News 07.2010
31.07.2010
Source: minesite.com – Minews
That Was The Week That Was ... In Australia
By Our Man in Oz
Minews. Good morning Australia. More election doldrums for you?
Oz. Yes, and no. The market was certainly flat, but the election campaign picked up speed, as the conservative Liberal and National Parties squeezed past Labor in the latest opinion polls, published on Saturday. We’ve got three weeks to go before the August 21st vote, so anything could happen. For the mining sector, which has been harshly treated by Labor, the latest newspaper polling is a breath of fresh air, which might be reflected in prices on Monday.
Minews. The polling should also boost the mood at next week’s Diggers & Dealers forum.
OZ. It will, especially as Diggers is all about the juniors. It’s juniors that have been howling the loudest about the quick fix put in place by our recently imposed Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. The complaint, which has now becomes serious enough to merit the re-launch of damaging television and newspaper advertisements by the mining industry, is that the fix pleased only BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, and did nothing at all for smaller companies. Those ads, plus a flood of leaks from within her own political party, have sparked some feisty headlines. “Honeymoon ends abruptly for Julia Gillard” was one such, featuring in this Saturday’s Financial Review.
Minews. All very interesting, and potentially market moving, but let’s get to last week’s action.
Oz. If you insist, though it was a case of modest movement in both directions, with only a handful of stars, and few names we’ve never heard before. Overall, the ASX added a tiny 0.75 per cent last week. The metals index was up even less, by a mere 0.6 per cent, and the gold index lost two per cent as the gold price retreated. After we closed it was a different matter though, as gold then climbed back over US$1,180 an ounce. The Aussie dollar followed, and took a peek above the US90 cent mark.
The best sector last week, or at least the one that generated the most news, was copper, where the Sandfire (SFR) situation simmered, Rex Minerals (RXM) reported a pot of copper even bigger thanSandfire’s, Resource and Investment (RNI) hit a fresh 12 month high, and a company only the oldies remember, Bougainville Copper (BOC), reclaimed a spot in the headlines.
Minews. How interesting. Movement at Bougainville must surely be another indication of a revival in the entire copper sector.
Oz. Precisely. For the past month copper has been the metal watched most closely down this way. Interest has been strong on the back of a combination of discovery news, the price moving back over US$3.20 a pound, and the steady decline in the global stockpile of the metal. In the case of Bougainville, which is actually a non-trading arm of Rio Tinto, a move up from A71 cents to a 12 month high of A87 cents over the past week earned the company a speeding inquiry from the ASX. There was no fresh news, just a belief that copper mining might re-start on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville. Work there stopped just over 21 years ago after the outbreak of a small civil war. Any re-opening at Bougainville will require a total re-think in how the copper is mined, plus new processing and transport facilities, so it will not be a small lift.
Elsewhere among the copper companies, Rex was the big news, as it reported a maiden 700,000 tonnes of copper, plus 650,000 ounces of gold, at its Hillside project in South Australia, a total that piped Sandfire’s Doolgunna discovery by roughly 50,000 tonnes of copper. The big difference, however, is that Hillside is a bulk, low-grade discovery averaging 0.7% copper. Doolgunna is a high-quality orebody averaging 5.5% copper. On the market, Rex rose by A29 cents to A$1.91, copping a speeding inquiry on the way, after what appears to have been a spot of early trading by someone a little too well informed. Sandfire did less well, slipping A16 cents lower to A$4.84. It was also in the news because it refused to offer a board seat to OZ Minerals (OZL), which raided Sandfire’s share registry three weeks ago.
Other copper movers included Resource and Investment, which rose to a 12 month high of A51 cents, before easing to close on Friday at A47.5 cents. Talisman (TLM), another Doolgunna player, added A16 cents to A90 cents. Equinox (EQN) put on A7 cents to A$5.04. OZ rose by A1.5 cents to A$1.23. Redstone (RDS), which is exploring the Tollu project in central Australia, rose by 3.5 cents to A26 cents after it reported encouraging assay results, including 18 metres at 2.7% copper from a depth of 180 metres.
Minews. Let’s finish with the base metals. Then over to iron ore and gold, please.
Oz. Panoramic (PAN) was the best of the nickel companies, putting in a rise of A15 cents to A$2.46, but that was probably more because of a new gold exploration deal in Alaska. Western Areas (WSA) was second best, up A6 cents to A$ 4.85 after it announced the first shipment of concentrate from its Forrestania operations. After that it was downhill, although the falls were fairly modest. Mincor (MCR) slipped A3 cents lower to A$1.98, and Independence (IGO) fell A11 cents to A$2.60.
Zinc companies had a mixed time of it. Perilya (PEM) added A3 cents to A43.5 cents after reporting strong June quarter production numbers. Kagara (KZL), added A6 cents to A65 cents, while Terramin (TZN) was stady at A61 cents, and Blackthorn (BTR) was also flat, closing the week out at A67 cents.
The performance among the gold companies was mixed, trending down. Among the handful of risers Kingsgate(KCN) added A5 cents to A$ 9.78 after it announced a big resource upgrade. Silver Lake (SLR) rose by A8 cents to A$1.88. Alkane (ALK) continued its revival with a rise of A2.5 cents to A35.5 cents, but did get as high as A40 cents on Tuesday. Argent (ARD), which we rarely hear from, added A3.5 cents to A23.5 after it announced the acquisition of the Bullant project near Kalgoorlie from Barrick Gold.
Gold fallers included Dominion (DOM), down A18 cents to A$ 2.22, after it warned of a reserves downgrade, Medusa (MML), down A21 cents to A$3.88 despite solid June quarter production report, and Resolute (RSG), down A10 cents to A77.5 cents, also in the face of good production numbers. Kingrose(KRM), fell A4.5 cents to A90.5 cents as investors wait for news of the first gold pour at its Sumatran mine. Perseus (PRU) fell A25 cents to A$ 2.09.
Iron ore stocks also had a mixed week. Giralia (GIR) was the star, putting in a very impressive rise of A22 cents to A$ 2.41 after it announced a resource upgrade at its McPhee Creek project. Also better off, Mt Gibson (MGX) rose A7 cents to A$1.66, Grange (GRR) rose A5.5 cents to A56 cents, and Fortescue (FMG) rose A8 cents to A$4.29. Territory (TTY) was A3 cents better off at A26.5 cents as the market factored in a more positive outlook for the company. On the negative side, Atlas (AGO) fell A4 cents to A$2.01, BC Iron (BCI) fell A4 cents to A$1.64, and Gindalbie (GBG) fell A1.5 cents to A97 cents. Iron Ore Holdings (IOH) fell another A3 cents to A$1.30, meaning the company has more than halved in value since hitting a peak of A$2.71 on March 11th, and all because of a failed sales agreement with Rio Tinto.
Minews. Fuel stocks now, please, coal and uranium.
Oz. Let’s look at uranium first, because the US$4.25 a pound rise in the spot uranium price during the week triggered quite a lot of renewed interest in the sector. Price moves were not large but almost all uranium companies ended in the black. The two losers were Energy Resources (ERA), which slipped A24 cents lower to A$13.78, after poor production numbers, and Extract (EXT), which dropped A7 cents to A$6.69. Among the risers, Berkeley (BKY) continues to build on interest in its Spanish uranium projects, and added A16 cents last week to A$1.28. Energy and Metals (EMA) rose by A3.5 cents to A23.5 cents, Alliance (AGS) was up A1.5 cents to A34.5 cents, and Bannerman (BMN) gained A1.5 cents to A38.5 cents.
Coal companies were weaker across the board, but not by too much. Stanmore (SMR) slipped A3 cents lower to A87 cents. Whitehaven (WHC) was off by A13 cents to A$5.42, Coal of Africa (CZA) dropped A9.5 cents to A$1.83, while Kangaroo Coal (KRL), which we took a look at midweek, fell by A3.5 cents to A14.5 cents. The only coal play to rise was Bathurst (BTU), which has plans for the Buller project in New Zealand. It added A4.5 cents to A25 cents.
Minews. And specials to close.
Oz. Orocobre (ORE), one of the local lithium stocks, jumped A27 cents higher to close at A$2.05 after it was included in a new exchange-traded lithium fund. Galaxy (GXY), the other local lithium favourite, added A6 cents to A$1.15.
Minews. Thanks Oz.
31.07.2010
Source: Bougainville Copper Ltd. (Compushare) and updated by the ESBC
For the first time: An almost complete BCL major shareholder listing. Exclusively published by the ESBC !
Find out here who owns Bougainville Copper Limited !
Zum ersten Mal: Ein nahezu komplettes Verzeichnis der BCL Großaktionäre. Exklusiv von den ESBC veröffentlicht!
Erfahren Sie hier, wem Bougainville Copper Limited gehört !
Pour la première fois: Une liste presque complète des plus grands actionnaires de BCL. Publiée exclusivement par l'ESBC !
Ici vous trouvez les propriétaires de Bougainville Copper Limited !
30.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG PR MAN
By Aloysius Laukai
One of Bougainville Administration’s senior officer has been appointed as Public Relations officer for the Bougainville Administration.
Former Regional Commissioner JAMES TORAWA’s appointment was announced this week by the Acting Chief Administrator, RAYMOND MASONO.
MR. MASONO said that the main job for the Public Relations officer is to ensure that work of the Chief Administrator and the Bougainville Administration is effectively communicated to the public through the media.
One of its duties would be to liase with Radio Stations to organize radio coverage of the work of the office of the chief administrator and to assist in disseminating information on issues of interest/concerns within the whole of Bougainville administration.
The office will maintain close and professional working relationship with other media organizations.
New Dawn FM understands that the number five goal of the ABG President JOHN MOMIS is more awareness on the work of the ABG and its administration.
30.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SEMOSO DELIVERS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Regional member for Bougainville and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO today called on the Education division on Bougainville to immediately look at reforming the Education system on Bougainville.
MR. SEMOSO said that the new system which looks at the quantity and not the quality is failing in imparting quality education to the students.
He said he would like the Education reform on Bougainville go back to the Village Tokples System which made the school children speak English at Elementary Schools.
MR. SEMOSO said for Bougainville to move forward it must make sure that its students who are future leaders get quality education.
The Regional member said that he was sad to see today’s Grade 10 students unable to speak English.
MR. SEMOSO was speaking at the Opening of a Double Classroom at the Sohano Primary School this morning.
He had contributed FOUR THOUSAND KINA towards this classroom.
And at today’s opening, MR. SEMOSO presented another TEN THOUSAND KINA to the Sohano Primary School.
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SAFETY FIRST
By Aloysius Laukai
A construction Manager Xavior Tsiwa today called on the people of Bougainville to maintain safety standards and measures at work places.
He was talking on New Dawn FM talk back show this morning.
He said that most construction companies were not adhering to safety requirements at workplaces.
MR. TSIWA said that it was a requirement for Employers to make sure that their employees are in safety gear at work especially construction sites.
He said Safety Boots, Gloves and Glasses are a must at construction sites which are supposed to be off limits to the public.
MR. TSIWA said that he would be running courses on safety at work places for both the Employers and the Employees to attend.
He said that prevention and minimising the risk of having accidents at work places is a must for everybody.
MR. TSIWA said that because there is no fire Station in Buka, building owners must be made aware of the type of Fire Extinguishers they need to quell any fire that may occur.
29.07.2010
Source: ESBC
Still 120% to gain until the 2007 high !
Noch 120% bis zum Jahreshoch 2007 !
29.07.2010
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited
Excellent figures and promising outlook in BCL's 2010 Half Year Report !
Hervorragende Zahlen und viel versprechender Ausblick in BCLs Halbjahresbericht 2010 !
29.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville not ready for referendum: Momis
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
BOUGAINVILLE is not yet ready to go for a referendum to decide its political future, that’s the view of the Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief John Momis.
And he has warned that if Bougainville is not prepared to go for a referendum, it will be seen as a “failed state” or “banana republic”.
Mr Momis said though it is clearly stipulated in the Bougainville Agreement that Bougainville should go for a referendum between 10-15 years, with that time frame starting from the formation of the first House of Representatives, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
According to that timeframe Bougainville now only has five years left when the referendum now scheduled to be held between 2015-2020.
One of the issues highlighted by the president that still needs to be immediately addressed is improving the capacity building for Bougainville.
Mr Momis said capacity building is the first major issue that Bougainville needs to address before it can consider other outstanding issues.
However, he said this cannot be carried out at the moment due to lack of money to fund the exercise.
One of the contributing factors pertaining to lack of funding is because Bougainville has not been raising enough revenue.
Other areas pointed out by Mr Momis that still need to be addressed are fiscal self reliance and weapons disposal.
On the issue of weapons disposal, Mr Momis said if it is not adequately addressed, no investors will be willing to come and do business in Bougainville.
Meanwhile, Mr Momis is appealing to Bougainvilleans to support the ABG Government.
“This government is not for Momis, it is the government for the people of Bougainville,” he said.
“If you cannot support us then who will you listen to?”
29.07.2010
Source: The Australian / The Wall Street Journal
Goliath fights back against David in PNG mine battle
A HUGE resources boom that has been hidden behind Australia's mining success stories is under way in Papua New Guinea.
Billions of dollars have been pouring into Australia's closest neighbour to explore, study and develop massive deposits, chiefly of gas, copper-gold and nickel-cobalt.
As an Australian colony almost a century ago -- when the young Tasmanian Errol Flynn was prospecting there -- its income derived chiefly from mining. It was the lure of gold traces in fast-flowing rivers that led the first outside explorers to "discover" the populous Highlands, in the 1930s.
Since independence in 1975, the controversies over the Bougainville and Ok Tedi copper mines have significantly shaped Australians' knowledge of PNG.
And now, it is undergoing a boom as never before -- a boom led by Australian geologists, mining engineers, environmental experts, drill rig technicians, construction supervisors and others.
North Queensland's prosperity is riding, to an extent, on this PNG surge in resources, which provide 75 per cent of the country's export receipts.
But the boom is facing an unexpected threat, exacerbated severely by the government's stringent overreaction, which risks dividing the country and turning landowner groups against deals that promised to enrich them.
The core issue is new legislation that seeks to protect resource companies from any challenge to approved projects, including both legal action and protests. This has already been passed by the parliament -- whose scrambled and controversial adjournment, to protect the government led by Michael Somare from a no-confidence vote, means it will not sit again until November.
It was approved last month by 73 votes to 10 in parliament, but has not been ratified.
The legislation, in the form of amendments to the Environment Act, shelters resource projects from all litigation over the destruction of the environment, labour abuse, or landowner exploitation.
The amendments were driven by China's Metallurgical Construction Corp, the developer of the $1.8 billion Ramu Nickel mine, which is 8.56 per cent-owned by Brisbane-based Highlands Gold.
Injunctions were won by Ramu landowners to put on hold the completion of the pipeline intended to slurry waste from the mine, once it is operational, out to sea off Madang.
Mount Hagen-based lawyer Tiffany Nonggorr, who represented landowners in obtaining an injunction from judge David Cannings said: "There are grave environmental concerns. MCC must find an alternative to dumping the mine waste into the bay. The mine's proposal is just too risky. This injunction is a massive victory for us, definitely a David and Goliath struggle." Goliath fought back, with the support of the Somare government.
Ms Nonggorr responded that, as a result of the new legislation, if an oil company had a catastrophe such as BP's off the US coast, "they would escape all liability for environmental damage".
The amendments give the director of the government's environment and conservation office wide-ranging discretion to award certificates granting exemptions to resource developers from state requirements. Deputy Opposition Leader Bart Philemon, a former treasurer, said the new legislation protected the interests of investors at the expense of the resource owners and of the environment.
Port Moresby Governor Powes Parkop said it delivered "almost absolute power to the government"' on such matters.
But Sir Michael, defending the legislation, said: "We cannot get mining going while this is in court. The Prime Minister's Department has been held to ransom by (the judiciary). The government will lose a lot (of money)".
However, he has granted the Ramu project an unprecedented 10-year holiday from paying taxes.
The group that obtained the interim injunction is now seeking to make it permanent. This would trigger the need for a total reconfiguration of the project, which has always been predicated on dispersing its tailings in the ocean, which requires some preparatory blasting at the Basamuk reef.
The injunction was taken out by four people living on the Rai Coast. They claim that the discharge into the sea risks causing irrevocable damage to their lifestyle, which depends heavily on marine life.
Although the legislative amendments have been passed, they have not been ratified. So for now, the legal process continues to take precedence. Last week, a hearing with three judges decided 2-1 to keep the injunction in place.
Greg Anderson, the executive director of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, said on Monday that the controversial cause of the challenge to the Ramu Nickel mine -- its deep sea tailings placement -- had already been deployed in PNG by the gold mines at Lihir, Misima and Simberi without arousing controversy.
He said that Ramu Nickel had suffered from "a long, orchestrated campaign" of opposition that now threatens the whole project, on the verge of the completion of its construction.
"It's really causing major problems for us," he said. "Everybody in the industry is watching the issue with great interest.
"If such a major project -- for which the state has issued the required permits following the proper process -- is blocked, that will lead to ramifications for any economic activity in the country."
A core argument contributing to the injunction has been that the construction comprises a "public nuisance". But, Mr Anderson asked, "how can you build anything without causing a degree of nuisance?"
The conflict that caused the closure of the Bougainville copper mine was not, fundamentally, triggered by such environmental issues about the mine itself, Mr Anderson said. And now, the newly elected government of Bougainville is seeking to negotiate the reopening of the mine.
The Ok Tedi mine, whose original tailings dam collapsed, has been operating highly profitably since BHP-Billiton left in the wake of the resulting controversy that mired it in the courts.
The community groups in the area are now voting on whether to extend the mine's life beyond its planned closure in 2013. The pipeline from Ramu Nickel's mine site down to the refinery on the coast is now complete, and ready for commissioning. But concerns about the effects of the challenge on the completion of the Ramu Nickel project are underlined by the size of the other new projects on the move in PNG.
Besides the $16.5 billion ExxonMobil liquefied natural gas project under way, piping the gas down from the Southern Highlands to a liquefying plant near Port Moresby, there are promising gas finds in Western Province, and an onshore project in Gulf Province led by InterOil.
The Frieda River copper-gold project led by Xstrata is due to move soon to full feasibility mode, and the Wafi project -- also copper-gold -- is not far behind, also in Morobe. These are each likely to become $4-$5bn ventures.
The latter is owned by Newcrest and Harmony, which are commissioning the Hidden Valley gold-silver project.
Marengo Mining is proceeding with a feasibility study at Yandera, a copper-gold deposit not far from Ramu Nickel -- for which the most likely solution for tailings, would be to hitch a ride on the Ramu Nickel pipeline, if it is finally allowed to operate.
Mr Anderson said: "All our members are watching the developments over Ramu Nickel very carefully. Deep sea tailings disposal will become a growing issue."
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SCHOOL NEEDS HELP
By Veronica Hannette
A local school Balil Primary School on Nissan Island is faced with a lot of problems ranging from infrastructure, staffing and financial problems.
Because of this, the School’s Headmaster, Mr. Joseph Semi is urgently appealing to the authorities like the education division other stakeholders and the general public for support.
Mr. Semi says student’s attendance is very poor; the number of student intake has drastically dropped from its first enrolment a common practice at the school.
The Headmaster also revealed that his school is also facing a teacher shortage, with poor curriculum materials.
Mr. Semi attributed the lack of proper curriculum materials to the high cost of transportation as these basic government services are brought in by boats.
The principal is pleading to authorities to seriously and urgently look into the matter as this can spoil our future leaders
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RUMINA OBITS
By Tom Kathoa
One of Bougainville’s radio personality, Aloysius Rumina passed away in Buka this week.
The late Rumina joined Radio Bougainville under the old Department of Information Extension Services (DIES) in the early seventies after completing his education studies at the Malaguna Technical School in East New Britain
The late broadcaster made his way to becoming Manager of the NBC Provincial Radio Stations.
He served in East and West New Britain Provinces, New Ireland and Bougainville during his time with the NBC
The late Rumina had one of his leg amputated due to diabetes.
He leaves behind a wife several children and a number of grand children.
His body was laid to rest today at Pipisu in the Hagogohe Constituency.
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SEMOSO IS STATE MINISTER
By Tom Kathoa
The failed move by the opposition to topple the Somare Government was a blessing in disguise for Bougainville and provinces not represented in cabinet.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is among some provinces that benefited from the national opposition’s attempt to move a vote of no confidence in the current Somare led government.
Bougainville has four members in parliament and the region was rewarded with the elevation of the Regional Member, Hon Fidelis Semoso to State Minister.
Hon Semoso was Vice Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Bougainville Affairs.
However, the atmosphere in the attempt by the opposition to oust the current government in a no-confidence motion, Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare moved swiftly to name his new cabinet replacing those who have crossed to join the opposition.
Ministers replaced including the former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Dr. Puka Temu.
In the government’s new ministerial line-up, Bougainville’s Regional Member, Hon Fidelis Semoso is now the Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
The new minister was in the region at the weekend following the swearing in ceremony
in Port Moresby last week.
He returned to Port Moresby today accompanying the Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis to hold discussion with the prime minister on financial matters affecting Bougainville.
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CULTURE SEPARATE
By Aloysius Laukai
Meanwhile the outgoing CEO for the Communication, Culture and Tourism, MARTIN TEREA called on the Bougainville administration to quickly establish a separate administration for Culture, Environment and conservation separated by the new MOMIS government.
He told the Hand over ceremony today that since the division was separated by the Momis government when it appointed a separate Minister for Culture, Environment and conservation these two divisions should be separately administered.
MR. TEREA said this would make them concentrate on their respective portfolios.
The minister for works, communications and Tourism CAROLUS KETSIMUR also made the same sentiments.
The new minister for Culture, Environment and Conservation is MR. JOE EGILIO the member for RAO in Wakunai.
29.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CHANGE HANDS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Minister for Communication culture, tourism and works, CAROLUS KETSIMUR says that the Division of Communication, Culture and Tourism was forgotten by past governments to properly fund it so that it can do its work effectively.
MR. KETSIMUR said that the office must be fully funded so that it can work on its own program to raise funds and sustain its operations.
MR. KETSIMUR made these comments at the Hand over Take over ceremony of the Chief Executive Officers of the division.
MR. ROBERT ANISIA former Radio personality was recently appointed to head the division and today’s ceremony saw the official hand over from the Acting CEO Martin Terea who has been acting in that position after the former CEO
KOUT KAVOP resigned to stand for the ABG elections.
MR. KETSIMUR said that he would want to see the division move quickly to do what it is supposed to do to promote the work of the ABG.
He said the fifth goal of the Momis government is to carry out Awareness on the work of the government.
MR. KETSIMUR said that this has been missing for a long time.
27.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HEALTH AND SAFETY FIRST
By Veronica Hannette
Bougainville is lucky to have a facilitator from the SEFTI PNG to facilitate a Level One course in Safety in working places
The four-day workshop on Work Place Health and Safety started today at the Buka General Hospital Conference room.
This Level One course was funded by the Capacity Building Service Centre (CBSC) based in Port Moresby.
Twelve participants from different units within the hospital are attending this workshop.
Work Place Health and Safely workshop will end this Friday with the participants receiving Level One course certificates.
Hospital is a place where people visit every day and such workshop will greatly assist the staff to identify any hazards and put safety first in their respective units.
New Dawn FM understands that four courses are run under this Work Place Health and Safety course but due to financial constraints only one course will be conducted in Buka.
27.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
AGREEMENT REVIEW
By Aloysius Laukai
ABG President JOHN MOMIS says that Bougainville needs to be properly financed so that it can work on its capacity building and economic recovery.
He made these remarks at a Press Conference in Buka this morning.
MR. MOMIS said that he would push for funds to be inserted in the Bougainville Peace Agreement for the ABG to embark on activities to raise its own funds at the Bougainville Peace Agreement review later this year.
The ABG President said that when the Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed there was an oversight that has made the ABG working on just maintaining normal government service instead of working on new programs that could raise the capacity of the ABG as stipulated under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
27.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS LAST CHANCE
By Aloysius Laukai
ABG President JOHN MOMIS today gave his last warning to people who are still misusing and holding on to Government assets to return them or face the consequences.
MR. MOMIS in a News Conference said that although he has given the warning some people have not changed but that will not be for long.
He said that wants to let the people know that there is only one government for Bougainville and people must respect it.
The President said that for Bougainville to see some changes everybody must do their part and not expect the government to do it alone.
MR. MOMIS said that Law and Order must be restored if we want to attract investments by Bougainvilleans themselves and other foreign partners.
The ABG President also commended the Prime Minister for appointing Regional member FIDELIS SEMOSO as the new Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
MR. MOMIS said that he would be working closely with the new minister to make sure that the ABG’s development priorities are addressed.
On the question of Bougainville missing out on promised projects if the NA led government is removed, MR. MOMIS said that the ABG will work with any PNG Government as guaranteed by the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
On the Appointment of a new Bougainville chief Administrator, MR MOMIS said that he would like to see a new Chief Administrator by next month.
27.07.2010
Source: The National
Semoso to address drawdown of power
THE drawdown of powers to Bougainville will be among the issues to be addressed by Bougainville Governor and new Bougainville Affairs Minister Fidelis Semoso.
Semoso also promised to work with Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to make sure promises he made to put impact projects on Bougainville were honoured.
He made note of the sealing of the Buka to Buin Highway and the completion of the Buka ring road.
Semoso said he would be aligning the work of the Bougainville Affairs office in Port Moresby to concentrate more on programmes on Bougainville.
He called on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to work with his office instead of going direct to the national government on issues that could be solved through his office.
He was speaking at a ceremony to welcome him as the new minister for Bougainville Affairs after he was sworn in last week.
Meanwhile, the chiefs of Buka Island and the ABG welcomed Semoso at the Buka airport.
Vice-president Patrick Nisira said the ABG would be working with Semoso on developments for Bougainville.
Nisira in also called on Semoso to make sure Buka becomes an electorate in appreciation for creating stability after the Bougainville conflict.
He said Buka Island had the same population as Manus and should be given one electorate status to have one Open member after the 2012 elections.
26.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
World Vision Bougainville Office is setting up its own communication.
By Aloysius Laukai
Previously they have been using other private service providers for the Internet access and with this new set up they would now utilize their own network.
World Vision this year moved into other Health sector areas like HIV and AIDS awareness issues.
Previously they were heavily involved in the Water and Sanitation program for North Bougainville.
They are moving south towards Kunua, Torokina areas.
26.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SCHOOL FEES
By Aloysius Laukai
South Bougainville students attending the Pacific Adventist University want the member for South Bougainville to speed up payment of TWENTY THOUSAND KINA promised to assist them with their school fees for this year.
Bougainville Student’s Representative, RICTER KOKINAI told New Dawn FM that the member for South Bougainville, Honourable Stephen Pirika on May 16th visited the school and promised to assist the students.
RICTER KOKINAI said that the administration had already advised them that they will not register for second semester until they settle all the outstanding for last semester.
The students when acknowledging payments to Secondary schools said that their needs are more than what they expect at those secondary schools on Bougainville.
The students also questioned when the ABG School fee assistance scheme will come to their aid.
This they said was main sources of assistance that they normally benefited from every year.
Meanwhile the Acting Chief Administrator for Bougainville, RAYMOND MASONO has assured the Bougainville students that the ABG will still pay school fees under its school fee assistance program.
He said that the delay was due to non funding of FIFTEEN MILLION KINA by the national government.
MR. MASONO said that the ABG President will be talking to the Prime Minister this week and hopefully they will make the payments in the coming weeks.
26.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TARAVARU OBSERVER
By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI
Bougainville Acting Electoral Commissioner Reitama Taravaru has been invited by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to be part of an International observer team that will monitor the Solomon Islands Elections this year.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner for Bougainville will be out of the country for a week to join the other International Observers in the Solomon Islands
The International Observers that will monitor the Solomon Islands Elections are,
10 from Australia, 7 from Japan, 9 from New Zealand, 15 from USA,9 from Commonwealth Secretariat and 5 from the Pacific Island Secretariat.
The observers are expected to arrive between the 28th and 30th of July for a pre-election briefing in Honiara.
Voting in the Solomon Island Elections will commence on the 4th of August 2010 followed with the counting from the 5th of August 2010.
The election will be conducted under Solomon Island’s Election Act.
The observers are there to make sure the election follows the Electoral Laws and that democracy process is fully followed with transparency in the overall conduct for the elections.
The international observers will be working under the United Nations International Election Observation Coordination Team (UN IEOCT)
Mr Taravaru will return on the 8th of August 2010
25.07.2010
Source: Panguna Landowners / ESBC
The Panguna Landowner Association (PLA) publishes
new Guidelines for Scrap Metal Operators !
25.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn of Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE WELCOMED.
By Aloysius Laukai
The chiefs of Buka island and including the ABG last Friday welcomed the arrival of the newly appointed Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO at the Buka airport.
In a special ceremony the chiefs thanked Prime Minister CHIEF MICHAEL SOMARE for recognising the member and appointing him as the new State Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
The chiefs said that now Bougainville has two members in the NEC which would greatly help the people of Bougainville.
Speakers at the ceremony include the ABG Vice President, PATRICK NISIRA and the Council of Elders Chairman ROMEO TOHIANA and the Acting Chief Administrator, RAYMOND MASONO.
The Vice President PATRICK NISIRA said that the ABG would be working with the new minister on developments for Bougainville.
MR. NISIRA in his speech also called on the new member to make sure Buka becomes an electorate as a bonus for creating and stability after the Bougainville conflict.
He said Buka island has the same population like Manus and should be given one electorate status to have one Open member after the 2012 elections.
25.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn of Bougainville
SEMOSO READY
By Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville Regional member and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO says that he will fast track issues that needs to be addressed during his remaining term in parliament.
He was speaking at the welcome ceremony to welcome as the new Minister for Bougainville Affairs after he was sworn in last week.
MR. SEMOSO said that as the new Bougainville Affairs Minister he wants to work closely with the ABG to address the draw down of Powers to Bougainville and other outstanding issues.
He promised to work with the Prime Minister to make sure promises he made to put impact projects on Bougainville are honoured.
He mentioned the sealing of the Buka to Buin Highway and the completion of the Buka ring road.
The new Bougainville affairs Minister also said that he would be aligning the work of the Bougainville Affairs office in Port Moresby to concentrate more on programs on Bougainville.
He called on the ABG to work with his office instead of going direct to the National Government on issues that can be solved through his office.
25.07.2010
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited, updated by the ESBC
Find out here who owns Bougainville Copper Limited !
Erfahren Sie hier, wem Bougainville Copper Limited gehört !
Ici vous trouvez les propriétaires de Bougainville Copper Limited !
23.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUKA CELEBRATE
By Aloysius Laukai
The people of Bougainville this morning welcomed the newly appointed Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Regional Member for Bougainville, FIDELIS SEMOSO.
Chiefs and Administration officials in a small ceremony to welcome the minister at the Buka airport and a small feast at the Kuri village resort.
More news of the speeches will be posted shortly.
Pictured is the Minister FIDELIS SEMOSO with ABG Vice President PATRICT NISIRA(left and the new member for Tsitalato Cosmas Sohia pose for the AL picture at the ceremony this morning.
22.07.2010
Source: ESBC
Fidelis Semoso Is the New PNG Minister for Bougainville Affairs.
South Bougainville National Alliance Party MP Fidelis Semoso (pictured second from the left) in the national PNG-Parliament has been appointed new Minister for Bougainville Affairs yesterday by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
The Grand Chief actually lives a turmoil due to a break-off of former supporters as sacked Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Puka Temu, and other well-known PNG politicians. Until now it is not yet clear if Sir Michael can escape from a non-confidence-vote claim initiated by opposing members of parliament who want Dr. Puka Temu as new Prime Minister. The actual political turbulences in Port Moresby are not supposed to have a major impact on the ongoing work of ABG-President John Momis.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SHARED EXPERIENCES
By Tom Kathoa
Two former ABG Chairmen of Parliamentary Sectoral Committees shared their experiences with new members of the ABG Parliament this week.
The two former chairmen, Mr. Jan Tenevi and Alois Devue were part of a team of resource personnel who gave lectures to new chairmen and members of the parliamentary committees in a workshop this week.
They encouraged their successors to perform their assigned duties knowing that it is for the good of all the people of Bougainville.
Being members of such a committee is recognition of one’s potential and therefore individual committee members should perform their duties without hesitation.
Mr. Tenevi and Devui said individual committees would face varied difficulties, but urged them to press on to achieve the committee’s desired objectives.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
INDEPENDENCE OF COMMITTEES
By Tom Kathoa
The Public Accounts Committee was created by an Act of Parliament and therefore it is a permanent and the most important Parliamentary Committee in any parliament.
Clerk of the ABG Parliament, Mr. Robert Tapi revealed this to participants of a two day workshop of the Role of Parliamentary Sectoral Adversory Committee, which ended yesterday.
Mr. Tapi told participants that the work of the PAC is to inquire on how the government and its administrative machinery use funds allocated in the budget.
Mr. Tapi was assisted by the Secretary of the Public Accounts Committee here, Mr. Anselem Hakalits and Mr. Simon Johnston of the New South Wales Parliament.
Members learned that the works of these committees are governed by law and information collected by the committee during an inquiry is protected materials under law.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MEMBERS SUPPORT BELLE
By Tom Kathoa
Members of the Bougainville Tourism Association and Members of Cultural Groups have pledged their support for their boss, Mr. Lawrence Belle against criticism that the cultural shows are breeding grounds for phonographic production.
Some critics claim that women performing bare breasted lead to criminal activities such as rape and also an avenue for the production of phonographic materials.
Members during their meeting today brushed aside the claims as baseless and only created to divert the attention of the group to promote the region’s rich culture.
Elder, Peter Barik who led a group of Bougainville traditional dancers to the Cultural Arts Festival in Port Moresby said the public widely accepted his group and urged members to remain focused on promoting our cultures as stipulated in the Bougainville Constitution.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TRADITIONAL HIPPROCRACY
By Tom Kathoa
Bare breasted Bougainville Women during festivals is the talk of town as organizers of the Mona Festival prepare for the coming festive occasion.
But, exposing of breasts publicly by women and young girls has not gone down well with some people in the community.
One such person is Helen Hakena of Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency who is opposed to women exposing their breast in such public gatherings.
Women all over Papua New Guinea perform in their traditional and cultural attires during cultural festivals to show case the country’s different and varied cultures.
Promoters of the Mona Festival and other traditional activities say there is nothing wrong with young women performing in traditional costumes.
The Bougainville Constitution promotes traditional cultures and practices and this must be acted upon.
Displaying of our traditional cultures is one way of bringing in money to the region and is also a way for the dancers and performers, carvers, artists and musicians to earn money.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Turbulences in Port Moresby.
The calculated sudden adjournment of the National Parliament by Speaker, Jeffery Nape did not go down well with many ordinary Papua New Guineans.
Fearing a change in the current government, Speaker Nape adjourned parliament sitting to the November Budget session.
Yesterday, the Opposition gave notice of a No Confidence Vote in the Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
The No-Confidence Motion names for Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Sir Puka Temu as the alternate prime minister.
Sir Puka defected from the government with several other ministers and government back benchers and joined the opposition in its bid to topple the current government.
Many ordinary people see the government’s tactic to adjourned parliament to avoid facing the motion as a move in bad taste.
One such person who requested that his name be withheld said the move smells dictatorial.
The action by the Prime Minister, Sir Michael and his son Author Somare to threaten a fellow parliamentarian with the words “TO KILL” is unacceptable and unbecoming of a leader of great standing.
The Somares have only undone the good name they stood for.
Meanwhile, the opposition is putting pressure on the Speaker to reconvene parliament as soon as practicable.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LEEFENG CREW DEPART
By Veronica Hannette
Six member crew of the ship MV Lee Feng that ran aground the west coast of Buka island boarded an Air Niugini flight to Port Moresby yesterday.
Their tickets were met by the Consort Agent Makerio shipping in Buka.
The crews had been in Buka since February and left under the supervision of Marine lawyer Brain White who is also the lawyer for Consort based in Port Moresby.
The crews could not extend their staying in Buka due to funds but the Makerio Shipping Agent came good to meet their accommodation.
Lee Feng crew members were cleared by Customs Immigration in Buka whilst they still will be dealt with by the National Marine Time Safety Authority (NMSA) in Port Moresby.
The crews will transit in Port Moresby through a Chinese Agent, Rimbunan Hijau.
Meanwhile, two overseas companies have tendered to salvage the out of the reefs.
Once tender is approved of of these two companies would heve to salvage the ship.
They are Titan Marine Time (SEA) Pte Ltd an American company based in Singapore and Perrot Salvage and Construction Pty Ltd.
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
UCWF FUNDRAISING
By Veronica Hannette
Members of the United Church Women Fellowship (UCWF) of East Buka Circuit held a fundraising activity in front of Rabbans Guest House.
The UCWF East Buka Circuit covers three areas, the Saposa, Novah and Halia. Circuits.
This fundraising activity programme was to help the women in their circuits to meet their financial needs
During an interview with New Dawn FM, Co-ordinator of the East Buka Circuit Serah Tago said this is the third time for the group to hold such a programme.
Ms. Tago told members of the United Church of the need to co-operate with leaders and members to start up religious ministries and urged mothers to meaningfully take part in such activities
22.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MASONO CLEARS AIR OVER SCHOOL FEES ASSISTANCE
By Tom Kathoa
A relief is in sight for Bougainville parents and students affected by the Non payment of school fee assistance by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Educational Institutions like the Hutjena Secondary School in Buka and others are facing financial problems and were in the process sending their students home.
This year, the ABG Government appropriated K2 million to subsidize student’s school fees for Bougainville students in High, Secondary and Vocational Schools in the region.
This assistance also covers Bougainville students studying in tertiary institutions like the universities and colleges outside the region.
Bougainville’s Acting Chief Administrator, Mr. Raymond Masono explained that the ABG Government has a commitment to meet its children’s school fees.
Mr. Masono said the problem is not with the ABG, but rather the national government.
He explained that the national government has not come good with its K15 million assistance to the ABG under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
He has assured parents of the affected students that the Bougainville Administration would settle the outstanding payment as soon as money becomes available.
The Acting Administrator said the ABG President, Hon Chief John Momis would travel to Port Moresby to meet with the Prime Minister on the issue.
Mr. Masono confidently said the problem of outstanding school fees would be settled in the coming weeks, but failed short of naming a date for the settlement.
He urged parents to be calm and be prepared for the coming school year, 2011.
21.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville Govt discuss issues on mining in region
By Alex Munme
THE Bougainville executive council under president John Momis has already begun discussing issues relating to mining in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
This was revealed in his first policy speech to the Bougainville House of Representatives last week. In this policy a review process is the first step in order for Bougainvilleans to work with the major stakeholders - the National Government and BCL. In the review process, issues like the Bougainville Copper Agreement, compensation, environment, training, business opportunities for Bougainvilleans, and revenue shares of landowners and the Bougainville government will be discussed.
At the same time, the BEC will be considering the future of the moratorium on mineral exploration in Bougainville that has been in place since 1974.
“We will need to decide whether or not the time is coming when we will allow exploration. New exploration would bring investment, employment and tax revenues. It would help us to decide whether or not there might be smaller and more environmentally friendly alternatives to re-establishing a mine at Panguna.
“In addition, fees for exploration licences under a Bougainville mining law could possibly generate significant income for the ABG. For example, if licences are put out to international tender, mineral exploration companies will compete in terms of the amount of the licence fee they are willing to pay.
“The BEC will also need to consider developing a realistic policy on small-scale mining by Bougainvilleans. Thousands of our people are now washing for gold in rivers, or in the BCL leases. Others are doing small-scale mining of veins of gold in hard-rock in various parts of Bougainville. Many people are making a lot of money.
“But this small-scale mining is also causing problems. They include land and other disputes, safety issues for miners, and environmental damage.
“Furthermore, many of our people are being robbed by unscrupulous buyers who fail to pay them fair prices for their gold,” said Mr Momis.
21.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville and NSW into partnership
THE House of Representatives in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Parliament of New South Wales, Australia, have entered into a parliamentary partnership agreement.
This partnership aims to promote collaboration, co-operation and understanding between the House of Representatives in the ABG and the Parliament of New South Wales for the mutual benefit of both parliaments. Under the terms of this agreement, the house of representatives of the autonomous Region of Bougainville and the parliament of New South Wales will work towards developing friendly relations between the two parliaments through:
* Exchange of information regarding the work of the two parliaments and on matters of common interest;
* Training activities between the parliaments that promote parliamentary developments;
* Exchange of visits between the two parliaments as a means of fostering links between parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and,
* Meetings between representatives of the parliaments at conferences or seminars they may attend.
Each Parliament will appoint a liaison officer for the purposes of this agreement. Proposals and arrangements for exchanges will be co-ordinated through the liaison officers.
21.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Police hold slogan competition for children
THERE is a new competition for Bougainvillean children who are imaginative. This competition has started and ends in the second week of August.
The community policing section of the Bougainville Police Service (BPS) in conjunction with the Bougainville Community Policing Project (BCPP) and NZAID, have announced this new competition for the children with a K500 cash prize.
To enter the competition, the children must create a new slogan in 10 words or less for the Bougainville police’s anti-drugs and homebrew campaign.
This slogan can be in either English or Tok Pisin.
Acting Sergeant Gordon Magogoa says: “This slogan will be used to increase awareness of the danger that cannabis, homebrew and other dangerous drugs pose to our community.”
The competition is open to any child attending school on Bougainville.
Entries can be made directly to the community policing offices in Buka and Arawa, or handed to the community auxiliary police.
The winner of the competition will receive K200 to pay for school fees or books, and their school will receive K300 for educational supplies.
The competition closes on August 14.
21.07.2010
Source: The National
Bougainville MPs urged to sacrifice 5% pay
By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI
A LAWYER has suggested that all Bougainvilleans commit 5% of their salaries to a fund to help Bougainville move forward to become a powerful state in the world within 20 years.
“Let us start with our new MPs sacrificing 5% of their salaries to a separate fund that could be called the health improvement and education fund.
“All Bougainvillean working class can also sacrifice 5% of their net pay to go to that fund,” Port Moresby-based Bougainvillean lawyer Joel Minsipi Nawa told The National.
He said Bougainvilleans must not rely too much on the national government grants to build up its economy, maintain political stability and improve its social indicators.
Nawa said the newly-elected Bougainville government had a unique duty to perform unlike the national government or others that come from politically and economically established states.
“Ours is a government coming out of a crisis, to run a state, which had all its parts, namely law and order, economic, social and political aspects not in order since 1988,” he said.
“Our new government is like that of Timor-Leste and other war-torn states in the world. It has a unique responsibility in putting together the different parts that were dismantled by the Bougainville conflict.
“That unique responsibility is for today’s Bougainville to sacrifice for tomorrow’s Bougainville’s enjoyment,” he said.
Nawa said the sacrifices included communal sacrifice and personal sacrifice to move Bougainville.
“Communal sacrifice involves the building of roads, aid posts, schools (with limited resources) by the people themselves at their own expense with minimal assistance from the Autonomous Bougainville Government or the national government,” he added.
“It will also involve some control in spending by the ABG on expensive hotels in Port Moresby and going for the cheaper guest houses while on travel duty.
“Personal sacrifice will involve sacrificing one’s personal time and money in the name of Bougainville’s progress,” Nawa said.
21.07.2010
Source: The National
Women’s awareness group targets villages
By Veronica Hannette
THE Bougainville Inter-Women Forum (BICWF) is targeting Selau district with its leadership awareness courses on Bougainville.
The non-governmental organisation last Friday ended its second workshop in Tabut village.
The organisation conducted two awareness courses earlier, the first in Tortei village and the second in Tabut village last Friday.
Participants increased from 43 to 83.
The BICWF programme will then move to Siara and Ton villages in the remaining two weeks of July.
During their week-long programme in Tabut, they identified a leadership breakdown, hatred between youths and chiefs even a lack of police power that led to ignorance in the community.
Drug consumption was one of the issues they found to be disturbing their communities and they resolved to find ways of reducing such activities.
The participants conducted plays to present their cases which delighted Selau member Terry Mose.
20.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PUBLIC HOLIDAY
By Aloysius Laukai
Friday July 23rd has been declared a public Holiday.
This is to commemorate the National Remembrance day.
A circular from the Acting Chief Administrator, RAYMOND MASONO says that all government work will cease at 4 pm on Thursday July 22nd, 2010.
And normal government work will start at 0745 on Monday 26th July, 2010.
The Acting Chief Administrator said that the holiday will not affect Emergency Health Services which will continue throughout the long weekend.
20.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FOREIGNORS SCREENED
By Aloysius Laukai
All Foreigners involving in Business activities on Bougainville will be screened following a new directive from the ABG President JOHN MOMIS.
President JOHN MOMIS, today expressed deep concern about the increasing number of foreigners involved in unapproved commercial projects on Bougainville.
He said that the situation was particularly serious in Central Bougainville with such projects like the sales of scrap metals from BCL Properties,
Sales of Oil from the Loloho Power house and Alluvial Gold mining in the special mine lease areas and tailings lease areas on the Kawerong and Jaba rivers.
The President said that there were many dangers in dealing with foreigners not approved by the government.
He said that the ABG would be setting checkpoints at airports and wharves to make sure all foreigners are screened for their Passports and Visas, work permits and local contact details.
President Momis said that the exercise is not to stop Bougainvilleans from entering into partnership arrangements with investors but to make sure that foreign partners are honest and capable.
He said all new applications must go through the Screening Committee set up by the Bougainville Administration.
20.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PEACE CAR TAKEN WITH FORCE
By Aloysius Laukai
A Toyota Land cruiser Ten seater used by the CEO for Peace and Reconciliation office based in Arawa was taken by gunmen from its driver in Buka last night.
According to the Peace coordinator, GEORGE MANU the way those gunmen went about in taking the car from the driver was un-professional.
He said the car was waiting for funds to get C service when it was taken off the driver.
MR. MANU said that even if the new Government wanted to repossess the car to hand over to the new CEO it would have been proper to take it after the handover/take over ceremony.
He said reports and information of peace policies and priorities and achievements done by the previous officer is needed by the new officer for the sake of continuity.
According to reports gathered by New Dawn FM, the CEO was recently replaced by the new Momis Government however there was no handover take over between the former CEO DENNIS KUIAI and the new CEO and former ABG Speaker NICK PENIAI.
The last government with the support of UNDP had located the peace office in Arawa to negotiate peace reconciliations between many factions in the Central Bougainville and South Bougainville.
And with the new CEO it is anticipated that this office will return to Buka thus moving away from the trouble spots in Central and South Bougainville.
Reports said that the people who took the car said that they were following orders from the new CEO NICK PENIAI and President MOMIS.
We were unable to get comments from the President this afternoon on this incident.
20.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
MP pays fees for students
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
STUDENTS from South Bougainville doing their grade 12 in the three secondary schools in Bougainville can now concentrate on their studies without having to worry about their school fees.
Their parents can focus on finding their children’s school fees for next year,
They do not have to worry about this year’s fees as South Bougainville MP Steven Pirika Kama has decided to shoulder the students’ problems by paying their fees in full.
Those students who will be benefiting from the South Bougainville MP’s initiative include those attending Hutjena and Bishop Wade secondary schools in North Bougainville and Buin Secondary School in South Bougainville.
Mr Kama decided to pay the students’ school fees because he saw that there was need to develop the future human resource for south Bougainville.
The payments were personally delivered by Mr Kama to both the principals of Hutjena and Buin secondary schools about a fortnight ago. While presenting the K66 666.70 to Hutjena Secondary School principal Martin Takalie, Mr Kama said:
“I always believe in the development of our human resources to move our region forward.
“If we can’t invest in human resource development, let us forget everybody.
“That is why I have made a commitment to invest in paying the school fees of grade 12 students from South Bougainville,” Mr Kama said.
While receiving the payment from Mr Kama, Mr Takalie thanked the MP and applauded him for his school fee initiative.
The cheque for Buin Secondary School, totalling K72,133.40 was also presented by Mr Kama to the school principal Tony Malamo.
The funds to be used as school fees for Bishop Wade Secondary School worth K61,200 is expected to be presented to the school sometimes this week.
School fee payments made by Mr Kama to Bishop Wade Secondary School have been paid in full while only a small amount still needs to be paid to both Hutjena and Buin secondary schools to complete the school fee payments for these two schools.
19.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Selau Advancing
By Veronica Hannette
The Bougainville Inter-Church Women Forum (BICWF) is targeting the Selau District with its leadership awareness courses on Bougainville.
The non-government organization last Friday ended its second workshop in Tabut village.
The organization had conducted two awareness courses earlier, the first one in Tortei village and the second one in Tabut village last Friday.
Participants increased from 43 to 83 participants.
The BICWF program will then move to Siara and Ton Villages in the remaining two weeks of July.
During their week –long program in Tabut they identified that there are leadership breakdown, hatred between youths and chiefs even a lack of police power that led to ignorance in the community.
Drug consumption was one of the issues they found to be disturbing their communities and they resolved to find ways of reducing these activities.
The participants did role plays and dramas to present their cases which has made their local member for Selau , Terry Mose happy.
He thanked the organization for the initiative to do this awareness in the Selau area.
19.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
COE’s A Disgrace
By Veronica Hannette
Council of Elders in the Selau district has been challenged to work with their communities.
The Regional member for Bougainville Fidelis Semoso made this comment at the closing in ceremony of the BICWF workshop last Friday at Tabut village.
MR. SEMOSO said that COE was the authority on the ground and by not involving themselves with community activities it was isolating itself from its people.
He said no wonder there were a lot of activities happening without the knowledge of the COE.
MR. SEMOSO also called on the Executive Manager for Selau to discipline the COE members for not participating in community activities in their areas.
The Regional member made these comments after there was no representative from the COE office even after they had received their invitations.
This is the second time such invitation in a week in the Selau area.
19.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Change Attitude
By Aloysius Laukai
Meanwhile, Lawyer Joel Minsipi Nawa is also calling on all Bougainvilleans to change our own mentality to commit ourselves for the future progress of Bougainville.
He says that all winning candidates in the election as well as all loosing candidates must work together, put their differences aside and work together for Bougainville’s good.
He says all loosing candidates are also leaders of Bougainville as reflected by the number of Voters who voted for them.
MR. Minsipi says that the winning candidates have a duty (in the best interest of Bougainville) to delegate some tasks to loosing candidates so that they work together in harmony to move Bougainville forward to be a powerful State in the Pacific and in the world.
The Bougainville Lawyer made a special call President John Momis to delegate some tasks (particularly weapons disposal and peace and reconciliation program) to James Tanis and other leaders from Mekamui so that Weapons disposal is done quickly as possible with the aim of making Bougainville weapons- free before Referendum is held in 5 years time.
He said that this also requires special sacrifices from the Churches, women, individuals in order for us to achieve the Bougainville wishes.
19.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SACRIFICE MORE
By Aloysius Laukai
The new Bougainville Government which is going to govern Bougainville in the next 5 years or beyond, has a unique duty to perform unlike others such as that of the National Government or others that come from politically and economically established States. Ours is a government coming out of the Crisis, to run a State of Bougainville which had all its parts -namely law and order, economic, social and political aspects not in order since 1988.
These are comments from a Bougainvillean Lawyer based in Port Moresby.
Joel Minsipi Nawa told the National from Port Moresby that our new government like that of East Timor, and others from War- torn States around the world has a unique responsibility in putting together the different parts that got dismantled by the Bougainville Conflict.
That unique responsibility for Bougainville is for TODAY's Bougainville to SACRIFICE for TOMORROW’s Bougainville's enjoyment.
There are two types of Sacrifices that we may make. (1.) Communal sacrifice (2), Personal Sacrifice. Employing both types of Sacrifices by Bougainvilleans will move Bougainville forward.
He said that Communal Sacrifice may involve building of roads, aid posts schools (with limited resources) by the people themselves at their own expense with minimal assistance from the ABG or the National Government. It may also involve some control in spending by ABG on expensive hotels in Port Moresby and going for the more cheaper guest houses while on duty travel.
He said Personal Sacrifice may involve sacrificing one's personal time and money in the name of Bougainville's progress.
For Bougainville to prosper and become less dependant both economically and politically, the new Bougainville government has to sacrifice today starting with the new Members, then all Bougainville Public servants and working Bougainvilleans in Bougainville, as well as all Public servants and working Bougainvilleans from Bougainville in PNG.
The unemployed and self employed Bougainvilleans should also sacrifice one way or the other to move Bougainville forward.
Bougainville Elites, mainly those who are highly educated working in other parts of PNG and Overseas also have a moral duty to contribute to Bougainville not for money but for Service.
Today is the time to work for tomorrow's enjoyment. Bougainvillean members of the House of Representatives may sacrifice by, letting 5% of their salaries going straight into a separate fund that may be called ''Health improvement/Education Fund''. All Bougainvillean working class can also sacrifice 5% of the net pay to go to that Fund. Bougainville may make its own laws to implement this.
While the National Government has a legal obligation to finance Bougainville through recurrent unconditional grants, restoration and development grants, conditional grants, and other grants, Bougainville must not rely heavilly on those grants to build up its economy, maintain political stability and to increase its Social indicators.
Lawyer Minsipi said that all Bougainvilleans should sacrifice by poking out part of their money from their net pays to make Bougainville a powerful State in the world 15 to 20 years from now.
He said that Singapore and Japan have sacrificed yesterday and today, these two States have become two of the worlds economic powers and Malaysia as well as China are currently following them.
19.07.2010
Source: The National
ABG to focus on Bougainville’s economic policy
By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI
THE new Bougainville government plans to improve living standards of the people of Bougainville through its economic policy.
President John Momis unveiled his government’s plan in his first official statement to House of Representatives Members recently.
Momis said the ABG had a responsibility to improve the lives of its people through its economic and development programs.
He said the government could only do this if it understood the needs of the people, adding there were many areas in Bougainville were still in isolation and the government must do all it can to address them.
He said areas like Konnou in South Bougainville and Panguna and Torokina in Central Bougainville lacked proper transport, health and education services.
In Torokina, he said giving an example; people have resorted to selling World War Two ammunition to earn a living.
To change this, Momis said the government planned to develop the Torokina area agriculturally with the planned oil palm project.
He said this and other agricultural development would improve the way of living of the people there.
He said the ABG would pursue the previous government’s decision to conduct a review on the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA).
Under the BCA review, the wishes of the people, particularly the landowners, would be seriously taken into consideration with more consultation and dialogue.
Momis indicated that the review would begin before the end of the year.
18.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUKAWIND
By Aloysius Laukai
Buka is having very strong winds as from last night Saturday.
Lucky no power lines have been destroyed because power is still on.
We will check in the morning if some damage has been done to buildings.
I checked around for weather reports and possible strong wind warnings but only for Torrest Strait waters. Nothing on PNG.
18.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Speakers for New South Wales Parliament, Hon Richard Torbay (left) MP and Andrew Miriki (right) the speaker of ABG House pose for this picture after signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last Friday.
16.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Influx of patients
Joyce Tohui
Doctors from the Buka General Hospital are questioning why patients from the villages are not utilizing their Health establishments and instead coming with minor illnesses to the Buka General Hospital.
Doctor Joe Vilosi told New Dawn FM today that the Buka General Hospital is packed with a lot of patients with minor illnesses that can be treated at the rural health centers.
He says that more than 75 percent of patients from the rural areas bypass the primary health services to come to Buka.
The Buka General Hospital staffs are now questioning why this is happening.
Doctor Vilosi says this may be happening because the rural health services are not providing the services required in the villages.
He is calling on the health division to immediately go to the rural health centers and investigate the matter.
Doctor Joe Vilosi says this is a big concern for the people to know what is happening to our rural health sector.
16.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MIRIKI HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai
Speaker of the ABG House of Representatives, ANDREW MIRIKI says that Bougainville needs to build its capacity to become one of the recognized Parliaments in the pacific by entering into agreements with more established parliaments like the New South Wales Parliament.
He was speaking at the twinning agreement signing in Buka today.
MOU Ceremony
MR. MIRIKI said that to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the oldest parliaments in Australia which is highly advanced, well resourced and democratically established will definitely improve the capacity of our new parliament.
He said he strongly believes that if parliaments are well resourced and strengthened it would further strengthen the work of the government.
He said that the singing of the agreement with New South Wales parliament is timely and appropriate and a relief in some ways for his new parliament.
The twining arrangement is for a three year period.
16.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PAY UP PLEASE
By Aloysius Laukai
THE Clerk of the ABG House of Representatives, ROBERT TAPI says that the ABG needs to pay up its affiliation fees if it want to benefit from partnership arrangements within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Associations.
He was making his welcome speech at the signing of the Parliamentary Partnership Agreement between the ABG Parliament and the New South Wales Parliament in Buka today.
MR. TAPI said that the ABG missed out from many assistance due to its failure to pay its fees in the last two years.
The clerk said that he was happy that the Commonwealth of Parliament Associations (CPA) to twin the ABG house to the New South Wales Parliament and the Solomon Islands National Parliament.
He also welcomed the decision by AUSAID to fund the implementation of this Agreement.
The clerk also said that differences between these two parliaments will not deter the implementation of this partnership Agreement signed today in Buka.
Bougainville’s parliament is a one chamber parliament which is different from the New South Wales Parliament which has a upper and Lower House.
Pictured is Speaker of New South Wales Parliament HON Richard Torbay MP
whislt left is Clerk of ABG Parliament Robert Tapi
16.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TWINNING SIGNED
By Aloysius Laukai
Speakers of the ABG and New South Wales Parliament today signed the Parliamentary Partnership Agreement between House of Representatives of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the New South Wales Parliament.
This Parliamentary Partnership Agreement aims to promote collaboration, cooperation and understanding between the House of Representatives of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the Parliament of New South Wales for mutual benefit of both parliaments.
Under the terms of this agreements both parliaments have agreed to work towards developing friendly relations between the two parties through,
a) Exchange of information regarding the work of the two parliaments on matters of common interest.
b) Training activities between the two parliaments that will promote parliamentary development.
c) Echange of visits between the two parliaments as a means of fostering links between parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and
d) Meeting between representatives of the parliaments at conferences or seminars they may attend.
The Agreement was signed by ABG Speaker, ANDREW MIRIKI, Speaker of New South Wales Parliament, RICHARD TORBAY and President of the Legislative Council of the New South Wales Parliament MRS. AMANDA FAZIO.
16.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
International film to tell crisis story
By GORETHY KENNETH
AN international film, to be auditioned in Bougainville, Port Moresby and Honiara (Solomon Islands) is set for casting next week.
The film Mr Pip is based on a book by New Zealand author Lloyd Jones. The story is set in 1991, during the Bougainville conflict. Fourteen-year-old Matilda and her mother Dolores live in an isolated village in Bougainville. Matilda’s village has lost electricity, medicine and teachers but no-one has been killed. Mr Watts, the only white man among them, agrees to teach the kids. He reads the novel, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Matilda imagines a world where the characters in the book, Pip, Joe and Estella, look like her and other villagers, but they are wearing Victorian clothes and living in homes which are bigger versions of village huts. She is a bit in love with Pip and writes his name on the beach. The PNG army think the village is hiding a rebel by the name of Pip. The misunderstanding escalates and Matilda’s mother and Mr Watts are killed. Matilda escapes and lives with her Australian based father until an unexpected inheritance from Mr Watts takes her to London and to Dicken’s real house in Rochester.
Emotions from her past almost overwhelm her until she discovers that Pip has helped her find her own voice and she begins to tell her own story.
The producers, directors and those in charge of auditions are now set to travel these areas next week, starting with Honiara. They are looking for the key roles of Matilda, a 12-14 year old girl and her mother and are asking people to help them by recommending suitable people, putting in touch with cultural groups where these people can be found. They want to find people from Bougainville.
Their travel dates are:
* July 20, travel to Honiara
* July 21 to 25, casting in and around Honiara
* July 26, travel to Gizo
* July 27 to 29, casting in Gizo
* July 30, casting in Choiseul
* July 31, casting in Choiseul
* August 1, travel to Honiara
* August 2, travel to Port Moresby
* August 3 to 5, casting with Nikki in Port Moresby
* August 6, travel to Buka
* August 7 to 8 (Saturday and Sunday) casting in Buka
* August 9 to 15, casting Teop/Arawa regions
* August 16, travel to Port Moresby
* August 17, travel to Sydney for break
* August 22, travel to Auckland
* August 23 to 24, meet with director and producer
* August 25, travel to Sydney for break
* August 30, travel to Horn Island, Torres Straight
* August 31 to September 4, casting in Torres Straight and,
* September 5, travel to Sydney.
15.07.2010
Source: ESBC
ESBC exclusive!
The ESBC have been informed that a team of first-class negotiators stays actually in Central Bougainville. By order of President Momis it‘s headed by the newly elected Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Michael Oni. Their prior task is to convince the Panguna landowners to finally elect their landowner’s body that is needed for the review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA). The new BCA rules the exploitation of the Panguna resources and the allocation of revenues from mining as well. All relevant Landowner & BCA Proposals can be found in the ESBC documentary. It seems to be quite obvious that ABG President John Momis gives high priority to the re-opening of the Panguna mine by Bougainville Copper Limited. This is also proven by the fact that he sent one of his ministers to Central Bougainville already while the first ABG Parliamentary session is ongoing in Buka. In a statement, made two days ago, President Momis said that he intends to commence the BCA review until the end of this year. The ESBC consider the beginning of the BCA negotiations as relevant news due to official announcement by BCL. The ESBC expect the BCL share price to soar sensibly once this announcement is made.
ESBC exklusiv!
Nach ESBC Informationen verhandelt derzeit im Auftrag von Präsident John Momis ein hochrangiges Komitee unter Leitung des neuen ABG Ministers Michael Oni (Natural Resources) mit den Landeignern in Zentral-Bougainville. Dabei geht es um die längst überfällige Wahl der Panguna Landeigner-Vertretung. Offensichtlich macht Präsident John Momis jetzt Druck: Dass er noch während der ersten Sitzung des ABG Parlaments einen Minister nach Panguna schickt, zeugt davon, dass er es offenbar sehr eilig hat, seine wirtschaftspolitischen Pläne so schnell wie möglich in die Tat umzusetzen. Zu diesen zählt unter anderem die Wiedereröffnung der Pangunamine durch Bougainville Copper Limited. Die Wahl einer gemeinsamen Landeignervertretung ist momentan die letzte noch zu nehmende Hürde bevor mit der Aktualisierung und Anpassung des bestehenden Bougainville Copper Agreements (BCA) begonnen werden kann. Das neue BCA regelt den Resourcenabbau sowie auch die Verteilung der Minenerträge. Alle entsprechenden Vertragsentwürfe, die in den letzten Jahren einvernehmlich entwickelt wurden, liegen den ESBC vor und sind hier einsehbar. In einem ersten Statement hat Präsident Momis den Beginn der BCA-Verhandlungen auf die zweite Jahreshälfte 2010 terminiert. Die ESBC gehen davon aus, dass es sich bei letzterem um eine veröffentlichungspflichtige Nachricht handelt, die den Kurs der Bougainville Copper Aktie nachhaltig positiv beeinflussen wird.
14.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS’S LACK OF SERVICE
By Aloysius Laukai
The new Momis/Nisira Government is attempting to create and improve the living standard of all the people of Bougainville through its economic policy.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Hon Chief John Momis unveiled his government’s move in his first official statement to Members of the House of Representatives during its meeting today.
President Momis said the ABG has a responsibility to improve the lives of its people through its economic and developmental programs.
He said the government can only do this if it understands the needs of the people.
He said there are many areas in Bougainville still in isolation and the government as the servant of the people must do all it can to address the needs and aspirations of these people.
The president cited areas like, Konnou in South Bougainville, Panguna and Torokina in Central Bougainville.
These areas lack proper transport, health and education services.
In Torokina, people have resorted to selling Second World War ammunitions for cash to earn a living.
To change this, President Momis said the government plans to develop the Torokina area agriculturally with the planned Oil Palm Project.
The Torokina District is the least developed area of Bougainville according to the president.
The establishment of the Oil Palm Project and other agricultural development would greatly improve the way of living of the people there.
He said the government would continue with the former government’s decision to conduct a review on the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA).
Under the BCA review, the wishes of the people particularly the landowners would be seriously taken into consideration with more consultation and dialogue.
The president has indicated that the review would commence before the end of the year.
14.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
WE’LL GET THEM
By Aloysius Laukai
Foreigners illegally entering Bougainville and conducting illegal business activities would be severely dealt with by the new Bougainville Autonomous Government.
For too long foreigners have illegally entered Bougainville and reaped the region of its wealth and resources without putting back something for Bougainville’s future generation.
This has to be stopped and foreign investors and individuals found to be doling this would be heavily dealt with.
ABG President, John Momis revealed this during his speech in parliament today.
President Momis said the ABG Government is now working closely with government agencies like, Customs and Immigration, Police, Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) and others to clamp down on such illegal activities.
Check points would be set up in strategic locations like the Buka Airport, the Buka and Kieta Wharves and on the Kangu Beach in South Bougainville and other areas.
President Momis said foreigners and other outsiders wanting to do business on Bougainville have to abide by the laws and regulations of the ABG.
He said his government would be tough of foreigners who failed to follow our laws.
The people of Bougainville and their government have lost millions of kina through such illegal behaviour and this must be stopped immediately for the good of the region and its people.
14.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SAWA’S STABILITY
By Aloysius Laukai
Peace and stability are two most important ingredients of any meaningful economic development according to the Member for Hagogohe Constituency, Hon Robert Hamal Sawa.
Mr. Sawa was speaking in support of the ABG President, Hon Chief John Momis’ speech in parliament today.
In challenging Members of parliament to promote peace in their respective constituencies, the Member for Hagogohe said all leaders have a responsibility to ensure people live in harmony with each other.
Bougainville will not achieve referendum and independence if there is no improvement in law and order and people continue to fight each other.
He urged leaders in South to talk to Noah Musisngku to give up his activity and join the rest of Bougainville.
Meanwhile, the Member for Bolave, Hon Lawrence Uakai said he is not happy that Lato, Baba and Torokina constituencies were not considered for cabinet positions.
Bana District is one of the districts not represented in the cabinet.
14.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ROAD ON
By Aloysius Laukai
Some kind of road network linking the people of Paruparu through Panguna is the main focus of the new member for Eivo Torau, MELCHIOR DARE.
The member told New Dawn FM this afternoon that he wants to see a road linking Paruparu with the main road network linking Central and South Bougainville.
He said since his election he has already approached the Works division to speed up and complete the feasibility study on the road network.
MR. DARE says that the feasibility study has been done and the road is to connect through BATO bridge near Kuneka on the Jaba river.
He said that he wants to see work on this road to start this year.
The member said that this would be the first road network to connect the people of Paruparu who have been walking on foot since time immemorial.
He said that road would then connect to Torokina completing the entire Bougainville Highway.
14.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DIAMOND CLAIM
A Grade 8 student from BANA is claiming to have found a Diamond from a river near his home.
The marble sized glass is pictured here.
The kid says that he puts his find in water and every time the water is dirty it makes hissing sound.....anyone out there who knows about diamond can you advice.....
12.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
President outlines action plans for Bougainville
AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government President John Momis outlined his immediate action plans to start major developments in Bougainville.
Chief Momis who returned from Port Moresby last week said he had met with credible business entities and businessmen, foreign ambassadors, National Government leaders and professional communications people to speak of potential development projects in the region. President Momis spoke of the need to push for economic recovery in the region, also advising that there was K70 million still parked in Bougainville books but which had not been used because there was no capacity to handle it. Mr Momis said he met with credible companies and potential financiers for joint ventures in the region. He also met with authorities interested to develop the multi-million-kina Torokina palm oil project, which Cabinet will meet shortly to discuss and act on. President Momis outlined that he had meetings with responsible elites who will help him on projects that include:
* THE K10 million Torokina palm oil project
* Professional communication project for an IT superhighway,
* AN independent radio station and television for awareness programs on Bougainville,
* Potential financiers and suppliers for joint venture and
* Business man for an airline where Bougainville will have a possible 25 per cent share and for that airline to operate in the region as soon as possible.
“The government will also look at improving police for the rule of law to prevail, and we will have to have a surveillance ship. We’re talking to Australia and New Zealand to help us,” Mr Momis said.
12.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Momis to get help from Aust and NZ
THE Australia and New Zealand governments stand ready to help Bougainville in the law and order sector by funding programs for development in the region.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis yesterday said he had met with Australia and New Zealand high commissioners and Japan Ambassador Nishiyama.
He said both governments pledged their support in the way forward for Bougainville and they stand ready to help in areas of law and order, health, education and good governance. He said Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish agreed that Australia spent much money on funding the Bougainville Peace Agreement and had not fully assisted after that agreement was signed and they had agreed that they will concentrate to move Bougainville forward.
“The response and reactions I got was overwhelming. Australia has realised that Bougainville made a big contribution and held PNG for many years before the crisis and they agreed to help Bougainville.
“Australia and New Zealand are serious to work with Bougainville to improve all sectors, one of them is to move the capital of Bougainville back to Arawa.”
He also spoke of Planning Minister Paul Tiensten who also alluded to the contribution of Bougainville.
09.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RESPECT SITES
By Aloysius Laukai
Meanwhile Digicel Bougainville Manager HENRY ONSA JUNIOR is appealing to the people of Bougainville and the general public to respect Digicel Properties including their tower so that mobile communications are not disrupted.
He said that people of Bougainville are privileged to have Digicel coverage in remote areas and should be thankful and should make sure these properties are looked after.
The reception it covers is very helpful and the towers is there for communication benefit to the people of the Autonomous Region.
Mr Onsa said the cost of installing new towers runs into millions and therefore people must be mindful of company properties.
Meanwhile the ABG President JOHN MOMIS intends to talk with Digicel and other communication company Telikom on ways the Bougainville Government can get taxes for their operation on the island.
He told a news conference yesterday that ABG need to set up its communication network to disseminate much needed information to the bulk of its population in the rural areas.
MR. MOMIS said that once talk is completed between the Communication Division of the ABG under Minister Carolus Ketsimur Bougainville could see the setting up of its own network on the island.
New Dawn FM understands a Satelite service would be a reliable communication network for Bougainville.
09.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS IN BUIN
By Aloysius Laukai
ABG President JOHN MOMIS went to Buin this morning to have talks with the Mekamui faction that continues to disturb the Peace Process in Buin.
Although several deaths have occurred since his last talk with their leader, DAMIAN KOIKE MR. MOMIS is not giving up hope as yet.
He told New Dawn FM in Buka that only through dialogue total peace and harmony would come about on Bougainville.
MR. MOMIS said that he would be talking to all factional leaders on ways they can work together with his government in the next five years.
He said on Bougainville there is only legitimate government that is the ABG and the people must learn to work with his new government.
MR. MOMIS says all other interested parties can be accommodated in a system that would be accepted by all parties.
09.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Parliament Sitting Schedule
By JTohui
The first Parliament Sitting for the ABG House of Representatives is fixed for the 13th of July 2010.
Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Hon Andrew Miriki (picture) says the meeting will be held next week from the 13th to 16th July.
Hon Members are asked to attend the three days session of Parliament because important matters will be considered such as the establishment of Parliamentary Committees and the Public Accounts Committee.
Members of the House of Representatives elected from all Constituencies in Bougainville will be given time to deliver their Maiden Speeches on the Floor of the House about their vision in the next five years.
There are also other businesses to be conducted during the Parliament Session such as the appointment of the leader of Government Business by President John Momis.
Speaker of the ABG House of Representatives, leader for the Government Business and leaders of different Parties will also meet to discuss some important matters during the Parliament session.
At the end of the Parliament Session, Bougainville Parliament will sign a twinning Agreement with the New South Wales Parliament from Australia.
Speaker for the New South Wales Parliament and his officials will arrive in Bougainville to sign this Agreement with the Bougainville Parliament.
Under the twinning arrangement, Bougainville Parliament will receive logistics support and many helpful means from the New South Wales Parliament.
The signing will be witnessed by President Chief John Momis, Vice President Hon Patrick Nisira and the Hon Members of Parliament.
08.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MEET SET
By Aloysius Laukai
The Autonomous Bougainville Government House of Representatives will meet for the first time next week Tuesday July 13th, 2010.
After their brief meeting on inauguration day they post phoned to a later date that would be set by the speaker.
And today the speaker ANDREW MIRIKI issued a notice setting the date for the sitting of the house.
According to the notice, members of the House of Representatives will deliver their maiden speeches during this session of parliament.
Meanwhile the Speaker ANDREW MIRIKI this week had briefings with Administration officers to discuss ways of improving parliament services.
He told New Dawn FM that this was the first time for the speaker to meet officers and then meet with staff since he became the Speaker of the house fourteen months ago.
The Speaker was returned to serve his full term this second house.
He became the speaker after the former Speaker Nick Peniai resigned to contest the 2008 Presidential By-elections.
08.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BAD IMAGE
By Veronica Hannette
The case surrounding the fate of the crew of the now grounded overseas ship MV LEFENG and their ship is still unclear according to Bougainville Police.
Chief Sergent Alex Gunan said according to police report Mv Lee Feng is still a concern and if the ship crew wants to leave, police has no power to stop them
He said the ship is a foreign vessel and the Customs and Quarantine people are dealing with them whilst the police are just there to assist them.
Mr Gunan said that earlier warnings to surrounding islands to leave the ship alone was disregarded and the ship is now completely emptied.
Mr Gunan said it was a waste of awareness and this will portray a bad image for us. At the moment there has not been any comment from the ship crew after they relinquished their vessel.
Meanwhile, reports from local constables said they sighted a similar foreign vessel on Tuesday afternoon at Kessa but as soon as it was noticed the vessel withdrew from sight
08.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
COMMUNICATING WITH COMMUNITIES
By Veronica Hannette
The Women Empowerment and Community Organising team under Bougainville Inter Women’s Forum BICWF is running a week-long program in the Selau Constituency which started on Monday the 5th of July 2010
The team lead by Program Supervisor Celestin Tome is doing an evaluation workshop following previous visit to cover the Council of Chiefs areas.
The workshop is an overview of the preceding workshop to assess and draw up a community planning in the community level
The areas include Sankova, Anakei, Ngalaswei and the main venue Tortei
The workshop consists of 34 participants of both sexes and this will enable the participants to receive a CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION at the end of the workshop.
According to Monica Targa who is the BICWF Co-ordinator this workshop will end this Friday the 9th of July 2010.
07.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BEC MEETS
By Aloysius Laukai
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, HON JOHN MOMIS has returned from Port Moresby satisfied with his discussions with government and business officials on the kind of assistance they can offer to Bougainville.
President Momis told a news conference that he has successful talks with various groups both at government and private level on the kind of assistance and support they can give to the region.
He said he would brief his cabinet during a Bougainville Executive Council Meeting tomorrow.
He said some of the things discussed are the proposed Oil palm development scheme at Torokina, Communications like radio station, an airline to improve transportation and other economic and social developmental needs.
President Momis said Bougainville needs these developments to bring money into the region to improve the living standard of the people.
He said an independent radio station would be vital for the dissemination of government information to the people.
Travelling between Buka, Arawa and Buin would be greatly reduced with the introduction of an airline into the region to be operated like the former Bougainville Air Services(BOUGAIR) and improve road system throughout the region.
A Japanese company Kitano Constructions is currently constructing a number of bridges on mainland Bougainville.
Work on these fifteen bridges are expected to take two and half years.
07.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CORRUPTION IN HIGH OFFICE
By Thomas Kathoa
The employment of failed candidates by the Autonomous Bougainville Government has been questioned by many people labelling their engagements as corruption in high office.
A chief from the Haku are who wants to stay anonymous has called on the ABG President John Momis to tell the people of Bougainville why this is happening.
Since the ABG election just concluded, several unsuccessful candidates have moved into the offices of politicians and have occupied positions held by civilian employees.
The Haku chief said that MOMIS preaches about weeding out corruption and asks if the employment of unsuccessful candidates is not corruption.
He said that the President should come out clear because employing such people is a form of corrupt practices which should not be entertained by any clean leader.
He said some of these people resigned from their positions in the public service to contest the ABG election and therefore should not be re-employed at all.
The chief also challenged the Acting Chief Administrator and the new Public Service Minister to also look into the matter as a case of concern.
He said that this is a bad precedent and should be stopped immediately to prevent future Presidents from doing the same.
07.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EDUCATE FOR FUTURE
By Aloysius Laukai
Education of students is one of the priorities of the member for South Bougainville, STEVEN PIRIKA.
MR. PIRIKA told a small gathering at the Hutjena Secondary School this afternoon that education of Bougainville’s future leaders is one of his priorities.
He said that without an educated population the future of Bougainville is brink.
The member for South Bougainville made these remarks after he presented a cheque totalling SIXTY SIX THOUSAND KINA for school fees for all Grade Twelve students from the South Bougainville.
The member will pay for all Grade 12 student’s school fees for this year in the three secondary schools on Bougainville.
He will do similar presentations at Tarlena and Buin Secondary Schools next week.
Meanwhile the Principal of the Hutjena Secondary school, MARTIN TAKALI in thanking the member said that he was happy that the member has assisted his people.
He said similar commitments have been made by the other Open members for Central and North Bougainville.
The member for North Bougainville has already paid half and is yet to pay the remainder.
07.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MILLION MISSING
By Aloysius LAUKAI
The member for South Bougainville in the Papua New Guinea National Parliament, STEVEN PIRIKA is questioning how District Support and Improvement Program Funds under his control was diverted to pay a Bougainvillean company to maintain a Education facility on Bougainville.
A disappointed member then called a meeting with ABG and COE members from the South Bougainville raising the alarm bells that projects earmarked for South Bougainville especially for roads would have to miss out because of this diversions.
MR. PIRIKA told the meeting that he has written to the Minister for finance and Planning to get the copy of the contract to see for himself how and who approved the tender for the contractor to get these funds.
He said that these funds were already allocated for projects and the manner in which these funds were paid was not proper.
Meanwhile most people who gathered at this mornings meeting wanted the member to investigate and get to the root of the case.
They said that if some illegal means were used to get these funds those responsible should be made to pay for their actions.
07.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Aussie mining giants keen on new prospects
By Harlyne Joku
Two controversial Australian mining giants who abandoned operations at Bougainville copper mine and the Ok Tedi mine in the Western Province due to the Bougainville crisis and environmental damages are still keen on mineral exploration and mining operations in the country.
BHP Billiton (Australia) and Rio Tinto (Australia) have purchased geochemistry and geophysics datasets of PNG’s Central highlands mineral contents that show that PNG has some of the highest rated gold, copper and nickel deposits compared to the rest of the world.
Their purchase of the data indicates that they are still interested in further exploration and mining activities in the Papua New Guinea Highlands.
The two companies are among nine other leading mining companies from Europe, America and Asia who have purchased the datasets release by the European Union funded Geomap survey.
The other companies that have acquired the database are; Harmony Gold (South Africa), Newmont (Canada), Anglo American (South Africa Great Britain), Marengo Mining (Australia), Barrick (Canada), Khor Eng Hock& Sons (China), Pacific Group Australia.
Minerals Resources Authority (MRA) managing director Kepas Wali said the production of the European Union’s Geomap project database would encourage mining companies to invest in PNG.
MRA chief geologist John Aspden with the EU’s Geomap project showed a power point presentation last Friday of the data collected at the survey which indicates that PNG’s central highlands has grades of high gold, copper and nickel. The Geomap project is funded by the European Union from a grant of K50 million.
07.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
A new begining for Kamda
By GORETHY KENNETH
ALL of you reading this will be familiar with the Bougainville Crisis by now. This clever “animal” erupted in 1989 and killed more than 20,000 people, both locals and Papua New Guineans all because of the giant Panguna mine.
I am going to tell you a story about one of the men that helped shut the Bougainville Copper Limited-run Panguna mine. We may think he is not important, but he helped shut the mine that caused havoc in the history of Bougainville, PNG and the world. It’s nothing to be proud of, but this man you are just reading about says he had no choice but to help his fellow Bougainvilleans on what is now long-gone.
This is a story about Ben Kamda, 48, from Balil village, Nissan Island and how he became the first Bougainville Revolutionary Army member to be captured by the PNG Defence Force in Nissan, forced to climb a flag pole while singing “where sun i red” but played a very significant role in the peace process-having travelled to New Zealand, Australia and parts of PNG for peace talks. Ben also claims he was forced by the then Bougainville Transitional Government (BTG)/Bougainville People’s Congress to reconcile without his consent.
But despite being called a bad hero all along, Ben helped save a child who could have been killed in a cross fire in Buin at the age of 10, who was only known as Connelly and later bore the surname Kamda. In real life, Kamda is a devoted Catholic, that’s what you get from studying four years of your life at St Joseph’s Rigu High School where he attained his highest certificate and a professional letterpress machinist - in layman’s language a printer after gaining a certificate in the field at the Port Moresby Technical College in 1982, before heading to Bougainville to work as a manager, running the Karuna Tavern from 1984 to 1989, and where he took to the bushes to fight in the world renowned civil war that savaged almost the entire island.
Ben was the chief planner for BRA. Ben begins his story with a trip he took to Aropa airport to make a call to his family outside of Bougainville.
At the airport, that year, 1989, a group of landowners were furiously holding a meeting eventually forcing the region’s gateway to the world to shut down and eventually burnt to ashes - that was one of the beginnings of the crisis.
He jumped on a bus that was heading Buin way, instead of Arawa, next to him another Kieta man who also wanted to go and make a call to his dear wife who was studying outside the region.
They were dumped at a site where a very big meeting was supposedly being held - the Tonolei Timber Company meeting. Little did Kamda know that this man beside him, dumped to find a way back to Arawa from Buin was the man that was going to help him fight to save the lives of Bougainvilleans - he was none other than Sam Kauona. At that meeting, innocent as they were, the landowners thought they were the big shots that they were waiting for - when called to address the huge crowd, Kauona started by saying: “You know why the leaders and the bosses didn’t come? Because Aropa has been burnt and shut down and we should stop this meeting as well.”
That was the start of Ben Kamda and his journey to hell and back. Ben took to Nissan that late 1989 and got arrested by the PNGDF and sent to Keravat prison where he spent six years.
On his arrival in Nissan, after serving his sentence in jail, Ben attracted leaders and claims he was forced to reconcile, a statement written for him to read during the reconciliation and later brought to Buka to occupy an office so that he would take the lead in negotiating for peace in Central and South Bougainville.
That was in 1996 when he returned to Arawa for that purpose but as soon as he got to Arawa, he escaped to the bushes again. “But that was a blessing in disguise because in the bush I started talking to these people, and I slowly got them to come out of their shells,” Ben said.
He says it’s a long story, recapping his days in the bush fighting with Kauona, and every big name BRA. After all he was the chief planner and he’d know what it was like in those 10 years, most of which Ben spent at the Kerevat jail for two terms - first four years and later two years.
But he has now settled with his family, picked up the pieces and is concentrating on looking after his cocoa plantation.
06.07.2010
Source: The National
‘Illegal deals soar in Bougainville’
THE recent apprehension by PNG Customs of an oil tanker carrying fuel it had loaded from Bougainville copper mine storage tanks is only one of many illegal operations which both the national and the autonomous Bougainville governments have been called on to look into.
A Panguna Landowner Association (PLA) executive said the tanker was only one of many illegal deals being conducted in Bougainville involving Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL) property and machinery.
Lawrence Daveona said far too many of these businesses had ignored or bypassed established rules and procedures for conduct of business.
Consequently, he said, mine lease area people, who have suffered from the crisis, were missing out on benefits.
Apart from the oil tanker business, another lucrative business was the sale of scrap metal from the now abandoned mine and other parts of Bougainville.
Daveona said the association had an on-going understanding with BCL that all scrap metal, left behind as a result of the crisis, belonged to the landowners and they were allowed to enter into any business arrangement with interested foreign or national partners so long as they have the endorsement of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and relevant national agencies.
The approved process was to get a written approval from the PLA and the ABG to conduct such business before permission is sought from BCL.
Once this is sorted out, the final approval must come from national agencies such as Customs, Internal Revenue Commission and Labour where foreign workers were concerned.
Daveona said this process was necessary to ensure any business opportunity concluded would benefit the mine lease area people.
Tired of watching illegal operations going on, PLA had incorporated its own landowners company called Komeri Holdings Ltd. It had also established Panguna Metals Ltd through a joint partnership with UK-based Capital Equipment Supply Co.
Komeri Holdings shareholding included the two factions of Mekamui holding 5% each, 30% which is held by ex-combatants (BRA 20 % and Bougainville Resistance Fighters 10%) and Panguna Landowners Association (60%).
Daveona is confident that the company was ready to proceed to full operational status.
It has BCL approval to carry out its scrap metal operations in the secondary crusher, concentrator and mine pit areas covering the pit, pit workshop and the primary crusher.
06.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Buka set to fight AIDS
AN introduction to HIV/AIDS workshop was held last week at Ieta village, Buka Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The five day workshop was the beginning of a joint partnership arrangement by the National Aids Council who co-ordinated the workshop, with financial support from Care International and conducted by the Diocese of Bougainville Aids program.
This is the first time these organisations came together after running their own separate programs and operating in isolation.
Co-ordinator of Care International David Haputo said although they had 35 participants, due to the location which was in the village, others learned as well and the community felt they were part of the ongoing programme as seen from their involvement.
At the end of the workshop a graduation ceremony was organised by the community last Friday where the participants received certificates. Among them was the recent ABG election contestant John Bosco Ragu who is also a young chief from the village. Two chiefs, John Hannette and Donatus Gani with President of Ieta woman’s association Stella Kela also graduated with certificates.
At the closing ceremony Mrs Imako from Catholic HIV & AIDS office said the current statistics on HIV/AIDS showed that Bougainville had tested 86 positive cases.
She said the knowledge gained from the workshop must be passed onto others so that the figure did not increase.
Mrs Imako said there are 18 VCT and health centres in Bougainville and every one must volunteer to seek counselling and get tested.
She said rapid or mobile testing in Bougainville had 15 positive clients but there are many in the rural communities untested.
06.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville faced with disaster
ISLANDERS on Pororan, an island off Buka Island, are starving and desperately need rations from the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Buka Urban Council’s decision to stop fresh and smoked fish including cooked food being sold at the Buka market has also hit these islanders, giving them a double blow.
Pororan chief Peter Liu has been visiting media outlets in Buka asking for assistance for food for the islanders, because of the bad road conditions forcing closure of two major markets that enables them to buy vegetables or the barter system where they give fish and in return get a basket of kaukau.
Kessa market in far north Buka Island and Karola market accessed through the Hanahan feeder road have been closed because vehicles can no longer use the roads to bring mothers and families to the markets.
“These roads are so bad, families and mothers have stopped coming with market produce and also because of vehicles being out of order to access these areas,” Mr Liu said. I have been walking to offices concerned asking for assistance because my people can no longer bring their fish to exchange with those from the mainland for kaukau.
“We are also faced with another problem. We can’t sell our fresh fish and even smoked fish at the market because of the cholera alert. This has caused a double blow for us on the islands. We sell food to buy rice and tinned fish and now that markets are affected, we can’t buy food because we don’t have any means of looking for money.”
06.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Road sealing set to smoothen region
THE sealing on the Buka ring road is still to be started because the machineries that were supposed to be used on this project have not been shipped to Bougainville, says the former chief executive officer of the technical service division John Kolan.
Mr Kolan said sealing will start once all the machineries have been shipped to Buka.
He has been promoted to the position of chief liaison officer of the Bougainville bridging project. He said all the materials to be used on the road sealing had already arrived in Buka but the contractor, NC Civil Works was waiting for its machinery to be shipped over.
Mr Kolan said the delay with the shipment of the machineries was because the company had only two barges, which were also busy with their transport schedules to the other parts of the country.
The first phase of sealing will start at Hutjena and end at Malasang in the Tsitalato Constituency of Buka, however, Mr Kolan said the road plan is to seal all the ring roads on Buka, starting from Hutjena to Haku and then to the Solos and the west coast area of Buka island.
Meanwhile, Mr Kolan said before the road sealing work starts, the contractor will have to repack the road with gravels due to the frequent rain over the past months which had resulted in some parts of the roads deteriorating.
06.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
15-year-old refugee wants to go home
By GORETHY KENNETH
BEN doesn’t now his surname, but he knows his Solomon island name, Bena.
He is a unique young man who hails from Malaita in Solomon Island. On Saturday, he was seen sitting at the Bel Isi Park in Buka begging for K5 to raise funds for a ticket back to the Solomon Islands.
He is now 15. He came to Bougainville when he was only five years old. He escaped his brutal mother who always forced him to collect bottles on the street for sale in Honiara.
Ben ran away from home following some families who he had no idea about, and ended up in Gizo where he met a Bougainville family. Within several months, Ben ended up in Buin, South Bougainville where his life as a refugee began.
He started sleeping on the beach, in familys’ backyards and at market areas with those he felt comfortable to live with.
Ben left Buin after months of preying on others’ tables for food and begging for help.
He went to Koromira, parts of Kieta, Arawa and later Wakunai where he grew up and eventually ended up in Buka.
He is now known to almost everyone in Buka town, Gogohe, Malasang, Lonahan, Hanahan and Lontis.
Ben spent many months with the writer’s family and has also lived with rich people in Buka, fishing and selling fish for survival.
Ben, escaped Solomon Islands 10 years ago, going through a very difficult journey.
There are some dark secrets he has told those he trusted - stories of being abused, intimidated and humiliated.
Ben is now desperate to go back to the Solomon Islands to his family, especially his sister, who he still remembers very well, but not his mother.
He is seen in Buka daily, carrying that A4 paper/notice detailing his plight to go back and asking for K5 donations or any amount to help him raise funds for a ticket back to Solomon Islands.
The Post-Courier tried to contact Solomon Islands High Commissioner Bernard Ba’ata-nisia to put Ben in touch.
“I want that person you are talking to,” Ben told this reporter, referring to Mr Ba’atanisia, “to help me get a ticket back home, but first of all take me to Port Moresby where I will see what Port Moresby is like.”
Anyone wishing to assist Ben can call the Post-Courier Buka office on 9739188 or 72066002.
05.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BRIDGES START
By Aloysius Laukai
Work on the fifteen bridges has started on at least on four rivers at the same time. This picture was taken by Aloysius Laukai at the weekend on the river near Mabiri High School. The river has been diverted and in the middle of the river this cement pictured is being built by the Kitano Construction which has won the contract totalling more than K93 Million kina.
This is how the rivers are being diverted to built the overhead bridges fifteen of them between Buka and Arawa.
05.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
KATSIN BROTHERS CASE
By Veronica Hannette
A local stevedoring company, KATSIN Brothers is taking CONSORT EXPRESS LINES to court over outstanding payments owed to them for containers left at their storage area since 2003.
In an interview with New Dawn FM, Katsin Brothers Manager, GREGORY WILLIE REME said that initially there were 31 containers left by Consort which were under Katsin Brothers storage yard.
From the 31, 17 were returned whilst of the 14 remaining another six were sold by Katsin Brothers to recoup costs whilst eight are still remaining.
Manager WILLIE REME said that it has taken so long for CONSORT to honour their commitment resulting in them taking this court action.
He said that their case will be heard in Rabaul later this month.
Our attempts to get comments from the Consort Express Lines regarding this story were unsuccessful.
05.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NZ EYE TEAM
By Aloysius Laukai
A New Zealand EYE team that consists of six members will be visiting Bougainville starting today Monday July 5th to July 23rd,2010.
According to their timetable they are to arrive today then travel straight to Arawa.
Tuesday a team would visit the patients at Wakunai Health Centre, Sunday 11th they will travel to Buin, Tuesday 13th July they will visit patients at Monoitu in Siwai, Thursday 15th they will travel to Arawa, Friday 16th they travel to Tearouki in Tinputz.
They will see the remaining patients at the Buka General Hospital from 19th July to 22nd July before returning on Friday 23rd July.
The team of doctors is led by team leader, DR. DAVID MURDOCH.
Dr. Barnabas Matanu last week told New Dawn FM that Bougainville should be thankful that these Medical Eye Team from New Zealand comes every year.
The New Zealand EYE team has been visiting Bougainville in the past five years apart from Papua New Guinea and now they are working closely with Callan Service based in Hahela.
05.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CHOLERA FREE
BY Veronica Hannette
The Buka General Hospital on Bougainville is yet to confirm if the Cholera disease that has killed many people in many parts of Papua New Guinea is already on Bougainville.
Director of Medical Services at the Buka General Hospital DR. Banabas Matanu told New Dawn FM during an interview that the hospital had received three cases which were suspected to be cholera but results have came out negative.
Dr Matanu said the three died from severe dehydration.
He supported the move made by the Buka urban Council to totally ban sales of cooked food at the market as one way of trying to minimize the risk of spreading the cholera epidemic on Bougainville.
Dr Matanu mentioned the loss of business for market goers but preventing the spread of cholera and saving lives was also paramount.
New Dawn FM understands that the HINI alert was earlier prevented with intensive awareness on Bougainville.
05.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
PNG has highest grades of gold, copper in the world
By Harlyne Joku
Papua New Guinea’s Central Highlands has the highest and most attractive grades of gold, copper and nickel compared to the rest of the world according to Dr John Aspden, the chief geologist of MRA (Mineral Resources Authority).
Dr Aspden revealed this in a power point presentation at the MRA headquarters last Friday evening.
Dr Aspden heads the geological survey sponsored by the European Union (EU)’s Mining Sector Support Program GEOMAP.
He said data collected in the past three years in the Central Highlands had shown incredibly rich and highly elevated deposits of gold, copper and nickel.
Eight of the world’s leading mining companies including the British mining giant CRA’s Rio Tinto who still own the mining prospecting licences for the Bougainville copper mine and Barrick Gold , have purchased the data from MRA, Dr Aspden said.
The data costs K5000.
“It has been an extremely successful exercise,” Dr Aspden said.
The exercise involved an aerial geophysical and geological mapping surveys and collection of samples from 5000 sites.
“Their values are remarkably high. It’s quite incredible, almost all of Central Highlands samples collected show that the region is sitting on elevated deposits of gold and copper,” Dr Aspden said.
MRA’s managing director Kepas Wali added that the minerals industry would continue to make a huge contribution to PNG’s economy. He said the data produced by EU’s Geomap project will attract investors and also provide the type of information they require for further mineral exploration and mining operations.
According to the third quarter of the 2009 Bank of PNG Economic Bulletin, total mineral exports in that quarter amounted to K2,344.7 million which is 61.2 per cent of the total merchandise exports.
Mr Wali said the mineral industry would continue to generate revenue for PNG from its mineral exports and more new mines would open up.
The Geomap project comes from a grant from EU worth about K50 million.
05.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Islanders ask for assistance
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
ATOLL islanders in Bougainville who depend on beche-demer to earn money have been facing a hard time since the National Fisheries Authority stopped the buying and exporting of beche-demer.
Nuguria primary school headmaster Allan Loio said many parents on the island were trying their best to look for ways to earn an income because since the ban was imposed, they did not have any other means which they could turn to.
Mr Loio said to make matters worse, most of the parents on the island had not been paying their children’s school fees since term one.
He said although he was speaking on behalf of the Nuguria islanders, this situation was the same with the other atoll islands like Mortlock, Carterets and Tasman.
“Many people, especially the parents, have been having a difficult time trying to earn an income due to the ban that was imposed on the sales of beche-demer.
“Since term one only one student in my school has paid K160 as his school fees.
“Apart from that no other students have paid their school fees for this year,” Mr Loio said.
He said the islanders are calling on the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government John Momis to quickly find ways to address their problem.
“The islanders want the ABG President John Momis to find some ways to help them earn an income to sustain their living.
“If nothing is done the islanders will continue to suffer,” Mr Loio said.
05.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FRUSTRATED COMMITTEES
By Aloysius Laukai
Three week after the Autonomous Bougainville Government inauguration some committees from the Nissan and Wakunai districts are still stuck in Buka awaiting funds from the finance office to go back home.
The event committee’s from Nissan and Wakunai who came to witness the Inauguration Ceremony on the 14th of JUNE have been waiting in front of the Finance Office for their money
They told New Dawn FM today that they have been waiting for nearly four weeks and they are not happy with the Finance office for delaying their payments.
Some committee members are waiting patiently whilst the others have gone home without getting their payments.
According to reports gathered by New Dawn FM, seven thousand kina will be given to the Nissan committee to be distributed among their three groups. And seven thousand two hundred will be given to the Wakunai committee.
The finance office was supposed to pay them last Friday but did not make any payments.
New Dawn FM understands that a total of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND KINA was earmarked for the Inauguration celebrations for this year.
04.07.2010
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Claims women will be a force in Bougainville politics in five years
Posted at 23:20 on 04 July, 2010 UTC
An activist in the Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, says in another five years women there will be a major political force.
Hona Holan, who’s with the Bougainville Women’s Federation, came fourth in the race for the North Bougainville Women’s seat in the May elections.
Women had been expected to perform well in open seats while a former Cabinet Minister, Madeleine Toroansi, contested the presidency.
But they all fared poorly.
Ms Holan says another five years is needed to raise awareness about the importance of getting more women elected
“What women leaders are doing now is going around, giving awareness to the women, that women should support women, yeah educating the village women because sometimes they get controlled by the men. I think that is why we didn’t see any women elected when standing for the single seats and the president.”
02.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
AusAID supports ABG
By GORETHY KENNETH
AUSTRALIA’S AusAID program supports the Autonomous Bougainville Government in a big way despite being denied tangible development in the region.
They spend more than K50 million a year in the region, especially to consolidate the peace process, implement its autonomy arrangements, improve essential service delivery and promote economic growth.
They also look after the law and justice sector program including HIV/AIDS, education, transport, health, democratic governance and other volunteer and scholarship programs in Bougainville.
Two months ago, Regional MP Fidelis Semoso accused donor agencies of not bringing tangible developments to the region.
During the induction of the newly elected MPs, the AusAID boss in Buka, Edwina Betts, told MPs that AusAID had about eight advisers in the region with multi-million dollar programs they had in the region.
“AusAID supports the Autonomous Bougainville Government to consolidate the peace process, implement its autonomy arrangements, improve essential service delivery and promote economic growth,” Ms Betts said.
“Support to Bougainville is delivered through a range of mechanisms including nationally-based sector programs in health, education, law and justice and infrastructure (about $14 million a year) and sub-national program, which includes the multi-donor Governance and Implementation Fund (about $3 million a year) and eight advisers to strengthen ABG’s capacity in key areas including policy, procurement, HR, planning, budget expenditure, taxation and legislative drafting.”
Find out more about AusAID's peace work on Bougainville.
Hier mehr über die Arbeit von AusAID auf Bougainville.
02.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville MP praised
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
SOUTH Bougainville MP in the National Parliament Steven Pirika has been commended by the people in his electorate for a job well done.
The people said since he took office about 18 months ago Mr Pirika had completed a lot of projects in south Bougainville.
“Our national MP Steven Pirika has done a lot in our electorate since he took office about 18 months ago. Places that had never seen any tangible developments in the past are now seeing different types of projects taking place. That is why we want to commend and salute him for a tremendous job well-done,” they said.
“Some of the projects which he had funded include building new classrooms, aid posts and funding the construction of new roads into the villages that were not accessible by vehicle in the past.
Recently he was invited by the people of Buin district to open new classrooms at Maluatu, Morula and Piano primary schools. These classrooms were funded at a total cost of more K200 000.
02.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Teacher queries merger
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A high school teacher is calling on the Bougainville Education Board (BEB) and the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville to explain their decision to amalgamate two educational institutions in the region last year.
Wilfred Lessie, one of the teachers from the affected schools said that the decision to amalgamate Bishop Wade Secondary School (BWSS) and Tarlena Specialised Training Centre was a complete “flop” because many issues and procedures had not been thoroughly addressed.
One of the points highlighted by the teacher is that the STC students were not qualified to sit the school certificate exams (SCE) and that their performance will greatly affect the overall performance of the BWSS students.
He is also questioning if there were enough qualified teachers teaching at Tarlena STC which warrants the institution to be amalgamated.
“It is a national requirement that for any secondary school to be deemed one, a minimum of nine Bachelor of Education degree holders must be on the staff. What is the requirement in the STC situation? The teachers teaching there are mostly vocational trained teachers.”
Other “issues of contention surrounding this amalgamation” that the teacher raised includes:
* Who is pushing this amalgamation;
* Does the STC have the required infrastructure like a science lab or library to qualify the current grades 9 and 10 to sit the SCE;
* When did the national Education Department inspect the STC and deem it qualified to sit the SCE;
* No theoretical framework has been seen on the paper, by which this amalgamation is to operate within;
* Under which powers and provisions was the old board of governors dissolved? Isn’t any board of governors a legal entity which operates under the current ABG government;
* If it is the Catholic Church’s plans, Tarlena STC doesn’t serve disadvantaged students anymore. It is an extension of BWSS. Why is the church quiet and not explaining to the stakeholders, the Catholic parents of these issues;
* Under which meeting and based on whose education research was this amalgamation based?
* Why has the Bougainville Catholic Diocese through the Catholic Education Secretariat and the Bougainville Education Division under the CEO ignored calls from STC and BWSS to come to Tarlena to explain the amalgamation?
01.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Ex-crisis fighters lose out on oil tanker export cash
By GORETHY KENNETH
THE ex-combatants and youths involved helping the oil tankers visiting Bougainville claim this is their fast means of getting money for school fees and other financial needs because they have been neglected by authorities and the government.
Panguna Landowner Association executive Lawrence Daveona (picture) in an interview advised those engaged in these illegal deals are numbering 50 from all over Bougainville and would have expected a payout of about K30,000 to K50,000 if the oil tanker UBT FJORD was not intercepted, arrested and stopped in the PNG waters.
Mr Daveona had a meeting with those involved, advising them of the consequences they might face but his message went unheard. These locals have been identified, and the international partners engaged in these illegal deals. They said they got into the oil shipment and sales business thinking that from the money received from the sale of oil, they would get their wages paid which amounted to between K30,000 and K50,000. The stopping of this oil shipment has deprived them of a chance to earn some money to help them with their families’ daily needs.
They told Mr Daveona that they were not benefiting from any services from the Autonomous Bougainville Government nor were they finding any easy means to get financial assistance and that is why they resorted to scrap metal and heavy fuel oil sales.
“I told them that because they hated BCL, the PNG Government and the Panguna landowners their leaders have convinced them one way or the other to forget these authorities and go about their business operations, taking the easy way out,” Mr Daveona said.
“Another important truth that we must learn to accept is that BCL and the National Government, whether you and me like it or not, have the sole rights over any of the assets of the Panguna mine that are situated on the BCL leases.
“No-one on Bougainville or any foreigner overseas has any right whatsoever to connive with our people here and remove any of these assets without first consulting BCL and the National Government,” he said.
“Yes, in Bougainville and in particular in Arawa, Kieta and Panguna and I can say this to any other parts of Bougainville, despite the law being there, there is no order. A lot of you, our young people, are saying that because you fought and many died during the crisis, you can do whatever you please and that the law does not matter.
“This is an illusion. We must change our way of thinking and doing things if we want to progress Bougainville towards what you fought for, that is, an independent Bougainville.
“We do not have much time left before the ‘Referendum on Independence’ in 2015 and we cannot do it the way you carry on doing things here,” Mr Daveona said.
01.07.2010
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville has no disaster plans
By GORETHY KENNETH
BOUGAINVILLE is not ready for any natural disasters that might occur there, a workshop was told.
Although more than 50 participants from all over Bougainville had been trained and skilled to manage disaster activities in their areas and especially after the crisis, there are still vital issues urgently needed to be sorted out before anything worse happens. And the ABG needs to attend to these issues of concern quickly.
These warnings are from the National Disaster management officials who held a week-long workshop for the participants from around Bougainville.
They were told the disaster risk reduction and disaster management planning and implementation had also been severely affected by issues that included:
• NO specific office on their own with full equipment to keep data, monitor or store official instruments relating to these issue,
• RESOURCE constraints (a serious lack of capacity in the districts and communities)
• LACK of a trained cadre of skilled disaster managers in the office and districts
• INCOMPLETE hazard information, shortage of models of good practice (making the region more vulnerable),
• LACK of strong legislative framework and shortcomings of early warning arrangements and communication system.
Last week, more than 50 participants from Bougainville attended the disaster management workshop funded by the UNDP, the National Government through the National Disaster office and ABG. Bougainville acting chief administrator Patrick Koles echoed the same sentiments and assured the NDC and participants that the ABG would look into this matter.
He spoke after a presentation was made with high-tech computer equipment donated by the National Disaster office last week. “Bougainville is prone to numerous natural hazards including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami, drought, floods, tropical cyclones, landslides, the impact of climate change and climate variability and industrial pollution, unregulated and destructive land use practices and infrastructural development, as well as rapid growth in population societal crisis such as civil unrest and HIV/AIDs have already made their presence known in the region.”
01.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MURDER
By Aloysius Laukai
The Homicide Squad and General Police are investigating a wilful murder that occurred last Friday at BETERIO village in the KUNUA DISTRICT.
According to reports from Buka Police the victim was under the influence of alcohol when an argument started which sparked off a fight which ended up in the killing of the deceased. The deceased was chopped to pieces
According to Police reports, the fight was in retaliation to an earlier fight that resulted in another murder in the same area in April this year.
The situation in the area is very tense at the moment but Police are expected to deploy into the area to quell the situation.
The suspect is still at large.
Meanwhile Police has reported another murder case in the Torokina District.
The deceased was under the influence of home brew and was trying to stop a suspect who then turned back and attacked him killing him instantly.
The suspect has been detained by Torokina Police who are still investigating the matter.
The situation at Torokina is also tense following the latest killing
01.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DRUG / ALCOHOL AWARENESS
By Veronica Hannette
Bougainville Police are planning to carry out a massive awareness on Drugs and other alcohol related issues throughout the region.
Senior Constable Gordon Magoga who is the officer in-charge of Community Police Stations in Bougainville told New Dawn FM that he is planning to make a massive awareness campaign on drug and alcohol through banners, posters, slogans and essay competitions.
He said this is to empower youths to abstain from drug usage and will include different age groups with different sectors like NGO’s, Education and the general public.
Constable Magoga said that they are planning to give away consolation prizes during this campaign.
01.07.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CAP’S
By Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville Community Auxiliary Police from Nissan District are attending a one week Training at Hutjena.
The Training for the six CAPs from Nissan District is part of the projects ongoing commitment to training of cap’s personnel in the districts.
The Bougainville Community Policing Project is funded by the New Zealand police.
The six CAPs that are attending the training did their first five trainings in Nissan and are now doing their remaining five trainings at Hutjena.
Police said that in a year they run training with ten topics for Community Auxiliary Police CAP’s .
The training started on Tuesday and will end on Friday.
01.07.2010
Source: The National
Bougainville council approves tasks for next 100 days
By ALOYSIUS LAUKAI
THE Bougainville executive council yesterday approved priority tasks President John Momis intends to undertake in the next 100 days.
The tasks approved under the umbrella of good governance highlighted the council’s desire for a unified and economical Bougainville.
The tasks included continuous awareness on weapons disposal, awareness on the Bougainville constitution, awareness on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) policies and consultation meetings with faction and community leaders.
On the economic aspect, the government plans to establish an “economic recovery plan” for Bougainville.
The plan would include, among others, continuous Panguna mine consultations with the relevant stakeholders with the view of re-opening the mine, consultations with landowners of the Manetai Limestone Mine and Bougainville Fishing Venture.
Existing plans on economic development would also be revisited in the process.
Momis said his government would encourage the involvement of credible foreign investors on joint-venture partnerships with Bougainvilleans.
To achieve these goals, the council agreed to appoint a permanent chief administrator to drive the implementation of the tasks in the next 100 days.
Momis said the candidates for the chief administrator’s position would be selected in consultation with the national government after an independent human resources organization assesses the applicants.
Meanwhile, a revised budget is now being drafted to facilitate the tasks.
01.07.2010
Source: The National
BOUGAINVILLE’s new ray of hope
BOUGAINVILLE President John Momis’ desire to reopen the Panguna copper mine sends us back two decades to 1987 when he wore a different hat.
He was the regional member for Bougainville and campaigning for re-election to the PNG Parliament.
Frustrated that the Bougainville copper agreement had not been reviewed after the second deadline for the review had fallen through, Momis took his anger out, not on the government but it seemed at the time, on BCL.
His supporters – mostly women of Panguna – demonstrated at what was then called the Pink Palace, which contained the offices of the Bougainville Copper Ltd.
He called the mine the “BCL pig” and threatened to kill it (close it down) and get a new deal for it.
Fortuitously or perhaps driven by such sentiments, Panguna landowners, under the leadership of the late Francis Ona, in December of that year broke into the BCL armory and took off with a large amount of explosives which they used to start falling power pylons.
The resulting unrest led to the closure of the mine and the 15-year unrest on Bougainville.
Momis, returned as president in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, has now come full circle.
Perhaps, the time for his “new deal” has arrived.
There was an anxious moment when Momis was announced president that, perhaps, he might have retained the angry sentiments of 1987 but, with his reassurance that he wants the mine to re-open, it seems the way is clear.
That, he insists on a reopening of the mine being conditional upon landowners’ agreement, is also a step in the right direction.
He will find his landowners concur with him fully and will find them most willing on this course of action.
To re-open the Panguna copper mine, he will have to consult the “BCL pig” which holds the lease title over the mine.
Last Friday, Momis said a reopening of the mine was a good possibility but that such an event would depend entirely on what the landowners want.
He is ready and willing to consult with chairman of BCL, Peter Taylor, once this issue moves from possibility to prospect.
Momis will find a ready and willing landowner group.
Under former president James Tanis, very impressive progress has been made in preparing the landowners to come to the negotiation table as a unified body speaking with one voice.
The landowners have initiated a number of important reconciliation ceremonies among themselves to iron out outstanding issues from the crisis days.
Reconciliations have been conducted between the old and new landowners at Panguna, as well as a reconciliation at Guava village over the murder of a principal landowner Mathew Kove, murdered at the height of the crisis.
Reconciliation ceremonies have been completed at Pinei valley over outstanding issues to do with the road, mine and tailings leases trust. Most of the lower tailings area villages have been covered in reconciliations ceremonies.
All that remains are the villages from Kupe valley and the upper tailings villages.
Following all these tailings, the Panguna Landowners Association supports the re-opening of the mine as well.
Already in March, the landowners and ABG agreed to have a joint supervisory body meeting in Port Moresby for consultation between landowners and the ABG on issues surrounding the reopening of the mine.
The landowners’ position, from what we gather, is very firm on the long neglected review of the Bougainville copper agreement and call for a new deal to emerge from this review.
They are adamant that outstanding compensation for the year 1990 be paid to the landowners along with interest.
It is understood an amount of K1.46 million is owing and is believed to be held in trust with BCL for the purpose. The landowners are claiming the money with cumulative interest charged at normal treasury bill rates for the years to 2010.
It seems all that remains is the review of the agreement. That too should not be too hard as we expect all have been tempered by the events of the past 15 years.
As the president said, “this reopening will help generate money for the people to participate in the economy”.
