News 02.2011

 

 

 

 

28.02.2011

Source: Bougainville Copper Limited

 

Preliminary 2010 Annual Figures (click here)

 

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

VEHICLE OVERTURNS
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville Police have reported that a Government Plated vehicle belonging to Bougainville Regional Member, FIDELIS SEMOSO overturned at a curve near Hangan village near the Hutjena Government Station on Buka island.
The vehicle was travelling at high speed when the driver failed to negotiate the curve.
The driver who was the only one on board, escaped from the scene soon after the accident.
Police visited the crash site and found the vehicle with all wheels in the air.
Buka Police are investigating the incident.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CONMAN HUNTED
By Aloysius Laukai

Meanwhile Buka Police are looking for a Professional Conman who stole a Boat on false pretence.
The man identified by Police as PETER PEKA dressed in Police uniform conned a boat owner from Kereaka that his boat was needed by Police for a special operation around Bougainville.
He was told that the boat would be returned once the mission is completed.
According to Police report the owner willingly gave the boat to the conman and has not seen it since.
Police has also received reports that the suspect is trying to sell the boat across the border in the Solomon Island.
Authorities in Solomon Islands have been informed to be on the look -out for him.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CONCERT ENDS
By Aloysius Laukai

The Bougainville Peace and Unity Musical Concert ended last Saturday with all 35 bands receiving certificates of participation.
The concert attracted bands from South Bougainville, Central and North Bougainville.
According to the initiator, MARCHELLIN GETSI , they hope to host another big one in April this year.
He thanked all participants for their contribution towards peace building through music.
MR. GETSI also thanked sponsors and the public who made the show a success.
The concert was Liquor and Drug free .

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

DROUGHT HIT ATOLLS
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville’s Atolls islands of Catrets, Nissan, Nuguria, Motlock and Fead are in dire need for food and water due to the long dry spell these islands are going through in the past three months.
Chairman of the Caterets COE, BENARD TUNIM told New Dawn FM at the weekend that his people have been hard hit by the drought and could not hang on further.
He said that he has approached the officers from the Bougainville Administration including the local disaster office but they have no funds to assist.
MR. TUNIM said that the fact that the island is not serviced by a regular shipping service the people cannot really help themselves.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Tunim on Resettlement
By Aloysius Laukai

The chairman of the Carterets COE BENARD TUNIM wants the ABG to fast-track the Carterets Resettlement program by allocating funds.
He said that the resettlement program was moving at a snail pace due to lack of financial support from the government.
MR. TUNIM also questioned where funds allocated for the program has gone to.
The COE chairman made these comments when commenting on the NGO Group TULELE PEISA for their efforts in securing funds for the program.
He said without the efforts of TULELE PEISA the Tinputz resettlement program could not have started.
MR TUNIM also thanked the Catholic church for allowing them to resettle on their Tinputz Plantation land.

 

 

28.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PIHEI’S FUTURE
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG Minister for Community Development, Women, Youth and Churches, ROSE PIHEI wants all Bougainville families to take part in meaningful economic activity.
The Minister was speaking at the official closing of the Bougainville Peace and Unity Musical concert last Saturday afternoon.
She said that she was working on including Music with other activities like sports so that our people are given the opportunities to expose their talents.
MRS.PIHEI called on parents to make sure their children are brought up properly and not left to wander around like no one cares for them.
She said that peace and harmony starts from the home and parents as the first teachers must play their part in making sure that kids grow up well.
The minister called on parents to be role models and not to show bad examples to their children.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville speaks on by-election

PUBLIC servants who plan to contest the north Bougainville Open Seat by-election this month should resign as stipulated in the Public Service Act.
And they should face the full force of the Public Service Act when they lose any elections and return to their respective villages but in Bougainville this has not been the case.
Bougainvilleans have raised serious concerns on public servants in the region who have contested previous elections but were still on the payroll and easily return to their substantive or respective duties after having lost the elections.
Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander Ben Kamda has challenged the Bougainville Administration and the Autonomous Bougainville Government together with the Electoral Office to address this matter seriously.
Mr Kamda said over the weekend that there were evidence of public servants currently serving who have stood for previous elections, both for Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Elections and lost but they still occupy their substantive positions.
“This has to stop and we want the authorities to look at this very seriously because it is not right.
“As I understand this is already a breach of the Public Service Act. “We have to be transparent on these issues.
“For example, these public servants who now intend to contest this by-election should have resigned last week or this week before the nominations and when they lose they should return to their villages,” Mr Kamda said.
He said the previous errors may have been ignorance by the administrators as they were definitely and fully aware of the law.
Mr Kamda said it was now time for all those in power to act on this matter as it was a serious case.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Car accident claims
By Alex Munme

THE Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Trade Fidelis Semoso has lost one of his state issued vehicles in an accident yesterday morning just before reaching Hutjena High School in Buka.
Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) commander Ross Vavioi was driving the vehicle alone, believed to be at high speed when he ran off the road uphill towards Hutjena High School and crashed into the hillside, causing irreparable damage to the Toyota Landcruiser. The vehicle overturned on impact and landed on its side.
The BRA commander was employed by the Minister to rehabilitate former combatants. The ex-militant abandoned the vehicle and fled before anyone got to the scene.
The cause of the incident was not known and the police were investigating.

 

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Carterets up for award

A BOUGAINVILLE documentary based on Carterets Island is up for an Academy Award in the United States this month.
In June 2008 filmmakers Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger learned of the refugees’ plight and headed to the Carteret Islands. They came with video equipment hoping to share their story with the world. Their documentary “Sun Come Up” was released last year. This Sunday night it’s up for an Academy Award in the best documentary short category. Carterets Islanders have been called the world’s first climate refugees. Their homeland, a remote chain of six small islands is fast losing ground to rising sea levels. The 1000 or so people whose families have lived there for dozens of generations have made an agonising decision to relocate their entire community before it disappears beneath the rising waves.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Plane wreck believed to be Earhart

THE discovery of an aircraft wreck at the depth of 70 metres north-west of Buka in Bougainville may hold some answers to the 74-year mystery of the disappearance of world-famous aviatrix – Amelia Earhart.
There are strong indications that the aircraft is a Lockheed Model 10 Electra which took off from Lae on July 2nd 1937 destined for Howland Island. The crash site is in direct alignment with Earhart’s flight path out of Lae, past north of Buka Island in a straight northeast direction to Howland.
Information emerging from Buka say that certain interested parties were in the process of engaging the services of a professional diver with appropriate diving gear from overseas to help in the recovery process.
A mining company in the area is said to be helping with the exercise. Local authorities and the villagers do not wish to go public on the discovery because of a reported gold bullion sitting in the aircraft which was difficult to pull out of the wreck.
The left side of the plane is covered in coral and divers have had difficulties clearing the coral from the plane. Divers also detail there is a six metre snake guarding the wreck.
A local group from Buka Island have been working with a local businessman to ascertain the remains and the confirmation of the wreckage since 2005. This is because some other “valuables” have been found on the wreck.
Initially, the wreckage was found in 2002 when fishermen from the region dived for beche de mer to sell. But local and old men and women from the island have their stories of this wreck since it crashed in strong lightning and bad weather which hit its left wing forcing it into the sea, nose first. The oldest man alive said he was 10 in 1937 when the plane with two people went down just off their reef.
The Post-Courier had known about the plane wreck since 2004 but has been collecting information and also because perhaps this was too true to believe, as the greatest mystery in aviation history was the disappearance of Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan in 1937. Numerous theories attempting to explain what happened to the flyers have emerged over the decades. Among these are crashing at sea, being marooned on a remote island, or becoming a Japanese prisoner. No conclusive evidence has ever been found to confirm or refute any of the leading theories or like the Howland Island theory – the Japanese capture of Earhart and Noonan, the Kiribati story and the East New Britain theory. Bougainville’s theory has now emerged and will soon be known once the last piece of confirmation is collected.
There were two different groups of villagers investigating this wreckage after divers found an aluminium box allegedly containing valuables in the wreck. But the legal group has now taken the stance since it has been communicating directly with a group in Maryland, USA since 2009. One group engaged several divers who failed to complete the task because of it’s difficulty. The other group has engaged another Pacific island diver (named) who has been investigating since 2006.
The theory remains – a six metre snake guards the wreckage, there had been 10 professional dives so far since May 2010 but the setback has always been fast sea current, very strong tide, dust on the seabed and heavy rain.

 

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Governor General sworn in
By JONATHAN TANNOS

PAPUA New Guinea’s ninth Governor General, Michael Ogio was officially sworn into office on Friday by the country’s Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia in Parliament.
The formal ceremony was witnessed by senior government executives, resident ambassadors, high commissioners, senior ranking diplomatic corps and close government aides. The ceremony occurred barely 24 hours after a three-men Supreme Court bench threw out an application by an aggrieved party Ronald Rimbao who was seeking redress, claiming that he had not been given a fair chance to nominate for the vice-regal post.
In a ruling handed down on their behalf on Thursday by the Deputy Chief Justice Salika Gibbs, they said the application was frivolous as Mr Rimbao had no standing and was also not a nominee for the post and his action was an abuse of process. The Supreme Court upheld all arguments on behalf of the State by counsel Kerenga Kua of Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers.
Following the ceremony Mr Ogio, who is yet to be knighted by the Queen was invited by the Speaker of Parliament for morning tea at the Parliamentary C Block that was attended by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, all Members of Parliament and members of the diplomatic corps and senior departmental heads.
However, it is understood arrangements have already been made for him to travel to London, United Kingdom, for the formal ceremony but a date was yet to be confirmed.
Soon after he inspected a military guard of honor and the PNG Police band at a formal ceremony in front of the Parliament entrance. He was then driven down to his official residence at the Government House for the first time and shown around by staff.
Mr Ogio until his election, was the Member for North Bougainville whose seat is now vacant with a by-election to be held.

 

28.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Rebel hits out against mine talks
By GORETHY KENNETH

BOUGAINVILLE’S feared rebel Me’ekamui hardliner Chris Uma has lashed out at the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Panguna landowners for talking about the mine re-opening before addressing outstanding issues.
Mr Uma, who still has a big following in Bougainville said this was not the time to talk about the mine re-opening but speak on issues at hand.
He said the responsible authorities should address the issue of compensation, and sorting out all other outstanding issues before speaking of re-opening of the mine.
Mr Uma claimed all authorities concerned have erred in their move to progress the talks on the mine re-opening because the “paitman” or rebel fighters had been left out of the talks so far.
“We the fighters and I am speaking on behalf of all of us from Buin, Kieta and Buka are not happy with the current talks on the re-opening of the mine,” Mr Uma said angrily.
“We should address the problems we faced during the crisis and the outstanding issues.
“We should not go straight to opening the Panguna Mine.
“Lives were lost, damages done and we can’t ignore these things and pretend that we are okay.
“Bougainville is not yet normal, there are still issues we still have to sort out first.
“Things like compensation, I also want the mine pit measurement looked at and people compensated fairly for the damages done to this hole.
“We have to address and settle this before we can start talking about mine re-opening.”
Mr Uma was claiming that they were deliberately left out of the meetings but said if this continued they’ll be just happy to fight as they were fighters without real jobs.

 

 

28.02.2011
Source: The National

Ogio sworn in as GG
By ISAAC NICHOLAS

MICHAEL Ogio was sworn into office as the ninth governor-general of Papua New Guinea in a colourful ceremony at parliament house last Friday.
Ogio made his entry to the front of parliament to a guard of honour by the PNG Defence Force with the combined band from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and Correctional Services pipes and drums.
His arrival followed that of PNGDF Commander Francis Agwi, acting Speaker Francis Marus and wife, Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia, Opposition leader Sir Mekere Morauta and Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
The dignitaries were invited to the Speakers Lounge before being led to the parliament chambers.
The chief justice was then invited by the acting speaker into the chambers to conduct the swearing-in ceremony.
Vice-regal elect Ogio was then invited into the chambers where he placed his hand on a Bible to take his oath of allegiance, declaration of loyalty and declaration of office.
Immediately after his swearing-in Parliament Speaker Jeffrey Nape, who had been acting GG until Friday, took up his chair in the chambers.
Nape offered his congratulations and wished the new GG every success in the high office that he has been elected into.
The leader of government business then moved that parliament at his rising be adjourned to 2pm on Tuesday, May 10.
It was a snap session for the swearing- in that took about 30 minutes to end for parliament to go into recess for two months.
Conspicuous by their absence was a large number of Opposition MPs.
All the invited guest and dignitaries, including heads of diplomatic missions, were then invited to the State Function room where they offered congratulations to Ogio as the 9th Governor-General of PNG.
Ogio will be travelling to Buckingham Palace next week to present his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II as her representative in PNG.
The ceremony went ahead without any hitch after attempts to block the swearing-in was thrown out by the Supreme Court last Thursday.
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by Ronald Rimbao to prevent the swearing-in ceremony after it was found that the appellant had no legally arguable case and that the court was satisfied that there was an abuse of process by the appellant.

 

First Bougainvillean sworn in as Governor General of Papua New Guinea:

Michael Ogio

 

 

25.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Landowners keen to start mine talks
By Fabian Gatana

THE six Panguna mine lease area landowner associations will address outstanding grievances with the Autonomous Bougainville Government in preparation for the re-opening of the Panguna mine.
An agreement is expected to be signed with the National Government before the end of November this year if outstanding issues such as compensation, the drawing down of mining powers to the ABG Government and the review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement are addressed by the National Government.
These decisions were reached in a consultative meeting between the Panguna landowners association, ABG vice President Patrick Nasiria and Minister of Bougainville Affairs Fidelis Semoso on Tuesday this week.
The meeting was held to seek ways to revive Bougainville’s economy, which has suffered immensely.
While explaining the island’s weak economy, Mr Semoso told the meeting that the National Government, the ABG Government, the Council of Elders and the people of Bougainville were committed to move Bougainville forward and the re-opening of the Panguna mine was the most feasible way to revive the economy.

 

 

25.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Sisito lauds joint meet
By PETERSON TSERAHA

THE Minister for Veteran Affairs in the Autonomous Bougainville Government David Sisito has expressed his gratitude over the outcome of the recent Joint Supervisory meeting in Port Moresby with the national government.
Mr Sisito said it was the best meeting Bougainville ever had with the National Government.
“I would like to thank Michael Somare and the National Government for honouring their commitment to Bougainville and for allocating K500 million for Bougainville, that is the best thing they have done for us,” Mr Sisito said.
“We ex combatants now trust PNG because the allocation of K500 million will relive us from some of our financial constraints.
“The controversies on financial commitments to Bougainville have been sorted out and the Bougainville administration has now got a big responsibility to facilitate and utilise the funds from the national government.
“This is a major step we have now taken and that is because of committment and we put our hands and hearts together in our aim for a successful Bougainville,” he said.
Mr Sisito said he had the onus now to spearhead the weapons disposal program and to update the ex-combatants about the national government’s commitment to Bougainville because it cared for them.

 

 

25.02.2011
Source: The National

Momis for NI’s autonomy plans
By JEFFREY ELAPA

AUTONOMOUS Region of Bougainville President John Momis has pledged his support for New Ireland to also reach autonomy.
He made the commitment during a family reunion at Matanakala village in Namatanai, New Ireland, district yesterday.
Momis, who was in his mother’s village to reunite with his brother and relatives, also paid homage and visited the cemetery of his mother, Helen Shoonwah Pang, and his stepfather Peter Chin Hong.
He said, as a constitutional father of PNG, he does not see any reason why the national government should be sharing and delegating powers to the people at the provincial level.
Momis said he would support and assist New Ireland attain autonomy so that the people actively take part in the decision making and development of their communities through the provincial government.
Momis, who also planted a tanget together with New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, said the event signified the relationship and commitment to assist the province seek autonomy.

 

 

 

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24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

LEADERS CONTRIBUTE FOR PANGUNA
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville leaders this week made pledges and commitments to fund the activities of the Panguna Landowners in preparation for the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review.
From the THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA Commitment made by the Regional member, FIDELIS SEMOSO he presented a FIFTY THOUSAND KINA Cheque as his first contribution.
The ABG Acting President also renewed his earlier commitment of THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA as ABG’s contribution.
He explained that now the ABG has received the much politicized FIFTEEN MILLION KINA funds they will make the payment soon.
AND the member for Central Bougainville, JIMMY MIRINGTORO also pledged FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA towards the same cause.
The member for South Bougainville is also expected to make some financial commitment as the Lower Tailings group come under his South Bougainville electorate.

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PANGUNA LANDOWNERS UNITE
By Aloysius Laukai

The Panguna Landowners have shown again that they are united and want to move the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review as soon as possible.
Reports from a meeting held in Arawa on Tuesday between the Acting ABG President, PATRICK NISIRA and the Regional member, FIDELIS SEMOSO says that the Landowners want the process to move forward.
Both leaders told the landowners that only Panguna can raise the revenue needed to get Bougainville prepared for the referendum.
The landowners’ meeting was held to find ways to resuscitate Bougainville’s economy which was destroyed during the Bougainville conflict.

 

 

24.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

Reconciliation by big business vital to peace on Bougainville

Updated February 24, 2011 18:16:46

Big corporations have a crucial role to play in building and maintaining peace on Papua New Guinea's island of Bougainville, according to an Australian academic who's involved in research there.

Bougainville is still trying to rebuild its infrastructure and economy after the civil war in the 1990's.

The Rio Tinto subsidiary, Bougainville Copper, is hoping that will mean the re-opening of its Panguna copper and gold mine.
It was landowner grievances over benefit sharing from the Panguna mine that ignited the civil war.
Kylie McKenna, a Phd student at the Australian National University, has just completed her research on how major resource companies can avoid conflict with landowners.
She says companies need to look at their project through the eyes of the local community.

 

Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Kylie McKenna, from the Australian National University

 

  Listen here ! 

MCKENNA: Often in major resource development projects the emphasis is on what the state thinks, what the corporation thinks, but I think the key aspect is really to get behind what the local community see that they want to get out of the resource project, the broader fears or concerns that they might have for that project and then how the company might respond to those fears and concerns.

 

GARRETT: Well, Bougainville Copper has said nothing is off the agenda for the negotiations. How do they actually get down and find out what the people are really thinking?

 

MCKENNA: In Bougainville, it's quite easy at the moment, because everybody is keen to talk about the mine, everybody has a view or a perspective on what happened before the conflict arose, so everybody now is quite excited, but a bit concerned about what might happen with the mine. I think for a company it would be quite easy to go in and get the perspective of a lot of different people in Bougainville. But probably the biggest concern for the company might be how are they going to decipher what voices to listen to and who to leave out of that negotiation. Obviously that was a big concern before the conflict occurred in terms of different landowners and generation disputes within the landowner organisation, so that would probably be the biggest problem for the country going in.

 

GARRETT: What's your assessment so far, is it possible to see how they're doing on that at this stage?

 

MCKENNA: From what I hear, the autonomous Bougainville Government is doing quite extensive work in terms of trying to set up representative bodies for the landowners, so that different landowner organisations in different vicinities to the mining project will have a voice in what happens, but also what is going to need to be reconciled as well is getting the voices of Bougainville as a whole, not just those landowners, so that the company and also the government itself can contribute to equal development on Bougainville and not just those landowners.

 

GARRETT: You'll never get 100 per cent of the people behind the big project, especially something like a mine, and there still are some strong opponents among landowners. How can the company deal with that?

 

MCKENNA: Well, I think what the company really needs to do is as much as it can to go into Bougainville and to reconcile with the local people and clearly state what they have learnt from the past and what they hope to bring to Bougainville into the future. So I think there's always going to be people who are going to be opposed to the mining project, and rightly so. It's a major part of Bougainville's history and you could never guarantee that something like that isn't going to happen in the future. But I think for me what I learnt from my time on Bougainville was that there's a deep wish for something, a very rest odious ? about the mine coming into reopen in terms of the James Tanis argument about reopening the mine, because it's taking the conflict back to where it started. So I think if that's the model they're going to reopen the mine through, then the company needs to be very clear about the lessons they have learnt from the past.

 

GARRETT: You argue that in fact material benefits, concrete things are not as important as some other approaches the company can take, tell us a bit more about that?

 

MCKENNA: Well, my research is partly on Bougainville and partly on some resource projects in Papua and what I find is that companies like Bougainville Copper in Bougainville. The company could have been commended for many of the community projects that the company had the time that the mine operated. It was also quite a leader in terms of those projects, but despite that, things went terribly wrong. And what I've been finding through my research is that some of the concerns that local communities have are much deeper than what material benefit like schools and hospitals, although they are really important resources aren't going to solve those broader grievances. So that might be about how a company might symbolise colonial oppression in Bougainville, so when you've got an Australian company going in there, doing a colonial agreement, then that's something that can't be solved through the creation of a hospital or a school. It's much broader and deeper than that.

 

GARRETT: The Bougainville autonomous government has yet to develop all its mining rules and regulations. Can those be used to try and solve at least ameliorate that sort of problem?

 

MCKENNA: Oh well I think the people that I spoke to within the ABG Government are now thinking in terms of reconciliation with landowners and Bougainvilleans generally. I think so far the peace process has been between Bougainvilleans and Papua New Guineans and then between Bougainvilleans and Bougainvilleans themselves and now there are some people within the government thinking how are we going to do that between the mining company and Bougainvilleans. So that's part of a strong argument for why Bougainville Copper Limited might be a preferred company to come into Bougainville, as opposed to a Chinese company or one of the smaller companies that have been suggested, is that strong sense that we can bring a company in, we could invite them to participate in local reconciliation ceremonies and do it our way.

 

GARRETT: How important is it that executives, top executives of the company get out on the ground and talk to Bougainvilleans themselves regularly?

 

MCKENNA: I think it would be very, very important, particularly in a place as small as Bougainville and the cultural misunderstandings, the grape vine, I think would be really important for the company to go in with a clear message about what they want to do and how they want to do and then to be backed up on that by the ABG Government.

 

GARRETT: When you talk about reconciliation, often the people involved, the individuals are very important. Does that make it more important that you do see those top executives down there on the ground?

 

MCKENNA: Definitely, definitely and even if those executives are not executives who are involved in the mine when the mine was still operating obviously. Some of those executives might have passed away or have retired now. But I think the importance of what they might represent as individuals of that company is important for them to go into and some people are also expecting the same in terms of the Australian Government, whether people from the Australian Government could go alongside those executives and say hey look, we've made these mistakes and we recognise them and want responsibility for them.

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ONSA WANTS PANGUNA FASTRACKED
By Aloysius Laukai

A Buka businessman, HENRY ONSA wants the PANGUNA COPPER agreement review fast-tracked.
He told New Dawn FM today in Buka that only Panguna can truly assist the people of Bougainville in terms of employment opportunities and real economic development for Bougainville.
MR. ONSA said that other proposed impact projects like the Chinese investment on Bougainville will not benefit the majority of Bougainvilleans.
The Buka Businessman said that the invasion of Chinese Business to Bougainville will only kill the local business activities currently operating in the region.
He said that Bougainvillean Businesses do not have the financial capacities to invest Millions of Kina for a joint venture.
Meanwhile MR. ONSA also called on the ABG to help the Bougainvillean companies to beef up their capacities.
 

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MUSICIANS INDEPENDENT
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville Musicians have been praised for continuously promoting peace and unity through their music.
And they have continuously promoted and put Bougainville Music on the map without any assistance from the Government.
These were the sentiments made by the former Ex combatant member for North Bougainville and a musician himself, MARCHELLIN GETSI.
He was speaking at the official launching of the Peace and Unity musical concert in Buka this morning.
MR. GETSI said that although music contributes to creating peace and unity like sports, the government only puts money for sports.
He praised the musicians for taking the lead in staging the concert without any government support.
Bands from all the three regions of South, Central and North Bougainville would be performing at the concert.

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

EDUCATION TOP
By Aloysius Laukai

The former CEO for Education on Bougainville and Regional Advisor to the Teaching Service Commission, TONY TSORA says that Bougainville needs to establish more education institutions to prepare Bougainville for the future.
MR. TSORA told New Dawn FM last Saturday that he wants to see a Teacher’s College and a Technical School established on Bougainville.
He said that Bougainville needs to train new teachers to replace aging teachers who were still teaching.
And technical school is needed to train tradesmen and women who can take up jobs if the Panguna mine is re-opened in future.
Mr. Tsora was on Bougainville to inspect new Haku Day High School and the Bougainville Technical College in Tinputz.
He said that he was happy that the ABG was moving forward with its plans to establish specialized educational institutions on Bougainville.

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN CAN ASSIST
By Aloysius Laukai

The Special Advisor for UNDP on Bougainville, ANTHONY AGYENTA
Says that music is another way of creating peace and development and must be supported.
He said that since he was posted to Bougainville last year, he was looking at several options that can be used to create peace and normalcy on Bougainville.
AND music can be that option.
The UNDP Special Project Officer said that he would like to work closely with the Bougainville musicians on musical programs that can create peace and unity on Bougainville.

 

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CONCERT KICKS OFF WITH AIDS FUNDS
By Aloysius Laukai

The Bougainville Peace and Unity concert needs financial support from the Buka Town Community.
This was the message made at this morning’s official launching.
One of the Organizers RAY HIMATA said that most of the donations made towards the concert were made in kind and no cash.
He said that DIGICEL has sponsored prizes and T Shirts whilst Tony Luwong , Robert Hamal Sawa and Model Zero band contributed band instruments.
MR. HIMATA said that the only cash contribution of TWO THOUSAND KINA was donated by the Bougainville Aids Committee.

 

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

KEEP CULTURE
BY Aloysius Laukai

The ABG Minister for Culture and Tourism, JOSEPH EGILIO wants Bougainville musicians to maintain the identity of Bougainville culture by blending Cultural Music with modern Contemporary music.
The Minister was speaking at the Official opening of the Bougainville Peace and Unity Musical Concert in Buka this morning.
MR. EGILIO said that Bougainville culture includes traditional music which our musicians can promote by continuously performing local style music.
Minister EGILIO said that he supported the staging of the concert and called on the groups to enjoy the music in the next three days.
The minister also officially opened the three-day concert this morning.
Meanwhile Bands showed their talents at today’s rehearsal with the competition officially commencing tomorrow.

 

 

24.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Sawa’s Music
By Aloysius Laukai

 

The former ABG minister for Peace and Reconciliation and member for Hagogohe, ROBERT HAMAL SAWA also acknowledged the personal contributions by former Combatants to establish peace on Bougainville with music.
He mentioned several musical concerts in the past where former Commanders like ISHMAEL TOROAMA a musician himself came out to perform for peace and unity.
The member said that Music will continue to be used to create an environment for peace and unity on Bougainville.
MR. SAWA personally contributed his instruments to the three day musical concert.

 

 

23.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Crisis claims hit Bougainville
By Gorethy Kenneth

Bougainville is faced with a K1.3 billion crisis-related bill from local, national and foreign businesses including individuals.
And a total of 9676 registered claims are with the Bougainville Administration of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, currently under pressure to pay up.
These are the claims incurred during the 1996 Bougainville crisis which destroyed Bougainville, specifically central Bougainville, Kieta, Arawa and Panguna.
But the Bougainville Administration has advised that the combined cost of the crisis-related claims has decreased drastically to K245 million, significantly less than the K3 billion previously quoted. ABD Administration managed to work out the CRGs under four main categories — unpaid salaries and wages, goods and services rendered to the Government, damage and loss of property, physical injuries and deaths and unlawful arrest and imprisonment.
This is from an information paper from the Administration after a group of landowners from Wakunai marched to the office to complain about unpaid crisis-related claims by the Government now that the ABG had received the K15 million. They are claiming more than K1 million for damage to shops, houses and schools in their area.
“Nevertheless, still out of reach of the ABG’s resources and thus the need for alternative policy options to address the issue of CRGs the information paper detailed. “We have three policy issues with regard to these options and they include, setting some claims, settle no claims, and find alternative to settlement and the issues to consider would include the liability of the ABG and the PNG Government, the existence of legal and political precedents, expectations held by claimants and the lack of records on those issues.”
CRGs is an issue that the new ABG should be aware of, as it continues to place unnecessary demands on the ABG. Its policy will assist the ABG deal with the issue on a more systematic manner and this policy will spell out who is responsible for which claim and thus the liability to settle,” The paper quoted.

 

23.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Termites put Bougainville schools under seige
By FABIAN GHATANA

ABOUT nine secondary and high schools in Bougainville are under serious threat from termites attacking classrooms and teachers’ houses.
And the cost of rebuilding may exceed K10 million if both the National and the Autonomous Bougainville governments do not immediately address the issue.
Hutjena Secondary School has 74 buildings under threat – classrooms, boys and girls dormitories and a teacher’s house – some buildings are seriously affected by termites, resulting in the houses falling apart.
Bishop Wade/Tarlena Secondary School has 70 buildings under threat; Buin Secondary School 50, Bana and Nissan are also badly affected. There are five other high schools in Bougainville having the same problem and teachers are now worried the issue may affect classes if not addressed immediately. Protex Pest Control, a locally owned company, had taken time out of its busy schedule in Bougainville to look at these issues and report to the respective schools. Operations manager of the Protex company, Bernard Namun, a professional pest controller, said to save these schools the ABG or the national government will need to spend K3 million to completely overhaul the buildings.
The termites they suspect may have come from Lae through the timbers bought from there.
“They could be northern termites and these are very dangerous. They live in colonies and the termites lay 1500 eggs per day,” Mr Namun said.
“This could be the biggest threat to the entire school buildings in Bougainville and we can help save them if we address them on time.”

 

 

23.02.2011
Source: The National

Momis in Kavieng
By JEFFREY ELAPA in Kavieng

PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis yesterday arrived in New Ireland for his first official visit to the province since he became president.
He was received at the Kavieng Airport by New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and members of the provincial and Namatanai district administration, including Namatanai MP Byron Chan and Deputy Governor Florence Stocken, and school children.
Accompanying Momis was his wife and members of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Other visiting politicians currently in the province are Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya and Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather. Both leaders were expected to join Sir Julius, Momis and the Namatanai MP in their tour of the province.
However, their trip could be cut short due to Friday’s one-day parliament sitting to swear in Michael Ogio as the ninth governor-general of Papua New Guinea.
Momis and his delegation met with Sir Julius and members of the New Ireland executive council yesterday evening. Today, they would attend the second council of elders (village chiefs) meeting in Kavieng.
They then leave for Namatanai with local MP Chan to launch and deliver several projects in the district.
They will also witness the delivery of three vehicles to Lahur Primary School, police and the courts.
Two LLG buildings and the local MP’s official residence at Namatanai station will also be launched.
Tomorrow, the group will travel to Matanakala village where Momis will reunite with some of his relatives and friends.
Another three vehicles will also be delivered to Panaras, Kulot and Mercy primary schools on Saturday.

 

 

	ADVICE: The follwing information may influence the share price of Bougainville Copper! Please act before others do!
	HINWEIS: Die nachstehende Information könnte den Kursverlauf von Bougainville Copper beeinflussen! Handeln Sie bevor es andere tun!

 

22.02.2011
Source: ESBC Research

Major Breakthrough !

 

Despite the absence of ABG President John Momis, the today's meeting between the Panguna landowners, the representatives of ABG and National PNG Government became a major breakthrough and a success for Bougainville's economic future as reported here:

 

We had a very good meeting today. All the Resolutions have been accepted by ABG and Minister Semoso. Funding secured as follows;

Hon Semoso first K50,000.00 paid-cheque handed over to Deputy Chairman Mr. Michael Pariu. K250,000.00 yet to come.
Acting President, Hon. Patrick Nisira (Vice President) committed K300,000.00 to PLOA and the six leases Associations establishment
Hon Jimmy Miringtoro committed K400,000.00 to the work of PLOA and the six lease area Associations
Minister Semoso will approach South Bougainville Member for another K400,000.00 for the same.

MOU to be signed next week in Buka to formalize all the resolutions.

Acting President will facilitate for our reconciliation between President Momis and Interim PLOA Executive plus the Chairs of the six leases after 7th March when the President returns.

Draft MOU is here for your information. Final MOU will be signed in Buka next week after it has been finalized by PLOA Secretariat.

 

Here some photos of the meeting:

 

Arawa on February 22nd, 2011: The Panguna landowners assembly.

 

 

Lawrence Daveona, spokesman of interim Panguna landowner association addresses to the audience.

 

 

ABG Vice President explains the ABG's position.

 

 

Strong support from the National PNG Government: Minister Fidelis Semoso

 

 

Theresa Jaintong from the Arawa Customary Lease

 

 

Bernardine Kiraa speaks for the lower tailings lease (on the left: PLA Chairman Chris Damana)

 

 

PNG Minister Fidelis Semoso hands over the K50,000 funding cheque to PLA Vice Chairman Michael Pariu

 

 

 

 

22.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Ex-combatants in league revival
By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

IT was a major breakthrough for rugby league in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville when a team from Arawa led by ex-combatant commander Ismael Toroama, Dominic Torona and Mark Niniku, took part in the round 1 clash of the Bougainville Rugby Football League (BRFL) pre-season last Saturday at the Hutjena Oval, Buka.
In the name of Peace through League, the Arawa Team had to cross 17 rivers without bridges to participate in the rugby league clash. The pre-season is also the selection trials for the NGI 9’s Challenge slated for Kokopo next month.
Agmark Gurias coach Michael Marum recently announced that the Gurias are recruiting players in the NGI region to make the Gurias’ lineup for the PNGNRL Digicel Cup this year.
The PNG Kumuls assistant coach also donated 10 rugby league balls courtesy of Agmark Limited to BRFL, which were distributed to all clubs who took part last weekend.
Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Trade Fidelis Semoso, who returned that Saturday from the Joint Supervisory Meeting in Port Moresby, was impressed with the number of clubs and the level of performance.
He wasted no time in committing K25,000 to facilitate travel arrangements for the Bougainville representative team to Kokopo for the NGI 9’s Challenge.
A mid morning downpour did little to dampen the spirit of the round one clash as supporters turned up in numbers to support their teams.
Buka’s Tsitalato Warriors led by former inter-city player Jerome Sahin went straight to work upon the opening hooter to nail Arawa 30-nil in one of the A grades clash.
A fiery clash was witnessed in the main game when Haku Hawks locked horns with Newtown Knights.
Spectators were on their feet throughout the full 80 minutes encounter as both teams battled it out neck-to-neck. The Hawks soared over the Knights at the end of the fast and furious episode with a 16-12 victory.
Other matches were also played in the B and reserve divisions to allow selectors to observe potential talents from all divisions that should make the Bougainville Team for the 9’s competition.
The Tsitalato Warriors will travel over to Arawa this weekend for an exchange match with the Arawa side.
The Arawa team management and players have given the Warriors their assurance on ground security and hospitality. Former BRA Commander Dominic Torona has pledged his support to BRFL president Micah James to unite Bougainville through rugby league and urged corporate partnership from Ela Motors, SP Brewery, Agmark and other major investors to support the code development in Bougainville.
BRFL President Micah James says season proper will also be played in Buin, Torokina and Nissan Island to promote ‘Peace through League’ to compliment the Bougainville Peace Agreement through sports.
Meantime, Buin has been challenged to register a team with BRFL for the competition this year.
Clubs that are currently participating have been urged to pay up their club affiliation fee of K350 and K10 player registration to qualify for selection into the Bougainville team.

 

 

22.02.2011
Source: The National

JSB resolution signed
By JEFFREY ELAPA

THE PNG-Bougainville joint supervisory body (JSB) joint resolution was signed by the co-chairs yesterday evening after it was delayed for five hours.
The signing was scheduled for 2.30pm yesterday but was delayed and the event’s location was moved to the Golden Bowl Restaurant.
The joint resolution held at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby last week was signed between the Deputy Prime Minister and Works Minister Sam Abal and president of Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis.
Among the resolutions were the progress report on the implementation of stages two and three of the indicative strategic framework for the transfer of mining, oil and gas functions and powers.
It was agreed as proposed by Mining Minister John Pundari that a baseline study be conducted immediately, preceded by a preliminary assessment of certain factors such as environment around Panguna and the lease areas including land and marine environment.
It was resolved that a term of reference was to be developed in consultation between the Pundari and Momis after receiving advice from the technical team from both governments.
It was further resolved that an independent facilitator was appointed with consultation of the minister and the president and a heads of agreement be tabled for endorsement by the JSB.
Other resolutions passed and signed were the powers to transfer education, teaching service, health, lands, forestry and agriculture to Bougainville.
It was also noted that the additional police powers would be signed at the earliest opportunity when the commissioner of the Royal PNG Constabulary was available.
New notices had been served on the national government at the JSB for the transfer of fisheries, commodity boards, forestry and health.
The JSB also noted that progress has been on developing MoUs covering the department of works and community development.
The JSB also endorsed the joint weapons disposal and reconciliation programme by the two governments which includes the financial commitment of K500 million for the next five years starting next year.
Abal said the signing reflected the national government’s commitments to develop Bougainville, an indication of a new chapter that will foster and establish the continuing relationship between Bougainville.
He also called on the public servants to improve if they have not been performing so that the whole restoration and reconciliation process and the development process was elevated to another level.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: The National

 

Living dangerously or living stupidly ... Driving into Arawa town in Bougainville, A group of visitors passed this very slow and cautious truck with oil drums stacked about 3m high going to the wharf last Wednesday. Not the kind of vehicle you want to be trailing, considering the repercussions if the drums suddenly come loose.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

HEADQUATER MOVE
By Aloysius Laukai

Plans are underway to finally move the Bougainville Head quater to the former capital ARAWA.
And to see this become a reality the National Government has agreed to fund infrastructures in preparation for the move.
Under the MOA signed in Port Moresby last Friday night, funds would be made available for the rebuilding of the ARAWA GENERAL HOSPITAL which was destroyed during the Bougainville conflict.
Funds would be made available for the upgrading and opening of the Aropa International Airport and the Kieta main wharf.
New Dawn FM understands that the issue of security would also be addressed before the move is finally implemented.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SEMOSO HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai

The Regional Member for Bougainville and Minister for Trade, FIDELIS SEMOSO is calling on the people of Bougainville to cooperate and assist the ABG to develop Bougainville.
He says that he wants to see Bougainville move into the development stage under the current MOMIS leadership.
MR. Semoso made these calls at the Press conference to welcome the Bougainville delegation last Saturday.
He said that he was happy that the National Government under the leadership of CO-CHAIR and deputy Prime Minister SAM ABAL had made a big undertaking to financially support the ABG.
MR. SEMOSO also thanked the members for South and Central Bougainville in the National Parliament for also attending the last JSB meeting in Port Moresby.
He said that it was very important for all Bougainville leadership to work together for the good of the Region.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NISIRA Welcomes
By Aloysius Laukai

The Acting ABG President, PATRICK NISIRA last Saturday thanked the National Government for finally handing over the checque totaling FIFTEEN MILLION KINA.
He said that the ABG would be able to fast track some projects which have been left hanging on for a long time.
The Acting President made these comments during a press conference to welcome the Bougainville delegation at the Buka airport.
He said that the latest JSB was the best JSB in which a lot of issues were discussed and approved for implementation.
Mr. Nisira said that the ABG had a big task of completing outstanding reconciliations, the removal of the remaining weapons and the strengthening of autonomy implementation in preparation for referendum.

 

21.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

COMMITTEE SET
By Aloysius Laukai

 

A Bougainville China Co-operation Committee has been set up in the Autonomous Region to fast track the seven MOU’s signed in China by the ABG delegation that toured China at the end of last year.
Such a committee shall focus on developing a strategic partnership with China in order to attract Chinese Investment in Bougainville on a large scale basis.
And Source and secure Foreign aid from the Chinese Government.
And to promote mutual understanding and support friendship between the people of China and Bougainville.
The committee membership would include Government and Administration officials and including private sector and community group representatives.
The final committee would have to be presented to the Bougainville Executive Council for approval.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

President reflects on progress in Bougainville peace process

A high level meeting of the PNG and Bougainville Joint Supervisory Body aimed at reviewing the Bougainville peace process and autonomy has just taken place in Port Moresby.
Items on the agenda included the transfer of powers, national government grants, restoration and the disarmament processes, which are all under review after the JSB's first meeting in 2008.
The meeting was co-chaired by PNG's Deputy Prime Minister, Sam Abal, and the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, John Momis.
Mr Momis spoke to Pacific Beat about the outcome.

 

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: John Momis, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

 

  Listen here ! 

 

MOMIS: The Bougainville peace agreement specifically calls for the people of Bougainville to have a clear choice between a full autonomy and independence and that is their perogative when they exercise their right between 2015 and 2020 and I as President of the autonomous region of Bougainville see my responsibility as preparing the people of Bougainville to exercise their prerogative in an atmosphere of freedom and security, and that is why it's imperative that the National Government and the Bougainville Government collaborate to create an atmosphere conducive to this kind of exercise of free choice.

 

COUTTS: You're also a bit dubious about it, because you've been quoted as saying in the press that autonomy and independence must be made attractive for the people to make a choice, that the National Government has failed to meet these requirements contained in the agreement?

 

MOMIS: Yes, as you know, the national government has for sometime now failed to release the 15 million to Bougainville as stipulated under the Bougainville peace agreement, and they also made it very difficult for the autonomous government of Bougainville to carry out its responsibilities, with respect to restoration of services, delivery, creation of a stable society and empowering people to generate revenue for the government, as well as income for themselves and that sort of frustrated the people of Bougainville, because they knew that the national government they felt was renegeing on a public commitment made in the Bougainville peace agreement.

 

COUTTS: President Momis, you've also expressed your frustration at the slowness of the process that's been happening at the moment. You say that the clock is ticking away and the implementation of Bougainville process agreement was proceeding at a snail's pace, the disposal of arms is slow, the draw down of power has been slow and capacity building is slow. Why is it so slow? Why isn't it progressing on a much bigger and more appropriate scale?

 

MOMIS: For my perception and the people of Bougainville's perception, the political leadership in Port Moresby is sensitive and is committed to ensuring that draw down the powers and release of funds as per the Bougainville peace agreement, and done as expeditiously as possible, so that the people of Bougainville would feel that they are in a position to prepare themselves for the time when they have to make a decision one way or the other. But when funds and powers that have been stipulated to be drawn down are slowed down by bureaucratic inertia or by some court that's in Port Moresby at the bureaucratic level, that annoys the people and this doesn't create a culture of cooperation on the ground.

 

COUTTS: Well, what will it take to speed up the process, what do you think it needs now?

MOMIS: What the government has done in the last couple of days I think is a breakthrough, really so the 15 million which is according to us a constitutional requirement and the government's undertaking to pledge 500 million for the next five years to deal with impact projects on the ground, rebuilding infrastructure, rebuilding Arawa town which is the capital of Bougainville, dealing with weapons disposal, dealing with major infrastructure, that is very important, because I personally believe that the best way of bringing peace and reconciliation and stability and predictability on the ground is to involve the people in a creative manner in economic activities and that is why we have called for a joint venture business with foreign investors and the people of Bougainville and also to adopt a new approach of drawing down powers, because the powers that have been demarcated for Bougainville have been determined by the Bougainville peace agreement and it is up to the National Government and is now the responsibility of the National Government and the Bougainville Government to take the necessary measures to draw down those powers and not sit on them. So the new approach is to draw down powers en masse, package drawing down the powers, then once the powers are drawn down, it is the prerogative of a responsible government and I believe we will be responsible, to pick and choose which powers and functions are immediately needed and capacities must be developed to use those powers. They can stay on the drawing board as long as they belong to us and they are accessible to the Bougainville leadership.

 

COUTTS: President Momis, just one of the sticking points as we've already mentioned and you've mentioned the arms disposal, it's very slow. You've also said that the children were born and grew up during the crisis period were the ones who were still holding onto the guns, because you see it because of the lack of education, but you also think that they are still mistrustful of the process?

 

MOMIS: Yes, these young people, though these people have grown up during the space of the war, have had no basic education, they have no experience of other ways of life. The only life they've experienced is the life under the rule of the gun and that is why we need to embark on a massive program of creating awareness, instilling democratic values, rule of law and also creating an atmosphere in which they would be involved in practical things like skilling them with technical skills, on skills, and giving them opportunities to participate at their level in economic activities in what I call subsidiary economic activities that will come to Bougainville when the Panguna mine is open.

 

COUTTS: You're coming to Australia shortly for a week's tour, being sponsored by DFAT. What's the point of that tour as far as your concerned?

 

MOMIS: Australia has played a major in role in bringing about the Bougainville peace agreement and Australia is one of the main stakeholders in the Bougainville peace agreement. I believe it has a right to be well informed by those of us who are now on the ground, who are working to implement the Bougainville peace agreement. Australia must be well informed of the challenges and the difficulties and the prospects of the Bougainville peace agreement. If the Bougainville peace agreement is fully implemented, then all of us benefit, Papua New Guinea, Bougainville, Australia, New Zealand, the United Nations, because the Bougainville issue is not just the Bougainville issue. It's a national issue, in fact I think it is a regional issue, because all of us, different stakeholders like Australia, New Zealand, and United Nations, PNG and Bougainville are heavily involved and if we get it right, I think it will be a feather in all our caps, because it will demonstrate what can be achieved to bring about regional peace, stability and a good system of government in the region in a collaborative way.

 

COUTTS: Will you be asking Australia for the funding that you need to speed up the process of independence from autonomy?

 

MOMIS: I'll be discussing a number of issues with the Australian Government, especially with the Foreign Minister, Mr. Kevin Rudd and the Secretary for Pacific Affairs, Mr. Marles. I will brief them well on the challenges, the financial challenges, the administrative challenges and the challenges of creating a culture of democratisation in Bougainville and the challenges of empowering the people economically.

 

COUTTS: Will you be asking the government though for funding to help you with the process?

 

MOMIS: I will discuss that issue, yes, definitely with the Australian Government.

 

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Return 0
By JOHN PANGKATANA

AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government (ABG) Minister for Veteran Affairs and Weapons Disposal David Sisito says it is important that the National Government sees the seriousness in the disposal of weapons to make further progress on the peace and reconciliation process on Bougainville.
Mr Sisito said: “I want all the guns to come back.”
He confirmed there were a significant amount of weapons in the hands of ex-combatants.
“We can’t have this if we are to bring back investor confidence to return to our once thriving economy.
“We must be able to live freely again,” said Mr Sisito.
He said a large number of ex-combatants would appreciate something tangible in return for their services during the war.
“A rehabilitation program where they are re-educated…you must remember most of these young people had no formal education for over 11 years,” he said.
Mr Sisito said this following the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting last week where the National Government committed K500 million over the next five years in a proposed new package to invigorate their gloomy economy.
Mr Sisito said: “I’m happy with the outcome of the JSB as it will finally allow the ABG to focus on their outstanding projects.
“However, I want to be insistent with the fact that weapons disposal for peace reconciliation must be given a priority in the budget,” he said.
Mr Sisito was formerly the Defence Minister in the late Francis Ona’s Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) self-styled government.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: The National

BCL stands ready to talk with investors

by SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

BOUGAINVILLE Ltd’s door is open to talks with investors, including the Chinese, about the possibility of reopening the Panguna mine in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, BCL chairman Peter Taylor said.
“The company has the legal rights to the lease and to the infrastructure, so anybody who is interested in getting involved will have to deal with the company and our door is open to that,” he told a Radio Australia programme.
Taylor was responding to a question by presenter Jemima Garrett that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare recently had talked privately about the possibility of re-opening the mine with Chinese investment rather than with Bougainville Copper Ltd.
He said he had not been approached about any plan for the Chinese to open the controversial mine in the autonomous region of Bougainville which was closed in 1988 after it became the spark which ignited a 10-year civil war.
Taylor was asked: Does Bougainville Copper have something to worry about in terms of Chinese interests wanting to take over Bougainville copper?
“Well, as I said, there is nothing necessarily wrong with Chinese investment in Bougainville Copper.
“There’s been no formal approach to the company directly from Chinese interests or from Sir Michael or President Momis with a plan to include the Chinese but as I said I am willing to listen to any proposition.
“At the end of the day the investors in the company will have to decide whether they want a partner or not.”
The Chinese already have substantial investments in two upcoming mines in PNG, both in Madang - the K1.3 billion Ramu nickel and cobalt mine and the nearby Marengo Mining copper and molybdenum prospect at Yandera.
Taylor told the radio programme that he wanted to see Panguna landowners and the Bougainville government take an equity stake in the mine, alongside the PNG government and the majority shareholder Rio Tinto.
He said he expected to meet Bougainville president John Momis in Sydney early next month to discuss this.
Taylor said he was confident, from the company’s side, the mine could be re-opened, but added that the ultimate decision rested with the landowners and the Bougainville government.
He told Radio Australia that nothing was off the agenda for talks aimed at reopening the controversial mine in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
“My approach is to allow the landowners, or in fact encourage the landowners and the Bougainville government to set the agenda,” Taylor said in an interview with presenter Jemima Garrett.
“I would expect that there would be shared ownership in the mine with the landowners and the government.”
He said he was willing to talk to opponents of the mine as well as supporters.
“I am confident that as far as the company is concerned it can be done (re-opened), that it can be done economically.
“The real issue is whether the landowners at Panguna and the government want the mine re-opened.
On the opposition, he said he did not think any major infrastructure project, whether mining or otherwise, opened without some people objecting to it.
“It is always a balance between what I might just loosely call the economic gain and benefits you can get from these sorts of projects and the social disruption that is inevitable.”
Taylor said his approach to negotiations would be to invite everybody to the table.
“We’ve got quite a way to go in terms of working out the regime under which the mine will re-open.
“As far as Bougainville Copper is concerned, the invitation is there for all interested parties to be there at the table to put their points of view to all of the people around the table and, hopefully, we’ll be able to work out a workable compromise.”

 

21.02.2011
Source: The National

‘Bright future for a revived Panguna’
by SINCLAIRE SOLOMON

A RE-OPENED Panguna mine will produce around 170,000 tonnes of copper a year and half a million ounces of gold.
Given that prices of both metals are high it would be a welcome addition to the Bougainville Copper’s Rio Tinto stable.
BCL chairman Peter Taylor acknowledged this during an interview on Radio Australia, but added that it would be at least three-five years before the mine could be operating again.
He said that a lot depended on the permitting because it was as good as starting again.
“There will be a new regime. I expect by the time it opens Bougainvlle itself will be administering the mining regime, rather than the national government, but none of that legislation is in place yet, none of the regimes there, so its going to take time to do that.
“The company itself will have to do a feasibility study that is acceptable to lenders.
“That typically takes about a year and it’ a very expensive process so we don’t want to commit to that until we know what the new mining regime will look like; what the tax regime will be, what the royalty regime will be, compensation and so on.
“We need to have all those in place before we can do that study.
“So while the time frame might be around the three to five year mark, when we get started on it is a question I can’t answer because I am not the only one involved.
“There are the landowners, the Bougainville government and the national government to be considered.”
On the question of what sort of progress Taylor would regard as “positive” this year, he said it would be formally start the negotiation process.
He said this was feasible, even likely, because the Bougainville reconciliation process was progressing well among the landowners.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: The National

Include Panguna landowners from start

 
COPPER has hit US$10,000 per metric tonne last week - a new record high, putting pressure on copper producers worldwide to produce maximum tonnage.
Demand for the metal is surging in China and India as both countries expand their infrastructures. Copper miners worldwide, including PNG, are struggling to keep with the insatiable demands for the metal from the heavy industries of the two economies, especially China which is responsible for 35% of global copper consumption. Compare that with Europe, Japan and the United States which, combined, only account for 30% of worldwide demand.
At present rates of consumption, it is expected that copper should top US$5 per pound this year or next year, triple its previous high water mark in 2008.
It makes sense, therefore, that the Bougainville copper mine should be re-opened at the earliest opportunity to capitalise on the booming price for the metal.
BCL chairman Peter Taylor told Radio Australia last week that BCL’s door is open for talks with investors, including those from China, about the possibility of re-opening the mine.
Other proven copper mining prospects such as Wafi in Morobe and Frieda River in East Sepik must be encouraged to move to construction and production at the earliest opportunity.
Economic expansion, which drives commodity prices, always comes in cycles. Boom days are often followed by bust nights so it is best to strategise to capitalise on the boom to prepare for the bust times.
Chinese companies already control some important mining ventures in the country and, with the demand in China, it makes sense to deal with investors out of China to reopen the Panguna mine.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government and Panguna landowner groups are equally anxious to get the mine re-opened to provide much-needed capital to re-grow the Bougainville economy which, today, lies crumbled.
The critical issue is to ensure all parties are engaged in the moves to reopen the mine.
It might well be correct that the company has the legal rights to the lease and the infrastructure, whatever remains and is salvageable, but the company cannot and must not go out on its own to invite and deal with future investors.
The mine lies mothballed today because landowners took exception to what they felt was violation of their rights and neglect by both the company and government.
While, in the end, it will be the company and the state which draw up any agreement that needs to be signed with third parties from outside, it does not hurt to involve landowner groups in extensive discussions now to gauge their needs, their concerns and how they can be involved meaningfully in a future mine.
A re-opened mine must not repeat the mistakes of the first regime and that goes for both company and government at both national and the autonomous region level.
In that regard, it is heartening to hear Taylor say that he wanted to see Panguna landowners and the Bougainville government take an equity stake in the mine alongside the PNG government and majority shareholder Rio Tinto.
These issues are likely to be discussed when Taylor next meets Bougainville President John Momis in Sydney next month.
Taylor was asked: Does Bougainville copper has something to worry about in terms of Chinese interests wanting to take over the Bougainville mine?
“Well, as I said, there is nothing necessarily wrong with Chinese investment in Bougainville copper.
“There’s been no formal approach to the company directly from Chinese interests or from Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare or Momis with a plan to include the Chinese but, as I said, I am willing to listen to any proposition.”
The Chinese already have substantial investments in two upcoming mines in PNG, both in Madang – the K1.3 billion Ramu nickel and cobalt mine and the nearby Marengo Mining copper and molybdenum prospects at Yandera.
Taylor said he was confident, from the company’s side, the mine could be reopened, but added that the ultimate decision rested with the landowners and the Bougainville government.
He told Radio Australia that nothing was off the agenda for talks aimed at re-opening the controversial mine in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
A reopened mine will produce around 170,000 tonnes of copper a year and half a million ounces of gold.
At the kind of prices both metals are fetching, a reopened mine would make a killing. It is expected copper will hit the US$5 per pound mark and gold which is trekking at a high US$1,372 per ounce is expected to trek further towards the US$2,000 mark.
A reopened mine is definitely an event that the landowners, and the Bougainville and PNG governments, can look forward to.

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

High level talks on Bougainville peace process

The PNG and Bougainville Joint Supervisory Body met to review the Bougainville peace and autonomy process last week.
The high level delegation met in Port Moresby to discuss the transfer of powers, and successfully resolved the contentious issue of non-payment by the PNG government of the restoration and development grants as described in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Anthony Regan, an advisor on Bougainville affairs says the meeting was overdue.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Anthony Regan, advisor on Bougainville affairs, author and academic, Australian National University.

 

  Listen here ! 

 

 

21.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

In-depth with the Chairman of Bougainville Copper Ltd

 

The Panguna copper mine on Papua New Guinea's island of Bougainville was closed in 1988 after landowner anger over the share of benefits from the mine and its environmentental impact, boiled over into a bloody 10-year civil war.
Much has changed since that time, Bougainville has more autonomy now and it is scheduled to have a referendum on independence between 2015 and 2020.
The mine could provide Bougainville with the economic resources it needs to make independence a viable possibility.
Peter Taylor worked at Panguna in the late-1980's, and is now Chairman and Managing Director of Bougainville Copper which owns the mine
Jemima Garrett asked him how confident he is that he will be able to get the mine up and running again.

Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Peter Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director of Bougainville Copper.

 

  Listen here ! 

 
21.02.2011
Source: The National

 

Autonomous Region of Bougainville President John Momis (right) presenting a Bougainville canoe and basket to Deputy Prime Minister Sam Abal after yesterday’s signing of a K500 million financial assistance package for major infrastructure project development in the strife-torn region. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA
 

 

19.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Onsa welcomes
By Aloysius Laukai

A Buka Businessman, HENRY ONSA today welcomed the FIVE HUNDRED MILLION KINA funding assistance promised to the ABG by the National Government.
He told New Dawn FM in Buka that what Bougainville needed was the 30MILLION KINA outstanding since last year.
MR. ONSA questioned if these outstanding funds were handed to the ABG delegation or they will continue to live on un-fulfilled promises.
He also called on the National Government to fast track the implementation of this latest agreement to March this year.
He claimed if these funds were starting next year then this is a purely campaign money aimed at winning votes in the coming General Election.

 

 

19.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG President JOHN MOMIS last night welcomed the FIVE HUNDRED MILLION KINA development Grant in Port Moresby.
He told the gathering last night the FIVE HUNDRED MILLION KINA was welcomed news to the people of Bougainville.
MR. MOMIS said that Bougainville needs big amount of funds to fast track a lot of activities that had no funds in the past.
Meanwhile,Co-chair and deputy Prime Minister Sam Abal when announcing the 500 Million Kina package said that the agreement signaled a new chapter for PNG and ABG to develop the region.

 

 

19.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

METEN ON UNDERAGE DRINKERS
By Aloysius Laukai

Under-aged drinking is becoming a serious problem in the Autonomous Region according to Constable LESLIE METEN from the Bougainville Police Service.
He told New Dawn FM that Police has been carrying out a lot of awareness’s but it seems that the people are not listening.
Constable Meten called on parents to make sure that they control their children not to get into these activities.
New Dawn FM understands that a Doctors from the Buka General Hospital, DR. JOE VILOSI also made similar sentiments last month.

 

 

18.02.2011
Source: The National

Whooping K500m for Bougainville 
 By JEFFREY ELAPA

BOUGAINVILLE has re-ceived a massive K500 million from the national government to use in key infrastructure projects over the next five years.
The government’s assistance was aimed at reviving the economy of the strife-torn region.
An agreement was signed in Port Moresby yesterday between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and PNG government to seal the deal.
Also included in the agreement were resolutions to transfer several national government powers, including education, health, lands, forest, agriculture and teaching service (see story Page 2).
Earlier, the ABG had demanded that the national government pay the K30 million (K15 million each) for the 2009 and last year’s budget allocations before they could agree to sign the agreement.
However, an agreement was reached and the K500 million financial package would be paid to Bougainville starting next year in K100 million per year installments. The arrangement was outside of the national government budget.
Projects to be covered under the restoration and development financial package included the reopening of the Aropa airport, Arawa hospital, Buka airport and the relocation of the administration headquarters from Buka to Arawa.
Co-chair and Deputy Prime Minister Sam Abal, when announcing the K500 million package, said the agreement signalled a new chapter for PNG and the ABG to develop the region.
He said the Bougainville people had suffered a lot during the 15-year crisis and the PNG government was doing what it could to restore peace and harmony through this infrastructure financial package.
Abal also invited international donors and investors to provide counterpart funding to also assist Bougainville through it restoration period.
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis, as co-chair, said the meeting was a success which had dealt with situations confronting Bougainville.
“Today can be described as a cultural paradigm to mutual understanding and, if we can manage the cultural momentum, then we can address the challenges faced by Bougainville and the K500 million financial package is welcome news in Bougainville.”

 

 

18.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

Chinese interest in Bougainville Panguna Mine

 

  Listen here ! 

 

The chairman of Bougainville Copper, a subsidiary of the Australian-British mining giant Rio Tinto, says he's not opposed to Chinese investment in the proposed re-opening of the Panguna mine on Papua New Guinea's island of Bougainville.
The controversial mine closed in 1988, after it sparked a 10 year civil war that left thousands dead and communities torn on Bougainville.
PNG's prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, has talked privately about the possibility of reopening the mine with Chinese investment.
Bougainville Copper owns the lease on the site and chairman, Peter Taylor, says while he's had no formal approach from the Chinese, he's willing to listen to any proposition.

Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Peter Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director, Bougainville Copper

 

 

18.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BAD ROAD
By Aloysius Laukai

 

This section of the Lonahan to Gagan road is at dire need of maintenance.
Picture by Aloysius Laukai

 

 

 

18.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Participants

 

UN Sponsored Human Rights Workshop pose for the AL picture at Tsiroge last week. Telikom systeme is okay now so we can put more pictures and stories.

 

 

 

18.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

DESPERATE FOR SIGNAL
By Aloysius Laukai

 

 

 
Participants of last week's UN Sponsored Human Rights Workshop stand at one end of the building where they could get the Digicel Signal. The area outside Tsiroge does not get good coverage.
Picture by Aloysius Laukai

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

Bougainville Copper boss ready to talk to mine opponents

Updated February 17, 2011 18:46:37

  Listen here ! 

The Chairman of Rio Tinto subsidiary, Bougainville Copper, says the controversial Panguna mine on Papua New Guinea's island of Bougainville, can be re-opened.

The mine closed in 1988 after it became the spark which ignited a 10-year civil war that left thousands dead and communities torn assunder.

Bougainville Copper Chairman, Peter Taylor, says he will welcome all parties to negotiations for the the re-opening of the mine ...even opponents of mining.

Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Peter Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director of Bougainville Copper

 

GARRETT: After the war ended, Bougainvillians signed a peace deal with Papua New Guinea which gave them a new autonomous government in the lead up to a referendum on independence between 2015 and 2020. Many believe that for that referendum to be a success, Bougainville must be close to economic self-sufficiency. That is where the Rio Tinto-owned Panguna copper, mine comes in. It is the only project with prospects of providing that sort of revenue but, with its history, getting it up and running again will be a complex task.
Peter Taylor, Chairman and Managing Director of Bougainville Copper, believes the mine can be re-opened.

 

TAYLOR: I am confident that as far as the company is concerned it can be done, that it can be done economically. The real issue is whether the landowners at Panguna and the government want the mine re-opened.

 

GARRETT: Public opinion towards the mine has changed dramatically on Bougainville but there are still small but strong pockets of opposition, including from crucial landowner leaders such as Damian Dameng, who was a mentor to the 1980's rebel leader Francis Ona.
That does not seem to phase Peter Taylor.

 

TAYLOR: I don't think any major infrastructure project whether it be mining or otherwise, or even a road in Sydney, for example, opens without some people objecting to it. Its always a balance between what I might just loosely call the economic gain and benefits you can get from these sorts of projects and the social disruption that is inevitable.

 

GARRETT: How will you approach people like Damien Dameng who are against the reopening of the mine?

 

TAYLOR: My approach is to invite everybody to the table. I mean we've got quite a way to go in terms of working out the regime under which the mine will re-open. And as far as Bougainville Copper is concerned the invitation is there for all interested parties to be there at the table to put their points of view to all of the people around the table and, hopefully, we'll be able to work out a workable compromise.

 

GARRETT: The Bougainville Copper Chairman says he wants to see the landowners and the Bougainville government take an equity stake in the mine, alongside the PNG government and the majority shareholder Rio Tinto. But other more powerful forces are in the wings. Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, has talked privately about the possibility of re-opening the mine with Chinese investment rather than with Bougainville Copper. Peter Taylor says he has not been approached about any plan for the Chinese to open the mine.

TAYLOR: The company has the legal rights to the lease and to the infrastructure, so anybody who is interested in getting involved will have to deal with the company and our door is open to that.

 

GARRETT: John Momis, the President of the autonomous Bougainville government was ambassador to China. Australia's former Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, has well-known links with business in China and, in November, both of those men met with Prime Minister Somare. That's a pretty high powered triumvirate. Does Bougainville Copper have something to worry about in terms of Chinese interests wanting to take over Bougainville copper?

 

TAYLOR: Well, as I said, there is nothing necessarily wrong with Chinese investment in Bougainville copper. There's been no formal approach to the company directly from Chinese interests or from Prime minister somare, or President Momis, with a plan to include the Chinese but as I said I am willing to listen to any proposition. At the end of the day the investors in the company will have to decide whether they want a partner or not.

 

GARRETT: The Bougainville mine would produce around 170,000 tonnes of copper a year and half a million ounces of gold. With prices of both metals high it would be a welcome addition to the Rio Tinto stable. But, Peter Taylor says, it will be at least 3 to 5 years before the mine could be operating again.

 

TAYLOR: A lot depends on the permitting because you know this is almost ..well it is as good as starting again. There will be a new regime. I expect by the time it opens Bougainvlle itself will be administering the mining regime, rather than the national government, but none of that legislation is in place yet, none of the regimes there, so its going to take time to do that. The company itself will have to do a feasibility study that is acceptable to lenders. That typically takes about a year and it's a very expensive process so we don't want to commit to that until we know what the new mining regime will look like; what the tax regime will be, what the royalty regime will be, compensation and so on. We need to have all those in place before we can do that study. So whilst the time frame might be around the 3 to 5 year mark, when we get started on it is a question I can't answer because I am not the only one involved. There's the landowners, the Bougainville government and the national govt to be considered.

 

GARRETT: What sort of progress would you regard as positive this year?

 

TAYLOR: Well, if we can actually formally start the negotiation process this year and I do think that is feasible, and indeed perhaps even likely, because the reconciliation process on Bougainville generally is going very well. Amongst the landowners it seems to be going very well. They've agreed on a process to elect their representatives. I'm not sure how long that will take. I know President Momis was hoping that that would have been done by the end of last year. Time has slipped a little bit but we are certainly moving in the right direction and we are certainly moving a lot faster than has occurred in the past.

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia News

'Nothing off the agenda' for Bougainville mine talks
Bougainville Copper will hold talks with landowners about

reopening the Panguna mine, in Bougainville.

by Jemima Garrett

 

The Chairman of Rio Tinto subsidiary, Bougainville Copper, says nothing is off the agenda for talks aimed at reopening the controversial Panguna mine on Papua New Guinea's island of Bougainville.
The mine closed in 1988 after it became the spark which ignited a 10-year civil war.
Bougainville Copper Chairman, Peter Taylor, says he is confident, from the company's side, the mine can be re-opened, but he says the ultimate decision rests with the landowners and the Bougainville government.
"My approach is to allow the landowners, or in fact encourage the landowners and the Bougainville government to set the agenda," he said.
"I would expect that there would be shared ownership in the mine with the landowners and the government."
Mr Talyor says he is willing to talk to opponents of the mine as well as supporters.
He is expected to meet Bougainville President, John Momis, in Sydney early next month.

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: The National

Govt, ABG meet starts
By JEFFREY ELAPA

A HIGH-level PNG and Bougainville Joint Supervisory Board (JSB) meeting aimed at reviewing the Bougainville peace process and autonomy started at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby yesterday.
Among some of the issues to be discussed are the transfer of powers, national government grants, restoration and disarmament processes.
They are being reviewed after the first meeting in Milne Bay in 2008.
The meeting will be co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Works Minister Sam Abal and Autonomous Region of Bougainville president John Momis.
Although the programme started on Monday, the actual review and JSB meeting started yesterday with the signing of several MoUs and joint signing of the resolution by the co-chairs today.

 

State ministers present were Peter O’Neill (Finance and Treasury), Paul Tiensten (National Planning), Sir Arnold Amet (Justice and Attorney-General), Moses Maladina (Public Service), Francis Potape (Transport and Administrative Services), John Pundari (Mining), while Minister for Bougainville Affairs Fedelis Sesemo joined later in the day.
Also present were MPs from Bougainville, ABG ministers, chief secretary, departmental heads and senior bureaucrats.
In his opening remarks, Abal said Bougainville was a major issue for both the national and Bougainville governments.
He said this year was a year for implementation and that both governments needed to make some progress to achieve major milestone under the peace agreement processes.
However, he said so much had been achieved, and therefore, everyone should thank God for the positive results so far.
Meanwhile, Momis said intellectual encounters like the JSB was essential to find concrete and tangible result to the Bougainville crisis.
He said Bougainville peace agreement was not an isolated case that should only be solved by Bougainville but it was
a bilateral system that could find way out to address the issue by all intellectuals from both PNG and Bougainville.
Momis said people had suffered long enough and therefore, his government was committed to achieve results for Bougainville and most of those will be addressed in the JSB meeting which is likely to review agendas discussed earlier.

 

17.02.2011
Source: The National

Parliament to meet for a day
By JEFFREY ELAPA

PARLIAMENT will be recalled for a day’s sitting next Friday to swear in the governor-general-elect, Michael Ogio.
Cabinet sources said the government’s only agenda would be the swearing-in of Ogio. The house would then adjourn to May.
At the moment, Ogio could not assume the office of the governor-general or present his credentials to the queen until he had been sworn in.
This will be the second time parliament would be recalled, since it was adjourned (to May 10) last November, to deal with matters concerning the office of the governor-general.
Parliament was first recalled on Jan 11 after the Supreme Court voided the election of Sir Paulias Matane and ordered parliament to meet within 40 days to elect a new governor-general. Ogio was elected on Jan 14 beating rival Sir Pato Kakaraya 65-23. Eight votes were declared informal.
Parliament was ill-advised and elected to resume in May. However, realising that Ogio could not take up office until he was sworn in, arrangements had been made for the house to meet next Friday.
Speaker of parliament Jeffery Nape is acting governor-general.
Upon his election as GG, Ogio automatically lost his political representation as member for North Bougainville and minister for higher education, science and technology in cabinet. The ministerial portfolio had been vested in the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

ABG revenue predicted to grow

BOUGAINVILLE economist and cocoa farmer James Rutana estimates that the Autonomous Bougainville Government revenue will grow from K189.5 million this year to K374.8 million in 2015.
In his Bougainville economy case study paper titled “cocoa farmers perspective and prospects”, Mr Rutana details in his research the estimated revenue to ABG from 2011 to 2015.
In the same study paper, Mr Rutana details that the ABG has already spent K500 million “in the name of aid money and it is spending more in the name of rebuilding peace
His summary of estimated revenue for the ABG is as follows:
* 2011 - total estimated revenue to ABG - K189.5 million;
* 2012 - total estimated revenue to ABG - K249.5 million;
* 2013 - total estimated revenue to ABG - K279.5 million;
* 2014 - total estimated revenue to ABG - K374.8 million; and
* 2015 - total estimated revenue to ABG - K374.8 million
“The estimated generation of cash income from developing all land resources in agriculture of K3.5 billion should earn a 10 per cent tax income of K350 million per year to the ABG so that it can provide all basic goods services to its people,” Mr Rutana stated in his study.
“Therefore, by the end of five years from now, Bougainville will be able to raise its own revenue to sustain itself. The present time frame of the remaining five years is good enough to establish a strong economic base for Bougainville to be financially self reliant.
“It should also be pointed out that this estimated levels of internal revenue are not abstract, but based on current experience that is now available on the ground.

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

'Aliens’ invade Bougainville for scrap metal
By GORETHY KENNETH

FOREIGNERS entering Bougainville is a major concern for the Autonomous Bougainville Government, especially in the central part of the island.
The foreigners are attracted to the lucrative scrap metal business of buying and selling the remains of the now defunct Bougainville Copper Limited - what’s left of the Panguna mine after the 1989 Bougainville crisis ended the multi-billion mining operation.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government is also faced with a serious dilemma to sort out the issue and could not handle it independently because it is understood that an ABG minister, several MPs and some public servants and ex-combatants are involved in this business.
Reports reaching the Post-Courier indicated that some Americans are camping in Panguna and Arawa while other foreigners also understood to be involved in the scrap metal and oil trade are frequenting Loloho and other areas in central Bougainville.
It is understood that last week a turbine estimated to have cost millions of kina was sold to an African company without the knowledge of the ABG.
The ABG was later made aware of the sale and has set up its own independent committee headed by vice president Patrick Nisira to address the issue.
Mr Nisira confirmed that the ABG was having problems sorting this issue immediately but said they were seriously and immediately addressing the matter so that all foreigners coming into central Bougainville will be monitored.

 

17.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Buka Town roads falling apart
Town authority still seeking funds to upgrade all existing roads
By Joyce Tohui

THE Buka Town roads are in a very bad state with potholes looking like craters.
Road users are affected and have called on the town authority to take actions and fix the roads.
People face difficulty doing their daily work as roads are muddy, a usual scene on all the streets of town and vehicles splashed dirt and murky water on people walking along the roads.
Buka town manageress Brenda Tohiana told the Post- Courier that all efforts to get the Autonomous Bougainville Government to fund the upgrading of these roads were still pending due to funding constraints. “Some year’s back an agreement was signed by the former Buka town manager for the government to carry out all the upgrading work on the roads.
“Once completed it will officially hand over the roads to the town authority to look after its maintenance.
“I want the good citizens of Bougainville to understand and bear with me that the upgrading and maintenance of the roads need a lot of money and the town authority is not able to carry out the work itself,” Mrs Tohiana said.
Meanwhile, she explained that in a standard practice when the National Government declares a location as a town under the Towns Declaration Act, it usually puts aside a package to fund infrastructure in that town.
But that did not happen for Buka due to the Bougainville crisis. Buka was declared a town in 1987. She said the town authority is endlessly seeking funds to fix the roads.

 

17.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Parliament recalled
By SIMON ERORO

ACTING Governor-General Jeffery Nape has recalled Parliament for the swearing - in of the former member for North Bougainville, Michael Ogio, as the 9th Vice-Regal and Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.
A copy of the Gazette obtained by the Post-Courier confirmed the Parliament will sit on February 25, 2011, at 10am. The decision was reached last Wednesday at a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting upon receiving advice from the Government House that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had no free schedules this month to allow for the swearing-in of the new GG. The Gazettal notice dated February 11, 2011 stated that the Acting GG, Jeffery Nape, has recalled Parliament by virtue of powers conferred by Section 124 of the Constitution and Section 2(1)(a)(iii) of the Organic Law on the Calling of Meetings of the Parliament. It stated that in accordance with all other powers enabling the Acting GG, acting with and in accordance with the advice of the NEC, being of the opinion that exceptional circumstances justify the urgent recall of Parliament.
Mr Ogio from Bougainville was born on July 7, 1942.
Before his election as GG, he was the Minister for Higher Education and Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement party (PDM) and previously Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Forests.
He became acting as governor-general on 20 December 2010 when Jeffrey Nape resigned after one week without explanation.
Mr Ogio easily won by defeating the only other contender, veteran politician Sir Pato Kakaraya by 65-23 on 14 January 2011, who has been contesting the vice-regal post since 2002.

 

17.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

JSB ENDS
By Aloysius Laukai

The first Joint Supervisory Body meeting under President JOHN MOMIS ended this afternoon.
Reports reaching New Dawn FM states that the JSB meeting went well.
And after the meeting the leaders had a press conference in Port Moresby on the outcome of the two-day meeting.
Attempts by New Dawn FM to get a copy of the media statement were unsuccessful however, New Dawn FM was informed that the FIFTEEN MILLION KINA could be presented at the farewell function tonight.
The team return to Buka at the weekend whilst the President will remain in Port Moresby until next week.

 

 

17.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

30 INTEND
By Aloysius Laukai

The small island of Buka is gearing up for the North Bougainville seat By election which is scheduled for next month.
The seat was left vacant when the former member, MICHAEL OGIO was voted as the next Governor General of Papua New Guinea.
According to reports reaching New Dawn FM office, the number of intending candidates could become the highest for the North Bougainville seat since independence.
The Intending Candidates list is more than 30 for this by election alone.
Meanwhile the total budget for the coming by-election stands at 2.4 Million Kina.
This includes the outstanding claims from the last ABG elections of 2010.

 

 

16.02.2011
Source: Focus Money

Titel -Gewinne im Feuergürtel

 

Auf der anderen Seite des Pazifiks drängen sich ebenfalls Kupfer- und Goldminen.
Eine der größten Kupfervorkommen befindet sich auf der Insel Bougainville.
Dort begann vor 39 Jahren der Abbau. Doch seit 1989 ist die Panguna Mine wegen
politischer Konflikten geschlossen. Rio Tinto und Partner BCL wollen Panguna aber wieder in Betrieb nehmen.

 

16.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BOUGAINVILLE AWAITS
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainvilleans could pressure the ABG President JOHN MOMIS to take legal actions if funds from the National Government is not received at the end of the JSB meeting currently in progress in Port Moresby.
Reports reaching New Dawn FM office says that the people are frustrated at the delay tactics being played by the National Government by not paying the ABG on the yearly FIFTEEN MILLION KINA development grants.
A Buka Businessman, HENRY ONSA last week called on the ABG President to boycott all meetings with the National Government if it continues to frustrate the democratically elected Government of Bougainville.

 

16.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

JSB IN PROGRESS
By Aloysius Laukai

The long awaited Joint Supervisory Body Meeting started in Port Moresby this morning with all parties from both side attending.
The meeting was delayed for several months last year raising concerns of the genuineness of maintaining the Bougainville Peace Process.
The ABG President, JOHN MOMIS and his Bougainville team is adamant at making some progress on draw down issues at this meeting.
Regional member for Bougainville and Minister for Bougainville Affairs joint the meeting after arriving from Buka at lunch time today.
Reports from Port Moresby says that a joint media statement will be made at the end of the meeting.
New Dawn FM understands the meeting could end tomorrow afternoon with the media release straight after.

 

 

16.02.2011
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat

Analysing the Bougainville peace process

A new book has just been launched which analyses the Bougainville peace process and looks at how local actors largely controlled the process.
Light Intervention: Lessons from Bougainville by Anthony Regan says international intervention in Bougainville achieved the much-desired 'light footprint', marked by less activist international involvement and more control by parties to the process.
The peace process brought an end to the violent and deeply divisive separatist conflict that destabilised both Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific islands region for much of the period from 1988 to 1997.
Anthony Regan has advised Bougainville parties in the peace process since 1994 and been involved in the Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka peace processes and the constitution-making process in East Timor.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts.
Anthony Regan, author and academic, Australian National University.

 

 Listen here!

  

 

 

16.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

ABG Speaker outlines 5 year plan
By Fabian Gatana

ABG Speaker Andrew Miriki last week outlined his plan for the next five years.
In his first meeting with the Clerk and officers of the ABG House of Representatives, he said he wanted the Parliament to run and outlined changes he would be implementing.
“My aim is to strengthen parliamentary service to fulfil our vision, to accomplish our mission and to reach our goals.”
He said these values were in the Parliamentary Service Strategic Plan for 2010-2014 and stressed the importance of implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement; Bougainville Constitution; Revised Standing Orders of the House; Parliamentary Services Act 2009; Office of the Clerk Act 2009; and the Parliamentary Strategic Plan. He will look at staff establishment and the recruitment of key positions like Finance Director, Building Service Manager and IT Manager and relocation of the Parliament House. Mr Miriki challenged his staff to take the House of Representatives to the next stage of development.

 

 

16.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville offsets CPA debts
By Fabian Gatana

THE suspension on Bougainville as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has been lifted.
This was announced last week by the Speaker of ABG House of Representative Andrew Miriki. He said the suspension was lifted after the Bougainville government paid all outstanding membership fees from 2008 to 2010. “The lifting of the suspension means that members and staff will once again actively participate in CPA sponsored programs,” he said.
“I would like to thank the President Hon. John Momis for approving funds for this purpose.”
He said Bougainville is likely to join other parliaments in London this year for the centenary celebrations.

 

 

16.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Frustration over developments
By Fabian Gatana

KUBU-Kukul landowners in Buka have voiced their frustrations over the proposed multi-million kina development project in Hahela.
This is the land the Catholic Church and Asian tycoon Sir Henry Chow have agreed through an MOU to build a five star hotel, 40 houses and office buildings.
Landowner spokesman Aloysius Sami said the site, portion 92, is traditionally owned land leased by the Diocese of Bougainville under a 99-year lease agreement however, to date no money has been paid.
Mr Sami said there were no government or Diocese records indicating any payment. Therefore landowners want the land transferred back to them.
“The landowners have an executive committee that the ABG Government, Bougainville Administration, Lands department and the Diocese should mediate with them to agree on any development plan. The people’s right have been deprived when forceful surveying had been taking place resulting in food gardens being destroyed and notices of removal served on those living and around the portion 92.”
He said damages to gardens are yet to be assessed and valued by the owners.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: Islands Business

POLITICS: Countdown begins for Panguna mine reopening
Bougainvilleans key to mine’s success
Rowan Callick

 

Plans are under way for the opening of one of the world’s biggest copper and gold mines, with resources worth about $US50 billion, as the China-driven commodities boom keeps rolling on.
So far, so predictable, if awesome.
But few people expected ever to hear of this vast pit ever again—except those canny investors who hung on to their shares for decades.
It is the Bougainville copper mine in Papua New Guinea, where production was suspended—the owners insist, not closed—on May 15, 1989.
Bougainville Copper Ltd—which is 53.58 percent owned by British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd, 19.06 percent by the Papua New Guinea Government, and 27.36 percent by other shareholders—believes it will cost about $US3 billion to reopen the mine.
The vast trucks and electricity pylons may have been blown up or rusted or cannibalised, but the resources in the mine have not, of course, been damaged or diminished over the last 21 years.
It contains 3.5 million tonnes of copper, worth today about $32.4 billion, and 12.7 million ounces of gold, worth today about $17.8 billion.
It is capable of producing annually up to 170,000 tonnes of copper and 500,000 ounces of gold.
The copper price has risen four times since the mine closed, the gold price seven times. The two metals’ values have usually run counter-cyclically. This year, they have been peaking together.
But the cost of capital is also high and is likely to come at a premium given the tumultuous history of the mine.
Peter Taylor, who has been chairman of BCL since 2003, managing director since 2000, and who worked on Bougainville as the company secretary from 1985-87, says his focus is not on the hardware or the engineering or on raising the $US3 billion.
“The key to the door,” he says, “is the landowners. Until they say to BCL, as a united group, we want the mine and we want you to run it. Then, I’ll focus on the process that would follow.
“But we must ensure the landowners retain the number one importance. And the Bougainville government’s support is also critical.”
So far, in this direction, so good.
Taylor says: “All the signs are that the leaders on Bougainville want the mine open—and as soon as possible, rather than just ‘some day.’ And the national government agrees.”
The overwhelming focus on the mine as a national economy maker or breaker, that provided maximum pressure as it opened 40 years ago, is no longer present.
It remains the crucial income earner for Bougainville itself, but for PNG, the spotlight has shifted to the $16.5 billion ExxonMobil-led venture piping gas from the Southern Highlands to Port Moresby, where it will be liquefied for export to Asia—by far the biggest project ever conceived in the Pacific islands.
In this context, Port Moresby might more readily contemplate transferring its 19 percent ownership of Bougainville Copper to the island itself—where preliminary discussions have contemplated the autonomous government retaining 60 percent, and landowners taking on 40 percent.
On a pro rata basis, the owners of this 19 percent share would have to raise $570 million towards the mine’s reopening.
It is possible that Chinese entities, eager to obtain reliable sources of resources, may be prepared to help fund it, either in return for some equity themselves, or for future copper output.
Bougainville’s new president, John Momis, elected for five years in June, recently led a group of 34—including former combatants in the civil war—to China, where Momis recently served as PNG ambassador.
He said: “The Chinese have expressed an interest in the mine, but we are keeping all our options open.”
Former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke, who has strong Chinese commercial connections, also discussed the re-opening of the mine in late November, in a meeting in Port Moresby with Momis, in the office of veteran PNG Prime Minister Michael Somare.
Momis, a former Catholic priest and deputy prime minister, had presented a letter to the then BCL managing director Paul Quodling in 1987, while he was campaigning for the PNG election.That letter demanded that the company give three percent of its gross income to the Bougainville provincial government.
During the civil war, a leading rebel attempted to shoot Momis at close range from behind, but the pistol jammed.
He says now: “We are keen to reopen the Panguna mine, and we are holding talks with the landowners.
“Of course, Bougainville needs the mine to be reopened under a new regime. All parties should learn lessons from the crisis, and collaborate to build a better future.”
Under the peace accord with PNG, Bougainville has the right to administer its own mining and land laws.
The World Bank has been funding a programme to help Bougainville draft its own mining regime.
Taylor hopes this will complement the PNG mining legislation, which has helped facilitate a massive resources boom there.
Since BCL suspended the mine, numerous other groups, some of them extremely shadowy, have attempted to insinuate themselves into this hugely prospective mining zone.
But Taylor says, “The Bougainvilleans have seen them come to the island and haven’t in the end liked them.”
“Thus they have come back to BCL, the devil they know, despite all their past disagreements. The rogues have done BCL a favour.”
There is no timetable for the mine’s reopening. But once an agreement is reached with the landowners, a feasibility study is approved and finance in place, it will take a further 2-3 years to get mining under way again.
The lengthiest part of that process would be caused by the lead-time needed to order the huge trucks and other new equipment to operate the mine. But Rio’s size would enable it, if it chose, to push Bougainville higher up its priority chain and so receive equipment already ordered for other projects.
Taylor says BCL will facilitate landowners’ meetings and help ensure the reconciliation process goes ahead. “But we’re mindful we should not be seen to influence the proceedings.”
He says: “Everything needs to be worked out as the agreement is renegotiated—including environmental issues such as tailings disposal, revenue sharing, ownership. And the landowners need to be resourced to participate effectively.”
All in marked contrast with the lead-up to the first incarnation of the mine, when the company was not permitted by the Australian government to negotiate directly with landowners.
“The situation is quite the reverse this time,” says Taylor. “The landowners are setting the agenda, though everyone will put their wish-lists on the table.”
He wants to see the landowners obtain equity in the project because it makes them “part of your business,” as well as giving them a share of the income stream.
“The balance needs to change in favour of those who are giving up the most, and they are the landowners. To make the project successful and saleable, they have to be part of the company.”
Compared with such an achievement, raising the $US3 billion will be a minor challenge.
The redevelopment of the mine could involve the present BCL components raising their own funding, borrowing the money from banks, forward-selling production, or bringing in new partners, or any combination.
Three big selling points of the project, are that it already has a port at Loloho, an access road winding up 30km of rugged terrain, and most importantly, has pre-stripped ore ready to extract, with 200 million tonnes available immediately.
“They give us a big leg-up,” says Taylor.
Technology has improved since the mine was suspended, he says—showing for instance, that tailings can be safely stored even in a seismically active area. “The landowners have to say which method they prefer,” Taylor says. Previously, they were disposed of in the Jaba River, a cause of controversy during the period of strife.
They will also discuss whether, or to what degree, workers fly in and fly out to the island, or are based there, as they were before in the largely destroyed town of Arawa.
Taylor says that the more workers can be recruited locally, the better—though “we have received numerous inquiries from ex-employees asking when we are re-opening.”
As the Ok Tedi mine—which has become hugely profitable since BHP-Billiton quit it—prepares to scale down as the resource declines, that would be an obvious source of skilled staff.
All such elements of the reopening require feasibility studies, says Taylor.
The other big factor exciting interest in the reopening of the Panguna pit, is the likelihood that it will lead to the end of the moratorium on exploration that began in 1971, as a result of the controversy over that first Bougainville mine.
Seven exploration licences covering 20 percent of the island are held by BCL and the potential to find new orebodies near the existing pit are considerable, which would take that mine well beyond its projected mine life of up to 20 years.
No one else holds any other exploration permits—as yet, though a German funded aeromagnetic survey 25 years ago revealed many highly prospective zones. Through the last 21 years, the principal owner, Rio Tinto, did not close down BCL—it has remained listed, playing a low-key role waiting for the climate to change.
But the share price has doubled since August and tripled since May, as the likelihood of a reopening dawned on investors—rallied in Europe by Axel Sturm, the energetic German president of the European shareholders of Bougainville Copper. The company has even made a profit most years, from placing its remaining cash in Australian listed investment companies.
Taylor says that even since the mine closed, the BCL Foundation has continued to fund 100 scholarships a year.
He says: “A generation of Bougainvilleans has missed out on employment.”
As an intriguing sideshow, a case has been winding its way through the American courts in which Bougainvilleans have claimed damages from Rio Tinto over the operation of the mine.
This has become a test case for the American jurisdiction, and ultimately the Supreme Court there is likely to rule on whether its jurisdiction stretches overseas. It is now unlikely to do so until some time after the mine has reopened.
But as Taylor says, the key remains the landowners—though others, such as former Bougainville Revolutionary Army “general” Ishmael Toroama, are insisting that all the demands made by other Bougainvilleans during the fighting, remain extant.
“Panguna—after the war—now belongs to all Bougainvilleans,” he says, insisting that the original claims for environmental compensation remain extant.
The recently elected Bougainville government, however, and the Panguna Landowners Assocation, have begun a series of intense discussions in order to move the process forward towards reopening.
Lawrence Daveona, the interim secretary of the PLOA and one of the long-standing leading figures on the issue, congratulated the Bougainville affairs minister in the national government, Fidelis Semoso, for his recent role in bringing together the leaders of the six mine lease areas, in a way unprecedented in the association’s 38 years.
No one is publicly talking timetables yet. But in the minds of most of the stakeholders, the countdown has already begun.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Tech meet
By Aloysius Laukai

Technical teams for both the ABG and the National Government met in Port Moresby today to prepare the agendas for tomorrow’s Joint Supervisory Body meeting.
According to reports from Port Moresby the team had two separate meetings.
New Dawn FM understands that among the pressing issues, the ABG President also wants to discus issues relating to the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

JSB MEET
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG President John Momis and his delegation left Buka this morning to attend the long awaited Joint Supervisory Body Meeting in Port Moresby this week.
This will be the second JSB meeting under ABG President John Momis since taking office at the President in June last year.
The meeting would discuss issues affecting Bougainville and other matters of importance.
Tomorrow the technical team will meet before the meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday this week.
New Dawn FM understands that the most pressing issue now on the ground is the outstanding Fifteen Million Kina which the National Government continues to delay the payment to the ABG.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

REVEALS CRACK
By Aloysius Laukai

The Assistant Commissioner for the Bougainville Police Service, THOMAS ELUH has revealed cracks appearing within his Police service.
He says that the Bougainville Police Service needs a complete overhaul to make it serve its purpose.
The ACP made these comments in Tunuru , Central Bougainville recently.
He said that the Bougainville Police Service was set up quickly due to the need to have Bougainville’s own Police service and normal protocols were not followed at the initial recruitment stage.
The ACP said that the Service needs trained members to work on specialized areas such as Criminal Investigations and Prosecution sections.
He however said that he would be working on addressing these areas to improve the performance of the Bougainville Police Service.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

RABAN Concerned
By Aloysius Laukai

Chairman of the Bougainville Business Association, THOMAS RABAN yesterday called on the Bougainville Administration to speed up the payment of outstanding claims by Business Houses for Services rendered to the ABG.
MR. RABAN blamed what he termed as public servants incompetence as killing Bougainville business houses.
He was talking on New Dawn FM’s talk back program.
MR. RABAN said that the ABG owes a lot of money to Business Houses for services already rendered to the government.
On questions of the constant power outage in Buka town, MR. RABAN said that the government must make funds available to get new and bigger Generators to service the growing Buka town, which includes, Kokopau and Sohano island.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BOUGAINVILLE GLOBAL ISSUE
By Aloysius Laukai

The Chairman of the Bougainville Business Association, THOMAS RABAN says Bougainville issue is a global issue because of the Peace Agreement that was signed by the people of Bougainville and the Papua New Guinea National Government.
He said that this agreement was witnessed by the United Nations and including Governments in the Pacific and the world.
MR. RABAN said that the office of Bougainville Affairs is responsible to make sure all funds allocated to the ABG are being accessed by the ABG.
He said that if these funds are not coming, they are the ones that must do the follow up and not the President of the ABG.
MR. RABAN said that it was an administrative matter for the Administration to sort out.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Funds delay affect
By Aloysius Laukai

As the two Governments continue play their politics people on Bougainville are already feeling the pinch of these delays.
Already Bougainville Businesses who service the ABG are starting to tighten their credit facilities with huge outstanding bills whilst the Education Institutions have called on parents to pay all their School fees.
Calls from the Schools is that they did not get subsidies from last two years and this year they would like the parents to pay the full fees.
Bougainville Businessmen Association Chairman Thomas Raban today called on the Bougainville Administration to speed up payments.
He said that it was not the job of the President to press for these funds.
MR. RABAN said that it was the duty of the administration to work on these outstanding funds.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Concert uphold peace and unity
BY JOYCE TOHUI

Musicians in Bougainville are gearing up for a musical concert to be held in Buka next week.
MARCELINE GETSI says the concert aims to promote peace and unity among musicians in Bougainville.
He says music and sports have positively contributed to the peace building in Bougainville.
He adds advocacies on social issues affecting youths in the region such as drugs and alcohol, HIV and STI will also be discussed during the event.
The HIV voluntary testing and counseling will also be open for people to check their HIV status.
MR GETSI says there can be short term effect on the young people such as peace talks but it can lead to long term effects of weapons disposal and peace building established in the communities.
Meanwhile, he says the Vanimo Green MP BELBEN NAMAH and his delegation will also be present to launch the musical concert.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

NIP backs Bougainville Independence

New Ireland supports ABG President John Momis taking Waigani to task over its handling of Bougainville affairs and all Bougainville peace agreements aligning Autonomy and the question of Referendum.
Responding to the statement by President Momis in the media, New Ireland Deputy Governor Florence Stocken said New Ireland was sympathetic to the struggles and frustration of Bougainville with lack of support and consistency coming from Waigani in the disbursement of powers and functions and the budget to implement them.
“President Momis made bold statements signifying the mood of restlessness and questions in the minds of Bougainvilleans that deserve to be answered,” said Mrs Stocken.
She said the Bougainville peace agreement is binding on the ABG and the National Government to sustain and nurture but the open challenge by President Momis goes to show yet again the failures by the National Government to honour legally binding commitments made with our own people as with the case of the Lihir MOA with the New Ireland people.
“In view of the treatment New Ireland is getting from the National Government, we fully support Bougainville independence as the way forward for the people of the autonomous region to determine their own future.”
She said. “The treatment currently given to the Bougainville people goes to show that the National Government cannot be trusted.
“And New Ireland has continuously signaled this scenario out and stands along side Bougainville to seek more freedom to govern its people,” said Mrs Stocken.

 

15.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville launch season
By Reuben Kalaung in Buka

Bougainville Rugby Football League (BRFL) president, Micah James has thanked all parties that attended the corporate launch of the 2011 rugby league season in Buka early this month.
Up to a hundred partners of rugby league attended the event which included representatives from the corporate sector, public service, and individuals.
Former PNG Kumuls and Inter City players who were present to show their support include Lauta Atoi, Oti Asotau, Chris Siriosi, Joe Gatana and Jerome Sahin.
The occasion proved a success and a positive head start for the BRFL 2011 League Season, with cash donations and financial commitments reaching up to K33, 000.
Local businessman Lauta Atoi and his spouse Pamela Atoi of Bougainville International Link sponsored the corporate launch and committed another K10, 000 towards the league season. Former champion boxer Damien Kora of Go Well Holdings Limited also threw in his support with a cheque presentation of K10, 000.
Kora will also be assisting with a full set of player jerseys for the Bougainville representative team and also a full set of referees attire, balls and whistles for the Bougainville Referees Association, which arrived over the weekend in Buka for the pre-season kicked off last Saturday at the Hutena Oval in Buka.
The Minister for Bougainville Affairs & Trade Fidelis Semoso was overseas on official engagement but his office committed K5000. Minister Semoso has made a commitment to support the Bougainville Representative Team to compete in the NGI G4s Cup Challenge this April in Kokopo. Financial support was also received from various divisional heads of the ABG administration and individuals.
Proper Rugby League competitions in Bougainville were not fully active for the last three (3) years and President Micah James is adamant to get the league off the ground this year.
“Like other sporting codes, BRFL will use rugby league to compliment the reconciliation and peace process in the region of Bougainville.”
BRFL is currently drafting attractive partnership proposal for corporate sponsors to be partners of BRFL and the region’s representative team, which is yet to be formally announced.
During his brief speech at the launch, BRFL Patron Patrick Koles said BRFL is working on a corporate plan which should be launched next month (March 2011).
The plan will highlight key development areas including school boys’ rugby league.
Club affiliation and player registration forms have been distributed to all existing clubs and prospective new clubs throughout small Buka Island and the mainland Bougainville including North and Central Bougainville.
BRFL have received overwhelming support from the league fraternity including ex-combatant Ismael Toroam, who have shown enthusiasm in registering clubs from Arawa for the season 2011.
The ABG through the Autonomous Bougainville Sports Foundation (ABSF) is continuing to use sports as a ‘unifying force’ amongst all Bougainvilleans. That strategy has proven successful at many sporting events in the region.
BRFL is now finalising club registrations for the pre-season which is set to kick off this weekend. The pre-season will also be the selection trials for the NGI G4’s clash in March in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The G4’s competition resembles the Four (4) Governors Cup Challenge sponsored by the four Governors of Islands region and mobile telephone company Digicel.
The revived Bougainville Rugby Football League is adamant to send a side for that challenge, and is inviting corporate partnership for the Bougainville representative team.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: The National

33 cops graduate in Bougainville

THIRTY-three police officers graduated with basic community auxiliary policing (CAP) certificates at Tunuru Catholic Mission near Arawa, central Bougainville, last Thursday.
The graduating officers were recruited from north, central and south Bougainville.
Most were from Me’ekamui-controlled area ruled by rebel leader Damien Koike in the southern district of Bougainville.

 

Bougainville police chief ACP Thomas Eluh, senior provincial magistrate Peter Toliken, acting New Zealand police commander Claire Starr, Kieta district executive manager Lucy Traverts and a representative from the Me’ekamui faction William Mungta were all present to witness the event.
Also present were Bougainville police personnel from Buka, Arawa, Bana and Buin police stations.
Eluh told the officers that their passing out was only the first phase of their ongoing training, adding that the importance of self discipline for both regular and auxiliary police officers.
The recruits, who were sworn in by a senior magistrate, were urged to be faithful to their duties as “servants of the law”.
Meanwhile, New Zealand police commander Claire Starr congratulated the officers for completing the first phase of the programme and stressed that further training would be available for them in the near future.
Two female members beat their male counter parts in the training programme.
CAP Anastasia Tologina from Buka, northern command, was awarded dux of the intake for excellence in academic studies while CAP Belinda Eric from Wakunai, Central Bougainville, took out the most outstanding recruit in drill award.

 

 

15.02.2011
Source: The National

NIP backs Momis, Bougainville
By ELIZABETH VUVU

NEW Ireland has thrown its support behind Bougainville president John Momis in putting Waigani to task over its handling of Bougainville affairs and all important Bougainville peace agreement aligning autonomy and the question of referendum.
Responding to the statement by Momis last week, New Ireland deputy governor Florence Stocken said
the province was sympathetic to the struggle and frustration of Bougainville for lack of support and consistency from Waigani in the disbursement of powers and functions and the budget to implement them.
“Momis made bold statements signifying the mood of restlessness and questions in the minds of Bougainvilleans that deserve to be answered,” she said.
Stocken said the open challenge by Momis showed the national government’s failure to honour legally binding commitments it had made such as the Bougainville peace agreement between the national government and the Bougainville government and the Lihir memorandum of agreement with the New Ireland people.
 “In view of the treatment New Ireland is getting from the national government, we fully support Bougainville independence as the way forward for the people of the autonomous region to determine their own future.”
She said the treatment given to the Bougainville people showed the national government could not be trusted and New Ireland has continuously signaled this scenario and would stand alongside Bougainville to seek maximum freedom to govern its people.
“In fact, the state gives more time and hearing to big foreign-owned and controlled companies like ExxonMobil, Lihir Gold, Ramu NiCo and forest industry players in a country of immense diversity and strong ethnicity differences,” the deputy governor said.

 

 

14.02.2011
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Meeting planned by Panguna landowners for talks with Bougainville leaders

A meeting is planned next week in Arawa in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville to discuss landowner concerns around the upcoming review of the Bougainville Copper Ltd agreement.
Some landowner leaders say the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government John Momis has not been consulting them over the bid to secure the transferral of the PNG government’s 19 percent share in BCL to the ABG.
Theresa Jaintong from the Arawa landowners association says a meeting is scheduled for February 23rd:
“And we would like to see all the leaders, including the national parliamentarians and ABG, our members on Bougainville and also the president and also the regional member Fidelis Semoso. We’d like them all to come to Arawa so we can strike a... you know, instead of fighting in the media because is won’t work that way.”
President Momis denies that he’s not consulting landowners.
He says the bulk of the people on Bougainville want the mine to be reopened, and that the ABG is working to ensure equitable sharing among landowners.

 

 

14.02.2011
Source: The National

North Bougainville by-election in May

ELECTORAL Commissioner Andrew Trawen has announced the dates for the North Bougainville by-election will be in May.
The vacancy followed the election of Michael Ogio as governor-general last month.
Ogio would be sworn in as the 9th governor general in May when the parliament resumes.
Trawen told the first election managers meeting at the March Girls Resort last Friday that  acting Governor-General Jeffery Nape had approved the by-election schedule for North Bougainville.
He said the writs would be issued on March 21 and nominations would close on March 28.
Polling would start on May 14 and would end on May 20. Writs would be returned on June 10.
Sources said K4 million would be needed for the by-election and was not included in the budget.
Trawen also said the Hela and Jiwaka would  have their own elections as a province.
However, the electoral boundaries were yet to be identified.
Meanwhile, Trawen said the first election managers’ meeting focused on the preparations for the electoral roll updates and awareness.
Trawen also revealed that the update and maintenance of the electoral roll would start next month and the old enrolment form would not be used.
He said that recruitment of all returning and enrolment officials, 33 casual staff for all provincial electoral offices, training of returning officers, enrolment agents and civil society organisation under the roll improvement training would start next month.

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Bloomberg

Rio Tinto’s Albanese Forecasts Continuing ‘Strong’ Copper Price
By Wendy Pugh

 

Rio Tinto Group, the world’s third- largest mining company, forecast high copper prices will continue before supplies from new projects damp the market.

“We will see a continued period of strong copper pricing, largely because many of the large mines, including our own, are seeing declining grades, deepening pits,” Tom Albanese, chief executive officer of London-based Rio Tinto, told Australian Broadcasting Corp.’s Inside Business television program.
Copper in London surged to a record last week and gained 52 percent in the past year as the global economic recovery gathered pace. The global supply deficit will reach 822,000 metric tons in 2011, more than double last year’s shortfall, Barclays Capital said on Jan. 20.
“We’re working on several new projects around the world and I know, certainly our competitors are working on their own projects,” Albanese said in a transcript of the program, which was broadcast today. The longer that copper prices stayed at high levels, the more new supply would be induced, he said.
Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange gained 0.2 percent to close at $9,961 a ton on Feb. 11 after rallying to an all-time high of $10,160 on Feb. 7. Rio Tinto rose 1.6 percent to 4,623.5 pence at the 4:30 p.m. close of trade in London.
Rio Tinto’s expansion plans include the Oyu Tolgoi copper project in Mongolia, while the company also had “additional opportunities” in South America and North America and at its Northparkes mine in Australia’s New South Wales state, he said.

Record Profit

 

Rio Tinto posted record 2010 net income of $14.3 billion on Feb. 10, boosted by iron ore and copper prices. The company raised its dividend and announced a $5 billion share buyback.
The 2010 global refined copper deficit is expected to increase through 2011 and 2012, leading to more talk about substitution with other materials, Rio Tinto Chief Economist Vivek Tulpule said in a report released with the earnings.
“The prospects of rapid and significant material switches are expected to be limited in the near term given the substitution that has already taken place,” he said. The introduction of exchange-traded funds in copper could also have a “significant impact” on copper prices in the coming year by adding to investment demand, Tulpule said.
Consumption trends over the next 15 to 20 years would lead to a doubling in demand for iron ore, copper, aluminum and other commodities, Albanese said in a results briefing on Feb. 10.

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NOTE FROM Radio New Dawn

Telikom System that we use to feed this site is out for a month thus making us finding it difficult to file to the site daily.
We hope this problem would be settled soon - Always There.
AL

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

 

PRESIDENT ON PANGUNA
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG President JOHN MOMIS clarified that his requests for the NINETEEN PERCENT share from the National Government was for and on behalf of the people of Bougainville including the Panguna Landowners.
He told a Press conference in Buka this morning, that as the President of Bougainville he was mandated to speak on behalf of his people.
And that include the Atolls, Buka, Siwai, Kunua and others districts.
MR. MOMIS was also responding to calls made by a Landowner based in Port Moresby, LAWRENCE DAVEONA.
MR. DAVEONA wanted the President not to talk on this issue which is only for the landowners.
MR. MOMIS said that any negotiation on the future of Panguna would be addressed by all Bougainvilleans, including our former combatants.
He called on MR. DAVEONA not to use the issue for his own gains.

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED
BY JOYCE TOHUI

A Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Japanese Bridge Construction Company Kitano Engineering was recovered by South Bougainville Police from a hidden location in Laguai area in Buin.
Buin police recovered the vehicle and a bulldozer belonging to South Bougainville Engineering on Sunday night at approximately 9:00 pm.
Buin Police Station Commander Sgt John Popui confirmed that the vehicle which was stolen two weeks ago by criminal elements was returned to the Japanese Contractors.
The contractors are yet to confirm if the vehicle was damaged or parts removed after a thorough mechanical check.
Sgt Popui said that Police in partnership with law abiding members of the public, the Bougainville Administration and former combatants helped to ensure the safe return of the vehicle.

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

WARN DAVEONA
By Aloysius Laukai

A call has been made to MR. LAWRENCE DAVEONA to compensate Bougainvilleans who were killed and properties destroyed during the Bougainville conflict.
A senior Bougainville citizen, who wants to remain anonymous told New Dawn FM that MR. DAVEONA ‘s challenge to the ABG President did not go well to many citizens of Bougainville.
The citizen said that Panguna issue is for all Bougainvilleans including our former combatants who fought to defend Panguna.
He called on MR. DAVEONA to apologize to the ABG President for unnecesarily attacking him on the media.

 

 

13.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS PLEADS
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG President, JOHN MOMIS is calling on the people of Bougainville to co-operate and assist their government.
MR. MOMIS said that although the Autonomous Bougainville Government did not have the funds it was still their government.
He called on the people who have grievances to see the government and find ways of solving their problems and not to seek assistance from outside.
MR. MOMIS said that any outside investor who wants to do business on Bougainville must come through the ABG and must not go directly.
He said that he was very concerned at certain people talking directly with outsiders and moving equipments and workers to Bougainville.
MR. MOMIS made this comments at a Press conference in Buka this morning.

 

 

11.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

President Momis defends himself
By GORETHY KENNETH

BOUGAINVILLE’S long time politician John Momis has spoken to defend himself on allegations he was responsible for the 10-year civil war that killed more than 20,000 people in the region.
Mr Momis who is now the Autonomous Bougainville Government President has been accused of starting the 1989 Bougainville Crisis as that year he was the Regional Member for Bougainville in the National Parliament. He is now out to demand an explanation from the accusers to detail where all the millions of kina belonging to landowners and the Bougainville people went to and why they were still benefiting from millions even after the Bougainville Crisis.
In a press conference at his Kubu office yesterday, Mr Momis maintained that he fought for issues and fairly represented Bougainville as the leader in the National Government in those years. He made reference to 1972 where he was the first and only MP in PNG’s history to have fought for and moved a motion for and on a mining policy, especially when the Bougainville Copper Mine was in operation and also for a policy to re-negotiate the Bougainville Copper Agreement as years passed.
He explained that he never intended to join politics or to be a politician but was “pressured” by the Napidakoe Navitu Association, a strong movement that talked strongly about autonomy in the early years, which he eventually succumbed to.
Mr Momis gave his explanation amid allegations that he was responsible for the Bougainville Crisis and touched on the issue of the PNG Government failing to listen and adhere to him and the leaders on behalf of the landowners to review the Bougainville Copper Agreement. Every seven years, there should be a review of the agreement but the PNG Government did not review it for 14 years.

 

 

11.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Momis: Don’t sell Bougainville
By GORETHY KENNETH

BOUGAINVILLE President John Momis has appealed to all Bougainvilleans not to “sell their birthright” to the outside world.
Mr Momis also wants all Bougainvilleans and PNG to be reminded that the newly established Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is the only legitimate government in place, with the responsibility to promote a collective interest of the people of Bougainville.
Mr Momis’ appeal comes after reports of “so called tycoons” from all over the world making attempts some already here on Bougainville under the pretext of joint ventures with locals or “given payment” to them to do business in the region.
And the businesses detailed range from scrap metal, education, mining, agriculture, tourism, plantations, trade stores and many more ventures they claim to be impact projects for Bougainville.
Mr Momis alluded to Africa having a failed state because people did what they wanted eventually leading to that.
He said Bougainville does not want to go that far especially with what is happening right now.
Certain “tycoons” who claim to be legitimate coming into Bougainville have to be screened and Bougainvilleans have to be very careful in dealing with this lot as it will undermine the ABG if care is not taken.
“Bougainville I am begging please, don’t ever sell your birthright to an outsider,” Mr Momis stressed in his statement during conference at Kubu.
“Whether you like it or not, this is your legitimate government. We are at the mercy of this animal we created.
“ABG is our legitimate Government. People can criticise us, it doesn’t matter as long as yumi yet ronim long save blong yumi ... there is only one legitimate government on Bougainville and it is the ABG. ABG has the responsibility to promote a collective interest of Bougainville.
“People all over the world are coming to Bougainville - whether they are investors from US, China, Japan, Australia – if they are genuine, they have to be transparent and come through the front door.”

 

11.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Stolen vehicle found

 

A land cruiser owned by Japanese bridge construction company Kitano Engineering, was recovered by South Bougainville police at Laguai in Buin.
Buin police recovered the vehicle and a bulldozer belonging to South Bougainville Engineering on Sunday night.
Buin police station commander Sergeant John Popui confirmed that the vehicle which was stolen two weeks ago by criminal elements. It was returned to the Japanese contractors.
“Police in partnership with law abiding members of the public, the Bougainville administration and former combatants helped to ensure the safe return of the vehicle,” said Sgt Popui.
Meanwhile, reports from Arawa police state a vehicle belonging to a leading business house in Buka was involved in a fatal accident at Tokunari near Arawa on Monday. The brief report confirmed that a seriously injured passenger was rushed to Buka Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

 

 

10.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Momis blasts critics
By GORETHY KENNETH

PANGUNA still remains a very sensitive issue for Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and the rest of the world but cannot be delayed or dragged.
And the sooner an agreement is reached, the better. Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis lashed out at the two dailies for not including his response on reports this week about his alleged bid hitting a snag and especially his meeting privately with Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare on the issue of Panguna mine.
It was reported this week that President Momis had encountered resistance from the Panguna Landowners Association over his efforts to obtain PNG Government support for the re-opening of the Panguna Mine.
They claimed Mr Momis’ personal representations to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare so far had been made without their official endorsement.
But Mr Momis denied that was not the issue but remained optimistic that his administration, the Mining Division (ABG) and the ABG leaders were working hard to address the issue singling out the effort put in by the ABG on the mine issue.
Mr Momis also lashed out at individuals from the Panguna Landowners Association who allegedly put out this statement in the paper for not factually putting out the right information.
The reports irked Mr Momis who eventually said he did not trust any of the papers anymore.
He said he was aware of certain individuals who were also pushing their own agendas on the matter.
“I don’t trust the National, I don’t trust the Post-Courier. They have their own agendas. We have to start our own newspaper,” Mr Momis said.
“Panguna is a sensitive issue, we can’t procrastinate. The sooner we have an agreement, the better.
“But in any case we will not submit to any fool,” Mr Momis said.
He will be making a proper statement to the people of Bougainville today.

 

 

10.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Committee to continue operation
By Joyce Tohui

OFFICERS of former North Bougainville MP Michael Ogio have created a committee to continue implementing approved planned projects and fulfill commitments made for North Bougainville.
The projects were left unattended to when the former Member for North Bougainville Open electorate was elevated to become the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.
According to former first secretary Joe Elijah, the committee headed by Patrick Koles, will try to complete the commitments and projects initiated for the electorate up to 2012.
“The administration office under the leadership of Mr Koles and his committee including the chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Bougainville, Joseph Vaito, will ensure that these commitments were fulfilled and projects to be completed.
“The North Bougainville people will see the completion of impact projects which includes the Buka passage pontoon, additional markets for the electorate, feeder roads, rural electrification programs and the continuation of the water and sanitation programs to purchase more water tanks in preparation for the drought in 2012,” Mr Elijah said.
“PNG Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare gave His Excellency Michael Ogio a golden hand shake when agreeing last week to pay off all outstanding projects and impact programs, including commitments made by His Excellency for North Bougainville. I will not disclose the amount of money allocated,” said Mr Elijah.
He also said K4 million was already allocated in this year’s supplementary budget for North Bougainville to complete projects initiated by the former member.
He said any person with queries regarding this can contact him directly on these phone numbers: Digicel# 730 77077 and  B mobile# 766 92600  to be well informed of the proceedings of the committee as they were ready to withdraw K2 million from the supplementary budget towards the completion of the projects.
In assuring the people of North Bougainville of the by-election, Mr Elijah said PDM wanted to maintain the PDM seat in Bougainville so that good funding can be received through the government as coalition partners.

 

10.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Security to be paid
By Joyce Tohui

SOHANO Home Guards are demanding payment for the security services they provided at Sohano Island from 1991-1997 during the Bougainville crisis.
According to Home Guards chairman Raka Benson, they worked hard to take care of all government assets such as the power house, school, and an airplane signalling beacon, government houses and Sohano Hospital.
“Joel Kehan, who was the provincial police commander at that time, who with his colleagues including a defence commander promised employment for these guys and tasked them to safeguard the island during the crisis.
However, due to the passing of Mr Kehan, concerns raised have been unheard and we are endlessly waiting for the payments.
“Numerous calls have been made to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Defence Force and the Police Department that the money must be paid as a token of appreciation for looking after government properties on the island because through the effort of these people, Sohano has its properties intact until today,” he said.
He said a total of K317,300 is needed to pay the 138 people who looked after the island without guns but with Chief Raphael Karapoi and commanding officers stationed on each section of Chebu, Compound, Hausik and the Sohano Hilltop.
ABG had approved K100,000 in its budget last year but due to funding constraints, these funds have been budgeted again for this year.

 

 

10.02.2011
Source: The National

Plans to reopen Bougainville copper mine
By ISAAC NICHOLAS

THE Bougainville copper mine maybe be reopened in the next two to three years, ABG President John Momis said.
“My view is that for the re-opening of the mine, the bulk of the people on Bougainville want the mine to be reopened.” Momis said in an interview with The National on Tuesday.
“We want empowerment. Political power without economic power is nothing. Bougainville copper mine must open under a new regime.”
He said the ABG was working together with various landowners to form an umbrella association to start talks on the future of the mine.
Momis said this when responding to Panguna landowners who claimed they were not consulted by the ABG president in making approaches to the prime minister for the PNG shareholding interest in Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL) to be transferred to ABG.
“This accusation against me by somebody who claims to represent landowners of Panguna is misrepresenting my position and a deliberate effort to mislead the public,” Momis said.
“Everybody knows that of all the leaders I have been the most consistent one who has defended and protected the rights of landowners.
“The Bougainville Initiative was my effort to fight for equitable distribution from the development of Panguna mine.
“In that statement, I was reflecting the concerns of landowners and young workers for the government and BCL to review the Bougainville Copper Agreement and that must be reviewed every seven years.”
Momis said BCL and the national government had failed over a 14-year period.
“The North Solomons’ government in 1991 told the national government that it was sowing the seed of a bloody revolution.
“I merely predicted.
“I read the sign of times and I was trying to alert those in power, my words of warning fell on deaf ears.”
Momis said he had absolutely nothing to do with mothers, aunties and sisters marching to the Pink House (BCL head office).
Momis was one leader who consistently raised issues of detrimental effect of mine cause on the environment especially Jaba River and total lack of equity that the agreement gave to the people of Bougainville and landowners.
“We could have come up with good things if landowners listened to us and not take up arms.”
Momis said he wrote to the prime minister to ask him as they had been discussing before he became president to transfer 19.06% of PNG shareholding interest to ABG.
He said the ABG was a legitimate government that would ensure equitable sharing by landowners and people who shed blood to have a fair share in the shareholding.
“I represent the people and I have a duty and responsibility to talk with the national government to transfer shares as we have consistently shown, we will equitably share.”
He said the self-appointed spokesman and absentee landowner Lawrence Daveona must not make false accusations.

 

10.02.2011
Source: The National -  a reader's letter to the editor 

On dangerous grounds all right

I read your editorial “Treading on dangerous grounds” (Feb 8) with interest and the report “Panguna leaders warn Momis” regarding the sensitive issue of reopening the now mothballed BCL’s Panguna copper mine.
I had prophesied back in 1988 that John Momis and Francis Ona were “prophets of doom” who incited the people of Bougainville to take up arms against BCL and the national government to vent their grievances over royalty payments and other spinoff benefits and to  resort to sabotage of the mine and taking up of arms against legitimate rule of law. 
Today, this is all history, and if there’s anyone to be blamed for all the upheavals that culminated to what it is today, it should be squarely placed on no one else but Momis himself, the ABG president.
This is because this leader is the very person who incited the people of Bougainville to rise up against BCL and the national government by calling BCL the “wild boar” who raided and destroyed the people’s garden (land). 
Following his recent election as ABG president, he is once more in this game by negotiating with the PNG government and/or other would be interested partners to reopen the mine and leaving out the landowner leaders of Panguna from participating in direct and renewed negotiations of shareholding structures, etc.
It is obvious from the outset that Bougainville is again heading for a collision course since the six landowner groups who made their stand known that they do not want anyone else beside BCL to return whilst Momis is leaning towards China to operate the mine, as he recently took a delegation to visit China as part of his campaign to gain support from members of his ABG cabinet.
I must say that the Bougainville crisis had been an eye opener for many people except one particular thing; the people have failed to elect someone with a real vision to lead Bougainville to new level of nation-building, nationhood and prosperity for its citizens who suffered for last 23 years.
Instead they have entrusted their future to this sombre leadership!
Momis, please take heed of the people’s sensitivity and do not tread on the live wires!
 
 
The seer
Via email

 

 

09.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS RETURNS
BY JOYCE TOHUI

 

The ABG delegation led by President Chief JOHN MOMIS returned from Port Moresby today.
Upon arrival, President MOMIS told a media Conference that they came with no cheque.
MR MOMIS says the unchanged dilemma is still faced in trying to get hold of the K15 million restoration development grant from the National Government.
He said that talks were held with the Primer Minister and other National Ministers over the issue but nothing has changed.
He said that even directives from the Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir MICHAEL SOMARE have not been implemented.
The Prime Minister had made it clear that the grant was guaranteed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and he did not know why there was delay in making the payments.
Meanwhile President MOMIS assures Bougainville that he will make every effort to ensure the National Government pay up the K15 million kina to the ABG as stated in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

 

09.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED
BY JOYCE TOHUI

A Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Japanese Bridge Construction Company Kitano Engineering was recovered by South Bougainville Police from a hidden location in Laguai area in Buin.
Buin police recovered the vehicle and a bulldozer belonging to South Bougainville Engineering on Sunday night at approximately 9:00 pm.
Buin Police Station Commander Sgt John Popui confirmed that the vehicle which was stolen two weeks ago by criminal elements was returned to the Japanese Contractors.
The contractors are yet to confirm if the vehicle was damaged or parts removed after a thorough mechanical check.
Sgt Popui said that Police in partnership with law abiding members of the public, the Bougainville Administration and former combatants helped to ensure the safe return of the vehicle.

 

 

09.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN WORKSHOP ON
By Aloysius Laukai

Participants from all over Bougainville are attending a one-week United Nations organized workshop on Human Rights Issues at Tsiroge outside Buka Town.
The Workshop is aimed at equipping Human Rights defenders on Bougainville ways of investigating cases for reporting to Authorities for compliance or possible addressing them.
The workshop started yesterday and would end this Friday.
A New Dawn FM reporter who is attending the workshop says that the workshop is good and more should be done in other districts.
The Workshop is being attended by members of the Bougainville Human Rights Committee, NGO Groups, Police, Media and office of the Public Solicitors Office.

 

 

09.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Momis’ mine bid hits snag
By JONATHAN TANNOS

BOUGAINVILLE President John Momis has encountered resistance from the Panguna Landowners Association over his efforts to obtain PNG Government support for the re-opening of the Panguna mine.
They claim his personal representations to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare so far have been made without their official endorsement.
In a February 2 official letter to Mr Momis, the landowners called on him to meet with them officially next Thursday in Panguna to explain his actions which they claim include his latest talks with Sir Michael at the end of January.
Chairpersons of the six mining lease areas of Panguna signed the letter including Chris Damana (interim chairman), Philip Pariu (Upper Tailings), Bernadine Kiaa (Lower Tailings), Tarcisius Karuai (PMAR), Therese Jaintong (Arawa) and Jude Genu (Uruawa).
They want Mr Momis to explain the consultation process with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in regards to the mine re-opening, the latest on the Bougainville Agreement review, their intention to slice off equity from the State’s 19.06 shares, funding assistance for them and their umbrella landowners associations, a proposed Middle Tailings Association, outstanding compensation, Bougainville Mining House and other matters. They said they were at a loss for words as to why the President was approaching the Prime Minister without first consulting them.
They said while they appreciated his efforts, it was not advisable for him to do so without first consulting them.
They said they understood Mr Momis’ intention was to seek the Government’s agreement to transfer the State’s equity in BCL to the landowners.
However, they said it was a concern to them that the President has not met with the landowners of Panguna to discuss issues affecting them even after his election into office.

 

 

09.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

BSP explains cash shortage

THE shortage of cash at the Bank South Pacific’s Buka branch has irked major businesses operating in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
These businesses, who have BSP accounts, cannot continue with their daily operations because of the cash crisis.
One of the copra buying company in Buka - the first to come out publicly against the kind of service BSP offers was Olbert Copra Buyers.
Philip Betson, the manager for Olbert Copra Buyers said the shortage of cash is affecting his company’s normal business operations.
“We deal with customers’ every day and directly paying out cash for their produce.
The sellers are people from the villages, who want cash and we run out of cash to pay them because there is not enough at the bank,” Mr Betson said.
“It is very disappointing for BSP, telling us that cash has run out and we have to wait until other business houses deposit, then we could perform withdrawal.”
However, BSP issued a statement yesterday stating that in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, they plan to expand the Buka branch by the year end 2011 and open a new branch in Arawa and set up two new ATMs in Kokopau.
“In regards to cash handling BSP charges 2 per cent on cash handling. This is for every over the counter withdrawal at a branch. It should be noted that the costs of operating a branch are extremely high considering BSP has to transport money to remote locations, additional security costs from lawlessness, the need for better systems and so forth,” BSP said.
BSP said to get cash to centres such as Buka, the aircraft charter cost alone is approx K40,000 ex POM and a charter is required monthly. Then there are other associated costs such as security that goes with cash movements (Armored vehicle etc).
“To ensure that businessmen, such as commodity buyers get the cash to pay growers, there is a lot of costs and resources involved and BSP covers these costs through cash handling fees.
“Cash shortages are extremely unfortunate but are sometimes caused by commodity buyers who place pressure on the branch with unscheduled withdrawals. To avoid such instances, it is normal protocol for commodity buyers to ensure sufficient notice is given to branches.”
BSP encouraged their retail customers to use the SMS banking, ATMs and Eftpos for banking which is far more convenient, safe and accessible.
By using Automated Telling Machines (ATMs) and EFTPOS machines in shops and using SMS banking, BSP customers can actually reduce their annual banking fees if the customer manages their banking needs correctly.
The SMS banking initiative allows customers to do banking 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Through SMS banking, customers can transfer funds to nominated accounts, check the last three transactions, top up their Digicel mobile phones and change their PIN numbers.
BSP has also launched the BSP Rural initiative with new Rural Agencies already opened in six centres. The centres are Kwikila, Lufa, Henganofi, Banz, Minj and Kerowagi
BSP expects to open 100 Rural Agencies in the next 18 months.

 

 

09.02.2011
Source: The National

Momis warns of independence for Bougainville
By ISAAC NICHOLAS

UNLESS autonomy is made attractive by the government, the people of Bougainville will choose independence, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President John Momis warned yesterday.
Momis said while the “clock is ticking” away, the implementation of the Bougainville peace agreement was proceeding at a snail’s pace.
He said autonomy and independence must be made attractive for the people to make a choice, but the national government had failed to meet these requirements contained in the agreement.
“That is the legitimate way to go but the government has not given the K15 million Bougainville restoration grants for last year and this year.
“The government has not allocated money to reconstruct Bougainville.”
He also warned government that bureaucrats would be taken to court for failing to meet the requirements of the peace agreement.
He said arms disposal was slow, drawdown of powers was slow and capacity building was slow due to lack of national government funding.
Momis said if the time came for referendum, autonomy must be attractive to the people or they would choose independence.
“The Bougainville peace agreement is very slow. We need a little bit of money to move it forward.”
He said children that were born and grew up during the crisis period were the ones who were still holding onto guns because of their lack of education.
“We need to give incentives such as the buy-back of guns or K1,000 for a gun or create opportunities for the young people to set up furniture industry, brick-making, agriculture and animal husbandry. These are subsidiary economic activities but shortage of funds is a big problem.”
In order to get away from the heavy dependence on national government, Momis was pressing for the Bougainville copper mine to be fast tracked and re-opened under a new deal.
He said the drawdown of powers was slow while the clock was ticking.
He said there was a need to improve the administration and the ABG was working hard to develop capacity.
“AusAID is helping in capacity building and we are asking AusAID and the national government to strengthen our police force.
“I am telling them – no law and order, no referendum. It is best to promote the rule of law for a fair referendum to be conducted.”
The president was also moving for policemen to be armed in order to enforce the law. Carriage of arms by police was prohibited under the terms of the Bougainville agreement.
Momis said the Bougainville agreement was a way to stop the war and entailed both parties to make certain compromise and the rebels demanded referendum to be included in the agreement.
He said between 2015 and 2020, referendum could be conducted and weapons disposal and other issues contained in the peace agreement must be met.
“In my inaugural speech, I said the people of Bougainville must have a real choice.
“Independence and autonomy must seen to be working together and must be attractive for the people to make that choice.”
Momis said the K15 million restoration grants was a legal requirement the national government must give without conditions attached.

 

 

08.02.2011
Source: The National

Panguna leaders warn Momis

 
LANDOWNER leaders in Panguna have slammed requests by the Autonomous Bougainville Government for the PNG shareholding interest in Bougainville Copper Ltd to be transferred to ABG.
Chairpersons of six Panguna mine lease associations said in a joint statement yesterday that they were lost for words over ABG President John Momis’ direct approach to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare without consulting them.
The six mine lease associations were set up by the ABG.
Chairpersons Chris Damana, Michael Pariu, Bernadine Kiraa, Therese Jaintong, Tarcisius Karuai and Jude Sirinai said in a first-ever gathering in Buka in late November last year, it was agreed that as a major partner in the BCA review process, Panguna landowners would have a stake in the national government’s 19.06% shareholding in BCL.
“As part of our consultations on the benefits sharing arrangement (BSA) with other BCA review stakeholders, the issue of shareholding in BCL is crucial to people in the six mine lease areas.
“We have planned for each of the six leases to have a proportionate shareholding in BCL, with ABG taking up a majority of the shares on behalf of the people of Bougainville including ex-combatants.”
The leaders advised the president to consult Panguna landowners before approaching the prime minister.
“He must be careful with his direct approach as some of us still remember his pre-crisis (1987) Bougainville initiative and the number of demonstrations that he organised where our ignorant mothers, sisters and aunties were used to demonstrate in front of BCL’s pink palace.
“We also believe that he played a part in the Bougainville crisis and, to date, he has not come out publicly to explain the part he played just before the crisis with the launching of his Bougainville initiative.”
The landowners said since taking office in June last year, Momis had not met with them or with the interim executives of Panguna Landowners Association.
“We just want to be consulted in everything to do with our mine lease areas. This is our plea to our leaders,” the statement read in part.

 

08.02.2011
Source: The National

Threading on dangerous grounds

THE Bougainville crisis is clear in the minds of all and, not the least of them, the people of the Autonomous Region themselves.
Perhaps, one of the deep-rooted and primary reasons for the crisis was equitable distribution of the benefits derived from the Bougainville copper mine.
When, in the perception of the Panguna landowners, their rights were trampled and their cries went unheard for a review of the BCL agreement when it fell through twice, they took up arms. This was a fundamental neglect by both the government of PNG and Bougainville Copper Ltd.
Any building of a new Bougainville must be based on the principle of equity and of consensus and consultation – principles which are close to the heart of ABG President John Momis – or, so we think.
Yet, a dangerous confrontation is in the making in the Autonomous Region with Momis being accused of neglecting the people.
Panguna landowner leaders are incensed at a purported move by the ABG president to transfer PNG state shareholding in Bou-gainville Copper Ltd to the Bougainville government.
Momis appears keen to see the Panguna mine revived quickly in order to provide much-needed revenue to ABG coffers to prepare for that eventuality when Bougainville marches to a referendum to decide whether or not to remain a part of PNG or gain independence.
But, is he willing to forgo consultation and consensus which is what he has always stood for in his Melanesian Alliance party?
Chairpersons of the six Panguna mine lease associations said in a joint statement yesterday that they were lost for words as to why Momis chose to approach the prime minister without consulting the six mine lease associations set up by ABG itself.
The chairpersons Chris Damana, Michael Pariu, Bernadine Kiraa, Therese Jaintong, Tarcisius Karuai and Jude Sirinai said the issue was discussed at a first-ever gathering in Buka in late November last year.
It was agreed at the meeting that as the major partner in the BCA review process, Panguna landowners must have a substantial stake in the national government’s 19.06% shareholding in BCL.
The leaders’ statement reads in part: “As part of our consultations on the benefits sharing arrangement (BSA) with our other BCA review stakeholders, this issue of shareholding in BCL, among many other issues, is crucial to our people of the six designated mine lease areas.
“We have, in fact, planned for each of the six leases to have a proportionate shareholding in BCL along with ABG taking up the majority of the shares on behalf of the people of Bougainville, including the various factions of the ex-combatants.”
The leaders said while they appreciate the president’s direct approach to the prime minister, it was not advisable to do so without first consulting Panguna landowner leaders.
They were venomous and become bitter and personal –  referring to Momis’ own part in the events leading to the 1987 general elections, following which the province dissolved in violent uprising.
This might explain how angry the leaders are and should give Momis reason to review his position.
The statement by the Panguna leaders added: “He (Momis) must be careful with his direct approach to the prime minister as some of us still remember his pre-crisis (1987) Bougainville initiative and the number of demonstrations that he organised during which our ignorant mothers, sisters and aunties were used to demonstrate in front of the BCL pink palace.
“We also believe that he had some part to play in the Bougainville crisis and, to date, he has not come out publicly to explain the part he played just before the crisis with the launching of his Bougainville initiative.”
If, indeed, the information provided by the leaders is correct, there is good reason for Momis to take stock of his approach and, perhaps, go back to the Panguna landowners; after all, they are a creature of the ABG itself.
Failing that, the prime minister ought to take cognisance of the landowners’ position and provide for their group to be a party to any attempt to revive BCL or to divest state holdings in the mine.

 

 

08.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Wisai gets new police post
By Jacob Potoura

MORE than 2000 people from Wisai and central Bougainville flocked into Oria village in Buin last Wednesday to witness the opening of the new Wisai police post.
The police post was opened by ABG president John Momis and witnessed by Assistant Police Commissioner, Thomas Eluh and other ABG Ministers.
President Momis described the opening and establishment as historic in one of the problem areas in South Bougainville.
He said the people of Bougainville had opted to build a new Bougainville and there is a need to have the rule of law and order to rebuild the economy.
The people of Wisai highlighted the need to revive economic activities and pledged to cooperate with police in the new post in order to curb law and order problems in the area and in the communities. Spokesman Philip Pusua assured the ABG team the Wisai Liberation Movement (WILMO) has resolved to wind down following the opening of Buin highway and establishment of the post.
The police post was jointly funded by ABG and South Engineering Ltd following request from communities due to serious law and order problems since 2004.

 

08.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Homebrew use high in Buka
By FABIAN HAKALITS

BREWING and consumption of homebrew is high, raising serious concerns among community leaders in Buka.
The concerned leaders said people in the communities in Buka Island are illegally brewing the illegal alcohol.
Homebrew can be bought for K10 to K20 per bottle at dances.
“Awareness after awareness have been carried out and yet nothing sinks into the brain. This is sickening and we do not know when the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will start to take this seriously. Even though the Bougainville Police Service raised awareness on the banning of homebrew, still the message does not get through, “one said.
Most of the consumers are teenagers, girls and boys, of primary and secondary school age and is a threat to their health.
Halia Council of Elders women’s representative Eve Betson said the culprits have violated laws and should be dealt with accordingly when caught.
“When there was a ban on homebrew, communities were trouble free, living in peace and harmony,” Mrs Betson said.
She said COEs have failed to use their power as agents of law to monitor such illegal activities in the community.

 

 

07.02.2011
Source: ESBC Research

ASIC Starts Investigation!

 

ASIC accepts the ESBC's complaint on probably fraudulent market practises on Bougainville Copper shares on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and starts investigation immediately.

 

Australische Finanzaufsicht wird aktiv!

 

Die ASIC, die australische Finanzaufsichtsbehörde akzeptiert die Beschwerde der ESBC über den Verdacht  auf betrügerische Marktpraktiken in Bougainville Copper Aktien an der Börse Sydney (ASX) und hat eine sofortige eingehende Untersuchung des Falles angekündigt.

 

 

07.02.2011
Source: ESBC Research

Momis Meets Panguna Landowners

 

On Thursday February 17th, 2011 ABG President John Momis will meet with representatives of the Panguna Landowners in Arawa. This meeting will also be assisted by the National Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Fidelis Semoso, the ABG Minister for Mining, Michael Oni, two National Members of Parliament whose electorates cover the Panguna mine lease areas. It was organized on invitation of the Panguna Landowners.

 

Find out more on the Meeting Agenda here!

Momis trifft sich mit Panguna Landeignern

 

ABG Präsident John Momis trifft sich am Donnerstag, den 17. Februar 2011 in Arawa mit den Panguna Landeignern. Ebenfalls bei dem Treffen: ABG Mining Minister Michael Oni, der nationale Minister für Bougainville Angelegenheiten, Fidelis Semoso sowie die beiden nationalen Parlamentsabgeordneten, in deren Wahlkreise die Pangunamine liegt. Die Zusammenkunft wurde auf Einladung der Panguna Landeigner organisiert.

 

Lesen Sie hier die Originaltagesordnung des Treffens!

 

 

07.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Food, water in short supply
By JOYCE TOHUI

A LONG dry season which began last year is hitting Nissan Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, resulting in the shortage of food supplies and drinking water.
When the Post-Courier spoke with one of the islander, Carmelius Bina, he said; “Nissan Island is experiencing food shortage” because the soil to replant food garden is very strong.
He said the soil was heated by the strong heat from the sun and therefore did not allow any more food products to be planted.
He said the islanders were only depending on fish with the small amount of food left in their gardens.
‘’Currently the islanders are drinking well water – the last remaining source of water available on the island. The well water is also a health risk as it makes the people more vulnerable to diseases,
“Disease such as diarrhoea which is a good recipe for cholera since the outbreaks of cholera is still going strong in many parts of Papua New Guinea,’’ Mr Bina said.
He said the Nissan Islanders were struggling for food and water and were calling on the office of National Disaster and Emergency Services for assistance.
Meanwhile, President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, John Momis, has donated K20,000 towards relief food supplies.
The first 300 bales of rice were already purchased and will be distributed to the affected areas.

 

07.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Lone farewell for Takaku
By FABIAN HAKALITS

BOUGAINVILLEANS have questioned why the Papua New Guinea Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) did not accord one of the country’s international actors - the late William Takaku, a State funeral.
Speaking on behalf of the other Bougainvilleans, was a long time friend of William Takaku, Albert Toro – who with Takaku were professionally involved in movie making and preserving the culture.
Mr Toro said the late Takaku’s stewardship in regard to the culture of PNG and Bougainville for the past 37 years passed by without appreciation from the Governments, adding this was evident in the way his death was treated.
“Even the National Cultural Commission whom we’ve both served for nearly 30 years, our immediate steward and patron were not even able to accord the late Takaku - an ambassador and senior statesman in Arts, a respectful funeral and burial ceremony fitting for a man that has promoted the positive images of PNG and Bougainville over 30 years,” Mr Toro said while shedding tears.
He said Mr Takaku promoted PNG and Bougainville – raising the country’s flags higher through songs, theatre, dance, film, literature and associations with international agencies in the campaign against the degradation of Mother Nature.
Mr Toro said during the arrival of the casket, no ABG members were present at the Buka Airport to welcome Mr Takaku’s body.
However, only individuals who had hearts were able to welcome the body. They gave money from their own pockets to ensure the casket of Mr Takaku reach his Pidia village in Central Bougainville.
“This truly proves that the Government does not support arts in PNG,” Toro said.
Meanwhile Mr Toro said the late actor committed himself to explore and protect the cultural diversity of PNG and Bougainville and his philosophies about the genesis of mankind and religion, the environment and nature.
He said Mr Takaku was a committed advocator of his principles as evident in his production of the Nasioi folk opera, EBERIA in 1978.
In 1998 Mr Takaku and Mr Toro assisted Professor Matubuna Tahun with his book of poetry - Tsomi. Mr Toro said in 2004 a project proposal was submitted to the late Joseph Kabui for funding of K150,000 to fund a 12-month youth training on acting, film-making and Research into the Bougainville cultural heritage and arts. In part Mr Takaku wrote, “We have offered 80 per cent of our professional lives to PNG Arts and Theatre and we would want to offer the remaining 20 per cent of our time now to a new breed of professional artists from Bougainville.”
Mr Toro described the late Takaku as a simple servant of hope for many young men and women. “We have lost a simple but yet, a great man who left a simple person and was farewelled in a simple but yet sad and selfish manner.”
“Similarly, on behalf of late Willie and his good wife Maria, and children and his relatives, I thank the National and ABG Governments for having trained him, myself and every PNG artists,” said Mr Toro.

 

06.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier Weekend

Cowboys rule West Buka

 
AFTER A grueling four hours journey on the deteriorating West Buka feeder road, “Beharos Trans” the sole passenger carrying vehicle from Tung Village slowed down and pulled up next to a mango tree at a plantation near the Buka Airport, just a few metres away from the sealed section of the main Buka Highway.
The driver, Lesley Kapurou got out of his cabin and started collecting the PMV fare.
As the passengers dug into their purses, bilums and trouser pockets, a garbage open back vehicle owned by a company in Buka swept past in the opposite direction headed for the Karanas Dump along the West Buka Road.
Some of the rubbish, mainly plastic wrappers, found their way out of the back of the speeding vehicle and this caused some of the passengers on the PMV to sing out after the offending vehicle,” Mipela ino rubbish dump blong yu !” (We are not your rubbish dump)
Ironically, the feeling of being treated like garbage has been on the minds of the people of the Tonsu Constituency, West Buka for the last 10 donkey years or so.
One of those who feels like he’s have been trampled upon is Jerry Kavop.
A balding and bespectacled pioneer UPNG student of the colonial days, Jerry told me he wears a couple of hats like being a chief of his clan, a court officer in the Tonsu Council of Elders area and in addition, he is a Senior Church elder of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the West Buka area.
“For the last 27 years I have been working with the people of Tonsu before the crisis, through the crisis up until today I am still involved in the peace process on Bougainville. One of my major achievements was in helping to reestablish the village court system on Buka after the years of war,” Mr Kavop said.
“The views that I want to express here are practical and not theoretical.”
Mr Kavop first of all praised the Council of Elders, Council of Chiefs and the Autonomous Bougainville Government system as a good relevant system which is legally enshrined and a God given way of Governance on Bougainville.
However Mr Kavop claims that there is rampant corruption within the system.
He said that financial empowerment of the Tonsu people over the last five years has been zero and people have not felt any impact from the so-called and much talked about impact projects.
“Even monies allocated by our National MP (Mr. Michael Ogio) have not reached the people at village level. So can someone tell the Tonsu people what’s been happening and what is still going on today?”
Mr Kavop went on to say that the Council of Elders political direction on Tonsu has been one of a cowboy style.
“We are being run by cowboys with no five year plan, no vision statement, and no mission statement so where are we going? Hello?,” the elder made his point peering at this writer from above the rims of his glasses.
“The Council of Elders political leadership will end in April 2011 but there has been no clear leadership in the political level in the Tonsu COE.
“When I speak of corruption a clear example is the Tonsu COE Administration. The Tonsu Administration is a Cowboy Administration.
“The majority of people from Tonsu don’t even know why there has been no development taking place in their area and where their head tax money has been going since 2008. People are confused they have seen nothing at all whatsoever.”
In addition the Council of Chiefs in the villages is mere flower pots.
“The chiefs have been neglected, they don’t know their work and they have not even been complimented. No gratitude has been shown to them by the ABG and COE Administration,” he said.
Mr Kavop added by saying: “I can no longer close my mouth but will speak out for the grass roots people of Tonsu.
“I speak on behalf of the young people of Tonsu who are the leaders of tomorrow. The silent young generation of Tonsu really wants answers to their questions of where we’re heading.”
The question of where Tonsu is heading is a good one. Crime is steadily increasing in this once peaceful constituency of West Buka.
There are unsolved willful murder cases, the recent looting of a Chinese logging vessel by Petats Islanders and just the other day a fight over relief supplies took place at Poka Village.
Due to lack of proper medical services people are now seeking out the witch-doctors and their controversial methods of curing illness.
When you come to think of it, the given examples paint the real picture of Tonsu today, said Jerry Kavop as he thoughtfully fondled his beard.

 

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ABG PRESIDENT RETURN
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG President, JOHN MOMIS will return to Bougainville tomorrow after he was out of the region for more than a week.
MR. MOMIS was in Port Moresby to meet the Prime Minister, Chief Somare concerning many pressing issues affecting the region including the THIRTY MILLION KINA still owed to the ABG by the National Government.
New Dawn FM understands that his trip also paved the way for the Joint Supervisory Board Meeting to start this again this year.
The meeting was only held once since the inauguration of the second Autonomous Bougainville Government last year.
The delayed meeting was the reason for the two Bougainville’s Heavies, ABG President JOHN MOMIS and Regional Member FIDELIS SEMOSO to be at loggerheads several times.
They have since reconciled and hoped to work together again this year.
The first JSB meeting would be held in Port Moresby this month.

 

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

FARES SET
By Aloysius Laukai

 

The National Aviation Service has finally set its fares for flying in Bougainville.
When they started they were flying to Buin from Buka at SIX HUNDRED NINETY KINA.
According to the chief pilot, Marcelline Ampa'oi, The fare for Buka to Buin is FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY KINA.
Fare from Buka to Aropa is THREE HUNDRED NINETY KINA; Buka to Nissan is THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY KINA.
Since establishing in Buka, the National Aviation Service is landing in Buin, Buka, Aropa and Nissan.
He said the next airstrip that they have already inspected is Torokina.
MR.AMPA'OI also said that their office is situated at the Buka Airport and can be contacted on wireless phone number, 9482230.
For more information Joyce Saara can be contacted at the Buka Airport Office.
The chief pilot said that for flights to be secured all seats must be fully booked including return.

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NINE HOUSES
By Aloysius Laukai

The Carterets resettlement program in Tinputz wants to build Nine Houses this year according to the Tulele Peisa’s Cordinator, URSULA RAKOVA.
She told New Dawn FM that these nine houses would house the nine families that would be moved this to the resettlement centre.
Ms. Rakova said that building materials including Roofing Iron and Nails were donated last year by CPL group of companies.
She said that after the ten families are moved they would then prepare for more families to move to the relocation centre.
MS. RAKOVA said that the Caterets resettlement scheme has secured two more locations in Tearouki and Mabiri.

 

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

LEO HANETT TALKS
By Aloysius Laukai

 

The ABG minister for Justice and member for Nissan, LEO HANNET wants the people of Nissan to fully participate in the development of their resources.
Mr. Hannett told New Dawn FM yesterday that he wants the people to benefit from their marine resources.
He said he was looking at Fishing Venture that can make the people participate and benefit from.
The Minister said that at the moment he was looking for some good reputable investors to support his proposals.

 

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Education must
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG minister for Justice and member for Nissan, LEO HANNET wants his people to invest in education.
He says due to the size of the island Education can become the commodity for his people to market.
MR. HANNET was talking with New Dawn FM yesterday.
He said that he wants all his islanders to look at education as another commodity that can help the people of Nissan.
The member said that if many Nissan Islanders were educated and had jobs they would definitely assist their other families on the island.
He said that he was already looking at ways in which this can become a reality.

 

05.02.2011
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

System bad

New Dawn FM was not able to upload news due to Telicommunication problems being faced by Telikom for nearly three weeks.

 

 

04.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Support urged for child protection
By FABIAN HAKALITS

CHILD protection is becoming a complex and cross cutting issue and to make it work, this requires the stakeholders support and commitment.
Senior Child Protection Officer with the Department of Community Development Terry Lui said this while officiating at the opening of a child protection training on Monday at Arawa in Central Bougainville.
The training was held at the Arawa Women’s Training Centre on Monday.
Twenty participants, mainly child protection officers and community child protection volunteers attended the training.
Mr Lui said Bougainville was a way ahead with more training apart from other provinces.
He said the training was to equip skills and knowledge of the participants on how to handle child protection cases.
Mr Lui said the objective of the training to prepare child protection officers and delegated directors of the Lukautim Pikinini project to carry out their jobs effectively.
He also said that is was to familiarise major stakeholders in responding to children in need of protection and their families with roles of child protection officers.
Participants looked at the operational manual for the child protection officers giving them clear policies and procedures to carry out their functions as established under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2009.
He said the implementation of the child protection policies would come under the of the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2009 and would enable the participants to understand what is meant by rights and particularly the rights of the child.
Meanwhile Mr Lui said that implementation of the Lukautim Pikinini Act would depend on the Governments support and commitment.

 

 

03.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

MP wants to help youths
By VERONICA HANNETTE

DEVELOPMENT in the Taonita/Tinputz constituency of North Bougainville has progressed well over the past six months.
Taonita/Tinputz MP and Works, Transport and Communication Minister in the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Carolus Ketsimur said.
“So far in the Taonita/Tinputz constituency, there have been slight improvement and this shows that there is a good working relationship between the service providers and the people.” Mr Ketsimur said.
He said empowerment programs were carried out in the constituency, mainly targeting the youths and this covers areas of spiritual, physical and intellectual.
“Youths are the foundation of the society and they have to be equipped with lifelong knowledge and skills to help them restrain from criminal activities,”
“It is our duty as members of the community to empower our youths and providing for their needs.” said Ketsimur.
So far the youth empowerment program has produced positive outcomes and Mr Ketsimur said he was pleased.
Mr Ketsimur said major issues in the constituency was crime. However, with more awareness, this has helped the community to make moral decisions of what is right and wrong.
He said with law and order taking its tough stand, the number of criminal activities has also decreased and this shows that people are taking the law seriously.
Mr Ketsimur added that as a member he will continue to assist the people.

 

03.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

MP hands out project funds
BY PETERSON TSERAHA.

THE people of South Bougainville celebrated a happy Christmas and New Year. thanks to their South Bougainville MP Steven Pirika Kamma.
While the rest of Bougainville were looking for funds for Christmas and New Year activities, South Bougainville MP in a no nonsense manner dished out K373,661 in his electorate for projects ranging from feeder roads, water supply, reconciliation ceremonies to funding sports associations.
A lot of people in his electorate approached the Post-Courier to express their gratitude for what their leader did.
He The following are list of his donations during the New/Christmas period:
Takemare peace and reconciliation ceremony(Bana district) K14000. Biros Aid post (Bana) 5000, Moratona Health centre (Bana) K80,000, Iru aid post (Siwai district) K9000, Hurai aid post (Siwai K5000, Siuru Primary school (Siwai) K2000, Tuguiogu Primary school (Buin district) K2000, Murua Primary school (Bana) K5000 and Koruma Elementary school(Bana) K1000.
He gave Biros Primary school (Bana) K20,000, Tugui (Buin) K1661, Mukukuru Sports association (Siwai) K5000, Rataiku sports association (Siwai) K10,000, Makis sports peace tournament (Buin) K17,000, South Bougainville leaders reconciliation K20,000, Siwai Crisis leaders reconciliation K14,000, CLC Regional youth convention K20,000, ABG games K100,000, Bana district sports council K10,000, Siwai district sports council K14,000, Torokina sports council K10,000, Buin sports council K14,000 and Bolave sports association K5000.

 

03.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Bridges to serve people
By VERONICA HANNETTE

A MAJOR road and bridge construction project is set to progress on Bougainville.
The Japanese company Kitano engaged to build bridges is currently constructing five bridges in the Tinputz constituency covering the Rawa, Wutsun, Iurun, Ruatove and the Kaskurus bridges.
The five bridges are planned to be completed by end of this year.
Autonomous Bougainville Government Transport and Works Minister Carolus Ketsimur expressed gratitude as these bridges will make it possible for travellers during bad weather in the region.
“We have been faced with a lot of problems associated with rivers within the region causing vehicles to overturn and these bridges will improve the transport system.” said Mr Ketsimur.
Plans are currently underway for the first stage of road sealing from Kokopau to Rawa under a K20 million allocation from the National Government.
“I want the allocated K20 million for road sealing to be strictly put aside for the road sealing, to complete the whole sealing and not to be misappropriated as ABG budget cannot meet the amount of money needed to rebuild the roads infrastructure.”

 

 

02.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Arawa finally gets electricity services
Words and Picture: FABIAN HAKALITS

AFTER 22 years, the former capital of then North Solomon Province and now Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Arawa will soon light up with electricity supply, thanks to PNG Power. Arawa was the profit centre for PNG Power and that is where they generated more profit. PNG Power is working to bring back electricity services to the area. This would boost businesses in Bougainville. The 500 KVA generator will be installed once the lines are pulled. The PNG Power office is located where its former office was at Baroku. Pictured are PNG Power employees working to install power supply. Pictured from left are Pius Moresi, Michael Bivi, Henry Pupuan and Joe Meni.

 

 

 

02.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Music for peace and unity
By FABIAN HAKALITS

A three-day music concert to promote peace and unity in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will be staged in Buka.
The concert will be held under the theme: “Promoting Peace and Unity through Partaking in Music” will begin on February 23 to 25 and attract a large number of people from North, Central and South Bougainville.
The initiative is from former North Bougainville ex- combatant member in the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Marceline Getsi who aims to unit all Bougainville musicians and promote other issues set to target mainly youths.
According to organising committee chairman Ray Himata, the concert will also highlight social issues that poses threats to the livelihood of the Bougainville communities.
He said the concert will be held as a competition to meet the costs. Key activities have been categorised which includes choir competition, free style dancing with music, string band with bamboo band and a rock show.
He said prizes will be awarded under each category with K500 for the first prize, K300 second prize and third prize of K150.

 

02.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

K30,000 for AIDS
By JOYCE TOHUI

THE HIV operation “Mi Gat Pawa” has been supported with help from AusAID who gave K30,000 to help Bougainville HIV/AIDS Task Force carry out their HIV mass rapid testing and counselling in rural Bougainville.
The funding was made available with help from Bougainville AIDS Committee Chairman Raymond Masono, according to Ray Himata HIV Response Co-coordinator with the Bougainville.
Mr Himata said the monies given by AusAid under the Governance Implementation Fund (GIF) will see Bougainville HIV/AIDS Task Force rolled out similar programs into the next two constituencies of North Bougainville, Hagogohe and Tsitalato.
“Part of the monies will cater for revisits to the Haku and Halia Constituencies as follow-ups of the previous programs to ensure that people who have been diagnosed are keeping up to their dosage and their health including more awareness,’’ Mr. Himata said.

 

02.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Catholic Church Bougainville projects

THIS year will be a big year for the Bougainville Catholic Church as they embark on multi-million-kina projects to develop Bougainville.
Their projects will centre on the education of elites of Bougainville, especially the gap created between the fighting years from 1989 to 2001 when the ceasefire agreement was signed and children started going back to school.
The projects also include shipping, agriculture, plantations and civil society organisations mainly to help Bougainvilleans.
Late last year an agreement was signed between the Catholic Church and a renowned PNG company to develop a 25 hectare piece of land in Buka, specifically Hahela where 40 houses will be built under the real estate project.
Bishop of Bougainville Bernard Unabali confirmed that the church was in a joint venture with a renowned businessman Sir Henry Chow who has businesses throughout the region. An upfront payment of K20 million to kick start the project has already been made.
Bishop Unabali said that this will also include a five-star hotel to be built at Hahela and many more projects yet to be announced.
According to the project executives, a tender process is now in place before the construction phase can begin.
The Catholic Church will also go heavy on shipping in Bougainville. A yatch to be used throughout coastal church areas should be expected in two weeks and the organisation will also look at purchasing passenger boats to ferry passengers to and from Buka and Rabaul.

 

 

02.02.2011
Source: The Australian / THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Row flares over PNG Customs seizure of a tanker
by Rowan Callick, Asia-Pacific editor

A ROW has flared between Papua New Guinea's customs service and international shippers after a new $5 million oil tanker escaped seven months detention.

The vessel had obtained, under the guns of former Bougainville combatants, $5.6m worth of fuel oil originally imported for the Panguna copper mine, which closed 22 years ago -- and which is now expected to reopen.

The ship, UBT Fjord, was halted by a PNG patrol boat in June and escorted to Rabaul harbour, but is now sailing home to Singapore despite appeals from PNG Customs for fishing boats and other vessels to intercept it.

A spokesman for the owner, Norwegian-run and Singapore-based shipping corporation Thome, which has more than 100 vessels, said following the escape: "Foreign shipping has a strong incentive to avoid PNG altogether.

"PNG Customs appear to be a law unto themselves."

The Customs Act, as amended six months ago, says the customs commissioner is "subject to this act, not subject to direction and control of any person or authority".
The prospect has been raised of the International Maritime Organisation and the Baltic and International Maritime Council, the largest international shipping association, becoming involved.
The concern of international shippers comes as PNG is in the midst of a massive resources boom, led by a $16.5 billion liquefied natural gas project under construction -- a boom that is also boosting growth in Queensland.

The concerns of the shipping industry were also raised when the customs department took action against PNG-based Pacific Towing for removing oil from a tanker that had run aground on a reef near Manus Island -- in a successful operation to help it to float free -- and for boarding the tanker, both without permission from PNG Customs.

After the Thome tanker UBT Fjord left Rabaul, two PNG staff of the shipping agent, Inchcape, were arrested at gunpoint and held in a tiny cell in nearby Kokopo for four days without being charged, before being released on bail after 12 days.

The PNG constitution requires police to release people after 24 hours if it fails to charge them.
The two Inchcape staff, Tumari Davis, 42, and Puipui Jack, 37, were eventually charged on Friday with stealing 14.5 million kina ($5.6m) worth of fuel oil, "the property of the independent state of PNG".
The two claim in affidavits that they were assaulted by police and their possessions were illegally taken, but they could face seven-year jail sentences

Inchcape Australia vice-president Royce Brain said: "Our people were incarcerated just for doing their job -- looking after the crew and the vessel while it was in Rabaul harbour, supplying food and water, and bunker fuel to keep the generators running.

"I don't know the motivation of the officials for picking on our people. I'd love to understand what's going on there"

The ship was chartered to pick up fuel oil intended for power generation, that had been kept in tanks at Loloho wharf on Bougainville since the mine there had closed down during an insurrection that lasted for another 12 years.

In March last year, a local business, Asatume Scrap Metal, owned by 300 ex-combatants in the civil war, was -- according to James Tanis, then president of the autonomous region of Bougainville -- given "exclusive title and right of ownership to the fuel oil".

Mr Tanis said "the neglected fuel oil in question has been leaking for many years, posing a huge environmental hazard for the island and its people".

The UBT Fjord was chartered to pick up the oil by Singapore firm Integra, which had developed a relationship with the Asatume ex-combatants.

After the tanker arrived, the oil was heated to enable it to flow into the vessel, and the process was supervised by a group of Bougainvilleans associated with Asatume, dressed in fatigues and armed with automatic weapons.

The ship owner's spokesman said the issue of ownership of the fuel oil was a civil matter between Bougainville copper, Asatume, and the ultimate buyer, and "the vessel was not under arrest or detention", with a temporary order having been lifted.

He said: "The ship was just being used as a storage facility by PNG Customs while (costs) of $9000 per day were being incurred".

The ship owner is now seeking, through the National Court, compensation from the customs department for its loss of profits.

Customs Commissioner Gary Juffa told the PNG Post-Courier that "at no time had PNG Customs approval and direction been given for the loading and shipment of the fuel oil".
He said the "purported customs clearance" was obtained under "duress and threat by armed men".
Foreigners who lived in PNG must, he said, not treat the country as a "banana republic" that could be taken for a ride.

Those who thought in such a way should "pack up and leave for the galaxy you belong to", he said.
Large amounts of scrap metal from the mine have also been shipped out of Bougainville in recent years.
An expert on the situation told The Australian: "It's a pretty free run there, Bougainville Copper can't do anything about it."

The destruction of records on Bougainville has made it difficult to discover whether duty was paid on the fuel oil when it was imported, but Bougainville Copper frequently imported large amounts of such inputs and paid excise, as agreed with PNG Customs, as they were used.

Customs Commissioner Mr Juffa did not respond to calls.

 

 

01.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

Missing two rescued at sea
By FABIAN HAKALITS

TWO Bougainvilleans, who went missing for a week at sea were finally brought home on Sunday morning from Kessa in the northern tip of Buka by a fishing vessel operated by the Solomon Fishing Company.
The two men Peter Gimots and Martin Mas, reportedly went missing while they were out fishing near Taiof Island for five days on a 15 horse powered banana boat due to changes in weather pattern.
Disaster Coordinator Franklyn Lacey said the Bougainville Disaster office was on high alert when the boat was reported missing.
Mr Lacey said the office was working around the clock, monitoring the position and location of the boat.
He said a ‘look out’ notice was issued to all local and international ships to keep track of any missing speed boat by the Maritime Safety Authority and the safety security operations in Queensland – Australia.
The floating boat was located and rescued in the Solomon Sea by the fishing vessel last Monday at 6.26am after it encountered a shortage of petrol. Last week Wednesday the Bougainville Disaster Office kept contact with the captain of the fishing vessel for the rescue operation however the decision to bring the survivors ashore became pending because the ship had to complete its fishing operations. A brief notification was received on Saturday for the survivors to return however that did not eventuate because the captain of the fishing vessel failed to issue the coordinates.
Responses from the captain said: “We are afraid to enter Bougainville waters.”

 

01.02.2011
Source: Post-Courier

People express worry over debts

BOUGAINVILLEANS have expressed concern over unsettled debts and outstanding claims left behind by former North Bougainville MP Michael Ogio.
The unsettled debts and outstanding claims, which have allegedly been collecting dust in the MP’s district office, have drawn serious concerns among the people of the North Bougainville Open Electorate. And they are questioning Mr Ogio how these debts will be settled. The outstanding claims stem from projects not funded over the years since 2007, which also includes service providers’ invoices he has not settled. Damien Hanette, on behalf other people in the North Bougainville region who shared similar sentiments, said a lot of these projects with their allocated funds promised by Mr Ogio were not fulfilled.

 

 

01.02.2011
Source: The National

Bougainville has 24-hour power

UNTIL recently Buin only had power for four hours a day, and even that was dependent on private generators which many locals could not afford to purchase or run.
Now thanks to a joint initiative between the Australian and New Zealand governments, in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the small town on the south-east tip of Bougainville has 24-hour power for the first time since much of its infrastructure was destroyed during the crisis years.
AusAID’s programme manager in Bougainville Roselyn Kenneth said, at the opening ceremony, that the restoration of power and the hosting of the games were important peace and development milestones for Bougainville.
“It is an important day because the games are being held here in South Bougainville which, until quite recently, was considered an unstable conflict zone.
“People from all over Bougainville were able to come together in Buin and experience the powerful uniting force of sport.  And the games definitely wouldn’t have been possible without 24-hour power.
The restoration of power also improved the ability of local government officers to get more done and local businesses are looking forward to growing their interests.
The joint initiative has so far seen 24-hour power restored to many of Bougainville’s major centres, including Buka, Kokopau and Sohano.
In Arawa, residents were excited about 24-hour power to be  switched on in coming months.
AusAID’s development specialist in Bougainville, Madeleine Moss, said it was clear that the absence of power had a detrimental effect on health, education and economic opportunities.
“But equally as important, the restoration of power here is seen by the local community as a visible symbol of progress,” she said.
Australia and New Zealand also provided funding for the third Bougainville regional games last December where teams were encouraged to participle more as in friendly games than in competition.

 

 

01.02.2011
Source: The National

Buka has new day high school

THE new Haku Day High School in Buka district in Bougainville will start classes for its first intake on Feb 7, according to the autonomous region’s education minister and Mahari constituency member John Tabinaman.
Ninety students from the six primary schools within Haku constituency were selected for two Grade 9 classes.
Four teachers were appointed to facilitate learning in the  new school.
Tabinaman said he visited the school last Tuesday to check whether infrastructure was in place for the student intakes this year; and also see the physical site of the total land area that the school would occupy.
“I had to be convinced that the new infrastructure was ready for Haku Day High School.
“Most importantly, I was very impressed with the size of arable land allocated for the school by the landowners,” he said
He said a four-in-one classroom building and two teacher’s houses provided by Tanamalo Primary School would cater for the first Grade 9 intakes of the day high school this year.
Tabinaman also said that little work was still needed on the current four-in-one classroom building to improve its condition.
He requested the people of Haku constituency, especially those who would benefit from the high school, to co-operate with the education division and complete the necessary preparation work to meet the target date for this year’s classes.
The new Haku Day High School came as a request from the people of Haku constituency during the first  Bougainville government’s meet and this year was earmarked for the commencement of the high school.
The new high school school is located within Tanamalo Primary School, a United church agency school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

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