News 03.2014.1

20.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PEOPLE HOLD CUSTOMARY RITUAL TO ALLOW WORK TO BEGIN
By Alex Munme

CUSTOMARY Ritual was another important part of the Ground Breaking Ceremony at the Aropa Airport yesterday in Kieta District, Central Bougainville Region.
The Ritual included giving away of live pigs , Traditional Shell Monies and cash to relatives of those who fought and died during a bloody battle with the PNG Security Forces at Aropa Airport during the Bougainville Crisis.
The Ritual was also to compensate and prevent disturbances and hindrances when work begins and progress to full completion so that the people receive air service into the Region.
National Minister for Communications and Member for Central, Jimmy Miringtoro and ABG Member for South Nasioi, John Ken were among those who were compensated.
After the Ritual, Ground Breaking and the Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, National Minister for Civil Aviation, Steve Davies told the people that work will begin immediately.
He told the people that, Officials from the National Airport Corporation who accompanied him to Aropa for the lead up event will remain in Arawa to begin work as the result of the ground breaking ceremony.
He said work on Aropa Airport is a joint commitment between the National Government and the ABG. He added that the two Governments have committed K35m and K15m respectively to fund the project in the region.
Also speaking at the ceremony Chief Peter Onawe challenged the people to work in unity to reopen Aropa Airport.

20.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS REPLIES TO ONSA
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG President, DR. MOMIS says that the work of Pooling ABG Cars is the work of the Bougainville administration and must be implemented.
He made these remarks when replying to comments made by HENRY ONSA who questioned why the Government cars are used after hours.
President MOMIS said that he had instructed the Administration three years ago but they have failed to implement his instructions.
He thanked HENRY ONSA for raising such issues which must make the government act upon these failures by officers.
On HENRY ONSA’s question on the Atolls boat, President Momis said that two boats have been bought and would be arriving soon.
He said that the ABG was very concerned at this situation and was doing what it can to make sure good and reliable boats are bought to serve the people of Atolls and the coastal areas of Bougainville mainland.
President Momis said that he does not want to repeat the situation in which a ABG Minister bought a ship that could not do much to serve the people of Bougainville from day one.


20.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

YOUTH WANTS GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
By Aloysius Laukai

An Ex combatant from the Tinputz area, PETER BAKA says that the ABG must find ways to assist former combatants to start up Business activities to sustain their lives instead of putting more funds on Sports.
MR. BAKJA told New Dawn FM that some former combatants are Sport less and will not benefit from these funds allocated to Sports programs.
He said in Buka that many youths are creative and can work to help themselves if given the chance by the leaders.
MR. BAKA who is working for a Chinese shop in Buka said that even what he is being paid for his work can-not help him create something that can sustain his family in the future.
He called on the ABG especially Veterans Affairs Division to come up with a scheme that can assist the former combatants.
Our attempts to talk to the Minister for Veterans Affairs were not successful as the Minister was in Arawa.


20.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SCHOOLS RECEIVE FROM SIF
By Alex Munme

THE Prime Minister Peter O’Neal has fulfilled his commitment to fund Schools that were in dire need for improvement when he visited Bougainville earlier this year.
Tonu High School and Panguna Primary Schools are the proud recipients of K200 Thousand and K500 Thousand for infrastructure developments.
A Cheque totaling upto K700 Thosand Kina was drawn from the Special Intervention Funds Trust Account and was handed over to the Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi on Tuesday this week at the Administration Conference Room in Buka.
Meanwhile signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between ABG and the National Government for two State Enterprises did not eventuate.
The two state enterprises are NBC and WATER PNG for Water and Sanitation project in the region.
Acting Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi said this was due to reconciliations that need to be done before these MOUs can be signed in due course.

20.03.2014

Source: Radio New Zealand International

Bougainville port manager welcomes clearing of bombs

The business manager of the Buka Port in Bougainville says the removal of unexploded bombs from the Second World War has been a long-awaited dream.

Joe Turi says he is very grateful to the Australian government for sending two ships to Bougainville to do a hydrographic survey of the sea floor before Operation Render Safe later in the year.

The operation was held in Solomon Islands last year and will begin in parts of Papua New Guinea this year.

Mr Turi says the area could be used as fishing grounds but locals are afraid to use the area on the West Coast of Bougainville island from Torakina to Buka.

"I think in the past the locals used to use those as a fishing ground, for them to get fish and sell it to market. They used to see those items in the sea, the World War Two bombs and also the other items, and we feel it is a danger to our lives."

The business manager of Buka Port, Joe Turi.

20.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

BCL mine will bring local education and employment

Maximising opportunities for Bougainvillean workers will be a priority for Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in any future resumption of operations at the Panguna mine.
A study conducted by BCL last year states that education and training activities will be initiated if the decision is made to redevelop the mine.
These activities will focus on ensuring a Bougainvillean workforce is trained in time for commencement of mine operations.

A renewed operation at Panguna is likely to employ about 2,500 people.
In its earlier mining activities, BCL placed great emphasis on the development of employees.
Its facilities included a Mine Training College that provided education and training for company employees.
Between 1972 and the 1989, BCL provided courses for 12,000 employees and trained 1,130 tradespeople.
BCL encouraged the accelerated progression of employees to managerial positions in the company through the sponsorship of 400 postgraduate and undergraduate students to study at tertiary institutions in PNG and Australia.
BCL has said it is committed to working towards managing an operation that meet the expectations of customary landowners and are beneficial to the whole of Bougainville.
The company continues to talk with landowners, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Government of Papua New Guinea through the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee.

20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

House debate on bills deferred
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Bougainville House of Representatives is expected to meet later this month and debate the three important bills that were tabled during the parliament sitting last week. The three bills, the Bougainville Public Services (Management and Administration) Bill, Bougainville Public Finance (Management and Administration) Bill and the Bougainville Government Contracts and Tenders Bill, were supposed to have been debated and passed into law last week but had to be deferred after the decision by the executive government to have all pressing issues associated with the bills sorted out.
The bills were tabled by ABG ministers Joel Banam (Public Service) and Albert Punghau (Finance and Planning) last Wednesday and were supposed to have gone through the second reading the next day. According to reliable sources from the ABG Parliament, two of the bills sponsored by Mr Punghau were approved by the Bougainville Executive Council, but this was not the case for the Public Service Bill. The sources said Mr Banam was not satisfied with some of the provisions in the bill, resulting in his decision to withdraw it.
It is understood that Mr Banam was furious after learning that certain changes on the bill that he proposed were not taken into account. Mr Banam took a swipe at acting chief administrator Chris Siriosi for failing to adhere to his directives.
However Mr Siriosi said Mr Banam decided to withhold the debate on his sponsored bill because there are some issues which he wants the Bougainville Executive Council to reconsider, adding that these relate to the head of the Bougainville public service, the powers of ministers and reference in the bill to the National Public Services Commission.
“As far as I am concerned the Bougainville Constitution, the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Part IV of the National Constitution set very clear parameters for framing these provisions within the Bougainville Public Service Law,” Mr Siriosi said.  “As far as I am aware, the bills have not been withdrawn; all that has happened is the second and third readings of the bills have been postponed till the March 25.


20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

World Vision helps villagers
By ROMULUS MASIU

Children of Pavaere village enjoying the clean fresh water supply to their homes courtesy of World Vision. Picture: DICKSON SIPARU

DICKSON Siparu from Pavaere village thanked World Vision on behalf of the community for installing a proper water supply for the village. Mr Siparu said after 50 years the village, with a population of more than 500, will finally have access to clean fresh water, thanks to World Vision and plumbers Francis Akai, chief Biria Tavekau and chief Moses Rotung.
World Vision installed two storage tanks which will act as gravity feeds to outlets such as taps, kitchens and toilets. Teachers at Pavaere Primary School along with their students will have easy access to water points. “Mothers and children won’t be taking their long walks to the creeks along the valleys to fetch water for cooking, drinking and laundry anymore. Our school has a water supply – teachers and children are happy now as they have water at their doorsteps too,” Mr Siparu said.
Mr Siparu is now encouraging the community especially the youth to look after the water supplies. “Do not cut the pipes, respect and use the water supply to the fullest as water is life and will benefit all of us and our community,” Mr Siparu appealed to his community members of Pavaere Village, a 15 minutes uphill drive out of Arawa town.


20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Scrap metal business

An employee of Panguna Metals cutting up metals using orxy cylinders at Loloho Port as scrap metals for overseas export. Picture: JACOB IENU


20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Work underway for TV station
By ROMULUS MASIU

OFFICERS from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology were at Pavaere village at the weekend to do a site survey for a new communications hub for Central Bougainville. The facility will include equipment to relay broadcasts from 3ABN, a Christian television broadcast station based in Illinois, US. When completed, the TV station will broadcast to the township of Arawa and rural communities in Central Bougainville.
The other components of the communications hub will be HF and VHF radio transmissions to remote schools, health centres, and other government agencies throughout Bougainville as alternatives to the current mobile telephone network which is expensive.
The high altitude location of Pavaere makes it a suitable place for broadcasting over long distances throughout the region’s mountainous terrain. The two officers, second secretary Thomas Waim and press officer Chris Baria also made a courtesy call on Clan Chief Biari Tavekau.
Mr Waim explained to the chief that PNG Power would be requested to supply power to the village and communications infrastructure, and also neighbouring villages of Topinang and Amiong where the water supply for the township of Arawa will be sourced.
Dickson Siparu who is a business man from the village accompanied the two officers to the village. He explained to the officers that Pavaere people were self-starters and welcomed any major projects that would spearhead development in the area.
“Our main problem has been the lack of maintenance of the access road. With these important projects we are very happy now that the road will be fixed and Pavaere and the surrounding areas will see many changes in the not so distant future,” he said.


20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Work on Aropa airport to start
By ROMULUS MASIU

WORK on the construction of the terminal and maintenance on the runway of the Aropa airport will start this week.
Minister for Civil Aviation Steven Davies made the announcement at the ground breaking and signing of a memorandum of understanding at the former Aropa International Airport terminal yesterday.
The minister has directed the National Airport Corporation (NAC) staff to stay back in Arawa to kickstart and oversee the work on the airport runway.
In front of a packed audience who braved the scorching sun, the minister assured the people of Bougainville that the national Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is ready to deliver this important service to the doorsteps of the population of Bougainville and won’t sit quiet till the airport is opened and planes start to land next month.
"Nothing will stop, delay or postpond the opening of this very important service – the Aropa Airport," he said.
"We in the O’Neill Government will make sure the airport is re-opened and you our very important people will benefit," Mr Davies said.
Aropa Airport was listed under the National Airport Corporation as the number 22 airport in the country since its closure in December 1989 when the Bougainville Crisis started. It is regarded as one of the cheapest routes and gateway of PNG compared to other international airports.
The ceremonies kicked off with reconciliation between the chiefs of the two major clans – Barapang and Bakoringku – who have been arguing over the Aropa airport land which has stalled the development since after the crisis .
A customary ritual was performed and the clan chiefs sorted out their differences and gave the green light for the airport to re-open, beginning with the work on the runway.
Then came the maimais of Kavieng who performed a traditional New Ireland culture, giving pigs and mimis to all the clan chiefs and ABG and the national Government to bury the past and start a new beginning for the re-opening of the airport.
As the sun threw its last rays over the Aropa hilltops, a one minute silence was observed as a sign of respect to those who have died at the airport during the High Speed 2 operations conducted by the PNG Defence Force against the then Bougainville Revolutionary Army elements at the airport territory.
A sum of K10,000, mimis and pig each were given to the relatives of dead fighters.
This is the customary ritual known as domangminta by Nasioi people where respect is given to the dead and to cleanse their bloods.


20.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

New communications hub for Bougainville

Bougainville will soon have its own communication hub. Officers from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology were at Pavaere village over the weekend to do a site survey for the establishment of a communications hub for Central Bougainville. The facility will include equipment to relay broadcasts from 3ABN, a Christian television broadcast station based in Frankfort, Illinois, USA.
When completed the TV station will relay television broad cast to the township of Arawa and rural communities in Central Bougainville. The other components of the communications hub will be HF and VHF radio transmissions to remote schools, health centres, and other government agencies throughout Bougainville as alternative to the current mobile telephone network which is expensive. The location of Pavaere at high altitude on the mountain top makes it suitable for beaming communications media broadcast over long distances throughout regions mountainous terrain.
The two officers, Second Secretary Thomas Waim and Press Officer Chris Baria also made a courtesy call on Clan Chief Biari Tavekau. Mr Waim explained to the Chief that PNG Power would be requested to supply power to the village and communications infrastructure, and also neighbouring villages of Topinang and Amiong where water supply for the township of Arawa would be sourced. Dickson Siparu who is a business man from the village accompanied the two officers to the village.
He explained to the officers that Pavaere people were self-starters welcomed any major projects that would spearhead development in the area. “Our main problem has been lack of maintenance of the road and with these important projects we are very happy now that the road will be fixed and Pavaere and the surrounding areas will be seeing many changes in future,” he said. Chief Tavekau encouraged and appealed to the youths of Pavaire to look after the State assets and not to destroy them as it will benefit the whole community now and in the future.

20.03.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Australian hydrographer says Bougainville mission a step towards safety

Australia says a current mission along the coast of Bougainville island is a preliminary step towards ensuring safer waters in the region.
The Australian ships HMAS Shepparton and HMAS Benalla are surveying the sea waters along the west coast of the island, from Torakina to Buka, in preparation for another chapter of Operation Render Safe.
Australia's hydrographer Commodore Brett Brace says the aim is to remove all the Second World War unexploded ordnance from the Pacific, and the operation carried out extensive work in the Solomon Islands last year.
He says the ships are detecting items on the sea floor so other ships can safely remove bombs and other military debris later in the year.

"They're fitted with the latest multi-beam sonars and positioning technology, to enable them to effectively sweep the sea bed using sound, so sonar, to look for navigation hazards such as coral reefs, bombies, wrecks, to make sure that they can declare an area safe for shipping."

Commodore Brett Brace says he will turn the information into updated navigational charts.

19.03.2014
Source: The Australian

Bougainville still economic as costs soar
by MATT CHAMBERS

RIO Tinto says the expected costs of restarting the Panguna copper mine on Papua New Guinea's Bougainville Island, where a civil war halted mining in 1989, have jumped by up to 150 per cent to $US5.2 billion.
The new cost estimate comes after upbeat commentary last month about the potential to restart the project from the mine leaseholder, Rio subsidiary Bougainville Copper.
Despite the cost jump from a previous estimate of between $US2bn and $US4bn, Bougainville Copper says the mine remains economic.
Rio reported the latest capital estimate at Panguna in its annual report, saying it had come after Bougainville Copper did a fresh "order of magnitude study" on the mine.
The previous assessment was done in 2008.
The estimate is based on the assumption that all site infrastructure needs rebuilding.
"Safe access by company employees has not been possible since 1989 and an accurate assessment of the conditions cannot therefore be made," said Rio, which owns 53.8 per cent of Bougainville Copper.
"Considerable funding would be required to recommence operations."
Bougainville Copper has not revealed the capital cost that emerged from the study but has been positive about both the sentiment of locals and the economic prospects.
"The emerging results of this study broadly indicate that it would be economically viable to redevelop the Panguna mine," the company said in its full-year results release on February 28.
The company said a January visit to previous no-go areas on Bougainville by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was the first by a serving PM in 15 years and it had generated a wave of conciliatory sentiment among previously hostile stakeholders.
"Bougainville Copper is encouraged by this new spirit of engagement," the company said.
It said it planned to open an office in the Bougainville town of Arawa this year to assess "bio-remediation needs, community development programs, social mapping, asset revaluation and de-risking".
But the company stressed it would not undertake major studies until there was broad support from governments, landowners and other stakeholders.
In a report last month following Mr O'Neill's visit, Oxford Business Group said sentiment was improving but reopening the mine would not be straightforward. "Hostility is expected from landowners, while feelings still run high among those who suffered during the war," the group said.

19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS PRESENTS AUTONOMY REVIEW REPORT
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG President last week presented the Autonomy Review report to the ABG house stating that the report was good and provides avenues for improvement is the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
He said that the Bougainville Peace Agreement (Paragraph 298-308) provides for five year reviews leading to the referendum date setting.
President MOMIS said that the Autonomy Review team amongst other things recommended for both governments to give more support to Law and Order, Education, Health Services, transport infrastructures, economic development and support for less developed areas.
He said that he was happy to report that the 2014 budget and the recently agreed allocation for 2013 and 2014 Special Intervention Funds goes some way in meeting this joint resolution.
President Momis said that when the National Government meets its obligation to properly fund the Restoration and Development grant much more can be achieved.
The six member Autonomy Review team was headed by DR. NAIHWUO HAHAI.


19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

AUTONOMY REVIEW TEAM MAKES 19 RECOMMENDATIONS
By Aloysius Laukai

The Bougainville Autonomy Review team has made 19 recommendations in their review report tabled in the ABG house by the ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS last week.
These recommendations were already endorsed by the National Executive Council and the Bougainville Executive Council.
President Momis said that the review whilst recognizing the significant progress made so far in implementing the Bougainville Peace Agreement since 2005, much remains to be done.
These include the building of capacity in order to develop Bougainville and provide services to the people of Bougainville.
President MOMIS said that the review report provided down to earth and practical road map for both governments to follow.
He said that both governments have accepted that the next review scheduled for 2015 should take place on time and in the early 2015.
New Dawn FM understands that the first review was done three years later than what is stipulated in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.


19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ABG AND HAKAU GO INTO SHIPPING BUSINESS.
By Alex Munme

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government and Torokina Oil Palm Owner, HAKAU have agreed to go into a joint venture in Bougainville.
The ABG Finance Minister, Albert Punghau said this in Parliament last week in Buka.
The two business partners have signed an agreement to operate this shipping company, he said.
Mr. Punghau said this followed a decision by the Bougainville Executive Council to go into joint venture with HAKAU to operate and run the shipping service in Bougainville.
He said the shipping company will be called Chebu Shipping Company and will serve within and outside Bougainville especially the route between Buka, Rabaul, Kimbe and Lae.
Mr. Punghau added that a passenger ship is currently being built in China and will cost K14m to buy.
The ABG and its business partner, HAKAU have both contributed K5m each towards purchasing the ship, he further explained.
The Finance Minister said ABG Vice President and some Government Ministers together with HAKAU Officials will travel to China for the Ship’s Launching on 31st March, 2014.
Mr. Punghau said according to its schedule, the Passenger Vessel will arrive in Rabaul on the 1st of May and make its maiden voyage to Buka on Saturday 24th May.
The ship will arrive on Sunday 25th May on its maiden voyage into Buka to an Official Welcome organized by the ABG.
During the welcome ceremony 200 plus guests will take a short ride from the Buka Wharf to Sohano just to test the vessel.


19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SDA PASTOR SAYS PUT GOD FIRST
By Alex Munme

PASTOR Kepsie Elodo of the Seventh Day Adventist has told the Church Members of Sohano and its branches to put God first in everything they do.
He said this while presenting his first ever sermon on Saturday last week at the Sohano SDA Church since arriving in Bougainville as President of Bougainville Mission not long ago.
In his sermon the President shared with the congregation why it is important to put God first in life.
He said God shall be put first in life because he is God and has no beginning and end.
The President said among other things that God shall be put first in life because he protects, provides and blesses all who puts him first.
Pastor Elodo also told his first Bougainville Congregation that he was happy to accept Gods call to come and serve in Bougainville.
The President said his vision or focus for Bougainville is to put God first.
Under this vision he wants to strengthen family worship as priority, he said.
Implementing the Corporate plan between the Government and the Church and Reconciliation are two other areas he said he will focus on while serving as President of Bougainville Mission of the SDA Church.
Pastor Kepsie Elodo arrived in Bougainville early this year to replace Pastor Kove Tau who left Bougainville in December, 2013.
He is married with four Children and comes from Koiari in Central Province of Papua New Guinea.


19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Bougainville Manifesto 11: Truth & reconciliation
by Leonard Fong Roka

BOUGAINVILLEANS narrow-mindedly celebrate 15 June as a day that some form of political establishment, empowered by the multilateral peace process since 1997, was achieved.
The peace process paved the way for the vital services and goods Bougainville had missed under the Australia-backed PNG blockade of the island since 1990.

In Bougainville Manifesto 7 – Sources of conflict , published in September last year, I argued that the Bougainville crisis was the result of foreigners’ disrespect of the Bougainville nation:
Under the stinging colonial administration of British, Germans, Australians and Japanese, Bougainville faced ruthless exploitation. Oral history and written records highlights a wide range of subjection. Bougainvilleans were cheap labourers, sexual subjects, human commodities and isolated bystanders of their wealth.
They stood by as their plantations were servicing colonial masters and PNG labourers shipped in boatloads. They were forced to despise their traditions and swallow western religions and other secular ideologies without a chance to voice their epistemological views about their land. Bougainvilleans were used to destroy their own land and life.
The worst case was the Australian and PNG exploitation of Bougainville minerals in Panguna to fund the development of PNG and not Bougainville.
Parallel to exploitation, indoctrination is denying Bougainvilleans their right to progress for the better. In my PNG Attitude article , A mission to articulate what makes us Bougainvillean , I outlined my islanders’ fate as: “PNG’s seven million people do not acknowledge the distinctive qualities of Bougainville’s 200,000 people but rather indoctrinates them to pave the way for exploitation and eventual genocide.
“The fate for Bougainvilleans starts from the PNG Constitution. The very first line in the Preamble, “We, the People of Papua New Guinea— united in one nation…” is the foundation of indoctrination of Bougainville people.”
This is the truth behind the Bougainville conflict (1988-1997) that most literature blames on the unequal distribution of BCL money and BCL’s environmental carnage. Most people today think that if only BCL was operating in an independent Bougainville or in the Solomon Islands, Bougainville would not have such long years of violence of disruption.
Francis M. Deng wrote in Ethnicity: An African Predicament (1997): “Traditionally, African societies and even states functioned through an elaborate system based on the family, the lineage, the clan, the tribe, and ultimately a confederation of groups with ethnic, cultural, and linguistic characteristics in common. These were the units of social, economic, and political organizations and inter-communal relations’ saw long conflicting results and efforts in the struggle for self-determination and nationhood.”
Bougainville has some 40 languages and each of these Bougainvillean societies had its own way of acting and thinking; each also had its own pace of transitioning to the Eurocentric changes that happened on Bougainville after July 1768 (see Bougainville Manifesto 2 ).
Each society had its own perception of each other as they watched development taking place. Modernisation sped across Central Bougainville with the development of the Panguna mine; but the pace was not the same in, for example, Buin, which only watched as the Kieta people were advancing.
The same for the Nagovis people, who were receiving all the debris from the Panguna mine; they observed the Kieta people raising their standard of living with mine royalties.
This could be the reason why, when Kieta people created the Napidakoe Navitu as a body to create unity across Bougainville in 1969, so many local government councils saw it as a threat to their power.
Mamak & Bedford (1974) noted: “Moreover, Navitu’s growing strength was perceived by some council leaders outside the association’s immediate area of influence [especially Kieta] as a challenge to their authority.” Such attitudes led to the diminution of the group towards the end of the 1970s.
Such differences amongst Bougainvilleans did not only exist across the language groups, but also in the midst of a single language group. In my PNG Attitude article, The Intertwined Roots of the Bougainville Conflict (2011) I wrote that “Bougainvilleans came to see each other differently; mountain people as ‘backwards’ and coastal people as ‘progressive’ in response to the developing mission, plantation and Panguna mine in Kieta.”
This was never reconciled by positive development or progress in terms of equity and equality in education and other services that could have fostered unity for the entire Bougainville population. BCL and PNG were exploiting and suppressing Bougainville, not developing the owners of the wealth.
In 1988, Bougainvilleans of the Kongara area attacked redskin plantation labourers who had raped and killed a local woman at Aropa Plantation. At about the same time, the Bougainvilleans in Panguna saw fit to rebel against BCL and the PNG government.
The young fighters had no central authority educating them for the cause they were to fight for; but a militant leader emerged, Francis Ona, who was gaining power and prestige from the way he behaved in combat against the government security forces.
Thus, when the 1990 ceasefire was reached, there were two forces that could repel each other. This led to chaos since both parties had conflicting interests as explained in my PNG Attitude article , BRA was the root of the bloody civil conflict on Bougainville , that said:
To the late Francis Ona and his followers, closing down the Panguna mine was the bliss that blinded them. Keeping order and governing Bougainville was neglected. Thus the BRA recklessness grew and spread.
The BRA men, most of them illiterate, went astray grabbing private and ex-BCL property, looting shops and exploiting women often with the gun.
These unorganized BRA bands falsely accused innocent people of being PNG spies and tortured them. Others were accused of sorcery and killed.
The politically incompetent Francis Ona was nowhere to be seen or heard in this anarchy created under his name.
I was hearing that the BRA’s ill treatment of innocent Bougainvilleans was executed under the ‘standing orders’ of Ona. But this was a lie as I heard later that Ona was not aware of any ‘standing orders’ and he was not responsible for the suffering endured by Bougainvilleans.
The BRA posed as a body with a central command fighting for Bougainville freedom when in fact it hosted dozens of independent individuals or bands [that] operated at will across Bougainville.
Since all Bougainvillean societies had own characteristics and views of modernisation, the BRA impact was perceived in their own ways of thinking, resulting in the revival of old problems that had resulted in the loss of 20,000 lives from Buka to Buin.
For Bougainville to attain lasting peace for their island home, they have to concentrate on the domestic peace effort and not try to reconcile wounds with any non-Bougainvillean entities.
Unity and peace should be established on home soil first, then Bougainville can look elsewhere for peace making opportunities.
The Bougainville peace process that began in 1997 was commercialised by the leaders of the peace effort. Only big issues concerning big people were looked into and the little people were ignored. The resulting outcomes are the continuous negative problems faced by Bougainville.   
Bougainville needs a peace process that comes from the heart of a Bougainvillean to a fellow Bougainville he has harmed.
The peace effort in Bougainville should begin from the Panguna area for the crimes against Bougainvilleans and each other from 1988 to 1990. Leaders associated with the creation of the Bougainvillean Revolutionary Army (BRA) and their soldiers should admit to the people of Kieta, and later Bougainville as a whole, their failure of strategic leadership, the crimes committed with self interest and pride, and so on.
The former BRA men are in denial of all the rot they did to us by also putting blame on the pro-PNG resistance, the Bougainville Resistant Force (BRF), but the BRF were responding to the cruelty and injustice the BRA did to us. The BRA created its own enemy, the BRF, during the crisis.
The Panguna leaders and the Kieta BRA have to expose to the people why they created the BRA and where they went wrong. Why they stole from people; why they raped Bougainville mothers; why they disobeyed the Bougainville Interim Government (BIG); why they committed extrajudicial killings and torture; why they used propaganda on people and so on.
The Panguna rebel politicians and the Kieta BRA should apologise to the Kieta people from village to village and family to family. From Kieta they should be going from district to district, again from village to village until all Bougainville is covered.
This process is not simple since the Panguna leaders and their Kieta BRA inflicted pain on individuals, families, villages, clans and districts that even the peace process has ignored.
Once the Panguna leaders and the Kieta BRA admit all their wrongs, then all others - BRAs and leaders from other districts of Bougainville and the BRF - can  follow the same process of reconciliation.
This peace exercise needs a powerful leader and a Bougainville government that educates and holds all Bougainville eans under its wings for a free independent Bougainville.  

19.03.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Australian ships surveying Bougainville ahead of ordnance operation

A preliminary operation to survey the sea along Bougainville is underway in preparation for the removal of unexploded ordnance.
Two Australian ships are charting the sea floor from Torakina up to Buka, where there was heavy fighting during the Second World War.
The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Deborah Stokes, says the efforts are all part of Operation Render Safe, which is due to remove the unexploded bombs and other military debris, later this year.
Last year there was a similar operation in Solomon Islands and Ms Stokes says the Bougainville operation will start in a piecemeal fashion.

"I haven't been there myself, but I've seen photographs and it takes your breath away really, seeing piles of bombs as long as about six feet and piles of them, and then there's a whole range of other material that's there and of course that gets in the way of people using that area for their livelihoods, and its just, you know, dangerous."

The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Deborah Stokes.

19.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Stage set for Aropa airport development
By ROMULUS MASIU

THE first stage for the re-opening of the defunct Aropa International Airport will take place today with a ground breaking ceremony.
This will see the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the landowners, Autonomous Bougainville Government and the national Government. The MoU will enable the Civil Aviation Authority to fasttrack the progress of the airport’s commissioning as its current status since 1989 is "decommissioned".

The last flight out of Aropa Airport was in 1989 when the crisis broke out, since then the airport closed altogether.

Today will mark another milestone for Bougainville in terms of vital government service delivery returning to the autonomous region after the decade long conflict.
Minister for State Enterprises in the National Parliament Ben Micah will officiate at the ground breaking tradition along with Minister for Civil Aviation Steven Davies. Mr Micah and Mr Davies (Samarai-Murua) along with local MP Jimmy Miringtoro will represent Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the national Government at the ceremony at Aropa.
The ABG will be led by President John Momis, Regional MP Joseph Lera, Luke Karaston (Minister for Works), Nicholas Darku (Minister for DPI) and John Ken (ABG Member for South Nasioi) and other local leaders. Highlights of the ground breaking ceremony will see customary obligation called (domangmingta) wherein those who were killed during the Bougainville Crisis at the "Aropa Airport Battle" will be respected and compensated.
The Aropa airport was a fighting zone during the crisis where many fierce battles were fought between the BRA and the PNG Defence Force.
Ishmael Toroama will be a guest speaker also representing the ex-combatants of Bougainville, among other speakers.
It is understood the national government cabinet ministers and other dignitaries will fly into Aropa airport from Port Moresby.


19.03.2014
Source: Mekamui News

LIFE FOR YOUTHS IN PANGUNA TODAY

In Panguna today you will see Youths very busy panning for gold, making good income with in hours of a day. Some worked 3 hours from 7am to 10am sell few grams of gold to a local buyer and take a bus to Arawa for a stroll.

Youths panning gold

Its money every day for them, though some says it very hard work and your back bone will complain from bending down all day. This youths told me they just spent few hours a day to avoid such complain in their bodies.

The yellow stuff right under their nose

18.03.2014

Source: EMTV

MOMIS ON PANGUNA MINE

The Autonomous Bougainville Government will not make any decisions relating to the Panguna Mine reopening. This is from President, Chief Dr Momis.

It is the call for the Panguna landowners, and Bougainvilleans, because of the political history, which caused the crisis.

President Chief Dr John Momis, in his ministerial speech during the Bougainville House of Representatives sitting; clarified that, the ABG had no power to reopen the mine.

During the Prime Minister’s goodwill visit to the autonomous region on January, Mr O’Neill pointed out, the National Government’s interest was to rebuild infrastructures, and restore services.

Momis said it has always been wrongly perceived that the ABG has the sole power to reopen the mine.

However the ABG established a framework assisting with negotiations, coordinated by the Panguna Office; under the Bougainville Constitution requirements, and legal boundaries.

The Bougainville Executive Council established this entity in 2012. Momis said the entity is also responsible for the consultative forums, and instrumental in securing the annual K5 million support grants, for negotiation programs.

Momis said Panguna is still the autonomous government’s focus, but that will depend on the negotiations aftermath.

18.03.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Setting up TV station in Bougainville seen as crucial

The regional member for Papua New Guinea's autonomous province of Bougainville says setting up a television station is crucial as the province prepares for its eventual referendum on independence.

Joe Lera recently visited Dunedin in New Zealand, where he's been in discussions with a TV producer to help set up a TV station.
He says since the height of the civil war in the 1990s, the only medium available is Radio Bougainville which only reaches a few people.
He says only people in urban areas own television sets, and most can only access one station from PNG but his plan is to introduce satellite television which would reach the whole province.
"So that my people can have television to easily access information on all aspects of government and development and that sort of thing. In light of the referendum I think it will play a major role in awareness to the people."
Joe Lera says grants from the national government would fund the project.
Bougainville is to conduct the referendum some time after 2015.

18.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

K7 million allocated for Panguna negotiations
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

A TOTAL of K7 million has been budgeted between 2010-2013 to fund the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s preparation towards negotiating the possible reopening of the Panguna mine in Central Bougainville.
This was made known by President John Momis while delivering his ministerial statement during the Autonomous Bougainville Government parliament sitting last week.
However, from this total budgeted amount, only K4.5m or 64 percent was disbursed to the Autonomous Bougainville Government Mining Department to carry out this exercise.
From this K7 million budget, K2 million was paid by the national Government in 2010 while the following year saw Autonomous Bougainville Government allocating K500,000 towards the cause.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government increased its allocation to K2 million in 2012 while no funds were allocated in 2013, resulting in only K4.5 million being allocated out of this budgeted K7million.
President Momis, who is also the Minister responsible for Panguna Negotiations, revealed that K3,992,028 out of this K4.5 million was used up in 2013 on various expenses.
“The most expensive item being the regional forums, which absorbed K1.9 million or 48 percent (of this K3.9 million),” said Mr Momis.
Other expenses incurred include the landowner consultations which amounted to K317,569 while the expenses for the landowner infrastructure support totals up to K536,676.
Expenses for the Autonomous Bougainville Government/landowners discussions was K374,673 and expenses for the joint coordination committee amounted to K212,608.
Autonomous Bougainville Government and landowners technical advices and consultations totaled up to K146,664 while K495,191 was spent on the office operations of the secretariat.

18.03.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
 
More Bougainville content promised on NBC

Bougainvillians will hear more stories about themselves on the government radio station under a new 60/40 content agreement with the NBC which comes into force later this week.
Its one of many steps in the transfer of power from PNG to the Autonomous Bougainville Government ahead of a referendum on independence which must be held after 2015 but before 2020.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Rev Joseph Nopei, ABG Minister for Communication

  LISTEN HERE ! 

18.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Cooperative gets K50,000
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE South Nasioi Co-operative Society in the Kieta District of Central Bougainville recently received a boost of K50,000 from the ABG member for South Nasioi, John Ken.
Mr Ken presented the money before travelling to Port Moresby about a fortnight ago.
The funding was drawn from Mr Ken’s constituency development grant allocation for 2011.
This co-operative society is also the brainchild of Mr Ken after seeing the need to set up an organisation that will help in the funding of projects in his constituency.
“The idea behind the establishment of this co-operative is to support my projects in the village. It will co-fund the projects implemented,” Mr Ken said.
“This funding is also in line with my vision to create an avenue that will help raise the revenue for my people and all Bougainvilleans.
Mr Ken said this funding has already been used to buy 275 cocoa bags at a cost of K280 per bag from the cocoa farmers in his constituency.
These bags were then sold to the cocoa exporters in Arawa.
He said later on he will be finding the markets overseas, with assistance from the Division of Commerce, so that his people can export their cocoa there.


18.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Philippines investors show interest in Bougainville
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Bougainville Government John Momis announced that a number of investors in the Philippines have already expressed their interests to set up business operations on Bougainville.
Mr Momis, while delivering his statement during last week’s ABG parliamentary meeting, said one of those interested is a young businessman who has extensive experience in entrepreneur businesses, especially in cocoa processing.
Mr Momis said the investor has already agreed to come and buy cocoa direct from Bougainvilleans at a higher price.
He said this businessman has also agreed to set up his downstream cocoa processing facility in Bougainville.
Apart from cocoa production, this young entrepreneur is also involved in coffee production and is the leading coffee producer in the Philippines.
The president said he was also fortunate to hold discussions with the former head of the Philippines Coconut Authority.
Mr Momis said the man, who is also a former academic and ambassador, has agreed to help Bougainville on this virgin coconut oil project.
Mr Momis said a delegation comprising Bougainville businessmen will soon be traveling to the Philippines to discuss in detail the virgin coconut oil project.
Mr Momis also announced that a businessman in the Philippines is also willing help setup a development bank for Bougainville where people can deposit their money.
Apart from these businessmen, Mr Momis also held discussions with other interested investors in the Philippines.
Mr Momis defended his discussions with these investors saying he has been selective and that those businessmen have integrity, are honest and have the know-how to manage a business.
He said he does not want to meet with “fly-by-night businessmen” who will not be able to bring development into Bougainville.


18.03.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Setting up TV station in Bougainville seen as crucial

The regional member for Papua New Guinea's autonomous province of Bougainville says setting up a television station is crucial as the province prepares for its eventual referendum on independence.
Joe Lera recently visited Dunedin in New Zealand, where he's been in discussions with a TV producer to help set up a TV station.
He says since the height of the civil war in the 1990s, the only medium available is Radio Bougainville which only reaches a few people.
He says only people in urban areas own television sets, and most can only access one station from PNG but his plan is to introduce satellite television which would reach the whole province.

"So that my people can have television to easily access information on all aspects of government and development and that sort of thing. In light of the referendum I think it will play a major role in awareness to the people."

Joe Lera says grants from the national government would fund the project.
Bougainville is to conduct the referendum some time after 2015.


18.03.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International

Australia signals more engagement with Bougainville

The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea says it's important her country and New Zealand support Bougainville as it heads towards a five-year window on an independence referendum.

Deborah Stokes says New Zealand has played an important role with the Bougainville auxiliary police, while Australia has assisted the police through infrastructure work.
She says other areas Australia is assisting with include health, education, and the drafting of legislation for the mining industry.
Ms Stokes says lots of preparation will be needed on the possible referendum.

"I can only see from the Australian government's point of view that it will increase, that our engagement there will only expand, especially as we build up to the window on the referendum, which opens in 2015. Building up to that, what is the organisation that is going to conduct the referendum and to make sure that it's a credible referendum, so there's a lot of work ahead."

The Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes.


18.03.2014
Source: PNG Attitude

Bougainville students frustrated at lack of a university back home
by LEONARD FONG ROKA

AS SHOCK and fear at the slaying of the Divine Word University’s Sepik student Nigel Laki and injuries sustained by Ishmael Palipal and others holds every nerve on campus, Bougainville students cry out that their government in Kubu has failed them for so long by not building a university on Bougainville where students would have freedom and peace on their home island.
The number of Bougainvillean students entering Divine Word University is increasing annually. Many of 2014’s first year students are here since DWU is making itself known as a hub of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in PNG.
Continuing students promote this when touring secondary schools every November as part of the Bougainville Youth Foundation awareness program.
For many first timers out of Bougainville, the ‘Beautiful Madang’ tag is in their mind. But just as their flight touches down at Madang airport, the city’s unkempt character, the standard of peoples’ dress and housing and the intimidating stares tell them they have believed a lie.
Since we arrived at DWU this year, over 11 students across Madang’s tertiary institutions have been robbed by thugs in town. Two first year male students who had been shopping were repeatedly harassed and threatened with small kitchen knives during a bus ride from town to the main campus until one of them punched the thief in the neck choking him before darting into the DWU main gate.
Another student from Madang Teachers College was withdrawing cash from an ATM in town when a rascal held him up and walked away with his K2,000 school fee cash.
In another incident, seen by Bougainville students away from the safety and peace of their island, a trio of Madang Technical College students were pickpocketed in town and attacked the child rascals. However a bigger criminal mob was soon on them and they had to run for safety.
“This is really a strange place,” one of the pair harassed during the bus ride to DWU, said. “Thank God the crisis chased these rascals off our island. I have gleaned that they are there wandering around town looking for opportunities to rob us.”
In a gathering outside AJ Hall, Bougainvillean students waiting for Nigel Laki’s funeral service to start shared news on all the things they are seeing and experiencing that were real contradiction to their island home, Bougainville.
To them, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) must use all the funding the PNG government is providing to build a university in Bougainville so they can complete their education back home.
A female student said: “I am fed up with our MPs in Port Moresby and Buka for not building a university back home and ignorantly letting us attend this crime-infested place. I had a bad night with all the police gunfire last night and this morning. I hate to be here.”
Another said: “All of us boys must try to avoid these life-threatening developments. We have suffered enough and we are here to get an education and return home to remove all those old leaders who are not functioning well.”
Students also ran through a list of fellow students slain or disadvantaged through past and recent history everywhere in PNG and told the final year students they have to go home and get positions that have a say in policy making after completing their studies at DWU.
Bougainvillean students believe the ABG must speed up the development of technical and teachers colleges and universities in Bougainville since they are fed up coming to PNG to be harmed.
They are happy that colleges in Tinputz, Koromira and Mabiri provide trade skill to Bougainvillean youths.
They are also excited by the development of a technical school and a teachers college in Buin. But all are concerned that non-Bougainvilleans not be allowed into Bougainville to create the slums and deprive Bougainvilleans of their own land as was the case before 1989.
They laughed when one student rose and said: “Boys, if you want a wife now that you are a university student, find your wife in this family and girls, do the same too; a thing from Bougainville must return back to Bougainville.”  


18.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

From crisis combatant to transport businessman – Domi Pengkena
By Leonard Fong Roka

Since 1997, when the peace process began to gain momentum in South Bougainville, the Buin town Saturday market has been an attraction to people throughout Southern and Central Bougainville and as far as Choiseul and the Western provinces of Solomon Islands.
Dominic Pengkena, known as ‘Domi’ around Kieta, hails from Damara village in Panguna. Domi was in primary education until 1990 when it was interrupted by the Bougainville Crisis. Unable to continue his education, he joined the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), fought and was responsible for ransacking of a number of PNG issued weapons.
Just like many other BRA fighters, Pengkena also took possession of a number of ex-Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) vehicles when the company evacuated Bougainville.
When the peace process dawned, Pengkena did not go knocking from one public office door to another for money like some combatants, but when straight to business.
He revived an ex-BCL Toyota Hilux in 1999 and began a PMV service to Arawa from Damara, charging passengers K10.
On weekends, especially Saturdays, he went to Buin transporting passengers at the cost of K30-40 and when genuine passengers had no cash, he would lower his fare down to K5 for them.
To make more money Domi sold one of his rifle collections and cared for poultry; day-old chickens brought in from Lae.
Within this period of successful growth he cut off his PMV services to Buin since it was providing inconsistent income. The Konnou crisis on the shortest route to Buin town, the Arawa-Buin road down the east coast of Bougainville, made the ride from Panguna to Siwai and Buin long and costly for PMV operators.
In 2000 Domi built a retail outlet from bush materials in Jaba on the Panguna-Nagovis road and by 2002 he made enough money for a semi-permanent building for his new retail outlet.
In 2009 he and his wife, Jenny moved half of their business to Arawa. They purchased a house and operated a shop in town known as Domjen Trading. They now operate two retail outlets in Arawa’s residential sections and Jaba.
In 2011 the couple moved into the shopping centre of Arawa. With the easing of the Konnou crisis, Pengkena and his wife decided to revive their old PMV service to Buin. They purchased a second-hand Land Cruiser and began their PMV service from Panguna to Arawa and onto Buin along the east coast.
Seeing a growth in passengers the couple reacted with the purchase of a new Isuzu Canter to service the demand of travelling people.
Domjen today operates all their PMV services on the Panguna-Arawa route and on Saturdays they journey, south to Buin town.
Travelling passengers to Buin are picked up around the streets of Arawa at 4AM in the morning at the same hours that transports heading for Buka in the north come to life.
Unlike Buka, where PMV in Arawa charges K50, Domjen, with their truck named JD Trans (since his wife Jenny was the mastermind of the revival of a transport wing in their business thus her initial comes before Dominic’s), charge Buin passengers their old price of K30.
On a peak travelling Saturday JD Trans can make up to K1700.
With the population of Arawa growing with people from South Bougainville and demand from people in Arawa to experience new products from Buin or the Western and Choiseul provinces, JD Trans Buin travel on Thursday as well as Saturday.
According to Pengkena, unlike the time before the Bougainville conflict, Buins and Kietas are intermarrying and this means more travel and business for JD Trans.

17.03.2014
Source: The National

Momis: We will not force Musingku out

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will not sanction the forced removal of the U-Vistract headquarters in Tonu, South Bougainville, or its leader, Noah Musingku.
President Dr John Momis said at the ABG parliamentary sitting last Wednesday that his government would adopt a subtle approach that would reflect its confident stance against U-Vistract’s unwarranted claims of sovereignty.
It is understood that Musingku has at his disposal people armed with military grade weapons while he preaches his message of economic salvation.
Momis said responding with countermeasures that involved violence would only result in unnecessary loss of lives as was the case in 2007 when a paramilitary assault was launched on Tonu.
“We must adopt a by peaceful means approach that has been the flagstaff of Bougainville since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Momis said.
He urged all Bougainvillean leaders to take the lead in finding a solution through a peaceful approach without destabilising Bougainville’s future.
“We are on the eve of our political future and everything we do to deal with Noah Musingku must be within the jurisdiction of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and does not endanger the lives of our fellow Bougainvilleans,” Momis said.
“I urge all leaders of the ABG to start thinking honestly and critically.”
ABG Vice-President Patrick Nisira supported the president, adding that the group’s sponsored currency was illegal.
ABG finance and planning minister Albert Punghau’s constituency includes the U-Vistract faction but he denounced Musingku.


17.03.2014
Source: The National

Funds will be placed in trust

THE 2013 K100 million Special Intervention Fund for Bougainville will be placed in a trust account to cater for infrastructure development in the region this week.
Autonomous Bougainville Government president Dr John Momis revealed this last Tuesday during the first meeting of the ABG House of Representatives this year.
“A total funding of K200 million, which includes the 2013 and 2014 of the SIF, will be used to cater for these projects,” Momis said.
He said K145 million had been allocated for projects approved by the joint supervisory board meeting, while K55m would  be used for ABG nominated projects.
Major projects approved by the JSB are the K42m upgrade and sealing of the Buka Ring Road, K40m upgrade of the Kokopau-Buin Road and K15m for the reopening of Aropa Airport.
Included is the K20m water supply and sanitation project for Arawa and Buka towns respectively and the reconstruction of Arawa General Hospital.
The ABG projects will see K11.5m allocated for education infrastructure, K8m for economic recovery, K7.5m yo buy a vessel to service coastal areas and the atolls of Bougainville.
A further of K5m has been allocated for the ABG public service house project, K5m for the Panguna negotiations along with several road and development projects amounting to K55m for the ABG nominated projects.

17.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Commissioner lashes out at Miringtoro
By ROMULUS MASIU

CENTRAL Bougainville Regional Commissioner James Koibo has lashed out at Central Bougainville MP and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jimmy Miringtoro’s comments that ageing public servants are not implementing projects in his electorate. In a letter to the Bougainville Chief Administrator Chris Siriosi, Mr Koibo stated: “I do not agree with the minister’s statement that the ageing public service is hampering effective implementation of district funds in Central Bougainville.
“I do not totally agree with the above statement; there are also other reasons. The ageing public service is not the only reason. Sometimes the Member for Central Bougainville creates a bottle neck himself. “He sometimes nominates and allocates projects to certain contractors of his own choice, without following the proper tender procedure,” Mr Koibo stated in the three-page letter. Mr Koibo said the tender documents for projects like the demolition of Arawa General Hospital or the development of Aropa Airport were prepared and considered by his officers, but after the work for the projects had started.
“Part of the delay is caused by the chairman of Joint District Planning and Budget Priority Committee giving contracts to people without going through the proper tender board procedure. You know, this office has been bypassed when district funds were allocated to projects.” “I am very sorry that the member’s concern has been discussed behind my back and no one has come out clear on the issues raised by him since that letter dated November 4, 2013 was sent to you. “It is now three months and I have not received any direction from the deputy administrator for operations or the chief executive officer, or the human resource development division, as to the roles and function this office will be responsible for.”


17.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

Tumpusiong men look for fortune in sediment
By Leonard Fong Roka

Two Tumpusiong men on stockpile

Alluvial gold panning is today a prominent activity in the Tumpusiong Valley, west of the idle Panguna mine. The valley, often referred to as the Jaba, is named the Tumpusiong Valley by locals, which means along the dirt in the Nasioi language of Central Bougainville.
Today the Tumpusiong is a haven for gold panners, as are many areas of Kieta, the Panguna area, Eivo, the Nagovis and parts of Torokina.
Heavy sedimentation from the era of the establishment and operation of the Panguna mine has left the valley stocked with gold-rich waste from which many people make their financial income.
Fortune making in Tumpusiong has come at a cost for the many people that travel from far afield to pan for gold. With their homes distant to the Tumpusiong Valley they had to improvise and make creative use of the little time at their disposal.
William Api is one such miner that does not come from the Tumpusiong area but commutes from the distant place of Kosia in the Eivo-Torau constituency. William must travel around three hours each morning to pan for gold in the banks of Kavarong.
“Working in the river bank with the locals has not helped much over the years,” Mr Api said.
“Since the locals just live by the river and scoop sediment from the river bed or on the banks and execute the laborious gold extraction process straight away.”
“For me is not time gather enough sediment and complete the extraction to make enough money”
“By the time I would begin extraction processes it’s already late and I have to leave for home over the mountains, but the locals live by the river and work at their will.”
In order to get around this problem and to be able to make an income Api decide to specialise one aspect of the process and he now only digs and stocks small stockpiles of sediments for sale.
Api mostly digs or scoops sediments in the river bed since, according to him, there is more gold in the river bed.
Some areas on the banks have a higher concentration of gold in deposits, so Api now dedicates some time each day towards testing sample sediments and sand.
His small stockpiles are dotted through the whole section of the Panguna’s Upper Tailings area and he sells most of his stocks to students that come home to make money on their holidays and local businessmen.
His minimum price for a stockpile is K400 from which, after proper extraction processes, the buyers often earn K1000; the maximum price he had was during the 2013 Christmas period when he sold a huge stock at K1200, the buyer made some K2600 after processing.
Working since 2000 Api has amassed enough of a fortune to sustain his family with education, healthcare and so on.


16.03.2014
Source: PNG Attitude

Bougainville writer Ishmael Palipal injured in DWU fighting
by LEONARD FONG ROKA

Ishmael Palipal is comforted by mates after being attacked

A REGULAR contributor of poetry and articles to PNG Attitude and Bougainville 24 websites, Ishmael Palipal from Koromira in Central Bougainville, was amongst the students who were killed and injured in a confrontation near Divine Word University in Madang late on Friday night.
The fight started after lectures on Friday when the deceased East Sepik man, Nigel Laki, a third year student in Communication Arts, set off for a few drinks with fellow students in the neighbouring suburb of Nabasa.
The group is said to have moved between a residential home where they lived and a liquor outlet where they were ttacked by what are described as “criminals”.
The girlfriend of the deceased and another male student fled the scene fearing for their lives.
After the shocking news engulfed the university, students gathered on campus where they were addressed by various community authorities.
But students were reluctant to be persuaded since harassment by local Gav Stoa settlers was a long-standing issue and the authorities had been unable to deal with it. This weekend it led to the death of a student.
On Saturday morning at 6am, students with bags of stones, grass knives, crowbars and slings marched to the Gav Stoa settlement, which is situated at the main gate of Divine Word University, to strike back but police and university leaders intervened and blocked them at the boom gate.
At Gav Stoa, Sepik men had long prepared for the student raid on their illegally occupied slum, their home for many decades.
The warring sides exchanged stone throwing at the gate for some three hours with injuries on both sides. While the student supply of missiles dried up and needed regular restocking, the squatter settlers’ stocks never went dry thus they maintained their positions just 40-50 meters from the university gates.
It was in this confrontation that Ishmael Palipal, a third year Social and Religious Studies student, was filming when a stone knocked him unconscious to the ground and he was dragged to safety by a fellow Bougainvillean.
Palipal was hit by a stone on the right side of the jaw and lower auricle. He was taken to the university clinic where he had medication and stitches to a cut beneath the auricle.
He is in recuperating in a stable condition.


14.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier
 
Panguna mine wishes to open office in Arawa

BOUGAINVILLE Copper Limited, former operator of the Panguna copper mine in Central Bougainville has indicated it wishes to open an office in Arawa, the former provincial capital. The move will be cautiously and carefully considered, due to the fact that Bougainvilleans still hold the company accountable for 20,000 lives lost during the bloody 10-year Bougainville Civil war sparked by the mine in the late 'eighties.
BCL have been in talks with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and various landowner groups for some time. They understand the delicacy of the current situation on Bougainville and are treading lightly. The company is negotiating its way to making amends for the devastation caused by the mine and are, this time around, acutely aware and respectful of the Bougainville people's wishes.
They understand that "bel kol" must happen before they can even think about setting foot in Arawa. There are still ex-combatants and others on the ground in Arawa and surrounding areas who have not forgotten the havoc and destruction caused by the mine and the war it started. They have made this known that BCL is not welcome there currently. Reparation is demanded.
But BCL is no fool company. They understand what they must do and, if appearances are any indication, they are attempting to do the right thing. The following statement was provided by the company: “BCL is keen, provided it is safe and acceptable to the landowners, to open an Arawa office following bel kol. This office would also create several local jobs, including positions for liaison officers to the nine mine affected landowner areas.”

14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Momis on Mine
Anthony Kaybing

The decision to reopen the Panguna Mine rests solely with the Panguna Landowners and because of its political history the people of Bougainville.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis said that it has always been wrongly perceived that the ABG has the sole power to reopen the mine.
The President made these remarks during his ministerial speech yesterday during the second day of the ABG House of Representatives first Parliamentary sitting for 2014.
Dr Momis said the ABG has established a framework to assist with the negotiations along with an organization that will coordinate the negotiations.
“The Office of the Panguna Negotiations is an entity set up by the ABG to enhance the achievements of its broad objectives in regards to the mine,” Dr Momis said.
Dr Momis said that the Office of Panguna Negotiations has been set up within legal boundaries as required by the Bougainville Constitution and does not stand to marginalize anybody.
Since its inception and establishment by the Bougainville Executive Council in 2012 as a government entity it has developed several important policy submissions and information papers for the consideration of the Executive Government, the ABG.
It has also been instrumental in securing the K5 million per year for five years support grant for the negotiations from the ABG.
The Office of the Panguna Negotiations has also been responsible for facilitating the Bel Kol between Landowners and Bougainville Copper Limited which the ABG has approved for the 12th of May this year.
Dr Momis added that the entity has also been responsible for the widespread mining consultative forums which have garnered the opinions of Bougainvilleans on the issue of reopening the mine.
“From these forums there has been wide support of the ABG’s initiative to negotiate an understandable settlement,” Dr Momis said.
Some of the major challenges facing the Panguna Negotiations are the ever changing positions of key mine affected Landowners who backtrack after wholeheartedly supporting the ABG during the forums.
President Momis said the ABG and the majority cannot be held ransom by a minority who must soon make up their minds.
The President said while Panguna is still the ABG’s focus, it is not the option but rather one of the options available to the government.

14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ONI APPEALS FOR OPEN DIALOGUE AT WORKSHOP
By Alex Munme

THE ABG Minister for Mining, Michael Oni has appealed for open discussions among Panguna Land Owners, COEs, Leaders Representing Mekamui, ABG and AUSAID.
The Minister made the appeal while delivering his key note address at the opening of the Panguna Land Owners Workshop this week in Buka.
Minister Oni said Panguna people are all in a one structure together with everyone else.
He said therefore the two days workshop was for everyone to review everything that has been happening in Panguna.
The Workshop gave them the opportunity to clarify misunderstandings that affected programs and service delivery in the area, he said.
He encouraged the Landowners participation in programs, better communication, consultation and integrated and inclusive approaches in identifying issues affecting them. He added that the Workshop would help to identify needs and find ways to address them in order to advance into the future.
The two days workshop was attended by the landowners, ABG Administration headed by Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi and his Deputy, Herbert Kimai, ABG Leaders, Mekmui Leaders, COEs and Development Partner, AUSAID.
The Workshop ended yesterday.

14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Restoration Development Grant
Anthony Kaying

The Restoration and Development Grant for Bougainville will soon be funded according to its correct calculation as stipulated by the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The RDG is the primary funding from the National Government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and is a conditional grant enshrined within the Peace Agreement of 2001.
Since the inauguration of the first Autonomous Bougainville Government in 2005 the RDG has remained at K15 million per annum when it should have had a gradual increase every year.
The misunderstanding over the correct calculation of the RDG sparked a row between the ABG and the National Government with the ABG claiming the National Government owed them in access of K70 million.
Over the last 9 years arguments over the correct RDG calculation has sparked a row between the two governments but Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s recent visit to Bougainville has begun a path toward understanding for both governments.
ABG President, Chief Dr John Momis said the National Government has agreed that the RDG has been incorrectly calculated and appropriated since 2006.
“The Prime Minister and I have jointly directed the Chief Secretary, Manasupe Zurenoc and Bougainville Acting Chief Administrator Chris Siriosi to ensure the speedy conclusion of the matter,” Dr Momis said.
Dr Momis said the ABG’s priority is to have future annual appropriations to the ABG of the Restoration and Development Grant at the correct amount starting with the 2015 Budget.
Dr Momis also added that he has indicated to the Prime Minister that the ABG is willing to accommodate scheduling of the payment of the substantial arrears over a number of years.
The Department of National Planning and ABG officers are currently working on finalizing the way forward which includes the correct calculations and proposing a schedule for the payment of the arrears.


14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BUFA WILL KICK OFF WITH SEVEN ASIDE
By Alex Munme

THE Buka Urban Football Association or BUFA will kick off its Pre Season with a Seven Aside Tournament.
The Tournament will be played from the 7th to the 13th April, 2014 at the Mila Sports Oval in Malasang, Tsitalato Constituency.
President of BUFA, Justin Helele says the seven aside tournament will be played in place of their normal Pre-Season games.
He adds that after the Pre-Season, there will be a one week break before Proper Season starts on April 26th.
He says that Clubs participating in the Buka Urban Football Association will pay K200 per team to enter the Seven Aside Tournament and K15 Player registration.
He says ABG Member for Tsitalato, Cosmas Sohia will sponsor the tournament with trophies and cash prizes.
The President is expecting around 30 teams from within and outside Tsitalato Constituency.


14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MEMBERS WANT ASSISTANCE
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG sitting for March 2014 will continue into tomorrow, Friday.
This afternoon more members commented on the Communications Inquiry report presented yesterday by the Parliamentary Committee on Communications.
Nearly all the members supported the need for the ABG to support the capacity building of the two radio stations supporting the ABG with awareness on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the Peace Process and the upcoming referendum that will determine the future status of the region.
The ABG President, DR. JOHN MOMIS also presented a very comprehensive report on the findings of the joint GO PNG and ABG Autonomy Review team that conducted the review throughout Bougainville.
New Dawn FM will give more report on these findings tomorrow.
And to end the afternoon session, members reported on food shortages being experienced throughout the region following the recent heavy rains that have destroyed food gardens.


14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CORDINATOR POSTPONDS SPORTS ENHENCEMENT TRAINING
By Alex Munme

THE Regional Sports Coordinator, Marcellin Kiarei is informing all Sporting Codes Representatives in the region that the date set for your training workshop is now postponed.
The Sports Science/Coaches Enhancement Training is now re-scheduled from 31st March through to 4th April, 2014 at the Hahela YC hall just outside Buka town.
Mr. Kiarei said the change was made to allow the Facilitators from PNG Sports Institute currently running a similar training in Kavieng, New Ireland Province.
A total of 17 Participating Codes Representatives are advised to take note of the change and attend the training workshop.
They include Athletics, Boxing, Soccer, Para-Sports, Weight/Power Lifting, Rugby League 9s, Rugby Union 7s, Softball, Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Rugby Touch, Body Building, Darts, Netball and Basketball.
Teachers Representing High and Secondary Schools are also advised to attend the training workshop.


14.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

LLG PREPARES FOR Buka AIRPORT FENCING
By Alex Munme

THE Bougainville Local Level Government or LLG is preparing to fence the Buka Airport Runway.
The Divisions Acting Chief Executive Officer, Joe Logoso said this today in Buka.
Mr. Logo said as part of the Divisions responsibility, the Buka Airport Runway fencing is long overdue.

Fences can avoid dangerous bike racing and walking on the Buka airport runway

He said Local Level Government and the National Airport Corporation had issued a notice to everyone living within the vicinity of the airport to vacate the area to allow the fencing to eventuate.
He said the next phase will include the terminal being refurbished and upgraded with all the facilities inside it.
Mr. Logoso said the project is funded by the Asian Development Bank.

14.03.2014
Source: The National

Bougainville grant clarified

THE restoration and development grant (RDG) for Bougainville will be funded according to its precise calculation as stipulated by the Bougainville peace agreement.
The RDG is the primary funding from the national Government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and is a conditional grant in the Peace Agreement of 2001.
Since the inauguration of the first ABG in 2005 the RDG has remained at K15 million per annum when it should have had a gradual increase each year.
The misunderstanding over the calculation of the RDG sparked a row between the ABG and the national government, with the ABG claiming the national government owed them in access of K70 million.
But Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s recent visit to Bougainville has begun to smooth things.
ABG President John Momis said the government had agreed that the RDG had been incorrectly calculated and appropriated since 2006.
“The prime minister and I have jointly directed the Chief Secretary Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and Bougainville acting chief administrator Chris Siriosi to ensure a speedy conclusion to the matter,” Momis said.
He said the ABG’s priority was to have future annual appropriations to the ABG of the RDG at the correct amount starting with the 2015 budget.


14.03.2014
Source: hotcopper.com.au

An Australian Investor Comments :

I am prompted to post some interesting facts and links because those who are new to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) via Hot Copper might find them useful.
I am a private Australian investor who has taken a large (for me) punt on the future of Bougainville, and as I see it that will require that the mine re-open. Years ago, prior to the crisis, I visited Bougainville (and the mine) several times through my work as an Engineer.
Compared to several years ago when I first made my investment there has been a great deal of progress made towards a re-start of the mine. The local stakeholder negotiating groups have been created as legal entities and regular meetings are held to discuss early-stage issues with BCL, ABG, PNG and local stakeholders
Yes, there are still some loud negative voices and complications from local political factions and outsiders of dubious character who seem to pop up occasionally, but as I see it there is positive progress. If nothing else, these loud criticisms bring to light the issues needing to be worked through
A few recent facts which seem to indicate that in the near future there will be some “good news” stories coming out:

• • The BCL AGM will be held in Port Moresby on 5th May ( ie the Board Of Directors of BCL will be in town)
• • President Momis of Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has announced that the Bel Kol between Landowners and BCL has been approved for 12th May. (the following week)
• • BCL has stated that they will open an office in Arawa this year.
• • The Office of Panguna Negotiations has been set up within legal boundaries as required by the Bougainville Constitution and has also been instrumental in securing the K5 million per year support grants for the next five years for negotiations from the ABG.
• • From Post Courier (PNG newspaper) dated 4th February 2014
• “I want to re-open Aropa Airport in 3 months’ time” he said. “ ….. because I will return to Bougainville after 3 months to officially open Aropa Airport after 22 years of it being closed” Mr O’Neill said. ( ie … 3 months from 4th Feb is …wait for it … early in May (Mr O’Neill is the President of PNG))

So it is fair to say that there is momentum building and May will be a “big” month for BCL
There is a website run by a group called “European Shareholders Of Bougainville Copper” which has a news page … note that it is changed monthly … currently the March site is
http://www.bougainville-copper.eu/news-march-2014.html

14.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville to sign content agreement with NBC
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

ANY information coming out of the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Bougainville may be controlled under a 60/40 percentage content agreement to be signed between NBC and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
This was revealed by the ABG Minister for Communication Joseph Nopei when commenting on a report tabled by the Parliamentary Committee on Communications headed by the member for Bolave constituency in the Bana District of South Bougainville, Lawrence Wakai.
The report was presented by the member representing the former combatants in North Bougainville, Franco Hopping.
"ABG will soon assume 60 per cent editorial control over the NBC Bougainville while NBC will maintain 40 per cent to promote it’s corporate agenda.
"This arrangement will come into effect once the MOU is signed. The Division of Media and Communication has already begun preparation for the content management as required under the 60/40 arrangement," Rev. Nopei said.
He added under this arrangement, the ABG has allocated over K4 million towards the upgrading of NBC Radio Bougainville to reach the entire region on shortwave frequency.
Currently the two radio stations operating in Buka are only using FM mode thus not reaching many parts of the region.
Meanwhile, the chairman of New Dawn FM Board of Directors, Fr John Koran has said that New Dawn FM will continue to operate as an independent station and will choose its own programs for broadcasting instead of being controlled by anybody.
While responding to the above report by the Communication Minister Rev. Nopei, Fr Koran said media should not be controlled as this will lead to Bougainville having a guided democracy, an approach which should not be encouraged in the region.
He said media on Bougainville should be free and not controlled by the government.

14.03.2014
Source: Bougainville 24

Gotana Primary dormitory construction underway
By Nigel Matte

Foundations for the dormitory under construction.

Gotana Primary School will soon be able to offer board to students, following the start of a dormitory construction project.
Gotana Primary School is located in South Bougainville and, along with Torokina and Tsitovi, it is one of the few primary schools in the Torokina district.
The diverse topography of Torokina means there are people who live great distances from each other between coastal and highlands regions. Torokina Primary is located in the coastal area, where as Tsitovi and Gotana primary are in the highlands.
Since the schools are a great distance from each other and this can mean a six or seven hour walk for students that live between the schools.
For example, the students that live between the beautiful forests of Gotana and Tsitovi wake up at 3am; most don’t eat breakfast, they just walk with their breakfast and lunch and eat their food and during the recess period at 10am.
Torokina district is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Bougainville and has very limited road excess.
Transportation costs are pushed higher by rising fuel prices, which powers the outboard water motor, the only transportation available to the people of Torokina.
This creates an additional expense for the transport of materials and all necessary items for the construction of a modern house or dormitory.
To put this in perspective, travelling in a highway land cruiser from Buka to Arawa is roughly the same distance as Buka to Torokina. The difference is the maximum motor vehicle PMV fare is K50, whereas for an outboard motor passenger it’s K100.

Rising of the timber construction

One dormitory is completed and it is expected that two or three more will be built to meet regional demand for student boarding facilities.
The dormitory construction is a project for a local company, Askopan Building and Construction Ltd. The company employs local youths who have been trained by technical and vocational high schools such as Mabiri Technical High School, Moramora Technical, Koromira Vocational High School.
Their elders and mentors are experienced carpenters, technicians and plumbers who learned their trade during Bougainville Copper Limted’s operation of the Panguna mine.
The people of Torokina have had the foresight to find ways to create a brighter future for themselves and their future generations.

13.03.2014
Source: Solomon Star

Rio Tinto eyes return to Panguna mine

BUKA, PNG - Bougainville Copper is to open an office on Bougainville Island this year as sentiment begins to build within Papua New Guinea for a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit.
The visit to Bougainville Island by the PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill earlier this year - the first visit by a government official of his standing in more than 15 years - has prompted conciliatory sentiment towards production resuming, the company told shareholders.
This visit was followed by the head of the autonomous Bougainville government, John Momis, who has signalled the willingness of most parties on the island to resuming production.
Civil war forced Rio Tinto unit Bougainville Copper to halt production in 1989 at what was then one of the largest copper mines in the world.
The Panguna mine was the largest single source of the country's export revenues and comprised about 7 per cent of global copper production.
One recent estimate put the cost of reopening the mine at more than $US4 billion, although it is unclear whether Rio would be willing to foot the bill for much of this work or would seek partners from the outset. This study was by the US Agency for International Development, which outlined a series of approaches that could stabilise developments on the island amid a push for greater autonomy from Port Moresby, which could pave the way for mining.
Along with resolving a series of technical issues before resuming production, perhaps more important is achieving agreement on revenue sharing with the island, which was one of the prime reasons for conflict over the mine so soon after production began.
Under the original revenue-sharing agreement, the bulk went to the central government but only a minor portion of the funds went to Bougainville's provincial government.
In its latest report to the stock exchange Bougainville Copper said no major studies into resuming production would begin until there was broad agreement between the various parties supporting the project.
In 2012, preliminary studies were conducted and they supported the project's prospective financial and economic viability.
The new office will play a key role in assessing remediation issues, as well as “'community development programs, social mapping, asset revaluation and de-risking”.
Major studies such as pre-feasibility and bankable feasibility studies will not be launched “until consultations with governments, landowners and other stakeholders result in broad agreement for redevelopment”, the miner has told shareholders.
Before the suspension of mining, the Panguna site was producing about 180,000 tonnes of contained copper annually, along with a quantity of gold.
Bougainville Copper is 53 per cent owned by Rio Tinto, with the PNG government holding a further 19 per cent.
The Panguna mine was not the only project of Rio's in PNG that ran into difficulties.
The group lost control of the Mount Kare gold deposit 20 years ago, when it was overrun by local miners who have tapped the alluvial reserves overlaying this deposit.
A smaller company, Indochine Mining, is now finalising an agreement with the landowners so mining can begin.

13.03.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

ESBC comment: Another dastard allegation of PNG Mine Watch !

A message for the Bougainville government bigwigs
by a Bougainville Whistleblower

Dear ABG Bigwigs,

Bougianville bigwigs say Rio Tinto must reopen the Panguna mine to provide the government with revenue
To the little people in the village you tell them that there is no money, yet when you travel to Port Moresby or elsewhere, you ( the ABG bigwigs ) splash money on business class airfares, lavish hotel accommodations and flashy hire cars. Some of you will say that it is part and parcel of your perks and privileges but we the little people say it is hypocritical!
We expect a semi Autonomous government totally reliant on grants and donor handouts to exercise stringent cost cutting measures on such expenditures, instead we see and hear of extravagant spending. You say money is tight, yet you go around acting as if you have a bank account that rivals that of the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Some years ago, we recall listening to the President saying in his inaugural speech that he will crack down on financial wastage and misuse. To date we are yet to hear anything to that effect. All we hear in the media is the ABG playing the injured puppy crying foul over non receipt of funds. I get upset when my PNG counterparts jokingly make comments in reference to all this.
I am speaking on behalf of a silent majority when I vent my frustrations like this. I just hope it gets noticed by someone in the position to relay it to the right people.

13.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Momis: We’ll deal with Musingku by peaceful means
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government is embarking on a "peace by peaceful means" concept to address the operations of failed money scam operator Noah Musingku.
That was the message from President John Momis when responding to a question raised by the member for women in Central Bougainville, Joan Jerome regarding the operations of Musingku.
"What is the ABG doing to address the current illegal activities being conducted in Tonu by notorious scam operator Noah Musingku," asked Ms Jerome.
Ms Jerome said the operations of Mr Musingku had led to many negative activities arising, including the circulation of their illegal currency, which were affecting the peace and security of Bougainville.
Mr Momis said the ABG had decided to adopt the "peace by peaceful means" concept after seeing the need in relation to peace and stability as well as on other aspects of importance.
He said one of the means to address the operations of Musingku was for all leaders and other stakeholders to conduct a massive awareness concerning the failed operations of U-Vistract.
He said there was also a need for the Government to meet with the failed money scam operator to discuss and find a solution to address this issue. Mr Momis gave a brief update on the importance of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, saying the agreement would guide Bougainville into achieving the political objective of Bougainville as was accepted by people.
Vice president Patrick Nisira also supported Mr Momis, saying the Autonomous Bougainville Government does not want to repeat the approach taken by the former Kabui Govern-ment in forcefully attacking Musingku and his followers at Tonu. Mr Nisira said there was no such thing as the International Bank of Me’ekamui or the Central Bank of Papala, adding that those banks only existed in the minds of Musingku and his followers.
Finance Minister and member for Motuna/Huyono/Tokunutui constituency in Siwai, Albert Punghau said it was the people from the other districts of Bougainville that were frequenting Tonu, and not the Siwai people.


13.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Three Bougainville bills to get second reading today
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE three important bills that were tabled yesterday during the second day of the Bougainville House of Representatives parliamentary sitting will be read the second time in parliament today.
The Bougainville Public Services (Management and Administration) Bill was tabled by Public Service Minister Joel Banam, while the Bougainville Public Finance (Management and Administration) and the Bougainville Government Contracts and Tenders bills were tabled by Finance Minister Albert Punghau.
Speaker Andrew Miriki yesterday tasked the members to carefully study the bills before making their decisions, adding that they should also seek legal assistance regarding those bills if there was a need. The Bougainville Public Service Bill, once passed, will see the ABG having total control over the public service machinery in Bougainville.
The past months have seen the Autonomous Bougainville Govern-ment and other Bougainvilleans blaming the current public service for their performances.
They have been saying that public servants have not been effectively performing their duties, claiming that they should report to the national Government and not the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The Bougainville Government Contracts and Tenders Bill, once passed, will give the ABG the right to screen and award contracts to refutable companies to implement.


13.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

MP orders closure of regional office
By ROMULUS MASIU

Communication and Information Technology Minister and Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro has advised the Department of Implementation and Rural Development to direct Bougainville Chief Administrator Chris Siriosi to close the Central Regional Commissioner’s office in Arawa.
And Mr Siriosi has just done that this year, closed the doors and directed officers to move to Buka.
Mr Miringtoro has approached the Department of Implementation and Rural Development and raised some issues with them.
One of them is the human resource capacity, which is directly affecting the effective implementation of the district service improvement program throughout Bougainville. Another issue is the ageing public service. The minister advised that Central Bougainville has an ageing public service which is affecting the management, administration and co-ordination of district funds and other national Government programs.
He said because of their age, officers tasked with important responsibilities of regularly inspecting, monitoring and evaluating projects were not able to do so and could not comply therefore with administrative guidelines, despite his efforts of providing a vehicle for the district project management team.
The minister also advised that he is not receiving much support from the Central Bougainville Regional Commissioner in implementing the service improvement program. According to the side-lined Central Regional Commissioner James Koibo, the three regional commissioner’s offices were established by the ABG, which comes under the Bougainville Chief Administrator in accordance with the Bougainville Constitution.

13.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Kieta Wedding

RICHARD Bentuko and Daniella Detonu (centre in white) from Bairima village in the Kieta District of Central Bougainville  tied the knot at the weekend in a colourful wedding ceremony at the St Peter & Paul Tunuru Catholic mission. Father George Vasuksi, the parish priest at Tunuru, officiated at the wedding celebration, which was witnessed by family, friendsand clan members of the couple. It was a happy moment for the newly wed couple. Accompanying them in this picture are the lovely flower girls. Picture by JACOB IENU

13.03.2014
Source: PNG Attitude

The man who plotted the destruction of Panguna's power pylons

BETWEEN the years 1963 and 1970, the Australian colonial administration under the directives of the United Nations was recklessly rushing to build a new country in the Pacific, Papua New Guinea.
To the Australian authorities the Solomon Island of Bougainville and its people were the sources of financing this new country - a country that their myths never knew existed – through a new copper and gold mine at Panguna.
The colonial administration, from its offices in Port Moresby, bulldozed the wishes of the people of Bougainville with the motto, ‘Masta i tok; tok i dai ‘(‘when the white man speaks; the talking finishes’).
Through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Bougainvilleans in Panguna, the site of the mine, protested as their land was destroyed and infiltrated by aliens at a speed and intensity they had never seen previously in history.

A young men from Simpore village in the Tumpusiong Valley, Bonabenza Bikiri (pictured), saw all this after escaping from school to work with small companies supplying the Panguna mine in the 1970s.
Bikiri, alongside elders and youths of the Tumpusiong Valley, also participated in the protests against the Conzinc Riotinto operations in Panguna that were defacing their valley with massive siltation and deforestation.
“In those days,” Bikiri told me, “it was us, the Tumpusiong people - made up of Onove, Enamira, Darenai and a few Damara people - who came to help us protest and face BCL. We removed surveyors’ pegs, fought the police and held protest marches in Panguna.
“The villages in the mine area like Guava, Moroni and the Dapera did not help us since more money was pumped in to win their hearts. They often laughed at us.
“But we did not give in for we were suffering from bad siltation and were the ones resettled to high ground.”
The Dapera and Moroni villagers only realised later that their land was subject to destruction when bulldozers uprooted them and the company officers ordered them to be resettled.
“I grew up with the pain,” Bikiri recalled. “I watched my old mother crying over our gardens being lost to deep siltation in the entire Tumpusiong Valley. And that is why, when the late Francis Ona started inviting us to his cause, I volunteered for he was talking about our rights.”
Bonabenza Bikiri together with many other elders and youths attended meetings chaired by the Ona, whose militant leadership attracted him.
Ona did not want the Panguna Landowners Association that was run mostly by his blood relatives and wanted the mine to shut immediately and re-open on Bougainville terms.  Bikiri saw there was now a possibility of change for the better. The Guava people also joined the anti-BCL movement.
I can now reveal Bonabenza Bikiri’s part in the events of November and December 1988 when explosives were stolen from the Panguna mine magazine ’ and a power pylon blown up at Policeman Corner on the Panguna Road.
Shortly before then, Francis Ona had called a meeting at the Panguna Catholic Church.
Ona, seeing his opposition being swept under the mat by BCL and the then Panguna Landowners Association, called on his supporters and followers to act.
Bikiri told me, “He was infuriated about a series of meetings with BCL and the old Panguna landowners association executives thus all he wanted now was action to show them that his words were not just words but he was willing to follow them with action.”
Bikiri sat on a back pew lost in the tide of proposals to shut the mine with action that had minimum of risks to participants.
“The meeting,” Bikiri recalled, “was coming to one resolution and that was for the whole of the Panguna mine landowner villages to leave their homes—mothers, youths, children and domesticated animals—and camp in and outside the Panguna mine pit’s access tunnels.
“With all our families and things we would camp there blocking all access to the pit, the primary crusher and workshops.”
Bikiri was dissatisfied with that resolution since all such protests he had participated in never brought about change, so he interrupted the meeting.
“You Guava people are new in this anti-mining protest issue,” Bikiri told the meeting. “You laugh at us, the Oune (a dying language that was spoken in most of Tumpusiong Valley) people.
“I have only one comment: who will feed our wives, children and supporters down there as they go hungry under the heat of the sun? We do not have the money to support and BCL once again will do nothing to save us and our land.
“Leave our families safe at home and cut the power supply of this destructive mine and let’s see if it stops work. What do you think?”
Looking up, Bikiri saw Francis Ona’s pointer firmly place on his lips indicating all to calm down and that the meeting was over. The new strategy was accepted.
Francis Ona shook hands with Bikiri and the meeting broke up, leaving the exercise to Ona and his close team.
Bikiri sat back in Tumpusiong waiting for the results and on the night of 22 November 1988 news spread that BCL explosives were looted.
“I was so happy with the news,” Bikiri said. “Ona was really up to his word. He had men steal the explosives. They waited for the first power pylon to come down and, when it did, I was so excited that BCL was now tasting its medicine.”
Bonabenza Bikiri today works as a alluvial gold miner in the Tumpusiong Valley and helps with local level government activities.

13.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN CHURCH HEALTH SERVICE COMPLETES HIV AIDS TRAINING
By Joseph Morokana

Fifteen Health Officers from United Church Health Services in Bougainville have just completed two weeks HIV/AIDS training in Provider Initiated Counseling and testing in Buka.
The training is part of the Church’s response to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHS) which amongst other issues, aims to make access to HIV/AIDS services to everyone in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.
Mr Roman Pembi, HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator for the United Church of Papua New Guinea said - since 2012 the UCPNG was excluded from funding by National AIDS Council (NAC) and despites its’ exclusion, the Church was still carrying out HIV/AIDS Programs particularly in advocacy and setting HIV Counseling and Testing Sites.
“From 2010 – 2014, United Church of Papua New Guinea had conducted eight (8) PICT Training within the United Church Regions in Papua New Guinea and have trained 102 health personals to carry out the HCT Service. “He said.
He said the Church was utilizing the Health Officers with Provider-Initiated Counseling and testing ((PICT) skills to expand the HIV Counseling and Care Services right into rural areas, where the health facilities are established.
A total of fifteen (15) nurses from rural health facilities attended the six (6) days training at the Hahela Youth Centre on Buka Island. The Officers included, 2 nursing officers and 13 community Health Workers.
The officers represented the following health facilities: Tonu Health Centre in Siwai, Ruruvu Health Sub-Centre in Wakunai, Kekesu Health Sub- Centre in Tinputz, Skotolan Health Sub- Centre on Buka, Petats Aid Post on Buka, Tung Aid Post on Buka, Lehu Aid Post in Buin, Maisua Aid Post in Siwai, Siandaro Aid Post in Bana and Roreinang Aid Post in the Kieta Area.
Mr Pembi also said, the Laboratory Component for the PICT training from the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) will be held in April this year for the same participants to certify them to address the HIV/AIDS Issues in the Region.
“To strengthen the system we need to up skill the resource people and also improve the health facilities first and all the National Strategies can be implemented. The Churches (NGOs) are not implementing the emendated instruction as a Stack holder to feed the National Function, so all level of Government should take the ownership to improve in their own areas.” He said.
The Trainers of the PICT training were, Mrs. Martha Tarnong from the Regional HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator for New Guinea Islands Region, Steven Pokohi, former Bougainville AIDS Council Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) Officer. The Coordinators were Mr. Roman Pembi of the UCPNG HIV/AIDS and Mr Espan Garia of the UC Bougainville.
The coordinators have also extended their gratitude to the Autonomous Bougainville Governments’ Public Servant Minister, Honourable Joel Panam for sponsoring a trip for the officer to visit the Skotolan Health Centre in the West Coast Area of Buka Island on the weekend.

12.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BOUGAINVILLE MEDIA WILL BE CONTROLLED
By Aloysius Laukai

Information out of Bougainville may be controlled under a 60/40 percentage content agreement to be signed between the NBC and the ABG next week.
This was revealed by the ABG Minister for Communication JOE NOPE when commenting on a report tabled by the Parliamentary Committee on communications headed by its chairman and member for Bolave, Lawrence Wakai.
The paper was presented by the Member representing the Ex combatants from North Bougainville, Franco Hopping.
Mr.Nope said that the ABG through its communications division will provide the contents for broadcast on Radio Bougainville.
He said that a recording studio is being built to produce programs for broadcasts.
Under this agreement the ABG has allocated Four Million Kina towards the upgrading of National Broadcasting Corporation's Provincial station, Radio Bougainville to reach the entire region on shortwave frequency.
Currently both the two radio stations operating on Buka are only using FM mode thus not reaching many parts of the region.
Meanwhile the Chairman of NEW DAWN FM Board of Directors, FR. JOHN KORAN says that NEW DAWN FM will continue to choose its own materials for broadcasts as an independent station and will not to be pushed around by anybody.
He was responding to the report by the Communication Minister.
FR.KORAN said that media should not be controlled as this will lead Bougainville to have Guided Democracy which is not wanted on Bougainville.
He said Media on Bougainville should be free and not controlled by the government.
FR. KORAN said that New Dawn Fm is a member of the World Association of Community Radio broadcasters and will abide by protocols of international media.

PUNGHAU making his comments during debate in Parliament


12.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS COMMENTS ON TONU
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG President,DR.JOHN MOMIS has rejected any forms of confrontation and violence to weed out the illegal activities happening in Tonu.
President Momis made these remarks when responding to questions from the Member representing Women of Central Bougainville,JOAN JEROME who wanted to know what the ABG was doing with the activities in Tonu that was confusing the people.
She said she was concerned at the increased para military Buildup in Tonu and the Bougainville Kina and the International Bank of Meekamui.
President Momis said that mass awareness is needed to make all people informed of the real issues on Bougainville.
He said that the activities in Tonu was like the Weed amongst grass and these bad weed will die out naturally.
Meanwhile, the ABG minister for finance and member for Motuna Huyono that includes Tonu, ALBERT PUNGHAU has challenged Bougainvilleans to do stocktake if their people who frequent Tonu can be controlled.
He said the people of Siwai have realized this and already rejected these activities and it was the people of Buka, Wakunai and other areas who support these activities by frequenting Tonu in the hope of benefitting from these activities.

12.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Bovo bridge

AERIAL view of the Bovo Bridge in the centre of Arawa Town. The shot was taken at the weekend on a helicopter destined for Kongara to check on food gardens destroyed by flooding in the area. The helicopter was hired by National Disaster and Emergency head office in Port Moresby to do aerial survey on Bana and Kongara villages. Words & Picture by ROMULUS MASIU

12.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

Bougainville Students open the year at Madang Resort
By Ishmael Palipal

The Bougainville students’ bamboo band at Divine Word University (DWU) had its first major gig just two weeks after their return to Madang for the 2014 academic year.
The Madang Resort Hotel has hired different cultural groups from the DWU to perform for guests.
The purpose of the first performance was the arrival of the Silver Whisper cruise ship on Sunday 14 February, with tourists coming from all around the world.
The Bougainville students’ bamboo band was booked to be the main highlight of the day, Sunday 14 February, so during the week before, students committed their time to practice every between 4pm-5pm in the evening for the performance.
On Sunday morning, instead of going to church, a convoy of people descended on Madang Resort Hotel.
The place was crowded already with the locals standing outside of the high raised iron fence and the different cultural groups gearing up inside to perform a traditional cultural dance or song.
The students were very excited especially the first year students for visiting the famous Madang Resort Hotel.
“Olsem nau mi kurukutim graun stret blo Madang Resort Hotel we mi save lookim chol lo Paradise magazine (Today I stand on the Madang Resort ground where I have been seeing only on Paradise Magazine),” said Grace Kalo from East New Britain while taking pictures at the beautiful landscape of the resort yard.
As the main highlight of the day, the bamboo band of DWU Bougainville students were told to setup in front of the main resting area for the tourist.
“If the tourist arrive your performance is to open the day’s cerebration,” said one of the organising committee to the Bougainville students’ representative.
As the first group of tourists arrived at the seating tent from the cruise ship, the bamboo band sound hit the air waves with a notes that draws many different eyes of cameras flashing here and there.
Some of them even took steps and nodded their heads according to the tempo of the bamboo beat.
Once the day was over a lunch was provided by the resort catering service and the students returned to school with proud pictures to upload into the social networks received with likes and comments.
“Some experiences that education brings” one Facebook commenter said upon viewing a photograph from the day.
The Bougainvillean students from DWU would agree, it was a positive start to the year for them to press forward in their studies with memories of the event.


11.03.2014
Source: EMTV

FIGHTERS DURING CRISIS NOT RECOGNISED

The South Bougainville Veteran’s Association leader has claimed that there hasn’t been any recognition given to those that fought during the crisis.
The leader, Thomas Tari in an interview with EMTV, said no acknowledgment has been made so far by the National and Autonomous Bougainville Governments, relating to this matter.
Not much recognition has been given to the local fighters that fought during the Bougainville Crisis.
It has been a struggle for most, retreating from the blood of cold war and destruction, some even traumatized; a direct result of the conflict, as Tari outlines.
The formed Veterans Association Division in Bougainville is functional, but hasn’t fulfilled its purposes to look after the ex-fighters' welfare.
Tari is worried, as this might be one hindrance to referendum; the decider to Bougainville’s future political status.
It’s still uncertain today, whether the fighters will be rewarded or not, but that’s something both government’s will work on.
Despite that, Tari says the South Bougainville Veterans Association is working closely with the law enforcing agencies to curb lawlessness in the area.
However to maintain a lasting peace in the communities, this needs a collaborative effort from the government authorities.

11.03.2014

Source: ESBC

Welcome back on stage !

Mean market manipulators resume their fraudulent business in Sydney!

After days of soaring share prices in BOC shares, the today's market depth proves that some market participants try to block the share price at AUD 0.60. Normally sellers try to get the highest price on the stock market.

So, if buyers would show more readiness to assume a small risk, BOC shares could easily rise to AUD 0.75 or more! Keep in mind: Bougainville Copper shares represent a value of AUD 4.50 while the equity's fair value is much higher once work in the Panguna mine resumes.

Market Depth for BOUGAINVILLE COPPER
as at 10:42:31 AM Tuesday, March 11, 2014

BOUGAINVILLE COPPER Trade Summary - Status

Last Change % Volume Trades Open High Low 0.600 0.010  1.69 11,643 3 0.590 0.600 0.590 Last Traded 1,643 @ 0.6 - 10:01:48

11.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ABG HOUSE MEET
by Aloysius Laukai

The ABG House of representatives started sitting for the March session of the ABG sitting this morning at TEN AM.
The first item that the house handled was the Statement by the ABG President, DR. JOHN MOMIS which was debated by the house starting from TEN am and continued to 2pm.
Nearly all the members supported the statement by the president and made their comments and promised to help implement the planned projects in 2014.


11.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Special Intervention Fund
by Anthony Kaybing

The long awaited 2013 K100 million Special Intervention Fund intended for Bougainville will be placed in a trust account to cater for infrastructural development in the region this week.
Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis revealed this today during the first meeting of the ABG House of Representatives for 2014.
“A total funding of K200 million which includes the 2013 and 2014 of the SIF will be used to cater for these projects,” Dr Momis said.
K145 million has been allocated for projects approved by the Joint Supervisory Board Meeting while K55 million will be used for ABG nominated projects.
Major projects approved by the JSB are the K42 million upgrade and sealing of the Buka Ring Road, K40 million upgrade of the Kokopau-Buin Road and the K15 million for the reopening of the Aropa Airport.
Also included is the K20 million Water Supply and and sanitation project for Arawa and Buka Towns respectively and the reconstruction of the Arawa General Hospital.
The ABG Projects will see K11.5 million allocated for Education Infrastructure, K8 million Economic Recovery, K7.5 million purchase of a vessel to service the coastal areas and atolls of Bougainville.
A further of K5 million has been allocated for the ABG Public Service House project, another K5million kina for the Panguna Negotiations along with several road and development projects amounting to K55 million for the ABG nominated projects.
Dr Momis said the recent visit by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill to Bougainville has strengthened the level of cooperation between the two governments.
“The excellent work under the leadership of Chief Secretary, Manasupe Zurenoc and Bougainville Acting Chief Administrator created a consensus to allow the agreed distribution of the 2013 and 2014 SIF’s of K200 million,” Dr Momis added.
Dr Momis said that all projects will be managed through the Project Management Unit and contracted transparently and the Bougainville Administration will report to the Bougainville Executive Council on the its implementation.
The President has also ordered the Acting Chief Administrator and senior managers to constantly review and report on the progress of all the projects.


11.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Karaston Appointment
By Akay
 
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has undergone a ministerial reshuffle that now sees Member for Suir Constituency Luke Karaston being appointed as Works and Technical Services Minister.
The Ministry was left vacant following the untimely demise of Member for Taunita Tinputz, Carolus Ketsimur who passed away after a short illness.
Karaston, a second time member of the House of Representatives was sworn in today by Magistrate Bruce Tasikul prior to the House’s first parliamentary sitting for 2014.
The new minister will have a mammoth task ahead of him with the new inclusion of multi million kina development projects that the ABG will embark on.
These projects include the reopening of the upgrading of the Buka Ring Road upgrade and sealing K42 million, Kokopau-Buin Road K40 million and the reopening of the Aropa Airport.
ABG President, Chief Dr John Momis congratulated Karaston on taking up the portfolio and wished him well in continuing the work of his late predecessor.

11.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Strong winds hit Bougainville atolls
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE atolls of Bougainville have been greatly affected by strong winds, heavy downpour of rain and rising sea levels over the past weeks. Reports reaching the Post-Courier indicated that these islands, including Tasman, Mortlock, the Carterets and Nuguria, have been severely affected. While commenting on the plight of these islanders, atolls Chief Taehu Pais said he had received reports on the destruction caused from some of the people who travelled to Buka last week aboard the vessel MV Marunga 2. Chief Pais said the reports confirm that the islanders have been hard-hit and are now calling on the Bougainville Administration through the Bougainville Disaster and Emergency Office in Buka to immediately dispatch relief supplies to them.
Chief Pais gave an account on the situation at Tasman, saying strong winds blowing at strength of 50 knots an hour had destroyed a number of houses there.  The families affected were fast asleep at night when the incident happened but fortunately no one was injured. The strong winds also triggered the sea to swell and flow more than 30 metres into the island, thus destroying most of the food gardens there.
Chief Taehu said similar waves had destroyed the islanders’ gardens around the Christmas and New Year period, causing the islanders to look for other food to survive on. Chief Taehu said similar incidents were also reported for the islands of Mortlock, the Carterets and Nuguria. Chief Taehu, who is also responsible for voicing out the concerns of the atolls islanders to relevant authorities in Buka, has already presented a report to the CEO of the LLG Division in Buka for consideration and assistance.


11.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Teenager dies in Bougainville road accident
By ROMULUS MASIU
 

Arawa police were on the accident site as this Toyota Hilux ute was set on fire after a boy fell overboard and was hit by an oncoming truck. Picture: DICKSON SIPARU

A teenage boy from a mixed parentage of Bana and Mortlock in Bougainville was killed instantly when a truck ran over him at the weekend. The incident happened on the Morgan to Arawa Highway last Friday. Reports from the Arawa Health Centre confirmed that the boy’s skull was smashed by the trucks tyres and he died instantly. Police confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased was traveling on a utility vehicle (Toyota Hilux) when he accidently fell off and into the path of an oncoming 10-wheeler tipper truck from a local road constractor based in Arawa.
The Toyota Hilux was torched by those travelling with the deceased. Arawa police are conducting an investigation into the accident. Police are reiterating their call to the general public to adhere to traffic rules and always think safety when on moving vehicles. Sgt Herman Birengka said police have been doing awareness and talking to motorists and passengers but it seems people are not adhering to their awareness. “The general public must take safety seriously now when traveling on PMVs and on private vehicles. “Also those vehicles not roadworthy must be grounded or must not pick up people or passengers,” Sgt Birengka said.

11.03.2014
Source: PNG Attitude

Dealing with tradition today: the case of the excessive price of a bride
by ISHMAEL PALIPAL

IN BOUGAINVILLE most women are not paid to become wives because they own land and resources. So, if there is a bride price, it generally won’t be higher than K3,000.
During traditional times in north Bougainville, bride price was paid with shell money and food. Nowadays it’s transacted in kina. The highest amount would not usually exceed K500 but, if the person paying want to increase the amount, it is in his own hands.
The bride’s family is not allowed to charge more than K500 because of a Local Level Government marriage law. However, most marriages have no bride price.
In central Bougainville, there is no such thing as bride price. Wedding ceremonies were carried out in a traditional way with feasting and giving presents. The marriage is free to keep women powerful in the society because land is owned by women and they are the final decision-makers in communities.

South Bougainville, however, is known for its bride price system. Because the society is patrilineal, especially in the Buin area, men have to pay for their brides.

I heard that the highest price paid by a person from central Bougainville who married in south Bougainville was K7,000 paid for a Buin woman by a prominent Panguna businessman. Normally the highest bride price charged for the Buin people is around K3,000.

Unfortunately, though, there seems to have been a recent exception. The young Bougainvillean author Leonard Fong Roka (pictured above) was charged a price of K20,000 for his fiancée from Laguai in the Buin area of south Bougainville.
“My fiancée’s uncle who looked after her charged me that amount, it is true,” Leonard Roka told me.
“I was in a bit of shock paying that amount of money. I’m working on it because I have great respect for Bougainville culture.”
So to the question, “Is it worth it?” As I mentioned, in Bougainville a woman is powerful without bride price and that makes a wife equal to her husband.
But if a woman is paid to be married for a large amount, a man feels like he owns the wife so he can do whatever he wishes to do with her because she is his property which he had purchased her from her parents possession.
Anyway, that is just my thought, I’m not trying to dispute the custom or tradition of the people but just giving an insight into Bougainville’s bride price system.
It’s about time the Bougainville government intervened to create laws for such things as bride price. The cash economy is influencing the minds of the people who are forgetting the traditional ways which, apart from being a valued part of our culture, were cheaper than now.

10.03.2014
Source: PNG Industry News

Restart potential for PNG’s Panguna
by Alison Middleton

BOUGAINVILLE Copper is eyeing a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit in Papua New Guinea after a visit by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill prompted conciliatory sentiment among war-torn communities.
The company said it planned to open an office on Bougainville Island this year after O’Neill’s visit generated a wave of mollification among stakeholder groups “previously unwilling to declare an end to long-held hostilities”.
O’Neill made the first prime ministerial visit to the once prosperous island province of Bougainville since peace was negotiated some 16 years ago following a decade-long civil war that accounted for up to 20,000 deaths.
The prime minister’s mass welcome in Buka, Arawa and Buin, as well as his promise of funds that will enable conflicted communities to hold traditional reconciliation ceremonies, paved the way for meaningful dialogue on the reopening of the mine.
Company secretary Paul Coleman said O’Neill’s January visit to previous no-go areas on mainland Bougainville generally received an enthusiastic welcome.
“Bougainville Copper is encouraged by this new spirit of engagement, as it enters a year in which planned reconciliation ceremonies should see it re-establishing an administrative presence at Arawa, to launch and manage studies aimed at assessing bioremediation needs, community development programs, social mapping, asset revaluation and de‐risking,” he said.
“Positive dialogue between stakeholders including the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the National Government of PNG, landowners, Bougainville communities, ex-combatants and BCL continues to advance the prospect of reopening the mine.”
Coleman said ABG President John Momis had reaffirmed the high priority that ABG placed on a restart of operations at Panguna.
“The company continues to evaluate the findings of the 2012 order of magnitude study,” he added.
“The emerging results of this study broadly indicate that it would be economically viable to redevelop the Panguna mine.
“Further commentary on developments in both the political and fiscal environment surrounding the project is scheduled for the 2014 annual general meeting in May.
“Further studies, including prefeasibility and bankable feasibility, will be necessary before any decision on redevelopment of the Panguna mine can be made.
“It is not intended to undertake further major studies until consultations with governments, landowners and other stakeholders result in broad support for redevelopment.”

10.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Nisira: ABG plans for new mining law
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government is in the process of establishing a mining law that will govern the operations of all mining activities in Bougainville, says the acting President Patrick Nisira.
While responding to comments raised by the Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro regarding the establishment of a suitable law that will guide the interest of Bougainvilleans, Mr Nisira said the mining law that ABG is currently working on will benefit all stakeholders including the ABG, landowners and the people of Bougainville.
Mr Nisira also revealed that ABG is now considering the establishment of a Bougainville Mining Act, and not a Transitional Mining Bill as it was initially planned.
“The ABG had initially thought of establishing a transitional mining bill, but our position now, after assessing the time and cost factor, we are now thinking of actually coming up with a Bougainville Mining Act and not a Transitional Mining Act,” Mr Nisira said.
Mr Nisira said this law will act as a guiding mechanism for all mining activities that will be taking place in Bougainville, adding that the general views of the people is that the Panguna mine will only be reopened if there is a good Bougainville mining law in place.
“The general view received in Bougainville is that the Panguna mine will not be reopened. But it will only be reopened in line with the wishes of Bougainvilleans,” Mr Nisira said.
“This means that it will only be reopened after the ABG passes the Bougainville Mining Act.
“This is because from this act, we will ensure that what Miringtoro is talking about will be addressed under this Act.”
He said the ABG had considered the events leading to the crisis and is trying to avoid these problems arising again through the establishment of good mining law.
Meanwhile, Mr Nisira has welcomed the announcement by Mr Miringtoro on his move to take BCL to court citing new evidence that the Central Bougainville MP said he has received regarding the past operations of the mining company.
Mr Nisira said if what Miringtoro is saying is true then he can proceed with his move however, he reminded him (Miringtoro) to be mindful of the court case against Rio Tinto that was dismissed by the Supreme Court in the US.


10.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

MP laments lack of mine talks consultation

THE Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro has voiced concerns at the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s failure to consult with the four national MPs prior to holding talks with BCL and landowners.
He said the meeting lacked transparency and what was discussed, therefore it holds no water.
“As Member for Central Bougainville where Panguna is situated, along with fellow Members of Parliament from the region, we should have been consulted because mining is still a very delicate and emotional issue at this stage,” Mr Miringtoro said.
“My biggest concern is that if ABG makes a commitment without wider consultations, we will face big problems as we do not have mining laws in place to refer to when discussing an industry which is a source of all manner of problems ranging from and environmental damage to social displacement of communities around the mine site.”
He said whether the mine at Panguna were to re-open or not is a matter for Bougainvilleans to decide on after wider consultations have been carried out throughout the region and not just with landowners or ABG.
The next step then would be to draft mining laws that will protect the resource owners and all Bougainvilleans from being ripped off by companies that come here to make a quick buck and leave behind a smoldering wreck once the minerals had been mined out.
He said the national Government is already looking to make changes in the way mining is conducted in the country.
According to him, mining companies will be held accountable and responsible for environmental damage and other problems associated with mining in the future. He said the Government will also ensure resource owners get equitable share of benefits from resources found or mined on their land. Under the new arrangements, resource owners are to earn an increment from every stage of the process that their resources go through, until they become a finished product.
“I don’t see why the ABG is so adamant and in a rush to have the mine at Panguna re-opened by BCL who refuse to accept the responsibility for clearing up and cleaning the mess they have created in my electorate,” Mr Miringtoro said.
“I am going over a body of evidence against BCL given to me recently and I see that there is more enough evidence to take BCL to court for their past crimes against the people of Bougainville.
“I will be holding consultations the communities in my electorate to consider the possibility of taking BCL to court based this evidence.”
Mr Miringtoro said there are many mining companies out there but before they can bid to open a mine in Bougainville they must agree to our terms and conditions and abide by our homegrown mining laws.


10.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Nisira defends mine talks
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Acting President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Patrick Nisira has defended his government’s decision to engage the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in the negotiations concerning the reopening of the defunct Panguna mine.
Mr Nisira said the decision to involve BCL was considered for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.
Mr Nisira said this in response to complaints raised by the Minister for Communication and Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro regarding the engagement of BCL and the Panguna landowners.
Mr Miringtoro had voiced his concerns, saying the ABG decision to involve BCL and landowners without consulting the four Bougainville MPs lacked transparency.
“Miringtoro and the people have been questioning us on this issue,” Mr Nisira said. “(But) People with a right frame of mind will understand that BCL was here before.
“That’s the reason we are talking with BCL. BCL and landowners had created the war. So in order to come up with a good law, we need to consult BCL. But consulting BCL does not mean that we will allow BCL to come involve in the mining activity.”
Mr Nisira this was one of the “best process that we have put in place so that we don’t repeat the mistakes of the pasts. You talk to BCL; BCL will understand what really happened that time.”
He said the other reason behind the engagement of BCL is because of the Bougainville Copper Agreement that was enacted by the national Government.
He said this law currently gives BCL the right to conduct mining in Panguna, before calling on the four MPs that their involvement on the floor of the national parliament will play a big role in the repealing of this law.
“If Miringtoro and the other three MPs are concerned about BCL, then they have a role to play. They have been mandated by the people.
“Panguna mine is the issue that needs to be dealt with in the national parliament, and not in the ABG. You deal with that in the national parliament.
“You don’t complain about it but you the four MPs deal with that in the national parliament. The repealing of that law must be done at the national parliament.
Mr Miringtoro had also questioned the process involved in the consultations.

10.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Floods, strong winds hit Bougainville villages

By ROMULUS MASIU

Affected villagers getting their relief supplies from the disaster officials at Panguna. Picture: ROMULUS MASIU.

Continous heavy rain has washed away food gardens in parts of South and Central Bougainville. Also strong winds have blown away many houses in Panguna District. Bougainville Disaster and Emergency officials are on the ground in Arawa assessing the situation in the villages affected by the floods and strong winds. An aerial survey has been conducted at the weekend with officials led by director of Bougainville Disaster and Emergency Office Franklin Lacey.
Mr Lacey said as the assessments are being conducted, relief supplies are being distributed to those villages affected. In Bana District of South Bougainville, more than 2,000 bags of rice and assorted protein and drinking water have been dished out. “Those really affected are from Baba CoE (Council of Elders) whereby Kavarong River and Jaba River have overflowed into their food gardens destroying everything,” Mr Lacey said while distributing the relief supplies to the villagers. Reports have also come from Kongara where food gardens ere destroyed by flooding.
The fresh drinking water holes of the Bana people have been overflowed by the polluted Kavarong and Jaba Rivers. Water samples have been taken by the officials to be tested in Rabaul. According to Mr Lacey there was still no outbreak of water borne diseases. School children of Kuneka village in Bana are not attending school at Katauri as the rivers have swollen and made it harder for them to cross. The people in the lower tailings area of Panguna are also affected. “Their drinking water is now mixed with the polluted Kavarong and Jaba Rivers. And the water samples we are taking to the laboratory for testing of mineral and bacterial contaminations,” Mr Lacey said.

10.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

Australian Navy arrive in Torokina

The HMAS Benalla. Her twin hulls provide good stability in heavy conditions, and good living room and space below the main deck. In addition, the catamaran hull sits well out of the water, the ship drawing only 2.2 metres – a favourable characteristic in shoaling and reef waters where it is required to operate.

Two Royal Australian Navy ships have arrived in Torokina to commence hydrographical surveys of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The surveys will take place between Buka and Torokina to support Operation Render Safe 2014.
Operation Render Safe, conducted by the Australian Defence Force on behalf of the Australian Government, is a regional program to remove unexploded bombs, weapons and ammunition remaining from World War Two.
Operation Render Safe occurs regularly in the South West Pacific. The most recent Operations removed explosive remnants of war from Solomon Islands in 2013, and from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea in 2011.
The Australian Government is conducting Operation Render Safe in Torokina in 2014 at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
The Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Benalla and HMAS Shepparton arrived on Friday 28 February.
They will sail up and down the coast line to chart the depths of the water, mark any underwater obstructions and determine suitable anchorage points for ships involved in Operation Render Safe.

The Paluma class ships generally operate in pairs. The class was originally designed for hydrographic survey operations in the shallow waters of northern Australia.
This will enable safe navigation for ships involved in Operation Render Safe. Survey operations are scheduled to cease on 27 April.
The survey would also include examining the beach at Torokina to determine its capacity to handle equipment moved from ships offshore to onshore locations to support the Operation.
The ships will also travel to Kimbe, West New Britain, and Gizo, Solomon Islands during this time to refuel before continuing survey operations.
Royal Australian Navy Ships will be a feature of Operation Render Safe to move supplies, equipment and personnel between Buka and Torokina.
The survey information would be shared with the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to provide accurate charts of Autonomous Region of Bougainville waters.
More information on Operation Render Safe can be found in the fact sheet at: www.png.embassy.gov.au/pmsb/media.html

ESBC: Latest proof of Papua New Guinea Mine Watch's smear campaign :

10.03.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

Post Courier and its love affair with crooks who promote mines

Engan businessman, Kandaso Napi (pictured), is a vocal supporter of reopening the Panguna mine on Bougainville but he has already illegally obtained millions of kina by exploiting the war sparked by the mine and the suffering of women and children….

The Post-Courier are fond of publishing press-releases as news. Once again the Engan ‘self-made businessman’, Kandaso Napi, and his unadulterated views on Bougainville, have been getting heavy airplay in the national media. Napi made his fortune leasing trucks to Bougainville Copper Limited – owned by Rio Tinto – during the 1980s.
Napi wants Rio Tinto to return to Bougainville and uplift its ‘impoverished’ population who are now, he claims, “living off the streets of Port Moresby or the jungles of Bougainville”. Last year, the Post-Courier reported that Napi “urged all stakeholders, landowners and government to meet, discuss and explore all avenues available that would lead to reopening the Panguna copper mine as soon as possible for the benefit of Bougainvillean men, women and children” – not, of course, for the benefit of Napi.
Referring to Rio Tinto’s role in war crimes, Napi argued, “it is better to work with the devil you know”.
Now who else has said that recently? … none other than a certain ABG Vice President – they must have got the same memo!
Now the Post-Courier has devoted even more space to Napi (see 28/02/2014 edition), so we can hear his take on Prime Minister O’Neill’s visit to Bougainville:
“A LAE-based businessman and former contractor to Bougainville Copper Ltd has praised Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for taking that ‘humble yet very important’ trip to Bougainville. Kandaso Napi, who has a longstanding relationship with the people of Bougainville through his past association with BCL and the Panguna landowners, said the trip not only raised the spirits of the downtrodden people there but united the leadership of Bougainville at all levels”.
We are told – this is journalism right ?? – that “the Engan man who calls himself a Bougainvillean at heart wishes to let critics and others know that he has a very strong spiritual bond with the people of Bougainville”.
What The Post-Courier  fail to note – why would they, after all truth is not their business – is that Napi cashed in on the Bougainville war through a scandalous and illegal claim which was slammed by the Commission of Inquiry into the Department of Finance.
Tens of thousands of Bougainvilleans had their homes and livelihood destroyed by national government forces between 1988-1998 – many lost their loved ones too under the most brutal of circumstances. None of these Bougainvilleans have been compensated for their loss by the national government; even a US class action against Rio Tinto has been slapped down.
Things, however, have fared much better for the Engan businessman. If money talks, Napi it would appear, is the only true victim of the Bougainville conflict, that is according to the national government.
The Commission of Inquiry allege that Napi’s company Nakitu Ltd, claimed “a total of K13.1 million [from the PNG government], as the ‘projected’ loss suffered” from the Bougainville conflict.
The Commission of Inquiry observed, “there is no cause of action known at law to support such claim and to link the State and make the State liable for loss of business which the claimant claims as suffered”.
They continue, “Mr. Gelu, as the Solicitor General … essentially agreed that there was no cause of action, (see transcript of proceedings no. 81,  pp2677-2678) but yet he proceeded to settle the claim”. Now why would Mr Gelu do that????
Before the NEC became aware of the illegal transaction, Napi successfully pocketed K3.25 million. Not bad!
So Napi cashes in on the suffering associated with the conflict through illegal means, while the actual victims of state atrocities, the people of Bougainville, have received a total of K0.00 in compensation.
And yet still the national press feels it is appropriate to publish ‘article’ (press-release) after ‘article’ (press-release) on Napi and his vision for the reopening of Panguna.
Now why would they do that???

08.03.2014
Source: EMTV

BUIN TOWN PEACEFUL

The Law and Order situation in South Bougainville is now under control.

This has been revealed by Buin Police Station Commander Sergeant John Popui (pictured above).

Police are working closely with the ex-combatants to maintain peace and goodwill.
At least, it’s peaceful, as people can now move freely anytime.
The perception of the once known Cowboy Town of Buin has now changed.
Sergeant Popui says law and order has taken its cause in the area.
With a manpower, of 14, police have worked hard to curb lawlessness, together with the assistance of the veterans affairs division.
Law and order is a pillar of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, and the autonomous government must ensure its clauses are fully implemented and achieved.
The South Bougainville Veteran’s Association assistance has played a significant role in maintaining peace in the area.
Leader Steven Tari says, more awareness, has helped to shape better Buin communities.
Popui and Tari pointed out the need for support, as a way forward for Bougainville’s referendum. 

08.03.2013
Source: PNG Attitude

The legacy of Damien Dameng, the father of Meekamui
by LEONARD FONG ROKA

THE IDEA of Meekamui was adopted in Bougainville politics by the late Francis Ona. But the concept was older than him, having been created by a student at St Joseph High School many years before: Damien Dameng from the Irang-Pangka valley in the Panguna District.
Damien Dameng was born in 1930 in Dongtare hamlet. He was in primary school at Sovele Catholic Mission in the Bana District of South Bougainville when World War II came to Bougainville.
After the war, Damien re-enrolled at Orami Tokples School, mainly learning the Catholic's catechism. Later he transferred to Buiana, a school led by a Father Mueller in the Toio valley of Panguna.
By the 1950s he was at Tunuru Catholic Mission where he was suspected of being with Betoro, a woman from Topinang, and he was punished. In retaliation, Damien attacked a nun, Sister Juliana, who reported him to the American priest Father Hogan.
Father Hogan duly removed Damien from Tunuru and transferred him to Puruata in Torokina, enrolling him at Mamarego Catholic Mission in Bana where he remained for two years. After spending time here he moved to Rigu, where he did Standards 9 and 10.
It was intended that, after this, he should go to Tsiroge in Buka to learn a trade like carpentry or teaching. But by the early 1960s he had come to believe the mission was destroying Bougainville and decided to turn his back on the Catholic Church.
He called Brother Bozaar, an Australian, and said, “I am not going to Tsiroge, I am going home”.
At this same time, the Hahalis Welfare Society in Buka and other grass roots movements were active with their work. Damien Dameng called a few Kieta leaders to Irang and told them: “The mission is killing us so let's go to our culture”. So was born his group, the Meekamui Pontoku Onoring.
Damien began protesting against the CRA exploration in the area and his movement soon had many followers across what is now the Panguna District. One factor in his success was captured by James Tanis writing in Bougainville before the Conflict (2005, p 461). “While Dameng consequently stopped his campaign against sorcerers; at the same time he realised that the local government councils were worried about his influence, making him feel stronger than the councils.” As support grew, Damien’s agenda broadened to include nationalism and independence for Bougainville.
We need an interpretation of Meekamui Pontoku Onoring. Meekamui is 'holy land' in the Nasioi language. Pontoku are sacred sites which have significant meaning in a clan's mythology or history. Onoring means ‘we are alive' and is derived in the idea that, despite being negated, Bougainvilleans are still alive and able to defeat enemies.
Damien’s movement had three pillars; all concerned to drive Bougainville to its purest roots. These said that: Western education belongs to the bad spirits; Western health belongs to the dogs; and Western religion belongs to immature kids.
James Tanis wrote that: “Dameng opposed church teachings as trickery, the colonial administrators as thieves, and CRA and BCL as destroyers of land and culture.”
These ideas, Damien said, were also presented along with six live pigs to United Nations officials when they visited Kieta to meet church and government representatives. For him, it was an outstanding success that the government and church now owed him yet as well as not answering his assertions satisfactorily.
His movement also forcefully closed schools in Panguna for three years in the early 1970s when the late Francis Ona was a young student. Most people supported the cause simply because it was vocal against the CRA operations in Panguna.
Damien Dameng travelled mostly Kieta-wide advocating his movement and the anti-mining protest. This and other movements the influential Catholic Church labelled as cargo cult activities but they could also be seen as independence and, anti-mining and economic progress movements with Christian icing on top since religion was still influential.
On the ground in Irang was Philip Nesii, Dameng’s cousin, who played an administrative role in what was now declared to be the Meekamui Pontoku Onoring government. People began referring to it as the 50 Toea Gavman due to its tax collection of 50 toea per head.
Philip Nesii oversaw the detention of sorcerers in harsh conditions on an unoccupied area of the Tairengku ridge between Mosinau and Pangka and also was in charge of building a self-styled ‘parliament house’ in the heart of Irang village. He said the parliament was to mature at Irang and later relocate to Arawa, the capital of Bougainville and Solomon Islands.
To Nesii, the parliament consisted of four political parties representing the four major clans known in Kieta: Basikang, Kurabang, Barapang and Bakoringku.
Parliament house was a square building with the Speaker’s seat at the centre and north. To Nesii, the Speaker’s seat was a 'holy of holies', and today what remains of it is still respected.
At the west end, the parliament had a 100 member chamber made up of the Basikang and Bakoringku clans. In its east was the chamber for the 100 members of the Kurabang and Barapang clans. The south end of the house was for the women and Bougainville's minorities, like the people from the atolls.
Beyond the parliamentary grounds was a symbolic monument in a form of a four-tongued star constructed with concrete in 1972. In its centremost part was a square hole representing the government of Bougainville and the four tongues were the major clans that made up the political parties of the Bougainville government.
Nesii and Dameng told me in 2011 that since the 1970s the late Francis Ona had been exposed to Damien Dameng’s government and adopted it but with no positive intentions. Instead, when the opportunity arose, he transformed the concept into ‘Meekamui Pontoku Si'punng eta osi'kaai-aang ’.
As Damien saw it this was not much different from his and Nesii’s teachings. To the brothers, the late Francis Ona was a militant trying to politicise their works to win the hearts and minds of Bougainvilleans who were losing faith in Ona’s rule.
According to the brothers, Ona and his followers, by removing Onoring and replacing it with sipung eta osikai-ang, meant to make their government more appealing. The new idea now centred around the sipung eta (from the fireplace) and osikai-ang (owners of the land).
Francis Ona’s government in Guava pushed that it was based on the principles from the fireplace, meaning aperson is safe if attached to his rightful home and only powerful in decision making on the land he rightfully owns or has inherited from his ancestors.
The idea was that Bougainvilleans had to go back and reestablish their epistemological beginnings and protect all their land to be powerful enough to have control over their island.
Note: Damien Dameng died in mid-2013 when he was about 82 years old, passing away after an accident that led to illness. He was a very famous dog meat eater in the Kieta area. I was with the brothers for a week in late 2011.

08.03.2014
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

Rio Tinto unit Bougainville Copper eyes return to Panguna mine in PNG

Bougainville Copper is to open an office on Bougainville Island this year as sentiment begins to build within Papua New Guinea for a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit.
The visit to Bougainville Island by the PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill earlier this year - the first visit by a government official of his standing in more than 15 years - has prompted conciliatory sentiment towards production resuming, the company told shareholders.
This visit was followed by the head of the autonomous Bougainville government, John Momis, who has signalled the willingness of most parties on the island to resuming production.
Civil war forced Rio Tinto unit Bougainville Copper to halt production in 1989 at what was then one of the largest copper mines in the world.
The Panguna mine was the largest single source of the country's export revenues and comprised about 7 per cent of global copper production.
One recent estimate put the cost of reopening the mine at more than $US4 billion, although it is unclear whether Rio would be willing to foot the bill for much of this work or would seek partners from the outset. This study was by the US Agency for International Development, which outlined a series of approaches that could stabilise developments on the island amid a push for greater autonomy from Port Moresby, which could pave the way for mining.
Along with resolving a series of technical issues before resuming production, perhaps more important is achieving agreement on revenue sharing with the island, which was one of the prime reasons for conflict over the mine so soon after production began.
Under the original revenue-sharing agreement, the bulk went to the central government but only a minor portion of the funds went to Bougainville's provincial government.
In its latest report to the stock exchange Bougainville Copper said no major studies into resuming production would begin until there was broad agreement between the various parties supporting the project.
In 2012, preliminary studies were conducted and they supported the project's prospective financial and economic viability.
The new office will play a key role in assessing remediation issues, as well as ''community development programs, social mapping, asset revaluation and de-risking''.
Major studies such as pre-feasibility and bankable feasibility studies will not be launched ''until consultations with governments, landowners and other stakeholders result in broad agreement for redevelopment'', the miner has told shareholders.
Before the suspension of mining, the Panguna site was producing about 180,000 tonnes of contained copper annually, along with a quantity of gold.
Bougainville Copper is 53 per cent owned by Rio Tinto, with the PNG government holding a further 19 per cent.
The Panguna mine was not the only project of Rio's in PNG that ran into difficulties.
The group lost control of the Mount Kare gold deposit 20 years ago, when it was overrun by local miners who have tapped the alluvial reserves overlaying this deposit.
A smaller company, Indochine Mining, is now finalising an agreement with the landowners so mining can begin.

07.03.2014
Source: Australian Policy Online

Building peace in Bougainville: measuring recovery post-conflict
by Satish Chand | State, Society & Governance in Melanesia Program

Building peace in Bougainville: measuring recovery post-conflict
Description: This discussion paper documents the socio-economic status of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the extent of rebound in investment and access to services since the cessation of conflict there in 1997. Data on the level of income, the age profile of the population, the level of access to basic services, and levels of investment in residential housing were collected via a household-level survey that was administered in the four major urban centres. Analysis of these data shows that per capita income has rebounded to 40 per cent of the pre-conflict level; approximately half of the population is aged less than 20 years; and one-third of school age children are not attending school.
These observations have value in assessing the extent of economic recovery following the installation of peace and the levels of public investment required for improving access to basic services.

 Click here and read the entire 18-pages report ! 

07.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Police chief wants Musingku out of hiding
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

BOUGAINVILLE’S acting Assistant Commissioner for police Paul Kamuai is appealing to money scam operator Noah Musingku to come out of his hiding place and comply with the decisions reached by the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Superintendent Kamuai said if Mr Musingku believes that he has some good plans concerning the development of Bougainville, then he should come out and discuss them with the ABG.
“If Noah Musingku has some good plans available that can be good for Bougainville, by all means he must come work with ABG,” Mr Kamuai said. “If he knows that what he’s doing is not right, then it’s good for Bougainville that he must also come out and with the police and government, we find ways to address problems that he is causing there.”
Mr Kamuai said the refusal by the money scam operator to work with the ABG was very embarrassing to all Bougainvilleans. He said the current illegal activities conducted by Mr Musingku and his followers at their base in Tonu, Siwai District of South Bougainville will create setbacks in Bougainville’s journey towards its political future.

06.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BOWS AND ARROWS BURIED TO CLOSE PM’S VISIT
By Alex Munme

THE Historical visit by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter O’Neil which brought peace, reconciliation and unity among Bougainville leaders including President, Chief John Momis finally ended.
Chairmen of all Council of Elders in North Bougainville met at the Selau/ Suir District Office in Kokopau yesterday and officially closed the visit.
Although the visit took place on January 27, 28 and 29, yesterday’s ceremony was to close the program. At yesterday’s ceremony the bows and arrows the two leaders broke to signify peace, reconciliation and unity during the Prime Minister’s visit were buried under ground.
The ceremony took place after a small program of mainly short speeches from selected Chairmen including Taonita/Teop COE Chairlady, Rita Pearson.
ABG Member for Tsitalato, Cosmas Sohia and ABG Senior Protocol Officer, Philip Kiha both attended to take part and witness the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of Chairmen, Romeo Tohiana among other things expressed his disappointment on why North Bougainville did not arrive in numbers to welcome the Prime Minister.
He said South and Central prepared very well to meet the Prime Minister and appealed for North to do the same for his next visit.

Pictured are the chiefs burying the Weapons broken by the PM and ABG President to complete the reconciliation process.

06.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BAD WEATHER SPOILS FOOD GARDENS
By Aloysius Laukai

The continuous heavy rains and winds have damaged buildings and food gardens across Bougainville.
Reports gathered by New Dawn FM this week says that Central and South Bougainville are the hardest hit by this weather.
AND the Bougainville Disaster Coordinator, FRANKLYN LACEY just returned from visiting some damaged food gardens and buildings in Central Bougainville and will be making report to the National Disaster Office for some assistance.
The team that visited the Panguna and Bana areas with the ABG member for BOLAVE, LAWRENCE WAKAI who has assured his people that the government will assist them in these time of need.
New Dawn FM understands that the people of KUNUA and KEREAKA have already reported that their food gardens were washed away by floods in the last two weeks and want the Disaster to assist them quickly.

06.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

A look at a potential new Panguna mine

The possible size and shape of a re-opened Panguna mine have been outlined by Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in an Order of Magnitude Study (OMS).
The OMS shows a mine that, if given the go-ahead, could have a longer life than the previous Panguna operation, which operated from 1972 to 1989.

The base case, the minimum expectation for a BCL operation at Panguna, has a conventional truck and shovel open pit mine with an expected life of 24 years.
Copper-gold concentrate is expected to be produced from ore at a rate of 60 million tonnes per year.
A challenge for the project would be the expected capital cost of US$5.2 billion.

Included in this a cost allocation for general infrastructure that includes a mine training college, primary & secondary school facilities, hospital & medical centre upgrades, recreational facilities, commercial centre upgrade, policy, fire & emergency services, airport, port, waste management facilities.
Power generation would be achieved through coal or gas rather than heavy oil, with power also supplied to non-mine areas.
The OMS considers a number of on-land and deep sea tailings systems, the remains from the production of copper-gold concentrate.
Stakeholders in a new Panguna operation, including elected representatives of landowners in mine-affected areas and senior officers and advisors of the ABG, have been given updated briefings on BCL’s OMS.



06.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Broken bows, arrows buried during event
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

COUNCIL of Elders chairmen and chiefs in North Bougainville yesterday staged a historical ceremony signifying the final stage of the reconciliation that had taken place in January between the national Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The event, which was held at the Selau Quigen CoE area at Kokopau in the northern tip of Bougainville, saw the chiefs burying the bows and arrows that were broken by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and President John Momis during the PM’s goodwill visit to Bougainville on January 27 of this year.
The significance of the event conducted by the two leaders had symbolised that both governments had finally mended their feuds and are now ready to work together in the delivery of service to the people.
Yesterday’s ceremony was witnessed by two constituency members in the ABG, Terry Mose (Selau constituency) and Cosmas Sohia (Tsitalato). Speaking during the event, the chiefs and leaders stressed that the burial of these bows and arrows signifies the final part of the reconciliation.
Chairman of chairmen of all CoEs in North Bougainville, Romeo Tohiana, said the event now buries all the hatred that both governments had had towards each other.
He said even though it was a low-key event, its significance was of great importance as it marks the final phase of the peace ceremony that the two leaders had fostered in January this year.
Mr Tohiana said he hopes that no disputes would take place again between the two governments that would destroy this relationship.
Mr Tohiana later stressed the importance of CoE leaders reconciling with their members, adding that their good working relationship will lead to tangible developments taking place within their areas.
Pr Terry Mose said the event signifies the ending of the unrest that had prevented both governments from working together over the past months which led to the reconciliation between the PM and Mr Momis.
Chief Administrator Chris Siriosi also expressed his support for the North Bougain
ville chiefs for ending the reconciliation process.
Though he was not able to attend yesterday’s event, his message was relayed by the senior protocol officer Philip Kiha.
Similar sentiments were also expressed by other leaders present.


06.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Foundation assists tertiary students
By ROMULUS MASIU

CONTROVERSIAL Member for South Nasioi in the Autonomous Bougainville Government John Ken has paid tuition fees for all of his students in tertiary institutions around the country.
He is paying the fees under a registered group called the South Nasioi Students Foundation with the aim of helping the future leaders and human resources of South Nasioi and Bougainville as a whole.

The group’s chairman Peter Mixson said the initiative from the member is a first-of-its-kind from any member in the Bougainville House of Representatives.
Mr Ken, known for his “rough behaviour” in the media, is taking the leading role disbursing his constituency support grants to his people.
“At the start of the academic year this year, Mr Ken had already paid a total of K46,000 as upfront payment to more than 40 students of South Nasioi attending tertiary institutions around the country,” Mr Mixson said.
He said Mr Ken’s main aim is to help boost the human resources of South Nasioi who have knowledge to further their education but could not afford the fees.
“Also the other aim of our MP is to help disadvantaged families who don’t have the money to send their children to big schools such as universities.”
Mr Mixson said that the first payment has already been disbursed to various institutions with the second phase coming next month.
The foundation is appealing to Regional MP Joe Lera and Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro to support Mr Ken’s initiative.
“Human resources are of the utmost importance. All our leaders should be more conscious and pump more funding into it because they are the ones who will lead Bougainville in the future,” Mr Mixson said.
The foundation also appealed to students who are benefiting from this funding to put every effort in their studies as they would be tomorrow’s leaders for South Nasioi and Bougainville as a whole.
South Nasioi in the Kieta District is a mountainous region with a population of more than 20,000 people who are subsistence farmers.
It is one of the most disadvantaged places in Central Bougainville with no roads to the villages since the colonial era.
Mr Mixson said next year the number of South Nasioi students in tertiary institutions is likely to increase and Mr Ken said he would take them into account through the foundation.


06.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Good Samaritans to the rescue of Kieta family
By ROMULUS MASIU

A family from Kieta which escaped death at the weekend received a set of pots from the Good Samaritan Natural Disaster Volunteers in Arawa yesterday.
Justine Duepe of Siredonsi village on the outskirts of Arawa town was fast asleep when strong winds brought a tree down on top of their kitchen. The tree missed the family house by inches but completely destroyed the kitchen and everything in it.
“We were sleeping and around 12pm the strong wind came and uprooted the nearby tree which fell in between the family house and the kitchen, destroying the kitchen altogether,” Mr Duepe said while he came to town to collect his cooking wares which the Arawa-based volunteers purchased for the family.
A surprised Mr Duepe was lost for words when he received the set of pots for his family.
“I don’t know what to say…thank you, thank you so much for this kind donation…this kind of thing, maybe the government should help us or the Red Cross, but your group really came from nowhere and helped us. God will bless you and your organisation. I thank God for such a group…I am so surprised. Thank you so much Good Samaritan,” Mr Duepe said.
“What happened to Red Cross and the Disaster Office, are they still in existence or have closed their doors?” he said when they were hit by strong winds. According to a spokesperson from the Good Samaritan Natural Disaster Volunteers, Kelly Markos Nori, the group was formed to help those affected by the natural disasters in what little ways it could.
“The group does not have much money but we get a little bit of money from small fundraisings in town. What little we can give..is a show of love….and a touch of love.”
Mr Duepe appealed to the government and those who have a lot of money to help such groups.


06.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Boxing heats up in Arawa
By ROMULUS MASIU

BOUGAINVILLE champion boxer Maxie Mangea proved too powerful for Philip Ano in the 52kg senior bout at 3 Rocks Tavern in Arawa at the weekend.
Referee John Otto was forced to stop the contest in the fourth round as Mangea kept on clobbering his Buin opponent giving him no room to move and battering him with hard hitting punches.
It was a classic bout for the inaugural tournament sanctioned by the Bougainville Armature Boxing Association (BABA) this year, in preparation to regain the national boxing titles and provide opportunities for its boxers a place in the national team.
The showdown did not upset the crowd who got their money’s worth with some standing outside the fence to watch the live action.
In what was termed as the ‘fight of the night’ by commentator Gilbert Palin,
Pocket-dynamo Mangea was always on the upper right from the first round.
Young Ano copped some hard blows and showed why he was a silver medalist at the last PNG Games in Kokopo countering with some of his own trade mark deadly south paws.
Known for his deadly upper-cuts, Mangea was all over Ano in the second and third rounds, however, Ano with his ‘never say die’ attitude kept on avoiding Mangea and made him chase him all over the canvas tiring out Mangea.
It was in the fourth round that referee Otto stepped in when Mangea let loose a flurry of unstoppable punches that caught Ano off-guard.
In the other fights, Max Lawas (Buin) defeated Desmond Jonah (Red River) and Alex Daona (Buin) beat Rodney Jackson (Kopia Club, Inus) in the 56kg division.
In the 69kg bout James Riki (Coastal) defeated Leslie Edward (Kopia) while Jeslie Kapu stopped Sunil Ivoku (Atamo) in the second round.
The 60kg division saw Alois Kiapini (Buin) outlast Douglas Kerehana (Black Trackers – Buka) on points while in the 69kg Channel Maita (Atamo) bowed down to Jason Kapenu (Kopia).


05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Youngsters hailed as champs
By KILA NAO

Energetic young girls from the Autonomous region of Bougainville have reaped the rewards through sheer hard training when they clinched the U15 and U19 in the PNG women’s rugby 7’s tournament played at the weekend in Port Moresby.
Both teams displayed speed and power against their more fancied Port Moresby opponents just to show their class in the muddy patches.
The U15’s ran havoc against Port Moresby International School to win 15-9 while the U19 side beat the same school 10-5
AROB RFU president, Peter Tsiamalili junior said: "We take this opportunity as the inaugural Cup winners of both U15 and U19 to acknowledge God who through him all things are possible.
"Our Pacific In Union manager and mentor Kelly Havara has proven his passion and dedication of preaching this game has rip its reward. These young women have not only stolen the hearts of the spectators in Port Moresby but they have proven the Minister of Sports Justin Tkachenko has invested well with the K100,000 to the PIU schools program.
"But most of all the girls are the ones that made a big difference today. The value of rugby was displayed by these young women and it is a moment in history for the island and the future of women rugby union is exciting and we love our Island rugby," he said.
The board of education on Bougainville and the teachers in the six schools piloting the program deserve praise for the support.
In the senior matches, Spartans defeated Chiefs 15-10 to win the cup while Port Moresby sister beat Madang 7-5 in the plate and Nova injected Barbarians 15-5 in the bowl finals.

05.03.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

Panguna officials turned away from two village visits
by ramunickel

Dansi Oearupeu

Poisoned Kavarong River

Panguna Landowners Association (PLA) officials were told to leave at two village sites in Panguna whilst carrying out a social survey. The survey undertaken by PLA was to gather views from the mine impact communities regarding the mine reopening. The two places were Upper Tailings Mine Lease Area and Paruparu. The team led by Michael Pariu (pictured below); were told to leave as the communities did not want to deal with the landowners association.

Instead, the officials were reminded to address the environmental destruction caused by the mine. Dolorose Sisia, a local and landowner from the Upper tailings Lease Area told the team at the meeting that if BCL can restore the land and water back to its pristine condition, then they (PLA) can come and ask the people of their opinions, otherwise the PLA should not waste time seeking address on an issue that is not in the interest of the people they represent.
“We are still feeling the effects of the damages caused by the pollution; on top of that the trauma of the crisis is still fresh in our minds and hearts” implied an angry Mrs. Sisia.
Villagers in the upper tailings also stated that, since the waste outlet of the mine runs through their land, the association should not talk about the reopening; rather the landowners association should look ways to fix the damage done by the chemical pollution. “
The reality is we live in a poisoned environment, how could these representatives not see the dangers faced by their people living in such conditions?” questioned Mrs. Sisia.
Villagers have also alleged that PLA has made a few submissions to the ABG and BCL regarding formalities towards reopening of the mine. The landowners association however, has not made public any details in regards to the claims so far. Villagers have expressed that the landowners association often ‘leave them in the dark’ and are never aware of the landowners association’s dealings.

05.03.2014
Source: Otago Daily Times - New Zealand

Hopes for TV in Bougainville early next year

A Dunedin man is set to bring the ''god'' of television to Bougainville.
Television producer Mark Strickson, of Dunedin, said Bougainville governor Joe Lera, who visited Dunedin recently, asked him to set up a television station in Bougainville.
Mr Strickson (54) said television had god-like status in Bougainville and would be key in uniting the fractured country.
The civil war had created a ''lost generation'' of people who could not read or write because of the lack of schooling during the armed conflict between Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
''The problem with Bougainville is, with no communications it's an incredibly fractured country and what television will do is unify the country as the governor can talk to everybody and that's hugely important so the people will know what's going on with the country and how it is changing.''
He hoped the digital station would be broadcasting a two-hour bulletin of pre-recorded local news and current affairs each day.
For the remaining on-air hours, the station would broadcast an international satellite feed, he said.
The biggest challenge would be staffing the station, he said.
A lack of skilled workers in Bougainville would most likely result in several Bougainville residents coming to Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin to learn the skills to work at a television station.
The station would need 14 staff and at least $1.7 million of Bougainville Government funding for set-up costs, he said.
Annual running costs of the station would be about $3 million.
If the funding was made available soon then the station could be transmitting a signal by early next year.
Hopefully, Otago Polytechnic would build a campus in Bougainville to educate the station's future staff, he said.
Polytechnic communications director Mike Waddell said a ''high-level'' memorandum of understanding between the polytechnic and the Bougainville Polytechnic College hads been signed but there were no plans for a Bougainville campus.

05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Air Niugini set to open office in Arawa this week
By ROMULUS MASIU

AIR Niugini sales and ticketing office in Arawa will open its doors to its clients of Central and South Bougainville this week, general manager for commercial Dominic Kaumu confirmed in Arawa yesterday.
Mr Kaumu, who flew in from Port Moresby and took the trip to Arawa, said the office will be fully operational with all travel requirements commencing this week with the help from Buka and Port Moresby offices.
“I am very confident that our clients will start to purchase their tickets at our Arawa sales and ticketing office this week,” Mr Kaumu told the Post-Courier.
Mr Kaumu said the Air Niugini Arawa team comprising of Martin Mola (project manager), Dulcie Volk (Arawa sales representative) and David Rupen (interline commercial) are already on the ground and will start selling tickets to the clients when all the necessities including phone lines and internet connections are in place.
Telikom officers in Arawa have already installed phone lines for internet connections.
Mr Kaumu said Air Niugini is very happy to set up the office in Arawa and provide the company’s much needed service to the people of Central and South Bougainville whereby, the clients won’t be traveling long distances and paying so much money just to go to Buka and buy their tickets.
Clients from mainland Bougainville, especially in Central and South Bougainville can now buy their tickets at Arawa’s sales office and go straight to the Buka airport and on their flights out of Bougainville,” Mr Kaumu said.
He said Air Niugini is proud to be one of the first state owned enterprises to set up office in Arawa apart from Post PNG upon the initiation of the national Government.
“I would like to thank our SoE partners, especially Post PNG and Telikom as we have our office set up in the Post PNG building,” he said.
The Arawa Air Niugini ticketing and sales office on phone numbers 70919460 or 77629790.


05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Siwai chiefs begin peace process
By ROMULUS MASIU

THE Siwai crisis mediation plan kicked off its reconciliation process at the weekend among all the clan members.
The Siwai crisis mediation plan proposes a five step process that begins with consensus build up in the individual clans of the Siwai leader victims and upward to a joint process to be followed by both the Siwai and Panguna stakeholders and finally with the recovery and burial of the remains of the victims.
This is the first step in a number of steps that will lead to the location of the missing leaders and the exhumation of their remains which will then be given to their families for proper burial.
The ceremony was facilitated by the Kisim Bel Kalsa na Kastom group, a community-based organisation involved in using appropriate traditional mechanisms to reconcile outstanding crisis related conflicts with funding support from the Panguna Peace Building Strategy (PPBS) of the ABG.
Messach Autahe, the “custom king” of Pei Mure Association, representing his brother “king Noah Musingku” of Tonu, led his Nukui Motunai sub-clan to reconcile with the other Nukui Motunai clan members led by William Motoi at Hire village.
The reconciliation is the first stage of addressing the Siwai crisis of 1991-1998 which inflicted divisions and civil war amongst the people of Siwai, leaving five Siwai leaders missing, presumably dead and their whereabouts still unknown to date.
The Siwai crisis was one of the major local civil wars of the 10 year Bougainville conflict during which some prominent Siwai leaders were apprehended and alleged to have been killed and buried in and around Panguna.
This all happened in the midst of the Bougainville crisis that also saw displacement and suffering of 80 percent of the Siwai population to the day of the cease-fire in 1998. The mistrust amongst the Siwai people is still evident today and hampers development initiatives for the area despite much reconciliation already undertaken with support from many organisations on Bougainville and abroad.
Mr Motoi and Mr Autahe who are the chiefs of the Nukui Motuna clan pledged to reconcile and unite as a first step so as a united clan and on behalf of their great clan leader the late Anthony Anugu, pursue a peaceful resolution of the Siwai crisis once and for all.


05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

ABG told to give priority to cocoa
By ROMULUS MASIU

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government must forget about mining and help small cocoa block holders revive their cocoa blocks, former ABG Member for South Nasioi Alfred Bakate said.

Mr Bakate said before the crisis, cocoa village farmers make a healthy K187 million in a year.
This excludes the big plantations like Numanuma, Toimanapu and Aropa, Mr Bakate said.
“Such millions are made by small village cocoa block owners alone, therefore I believe if ABG can concentrate on providing funding to small farmers who can revive and maintain their blocks, we can easily have such money and we won’t be looking at others to sustain us. Forget mining and work on cocoa blocks.”

Mr Bakate said cocoa should be ABG’s medium term development program while education should be the government’s long term program.
He said youths, especially 18 years and above, are becoming a liability to the ABG because they are not working and are roaming around aimlessly.
“When youths don’t work and they don’t feel that money in their pockets, they have negative mindset already. Mining is for big developments, it’s not for the benefit of individuals where they will have money in their pockets,” Mr Bakate said.
Mr Bakate who has served in the first ever ABG House of Representatives from 2005 to 2010 under the leadership of President Joseph Kabui, said he does not agree with the different factions on Bougainville, describing them as “those who chew up government budget” without any tangible developments taking place.
“We should completely do away with the factional groupings and stand united in Bougainville,” he said.
He believes that cocoa should be the starting point for economy on Bougainville as the region boasts the highest uneducated population in the country since after the conflict.
“The work for the uneducated population is at their cocoa blocks. If the government opens up mining, who will work, where the expertise…as a result other people is will come in and Bougainvilleans will become spectators on their own land thus creating misunderstanding that may lead to unrests again.
“We do not have expertise in mining such as engineers and so on but in cocoa sector we do have a lot of expertise, people have lived and grown with cocoa crops and everyone in the village whether they’ve attended school or not.”


05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Pipiro calls for cooperation

ME’EKAMUI Defence Force general Moses Pipiro at the weekend went to Domakung village in Roreinang in the South Nasioi Constituency of Central Bougainville to make peace and end sorrow with the families of a slain member of his Me’ekamui faction.
A big feast with food and more than 30 pigs were slaughtered to mark the occasion. His slain member was suspected of sorcery and killed allegedly by his own uncles. With the feast to end the sorrow, the suspects will be brought to justice with the help of the village chiefs for the law to take its own course.
Mr Pipiro urged all the people of Roreinang and Bouganiville as a whole to respect the rule of law and the government of the day which is ABG and its Members of Parliament. He reiterated Me’ekamui’s desire to work with the ABG for the betterment of Bougainville.


05.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Good Samaritans to the rescue

CONTINUOUS rainfall in South Bougainville has washed away food gardens in some of the villages. Most affected were the Mamarego and Mawaraka villages.
This was confirmed by Baba Council of Elders executive officer Luke Rorung. Arawa-based Good Samaritan Natural Disaster Volunteers (GSNDV) wasted no time buying bags of rice and handing them to Mr Rorung and the chiefs of Mamarego and Mawaraka villages. Mr Rorung on behalf of the people of the two affected villages thanked GSNDV for its timely help, saying that this is the first group to help the people of the two villages whose food gardens have been washed away by floods.
The volunteer organisation said it does not have alot of money but will continue to raise funds to help those who have been affected by natural disasters, mostly in rural areas of Bougainville.

04.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

LERA TOURING NZ
By Aloysius Laukai

The Regional member for Bougainville, JOE LERA and his First Secretary, SIMON KORAIKOVE are currently in New Zealand to sign the MOU with the University of Ortago for their Polytech training arrangement.
MR. KORAIKOVE told New Dawn FM from New Zealand yesterday that the Regional member was looking at some opportunities in which to link New Zealand and Bougainville in the education sector.
He said that their trip to New ZEALAND was a successful one in which the leader signed the MOU last Thursday and they are also looking at other areas of partnership.
MR. KORAIKOVE said that they would be returning to Bougainville tomorrow.
New Dawn FM understands that the first Fifteen students from Bougainville returned from the Ortago Polytech College last week.


04.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN CHURCH HEALTH SERVICE COMPLETES HIV AIDS TRAINING
By Joseph Morokana

Fifteen (15) Health Officers from United Church Health Services in Bougainville have just completed two weeks HIV/AIDS training in Provider Initiated Counseling and testing in Buka.
The training is part of the Church’s response to implement the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHS) which amongst other issues, aims to make access to HIV/AIDS services to everyone in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.
Mr Roman Pembi, HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator for the United Church of Papua New Guinea said - since 2012 the UCPNG was excluded from funding by National AIDS Council (NAC) and despites its’ exclusion, the Church was still carrying out HIV/AIDS Programs particularly in advocacy and setting HIV Counseling and Testing Sites.
“From 2010 – 2014, United Church of Papua New Guinea had conducted eight (8) PICT Training within the United Church Regions in Papua New Guinea and have trained 102 health personals to carry out the HCT Service. “He said.
He said the Church was utilizing the Health Officers with Provider-Initiated Counseling and testing ((PICT) skills to expand the HIV Counseling and Care Services right into rural areas, where the health facilities are established.
A total of fifteen (15) nurses from rural health facilities attended the six (6) days training at the Hahela Youth Centre on Buka Island. The Officers included, 2 nursing officers and 13 community Health Workers.
The officers represented the following health facilities: Tonu Health Centre in Siwai, Ruruvu Health Sub-Centre in Wakunai, Kekesu Health Sub- Centre in Tinputz, Skotolan Health Sub- Centre on Buka, Petats Aid Post on Buka, Tung Aid Post on Buka, Lehu Aid Post in Buin, Maisua Aid Post in Siwai, Siandaro Aid Post in Bana and Roreinang Aid Post in the Kieta Area.
Mr Pembi also said, the Laboratory Component for the PICT training from the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) will be held in April this year for the same participants to certify them to address the HIV/AIDS Issues in the Region.
“To strengthen the system we need to up skill the resource people and also improve the health facilities first and all the National Strategies can be implemented. The Churches (NGOs) are not implementing the emendated instruction as a Stack holder to feed the National Function, so all level of Government should take the ownership to improve in their own areas.” He said.
The Trainers of the PICT training were, Mrs. Martha Tarnong from the Regional HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator for New Guinea Islands Region, Steven Pokohi, former Bougainville AIDS Council Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) Officer. The Coordinators were Mr. Roman Pembi of the UCPNG HIV/AIDS and Mr Espan Garia of the UC Bougainville.
The coordinators have also extended their gratitude to the Autonomous Bougainville Governments’ Public Servant Minister, Honourable Joel Panam for sponsoring a trip for the officer to visit the Skotolan Health Centre in the West Coast Area of Buka Island on the weekend.

04.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

Water crisis looms from deforestation; alluvial mining
By Leonard Fong Roka

Water is a necessity of life, but today this resource as being ignorantly abused by many people as population growth and unsustainable practices cause harm or pollution to Bougainville’s water systems.
The main Bougainville Island is blessed with wild rivers but their daily volume, by observation, appears to be decreasing.
This has been affected by deforestation because of the increased demand for gardens to feed the growing population.
The forests preserve soil moisture which is the main source of our water cycle. Moisture builds to trickles, streams and then to the rivers we see and enjoy the moment we hear the brawling in the valley or the bushes.
There are certain signs today that show the rivers are not normal.
On Bougainville the rivers are naturally slow to flood because the forest absorbs a portion of the rain and it takes time for floods to cease since the forest will hold water for some time before it returns to normal.
Deforestation destroys this natural system causing abnormal river floods that build quickly from small amounts of rain and contain a high content of mud and other materials that can be very destructive.
Today very few of Bougainville’s river systems are unaffected and are mostly identifiable in the less populated areas in the west side of the island, such as Eivo, Torokina and a few other areas on the main mountain backbone of the island.
Another issue has been the alluvial gold mining that has affected water systems in some areas where water was once chaste.
In many areas of Central Bougainville, notably the village of Kupe, sources of water in the mountainous Crown Prince Range have been polluted with chemicals and mud from continual operations of gold panning and related settlement. The main village has now piped in water from safer distances as a result.
There is also a grave danger to the town populace of Arawa that heavily depends on the Bovong River that flows from the Kupe region.
Buka Islanders in the north are known to the rest of Bougainville as being very efficient and cautious users of water. This is Buka lacks plentiful sources of water because of its geographical make-up; to them, a bucket of tank water somehow can do the whole family kitchen cleaning.
Bougainvilleans have now a challenge to manage and preserve water for the generations to come.
With concerns over the resettlement of our Cateret Islanders, the rapid decline of the Choko/Siokau and other environmental problems, water management is another concern Bougainville must have and the leadership at regional government level should look into.
Addressing water problem in Bougainville must include education as well as addressing the physical issues of unsustainable and dangerous practices.


04.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville boys helping out
Words & Picture: ROMULUS MASIU

THESE boys from Damakoo village in the Dantanai area of Central Bougainville were busy building their fish pond when the Post-Courier caught up with them. During their spare time after school and on weekends, they help their father Cletus Namaara to build this fish pond, which they say will hold more than thousand different species of fish when completed.

03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Parliament to sit this week
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

Bougainville House of Representatives Speaker Andrew Miriki has issued a notice for parliament to meet this week.
Mr Miriki, after having consulted the vice president and Acting President Patrick Nisira, said the meeting which will be held tomorrow, will be the first sitting for this year.
He said his office has received information from the executive government that apart from the normal business of the House, there are important bills that will be passed also during this March sitting.
“I have full confidence in all the members to deal with matters before the House and that all matters will be dealt with successfully following the current procedures and practices of the Bougainville House of representatives,” said Mr Miriki.
The five recently elected constituency members including Fr Joseph Nabuai (Lule), Dominic Itta (Kongara), Thomas Keriri (Rau), Jerome Sawa (Peit) and Peter Sohia (Hagogohe) will also have the opportunity and privilege to fully participate in all the proceedings of the House.
They had initially attended last year’s budget session at the end of December.
Meanwhile, the procedure section of the ABG Parliament is planning to conduct a workshop for the five new members.


03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Nissan chiefs petition ABG
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Nehan Council of Elders (NCOE) on Nissan Island is calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to quickly address three outstanding issues affecting the delivery of services to the island.
These issues are contained in a petition that was supposed to have been presented to President John Momis about a fortnight ago during two important church celebrations that were held on the island.
These include payment of outstanding claims for the Nissan airport cleaning exercise, maintenance work to be carried out on the Dolengan wharf and the recall of their current ABG member Leo Hannett.
NCoE chairman Michael Reman told the Post-Courier recently in Nissan that on the first outstanding issue, the islanders are still owed K47,216 for the airport cleaning exercise which they did in 2010.
Mr Reman said all their pleas to the Bougainville administration to settle this payment have not been considered resulting in the petitioning the ABG government.
He said no airline company will be allowed to land at the airport unless the outstanding claim is paid.
On the Dolengan wharf issue, Mr Reman said this wharf is currently in a very bad state and urgently needs extensive work to be carried out on the aging wharf.
He said the ABG should priorities and allocate K2 million for the construction of the new wharf.
Apart from this, K200,000 should also be given to carry out the feasibility study and scope of works for the new wharf, he said.
Mr Reman said the islanders have missed out on many development projects because they did not having a strong voice in parliament, adding that they feel that their people have been neglected of their rights to be fully represented on the floor of parliament.
He said Mr Hannett is no longer fit to represent his people due to ill-health and old age therefore they urgently want a by-election to be held to elect a new representative who will represent them.


03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Aust naval vessels to visit Bougainville

THE HMAS Benalla, scheduled to arrive in Bougainville tomorrow.
TWO Royal Australian Naval vessels, HMAS Benalla and HMAS  Sherpparton are scheduled to arrive in Bougainville tomorrow. Autonomous Bougainville Government Acting President Patrick Nisira has assured his people this is no cause concern. The purpose of the visit is to conduct a hydrographical survey of the waters between Buka Island and Torokina in South-west Bougainville. Mr Nisira said the presence of the two vessels is part of a major exercise by the Australian Government to dispose of unexploded bombs and ammunition from World War II.
“The Australian Government’s assistance is in response to the ABG’s request from March 2013 to see to the complete disposal from these ordinances,” Mr Nisira said. Consultations between ABG, the Papua New Guinea and Austra-lian governments in June last year resulted in the commencement of Operation Render Safe in October of the same year with the Australian Defence Force doing an aerial survey of the charted waters. A team from the ADF has already visited the site last year to establish logistics and support requirements for the operation.
The Australian Navy’s visit will be the third phase of the preliminary preparations leading to the actual removal and disposal of unexploded ordinances which will begin in October of this year. Mr Nisira said the ships will   be a feature of Operation Render Safe to move supplies, equipment and personnel between Buka and Torokina that is why it is important to carry out the hydrographical survey to ensure the safe navigation of the vessels.
HMAS Benalla and Sherpparton will chart the depths of the water, mark any obstructions and determine suitable anchorage points for ships involved in the operation. The survey will also include examining the beach at Torokina to decide the best way to move equipment from the ships to onshore locations to strategic points of the operation. “The data gathered from this survey will be shared with the PNG National Maritime Safety.


03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Nisira warns against illegal currency
By Anthony Kaybing

ACTING President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Patrick Nisira has reaffirmed the ABG’s no-nonsense policy towards the aspirations of the so-called Bougainville kina. The illegal currency is sponsored by elusive failed money scheme boss Noah Misingku’s U-Vistract organisation, based in the heartland of South Bougainville. The Acting President supported the stand by Acting Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi and ABG Finance Minister Albert Punghau in distancing the ABG from the scandalous currency.
Mr Nisira said that use of the illicit currency is against the monetary policies of Papua New Guinea and is also a serious crime. “It must be understood that there is no such thing as the International Bank of Mekamui operating in Bougainville,” Mr Nisira said. He said that the only banks allowed to operate in Bougainville are BSP and Nationwide Micro Bank which are based in Buka and Arawa. Mr Nisira urged the people of Bougainville to refrain from using the illegal currency, knowns as Bougainville kina, or BVK for short, as it is worthless and will not be accepted by business houses in Bougainville.
“The PNG Government and ABG must work together to put an end to this fraudulent act to protect the ordinary people from being deceived into investing their hard earned savings into this scheme,” Mr Nisira added. The scandal created by the BVK has also forced Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to propose the introduction of stringent measures to counter the number foreigners illegally entering Bougainville. The proposal by Mr O’Neill will regulate the number of foreigners moving into Bougainville but gives consideration to those who have a genuine reason to be in the region.
This move has also been welcomed by the ABG as Bougainville still defers all immigration matters to the Papua New Guinea Government. Mr Nisira says the move by the Prime Minister is a timely one as this will now put in place control measures that will help with the progress of Bougainville and stop any unwarranted moves to destabilize the Autonomous Bougainville

03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Government’s credibility.World Vision taking the lead on Bougainville

The learning centre at Tarara. INSET (TOP): Mr Boguslawski inspecting one of the tanks at Pipipaia. INSET (BOTTOM): Mr Harrison and other guests being accorded the traditional tamatama ritual at Tarara. According to traditional belief, this ritual is performed on first timers to an area to scare away the spirits that may have accompanied the visitors.

THE famous saying, ‘water is life’ is a factual information because water can have an adverse effect in the lives of the people. The accessibility and presence of a clean and safe water for drinking, cooking and washing will also lead to the presence of a clean, safe and healthy community. An area where there is no clean water will certainly contribute to the infestation of different kinds of diseases, which would then have an undesirable lifestyle on the inhabitants in that particular area. Clean water is associated with health and hygiene, the other two important aspects in a person’s life.Without the presence of a decent healthy standard and hygiene in the villages would lead to all kinds of sicknesses and problems facing the people.
In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, there are many different organisations both government and NGOs that are involved in trying to address the water and sanitation needs of the people. One of these organisations that are heavily involved in trying to address this issue is World Vision. Since the establishment of their office in Buka towards the end of the 1990s and early 2000, World Vision has been playing a leading role in helping the people. The presence of World Vision in Bougainville is in line with section 35 of the Bougainville which calls for partnership with churches, NGOs and other organisations in relation to the provision of services to the people of Bougainville. One of the main programs that the organisation has been implementing in Bougainville is the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project.
This program is in line with World Vision’s goal of improving people’s access to clean and safe water and sanitation as well as well as the improvement of hygiene behaviors in the benefiting communities. The WASH program has no doubt greatly improved the standard of living of the benefiting communities. One of the early benefiters of the WASH program in Buka is Novah village in the Tonsu constituency. Situated about five kilometers out of Buka town, the Novah villagers were the proud recipients of a water supply project which brought clean water close to their doorsteps, thus saving them from walking long distances to fetch water from the nearest creeks. World Vision has also been installing water tanks in many villages in Buka and other areas of mainland Bougainville where water accessibility is very hard. Apart from the WASH program, World Vision also has an education program where it has been helping out in the construction of classrooms as well as the training of teachers for the early childhood education program that they have piloted in parts of North and Central Bougainville.
The organisation is currently implementing its WASH programs in five communities in Central Bougainville.About a week ago saw World Vision launching three of the projects that they had implemented in two of the benefiting communities in Central Bougainville.The first ceremony was held last Wednesday at Pipipaia in the Asigoro area of Wakunai District where World Vision had supplied 17 water tanks and helped in the construction of 53 ventilated improvement pit (VIP) toilets for the villagers.Those present during this historic event held at Itae primary school included the acting President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Patrick Nisira, World Vision Country Director Curt von Boguslawski, World Vision Pacific Team leader Myles Harrison, other senior World Vision officers and the Asigoro people who were the proud recipients of the project.
Representatives of the New Zealand-based Gisborne Trust, who have been involved in financing these programs in Bougainville were also present and really appreciated the fact that their financial assistances are contributing to the improvement of the people’s livelihoods. The celebration was also spectacular following the involvement of a traditional singsing kaur group from Toisiko in the mountainous areas of the district. This group had to walk down steep mountains and cross fast-flowing rivers before arriving at the school area to join in the celebrations. Featuring in this group also were young Upe boys, who had decided to leave their sacred camps and join their relatives in celebrating the arrival of a project which will no doubt bring positive changes in people’s lives.
Speaking before the launching the project, World Vision Country Director, Curt von Boguslawski, said he hoped that this project would bring positive changes into the communities.He then reminded the Asigoro people that this project was owned by them and not World Vision so they should take ownership of it, before adding that the project had come about following numerous pleas from their leaders. Mr Boguslawski said the organisation was only partnering with them to have this project implemented in their area.He also called on the people to understand the responsibilities that come with this project.
Mr Nisira also supported Mr Boguslawski saying this project will bring benefits in the lives of the Asigoro people, before thanking World Vision and those who had contributed to the successful implementation of the project. He also acknowledged the Gisborne Trust for financing such projects in Bougainville, and later appealed to the people to take ownership and look after the project.Mr Nisira later revealed that ABG has allocated large sum of funding towards improving water and sanitation projects in Bougainville, saying it was now up to ABG administration to implement this program.Vice Chairman of Rau Council of Elders, Thomas Kasi and village chief Amos Vokivate thanked World Vision and the financiers of the program for providing the communities with water tanks.They said this project will have a great impact in their lives.
Chief Kasi was the proudest among his people as he was responsible for visiting the World Vision Office in Arawa and pleading to them on numerous occasions to come implement the project in his area. Asigoro women’s representative, Nancy Retoviri, also thanked World Vision for the project, before adding that the days where women had to go down the steep mountains to fetch water at the creeks for drinking and cooking have finally come to an end. She added that this project will have a great impact in their lives. Other community leaders also thanked World Vision for coming to their aid through this humanitarian project.
Mr Kasi later called on World Vision and ABG to implement similar project in other parts of Wakunai so that other people in his district can also have access to clean water for drinking and cooking. The next day saw World Vision launching a similar project in the Tarara area of Manetai. The Tarara people are proud beneficiaries of 11 water tanks and 52 VIP toilets.The supply of these water tanks came as a real blessing for the Tarara community as they will no longer have to collect water from a small dirty creek that flows next to their village for drinking and cooking. The second project that was also launched there is the child learning centre for those kids that have yet to reach the required age to attend elementary education. The villagers were challenged by Mr Boguslawski to take ownership of the two projects as it was owned by them and not World Vision.“It is your project, your initiative and you need to be taking care of these projects for the benefit of all of you including the future generations to come,” he said. Mr Nisira also delivered the same message that he delivered at Itae primary school. Mr Nisira who is also the ABG Minister for Health also gave a brief update on some of the progress that the ABG has taken to address the water and sanitation needs of Bougainvilleans, before adding that it was now up to the Bougainville Administration officials carry out these programs. He then thanked the community for inviting and accepting World Vision into their village to implement these programs, before advising the senior officer with the Bougainville Health Division who was also traveling with the delegation to ensure that two more water tanks are given to the Tarara people.
Senior Bougainville education officer, Mrs Mary Remi thanked all those who had played a part in the successful completion of the two projects. She later called on the teachers at the learning centre to teach the children on hygiene procedures.“It is our responsibility, as teachers, as parents to continue to educate our children so that they continue to live a clean and healthy life, so that they grow up and contribute to the development of the community and the region as a whole.She added that these projects will greatly improve the living standard of the Tarara community.Community leaders present thanked World Vision and the donor funders for choosing their village to implement these two projects.


03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

ABG urged to deal with retrenchment
By WINTERFORD TOREAS

THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has been challenged to come up with ways to address the vacuum created in the Bougainville administration and other service delivery organisations following the retrenchment of public servants. While raising the call recently, vice president of Bougainville Public Employees Association (PEA) branch, Patrick Heromate said these retrenchment exercises have greatly affected many people. Mr Heromate gave an example of the recent retrenchment of 68 ageing public servants, saying their departure must not be taken lightly by ABG.
“The replacement of these officers will take some years. Recruitment of new young officers will take time as well gaining experience by these new recruits will take 3 to 5 years,” Mr Heromate said. He said the last major recruitment drive by the Bougainville administration some years ago had recruited young and inexperienced officers. He said their inability to perform their duties and responsibilities had resulted in a large drop in the levels of service delivery by the administration.
“The quality of services at the headquarter and the district levels has deteriorated. We have also recruited people who don’t have the qualification on the job they are employed on,” he said. “We have recruited inexperienced people with certificates awarded by training institutions that are conducting two weeks to three months duration without practical experience.” He said the exercise was a “disaster” in some areas like in health.
“The rural health services in the remote areas where aidpost orderlies were posted, we have retrenched these health service providers without considering the down time period,” Mr Heromate said. “Today we have over 60 closed aid posts that have served the people for many years. “These aidposts served people well as they were located in strategic locations close to the communities. People walked to receive services closer than what we have today.”
He said the closure of these aidposts had resulted in the sick people including the old aged, mothers and children having to walk long distances, some even taking days and nights to reach the nearest health centre. “This is because we have retrenched APOs for their old age when their services were still needed. But we have not replaced them,” he said. “The planners of the provisions of the public goods provided by the government have not done their job causing disaster in the communities.”
Mr Heromate is also calling on the government to consider and appreciate the contributions made by these retrenched officers. He said currently the government does not have initiatives to reward those officers who had spent most of their time delivering government services to the people. “It is a long standing culture for the government to retrench and retire officers from its workforce without considering and appreciating the services provided by these officers,” he said.  “I am calling on the government to get organised and start providing welfare benefits for its retired workers.”


03.03.2014
Source: Post-Courier

Law sector funds projects in Bougainville
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS

THE Law and Justice Sector program in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is funding some tangible projects in the region.
Acting chief executive officer of Law and Justice Ephraim Eminoni said projects that have been earmarked for implementation are building infrastructures in Buka, Arawa, Buin and Mabiri.
A contract for these developments has been awarded by AusAID to Pacific Building Contractors (PDC), with work already starting on some of the building projects.
The projects include a single-quarter eight-room men’s dormitory and 12-room women’s dormitory for the police training unit at Hutjena, and another dormitory for police to be constructed at Kokopau and Sohano Island.
Apart from this, a four bedroom residential unit for the resident national court judge and a three bedroom house for the magisterial court registrar will also be built.
A staff house for the Public Solicitor and police as well as two dormitories for police will be built in Arawa, while two dormitories for police will be constructed in Buin, together with two houses for the district court magistrates.
Mr Eminoni, who is also the ABG special projects liaison officer, said a Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre for young offenders below the age of 18 years will also be built at Mabiri.
This centre will boast a staff house, an abolition block and a classroom for the juveniles.
A building for the Community Based Corrections will also be constructed in Arawa under this LJSP program.


03.03.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

Bougainville Copper Dines Out on PM’s Visit to Bougainville
by ramunickel

Here is how Bougainville Copper opens its preliminary annual report released last week:
“The historic visit in January 2014 to previous no go areas on mainland Bougainville by PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, the first by a serving Prime Minister in fifteen years, has generated a wave of conciliatory sentiment among many stakeholder groupings previously unwilling to declare an end to long held hostilities”.
“Bougainville Copper Limited is encouraged by this new spirit of engagement ... Positive dialogue between stakeholders including the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the National Government of PNG, landowners, Bougainville communities, ex‐combatants and BCL continues to advance the prospect of re‐opening the mine".
While the media contingent got wrapped up in the moment back in January, more clear headed and accurate elements called it out for what it was, a PR mission. Here is how PNG Exposed framed the PM’s Bougainville sojourn:
“O’Neill’s visit has been portrayed by a pliable media contingent as a historic act of reconciliation between PNG and Bougainville; the breaking of arrows. ‘Why here’, ‘why now’, are not words any one dares utter. But utter they should.
For the past three years the ABG has made its development strategy clear – the sell-off of Bougainville’s marine, timber and mineral resources to foreign investors ... But there is one problem niggling at the President, ‘stability’. If foreign investors are to be wooed, they need to be able to convince creditors that they are not about to park their funds in a black hole ... Enter Prime Minister O’Neill. With concerns being increasingly raised about Bougainville’s stability as it approaches its independence referendum, O’Neill and Momis have entered a pact of convenience.
It needs to be said O’Neill is not hell bent on keeping Bougainville – he will respect the referendum decision – however, the PM certainly does not want an independent or autonomous Bougainville being a financial albatross around PNG’s neck for years to come...
Momis and O’Neill might not like each other (!!), but they know they need each other.
If PNG is to be rid of the financial albatross, O’Neill believes he must assure the international community that whatever the outcome of the referendum, PNG will act as a mature friend of Bougainville. On the other hand, Momis has bought the AusAid mantra and thinks that only the wide-scale sell off of Bougainville’s resources will establish an economic future for his island, so Momis needs O’Neill to act as a mature guarantor foreign investors can believe in.
These are not necessarily well thought out or well supported strategies, indeed they may be the quickest route to wrack and ruin; but it explains the recent odd behaviour of Momis and O’Neill, who are what the kids call these days, ‘frenemies’”.
The clear-headed realists got it right, it would seem.


03.03.2014
Source: Fairfax NZ News quoted by PNG Attitude

The beauty of a life in amiable Arawa
by Philippa Robinson

I MOVED to Arawa, Bougainville, on a 12-month Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) assignment.
I am library management adviser at the new public library in Arawa - a joint initiative between the Bougainville Heritage Foundation (based in Arawa) and the Bougainville Library Trust (based in Wellington, chaired by Lloyd Jones, author of Mister Pip).
My objectives were to set up the haus stori (library) and cultural centre alongside my local counterpart. We are now working on getting writing workshops, arts and crafts workshops and an oral history project up and running.
I love the beauty. In Arawa we are lucky to have mountains on one side and the sea on the other. The market and produce here is fantastic and the people are wonderful - very friendly and kind. Frustrations are that things get done when they get done! The systems do work, it just takes time.
Day-to-day living here is very cheap. The locally produced goods are very affordable. However, anything that is imported can be expensive.
On weekends I walk into the mountains for river swims, or cycle out to Kieta Wharf for a swim and snorkel in the sea. There are many smaller islands off Arawa so we have occasional day-trips for fishing, swimming, and exploring.
The food here is amazing! Typical tropical fare: pawpaw, mango, coconut, local greens and fish are all staples. My new favourite food is the galip nut. These are about the size of an almond and as versatile.
The best way to get around is by walking or cycling. There are local buses which travel to villages outside of the main town but there is little or no transport within town. Public transport on the weekends is limited and irregular so having a bike is best.
In Arawa, there are small trade stores on every street and two main supermarkets. It is often a topic of conversation as to what is new, or missing, from the shops. When a shipment comes in there are usually text messages from the volunteers/expats letting each other know which store has flour, which has milk, etc...
Nightlife? Quiet knock-offs on the balcony at 5pm with other Kiwis/expats, evening strolls to chirps of "good night" from everyone you meet and the odd rave/boxing match at 3Rocks - the only bar in town!

My favourite part of Arawa is the hauswin (veranda) at the library - I love sitting here looking across the road to the park and watching people go by, or the students from the neighbouring high school do their work under the coconuts palm.
And the river - the water is clear and cold and the bush is lush and green, it reminds me a little of rivers in New Zealand.
Arawa public libraryIf you like a hot, humid climate any time of year to visit is good. Try and time your visit for the Buka and Goroka Shows in August and September. These are both great for seeing cultural performances and for buying local arts and crafts.
Remember that Bougainville is considered a post-conflict society, but don't let it put you off. Have a look at the new tourism website, created with help by another VSA volunteer: www.bougainville.travel.
Tee-up a hiking trip with Rotokas Ecotourism Group. The company covers several hiking tracks including Numa Numa, Mt Balbi (Bougainville's highest peak), Mt Baganar, Lake Billy Mitchell and the Benua caves (some of the largest caves in the southern hemisphere).
This group is locally owned and operated and is set up to ensure all members of the community in the trekking area benefit from tourism.


03.03.2014
Source: Bougainville24

Retirement hard work for entrepreneurial nurses
By Tevu Tenasi

The Arawa duplex shared by Sr Therese and Sr Lydia.

Some look forward to retirement to rest, but for two entrepreneurial nurses in Central Bougainville retirement from the public service is an opportunity to explore new careers.
Sr Lydia, who hails from Rumba village within Kieta district, and her friend Sr Therese Kombuta had until recently been nurses at the Arawa Health Centre.
With the first ceasefire of the Bougainville Crisis in March 1990 the two ladies made their way to Arawa town.
The eventual reestablishment of the vital government services, such as primary healthcare, led them to Arawa Health Centre where they found employment as nurses.
The duo found residence in a Bougainville Copper Limited duplex where they put in hard to work to get the place clean and clear of the overgrown bushes.
Now, after many years working as nurses, the two retired from public healthcare and each set up their own businesses to support their families.
Observing the high demand from public servants and other people looking for rental accommodation, Sr Lydia converted her apartment into a rental property.
“With my newly constructed guest house back in the village, I also have something to earn after retrenchment,” Sr Lydia said.
Sr Therese moved into a private clinic to extend her long career as a medical professional.
As well as being a nurse, Sr Therese Kombuta is also a skilled and registered midwife.
“As a retired public health professional, I operate a private clinic which has been sustaining me for 8 years now and I am happy with that,” said Sr Therese.
These two beautiful ladies still get together and exchange ideas of how to expand their businesses.
They no longer fear of what lies ahead, determination has got them this far and will get them wherever they want to go.

01.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BUILDING GOING OUT
By Aloysius Laukai

Buka town is running out of land because most of the land are traditional land making it impossible for much progress.
But despite these problems Bougainville companies are still determined to move on as you can see this new building for Reasons Bar and Grill.

They are building on water


01.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CONTRACTOR NOT HAPPY WITH TENDERS BOARD
By Alex Munme

A Contractor in Buka is not happy with Bougainville Tenders Board for awarding projects to the same contractors in Buka.

Henry Onsa (pictured) expressed this concern while speaking with New Dawn FM today in Buka.
The same companies are winning contracts and he is questioning if there is a ten percent involved in the awarding of contracts, he asked.
Mr. Onsa said other contractors do not have the chance to bid for projects. He said under the peace agreement Bougainville businesses must be awarded contracts in Bougainville.
Provincial Works is blaming Bougainville Tenders Board for deciding the contract awards but this is not true as they do not know unless Provincial Works makes the recommendations, he said.
He is also asking if the decision to award future projects under the development partners like UNDP or European Union could be made in Bougainville and not outside.
Mr. Onsa said Politics must be kept out as it hinders business activities to progress.


01.03.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

AUSTRALIAN NAVY SHIPS START WORK
By Aloysius Laukai

Two Royal Australian Navy ships today commenced hydrographical surveys of Autonomous Region of Bougainville waters between Buka and Torokina to support Operation Render Safe 2014, to be held in Torokina, Bougainville.
Operation Render Safe, conducted by the Australian Defence Force on behalf of the Australian Government, is a regional program to remove unexploded bombs, weapons and ammunition remaining from World War Two.
Operation Render Safe occurs regularly in the South West Pacific. The most recent Operations removed explosive remnants of war from Solomon Islands in 2013, and from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea in 2011.

The Australian Government is conducting Operation Render Safe in Torokina in 2014 at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
The Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS BENALLA (pictured above) and HMAS SHEPPARTON (pictured below) arrived in Torokina today (28 February). They will sail up and down the coast line to chart the depths of the water, mark any underwater obstructions and determine suitable anchorage points for ships involved in Operation Render Safe. This will enable safe navigation for ships involved in Operation Render Safe. Survey operations are scheduled to cease on 27 April.

The survey would also include examining the beach at Torokina to determine its capacity to handle equipment moved from ships offshore to onshore locations to support the Operation.
The ships will also travel to Kimbe, West New Britain, and Gizo, Solomon Islands during this time to refuel before continuing survey operations.
Royal Australian Navy Ships will be a feature of Operation Render Safe to move supplies, equipment and personnel between Buka and Torokina.
The survey information would be shared with the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to provide accurate charts of Autonomous Region of Bougainville waters.

01.03.2014
Source: PNG Attitude

RAN hydrographic survey charts Bougainville waters
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
PORT MORESBY

TWO Royal Australian Navy ships yesterday began hydrographical surveys of waters between Buka and Torokina in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to support Operation Render Safe 2014.
Operation Render Safe, conducted by the Australian Defence Force on behalf of the Australian Government, is a regional program to remove unexploded bombs, weapons and ammunition remaining from World War II.
The operation occurs regularly in the South West Pacific. The most recent tasks removed explosive remnants of war from Solomon Islands in 2013 and from Rabaul in 2011.
The Australian Government is conducting Operation Render Safe in Torokina in 2014 at the request of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Benalla and HMAS Shepparton arrived in Torokina yesterday. They will sail along the coastline to chart water depths, mark any underwater obstructions and determine suitable anchorage points for ships involved in Operation Render Safe.
The survey will also include examining the beach at Torokina to determine its capacity to handle equipment moved from ships offshore to onshore locations to support the operation.
Survey operations will continue in the area until 27 April. The ships will travel to Kimbe and Gizo, Solomon Islands, during this time to refuel.
Survey information will be shared with the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to provide accurate charts of Autonomous Region of Bougainville waters.