News 07.2014.1
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15.07.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Correctional Service Minister promises funds for jails
By Ishmael Palipal
The national Correctional Service Minister, the Hon. Jim Simatab, has promised to assist improvements the region’s correctional services on a recent visit to Bougainville.
Simatab spoke at a ceremony for his visit to the Bekut Correctional facility in Peit constituency in Buka.
According to the presentation given by the facility’s commanding officer, the Bekut jail has not progressed well for the last six years. The prison has been overcrowded with the inmates, which resulted in some prisoners being housed in a classroom.
This visit also gave the inmates a chance to voice their urgent needs to the visiting government officials that included Minister Simatab, Regional MP the Hon. Joe Lera and Acting Correctional Service Commissioner, Michael Waipo.
The inmates expressed their concern for the idea of inmate transfers to other Papua New Guinea jails, which have taken place due to lack of facilities to house convicts. They said such arrangements must not be encouraged, as it would make it hard for their relatives and loved ones to visit them.
The Minister also visited Arawa police lockups and promised K200,000 for a new building for the Bekut to reduce the overcrowding of the prisoners in the region.
Simatab stated that his visit to Bougainville has made him realise the desperate need for the delivery correction services.
He also called on the Hon. Joe Lera to match the K200,000 to go towards accommodation for female prisoners.
Simatab said that he would like to fast-track the buildings of the correctional inmates housing buildings to cut down on the overcrowding issue throughout the region and that his department was trying its best to make sure problems faced by jails throughout the country are fixed once and for all.
14.07.2014
Source: Bougainville24
ABG to deliver more information
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has promised an increased flow of information to the Bougainville people, as consideration is given to a possible resumption of mining at Panguna.
This forms part of a strategy to ensure the people are at the centre of decisions about the future of the Panguna mine.
The ABG forms part of the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC), along with landowner representatives, the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).
The JPNCC was established to bring together the major stakeholders to take steps towards an eventual decision on the resumption of mining at Panguna.
The co-chair of the JPNCC, Mr Raymond Masono, stated that an open and transparent environment is the only way to move forward.
“The exclusion of Bougainvilleans from decisions about development of the Panguna copper mine was a key cause of the Bougainville conflict,” Mr Masono said.
“This is why customary landowners, the ABG, the National Government and BCL are adopting a very different approach in considering whether the mine should be reopened”.
The terms of reference for the JPNCC includes the supervision of environmental, social and economic studies, as well as the customary reconciliation process of bel kol.
The baseline studies, to be conducted in the next 12-18 months, will establish the state of the environment, existing social conditions in areas surrounding the Panguna mine.
The results of the studies will affect remediation related to previous mining and will ensure informed decisions can be made around a potential resumption of mining at Panguna.
“If people are to have trust in the findings of baseline studies they must be conducted independently, transparently, and to the highest technical standards. The JPNCC will ensure that this happens,” Mr Masono continued.
The communication on topics such as the baseline studies is a priority for the Division of Information and Communication within the ABG.
“An ABG survey of communication channels, both formal media and informal transfer of information, confirmed that people outside Buka have very limited access to mainstream media, including radio, television and newspapers,” Mr Masono said.
“In response to these findings the JPNCC is developing a communication strategy focusing on face-to-face communication and delivery of print materials that are designed specifically to suit Bougainville conditions.”
11.07.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Two new ships will assist MV Bougainville Atolls
By Ishmael Palipal
The Autonomous Bougainville Government will bring in two ships to fill the void left by the damaged and docked barge, MV Bougainville Atolls
Since late 2011 people living in remote islands around north Bougainville have benefited from the arrival of MV Bougainville Atolls.
The barge was bought to provide shipping services to Bougainville’s isolated and scattered atolls and islands such as the Carteret Islands, Mortlock (Tauu) Islands and Tasman (Nukumanu) Islands.
The Papua New Guinea’s Border Development Authority (BDA) provided the barge to Bougainville and it was a part of the organisation’s most recent fleet. BDA has barges all over PNG serving people in remote islands, transporting food, educational tool, health supplies and people.
The introduction of MV Bougainville Atolls reduced the burden of chartering expensive private ships on the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), to bring services to the people living in the remote islands.
Malfunctions and damage to the MV Bougainville Atolls has forced it to be docked and life has now returned to pre-2011 days.
There is difficulty travelling from islands to mainland and this has affected schedules for government workers like teachers, health workers, and government officials.
On Wednesday 4 June President of the ABG, Dr John Momis, announced in parliament that Bougainville will be getting two more ships, expected by early August.
Momis said that the ships will be owned by Bougainville through a joint venture with Sir Hendry Chow and are constructed in China. Dr Momis continued to explain that the larger ship is brand new one and will carry about 370 passengers on the most mercantile route between Buka, Rabaul, Kimbe and Lae.
The smaller vessel, MV Chebu, will carry about 65 passengers along the west coast of Bougainville and to the atolls. MV Chebu is said to be as good as a new because of recent replacements to its engines and other work. It is considered to be a good ship to carry seaweed, other cargo and passengers. In the future the ABG will look to get a larger ship to the atolls.
11.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Momis: Referendum is guaranteed by law
By ANTHONY KAYBING
The right for Bougainville to hold its referendum to determine its political future is enshrined in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, protected by the PNG Constitution and Bougainville Constitution.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis made this statement yesterday amidst claims of him being against Bougainville’s referendum.
"We Bougainvilleans fought for the right to make a free and democratic choice about our political future. The price was the blood of many and the hard work of many others. No one can take that right from us," Mr Momis said.
"A few weeks ago I said that Bougainville is not yet ready for the referendum. That statement has been wrongly understood by some people so I must make it completely clear that I am not against referendum, in fact I completely support the right of our people to choose their future.
"The concern I was expressing is that the outcome of the referendum will depend on how well we prepare. If we do not work to prepare properly the referendum will not achieve what we want."
One issue which the President outlined as a major concern was poor voter turnout which is evident in Bougainville elections since 2002 where the voter turnout has been less than 50 percent.
He said that if voter turnout for the referendum is also less than 50 percent then even if most people vote for independence, the international community could say that the result does not reflect the wishes of the majority.
Mr Momis said one of the vital things to do now is to ensure that the common roll is accurate so as to allow as many people as possible to vote during the referendum and the ABG elections in 2015 and national general elections in 2017.
"Another important issue we have to consider is that if weapons are not secured and if law and order is bad thenthese disrupt the referendum campaigning and voting," he said.
11.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
ABG: We must be represented in meets
THE Bougainville Government has endorsed a number of recommendations for the management of fisheries and revenue from tuna stocks in the waters around Bougainville. ABG President Chief Dr John Momis said they had been treated badly by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for too long. “Our concern is not just about revenue, we need to be engaged in the sustainable management of the fishing in the exclusive economic zone,’’ President Momis said. It was agreed during a meeting between the national government and the ABG that the NFA will, by August 1, pay K5 million into the Bougainville consolidated revenue fund as an interim payment annually for straddling fish stocks until such time a formula is agreed. In the resolutions signed, the national government (through NFA) will honour the terms of paragraph 85 (a) of the BPA and ensure that the Bougainville government is represented on all national delegations to international meetings and negotiations relevant to fisheries in Bougainville waters and waters associated with Bougainville, the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf associated with Bougainville territories. It was agreed the NFA, no later than December 1, will provide the Bougainville government all relevant data (including financial and catch data) for comprehensive analysis, so that an assessment can be made as to the fishing revenues derived from Bougainville waters and waters associated with Bougainville. According to a website, “Bougainville is said to be the largest and richest island of the Solomon archipelago. “In the dream days, oral history claims that most traditional trade goods from as far as Malaita Island ended up in Bougainville. It has the potential to be an economic powerhouse...”
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG IS ENTITLED TO FISHERIES REVENUE, SAYS MOMIS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Bougainville Peace Agreement provides for the Autonomous Bougainville Government to receive the revenue that the National Government derives from fisheries in Bougainville waters and in the 200Km extended economic zone associated with Bougainville.
This was revealed by the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis in a press statement on Monday saying the revenue will be minus the costs of collection.
He said for several years now the ABG has been negotiating about how to calculate the fisheries revenue payable to Bougainville.
He added that until now we have made very little progress.
Chief Momis said the National Government has now agreed to pay the ABG an initial K5 million by August 1 this year.
He said in addition, it will provide the ABG with detailed information on fishing licenses and fish catch data to enable calculation of the fisheries revenue due to the ABG.
He said the ABG has made it clear that debts will be paid from the date of establishing the ABG in 2005.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FOLLOW ALL TRAFFIC RULES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A concerned Bougainville citizen has expressed concern regarding vehicles without headlights, taillights and plate numbers.
Francis Loio told New Dawn in an interview that most vehicles in Buka do not follow traffic rules because they do not have brake lights, tail lights, head lights and plate numbers.
He said this is a breach of the traffic laws and under such laws, a car must have everything.
He added that cars without plate numbers will be hard to track down when it causes an accident and escapes.
Mr. Loio wants the police to do their job in setting up roadblocks and charge those people who are breaking traffic rules.
He said Buka is a big town and traffic rules must be enforced to ensure the safety of the general public.
He added that the pictures published in the Post Courier on overloading is not good because it is showing the whole world that Bougainvilleans lack law and order in their societies.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TEENAGE PREGNANCIES NOT SAFE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Dr. Hilda Tanimia told New Dawn in an interview that teenage pregnancies are not safe because the mother will face many problems.
Her advice to young girls and young boys is that to have a child when you are between the age of 15 and 19 is not safe.
She said if young girls have a baby at a very early age and before the age of 18; the mother is likely to die.
She explained that this is because teenage girls are prone to high blood pressure when they are pregnant and will also face difficulties during childbirth.
Dr. Tanimia said the other thing that young girls must be aware of is that their vagina is not yet fully developed.
She explained that if a girl gives birth at a very early age, a hole will be formed in the urinating tube.
She added that she is not stopping young people to have sex but she said young people must make up their minds, especially young girls.
Dr. Tanimia called on young girls to make up their minds when they reach this age as to whether they are ready to have a child or not.
She said most babies die from suffocation in the womb because the womb is not yet fully developed to carry a fully developed baby.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EXPERIENCES PUSHES MEMBERS TO DELIVER SERVICES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Member for Central Bougainville and the National Minister for Information and Communication Technology Jimmy Miringtoro said experiences pushes members to deliver services.
He made this statement during his second electorate visit to ParuParu in the Awaipa area in Central Bougainville on the weekend.
He revealed to his people that his experience in walking such a long distance to ParuParu has shown him the feeling that his people feel when they walk these long distances.
He said such experiences we get will help push us to deliver basic services to the people in our electorates and constituencies when we become members.
Minister Miringtoro said as members and elected representatives of the people, we have the duty to answer to the people, hear their cries, listen to them and do what they want when they inform us.
He said that is why as members, we must make some time available to spend with our people, anytime, anywhere and at any place.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BISHOP UNABALI WANTS TO OPEN UP TO OTHER SOCIETIES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Bishop Bernard Unabali wants to open up to other societies to come in and help the Catholic Diocese at Mabiri.
He said it is not good in the diocese history to be attached only to Marist Brothers and Marist Sisters.
Speaking during the Farewell ceremony of Br. Ken MacDonald at Mabiri High School last week, he told everyone present that the Catholic Church is an open church and there are a lot of graces and gifts which are in the hands of different congregations.
He pointed out that for them to go to the next level, they need to open up.
Bishop Unabali informed the people present that he has started short listing new people already.
He said these new people will help the work of the Marist Brothers in some ways and hopefully the vocational work we did on the diocese will help the growth of the Marist Brothers as well.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BIG PROGRESS IN KOKOPO JSB DESPITE DIFFRENCES ON RDG CALCULATIONS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Picture of the Bougainville team checking financing calculations
ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis has expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting that was held in Kokopo, East New Britain last Friday despite differences between ABG and the National Government.
In a press statement on Monday, he said the Bougainville team was disappointed that differences with the National Government over the calculating of the Restoration and Development (RDG) were not fully resolved.
He said but they were relieved that big progress was made on that and other important issues.
The president said on the RDG, the National Government agreed that ABG is owed at least K96 million in debts which will be repaid over the next three years, starting with K30 million in 2015.
He said this means that the National Government has accepted that the annual RDG payments have been too low for years and as a result, the 2015 RDG should well be over K30 million.
He added that the ABG does not agree with the National Government calculations because we believe we are owed K260 million in debts.
Chief Momis explained that because they could not reach an agreement on the correct calculation, the National Government proposed each government seek legal opinions on the issue.
He said they agreed jointly that their differences on the grant be referred to an independent mediator because the Bougainville Peace Agreement provides for disputes between governments to be dealt with this way.
He added that the Autonomous Bougainville Government believes it has a strong case to present to the mediator.
Picture of the Leaders by Stephanie Elijah
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
COUNTER FUNDING WILL FAST TRACK DEVELOPMENTS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Member for Evotorau constituency and minister for community development Melchior Dare said counter funding is the only way to fast track economic development of high impact infrastructures and developments.
He made this statement in ParuParu on the weekend when he accompanied the member for Central Bougainville Jimmy Miringtoro on his electoral visit there.
When speaking on priority projects in his constituency, he said his priority commitment, including those of member for South Nasioi John Ken and minister Miringtoro is to liberate and connect ParuParu to other centres of the region through the completion of the Java-ParuParu road.
He added that their priority is clear that road access is a big problem that the people of ParuParu are being faced with.
Minister Dare stressed again that counter funding is an important partnership to work together and come up with the spirit of counter funding.
He has asked the ABG to counter fund the road project through a counter funding of K500, 000 each from him and South Nasioi member John Ken to complement the K3 million committed towards the road by minister Miringtoro.
He said their challenge as members now is to ensure that the road completion becomes a reality and soon.
10.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MIRINGTORO COMMITS K3 MILLION TO DEVELOP PARUPARU ROAD
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Member for Central Bougainville and minister for information and communication technology Jimmy Miringtoro has committed K3 million to complete the ParuParu road in Central Bougainville.
Miringtoro made the commitment during his second visit to ParuParu on the weekend saying the road completion project is a big commitment of his and also of the two ABG members Melchior Dare, minister for community development and member for South Nasioi John Ken.
Minister Dare and Mr. Ken committed K1 million as well to complement the K3 million commitment made by Minister Miringtoro for the road.
Mr. Miringtoro told the people of ParuParu that they will not just complete the road but they will build the best road for them.
He gave the people of ParuParu two chainsaws as well which will be under the care of the chiefs.
He then encouraged the people to work together saying it is a good thing to work together because ParuParu is well set for development.
10.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
ABG, Govt to set vote date
THE Joint Supervisory Body has agreed that the national Government and the ABG must set the date for the referendum.
As per the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the date must be no earlier than mid-2015 and no later than 2020.
To agree on the date both governments must consult on weapons disposal, good governance and the fiscal self-reliance of Bougainville, said ABG President John Momis.
Both governments also agreed accurate information is also needed on weapons disposal and good governance in the region.
“As President I want to see urgent work on the preparations for referendum, I have been concerned about its slow progress till now and that was part of the reason for my recent statement about Bougainville not being ready for referendum,” said Mr Momis.
“I fully support the referendum and our people have won the right to choose their political destiny.”
Despite this he said Bougainvilleans must be realistic.
“A huge amount of work is needed if we are to hold the referendum and an even bigger effort if we choose to be independent but I am pleased to see the beginning of serious work to prepare for the referendum,” the ABG President said.
The JSB recognised that the two governments need to agree on the date for the Referendum,they also have to agree on a number of outstanding matters, and it is agreed that they will start regular dialogue on the three main work streams being an assessment of the progress on weapons disposal, the assessment of good governance and the administrative and governance arrangements for conducting the Referendum.
The JSB endorsed the establishment of a technical working group with members from ABG and national Government to produce the structured work program.
10.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Woman leader hails ABG leadership
By MAUREEN GERAWA
A BOUGAINVILLE leader says she was proud that Autonomous Bougainville Government has embraced traditional leadership systems.
Rose Pihei represents women in the House of Representatives for ABG and is currently the Minister for Arts, Culture and Tourism.
She said this during the three-day Melanesian Forum on Traditional Leadership systems in Port Moresby.
“I am proud to say that the Autonomous Bougainville Government has provided a whole section in its constitution about traditional leadership,’’ she said.
The provision includes:
- Giving recognition to traditional chiefs and traditional leaders as custodians of custom and tradition, especially in matters relating to the governance of their communities;
- Giving recognition to traditional leaders in matters relating to customary land, preservation of the environment, family matters, dispute resolution and the maintenance of peace and good order;
- The need to identify the traditional leaders powers and obligations so that by making laws in that regard will give power to traditional leaders on such matters that need to be dealt with by law;
- In consultation with representatives of traditional chiefs and other traditional leaders, shall assist traditional chiefs and other traditional leaders in identifying their powers and obligations and by making laws in that regard to that extent that such matters need to be dealt with by law;
- In particular; the roles of traditional chiefs, other traditional leaders and traditional practices shall be recognised in relation to the following provisions of this consultation.
Ms Pihei told the three-day Melanesian Forum on Traditional Leadership systems in Port Moresby that traditional leadership systems regulated lives in the clans, tribes and villages and some of these forms of leaderships were like what is now regarded as “legislature, judiciary and executives within the structure’’.
“Decisions were made by chiefs in a special house only accessible by men of special status. Those decisions were then implemented by another cadre of group (sub-clan) within the community,’’ she said.
10.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Miringtoro visits remote area
CENTRAL Bougainville MP and Communications and Information Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro has taken advantage of the postponement of the Parliament sitting until August to visit a remote part of his electorate in the Panguna District.
He was there to inform the leaders and community that the road he has funded but has not reached Paruparu will still be completed. His commitment is still there.
Mr Miringtoro was accompanied by ABG Central region member for Eivo Torau Melchior Dare and member for South Nasioi John Ken. This is a good sign to see both the national and ABG members working together.
09.07.2014
Source: The National
Urgent work needed ‘for referendum’
BOUGAINVILLE’S Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) discussed preparations for its impending referendum and agreed the need for the Government and Autonomous Bougainville Government to prepare to set the date.
According to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the date must be set between mid-2015 and 2020.
To agree on the date, both governments must consult on weapons disposal, good governance and fiscal self-reliance of Bougainville.
Both governments also agreed accurate information was needed on weapons disposal and good governance in the region.
“I want urgent work on the preparations for referendum. I have been concerned about its slow progress and that was part of the reason for my statement about Bougainville not being ready for referendum,” ABG President John Momis said.
“I fully support the referendum and our people have won the right to choose their political destiny.”
Despite this, he said Bougainvilleans must be realistic.
“A huge amount of work is needed if we are to hold the referendum and an even bigger effort if we choose to be independent but I am pleased to see the beginning of serious work to prepare for the referendum.”
The JSB recognised that the two governments needed to agree on the date for the referendum, and that the governments had to agree on a number of outstanding matters.
Momis said the two governments would start regular dialogue on the three main work streams being an assessment of the progress on weapons disposal, assessment of good governance and the administrative and governance arrangements for conducting the referendum.
The JSB endorsed the establishment of a technical working group comprising members of ABG and the Government to produce the structured work programme, with a detailed report to be presented to the JSB at the end of this year.
08.07.2014
Source: EMTV
BUSINESS PNG - EPISODE 23, 2014
This week’s Episode of Business PNG focuses on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the investment opportunities available in the region.
ABG President, Dr John Momis, speaks about his hopes on the potential reopening of the Panguna Mine as well as the other major sectors the ABG will focus on to boost the economy of Bougainville.
With the establishing of an investment bureau, Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau, the Region is demonstrates their seriousness about attracting investors.
Also on this episode, the 2014 Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture; we look at the Business Opportunities for participants from both the people of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands and how it is generating income.
08.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Momis not happy with national government
By PATRICK MINANA
PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis was clearly annoyed with the national Government’s lack of urgency in financing the Bougainville Government as set out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement .
He made this known at the Joint Supervisory Body meeting in Kokopo last Friday.
"I do not mind saying that my Cabinet and I are getting more and more annoyed when we hear National Government officers and sometimes Ministers speaking of Bougainville’s request for funding as though these are new claims,’’ Mr Momis said.
He said their claims and advocacy on these matters are based upon Papua New Guinea’s constitutional laws which arises out of the BPA, which was negotiated to end the war on Bougainville.
"I want to state this very clearly that financing the Bougainville Government according to the Peace Agreement and the constitutional laws is not a new program or an option for the National Government.’’
"Our government’s entitlements are written into the Constitution of Papua New Guinea. Each government may share some blame for not getting this right from 2005, but that does not make the provisions any less relevant,’’Mr Momis explained.
He said when the BPA was being negotiated, the national Government’s finances were in a poor state with PNG arguing that it could not afford to provide the massive sums needed to fund recurrent costs.
08.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainvilleans get training for disaster response
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Mr Nakarmi talking to participants upon their arrival at the boat stop in Buka town.
BUKA town came to a standstill last Thursday afternoon as participants of a week-long first aid workshop acted out how they would react when disaster strikes.
The participants numbering more than 30 were fortunate to have participated in the trainings on how to deal with injured people.
The training which was funded by UNICEF and held at the Hutjena secondary school was facilitated by an expert on earthquake matters and a former structural engineer at Stanford University, Mahesh Nakarmi and his team with assistance from UNICEF.
Most of the participants were primary school teachers however representatives from other stakeholders including the Division of Health, police, Red Cross, Callan Service and others were also invited to participate in the training.
Mr Nakarmi with some of his assistants and Bougainville Disaster Coordinator Franklyn Lacey travelled by boat to Taiof primary school on Taiof Island in the Mahari constituency to prepare students on the first aid drill that was planned to be conducted by course participants.
08.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
ABG to support Mining Act
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government will be supporting the Bougainville Mining Act that provides resource owners and landowners’ ownership of the mine jointly with the ABG as the representative of the people’s interests.
This announcement was made recently by the member for Hagogohe constituency in Buka, Peter Sohia.
“This is the official position of the north Bougainville Regional Parliamentary Committee in the Bougainville House of Representatives, and this is how debate on the future of Panguna and mining in Bougainville will be pursued on the floor of parliament,” Mr Sohia said.
“The ABG’s position on mining is quite clear. It has to begin initially with the landowners and ABG.
“The landowners must give their undivided support and approval, otherwise there will not be mining on a large commercial and industrial scale,” he added.
Mr Sohia also warned those inviting foreign businessmen to do business in Bougainville to always consult ABG before entering into dubious and unscrupulous deals with these men at the expense of landowners.
“We have seen these deals before and they all stink and are of no interest to Bougainville,” Mr Sohia said.
08.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUKA TOWN STREETS SEALING BEGINS
By Aloysius Laukai
The long awaited Sealing of the Buka town roads has started and would soon the image of the old dusty town will change.
This was revealed by the Secretary of the ABG Technical division, BENARD TZILU today.
He told New Dawn FM that the delay was due to some technical hiccups following the engagement of the Contractor and the cost of the work.
MR. TZILU said that the sealing of the Buka streets was funded from the THREE MILLION KINA committed by Prime Minister, PETER O’NEIL but when the contractor was engaged it had to do the scoping which included drainage and possibly footpaths which raised the cost more than THREE THOUSAND KINA.
He said the extra funds had to be sourced to make sure that the work is completed and last for some time instead of lasting just months after completion.
On the Buka ring road, MR. TZILU said that Tender has been given out for the first Twenty Kilometre between Hutjena and Malis village.
He said that under the Bougainville Supply and Tenders act, the approval will be given by the Bougainville Tender board and no longer by Port Moresby.
Buka streets sealing to start soon
08.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Financing the ABG
by Anthony Kaybing
Financing the Autonomous Bougainville Government according to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the PNG constitutional laws is not a new program or an option for the National Government.
ABG President Chief Dr John Momis made this bold statement during the Joint Supervisory Board Meeting in Kokopo last Friday as he pointed out the National Government’s lax attitude in funding the ABG’s Restoration Development Grant.
“My Cabinet and I are getting more and more annoyed when we hear National Government officers and sometimes minister speaking of Bougainville’s requests for funding of the RDG as though these are new claims,” the President said.
“Our government’s entitlements are written into the Constitution of Papua New Guinea. Each government may share some blame for not getting this right from 2005, but that does make the provisions any less relevant,” he added.
When the Bougainville Peace Agreement was being negotiated the National Government’s finances were in a poor state and the National Government argued it could not afford to provide the massive sums needed to fund recurrent costs adequately and to restore infrastructure and service in Bougainville in what is now known as the Restoration and Development Grant.
The National Government team offered the Bougainville parties the rolling five-year average formula based upon the 2001 National Public Investment Program.
Their argument was that as Papua New Guinea’s economy improved Bougainville would benefit in the same proportion as the rest of the country, in other words the proportion of the National Development Budget would remain roughly the same as it was in 2001 and the rationale was primarily based around a concept of fairness.
“The Panguna Mine funded PNG’s development from 1972 to 1989. Now, at the Peace talks, the PNG Government agreed to fund Bougainville’s restoration through a guaranteed share of PNG’s development budget,” President Momis said
Under the RDG;s formulae proposed by the ABG’s share of the domestically financed Public Investment Programme will be around two percent but the formulae proposed by the National Government Bougainville’s share of the Development Budget will reduce dramatically to one third of the share it was in 2001.
Since the creation of Bougainville’s autonomous arrangement the RDG has remain stagnant at K15 m per year.
The President asked that the JSB seek to agree the RDG formulae and that the ABG want the 2015 paid at the correct rate to maintain services in Bougainville.
He also recommended that the respective Chief Secretary’s of both governments sit down and agree on the appointment of a suitable mediator and arbitrator.
08.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUIN ADMINISTRATION MEET HR TEAM
by Eleanor Maineke in Buin
The public servants in Buin District today met with the Team from the Bougainville Administrative Services formerly known as the Human Resource Division.
The Public servants in the district ranged from the District Administration office, the Buin Hospital and the District Treasury and Finance.
The HR team comprised of two members, Mr. Sam Satoriri and Cornelius Kekung, Training Officer.
The two hours session from 10:00am to 12:00 noon was basically on the presentation of the Bougainville Public Service Management Act which was presented by Sam Satoriri.
From Buin the team travelled to Siwai District.
08.07.2014
Source: The National
Bougainville council restructures ministries
THE Bougainville executive council has decided to restructure its ministries to meet its current and future needs.
This follows the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s own public service.
ABG President John Momis revealed this during a meeting between the ABG and the National Government, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion, in Kokopo, East New Britain, last Friday
“This is the first restructure of the Bougainville Government Ministries and the Administration since 2005 and the number of ministries has been cut to 15, 13 members of the Cabinet will have only one ministry, and only one minister will have two ministries,” Momis said.
Momis said the Bougainville administration would have 11 departments headed by secretaries and four offices headed by directors.
07.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Miringtoro: Delay affecting progress
Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro has raised concerns that the delays in the implementation of high impact projects is severely affecting the people of Bougainville and slowing down the development process in the region.
He called on the national Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to provide an explanation to the people of Bougainville on what has happened to the funds that were earmarked for these projects.
“I believe that the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting will be held within the next few days and an explanation has to be provided there, why the projects are being delayed as it is an ongoing problem and it needs to be addressed at this meeting,” Mr Miringtoro said.
“I know for a fact that some of these delays with scoping and quantification are by the ABG technical team on the ground.
“There are also delays in draw down of funds after Central Supply and Tenders Board (CSTB) approval.
“A good example of this is the Aropa Airport. The Prime Minister clearly stated at Arawa during his tour of Bougainville that the airport would open three months as of the day he made the commitment to re-open Aropa Airport.
“We are already half way through the year and nothing has been done and the reason I hear is that the delays were due to some problems in Waigani.
“I signed the MOU to rebuild Radio Bougainville ‘Maus Bilong Sankamap’ and roll out into Bougainville a month ago, but this is not happening.
“It is beginning to look as if there is some deliberate conspiracy to sabotage our efforts to bring development to Bougainville.
“This must not happen because Bougainville is still an integral part of Papua New Guinea.
“Without infrastructure development other high impact projects there will be no growth and development in the region because roads, airports and communication infrastructure hold the key to the regions move forward,” the MP said.
Mr Miringtoro also questioned why the draw-down of the K15 million has been very slow also.
He said these monies are for development and not for paying compensation claims, reconciliation ceremonies, overseas trips or outstanding salaries.
07.07.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Panguna, the early days: ‘Geologists, you're trespassers…’
by Bill Brown
I had been a kiap for 16 years, in the Sepik District for more than ten (the last four at Maprik), and back from leave ten days, when, on 2 June 1966, DC Ted Hicks came on the radio to tell me that I had been transferred to the Bougainville District.
The situation was urgent; as soon as we were packed, we would be flown direct to Bougainville by a Caribou aircraft. Director Keith McCarthy’s letter arrived the next day:
….[because] of the possibility of large scale mineral development in … the Bougainville District … [and] various local factors and problems involved in this possible development which require … an additional experienced and capable officer … I have decided to transfer Mr W. T. Brown, District Officer, … for duty in the Kieta Sub-District.
We packed, and waited, and waited. A fortnight later, two single-engined Norseman aircraft began shuttling our household and effects to the Wewak airstrip, Boram, where they were manhandled into the waiting Douglas Dakota, the military version of the Douglas DC-3 aircraft.
We were to have flown direct from Wewak to Bougainville, but mechanical failure caused a diversion to Madang, followed by an overnight stop at Rabaul, so we were a day late when we arrived; the grass airstrip, Aropa, was deserted, and the only shade was under the aircraft’s wing.
Deputy DC Max Denehy drove us to town, but there was nary a mention of mining, or problems, as we bounced around for an hour over the 14 miles of water-filled wheel ruts winding through coconut groves, and the occasional stretches that were almost a road.
The next morning, Thursday 16 June, at the Sub-District Office, I was interested to hear from Patrol Officer Andrew Melville that mining giant Conzinc Riotinto of Australia Limited’s prospecting operation in the Crown Prince Range behind Kieta had been brought to a standstill by native landowners.
Denehy declined to discuss it, and when he told me that my new task would be to update the Common Roll (the Electoral Roll), I rebelled.
I did not think that I had been flown 1,500 kilometres by special charter to undertake a mundane task related to elections that were not due until 1968, and that at Maprik, with three times the population, I had delegated to the cadets. I suggested that he refer my refusal to accept his instructions to the Director.
I do not know how the Administrator, Brigadier Cleland, became involved, but he ended the impasse with an instruction to the Bougainville DC, copied to Denehy and myself:
- Mr Brown should spend as much time as possible in the field. This will give him the opportunity of establishing contacts with the people and help in disseminating information on Administration policy on mining matters …
- The CRA problem is to be given priority over all other work in your District. Mr Denehy should maintain his good relations with the Kieta Council, and handle the CRA problem generally. Mr Brown was posted to your District to strengthen field contacts in the CRA area and his energies are not to be dissipated on Census and routine matters.
DC Mollison added his comments, but seemed oblivious to the enormity of the problem:
- Neither of you are involved in the Census collection and Mr Brown, with advice and any assistance necessary from yourself, owing to his recent arrival in the Sub-District, should commence his field work without delay, and make every effort to achieve results … One disadvantage [the CRA] may have is their Australian employees have come direct to the Guava and would have no understanding of the people or even be able to converse with them …
- Perhaps interpreters could travel with such teams … A lot can be gained by a friendly approach and good comradely relations in such outback parts. Care should be taken too, not to disturb any native property of value or significance to them … In my view it is best to keep the immediate task in perspective and to work for the success of the exploratory stage, achieving harmony in relations, and … enable the people to obtain the monetary benefits from the amended legislation.
It would have taken me ten minutes to reach Guava village, near Panguna, by CRA’s helicopter, but I had no intention of being viewed as a Company employee. Accompanied by two police constables, I travelled in an Administration lorry to the roadhead behind Arawa plantation, and then plodded on foot up the Bovo Valley.
The hard climb began near the old mine site at Kupei, up the muddy steps cut into the almost vertical 900-metre-high bluff. We climbed in a forest of moss-covered, dripping trees, crossed the divide at about 1,300 metres, and slithered down the western slope to Guava village, just before nightfall.
Guava village nestled in a hollow, but the rest house, isolated on a 900-metre-high ridge, was exposed to the west coast. The cold, moist wind blew up the valley from Torokina, whistled through the openings that served as doors and through the cracks in the bush timber floor. It rained every afternoon; cloudbursts of more than 100 millimetres an hour, and the nights were freezing.
We were not a welcome intrusion, but the next day the people gathered to hear, and reject, what I had to say about prospecting and the law. Only the luluai Oni, clan leader Mathew Kove, and one or two others were friendly. For days, I walked around the prospect with the people, and talked. I was harangued by Anthony Ampei from Guava, by Damien from Irang, and by Gregory Korpa from Moroni.
CRA certainly had problems. They had acceded to Anthony Ampei’s demand that they cease drilling on his land, and five of the eight drilling rigs now lay idle. Gregory Korpa, as spokesman of the large Moroni-Pakia group, was adamant that people had opposed the geologists’ intrusion from the outset. He said he had told the geologists that they were trespassers. He and his people wanted the Company to leave – now!
07.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Arawa dump an ‘eye sore’
Arawa urban town authority workers dumping rubbish at the overfilled Tunuru Junction dump with their only dump truck. Picture by JACOB IENU.
RESIDENTS of Arawa town and the nearby villages want the Arawa Urban Town Council to shut down the existing rubbish dump at the Junction of Tunuru and relocate the dump to its original area towards Loloho.
Concerned town residents said the dump at Tunuru is an “eye-sore” for visitors and tourists who visit Arawa town, Loloho, Panguna and other nearby villages, as the dump is right beside the main Arawa-Panguna-Buka highway.
The dump is overfilled with rubbish spilling onto the main road.
Arawa village paramount chief Mark Niniku voiced his concern on behalf of the communities and called on the council to make a swift move and shut down the existing dump and open up the old one, along the Loloho/Rorovana section of the highway. This dump was used before the crisis and is at a good location, Mr Niniku said. He also appealed to the people to keep the town clean.
07.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
More calls for change in Panguna
BY ROMULUS MASIU
ALL the law or policies governing the Panguna mine must change altogether for the benefit of the resource owners, says Me’ekamui government of unity president Phillip Miriori in Arawa.
He said the Bougainville mining law is still the same since CRA/BCL and PNG government enacted it some 50 years ago and will be a threat to the referendum and Independence of Bougainville.
“By now we must realise who the enemies are. The 350,000 people throughout Bougainville have to be well informed of what changes ABG/BCL or national Government want to bring about as far as the mining law is concern,” Mr Miriori said.
“So far there is no input from the people coming from the draft law. There is no consultation and no diologue by the ABG and the people on the ground on the new mining law.”
Mr Miriori said the ABG must go down to the people and get their views before coming up with laws that won’t benefit the people in the long run.
The Me’ekamui government of unity, which Mr Miriori and Philip Takaung lead, and which is based in the heart of the Panguna mine pit, are still firm on the K10 billion compensation payment which the late Francis Ona has been very vocal about till his death.
“We only want the K10 billion compensation payment, if not (BCL/ABG) don’t negotiate to come back,” Mr Miriori said.
“No one who talks about bel kol will be allowed through the Morgan check point. The founding BRA commanders from the North to South are now being invited to Panguna for us to discuss how we take up our responsibilities for the fallen comrades and the 20,000 lives we lost.
“Every issue concerning mining from now on must discussed on the round table in Panguna not elsewhere.”
He said ABG President John Momis should concentrate on organising the House of Representatives and leave the sores to take time to heal.
“There is enough money for Bougainville population on non-mining and renewable sector like tourism, marine products – fish, seaweed, sea cucumber, copra, cocoa, timber, and water with all other resources.
“Momis has been deceived on this. The ABG has had enough time since its inauguration and should have been earning millions of kina by now on agriculture.
“Instead it is wasting its time being forced by BCL to entertain its interests on the minerals on Bougainville.”
He also criticised the engagement of foreign advisers by the ABG.
07.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Union praises public servants
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
BOUGAINVLLE public servants have been commended for their efforts put into the delivery of government services in the region.
According to the president of the Public Service Association’s (PEA) Bougainville branch, Patrick Heromate, these government officers have been trying their very best to perform their duties despite the problems they encounter while carrying out their responsibilities.
“I would like to congratulate the officers of the present Bougainville public service, especially officers who worked during the crisis. This period needed people with dedication and courage,” said Mr Heromate.
“Most of you will be leaving and retiring after working for more than thirty years. You will be taking away the knowledge and experiences in the jobs that you have performed with commitment, dedication and discipline that led to Bougainville to become second to none.”
Mr Heromate said no one could argue about the level of services provided by public servants during and after the crisis.
“Until every problems created by the crisis are solved the services that are rendered are supposed to reach our rural communities will remain to be poor,” he said.
“For anyone to criticize you are not fair in light of what Bougainville went through during the civil war. Many of our colleague officers lost their lives for supporting the government.”
Mr Heromate said many risked their lives during the restoration of government services during the height of the crisis.
07.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Alleged affair hurts family
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A YOUNG mother from Madang and her three children are now homeless following their eviction last week from a house they had been renting at Kokopau in the northern tip of Bougainville.
Ms Catherin Kasi and her three children have been peacefully living at their rented house for the past years until last Wednesday when they were chased out by a woman from South Bougainville.
This woman had suspected Catherine of having an affair with her husband so she broke into the rented building and destroyed everything the young family had.
“She suspected that I was having an affair with her husband. Instead of sorting out this matter in a peaceful manner, she got some drunkards and they went and destroyed all our properties. They also burnt our clothes. Now we do not have any clothes to wear. The smelly clothes that we are wearing are the ones that we have been wearing since last Wednesday,” Ms Kasi said.
07.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG Ministry and Department Structure
by Anthony Kaybing
The Bougainville Executive Council has made the decision to radically structure its government ministries to meet its current and future needs.
This follows the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s own Public Service that now operates under its own law within Bougainville.
ABG President Chief Dr John Momis made the revelation during the Joint Supervisory Body Meeting between the ABG delegation headed by President Momis and the National Government delegation headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Leo Dion, in Kokopo, East New Britain Province this Friday (040714).
“This is the first restructure of the Bougainville Government Ministries and the Administration since 2005 and the number of ministries has been cut to 15, thirteen members of the Cabinet will have only one ministry, and only one minister will have two ministries. This will enable all Ministers to focus their efforts on one government priority area,” the President declared.
With the new structure in place the ABG Ministries will now be as follows;
1. Presidential portfolios:
2. Administrative Services
3. Treasury & Finance
4. Justice
5. Police and Corrections
6. Mineral Resources & Energy
7. Technical Services
8. Lands & Physical Planning and Environment & Conservation
9. Health
10. Education
11. Community Government
12. Communities, Women, Youth and Culture
13. Sport and Youth
14. Primary Industry
15. Commerce and Tourism.
President Momis went on to reveal that the Bougainville Administration will have 11 departments headed by Secretaries and four Offices headed by Directors who will be the equivalent to a secretary of a department.
The President also said that there were to be two new Ministries that will be created that sees the creation of a Ministry and Department of Police and Correctional and the Ministry and Office of Sports and Youth.
“The ABG has already taken practical steps to implement these new ministerial arranges that enforces the new Bougainville Public Service Act,” he said
The Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee (BSAC) will be responsible for the appointment of the Chief Secretary (formerly the Chief Administrator) and Head of the Public Service and Senior officers including departmental heads.
The Acting Chief Secretary will work with each minister to prepare a recommendation to the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee for an Acting appointment for each department and directorate and all permanent appointments will be made within six months to start from 1 January 2015.
07.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUIN ADMINISTRATION MEET HR TEAM
by Eleanor Maineke in Buin
The public servants in Buin District today met with the Team from the Bougainville Administrative Services formerly known as the Human Resource Division.
The Public servants in the district ranged from the District Administration office, the Buin Hospital and the District Treasury and Finance.
The HR team comprised of two members, Mr. Sam Satoriri and Cornelius Kekung, Training Officer.
The two hours session from 10:00am to 12:00 noon was basically on the presentation of the Bougainville Public Service Management Act which was presented by Sam Satoriri.
From Buin the team travelled to Siwai District.
07.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
President Thanks PM’s Visit
by Anthony Kaybing
The Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Government held its first Joint Supervisory Board meeting for this year in Kokopo in the East New Britain Province last Friday.
The ABG delegation was led by President Chief Dr John Momis whilst the National Government team was led by Deputy Prime Minister, Leo Dion.
In his first address to the JSB President Momis thank the Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill and his party for going to Bougainville early this year.
“Since his time as Treasurer the Prime Minister has worked to develop his understanding of Bougainville’s aspirations, needs and autonomy,” the President said.
“I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made with the Prime Minister, and especially in the last ten months, in our joint journey towards the realization of the cherished objectives of the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” he added.
The historic visit for the first time saw a PNG Prime Minister making a solemn apology to the people of Bougainville on behalf of the PNG Government and the people of Papua New Guinea on issues that led to the Bougainville Crises.
The Prime Minister also declared that the National Government is firmly committed to fully implementing the peace agreement and returning normalcy to their lives.
“On behalf of the Bougainville Government I again acknowledge this apology and the support for Bougainville from the Prime Minister,” President Momis said.
President Momis said the visit by the PM signifies the renewal of commitments to the autonomy arrangements provided in PNG’s constitutional laws as mandated under the Bougainville Peace Agreement by the National Government and of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The President said the Bougainville Peace Agreement gives direction and focus to our mission, aim and purpose in Bougainville “we will no nor can we change the Bougainville Peace Agreement which was jointly negotiated and agreed.
“It is an agreement that lead to the end the longest lasting and damaging war among Pacific peoples in modern times,” he added.
The President stressed that the Bougainville Government is a constitutionally established and highly autonomous government.
“I stressed this to the Honourable Prime Minister, and his ministers, because sometimes in the past we have felt we are not treated as a government with a high level of constitutionally guaranteed autonomy” he said.
The visit enabled the Prime Minister to see for himself Bougainville’s urgent need for a reliable stream of funding, as provided for in the Peace Agreement, to re-establish services and infrastructure.
President Momis again thanked Prime Minister O’Neil for the steps he took to reconcile with the people of Bougainville during his historic visit to Bougainville.
04.07.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Corruption in Bougainville is letting down all that we fought for
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
Social media activists Leonard Roka & Martyn Namorong
AS a student without any connection with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) or Bougainville Administration, I have no influence over the decisions my necktie-wearing, long sleeved and polished booted bureaucrats do in their fine Buka offices and elsewhere in Bougainville.
But I can talk as a Bougainvillean who endured the pain of the 10-year crisis after 1988 and who has a desire to see my Solomon Island of Bougainville move forward into the nationhood that is our goal and which we paid for with our tears and blood.
Corruption is an ailment affecting Bougainville, public and private Bougainville institutions and the Bougainvillean people.
Corruption is in Buka town and its surrounding villages; corruption is in northern Bougainville right across to Kereaka.
Corruption is in the Kongara area of central Bougainville, in the highlands, it extends to the fine beaches of Pokpok Island, and into Panguna and Wakunai and Tinputz.
Corruption is lazing its way across south Bougainville from Siwai, Buin to Nagovis and Torokina.
I am sad that my brothers and sisters and I are swimming in an ocean of corruption.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines for us corruption as “willing to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.” It’s corruption when we do not uphold the Bougainville Constitution or the numerous laws and bylaws as well as the ethical values known to us in our religions and cultures.
Having paid a heavy cost with our lives in the ugly armed crisis of 1988-97, by falling into the pit of corruption we mock ourselves with our greed.
Many foreign eyes are watching Bougainville and its politics. As Bougainvilleans we are tending to ignore the significant spot we have attained in the polity of the Pacific. And the worst issue is corruption.
I feel corruption among the so-called Panguna group of 12 landowners in mine-affected areas was one of the many catalysts of the 1988 crisis in Bougainville. Each member of the Group of 12 owned all the land in the affected areas and all were educated males corrupting a matrilineal Nasioi society by exploiting the people and turning youth against them, Bougainville Copper and PNG.
This legacy is still hurting deep in our hearts in government, communities, business and individuals.
In an alarming article in The National newspaper of 2 September 2013 (Auditor finds ‘massive corruption’ in Bougainville bureaucracy) Malum Nalu reported:
Massive corruption among the bureaucracy on Bougainville is the order of the day as it pushes for full autonomy and possible independence, according to deputy auditor-general, Peter Siparau.
He told the Sustainability of Bougainville seminar last Friday that public servants on Bougainville were a law unto themselves, who were seemingly answerable to no one, including the governments of Bougainville and PNG.
President John Momis, concurred with Siparau, saying the audacity and arrogance of some public servants there defied imagination.
It is true that Bougainvilleans are ‘a law unto themselves’ and this is a safe haven for corruption. Bougainville has a climate conducive to germinating and protecting corruption. Yet this contradicts our identity as long time fighters against exploitation, which is no different from corruption.
Furthermore, the same article stated:
Siparau said things were totally out of control from 2006-2010, when millions of kina were stolen through outright fraud and corruption, with "disclaimer audit opinions" issued – meaning the auditor-general was unable to rely on accounts and records of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) for the years ended Dec 31, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Siparau, a Bougainvillean who has been auditing ABG since 1997, said in 2010 alone, unacquitted amounts totaling K7.391 million were paid for travelling allowances, hire cars, and peace process reconciliation.
Serious audit issues include revenue collection, no registers kept for liquor outlets, no registers kept for motor vehicle registration, no registers kept for driver licenses, and no segregation of duties with the same person collecting and banking monies.
Vehicle hired from private sources totaling K2.275 million were not specified or indicated, payments were not properly approved by appropriate financial delegates, segregation of duties by officers was not done, personnel reimbursements were paid to officers but no approvals sighted, no quotations for purchases, and payments were charged to wrong votes – contravening the appropriation act.
This social illness is the outcome of a populace with high expectations. The post conflict Bougainville is an environment where society expects the state to provide the good they need for rehabilitation and reconstruction and the bureaucrats expect money to fall from heaven to empower them to provide for the people.
Deputy Auditor-General Siparau did not shy away from the most targeted financial stockpiles. Bougainville’s opportunists have sucked money from organisations like the UN and NGOs through travel allowances, hire cars and, appallingly, the peace process reconciliation.
In Bougainville, a pot-bellied bureaucrat finds it hard to pay a K2 note to cross the Buka Passage from his fat wallet.
Bureaucrats also find it hard to travel in over-crowded public transport and love air-conditioned hire cars.
A villager from the edge of Arawa town attending a short community health course with an NGO finds it hard to return home and needs to be accommodated in a town guesthouse.
A peace advocate returned home from Buka after reconciliation talks with plenty of goods and started a retail outlet overnight.
Bougainville’s present duty is to once and for all seal these potholes of corruption.
In 2010, a reporter wrote that President John Momis, in his inaugural speech, promised Bougainville in these terms:
Corruption will find zero tolerance in his government. All ministers, elected members, officials and investors take warning! His government will establish an inquiry into the corruption of recent years. Where there is evidence of wrong-doing, he promised that there will be criminal prosecutions. And any future corruption will result in immediate action.
At all levels of Bougainville leadership, leaders must live by these words.
They must lead by example and stand up against corruption so Bougainville can be a free, advancing and truly independent state.
03.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mine must not reopen
By ROMULUS MASIU
CHIEF of the Barapang clan in Kongara, Central Bougainville, Luke Miringtoro says Rio Tinto through BCL shouldn’t be talking about re-opening the Panguna mine.
Instead they must find ways to compensate the many lives lost during the conflict in the form of bel kol.
Mr Miringtoro said the landowners have God-given rights over their land and nobody should tell them how to use their land for mining, adding that they’ve learnt the hard way from the crisis, which has seen many lives lost during the conflict just because of the unfairness in the benefit sharing.
“On behalf of my clan we stand firm and don’t want the mine to reopen. We have that God-given right, for us landowners to look after our land,” Mr Miringtoro, who has witnessed the growth of the mine since the colonial period, told this newspaper.
“We’ve learnt our lessons the hard way and this time nobody will push us around. Not even BCL or the PNG government. Since its operational period the mine has done nothing for Bougainville. A good example is our roads are not sealed till present. There were no scholarships given by the company management. The Kieta-Arawa section of the road was only sealed because the Queen of England (Queen Elizabeth II) wanted to visit Bougainville. BCL didn’t start any new work on the island. Instead of helping Bougainville, it (BCL) helped PNG.”
Rio Tinto, which is the world’s second biggest mining company by law, owns 54 percent of BCL’s share and controls a number of mining rights of Bougainville, including oversite of the mine.
03.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Leader aims to develop human resources
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
South Nasioi Constituency member John Ken.
A Bougainville House of Representatives member has set his sights on developing human resources in his area.
South Nasioi constituency member John Ken has prioritised this program because he wants the elites from his area to return and develop their area.
And in order to achieve this, Mr Ken has established an organisation that he will be pumping money into to support the move for human resource development.
Mr Ken has already injected funds into the South Nasioi Students Foundation since its inception several months ago.
He told the Post-Courier in Arawa last week that he has recently deposited another K100,000 into the foundation’s account and will continue to do so with every development grant that he receives.
Mr Ken, who has been vocal on the floor of ABG parliament on many issues affecting Bougainville, is now setting his sights on the establishment of a similar organisation for Central Bougainville.
He said if all ABG members from Central Bougainville agree on the establishment of the Central Bougainville Students Foundation, then they will be contributing a portion of their development grants towards it for the purpose of developing human resource capacity in their region.
ABG member for Eivo-Torau and Minister for Community Development Melchior Dare has backed Mr Ken’s initiative, saying this will contribute to the development of the human resource personnel of Bougainville.
“If Peter Ipatas (Enga Governor) can do it, why can’t we also do the same by pumping money into programs like this that will help in the development of our human resource personnel,” said Mr Dare.
Mr Dare said he is ready to support Mr Ken in establishing this organisation.
The South Nasioi consituency is located within South Bougainville. There are four LLG’s under this district; Bana, Buin, Siwai and Torokina.
03.07.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Alleged affair hurts family
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A YOUNG mother from Madang and her three children are now homeless following their eviction last week from a house they had been renting at Kokopau in the northern tip of Bougainville.
Ms Catherin Kasi and her three children have been peacefully living at their rented house for the past years until last Wednesday when they were chased out by a woman from South Bougainville.
This woman had suspected Catherine of having an affair with her husband so she broke into the rented building and destroyed everything the young family had.
“She suspected that I was having an affair with her husband. Instead of sorting out this matter in a peaceful manner, she got some drunkards and they went and destroyed all our properties. They also burnt our clothes. Now we do not have any clothes to wear. The smelly clothes that we are wearing are the ones that we have been wearing since last Wednesday,” Ms Kasi said.
02.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE JSB TEAM ARRIVE IN RABAUL
By Aloysius Laukai
The final delegation of the 20 member Bougainville delegation to the Joint Supervisory Body Meeting arrived in Rabaul this morning for tomorrow’s meeting at the Gazelle International Hotel in Kokopo.
The delegation led by ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS had to climb out of the plane using Emergency exits as the main door of the plane refused to open.
Reports reaching New Dawn FM from the media officer accompanying the delegation, STEPHANIE ELIZAH reported that despite the drama at the airport the group arrived safely in Rabaul.
New Dawn will give daily update on the progress of the JSB which is the first for 2014.
New Dawn FM understands that this JSB will discuss on the breakup of the 200 MILLION KINA made available by the National Government under the Special High Impact Projects on Bougainville which the ABG has continued to dispute stating that Bougainville has other pressing issues that could be funded under High Impact Projects.
02.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LERA SAYS PROJECTS TO START SOON
By Aloysius Laukai
The Regional member for Bougainville, JOE LERA says projects identified by the recent regional forums will be finalized soon for scoping and implementation.
Regional member told New Dawn FM from Port Moresby that identification and finalizing of the projects have been completed and ready for the technical division to work on them.
MR. LERA said that he was happy the leaders are now aware of projects that Bougainville need to establish to move the region forward in terms of education which he said was real empowerment for the people.
MR. Lera said that his Pillar two is communication and he hopes that all established communication institutions are fully supported to reach the entire region.
He said that the leaders forum also identified as one priority area that has been overlook for so many years by those in authority.
02.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BROTHER KEN FARE WELLED AT MABIRI HIGH SCHOOL
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A catholic brother who has been serving in Bougainville for over twenty years was fare welled in a short ceremony at Mabiri High School on Monday.
Br. Ken MacDonald will be leaving Bougainville on the July 19 for Australia while awaiting further instructions from Rome.
When giving his speech during his fare well ceremony, Br. Ken told the gathering that he will be leaving Bougainville with so many memories.
He said the main one will be of how the Mabiri High School was built.
Br. Ken said he is happy to leave the school because the school has become a big school already.
He thanked all those who have helped and contributed in one way or another towards the building of the school saying the work done was good.
02.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EDUCATION IS THE BEST WAY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE, SAYS MOMIS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Education is the best way of empowering people because education will change their mindset, their attitude and they will have confidence and optimism.
This statement was made by the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis during the opening of a two in one classroom at Tilowa Primary School in the Selau constituency last week.
He added that an educated person will not throw in the towel when he is faced with life’s challenges or give up.
Dr. Momis said a true leader will accept challenges, obstacles and life’s problems and will stand firm and overcome them.
He said a leader will not overcome problems on his own but in unity with his people.
He said he was saying all these because anthropologists have revealed that Bougainvilleans are intelligent and are hard working people.
He then called on the young people to start recognizing their inner potential so they can change Bougainville into a new Bougainville that is educated and responsible which will benefit all Bougainvilleans in the future.
02.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
UNCONTROLLED ISSUING OF LIQUOR LICENSES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The uncontrolled issuing of liquor licensing has led to uncontrolled drinking in public places and liquor related offences.
This was revealed by Sgt. Emart Tsimes during an interview with New Dawn last month.
He said this problem of alcohol consumption and uncontrolled issuing of liquor licensing is affecting the three regions of Bougainville.
He revealed also that there is an alcohol strategy working group already in place and the main aim of the group is to monitor the progress of issues relating to alcohol such as the uncontrolled issuing of liquor licenses.
Sgt Tsimes said the group is made up of the police, a representative from the liquor commission, Buka Town council and the business houses.
He said he believes that if they work together, they will be able to come up with plans to look into the issues relating to alcohol consumption.
01.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
GOVERNMENT VEHICLES MUST HAVE PLATE NUMBERS AND STICKERS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A Bougainville citizen has strongly emphasized that government vehicles belonging to the ABG and its divisions must have plate numbers and stickers.
He said government vehicles without stickers and plate numbers are roaming the streets of Buka Town during the night and after hours.
He pointed out that without plate numbers and stickers; the people are also confused as to which division the car belongs to.
Francis Loio told New Dawn in an interview yesterday that the misuse of government vehicles after hours is outright corruption.
He said to avoid such corrupt practices each division must ensure that their vehicle has a sticker to distinguish it from the other division vehicles and that all vehicles must go into pool by 4.06PM.
He added that to achieve referendum, we must also follow the right way to it.
01.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HAKENA SUPPORTS ABG ON WEAPONS DISPOSAL
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Leitananehan Women’s Development Agency Director Helen Hakena is strongly in support of what the Autonomous Bougainville Government is doing in terms of existing guns in the region.
She told New Dawn in an interview yesterday that Guns is one of the pillars of the ABG and if the people of Bougainville want independence, they must remove the guns they are still holding onto.
She added that it is understandable that we are in a post conflict situation but we must get rid of the guns so that people can work, move around freely and positively to achieve what the government wants.
Mrs. Hakena said people in the communities are still living in fear of guns and cannot talk freely about things affecting them or what they want.
She called on the people of Bougainville to start coming together and solve existing issues so we can move forward towards independence.
She said the removal of guns will lead to the creation of a safe and good environment in preparation of the elections next year.
She asked organizations and the government to start carrying out educational awareness so that people know what will happen during referendum and what to expect during and after the elections.
01.07.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LEADERS MUST BE ROLE MODELS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG President Chief Dr. John Momis wants the leaders of Bougainville to lead by example and be role models to the younger and upcoming generations.
Speaking during the opening of a new double classroom at Tilowa Primary School last week, he said we cannot expect the small children to follow in our footsteps if we are not leading by example.
He added that as leaders we must be role models and lead by example.
The president pointed out that the classroom is not a very big building but what he wants is for Bougainvilleans to have access to quality education and a quality life.
He said Bougainville government must be a quality government as well.
He stated that this will only happen if we start sharing what we have which will in turn empower us.
