be healthier in their attitudes and approaches to changes.
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DO NOT TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
North Bougainville Regional Police commander inspector Spencer Aili has called on all Bougainvilleans to not take the law into their own hands.
This notice was made after the issue of stealing and unauthorized use of vehicles became widespread.
He advised the people in North Bougainville and the region that if anyone has a problem with someone, this does not guarantee you to steal that person’s vehicle or property.
He said this shows that you are taking the law into your own hands which is wrong.
Inspector Aili explained that the law says that when you get someone’s car, you are stealing and the moment you put the key in the ignition and drive out that will be the unauthorized use of a vehicle.
He added that the right way is for you to go to the police station and formally lay your complaint and the police will then act upon that complaint to solve the problem.
He stressed again that the stealing and unauthorized use of vehicles is becoming an issue in the region so do not try to solve your problem by taking the law into your own hands.
06.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Important old barter system remains intact at Kesa Beach
By Maryanne Hanette
At the end of the Buka Ring Road, at the north of Bougainville is Kesa Beach, there is a village within the Haku constituency that many was many years ago was the centre of the plantation workers settlement.
Kesa Beach has a small population and about five houses located in the area. With its white sandy beach surrounded by mangroves, the beach is often used as a picnic area by locals and tourists alike.
This is the only place in North Bougainville where a traditional barter system remains in place today.
Barter is a system of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money.
In a barter system, people trade by the exchange of goods. In the old times this was used throughout Bougainville and people didn’t worry about it, because the ability and need to make money to pay for things wasn’t as great.
Nowadays we exchange things for money, but before the arrival of cash people exchanged things that they do not need to others and to get what they need.
If each would want the other, they would exchange it among them, but this was an inexact method with no way of measuring or weighing of goods.
People from Buka Island travel there for markets and exchanges with the people from the surrounding islands and atolls. The exchange process is usually between people from the small islands including Pororan, Hitou and many more. People exchange their local produce like kaukau, other garden foods and fish.
The practice still exists because the islands cannot provide the garden foods that their populations require because of a lack of fertile land. They are, however, rich in seafood and people offer this in exchange.
With the exchange of goods and services their basic needs are being met.
06.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
New mining law proposed for Bougainville
A proposed new mining law has been introduced into the parliament on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.
New mining law proposed for Bougainville (Credit: ABC)
The Autonomous Bougainville Government says the aim of the law is to separate the island's mineral wealth from PNG.
Opposition to the former Panguna copper mine sparked a decade-long civil war that left thousands dead in the 1990s.
The Bougainville government says the new law will reduce the chance of future conflict and gives unprecedented rights of veto to landowner groups.
But there is some opposition to the legislation as PNG correspondent Liam Cochrane reports.
Reporter: Liam Cochrane, PNG Correspondent
Speakers: Chris Siriosi, Acting Chief Administrator, Autonomous Bougainville Government
LISTEN HERE !
06.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HOUSE INTRODUCE MINING BILL
By Aloysius Laukai
The Autonomous Bougainville Government House of Representatives special sitting this morning went through first readings for the three proposed bills namely,
BOUGAINVILLE MINING(Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014.
Second, BOUGAINVILLE SENIOR APPOINTMENTS ACT 2014 And,
PRINCIPAL LEGAL ADVISOR ACT 2014.
Parliament then adjourned to Friday for the bills to be debated and passed as Bougainville laws.
Parliament was also adjourned to allow members to complete the first Mining Negotiation Forum which started yesterday and ends today.
The adjournment was also to allow for the ABG members to attend a one day workshop on the bill at the Kuri Village Resort starting 9am tomorrow.
Today’s Parliament house was full to capacity as stakeholders who have interest in the proposed mining bill also attended to witness the parliament proceedings.
They included the National Member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Communications, JIMMY MIRINGTORO, President of the Mekamui Government of Unity, Philip Miriori, former combatants and other public.
Meanwhile, the entry into the ABG House of Representatives by the National Minister was also questioned as a member should be dismissed after missing three consecutive sittings as the last time the member was seen at the Parliament house was at the Inauguration of the second house four years ago.
06.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mine talks still in progress
BY Adriana Schmidt
According to widespread consultations made by the Autonomous Bougainville Government over the past five years, a majority of Bougainvilleans want to negotiate the possible re-opening of the Panguna mine.
But Bougainville President John Momis said this will only be supported under strict conditions, which include dealing with the environmental and social issues, and making sure that Bougainvilleans get a fair share of the wealth created from the mine.
Mr Momis said this while addressing the first Panguna negotiation forum meeting held yesterday at the Kuri Village Resort in Buka.
He said the only way for Bougainville to achieve conditions in its favour is to negotiate with unity and strength. This is the main reason why the government has established the negotiation forum.
The forum is made up of government leaders, senior administration officers, landowner leaders, ex-combatants from the three regions of Bougainville and women representatives, churches, youth and businesses.
“You are the people who can create a united front for Bougainville in negotiations about Panguna,” he said.
“You are the ones who can establish a Bougainville negotiating position, and can work together to try and achieve the goals of Bougainvilleans.”
He said the preparations for negotiations have reached an advanced stage and expected to start in early 2015.
06.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Minister bats for Arawa
By ROMULUS MASIU
ABG Law and Justice Minister Joseph Nopei addressing the people of Arawa in Central Bougainville at Section 22. Picture: JACOB IENU
NEWLY-appointed Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Law and Justice Minister Joseph Nopei wants the government of the day to move back to its former capital of Arawa.
In his first official engagement as the Law and Justice Minister, Mr Nopei told the people of Arawa in Central Bougainville that he wants the headquarters of the province to be moved to Arawa as it is the ideal spot for Bougainville’s capital.
He said though Buka has served Bougainville for a long period since after the crisis, it (Buka) is not the capital but a “temporary township” for the island.
He said Bougainville needs a proper and permanent capital.
Mr Nopei believes Arawa should be the capital, as it is the most central location for all Bougainvilleans to have access to government services.
Mr Nopei thanked and praised the willingness of the landowners of the former Bougainville Copper Limited township for accepting government services in Arawa.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the landowners of Arawa town for accepting government services back to Bougainville’s once glamour town.
“Vital government services including businesses will be coming back to Arawa now and in the future.”
06.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
House to convene, debate bills
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE Bougainville House of Representatives will convene today to debate and pass another three important government bills.
Speaker Andrew Miriki said these bills, including the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014, the Bougainville Senior Appointments Act 2014 and the Principal Legal Adviser Act 2014 were recently approved by the Bougainville Executive Council for debating and adoption into law by parliament.
Mr Miriki said copies of these bills were given to the members last week.
He said it is important that they carefully study the bills before debating them in parliament.
The proposed transitional law on mining in Bougainville has received mixed reactions from many Bougainvilleans over the past months, with many, especially the resource owners, openly expressing their opposition over the passage of the bill.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE MUST SECURE ECONOMIC SELF RELIANCE
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President, Chief DR.JOHN MOMIS says that the holding of this
first meeting of the Forum marks a milestone in dealing with the past and future of the Panguna mine. It is also an important step in securing the economic self reliance without which Bougainville’s cannot achieve real autonomy.
President Momis made these comments when officially opening the first Panguna Negotiations forum meeting in Buka this morning.
He said that in several occasions, Bougainvilleans have told the ABG that they do not want negotiations about reopening Panguna to happen under the old 1967 Bougainville Copper Agreement, but under Bougainville’s own mining law.
This is one reason why the ABG will, introduce the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill into parliament tomorrow.
Meanwhile, certain group of former combatants told New Dawn FM this morning that they were not happy with the Transitional Mining Bill and want it shelfed until the third house is formed next year.
They said that they will present their case to the ABG before parliament debates the bill tomorrow morning.
NEW DAWN FM as usual will carry life the proceedings of the ABG House tomorrow to its Buka listeners.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
IT IS INHUMANE TO CARRY OUT EXERCISE, SAYS LACEY
BY JOE ELIJAH/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI
Regional Disaster office coordinator Franklin Lacey is concerned that it would be inhumane to carry out the exercise of food shortage assessment without any available funds.
He said this will only bring high expectations and anger amongst many families and communities in the region if relief supplies are not given out.
He added that although his team had visited affected areas, it would not be worthwhile to continue the assessment on food shortage without any reserve funds.
The assessment survey on food shortage follows many requests for ABG to assist communities whose food gardens have been destroyed by the rain for the last seven months.
Mr. Lacey said the assessment team had gone and physically inspected food gardens washed away by rain in Buka District and other parts of Bougainville.
He said once the food shortage assessment report is completed, it will be handed over to the Local Level Government director to present to the Bougainville Executive Council to secure much needed funds to assist the people.
He is appealing to other district executive managers to forward their separate reports from their respective areas in the region in order to finalize the budget figure required for the purchase of relief supplies.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
OPENING OF AROPA AIRPORT WILL BRING MUCH NEEDED SERVICE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Bougainville Regional member Joe Lera said the opening of Aropa airport will bring much needed service to the people of Bougainville.
When welcoming the National minister for civil aviation at Buka airport on Saturday, he pointed out that the opening of Aropa airport will really bring service to the majority of the population in Central and South Bougainville.
He said the signing of the works contract for Aropa airport shows that the government of the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his deputy Leo Dion has made a big commitment.
He added that this commitment is continuous and will continue through the work of the PM’s ministers.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EMPHASIS DRIVEN BY PASSION AND COMPASSION
BY JENNIFER NKUI
National Minister for Civil Aviation Steven Davies revealed on Saturday that the National Government’s drive in the civil aviation sector’s emphasis on the Aropa and Buka airport is driven by passion and compassion.
He said this is the same passion and compassion with which the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made the commitment with his historic visit to the region earlier this year.
Speaking during the signing of the works contract on Aropa and Buka airport, he told the gathering that he came back to the region three times because he wanted to see the region have two airports.
He said not just opening Aropa airport and letting it certified by CASA but also in ensuring that Buka airport is upgraded and meets certification standards.
Mr. Davies stressed that his instructions to the National Airports Corporation is to deliver this two airports for this region.
He added that the airports will put the people of Bougainville in a very interesting place because this will be the only region with two airports.
He pointed out that their passion and compassion to do good following the peace and restoration process must therefore be guided by the legal structures that we must subscribe to.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE WOMEN TOLD TO BREAK BARRIER AND COME OUT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Executive manager for Kieta District Lucy Travezt has called on all Bougainville women to break the barrier and come out and do something to help our communities.
She pointed out that women always have this attitude where our customs and environment condition us to always take the back seat and be onlookers.
When addressing graduates of the Global University of Life Long Learning in Arawa last week, she encouraged the women graduates to do something for their communities and not be mere onlookers.
She urged the women graduates to enhance whatever it is that they are doing within their communities with the learning they have received from the Global University under World Vision.
Mrs. Travezt added that the ABG’s vision talks about working together so everyone must work together to help our village people.
05.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CRIMES COMMITTED ARE ALL HOMEBREW RELATED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
North Bougainville Regional commander Inspector Spencer Aili pointed out strongly that homebrew is a big issue in Bougainville because all crimes committed are related to homebrew.
He told New Dawn Fm in an interview that most death reports that the police receive are always the same story because all these deaths are always homebrew related.
He added that people drink homebrew and it is normally after or during the drinking spree that arguments erupt and the next thing you know is that people are fighting and the end result is always death.
He explained that it is not only death but other crimes are related to homebrew as well.
Inspector Aili pointed out that this homebrew issue is the responsibility of everyone and not the police only.
He added that community leaders have the responsibility to work with police to minimize homebrew related incidents and death.
He said if we keep our mouths shut when the activity of homebrew production and drinking is taking place right under our noses, incidents and deaths will happen and we will not be able to stop them.
05.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Transport businesses challenged by rigours of Arawa-Buka road
By Leonard Fong Roka
James Sikonu readies his vehicle and passengers for their trip.
The most economically viable vehicle to conquer the Bougainville’s bone rattling coastal trunk roads networks is a Land Cruiser and many Bougainvilleans had invested in the transport industry of the island, some have made fortune and others without success.
The centre of all activities, vital goods and services is Buka, so many people travel to the northern tip from the rest of the mainland Bougainville and the surrounding islands.
The biggest Bougainville coastal trunk in terms of usage by heavy continuous traffic, the Arawa-Buka Highway, became active in 1995 as normalcy returned to the Kieta district of Central Bougainville that was the heartland of the Bougainville Crisis.
It was at this time that one Kieta man, James Sikonu, first became attracted to the idea of road transport service from Arawa to Buka’s Kokopau Town on the northern tip of Bougainville.
Sikonu was inspired by the enterprise of his two neighbours, Philip Pinaung from Koromira and Michael Bora from Kerei, who started similar businesses named Arevai Transport and Bora Trans respectively. At this time the transport firms charged K40 for individual passengers for a one way trip.
In 2003 Sikonu resigned from the Arawa Health Centre and began driving for a new transport service from his local Karikira Village, the Travel Link.
He remained with Travel Link until 2008 when, having saved K70,000, he to resigned to finally start his own transport service.
With cash in hand he took a loan from his former employer and got himself a Land Cruiser, the 1978 Troop Carrier, for K113,000.
This vehicle has a 4.2L 6 cylinder diesel engine, two 90 litre fuel tanks and a seating capacity of 11 passengers.
“This is a costly business,” Sikonu laughed, “and carelessness in management results in failures that saw many people around Arawa stepping away from the venture.”
“Diesel in Arawa costs K3.50 per litre and to fill two tanks for a single run to Buka and back costs me around K630.”
“When you are talking about 11 passengers at the current Arawa-Buka passenger rate of K50.00, I am collecting K550 in the morning and on the return run I have about K1100”.
“This kind of covers the cost of fuel, so you could say it’s good business.”
Most transport services from South and Central Bougainville end up in Kokopau Town.
Running a business centred on a vehicle needs planning for the rigours of the roads. After five years on the unsealed roads the vehicle depreciates, calls for spare parts are a regular occurrence and many businesses are caught out by the expense.
With the potential profitability of the Arawa-Buka transport more people from all around Bougainville are getting into the market, so there are fewer passengers per vehicle.
And for James Sikonu he is strategically diversifying his services. He is not dependant only on the daily passenger transport to and from Buka but is hired from tourists for charter services to different places in Bougainville.
“When in a passenger transport business in Bougainville: maintain a good relationship with passengers and opportunities will come,” Sikonu summarised.
05.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
Technical school opens its doors
BY STEPANIE ELIZAH
SOME of the pionner students of the new college
Bougainville Technical College in the remote Tinputz district of North Bougainville has commenced its first class of 15 students.
Due to the late start, the students undergoing technical training certificate in business studies will work tirelessly to compress a year’s worth of studies into five months of classroom time.
Tinputz district executive manager Blaise Vosivai said although small, this was a historical milestone for Bougainville.
“After the conflict, Bougainville did not have the opportunity to provide the trade skills that was necessary to rebuild itself,” Mr Vosivai said.
“Here today, we are privileged to commence the first class of fifteen students. It has been 27 years since we had the last batch of students graduate from Arawa Technical College which still today remains closed.”
He said the Government spends more than K1 billion annually in contracting outside experts to conduct skills training for the Bougainville people.
“If we can build up our skilled personnel we would be saving that money annually that could go into services like health, education, and other basic services needed by our people,” he said.
“For us to start in Bougainville is a major step especially in education to commence tertiary skilled training with the understanding that in a few years, you would be participating in Bougainville’s development.”
He told the students that as pioneers of the school, it is important to set the standards.
“Meaning that from day one, you must adhere to all the rules that are basically principles that guide student’s relationships with the teaching staff and the community.
“Your parents expect you to come to this institution to get the skills you need so that you are able to prosper in your life.
“The community also expects disciplined students, it is very important that you act as students and not as drunkards or some other people from the street,” Vosivai urged.
Bougainville Technical College principle Alphonse Pumba said the school would by the end of next year celebrate its first graduates in the technical fields of accounting, office administration and computer systems.
He appealed to the national and Bougainville governments to support the institution financially. “All other technical colleges around the country are established in towns and cities where as BTC is in a rural area which does not have electricity supply hence the cost of keeping the school powered is very expensive,” Mr Pumba said.
05.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
New wholesale opens for business in Buka
By ALEX MUNME
SOME of the street vendors of Buka expressing their concerns.
SHOPPERS and retailers will soon have an additional choice when buying store goods in Buka town.
Konia wholesale building, constructed right in the centre of town and surrounded by small retail shops, City Pharmacy, Post Office and Naiaga Trading – is preparing to open its doors to customers towards the end of this week.
Businessman and owner Damien Sikaina said business in Buka is progressing wellbut it is about time many of the buildings they are operating out of are improved.
He said a lot of businesses are only worried about making money and not thinking of the appearance of the town.
Meanwhile, street vendors and some shoppers in Buka are not happy with the appearance of some streets in town.
They said streets link to business houses and while in town people need to look clean and not dirty with mud from potholes.
Many of the street vendors are also asking why the government is stopping them from making sales on the streets.
“We are an unfortunate group of people trying to make a living,” they said.
“For us there is no other opportunity except to go into robbery, but we don’t want to do that. We are buying from wholesalers at good discount prices and are selling on the streets.”
The vendors are asking if the government can come up with another option for them if it wants them to stop street sales.
05.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
Police soon to make arrests
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
POLICE in Buka are continuing their investigations into the armed robbery of a Chinese businessman in Buka early this month.
North Bougainville police commander Inspector Spencer Aili said the incident, which took place at around 10:30pm on July 13, saw a group of masked man armed with an SLR assault rifle, M16, a pistol and two shortguns and dressed in camouflaged military uniforms entering the gate of this Chinese-owned shop in town.
They held up the shop owners and walked away with a bag of money and goods worth more than K100,000.
Insp Aili said some of the suspects are known to police and arrests will be made soon.
“We also appeal to the general public to come forward and give us information on this incident.
“At the same time I would like to make an appeal to the youths and everyone in the region to respect the fire-arms disposal arrangements in place.
“Respect the peace agreement and assist police and our ABG Government to surrender any form of weapon under your possession for better Bougainville,” Insp Aili said.
This is not the first time that criminals had targeted Chinese-owned shops in Buka town.
Though police had been trying their best to investigate these armed robbery cases, arrests are yet to be made as the public are not feeding the police with information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The firearms disposal arrangements are in place yet people are still not respecting the arrangement.
People must work together with the ABG government and the police to surrender any forms of weapons that they are still in possession of so that the law and order issues may ease and peace will prevail, he said.
04.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Early movers BSP offer new services
By Nigel Matte
Bank South Pacific’s (BSP) Bougainville branches are always crowded with its customers despite competition from other financial institutions, including the National Development Bank (NDB) and Micro Bank.
After the Bougainville Crisis BSP became the main bank for most Bougainvilleans and public sector as well, with fortnightly wages for the public service, such as teachers, transferred using BSP’s KunduPei payroll service.
For many years BSP had only one branch, in Buka, but in 2012 a second brand branch was established in Arawa, Central Bougainville. This was the first bank in Arawa for two decades and immediately saved people and money for its customers in the region, who no longer needed to travel to Buka to access services.
BSP’s Smart Business is a product especially designed for small business enterprises and attracts many customers in Bougainville.
For local entrepreneurs and grassroots business people this type of account is useful for saving money, borrowing money and the provision of a BSP Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) machines to use in their day to day activities.
As a result, EFTPOS is no longer limited to big stores and many small trade stores, even in remote areas, will produce an EFTPOS machine on request that utilise the good cellular coverage in the region.
Many people are excited by Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which is providing an ease of access to cash that was not previously available and not available with any other institutions.
The innovation that has benefited Bougainville the most though is the Mobile Banking System, allowing people can check your balance, pay for mobile phone credits and transfer funds anywhere in the world.
“I am very happy because even while working on my plantation I can just use my mobile phone to check my balance,” one villager said.
“I don’t need to spend money on PMVs anymore to go to town and check my balance.”
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS MEETS HALIA PEOPLE
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS yesterday told the People of Halia that if Bougainville wants to gain independence after referendum it has to stick to the game plan which is the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
He made these remarks at the HANAHAN Catholic Mission on Buka island.
President MOMIS said that Bougainville has a unique opportunity guaranteed by the Papua New Guinea Constitution but the people must be united and work hard to achieve the people have fought for.
He said Bougainville alone has these chance to get full Autonomy or if the people decide Independence.
The ABG President said that the saying that the future of Bougainville in our hands is true and he therefore called on the people of Halia not to be distracted by conmen from the sides.
He stressed that the future is not in the hands of the National Government, BCL or any outsider but on Bougainvilleans who need to remove the weapons, make the autonomy work and stop corruption in all areas.
President MOMIS said that the Bougainville Peace Agreement is a contract between the National Government and the people of Bougainville which gives us this unique right for Bougainvilleans to decide their final destiny through a referendum which will be held between 2015 and 2020.
He told the people of HALIA that he was not against referendum but as a leader he said it because we are yet to complete reconciliations and remove weapons and also we are yet to stop corruptions in offices and raise our own funds to meet the requirements.
President Momis said like a soccer game, Bougainville has to stick to the game plan to win at the grand final that is Referendum.
New Dawn FM understands that the MOMIS/NISIRA government will set the date for the Referendum before their term ends by June, 2015.
Posted at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
04 August 2014
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FIRST LOT OF GRADUATES FROM GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A good number of people from Central and North Bougainville graduated from the Global University for Life Long Learning as World Vision staff in Arawa last week.
The graduates both men and women graduated with different papers and at different levels as well.
When giving his speech during the graduation ceremony, ABG minister for community development Melchior Dare told the graduates that learning starts upon conception and ends when one dies.
He added that the graduates are in the right foot but Bougainville still need mentors.
He pointed out that the program is bringing university to the people in the villages and is applied learning because when graduates apply what they learn, their communities benefit from it.
Minister Dare told the graduates that they will be the tool to change Bougainville but that will take team work.
He then urged the graduates to work and challenge him as the minister to ensure this program is raised and brought to another level with ABG’s backing.
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FAMILY MEMBERS CLAIM DEAD BODY
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The dead body of a woman which was found in the outskirts of Buka Town last month have been laid claim to by family members according to police reports.
North Bougainville Regional commander Spencer Aili told New Dawn Fm last week that the daughter of the deceased came and identified the body saying it was her mother because of certain marks on her body.
He said police reports stated that the woman from Panguna in Central Province, is a single mother of five and she disappeared sometime in late March and beginning of April this year.
Inspector Aili said since the body has been identified, they will soon hand it over to family members for proper burial.
He added that the investigations into the cause of her death are still being carried out.
He appealed to the general public and any sources with information on her death to come forward and give police the information they need to proceed with investigations.
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DISASTER FUNDS GONE MISSING IN THE ABG TREASURY
BY JOE ELIJAH/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI
People greatly affected by the continuous rain in the region may not see and get assistance from the Autonomous Bougainville Government as expected.
This is because funds that have been allocated by the National Disaster Coordination Office in Bougainville for this year have been used up or gone missing in the ABG treasury.
Regional Disaster Office coordinator Franklin Lacey revealed that funds which have been set aside for emergency purposes for this year have been diverted or have been used up in other areas by relevant authorities.
He added that his office has been flooded for the past weeks with request for food assistance and it has been hard for him and his officers to take immediate action due to the unavailability of funds.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the ABG treasury division of finance has supported that the funds allocated for emergency cases have gone missing.
The source who wants to remain unanimous added that they do not know where else to secure much needed funds because the ABG is now in its 2015 budget review process and all allocations for 2014 would have been used up or utilized in other areas.
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG MAKING REAL PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING HIGH AUTONOMY
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has made real progress towards achieving high autonomy promised by the Bougainville Peace Agreement in the last two years.
This was noted by the ABG Minister for Natural Resources Michael Oni during the small scale mining workshop in Buka last week.
He said the progress has included;
• Developing our own unique draft mining law to be debated by the ABG parliament next week
• Our new Bougainville Public Service Law which sets up our Bougainville Public Service separate from the PNG Public Service and
• Our own ABG Public Finance Management Act under which the ABG administers all finances
Mr. Oni pointed out that with these laws, the ABG now has many powers and a new high level of flexibility to organize its work on mining and other important subjects.
He said in particular, we can make our own decisions about composition of our public service.
He added that if we need capacity in the mining department, we can quickly take the necessary steps.
04.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
AROPA WORKS CONTRACT SIGNED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Members of the ABG, public servants and the people of Bougainville on Saturday witnessed the signing of the works contract for the redevelopment of Aropa Airport in Central Bougainville.
The Aropa Airport redevelopment project commenced on March 19 this year with the ground breaking ceremony being witnessed by the people of Bougainville at Aropa.
When officiating the signing as the ABG minister for works and civil aviation, Luke Karaston said the signing marks the commencement of the three months clock to have the Aropa airport safely operational to take passengers and freight.
He added that therefore, it is anticipated that the Aropa airport will be opened for Christmas.
Mr. Karaston said as the project management contractor, the National Airports Corporation (NAC) will be responsible for supervising the timely and quality performance of the three works contractors.
He pointed out that NAC will be responsible for ensuring that all required safety and passenger security standards are met so that appropriate authorities can give the necessary safety clearances for Aropa airport to be operational.
The contracts signed were Dekenai Construction Ltd, K8.2 million for pavement works, Kompaini Investments Ltd, K2.4 million for flank grading and drainage improvements and Red Sea Housing Services Company Ltd, K7.5 million for building works.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed that same day between the ABG and the NAC for the development of Buka airport.
04.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville community leaders admire O’Neill’s style
BY ROMULUS MASIU
PM O’Neill has a strong support and has won the hearts of locals in Bougainville as shown during his maiden visit to the autonomous region early this year. Pictured is Mr O’Neill in Arawa. Picture by ROMULUS MASIU.
BOUGAINVILLEANS are in full support of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, saying the country needs young people to move it forward.
They said since taking the PM’s post, Mr O’Neill was unhesitant and made it his top priority to personally visit Bougainville and meet with the Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis and the people of Bougainville and to say sorry for what happened during and after the Bougainville crisis.
“We need young vibrant leaders like Mr O’Neill who will make firm decision for the best interest of the country and stand on his standing orders, principles and integrity,” Francis Kaupa from Siwai in South Bougainville told this newspaper in Arawa.
He said whenthe O’Neill-Dion government took over everything changed.
“In two and a half years we can already see developments are now taking place nationwide, all throughout the country including Bougainville.
“We have sealed roads, Air Niugini and Post Office in Arawa, Aropa Airport will be also revived and Arawa town will see the Water Supply and Sanitation rehabilitated also,” Mr Kaupa said.
“When politicians play politics, O’Neill-Dion government will respond in that perspective because everyone is a politician,” Mr Kaupa stated adding that people of PNG needs to view their leaders especially PM O’Neill and the rest of the government ministers positively.
He said this government is truly for change and transformation of this country.
“The true government for the people mandated by people, changing the view of rural people with development taking place nationwide.
This has never happened before,” Mr Kaupa said on behalf of local grassroots people of Bougainville who are starting to see the development taking place.
Me’ekamui faction front man Chris Uma has also thrown his support behind Mr O’Neill, saying Bougainville really needs such leaders as Mr O’Neill in the government to support the journey and aspiration of the people of Bougainville.
04.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Me’ekamui frontman wants clan compensation
BY ROMULUS MASIU
Chris Uma telling all Kuravang clan members to be united and seek justice from the Kuravang clan of Panguna at Toboroi village. Picture: JACOB IENU
THE Kuravang clan members throughout the Kieta District of Central Bougainville and elsewhere are planning to mobilise and sign a petition seeking compensation from the Kuravang clan of Panguna.
This is the word from Me’ekamui frontman Chris Uma, who is spearheading the move to get all the Kuravang clan members reconciled and come together in unity so they will speak in one voice to seek compensation from the Kuravang clan members of Panguna.
In the Nasioi area, Kuravang clan is one of the biggest clans apart from other clans and sub-clans.
According to Mr Uma, the Kuravang clan members of Panguna have caused bloodshed, disunity, trouble and quarrel in the clan, leading to the war where many innocent lives and properties were lost.
“I want the Kuravang clan of Panguna to compensate other Kuravangs. This is because they (Kuravang of Panguna) have diverted what we fought for (getting rid of Rio Tinto andBCL) and instead getting benefits from the BCL (the company we fought to chase out of the island),” Mr Uma told the Kuravang clan of Toboroi during the reconciliation of late John Bika.
Mr Uma called on all Kuravangs to unite and stand as one as the time as now come to seek compensation from those who forced “us into the fight because of their own benefits and not Bougainville’s benefit”.
“We will sign a petition to the Kuravang clan of Panguna and they will have to sort us out as they’ve used the clanship to start up a war and now they are benefiting from what we have fought for (after helping them out) during the crisis,” Mr Uma said.
Mr Uma was referring to the directions received from late Francis Ona to fight over Panguna mine benefits which were more of a family feud invlolving the Kuravang clan members.
The clan fight then spilled over, resulting in the Bougainville crisis which other clan members came to participate.
04.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Police soon to make arrests
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
POLICE in Buka are continuing their investigations into the armed robbery of a Chinese businessman in Buka early this month.
North Bougainville police commander Inspector Spencer Aili said the incident, which took place at around 10:30pm on July 13, saw a group of masked man armed with an SLR assault rifle, M16, a pistol and two shortguns and dressed in camouflaged military uniforms entering the gate of this Chinese-owned shop in town.
They held up the shop owners and walked away with a bag of money and goods worth more than K100,000.
Insp Aili said some of the suspects are known to police and arrests will be made soon.
“We also appeal to the general public to come forward and give us information on this incident.
“At the same time I would like to make an appeal to the youths and everyone in the region to respect the fire-arms disposal arrangements in place.
“Respect the peace agreement and assist police and our ABG Government to surrender any form of weapon under your possession for better Bougainville,” Insp Aili said.
This is not the first time that criminals had targeted Chinese-owned shops in Buka town.
Though police had been trying their best to investigate these armed robbery cases, arrests are yet to be made as the public are not feeding the police with information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The firearms disposal arrangements are in place yet people are still not respecting the arrangement.
People must work together with the ABG government and the police to surrender any forms of weapons that they are still in possession of so that the law and order issues may ease and peace will prevail, he said.
01.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Buka hosts mining workshop
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A TWO days workshop on small-scale mining is currently underway in Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The workshop which started yesterday and ends today is part of a research program being funded by the Australian Government through the Australian research awards scheme.
The main purpose of the workshop is to get a better understanding of this new industry in Bougainville, and it aims to help the Autonomous Bougainville Government get a better understanding of both the good things and problems associated with small scale mining.
This first ever meeting concerning this industry was officially opened by ABG President John Momis, and is being attended by more than forty representatives from the areas that are involved in alluvial mining in Bougainville.
President Momis while delivering his speech welcomed the participants before adding that they had travelled long distances to "share your practical experience of our home grown small scale gold industry."
01.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Marcos Posiona – From BRA combatant to anaesthetist
By Leonard Fong Roka
A former Bougainville Revoultionary Army (BRA) fighter is now saving lives in Bougainville and Madang as an anaesthetist and Officer In-Charge of Surgery.
It was a weekend in mid-1995 when Marcos Posiona and a band of Tumpusiong BRA men set up an ambush in the neighbouring Bana District of South Bougainville.
A patrol of pro-PNG resistance fighters—most of them relatives or well known to the Tumpusiong people—walked into the trap and were attacked; the young Posiona ran over the wounded enemies and later walked home.
With the weekend now over, Posiona returned to his studies in a classroom at what is now Arawa Primary School. During that week his aunty, a nurse at the PNG soldier’s field hospital, told him about the wounded men. Despite his involvement in the attack, Posiona went and visited them with food, though they did not recognise Posiona as one of their attackers.
During the peak of the crisis Posiona was exposed to his aunt’s nursing services to wounded and sick in the BRA areas; he often assisted and learned much from the experience.
He graduated in 2004 from Bishop Wade Secondary School, but did not get a place in any tertiary institution. Instead he returned home, worked hard in his cocoa plot and earned enough to apply for the Lutheran Nursing College in Madang.
From 2006 to 2008 he worked hard at his studies, both theoretical and practical, and graduated with the prestigious Divine Word University Clinical Award.
In 2008, unsuccessful with a job application back in Bougainville, Posiona applied at Gaubin Hospital, operated by the Lutheran Church on Karkar Island in Madang Province.
He was accepted and landed on Karkar Island in September 2009 where he served as a General Nursing Officer In-Charge in the Medical Ward until April 2010.
At Gaubin Hospital there were two German surgeons, Dr. Christof Ihle and Dr. Tanya Ihle, who were amazed with this multi-skilled Bougainvillean and Gaubin Hospital soon promoted Posiona to a Nursing Officer In-Charge of the Operating Theatre.
The surgeon couple trained the inquisitive Bougainvillean in anaesthetics, exposed him to surgery on patients, taught him x-ray viewing, gave orthopaedic lessons and even taught him to execute minor operations.
This special exposure led to Posiona become one of the only five medical officers having a Bisectomy Operator License in Madang Province and in 2012, recognising his willingness to learn and work hard in his medical responsibilities, the Lutheran Medical Body sponsored him for further studies at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
At UPNG he studied Anaesthetic Sciences with near-graduating doctors that had studied there for almost seven years. During this process he was registered in 2013 as an Anaesthetic Scientific Officer and now serves on Karkar Island as the senior Anaesthetic Scientific Officer authorising analysing and preparing patients for surgery and reviving them after operations.
His funded study-work contract with Gaubin Hospital and UPNG has two more years to go.
“I do not have a future here,” Mr Posiona admitted, “fellow surgeons and medical officers in Buka Hospital and Arawa Health Centre are calling me to go and help in Bougainville.”
“I need to go after what I owe the Lutheran Church is over, but if the Bougainville government can reimburse the Lutheran Church funding I am happy to serve my people of Bougainville.”
During his three months holiday from February 2014, he was busy in the surgical ward of the Arawa Health Centre with assisting the team of chief surgeon Dr. Joseph Vilosi and at the Buka Hospital surgical room, helping senior surgeon Dr. Damien Asola with his professional anaesthetic services.
Bougainville could have Marcos Posiona back on the island sooner rather than later as he and other medical officers on Gaubin Hospital are at a stand-off with its administration over corruption and lack of improvement of the medical services on Karkar Island.
“We have a case filed with the Lutheran Health Body and the National Health Department and if the Gaubin Hospital does not respond positively I would be home to work with the Health Department of Bougainville,” Mr Posiona said.
01.08.2014
Source: 01.08.2014
Buka, Atolls youths attend seminar
SOME of the youths in group discussions at the seminar in Buka this week.
MORE than 100 Catholic youths are attending a week-long seminar this week in Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The youths from Buka and Atolls deaneries are attending the youth and life in the spirit seminar with one executive and seven youth members from each parish. The seminar is aimed at promoting obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit and abstaining from illicit activities like drug and homebrew.
Some of the topics the youths are focusing on are “God’s love must be the centre of my life”, “gifts of the Holy Spirit”, “relationships” and “balanced youth life”. Night sessions are mainly “spiritual gifts” like speaking in tongues, healing and prophecies.
Those facilitating the seminar include Nian Nakin, Josephine Nakin, Leo Kehali and Michael Titus.
Nakin said the seminar was important as a lot of youths are not actively involved in meaningful life in their communities.
01.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
West Papua & Bougainville are tests for Melanesian unity
by FELIX BARAKA
IN Melanesia we share commonalities of culture and values despite our fragmented societies.
A significant commonality is our collective way of living. This is an essence of Melanesian identity which has survived much imposed change: the Melanesian philosophy of “I am the keeper of my brother”.
A true Melanesian cannot see his brother or neighbour carry a burden on his own. Always there is a helping hand.
Colonisation brought us Melanesians into the global community. The challenge now is to survive this transition. We ought to ask ourselves: What can we do to survive? How can we reach that distant shore? How can we not just survive but thrive?
Of course, a successful transit can be assured only if the captain of the ship has the knowledge, understanding and experience. We must not submit to inexperience.
Our own inherited techniques of cultural survival will also help defend our lands, languages and cultures as they deal with external issues.
We understand, too, that culture must be updated to meet the needs of changing times.
European societies went through their tribal wars, religious wars, feudal wars and marched onwards to World War I and World War II.
For many centuries, they went through intense conflict. Today there’s the European Union.
Is there the possibility of a Melanesian Union? I believe so. We Melanesians must continue to discuss the issue. There will need to be treaties and alliances and unions.
We’ve seen what disunity can bring in West Papua and Bougainville and we don’t ant more of that. We need to develop those positive Melanesian elements to protect and safeguard our survival.
But this can never be if we cannot solve our own conflicts and sustain our common sentiment.
Melanesian society is a soul with the same name and different faces. Bougainville and West are different societies within a related Melanesian culture.
We must respect them and give them the power and stand firm in supporting them to pursue their destiny.
We will do this in the knowledge that, as Melanesians, we support will each other in achieving anything. Melanesians survive through collective action and unity.
West Papua freedom and Bougainville self-determination are two big tests for Melanesian unity in the modern era.
