News 06.2014.1
15.06.2014
Source: EMTV
Akoitai: Move Bougainville Forward to its Destiny
By: Fabian Hakalitz
As Bougainville commemorates nine years of autonomy, leaders of both the National and the Autonomous
Bougainville Governments have been urged to work together to achieve the independence dream.
This is from former parliamentarian Sam Akoitai.
He said leaders must put aside differences and move Bougainville forward to its destiny.
Today is the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s ninth birthday, marking its birth since June 15 2005. A day
that reflect strengths and weaknesses.
Former parliamentarian Sam Akoitai took the opportunity to speak on Bougainvillea’s journey towards referendum
in yesterday’s celebrations in Port Moresby.
Also present were ABG Administrative Services Minister Joel Banam and counterpart Public, State and Investments
Minister Ben Micah.
While congratulating the National and Bougainville leaders for their effort, Akoitai said: “as 2015 is
approaching, more work is still to be done, preparing Bougainvilleans for autonomy.
"All activities must be performed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement," says Akoitai; "With leaders from both governments, working together to fulfill its pillars."
The ABG Day celebration was commemorated with fun-filled entertainment.
14.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LERA WELCOMES INVITATION
By Aloysius Laukai in Tonu
The regional member for Bougainville,JOE LERA has acknowledged the invitation from the Chairman of the Uvistract system, NOAH MUSINKU and his brother MISACH AUTAHE for Bougainville leaders for a round table conference to talk on the future of Bougainville .
MR. LERA told New Dawn Fm in Tonu today after visiting the Uvistract headquarters.
He said that Bougainville leaders need to come to a round table so that they can come to some understanding on how they can compromise and work together.
MR.Lera said that NOAH MUSINGKU also wants unity but wants a conference with all leaders of Bougainville .
He said that he will sponsor the meeting of Bougainville leaders once they have identified the venue and make arrangements with the leaders.
MR LERA said that a neutral location will be identified to have the meeting before the end of the year.
New Dawn FM understands that the call by the ABG advisor on Weapons Disposal and conflict resolution, CLYDE PARRIS for Bougainville to address the five different governments before referendum could be resolved by having this meeting.
14.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
REGIONAL MEMBER'S BOTTOM UP FORUM ENDS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Regional Member's Bottom-up forum for South Bougainville ended last night with forum making five resolutions
to further strengthen the work of these forums in future.
The three- days forum was held at Panakei in Siwai, South west Bougainville.
Speakers at the closing ceremony stressed the importance of having such forums for the COE's and the Executive
Manager's plus village Assemblies.
The ABG Member for Lule, FR. JOE NABUAI also called on the Regional member and the other three Open members to utilize the four seats in the ABG House of Representatives so that they can contribute in the development process of the region.
Fr.Nabuai said that since his election last year, he has not seen a National member in the ABG House.
He said that for Bougainville to move forward all leaders have to forget their differences and work for the overall good of Bougainville.
Fr. NABUAI said that if this happens this will be the start of a more united Bougainville in which Bougainville leaders can work together.
The meeting was officially closed by the Chairman and Regional Member, Joe Lera.
13.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Ex-combatants fear K14m payout
EX-COMBATANTS from a mine-affected landowner group in South Bougainville fear the K14 million payment agreed upon by Bougainville Copper Limited could lead to trouble.
The mining company, which has been negotiating its return to the Panguna copper mine, met with landowners in Port Moresby last month to discuss royalties outstanding from 1990. The sum in 1990 was K1.9 million but with interest the sum has ballooned to K14 million.
This money will only be paid to landowners in the mine-affected areas.
Albert Magoi and Benedict Takussi, who represent ex-combatants and the lower-tailings area, told this newspaper: “The timing is not right. By custom we must hold the bel kol first and then negotiate on compensation.
“As of today, no peace has been accorded to Bougainvilleans by BCL in order to open negotiations in Bougainville. Please stop this nonsense as the process is not correct.”
Although the two will actually be beneficiaries of the payment, they fear if it is not done right it “might ignite another chain of events, another war.
“Much of this money is ours, but we don’t want to be greedy,” they added. “We support the peace process.
“This needs wider consultation. We need to discuss other people’s views outside the house, not only in the mine-affected areas.”
The ex-combatants pointed out that, although the Bougainville War began in Panguna, the rest of Bougainville also suffered terribly.
“We don’t want this K14 million to cause another conflict,” they said. “If only this specific group gets the money then others who suffered will not be happy. There was bloodshed over the mine operations and it was not only the landowners. Other Bougainvilleans were affected, from the atolls to Buin, and we want this to be taken into account.”
The two ex-combatants also questioned the composition of some of the newer landowner groups, pointing out there were six original groups and now there were nine.
13.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LERA WELCOMES INVITATION
By Aloysius Laukai in Tonu
The regional member for Bougainville,JOE LERA has acknowledged the invitation from the Chairman of the Uvistract system, NOAH MUSINKU and his brother MISACH AUTAHE for Bougainville leaders for a round table conference to talk on the future of Bougainville .
MR. LERA told New Dawn Fm in Tonu today after visiting the Uvistract headquarters.
He said that Bougainville leaders need to come to a round table so that they can come to some understanding on how they can compromise and work together.
MR.Lera said that NOAH MUSINGKU also wants unity but wants a conference with all leaders of Bougainville .
He said that he will sponsor the meeting of Bougainville leaders once they have identified the venue and make arrangements with the leaders.
MR LERA said that a neutral location will be identified to have the meeting before the end of the year.
New Dawn FM understands that the call by the ABG advisor on Weapons Disposal and conflict resolution, CLYDE PARRIS for Bougainville to address the five different governments before referendum could be resolved by having this meeting.
13.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
REGIONAL MEMBER'S BOTTOM UP FORUM ENDS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Regional Member's Bottom-up forum for South Bougainville ended last night with forum making five resolutions to further strengthen the work of these forums in future.
The three- days forum was held at Panakei in Siwai, South west Bougainville.
Speakers at the closing ceremony stressed the importance of having such forums for the COE's and the Executive Manager's plus village Assemblies.
The ABG Member for Lule, FR. JOE NABUAI also called on the Regional member and the other three Open members to utilize the four seats in the ABG House of Representatives so that they can contribute in the development process of the region.
Fr.Nabuai said that since his election last year, he has not seen a National member in the ABG House.
He said that for Bougainville to move forward all leaders have to forget their differences and work for the overall good of Bougainville.
Fr. NABUAI said that if this happens this will be the start of a more united Bougainville in which Bougainville leaders can work together.
The meeting was officially closed by the Chairman and Regional Member, Joe Lera.
13.06.2014
Source: Bougainville 24
Pomong—the hamlet of my youth
By Leonard Fong Roka
When I walked out of the University of Papua New Guinea in 2004 I returned to a village in the centre of Kieta consciousness. Thus writing my freestyle poetry, not a sophisticated art form unique to me, was my hideout from labels like ‘university for nothing’ that I heard from within the community.
Having composed more than a hundred pieces of poetry since 2007, I have been trying to think of a suitable title for their publication.
The search was need because in Kieta alone I had more than one place to called home; I had Kupe in the hinterland of Arawa, where I grew up; I had the Tumpusiong Valley in Panguna, where my mother is from; I had land rights in the Bolabe Constituency in the Bana District of South Bougainville; and I had the Kaspeke area in the hinterland of Koiare on the Banoni Coast but in the Eivo-Torau Constituency of Central Bougainville.
But of all these places where my family has land rights and homes, Pomong in the Kupe Mountains was the most appealingly peacefully.
Unlike the rest Pomong Hamlet, in my matrilineal society of Kieta, was a foreign land. My grandmother purchased it from the relatives of my late grandfather who hailed from the Kupe-Topinang area.
It is here that I grew up before the crisis, through the crisis and after the crisis, before departing in 2004.
It is for this reason I entitled my first book—a collection of poetry—in 2013, The Pomong U’tau of Dreams.
Pomong was a gardening land when my grandparents got married in the late 1950s and, in the 1960s, grandma purchased it with pigs, shell money and food. In 1983-4 my parents left the Tumpusiong Valley and settled there.
I grew up in Pomong and thus decided to honour this little hamlet and land that today is covered with bush since our family returned back to Tumpusiong Valley in 2004
Pomong is isolated from the main villages of Kupe and it is a tinned fished between a gigantic boulder, Birareko, to the east end and the Siro tributary gorge to the west end.
Birareko imposes itself over Pomong.
Birareko imposes itself over Pomong.
Every site around Pomong had connections to my childhood.
Down on the Siro River, there is a pool called, Kenunaamiruu. In 1986, at the age of 7, I so feared the deeper sections of the pool. Father ordered me every day to swim across but I ignored him but one day he caught me unprepared and threw me into the water hysterically screaming for my life for I was to drown.
The majestic Kenunaamiru.
The majestic Kenunaamiru pool.
I came out of the water wailing and vomiting water and darted into the bush. Then one day, without my father, I tested Kenunaamiruu and it did not hurt.
Then there was the Birareko. It was my hideout when parents gave me a smack for disobedience and it also my hunting rock. The cave networks, and jungles that crowned her was my game area. It was also my picnic resort as a child and with other kids climbing it was fun.
Pomong is where I spent most of my life. I was born in 1979 and from 1983-4 to 1997 Pomong was my home. But from 1997 to 2000, Arawa was my home; and from 2001 onward Tumpusiong Valley was my home.
In 1993 my father was killed by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army whilst we were at Pomong. Today, even though Pomong is all bush covered and without life, my spirit will forever remain in there in the cold Kupe Mountains.
So my 2013 poetry collection book, The Pomong U’tau of Dreams, is a monument paying homage to my childhood home of Pomong in the Kupe Mountains, Central Bougainville; and from Buin in South Bougainville where I am now and will permanently be residing, it will be an honour to regularly visit Pomong and show respect to my baby past.
12.06.2014
Source: Solomon Star
ABG passes bill to fund priority projects
The Autonomous Bougainville Government passed a Bill on Friday to authorise expenditure from the Special Intervention Fund Trust Account to implement a range of priority projects.
The fund is a grant for ABG which the Government appropriated, K200 million (US$73 million) for last year and this year under its K500 million (US$184 million) a year package that started in 2011.
Finance Minister Albert Punghau said several of these projects were provided for under the ABG Appropriation (2014) Act 2013 but the late availability of funds and changes to the law created a need for a different approach from the one previously taken.
He said with the introduction of the new Bougainville public finance (management and administration) Act 2014, all trust accounts previously created under the national public finance Act 1995 will now form part of the new Bougainville Trust Fund.
12.06.2014
Source: Bougainville 24
New Public Service Management and Administration act
Since autonomy in 2005, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been working to move the region forward and a major step forward has been taken with the initiation of the local public service.
Crowds gathered at the Hutjena Hall on Wednesday 14 May 2014 to witness the launch of Bougainville Public Service Management and Administration Act, an action the Bougainville people have been longing and wishing to see for years.
New Dawn FM reported that President Dr. John Momis was happy because now Bougainville can manage her own public services and speed up the delivery of public services.
The President explained to New Dawn FM how the ABG and the national government had finally come to an agreement for Bougainville to have its own Public Service Administration.
“This took tough negotiations between the ABG and the National Government,” President Momis said.
“The National Government saw the release of the Public Service as removing its national sovereignty from Bougainville, but after negotiations it was finally agreed.”
“I would also take this time to thank the Department of Personnel Management, which is headed by Secretary John Kali, for heading the National Government team to finally come to today’s launch.”
He said that the desire to control the public service locally has been with the people of Bougainville for a long time.
Mr. Kali the Secretary of Department of Personnel Management, while speaking at the launch, said that Bougainville is one of the priorities of the O’Neill government and he was happy to work with the region to archive her public services.
The ceremony went as planned, though Sir Puka Timu was not present because of parliament session.
The ribbon was cut and the Public Service Act hand over from the National Government to ABG was done.
Now the duty of public service is on the shoulders of Bougainville administration to make a good outcome of it in the long run.
Bougainville can make its own decisions concerning public service delivery, which is really suited for the people.
This is another milestone for the ABG and the people of Bougainville.
12.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLEANS IGNORANT ON THEIR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
By Aloysius Laukai in Panakei
Bougainvilleans are so ignorant on their roles and responsibilities to contribute to peace building and weapons disposal on Bougainville.
This was the message presented by the Clyde Parris a former UN staff and now working as the ABG advisor on Weapons Disposal and Conflict resolution during the 3rd and final day of the Regional member JOE LERA’s South Bougainville forum which is deciding the projects for South Bougainville under the Provincial Support Improvement Program at Panakei mini town in Siwai, South West Bougainville.
Explaining key areas of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, MR. PARRIS said that time for awareness on the Bougainville Peace Agreement is gone and now is time for empowerment for the chiefs and individuals so that they can take part in peace building.
MR.PARRIS explained that the future of Bougainville is in the hands of Bougainvilleans and they must start now be addressing the five different governments that claim to rule Bougainville today.
He said that the UN Recognized government on Bougainville is the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Council of Elders.
The ABG advisor of Weapons Disposal and conflict resolution said that people must start work in their areas instead of waiting for funds to create peace and harmony for them in their areas.
He warned that Bougainville must unite and reconcile before they can go to referendum as a divided people can create more problems for the people of Bougainville.
12.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TOROKINA WANTS ROAD LINKING TOROKINA AND BANA
By Aloysius Laukai in Panakei
The Executive Manager for Torokina, SIMON KORAIKOVE wants Torokina district linked by road with BANA to make sure that whole of South Bougainville are linked by road.
MR. KORAIKOVE made these remarks during presentation of projects proposals for 2014 at the Regional member’s forum in Panakei this morning.
He said that the distance between Bana and Torokina by boat is just 45 minutes AND Linking these districts by road will definitely create impact in South Bougainville.
MR. KORAIKOVE also mentioned that with the ABG and the Regional member purchasing ships it is only proper for the Government to make sure a Jetty is built so that these ships can berth in whenever they are in Torokina.
Meanwhile in the Bana district presentation, they also supported the road link but presenter SAM ROROGA said that they would like to complete the existing roads before venturing on this impact road next year.
The group from Buin district led by the Executive Manager, JOHN ITANU endorsed projects by the South Bougainville forum that will benefit South Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole.
He said Buin will be the first city on Bougainville and wants all Southerners to make sure they establish and help develop the city of Buin.
11.06.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Brinkmanship & self-interest by Momis’s Bougainville opponents
IT was in May, when travelling to Port Moresby for the Lowy Institute’s PNG Young Voices conference, that a Bougainvillean academic told me something startling.
“President Momis,” he said, “should retire from politics if he loves Bougainville.”
His words, significant in their own right, also took me back to my homeland, the Panguna District, and all its nasty and irrelevant politics.
Bougainvilleans should appreciate us, the stubborn Panguna people, for our contribution to rebelling against the problems of exploitation, indoctrination and genocide landed on us by the colonial administrations of the Germans, reinforced by the Australians and inherited by Papua New Guinea in 1975.
We, the Panguna people, have also played significant roles in the Bougainville peace process since 1997 but our problem is that we have those internal mi-tu-man (I am also different) conflicts.
In the 1980s, when the late Francis Ona of Guava village, was engaged in his militant activities, the late Joseph Kabui from the neighbouring village of Enamira was in the podium of the North Solomons Provincial Government representing the authority of the day.
This was, to the eye of a politically illiterate Panguna man, a Panguna man against a Panguna man.
And, with the coming of the peace process efforts since 1997, it was a Panguna man, the late Joseph Kabui, running the pro-peace game and it was a Panguna man, the late Francis Ona, running an anti-peace campaign.
This had direct impacts on the Panguna District and in the wider Kieta area of Central Bougainville. I do believe the psyche of the people was affected.
This was not just a Panguna problem anymore for it had spilled over from the brim of Panguna to the ends of Bougainville.
Soon after, the traditional figures of Bougainville politics, Francis Ona and Joseph Kabui, were off the screen by way of their death.
It was then that Panguna saw the rise of too many little-men running in the shoes of their relatives. All these little-men are vying to be the next Francis Ona at the wrong time in the political transition of Bougainville.
One of these little-men of Panguna is Philip Miriori (pictured above). But before I talk about Philip Miriori is, let me explain the environment he is playing in.
The 2013 research paper, The Gangs of Bougainville: Seven Men, Guns and a Copper Mine, by Stan Starygin says:
Miriori and Takaung rebranded Ona’s Kingdom of Me’ekamui into the Me’ekamui Government of Unity (‘MGU’) and significantly softened Ona’s stance on the ABG resulting in a landmark memorandum of understanding (‘the Panguna Communiqué’) in 2007.
The Panguna Communiqué signaled, in part, a complete break from Ona’s positions and, in part, their significant alteration. As such, through it, the MGU denounced Uma’s checkpoint as having “abused and misused its objectives and rules of engagement under the Me’ekamui government” and as having the purpose “to blockade the Panguna people”, condemned “the use of arms and violence” and acquiesced to what can, perhaps, be best termed as a ‘two political viewpoints, one administrative structure’ arrangement with the ABG
In return, even though ABG has no such authority by any constitutional provision and ABG reciprocated by allowing the MGU to have its “own contingent plans on arms containment” and, of course, a promise of bringing resolution of “social issues and development issues”, “financial assistance, economic benefits, development packages, good and service”, and “other services”; all of these translate into ABG bringing money into the MGU-dominated area, which doubtless was the main reason for this rapprochement for the MGU.
Philip Miriori, Philip Takaung and Noah Musingku were the trio vying to be the successors of Francis Ona. But conflict pushed Noah Musingku to Siwai where he pursued his Papaala Twin Kingdoms and Chris Uma out of Panguna to Arawa to run his anti-Panguna version of Meekamui.
With two non-Panguna rivals out of the way, Miriori, Takaung and a BRA man, Pipiro, all from Panguna created their Meekamui Government of Unity (MGU) with Philip Miriori as president.
And so the 2007 signing of the Panguna Communiqué between the Autonomous Bougainville Government under the late Joseph Kabui and the MGU catapulted Philip Miriori to be a noisy and hard-to-trust little-man of Panguna.
And we Kietas are good noise-makers. I wrote in my 2012 PNG Attitude article, Bougainville politics & the characteristics of its people, that:
In Central Bougainville where the Kietas are politically and economically dominant, I see a lot of ‘big mouths’ that just cannot stop talking. Central Bougainvilleans are creative in exporting their dreams without testing the practical outcomes of those thoughts. But this population also readily absorbs change and adapts change to create results.
We talk and talk and talk. This can be noted even with the Central Bougainville MP in the PNG national parliament, Communications Minister Hon Jimmy Miringtoro, who talks hard in the media negatively attacking ABG but, when the ABG responds with facts, he hides for a while to get fresh air.
And it is likewise with Philip Miriori and the current exchanges with the ABG on the Panguna mine re-opening issue. Miriori turns out to be an octopus with too many hands.
In last week’s New Dawn on Bougainville blog story, Me’ekamui’s Miriori challenged to be honest about mining, President Dr John Momis blasted Miriori:
I challenge Mr. Miriori to tell us about his foreign advisers, and what they are doing to make money for foreign interests. They included two Americans with the Tall J Foundation, Stewart Sytner and Thomas Megas.
There are documents freely available on the Internet that show they claim that Mr Miriori sold them mining rights in areas to the north of the Panguna Special Mining Lease. I challenge him to tell us is what Sytner and Megas claim is true.
What about the other investors in Tall J? What advice did they give to Miriori? What about the Tall J investor who brought in the Chinese scrap metal dealers? What advice did he give? What about the advice that Mr Ian Renzie Duncan gives?
Mr Miriori is not being honest about the future of mining. His hands are not clean in relation to mining.
Mr Miriori is not being honest about foreign advisers. Again his hands are not clean. I challenge him to be honest on these matters. I challenge him to enter these debates only when he has clean hands.
Dr Momis attacks with real facts that Philip Miriori, while accusing ABG on mining, is running his own deals to attract foreign mining and even scrap metal groups into Panguna. Panguna people gain nothing while foreign groups walked away with tonnes of Panguna scrap until it is finally exhausted.
The general culture of these Meekamui figures is known by all foreign opportunists: ‘Just decant a cup of K1 coins into their mouth and they open the door wide’.
And this is a chronic characteristic; their existence in the ABG’s politics does not satisfy the hearts and minds of us Bougainvilleans.
Their political fantasies, so cocooned with threats, is hanging on a thread and they will be dead if the ABG plays the kind of politics that wins the hearts and minds of the people of Bougainville.
10.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MAKE USE OF SCARCE RESOURCES
By Aloysius Laukai in Panakei
The Chairman of Pongo and chairman of Siwai Chairmen’s, DAVID MIKISA says Bougainville must make sure its scarce resources which Bougainville receives on behalf of Bougainville must be spent on development issues that will change Bougainville.
He made these remarks at the Opening of the South Bougainville Regional Member’s forum at Panekei mini town in Siwai, Soutyh West Bougainville this morning.
MR. MIKISSA said that the bottom up approach being initiated by MR. JOE LERA is not new but once again creates excitement to get Bougainvilleans to standup and be counted in developing Bougainville.
The Minister for Culture and Tourism,MRS. ROSE Pihei said that Bougainville needs to identify and promote one vision that will move Bougainville forward.
She said that Unity is the number one Pillar for the ABG under President Momis which our regional member, Joe Lera is promoting and must be supported by all Bougainvilleans.
The three-days Regional forum for South Bougainville was officially opened by the Regional member, JOE LERA in Panakei this morning.
The forum will officially end this Thursday and some projects initiated in the last forum last year in South Bougainville will be opened.
10.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PUNGHAU EXPLAINS BOUGAINVILLE SITUATION
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU says that under the new ABG law on Public Finance Management all funds coming into Bougainville from Development Partners, NGOs and the four National Parliamentarians will have to be included in the ABG Budget.
He made these remarks at the opening of the Bougainville Regional Member’s Forum for South Bougainville at Panakei this morning.
MR. PUNGHAU said that currently funds for the four National members are done outside of the ABG Budget which will now have to come through the ABG Budget.
He said that their normal project approval committees for DSIP and PSIP will approve for funding but has to be reflected under the ABG Budget to make sure there is no duplication of funding of projects.
MR. PUNGHAU said that this will make sure that the funds for Bougainville creates some tangible projects for Bougainville.
He said Bougainville needs to unite and help with the progress of Bougainville.
10.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DRIVEN BY A VISION
By Aloysius Laukai in Panakei
The Regional member for Bougainville, JOE LERA says that Bougainville leaders need to work together to shape the future of Bougainville.
He made these remarks when he officially opened the Regional Member’s forum in Panakei this morning.
He said that he was happy to work with the leaders of Bougainville to shape the future of Bougainville by approving projects that are requested by the Coe themselves.
MR. Lera that the bottom up approach he is engaged in is not new but reaffirms what President Momis has been talking about empowering the people to make the changes.
The Regional member’s forum is been attended by all ABG leaders from South Bougainville including Torokina and is the most attended leaders forum South Bougainville leaders have been working with.
They include all Executive Managers of Districts in South Bougainville.
10.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LEADERS VISION SYNCHRONIZE IN SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE
By Aloysius Laukai in Panakei
Dreams and visions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Regional member for Bougainville, JOE LERA synchronized today at the opening of the Regional member’s forum in Panakei, Siwai, South West Bougainville.
A happy Regional member JOE LERA told New Dawn FM in Panakei today that today is the day he has been looking forward to working with the ABG for the sake of the people of Bougainville.
He made these remarks after the ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU announced that with the enactment of the Bougainville Public Finance Management act, all funds coming to Bougainville will have to be in the ABG Budget book.
MR. LERA said that he has been trying to work and compliment the work of the ABG with counter funding of ABG Approved Projects and putting all these monies through the ABG Channelled will make sure all funds are channelled transparently and the people will see some tangible developments throughout Bougainville.
Meanwhile, Minister Punghau also told New Dawn FM in Panakei that he was happy that this has happened because the ABG was now in the process of strengthening processes to improve its handling of funds and other areas of development.
10.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ADMINISTRATION RESHUFFLE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG government is currently looking at the reshuffle of the administration saying it wants trained people for the jobs.
ABG President Chief Dr. John Momis announced in parliament today that most of the public servants who are now working joined the public service during the crisis.
He explained that this does not mean that these public servants are not good for the job.
He said for every job, one must be trained to effectively and efficiently perform the required duties and responsibilities.
Dr. Momis said the positions will be advertised and he expects some good people to join the public service to help bring about change to Bougainville.
10.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
US applauds Bougainville women
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Story courtesy of Radio New Zealand
The United States government has recognised Bougainville women for their contribution to peace building before, during and after the Crisis. EM TV reports that a two year $US1.5 million, 'Women's Peace Building Initiative Project' is to be implemented in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province, to support more inclusive, sustainable and transparent economic growth. The US Aid Regional Director Maurice Knight says that Bougainville women are effective peacemakers, community leaders and champions of civil and human rights. He says Bougainville women have been at the forefront of steering recovery efforts and influencing policies such as the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Under the funding, a series of grants are to help counselling for victims of violence and programmes to improve living conditions.
Inmates air concerns
10.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Inmates air concerns
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
INMATES at the Bekut Correctional Service facility in the Peit constituency in Buka were fortunate to air some of their immediate needs when CS Minister Jim Simatab, Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera, acting CS Commissioner Michael Waipo and other senior CS officers visited them in their prison compound last Monday.
Their representative wasted no time outlining five of their issues which they want addressed, with school fee assistance as their first issue of concern. He said there are some inmates currently doing their primary, high and secondary school studies while others will shortly be continuing with their diploma courses however they are facing school fee problems as their relatives have already given up on assisting them.
Another issue of concern is the introduction of more rehabilitative programs to equip the inmates with the knowledge and skills to use after completing their terms.
The inmates are also calling on the relevant authorities concerned to secure funds to construct more facilities at the institution to house the inmates. Currently they are being housed in a classroom building.
They are also against the idea of transferring inmates to other jails in the country, saying though this move was considered due to lack of facilities to house convicts, such arrangements must not be encouraged as it would make it hard for their relatives and love ones to visit them.
Their last concern is that they are appealing to people to sponsor them with a musical sound mixer which they will use with some musical instruments which they already have.
10.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Police pleads for vehicle support from Miringtoro
BY ROMULUS MASIU
ARAWA police are pleading for the Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro to purchase another vehicle for them.
Currently they have only two vehicles, a roadworthy land cruiser and another run down vehicle left by the Australian police.
Arawa police station commander Senior Sgt Herman Birengka made the plea on behalf of the Bougainville Police Service of Central Bougainville.
Snr Sgt Birengka said his policemen cannot cover the whole of Kieta district bordering Buin from the Laluai River and towards Manetai.
“We need support from the national MP Jimmy Miringtoro. He has promised us logistics three times and we are yet to see him deliver a vehicle or two to us police in his electorate. The MP must not give us empty promises,” Snr Sgt Birengka said.
Sgt Birengka said Arawa Police will not back down from ongoing operations even though they lack logistical support. While things may be tough, they are benefiting from the most important resource that is the people.
“We are working with the communities, the people’s power is in our favour, and the people are on our side.”
Snr Sgt Birengka is urging all stakeholders to work together with police during this critical period as the region heads towards referendum.
“We must all have a positive mind and maintain law and order, let’s work together hand in hand and tackle the social issues such as homebrew, marijuana and domestic violence against women,” Snr Sgt Birengka said.
Meanwhile, Pastor Andrew Avuopiri who works closely with the police by visiting and counselling inmates at Arawa police lock up challenged youths to look beyond their God-given ability, talent and do greater things instead of engaging themselves in homebrew and marijuana.
“If you’re always engaged in these illegal activities, you’re bringing a curse to your families, to yourself,” Pastor Andrew said.
Policemen need vehicles to assist them to move around in the tough geographical settings of Central Bougainville to maintain law and order.
At this important time where Bougainville is looking towards achieving its referendum, peace should prevail in all communities.
Without the presence of such utilities, their job is worthless and law and order issues will not be mitigated.
10.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Organisation build resource centre
BY ADRIANA SCHMIDT
A COMMUNITY based organisation in Rotokas in the Wakunai District of Central Bougainville, last week presented K1000 towards the funding of a Resource Centre in the area.
The presentation was done during the World Environment Day celebrations at Sisivi Primary School.
The significance of the event was that it was the first time for such an event to be hosted at the school.
Head boy of Sisivi Primary School Clarence Vari in his address to the school said every person must think twice before using the resources in the environment.
“Think of the future generation of Bougainville, we would like to see the resources that you are seeing today too”, he said.
He also requested for funding support from organizations towards the building of a resource centre.
The presentation of K1000 to the school from the Rotokas Eco-Tourism left them all with huge smiles.
This resource centre will be a place where students can learn more information on how to preserve, protect and take care of the environment.
10.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
MVIL cashless
THE MVIL office will be going cashless as of this month, meaning there will be no more cash payments over the counter at their offices.
Payments will be made only through an EFTPOS machine, by cheque or by direct deposit to the MVIL account at BSP.
Jenny Raia, who is the training officer with MVIL Kokopo, said this is a nationwide exercise that began in February 2013 and since the Buka office was only opened this year, they have effected that beginning this month.
She said vehicle owners who have already made cash payments at the office between January and April this year are to bring in their certificate of registration and certificate of policy to the office to be recorded for accountability.
10.06.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
How Bomena provided salt to a blockaded Bougainville
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
UNDER the 10-year Australian-backed Papua New Guinea blockade of Bougainville - when basic goods like tinned fish, soap, salt and much more were not seen for years - creativity was still at work.
In the early days of the blockade, a few Bougainvilleans went to the Solomons provincial capital of Choiseul Province, brought goods across and sold them to the people especially around Kieta.
But as the crisis, and the blockade, intensified in mid-1992, Bougainvilleans were forced to innovate and improvise. The coastal people could add a small amount of sea water to their cooking pots.
The inland people went to collect the traditional salty plants buraang and mengteerung which our ancestors stored and applied small amounts to their food.
But when PNG forces landed in the coastal areas around Kieta – in Loloho, Arawa, Kieta and Aropa - sea water was inaccessible so Bougainvilleans had to innovate.
Most of the coastal people fled into the mountains and it was only the BRA fighters who kept a covert presence in the coastal villages. The village of Pidia, east of Arawa, was the largest salt processing place from 1992-1994.
The advantage of running a desalination activity here was that Pidia was located further from the coast on a jungle-covered peninsula which was neglected by the PNG so the BRA operated there.
The BRA and civilian salt-producing site was called Bomena (pictured); todayit has been into a permanent homestead.
During the crisis the people carried large equipment, machinery and pots from the now disused Panguna mine site through mountains and jungle to the Bomena BRA camp.
The pots were used to cook sea water for days to collect the residue of crystals. This were packed into bamboo cuttings and carried to the inland refugee camps for distribution to the people.
Some was traded by barter as far as Panguna and Kongara.
I captured the feeling of this in Chapter 19 of my 2014 crisis memoir, Brokenville:
There was a strong sense of freedom in these refugee camps. Every household had a garden to survive on, people also hunted and travelled to distant places to trade.
Pomong hamlet was a conduit for crystal salt that was treated and prepared by our Widoi relatives at Pidia village near the port of Kieta.
They travelled from their refugee camps in the Widoi Mountains around Bunumang to the Pidia Peninsula and camped for weeks with the local BRA. There they worked heating sea water in huge pots till crystals were formed.
They packed the salt into bamboo tubes and returned home to use it for bartering with people from distant places. They traded the salt for food that they couldn’t produce or obtain because of the PNG-Australia blockade.
Many of the old people of Bomena hamlet today share the tale of their home and its past services to Bougainville as the centre of salt production for the blockaded island and its people.
It is a history that they will pass on to their younger generations.
09.06.2014
Source: Bougainville24
AROB gears up for festival season
By Timothy Poroda
Dates are set for the Bougainville festivals that will commence in July.
The dates have been set for the four major festivals in Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Garamut, Reed, Upe and Mona festivals all celebrate, preserve and promote traditional culture and practices.
The Bougainville Garamut and Tuiruma Festival in Buin will be held from 29-30 May 2014. Held at the Buin Showground, the Garamut and Tuiruma Festival will include showcase the traditional drumming of the garamut.
Traditionally, in the Buin area, the Tuiruma or Garamut was performed as a means of communication. Different beats and patterns symbolise various occasions in the area; for instance a funeral ceremony has its own beatings and or sounds, which informs local people.
On 20-21 June Arawa town will host the Bougainville Reed Festival at the Independence Oval.
The festival puts the spotlight on the Khaur, one of the most diversely used instruments in the region. The blowing of reeds accompanies by feasts to conclude an occasion and its usage is common throughout Bougainville. Reeds are often used during funeral and death feastings in the villages.
Also in June, the Tinputz Station will host the famous Bougainville Bilas & Cocoa Festival. This event is centred on agricultural products and a variety of local paintings, costumes and decorations.
Wakunai Station will play host to this year’s the legendary Upe and Mask Festival, displaying masks and headdress from throughout the autonomous region.
The Upe and Mask Festival signifies each culture as diverse unit in the region. Bougainville has great cultural diversity and even small groups and clans have their own unique ways of dressing and face painting.
The famous Upe, the featured item for the festival, is like a party hat which is worn by young boys until they are seen as man. It is symbolic of how a boy, particularly the first born, should grow up to become a man away from his family.
The famous Upe is a key part of regional identity and is the emblem on the flag.
The Mona Festival is the final major festival for 2014. The Bougainville Mona Festival runs between 28-30 August and is centred on races of traditional canoes.
Mona is a traditional canoe which was mainly found in the Buka Island. The mona was used for transport and trade with other places in the region. It was sometimes used for fishing (especially Tuna) and also for warfare during ancestral periods.
The Festival is an attempt to preserve the customs and skills for building and preparations for the Mona, which are fading away.
The festivals are an enthusiastic display of Bougainville culture. It is a privilege to attend and draw many local tourists from the region.
As some aspects of traditional culture decline, the festivals provide a way to conserve customs for the future generations.
09.06.2014
Source: EMTV
BUKA INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Roads are important infrastructure that link people to access government services, helping to move the economy forward.
This was the message from Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill during his Goodwill visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
For this reason, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, in its major development infrastructural projects, has allocated eighty-eight million kina, for road upgrade, sealing and maintenance.
These projects are appropriated under this year’s K200 million, Special Intervention Fund, that concentrates on infrastructure development.
Buka ring road upgrade and sealing has received the biggest slice of thirty five million kina, Kokopau to Buin road, thirty million. Fifteen million kina is for economic feeder roads–scope, design, upgrading and maintenance and Aropa Airport facilities upgrade.
The Arawa and Buka water supply, sewage design and construction, fourtheen million kina. South West Bougainville roads, upgrade and maintenance from Nagovis, Siwai to Buin, eight million kina. Seven point five million kina is to improve education infrastructure, atolls coastal shipping and aviation.
Five million kina for the Bougainville bridges replacements, Buka Airport terminal upgrade, power upgrade, project management unit, hospital development, and Panguna Mine Negotiations.
Four million kina is for law and justice and weapons disposal.
Support for council of elders, public services housing infrastructure, Santoro pass survey and design, Siara to Koropovo road design, upgrading and maintenance and 2015 ABG Elections, three million kina.
Churches, building maintenance and upgrades with church programs, two million kina, and the Bougainville Peace Agreement awareness activities, one million kina.
Bougainville President Chief, Dr John Momis, said the Special Intervention Fund, is a conditional grant that caters for projects within Bougainville.
It’s different from the unconditional annual Restoration and Development Grant under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The Bougainville House of Representatives members have been urged to use these funds wisely.
09.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Break up of Re-Appropriation
Anthony Kaybing
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has appropriated K200 million for major development infrastructural projects for 2014 under the Special Intervention Fund.
ABG President Chief Dr John Momis said that the Re-Appropriation Bill that guarantees the ABG’s use of the SIF is one of compromise between the National Government and his Government and he expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neil, for the funds.
The President urged the members of the Bougainville House of Representatives to appreciate this and use the funds to work hard to develop its capacity.
The break of the re-appropriation is as follows;
- • Buka Ring Road – Upgrade and sealing K35 million
- • Economic Feeder Roads – Scope, design, upgrading and maintenance K15 million
- • Bougainville Bridges Replacements Arawa – Nagovis – Buin – survey, design, engineering K5 million
- • South West Bougainville Roads (Nagovis, Siwai, Buin) – upgrade and maintenance K8 million
- • Kokopau – Buin Road – upgrade and sealing K30 million
- • Santoro Pass – survey and design K3 million
- • Siara to Koropovo Road – design, upgrading and maintenance K3 million
- • Aropa Airport – reopening, upgrading terminal and facilities for relocation K15 million
- • Buka Airport – design and construction of upgrade of terminal K5 million
- • Atolls & Coastal Shipping and Aviation – purchase of ship, scope, design maintenance of wharves and rural airstrips K7.5 million
- • Bougainville Power Upgrages K5 million
- • Water Supply and Sewage (Arawa and Buka) design and construction K14 million
- •Public Services Infrastructure – housing K3 million
- 2015 ABG Elections – preparations and commitments K3 million
- ABG Project Management Unit – design, project management, supervision and reporting K5 million
- Hospital Development – scope, design and construct K5 million
- Panguna Mine Negotiations – support or consultations and negotiations K5 million
- Education Infrastructure – upgrades, design and construction K7.5 million
- Bougainville Peace Agreement – Awareness Activities K1 million
- Law and Justice and Weapons Disposal – facilities and program activities K4 million
- Churches – building maintenance and upgrades, church programs K2 million
- Support for Council of Elders – facilities, training and development plans K3 million
The break up equals up to the K200 million for the SIF funds intended for development projects in Bougainville.
The SIF is a conditional grant set up to cater for projects within Bougainville and is different from the unconditional Restoration and Development Grant which under the Bougainville Peace Agreement is an annual grant for Bougainville.
President said he was optimistic about asking the Prime Minister to increase the RDG to cater for more development projects in Bougainville.
06.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Overcrowding hinders Bougainville police duties
ONE of the reasons behind Bougainville police not being ably performing their duties is because of the overcrowding of convicts and remandees at the Bekut Correctional Service facility and police cells in the region.
This was revealed by Bekut jail commander, Senior Inspector Bruno Kokiai early this week during Correctional Service Minister Jim Simatab’s visit to the facility.
"We are experiencing overcrowding here at Bekut as well as in other police cells. That is why police are not able to effectively perform their duties because there is no place to keep offenders," said Mr Kokiai.
Snr Insp Kokiai said if there was space in Bekut jail as well as in the police cells then police will be able to arrest more suspects and offenders.
He said although people are always complaining of convicts or remandees moving around freely outside of the cells, police can’t arrest them because of the overcrowding issue.
Mr Kokiai is now calling on both the National Government and the ABG to secure funds to build more facilities at Bekut so that all remandees and convicts in the police cells can be moved to the CS institution to make way for the police to arrest those suspects that are roaming free in the communities.
05.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Union chief calls for funds transparency
By Winterford Toreas
THE vice president of the Public Employees Association branch in Bougainville has expressed concern over the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s tradition of depositing the constituency development grants directly into each member’s account.
According to Mr Patrick Heromate, such practices should be discouraged as it violates the Financial Management Act.
He said this grant also does not have a policy guideline in place that will guide how these funds are to be utilized.
“ABG members are provided with K200,000 electorate grants for their constituencies yearly. This grant does not have a policy and guidelines,” said Mr Heromate.
“Cheques are drawn under the members names then are deposited into members’ personal bank accounts. This type of arrangement is total violation of the Finance Management Act.
“The way the grants are paid to ABG members is corrupt.”
Mr Heromate said this fund is public property and should not be deposited into the personal accounts of the leaders.
He said the government should come up with a system that will ensure that transparency and accountability prevails in relation to the usage of these funds.
“Some members have used the money to build projects in their constituency while others have done nothing with the money. People are now questioning their members on how they have used up their allocations,” he said.
Mr Heromate said the ABG must correct this process so that the grants can be properly utilised for their intended purposes following proper processes and guidelines.
Many Bougainvilleans have also expressed similar concerns over this issue, saying there is evidence that some of the members have been misusing their allocations.
Meanwhile, Mr Heromate is appealing to all public servants in Bougainville to perform their duties with diligence, commitment and dedication.
He said the union stands to promote good governance in the province and the PEA will not help any of its members caught in corrupt dealings.
05.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Project aims to maximise benefits of resources
By Romulus Masiu
Mr Kiraa with showing the participants how to make soap and oil scents.
THE natural resources of Bougainville must be put into good use as they have great potential to be the income earner for ordinary Bougainvilleans.
Gabriel Kiraa, a qualified trainer from OISCA who has been engaged by the World Vision to spearhead its community economic mobilisation (CEM) project for communities throughout Bougainville, said this.
The CEM projects are being funded by New Zealand aid. World Vision is implementing the project and Mr Kiraa has been engaged to spearhead the training.
“World Vision has done it again, this time they have facilitated training on adding scent to pure coconut oil with me as their trainer,” Mr Kiraa said.
He said the pure coconut producer groups (communities) are an initiative of the CEM project.
Through CEM projects communities can make homegrown produces that will be used as a vehicle for farmers to sell their products to earn income to sustain livelihood of families in Central Bougainville.
This time around Mr Kiraa took time to impart this vital knowledge and skills to ordinary villages of Arawa based at Section 6.
According to Mr Kiraa the process is very simple as all the products used are sourced from the natural environment which Bougainville offers and which is in abundance.
“The resources uses as scent for the pure coconut oil are all homegrown and organic. It is naturally fresh and helps the body,” he said.
Mr Kiraa paid tribute to his former school in OISCA for the knowledge and skills taught to him and he is imparting to the village people for them to understand and use their natural resources instead from buying imported chemically-driven stuff.
Mr Kiraa also thanked Bruce Johnson, a volunteer with World Vision under NZAID and Roselyn Mantanung for participating in the training he has been conducting.
05.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Staff committee set for meeting
Bougainville’s Senior Appointments Committee will meet for the first time on Tuesday next week.
The committee is an entity of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and is made up of an independent constitutional committee that is responsible for the appointment of constitutional office holders and senior officers in Bougainville.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Bougainville Constitution sanction the creation of the committee to avoid any politically motivated interference in the appointment of constitutional office holders and senior officers.
At present the committee (Appointments and Disciplinary Procedures of Bougainville Constitutional Office Holders) Act 2011 applies only to constitutional officer holders. However, the constitution and the recent public service law also apply it to the head of the public service and all senior officers, defined as department heads.
The committee is chaired by ABG President John Momis, with ABG House of Representatives Speaker Andrew Miriki, Bougainville Catholic Diocese Bishop Unabali and a local lawyer serving as members. Mr Momis said the committee is the appointing authority for both acting and permanent appointments and it is the only body authorised to make the appointments.
He said the committee must, prior to appointing or promoting a person to a Bougainville constitutional office, follow set procedures. The Acting Chief Secretary is preparing a policy submission to amend the legislation to incorporate the machinery provisions for the appointment of the head of the public service and departmental heads.
05.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville’s Bekut prison upbeat after minister’s visit
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
INMATES and Correctional Service officers at the Bekut CS facility in Buka are now looking forward to seeing new development programs and changes following a visit by Minister for Correctional Service Jim Simatab on Monday.
Mr Simatab’s visit to Bekut follows an invitation from the Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera for the CS minister to visit and get first-hand experience of the current status of the facility.
The minister was accompanied by Mr Lera, acting CS Commissioner Michael Waipo and other senior officers from CS headquarters.
Mr Simatab thanked Mr Lera for the invitation, saying the visit will lead to some positive changes taking place.
"I know that the facility has struggled over the last six years since its inception, and the problems associated with its developments are well known to the Correctional Services and the ABG," said Mr Simatab.
"I wish to inform everyone that after the inspection of Bekut facility, I will seek further affirmation from my department and the key agencies in the ABG as to how we should move forward in completing the infrastructure development needs of Bekut."
He said it is important for both governments to map out a clear strategy over the next five years regarding the expansion of Bekut as well as other facilities in Bougainville and staffing at these institutions.
Mr Simatab also acknowledged the jail commander and his staff for performing their duties despite the struggles and hardships faced, and commended the national government, the ABG, landowners and other stakeholders who had made it possible for the re-establishment of the Bekut facility.
Jail commander Snr Inspector Bruno Kokiai outlined some of the struggles faced at the institution, which Mr Simatab responded to.
05.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SIMATAB INJECTS TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND
By Aloysius Laukai
The National Minister for Correctional Services, JIM SIMATAB last night announced that his visit to Bougainville has made him realize the desperate need his Department has in delivering Correctional services throughout Bougainville.
The Minister pledged TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA for a new building for the inmates at BEKUT which is already overcrowded
He said after visiting Buka and Arawa he came to realize overcrowding in Police lockups at Arawa and Buka Police stations.
The MINISTER said that if he had continued to Buin the situation could have been worse.
Minister SIMATAB also called on his counterpart member and Regional member, JOE LERA to put another TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA towards a women prisoner’s accommodation.
The National Correctional Services Minister said that he would like to fast-track the buildings to ease the overcrowding in the Police lockups throughout the region.
He said that his department was trying its best to make sure problems faced by Jails throughout the country are fixed once and for all.
05.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FUNDS ARE STILL COMING TO SETTLE OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU says although funds have been allocated to settle outstanding payments for former staff of the ABG these funds are not yet available.
He made these remarks when responding to questions from the new member for Hagogohe and former ABG staff PETER SOHIA who wanted to know if the ABG had any funds to settle these outstanding payments owed to former ABG staff by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
MR. PUNGHAU said that the ABG received about a MILLION kina earlier from internal revenue but these funds have been used on other pressing commitments.
05.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CIS MINISTER PROMISES TO ASSIST BEKUT
By Aloysius Laukai
The National Minister for Correctional Services, JIM SIMATAB has promised to look into the problems of the Bekut prison on Buka island.
Minister SIMATAB made these comments when responding to presentations by the Commanding Officer of the BEKUT Gaol and the Local Government members who wanted the CIS division to assist the Bekut JAIL has it has not progressed in the last six years.
Minister SIMATAB said that he was happy to see the progress at the facility and after his visit he would look at ways of supporting the facility.
He also called on the Regional member, JOE LERA who was present at the ceremony to assist the Bekut facility.
The Minister visited the former CIS JAIL site at Kuveria this morning and also met with leaders in Arawa before returning to Buka this afternoon.
The minister and his delegation returns to Port Moresby tomorrow morning.
05.06.2014
Source: Bougainville24
How to tie a pig the Bougainvillean way
By Nigel Matte
Throughout Melanesia pigs are an important part of culture, though the practices and significance surrounding them varies greatly.
For example, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea pigs are an important symbol of status and wealth.
In Bougainville it’s different, pigs are considered less of a status symbol, but remain very important for every cultural ceremonies or feasts.
The bigger the ceremony the more pigs that are required and transportation is made easier with a customary method of binding the pigs.
The most commonly used method is to tie the pig’s back and front legs, most commonly with jungle ropes.
The perfected technique is complicated and is passed on from generation to generation.
In Kieta District, Central Bouainville they are proud to be designers of a unique pattern of pig tying.
This technique is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves an important purpose. The method prevents disturbance, interruptions and uneasy movement. It stops pig carriers becoming uneasy because the pig screams, sways from left to right or tries to break out of its trapped zone.
The pattern forms mainly rectangular shapes around the pigs body thus holds the pig very tightly with little movement or even no movement at all. Patterns of such signify the skills and knowledge of local Bougainvilleans.
The diversity of Bougainville can be seen through the tying pattern from the three regions, even from clan to clan, the style can differ.
05.06.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville Government told to change approach to mining re-start
Panguna landowner chairman says the Bougainville Government is going about the reconciliation process in the wrong way.
The man heading the Bougainville land owners group where the Panguna Mine is sited says the government in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province is going about the reconciliation process back to front.
The ABG, headed by President John Momis, wants the mine to re-open, to help quickly stimulate the economy as the province begins to consider a vote on possible independence.
The mine was at the centre of the province's civil war and has been shut for 25 years.
The ABG spent much of last year consulting with the communities on renewed mining, and holding reconciliations.
But the chairman of the Osikaiang Landowners Special Mining Lease, Lawrence Daveona, told Don Wiseman before any of that can happen there has to be reconciliation within his own village, Guava.
He says then there could be a wider reconciliation and Bel Kol - the Bougainville cultural practice of giving compensation.
LAWRENCE DAVEONA: And the reasoning behind this, through customary practice, is that the conflict started in Guava and the leaders of Guava have to officially authorise our President Momis and his Government to take over the preparation and actual staging of Bel Kol on Bougainville. And again under our arrangement with ABG, the Panguna Negotiation Office and the Mining Department, the process we have to do is, after the Guava and my family reconciliation, President Momis will make a visit to Guava Village, because it was in Guava Village after Francis Ona [ leader of the separatist movement during the Civil War] invited him after his capture by BRA [Bougainville Revolutionary Army] rebels in Tinputz. So the people of Guava Village looked after President Momis and President Momis has promised to come and visit Guava Village and then say thank you to the Guava Village community. Upon his visit here the leaders of Guava and chiefs will officially, through customary ritual, hand over authority for this Bel Kol staging by ABG as our Government on the ground. And as I said before the Bel Kol the Panguna Landowners and the Guava Village must have their own reconciliation with ex-combatants because that is how the conflict progressed on. From a Guava Village internal family feud to the involvement of Panguna Landowners and then the involvement of the militants which then developed into the ex-combatants.
DON WISEMAN: You could understand the ABG perhaps being a little bit confused because as they see it, they have gone through extensive consultations already with the community and they have had extensive reconciliations but you are saying that that counts for nothing at this stage because they have got it the wrong way around.
LAWRENCE DAVEONA: That is correct. That is correct. That is correct. It is common understanding from north, south and central that the crisis originated in Guava Village and Panguna Landowners and it has to go back to the root of where it all began and work outwards. Not the top down approach as the ABG has been approaching it.
DON WISEMANW: So once it got to that point, once you can go through the Bel Kol as you have described it, then discussions could begin on a possible re-opening of the mine.
LAWRENCE DAVEONA: After the staging of the Bel Kol, BCL [ Bougainville Copper Ltd] will have its presence in Arawa as has been agreed to and BCL will begin its restoration programme but not in regards to the re-opening of Panguna Mine. There are outstanding issues that they have to attend to in terms of restoration programme, displaced villagers in the Panguna mine lease areas and also to the communities of the whole of Bougainville, through human resource development, like assisting with vocational schools. There is a package involved in the Bel Kol exercise, so BCL will be on the ground after the staging of the Bel Kol. Now the date has been postponed until some time in July for this exercise of Bel Kol.
DON WISEMAN: As we said the President is very keen for the mine to be opened because he sees this as the way in which the economy can quickly get going so that it is in a viable state in time for the vote on viable independence after next year, or from next year onwards, but the way you see it, that is not going to be possible, it is going to be many years down the road before there can be any re-opening of that mine.
LAWRENCE DAVEONA: Well people cannot just want the Panguna are opened. Oh no no no, they can't. The need to be compensated and their outstanding compensations for Panguna landowners and even the loss of lives - between 15 and 20 thousand people - is an issue that our Government, ABG, is really not addressing. It is going to take quite some time because the Panguna landowners position is that the ABG should take ownership of the restoration package for the whole of Bougainville and this package should deal with a lot of the issues - such as compensation for the deceased, the restoring of burned down villages, the infrastructure, so that our people can be in their right mind before they can talk about opening the Panguna Mine.
DON WISEMAN: So many many years?
LAWRENCE DAVEONA: Oh I can't answer that because as it is - I know I keep saying I know where our President is coming from. He thinks we can start negotiating from the end of this year. I don't see it that way. Maybe next year. Maybe mid next year about Panguna. The problem is on the ground. You can't just walk in and open the mine. A lot of villagers here are not settled and we have got a lot of issues that the government, the ABG Government is not really addressing.
05.06.2014
Source: The Australian
O’Neill denies Bougainville takeover plan
by Rowan Callick
THE fate of Bougainville Copper — with billions of dollars of ore remaining unmined — is being debated again in Papua New Guinea.
A statement has been circulated claiming that in February Prime Minister Peter O’Neill proposed the expropriation of Rio Tinto’s 53.6 per cent stake — which Mr O’Neill strongly denied yesterday.
The statement comes within a longer message from Bougainville’s President John Momis, within which he claims that during Mr O’Neill’s groundbreaking visit he “proposed to me directly that the national government would repeal the Bougainville Copper Agreement Act and expropriate all Rio Tinto shares in BCL”.
Mr Momis continues: “I knew Bougainvilleans would object to PNG controlling the development of mining at Panguna. So I wrote to the PM, opposing what he proposed in the strongest terms.”
The two leaders have met since and, according to the statement issued by Mr Momis, Mr O’Neill “then agreed that he would leave all issues about Panguna” — the mine site — “to be decided by the Autonomous Bougainville Government”.
The PNG government owns 19.1 per cent of Bougainville Copper.
Mr O’Neill was the first prime minister to visit Bougainville since the civil war there ended in 1997.
During his three-day visit in February, he said: “We are not interested in Panguna mine and some of the mining issues that are being discussed. We are interested in bringing development to Bougainville as a whole.”
Mr O’Neill told The Australian yesterday from Japan, where he is on an official visit: “There is no truth in that (claim of an expropriation threat), and the government position is that any talk of reopening the mine is up to the people of Bougainville.
“That is the commitment I made when I visited Panguna.”
The context includes the ABG’s tussle to conclude new mining legislation — which faces opposition from the PNG central government, which at present constitutionally retains sovereign control over minerals, and from groups within Bougainville, some of which are backed by maverick foreign individuals and groups that are seeking to dislodge Rio from its leases and to take them over.
Mr Momis said the legislation still in progress was initially developed “to stop foreign companies trying to control mining development in Bougainville through the back door”.
The context also includes Mr O’Neill’s surprise move last year to legislate control by the PNG government of the Ok Tedi mine, taking over the majority shareholding owned by PNG Sustainable Development Program, a trust established to succeed BHP Billiton when it withdrew from the mine.
The Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Isaac Lupari, who was present in the meeting with Mr Momis, told The Australian that when the issue of reopening the mine was raised, the leaders had discussed the prospect of the two governments buying a bigger stake from Rio Tinto, but “there was never any suggestion of nationalisation, or of repeal of the Bougainville Copper Agreement Act”.
Peter Taylor, chairman of BCL and also president of the Australia PNG Business Council, did not wish to comment.
But he told The Australian that the joint co-ordinating committee — established about 18 months ago to consider whether the mine should reopen and, if so, under what terms — with representatives of the national and Bougainville governments, the land-owners, and BCL, had already met nine or 10 times. He said: “An actual agreement between the parties, if there is to be one, is still far away, down the track.”
More immediately, a formal reconciliation ceremony is being planned for BCL at Arawa on Bougainville, involving people from all areas of the province but prominently including Panguna landowners — the final stage of a series of such ceremonies to have taken place since the end of the decade-long war that began with the forced closure of the mine in 1989. The ceremony is likely to include the presentation by BCL of equipment for technical training and for malaria prevention.
A referendum will be held in Bougainville between next year and 2020 to decide the future of the province.
04.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Momis: We need foreigners’ help
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has come under fire in recent weeks in the government’s engagement of foreign advisers on Bougainville.
But ABG President John Momis told the Bougainville House of Representatives yesterday that the need for foreigners is in itself justifiable as Bougainville needs outside help to boost the ABG’s capacity in areas that it lacks.
"Under the Peace Agreement the National Government is obliged to do its best to obtain foreign aid to support restoration and development in Bougainville, and to facilitate the ABG’s participation in managing aid projects," President Momis said.
He said the ABG is allowed to obtain foreign aid through its own efforts which is again stipulated in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement also goes on to say that the National Government is required to approve foreign aid secured by the Autonomous Bougainville Government, which does not reduce the value of aid already available to Papua New Guinea – and subject to overriding PNG foreign policy considerations, Mr Momis said.
"You can therefore understand that the Bougainville Executive Council and I would be negligent if we did not seek to use the powers and authority given under the Peace Agreement for the betterment of Bougainville," he told the Bougainville House of Representatives," Mr Momis said.
"All advisers and volunteers and other experts who are invited to Bougainville come here on our terms, they work for the ABG and work to our instruction.
"Contrary to what some are saying advisers do not make the policies of this government."
He said the administration and the Bougainville Executive Council expects to see options developed for policies and may sometimes need outside views and inputs.
President Momis reiterated that Bougainvilleans have very strong views about Bougainville and its future.
04.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville Media get help from Aust, NZ
by ADRIANA SCHMIDT
A recent survey conducted by the ABG division of media and communication has showed that a lot of government information does not reach the people despite best attempts by the government.
The survey which was conducted in South Bougainville has confirmed that the people have limited access to mainstream media which includes radio, television and newspapers.
Access to 2G mobile phones as well as video playback systems was reported as medium to high.
The people have urged the government to immediately intervene by funding more local awareness specifically on the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Referendum using all communication mediums.
In response to these pleas, ABG President John Momis yesterday during the first June Parliamentary sitting announced that the ABG has now taken on new initiatives to address the issue of lack of information in rural parts throughout Bougainville.
Australia and New Zealand have provided an assistance of K2 million through the Governance and Implementation Fund to the ABG to support these initiatives.
These initiatives include:
The launching a mobile community radio station that will travel the Region to shows and other events and broadcast on the FM for two to three weeks at those venues.
Pre-recorded program will be broadcast as well a local talk back – these locally recorded broadcasts can then be re-broadcasted through NBC Bougainville and/or New Dawn FM.
The Government will launch a monthly newspaper to be distributed through the region with government and community news and pictures.
Strengthening the Information and Communications Division with additional journalist and production staff.
The new staff will produce written and audio material for ABG publications, the ABG website, NBC, New Dawn and the national media.
These positions are already being advertised in the daily newspapers.
The launch of the ABG’s official website. The ABG’s Facebook page has already been created and people are encouraged to view it.
The ABG will host local and regional journalists in Bougainville so that the true story of our development can be made known to a wider audience.
Five thousand copies of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the Bougainville Constitution and the Organic Law have been printed and will be distributed throughout Bougainville to schools and communities through a major awareness program.
04.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Two heart specialist attend to 400 Arawa patients
By ROMULUS MASIU
Dr Jack Amana, specialist cardiologist from Sir Buri Kidu Heart Foundation checking patient former Commissioner for Central James Koibo at Arawa Health Center.
TWO specialist doctors came to Arawa Health Centre to check on more than 400 patients last week.
Dr Jack Amana, a senior cardiologist at Sir Buri Kidu Heart Foundation and Port Moresby General Hospital was accompanied by Dr Steven Topoleku, a specialist physician at Buka hospital.
The two doctors took time off their busy schedule for a three day visit to the health centre where they checked on patients with heart problems and other diseases.
They are the first ever specialist doctors to visit the former capital of Bougainville.
“This is the first time ever after the crisis a cardiologist and specialist physician have visited Arawa hospital,” Arawa hospital residential doctor, Dr Joe Vilosi, said.
Out of the 400 or so patients, four have been urged to undergo open heart operations. The trip to Arawa was made possible by the Division of Health in Bougainville.
According to Dr Vilosi, more specialists must come to Arawa to check on patients who don’t have money to fly out to big hospitals such as Port Moresby General Hospital.
“The Division of Health must work on getting more specialists to visit our health centre in Arawa and also Buin,” Dr Vilosi said adding that there are a lot of patients dying of curable diseases in rural areas.
The officer in charge of Arawa and Panguna District health Peter Sisia thanked the doctors and acknowledged a business woman in Arawa for accommodating them at her guest house.
“I salute Ms Betha Lorenz for providing accommodation.”
04.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
COEs have vital role
Council of Elders and village assemblies must be structurally empowered to be active participants in government.
This message delivered by ABG President John Momis when addressing the June parliamentary sitting yesterday.
President Momis said the Council of Elders is the second level of government and they must be involved in planning, budgeting and implementing projects.
“In my view they are critical to our system of government and recognising traditional authority and community empowerment. The systems and processes of government need to work in their favour so that they work properly.”
He said over the past two weeks the administration has commenced a consultation process with the COEs to implement the White Paper on COEs from several years back.
04.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
MVIL cashless
THE MVIL office will be going cashless as of this month, meaning there will be no more cash payments over the counter at their offices.
Payments will be made only through an EFTPOS machine, by cheque or by direct deposit to the MVIL account at BSP.
Jenny Raia, who is the training officer with MVIL Kokopo, said this is a nationwide exercise that began in February 2013 and since the Buka office was only opened this year, they have effected that beginning this month.
She said vehicle owners who have already made cash payments at the office between January and April this year are to bring in their certificate of registration and certificate of policy to the office to be recorded for accountability.
04.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS OUTLINES MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES FOR BOUGAINVILLE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG President John Momis today told parliament that everyone is aware that despite the best attempt of some and the government’s achievements, messages are not getting to the people.
He said as a result, people lose faith in the leaders to deliver the benefits of autonomy and they lose faith in the government as a whole.
Mr. Momis said a recent survey conducted by the information and communications division of people in South Bougainville confirmed this state of affairs.
He said because of this state of affairs, Australia and New Zealand through the governance and implementation fund are supporting the ABG with over K2 million of assistance in the area of media and communication.
He explained that the K2 million will be used by the government to introduce and launch new activities which will help bring message to the people.
Mr. Momis said the activities will include the launching of a mobile community radio station, the launching of a monthly newspaper and the launching of ABG’s official website.
He has asked for contributions from his members on ways to improve communications and get accurate messages to the people.
04.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CIS MINISTER PROMISES TO ASSIST BEKUT
By Aloysius Laukai
The National Minister for Correctional Services, JIM SIMATAB has promised to look into the problems of the Bekut prison on Buka island.
Minister SIMATAB made these comments when responding to presentations by the Commanding Officer of the BEKUT Gaol and the Local Government members who wanted the CIS division to assist the Bekut JAIL has it has not progressed in the last six years.
Minister SIMATAB said that he was happy to see the progress at the facility and after his visit he would look at ways of supporting the facility.
He also called on the Regional member, JOE LERA who was present at the ceremony to assist the Bekut facility.
The Minister visited the former CIS JAIL site at Kuveria this morning and also met with leaders in Arawa before returning to Buka this afternoon.
The minister and his delegation returns to Port Moresby tomorrow morning.
03.06.2014
Source: The National
MP gives K7m to address law and order
BOUGAINVILLE regional MP Joe Lera has used K7 million of his public investment programme funds to improve the law and order situation.
Lera said the population of Bougainville increased from 170,000 to 350,000 after the crisis, more than half of which were youths.
He said 40% of the youths had not been to school and if not handled properly could disrupt development plans.
He welcomed Correctional Services Minister and Wewak MP Jim Simatab at Buka airport yesterday.
Simatab is in Bougainville to see how the department can improve Correctional Services facilities and services there.
He said they had only been facilitating technical assistance to Bougainville and hoped to do more to help the CS services there.
His team will visit Bekut Prison and the former CIS land at Kuveria to see if they can re-establish the centre there.
02.06.2014
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited
BCL Chairman praises Bougainville’s clever people
by Ben Jackson
The Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), Peter Taylor, praised the people of Bougainville as ‘smart, capable and valuable’ in a speech to the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum on 20 May.
Mr Taylor, who served as President of the Australia-PNG Business Council from 2011 to 2014, was speaking on the economic opportunities and constraints for business in Bougainville.
Bougainvilleans have been amongst the best educated people in PNG.
“The Bougainvillean workforce which operated the Panguna mine, and later dispersed to become the backbone of the PNG resource development boom, is testament to that.”
Mr Taylor stated that young people and the ‘lost generation’, those that missed out on an education because of the decade-long Bougainville crisis, have a great desire for education and employment opportunities.
“More than 10,000 Bougainvilleans received training and apprenticeships during the operation of the Panguna mine,” Mr Taylor said.
“Many of these became a Bougainvillean diaspora in the 1990s, highly valued for their skills, experience and work ethic in industries across Papua New Guinea.
“The crisis robbed a generation of educational opportunity and that is a tragedy that needs to be remedied.
“Many younger Bougainvilleans are in need of vocational training and are eager to acquire it.”
The Division of Education within the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is in the process of implementing education programs throughout the region, including upgrades to schools and technical colleges.
The Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC) is also committed to education to enable local people to be ready for a range of employment opportunities including the potential resumption of mining.
One of the first areas of employment driven by the JPNCC – which is made up of representatives of landowners, the ABG, the Government of Papua New Guinea and BCL – will be for Bougainvilleans to provide support and services for baseline studies into environmental, social and economic conditions in mine-affected areas.
02.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS WANTS ABG TO BE RECOGNISED AS AN AUTONOMOUS GOVERNMENT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG president John Momis has strongly emphasized during the Bougainville Development Forum that ABG is a constitutionally established and highly autonomous government.
The forum which was held in Port Moresby last week was told by Momis that the autonomous Bougainville government is very different to the provincial governments elsewhere in PNG, especially in terms of constitutionally provided powers, resources, as well as intergovernmental relations.
He said Bougainville has its own public service and its finance management is under ABG laws as PNG laws have no application in these areas in Bougainville as of May 15, this year.
Mr. Momis said he has sometimes felt that in the past ABG was not treated as a government with a high level of constitutionally guaranteed autonomy.
He said his government often felt that it was regarded as just another provincial government which was reflected in a wide range of areas from simple obligations to consult, to calculation of grants through support to build the capacity of his government.
With that regard, Momis said it was seen that past government agencies and other development partners always make arbitrary decisions about ABG without reference to what the constitution provides.
Mr. Momis then advised his partners to consult with the government directly when designing projects and other interventions.
02.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH PNG AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG PRESIDENT John Momis has announced last week that its relationship with PNG is on a sound footing and holds out much promise for the future.
Speaking during the Bougainville Development Forum in Port Moresby, Momis said the relationship between ABG and the National Government, while not yet in a state of perfection can be said to be broad-based collaborative and making rapid improvements in terms of meeting the objectives of autonomy.
He said governments and societies are not static but there is dynamism to all things.
Mr. Momis said Bougainville’s international partners have been active supporters of peace in Bougainville since the peace process began and they continue to provide significant financial support and encourage us all to implement the Peace Agreement in full.
He said such support from both the National government and international partners is most welcome.
However, Momis said there is need to significantly strengthen donor coordination to avoid overlaps and duplication.
He said he wants all development partner assistance recorded in the ABG budget papers so that members of the House of Representatives are aware of the significant contributions that partners make across the region.
He said this will significantly increase exposure through the ABG of contributions made by its partners.
02.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG’S PRIORITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG president John Momis has told Bougainville’s development partners in a recent forum that ABG is focused on dramatically improving effectiveness of service delivery by the Bougainville administration as a means of addressing the people’s needs.
He said the infrastructure, both physical and human, for the delivery of health and education services were destroyed by the crisis and have to be rebuilt from an extremely low base.
He said that is why the restoration and development grant funding and partner programs are so critical.
Mr. Momis told the participants at the Bougainville Development Forum in Port Moresby last week that these are the funding sources that ABG can access and use to restore services for the people in the villages.
He said small projects in communities are equally critical in providing direct services to poorest people and communities whilst demonstrating to them that autonomy can work and has benefits.
Mr. Momis also mentioned that teacher, police and health worker housing is very important as a sealed road and if it cannot be demonstrated that autonomy works at a village level, the other options, often troubling options arise and gain support.
He said Bougainville has another opportunity to use its partners’ assistance to strengthen peace and development in Bougainville by implementing the Joint Resolutions of the recently completed review of the autonomy arrangements.
He said the late JSB in late June will endorse an implementation plan against which the ministers of both governments can monitor its progress.
02.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PARTNER SUPPORT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis has stressed that ABG needs to do more to constructively engage with its partners to ensure that the aspirations of Bougainvilleans for a highly devolved form of autonomy are achieved.
When addressing participants at the Bougainville Development Partners Forum in Port Moresby last week, Momis said Bougainville needs support from all its partners to ensure that development takes place, that peace and harmony is maintained and that Bougainville’s vision for self-determination as reflected in the Bougainville Peace Agreement is achieved.
He said the ABG, with him as president, his ministers and the acting chief secretary need to constantly strive to maintain and improve their personal relationships with all partners through dialogue and hosting visits to Bougainville.
Mr. Momis said that ABG can no longer assume that its partners and those seeking to engage with ABG fully understand Bougainville’s situation and history.
He said this is because most of the participants were not present during the crisis and therefore must be told what Bougainville’s aspirations and priorities are.
Mr. Momis mentioned also that Bougainville also has the right under the Bougainville Peace Agreement to engage with its development partners to seek support and to seek further foreign aid.
02.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
CS Minister in Buka on fact finding mission
By ADRIANA SCHMIDT
The Minister for Correctional Services (CS) Jim Simatab arrived in Bougainville yesterday with a delegation on a fact-finding mission.
The delegation aims to carry out a first-hand assessment on law and order, looking at existing jail cells, what has been done so far and what needs to be done.
In his welcome remarks at the Buka Airport VIP lounge, Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera welcomed the minister and his delegation.
He said law and order is one of the pillars under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and it must be addressed by both governments.
He said the population in Bougainville has increased over the years with youths making up 60 per cent of the population, but the sad thing is that 40 per cent areilliterate.
Mr Lera described the illiterate youthful population as a time-bomb and said immediate action must be taken to address this issue and prevent problems arising in the near future.
Mr Simatab said the O’Neill-Dion Government is ready to support Bougainville in whatever way they can in terms of progressing law and order in the region.
“We are here to see what has developed, what has progressed and if there is anything that we can assist with at the jail and with the law and justice sector.
“The O’Neill-Dion Govern-ment stands ready to support and help in whatever way they can to ensure the continuation of peace and ensure that the expectations are what the people of Bougainville want,” he said.
Acting Commissioner for Correctional Services Michael Waipo explained that the purpose of the visit is to see what progress has been made after the agreement was initially put together in 2007.
There will also be discussions on providing rehabilitation programs so citizens are prepared to return to society as transformed individuals.
“We need to have a suitable facility that provides opportunities for rehabilitation programs by way of education and training, industries and agriculture so that inmates have an opportunity to go through a program that is certified,” said Mr Waipo.
02.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Elementary project aims to boost human resources in Bougainville
As the referendum period for Bougainville looms, leaders in the region are pushing to strengthen its educational capacity to boost human resources.
Autonomous Bougainville Government vice president Patrick Nisira has already initiated a program that will build the capacity of elementary schools within his Halia Constituency.
The program is called the Halia Elementary School Infrastructure Development Program and aims to deliver permanent three-in-one classrooms for the elementary schools in the Halia Constituency.
So far the program has proven to be successful with eight classrooms already built for the various schools within the constituency.
During the opening of one of the classrooms in Nahire Elementary School Mr Nisira told his constituents that the program is still ongoing and will cover the whole constituency.
He said the intention of the program is to deliver quality classrooms for the benefit of the students to create a conducive learning environment.
“I believe that the preparatory stages of a child’s learning is essential and our elementary schools equipped with the best assets can deliever quality education to our children,” Mr Nisira said.
He urged the teachers to commit to their vocation and not to stray from their duties but to ensure that they give their best to teaching the students.
He said an educated person can rationalise and make informed decisions to develop himself, his community and the country.
“It is the ABG’s wish to see an effective educated system that will see an educated community that is a product of this system,” he said.
Mr Nisira also thanked the various stakeholders who have helped with the program including leaders in North Bougainville and his constituents.
02.06.2014
Source: Post-Courier
MP heads forum
By JACOB IENU
THE second Central Bougainville leaders’ forum was held at Ruruvu Village in Rotokas area, Wakunai district of Central Bougainville.
The forum headed by the Bougainville Regional Member Joe Lera was attended by Central Regional Autonomous Bougainville Government Ministers, MPs, Council of Elders (CoE), Village Assemblies from the three Central districts of Panguna, Kieta and Wakunai.
The forum is for leaders to know how best they can prepare their people through training and activities on what later impact projects are being implemented or are in the process. The leaders agreed that the forum was very informative and educational.
02.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LERA EMPHASIZES LAW AND JUSTICE
By Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville Regional member,JOE LERA says that he has used SEVEN MILLION KINA of his PIP funds on the Law and Justice sector because he wants this sector's capacity to be improved to address pressing law and order issues affecting the region today.
He made these remarks when officially welcoming the National Minister for Justice Jim B Simatab at the Buka airport this morning.
MR LERA said that the population of Bougainville tripled after the crisis from 170 thousand to 350 thousand of which 60percent are youths.
He said that from the sixty percent youth 40 percent have not gone to school and these groups can destroy the region if not handled properly.
MR LERA said his pillar on Education and Law and order is to address these people.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice, JIM SIMATAB said that his trip to Bougainville was to see where his department can assist Bougainville in terms of capacity building for the CIS facility on Bougainville.
The minister said that under the present arrangement, they have been facilitating technical assistance to Bougainville only and after this trip they hope to develop a MOU that can map the way for future collaboration between his department and Bougainville.
He said that his team would also see the BEKUT JAIL and also see the former CIS land at Kuveria to see if they can re-establish the centre there.
The minister will visit Kuveria and talk with officials in Arawa before returning to Port Moresby on Wednesday.
01.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS SAYS KAUONA'S ATTACK SILLY AND OFFENSIVE
Bougainville’s President, Chief John Momis, today commented on what he called a ‘surprising, silly and offensive statement’ by Mr. Sam Kauona. Published as a paid advertisement in The National Newspaper on Monday 26th May, the statement was made by Kauona as Chair of the Bougainville Resource Owners Representation Committee (BRORC). It claimed that in developing Bougainville mining law, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) was controlled by Australian companies, BCL/Rio Tinto, and Australian advisers. Kauona attacked the ABG for planning to pass its new Mining Law in June.
The President said:
“Kauona’s statement is surprisingly silly. The draft ABG mining law has not been rushed. It has not been developed to help BCL, Rio Tino or Australia.
“It has been under development for two years now, since July 2012. It was first developed to stop foreign companies trying to control mining development in Bougainville through the back door. Those companies were Invincible Resources and Morumbi Resources. They were fully supported by Mr. Kauona. The former Australian, Lindsay Semple, has been the main spokesmen for those companies. Semple is still working closely with Kauona.
“The ABG has been carefully consulting many Bougainville groups about its draft mining law. There have already been four main drafts of the law. Each new draft has been changed in many ways to deal with concerns and problems raised within the ABG and by those consulted. In the third draft, there was a draft provision recognising BCL’s existing rights under PNG law. But many groups, including the Bougainville Women’s Forum in March, and ex-combatants, including Mr. Kauona, said they rejected any recognition of the Bougainville Copper Agreement (the BCA).
“Mr. Kauona knows full well that in meetings in March and April, the ABG agreed to change those draft provisions. Those changes have now been prepared. They say that the BCA will not apply in Bougainville, and that BCL’s special mining lease will no longer be recognised. Yet Mr. Kauona now attacks us for doing what we agreed with him. He should be ashamed.
“The Kauona statement also attacks the ABG for speeding up work on the Mining Bill to stop any National Government action to take over Panguna. He says that was never planned. But in February, Prime Minister O’Neill proposed to me directly that the National Government would repeal the BCA Act and expropriate all Rio Tinto shares in BCL. That would make PNG the majority owner of BCL. I knew Bougainvilleans would object to PNG controlling the development of mining at Panguna. So I wrote to the PM, opposing what he proposed, in the strongest terms. After that I met him. He then agreed that he would leave all issues about Panguna to be decided by the ABG.
“But I also directed that the ABG must pass its own mining law as soon as possible. In this way we send the strongest possible signal that only the ABG will make decisions about mining in Bougainville. We need such a strong signal not just for the National Government. There are just too many outsiders trying to get control of our mineral resources.
“Mr. Kauona says that the ABG has a neo-colonial mining policy. His reason? Because the ABG has an Australian adviser, who has worked with us for over 30 years, working on the mining law. But he is the only non-Bougainvillean amongst 20 or more officers and advisers who have worked on the draft law. They have included three Bougainvillean lawyers. All directions about their work, and all final decisions on the drafts of the law, are made by the Bougainville Executive Council. All of its members are Bougainvilleans. Does Mr. Kauona really think that all these Bougainvilleans can be pushed around, and told what to do, by one Australian? If the Australian tried to do that, he would be thrown out. We are happy to use him because he does what we direct. If Mr. Kauona has any complaints, they should be made about the Bougainvilleans who are giving the directions here.
“Finally, it’s a sick and shameful joke for Kauona to complain about neo-colonialism – which really means coming under control of foreigners after the colonial masta has gone. But its Mr. Kauona who is under control of a new masta.
He is under the control of Mr. Semple, a former Australian, now a Canadian citizen. When Semple and Kauona were working to give Canadian company, Invincible, control of Bougainville mining, all the documents were prepared in Canada, by Canadian lawyers. Bougainville officers were specifically prevented from being involved. These documents done in Canada included major contracts between the ABG and Invincible. Most shameful of all, an ABG law passed in December 2008 was drafted by a Canadian, in Canada, and sent by them to Buka to be passed. That was the Bogenvil Resources Development Corporation (AROB) Ltd. (Kabui Model) Authorization Act. It was a law passed only to help Invincible get control of mining in Bougainville.
“The same is true of all the very unfair MOUs signed between Semple’s second Canadian company, Morumbi, and small groups of landowners, in 2012 and 2013. The MOUs aimed to give Morumbi 55 years control of resources in Bougainville’s most highly prospective mineral areas. They were prepared in Canada, and trumpeted on Morumbi’s Canadian website.
“I remain ready to work with Mr. Kauona. But I will not be lectured by him about foreigners controlling the ABG.”
01.06.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ME’EKAMUI’S MIRIORI CHALLENGED TO BE HONEST ABOUT MINING
President of Bougainville, Chief John L. Momis, today challenged “Me’ekamui Government’s” Philip Miriori to be honest about Bougainville mining issues. He was responding to a statement saying discussions about mining can happen only after the referendum on independence, and calling for Australian advisers to “go home”.
President Momis said:
“It’s amusing to see Mr. Miriori say mining can happen only after the referendum. For it’s widely known in Bougainville just how deeply involved Miriori is already involved in mining. It was he who worked closely with the Americans involved in Tall J Foundation Ltd. That company tried to do industrial mining of gold on the tailings on the Jaba River. But the people chased them away. Then a Chinese investor in Tall J. Tried to get his lost money back by bringing in Chinese to gather and sell scrap metal from Panguna. Then there is the Australian, Ian Renzie Duncan, at different times involved with Australian mining companies Zeus Resources and Trnaspacific Ventures. It was he who wrote Mr. Miriori’s speech delivered when Prime Minister O’Neill visited Panguna. It’s widely talked about in central Bougainville that Miriori is investing with Mr. Duncan, and that Duncan is taking alluvial gold supplied by Miriori.
“These are just a few of the mining interests that Mr. Miriori is involved in. It’s these and other mining interests that have take him off so regularly to meetings in Cairns, Brisbane, Perth, Singapore, and other business tourist destinations. Everyone around Panguna knows one thing for sure: no other Me’ekamui President has done more foreign travel than Miriori!
“But with all his deep involvement in mining already, how can he talk about decisions on mining waiting until after the referendum? I challenge him to be honest about his long history of mining interests.
“I also challenge him to be equally honest about foreign advisers. He says Australian funded advisers are not welcome. But these advisers have all been requested by the ABG to help us fill in gaps and weaknesses in the Administration. Although Australian funded, many are not Australian. They include Bougainvilleans. Until recently our legislative drafting adviser was from Vanuatu. Our Policy Adviser was from Bermuda – all paid for By Australia.
“For the ABG, the two most important things about our advisers are these. First, we only have them when we have a gap we cannot fill with a Bougainvillean. Second, they must follow the directions of the Bougainville Government. I am absolutely confident that they do
that. They do not control the ABG. They are not here to make money for foreign companies.
“I challenge Mr. Miriori to tell us about his foreign advisers, and what they are doing to make money for foreign interests. They included two Americans with the Tall J Foundation, Stewart Sytner and Thomas Megas. There are documents freely available on the Internet that show they claim that Mr. Miriori sold them mining rights in areas to the north of the Panguna Special Mining Lease. I challenge him to tell us is what Sytner and Megas claim is true.
What about the other investors in Tall J? What advice did they give to Miriori? What about the Tall J investor who brought in the Chinese scrap metal dealers? What advice did he give? What about the advice that Mr. Ian Renzie Duncan gives?
“Mr. Miriori is not being honest about the future of mining. His hands are not clean in relation to mining.
“Mr. Miriori is not being honest about foreign advisers. Again his hands are not clean.
“I challenge him to be honest on these matters. I challenge him to enter these debates only when he has clean hands.
