News 05.2014.1
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15.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MIRINGTORO STATEMENT FOOLISH, IGNORANT AND MISLEADING SAYS MOMIS
By Aloysius Laukai
President of the ABG, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS today described claims made in a recent Press Statement by the National Member for Central Bougainville as Foolish, Ignorant and misleading.
The President was responding to this week’s claims by JIMMY MIRINGTORO’s statement with wrongly attacked ABG President MOMIS as pushing for BCL to re-open the Panguna mine and has not listened to the wishes of the people on the ground.
MIRINGTORO also claimed that BCL will offload all its shares to the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT and also saying that the ABG legal Adviser, TONY REGAN was recently engaged as legal consultant to draft the ABG Mining law and had links with RIO TINTO BCL’s parent company.
The Member also said that the Legal Adviser had meddled in Bougainville Affairs by advising on Bougainville’s Mining law.
President Momis said that the claims by MIRINGTORO were completely wrong and questioned if he knew anything of Bougainville’s history in which President Momis was a consistent critic of BCL and its treatment to the people of Bougainville.
He said that as the current ABG President, he had examined other options for the re-opening of the Panguna Mine but the leaders of the mine-leased landowners preferred the devil they knew and not a new devil.
At the same time the ABG is aware that under international law PNG and the ABG cannot completely ignore BCL’s existing legal rights.
The President said that MIRINGTORO’s claim that MOMIS said that BCL will offload all its shares to the PAPUA NEW GUINEA Government is also not true as he had advised PRIME MINISTER PETER O’NEILL against any National Government’s move to repeal the Mining(BOUGAINVILLE COPPER AGREEMENT) act or take over RIO TINTO shares in BCL.
He said that it was essential all decisions about the Panguna mine are made only by ABG on behalf of the people of Bougainville.
On the claims of engaging TONY REGAN recently, President MOMIS said that MR REGAN has done legal work for successive governments since 1981.
He said that he was one of the main legal advisers to the combined Bougainville leaders in the negotiations for the Bougainville Peace Agreement and on the making of the Bougainville Constitution.
President Momis said that since the establishment of the ABG, Presidents JOSEPH KABUI and JAMES TANIS engaged him and again he has been asked to help with the ABG Mining law because of his long involvement in Bougainville constitution and legal issues and he once taught Mining Law at the University of Papua New Guinea.
He said that the aim of the ABG is to make sure we have the best possible advice.
The ABG President also said that the ABG is entirely satisfied that MR. REGAN has no links of any kind with RIO TINTO as if he had such links the ABG would immediately get rid of him.
He said that the allegation that MR. REGAN is interfering with Bougainville Affairs by advising ABG Mining Law is ridiculous as MR. REGAN is only acting on the directions of the ABG.
President Momis said that the work of Mr Regan is not limited to Mining as he works on so many other legal matters for the ABG including advising on our Council of Elders act and even the drafting of the MOU with NBC which MR. MIRINGTORO praised when he signed it recently.
He said that the call for MR. REGAN to be deported is shameful and shows appalling ignorance of the requirements of PNG LAW.
The President also said that if the member was not happy with the ABG and its policy it must not attack its advisers but instead talk to him as the ABG President of his cabinet colleagues.
He said that MR. MIRINGTORO is one of several people who at different times in the past two or three years tried to ignore the wishes of the landowners and re-open the Panguna mine using companies other than BCL and questioned whether he was now attacking the ABG because he fears that such plans are threatened by the President making it clear to the Prime Minister that all decisions about the future of Panguna will only be made by the ABG.
15.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE PRIORITY OF THE O’NEILL GOVERNMENT
By Aloysius Laukai
The Secretary of the Department of Personal Management, JOHN KALI says that Bougainville is one of the priorities of the O’Neill Government.
He made these remarks at the launching of the Bougainville Public Service in Buka this morning.
MR. KALI said that as the secretary of the personal management, he was tasked two years ago to work on the program to make sure Bougainville had its own public service which we are launching today.
He said that the Minister, SIR PUKA TEMU was happy at this achievement but could not make it to this launching due to the current parliament session.
MR. KALI said that after the launching, the responsibility and the accountability of the Bougainville Public Service will now be vested on the Chief Secretary and the secretaries and the Ministers of the ABG.
He thanked the Acting Chief Secretary, CHRIS SIRIOSI who has done a tremendous work in working with officers from the Department of Personal Management in the last seven months to deliver to the people of Bougainville.
MR. KALI said that he believes with the ABG in control of its own public service the people will see real change in the delivery of government services to the people of Bougainville.
15.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
GET BACK THE CULTURE STARTS TOMORROW
By Aloysius Laukai
The two-days GET BACK THE CULTURE will officially kick off in MONOITU tomorrow.
The cultural show organized by the people of Siwai has attracted cultural groups from Buin and Siwai to participate at the show.
The GET BACKTHE CULTURE show is aimed at training the young people to learn about their culture and to make them involve in activities such as the Arts and crafts which the people of Siwai are famous of.the CEO of the Bougainville Tourism Division, LAWRENCE BELLEH and his team left for the show this afternoon.
The show will end on Friday.
15.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville's Momis - no reason to ban academic
The President of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville, John Momis, says there is no reason why an Australian academic should be blacklisted and removed from the autonomous province.
Earlier this week the national MP for Central Bougainville, Jimmy Miningtoro, called for the Australian National University's Anthony Regan to be banned.
Mr Regan has worked for the Bougainville Government for many years, most recently on the draft mining law.
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Mr Miningtoro says Mr Regan has links to mining companies - claims both the academic and President Momis dismiss.
The MP also accused him of not consulting widely enough on the mining law.
But Mr Momis says he wants Mr Regan to stay on.
"There are many other people that have come to Bougainville through the back door - some of whom Miningtoro knows, [who] should be blacklisted. Tony Regan has a track record that speaks for itself. Tony Regan qualifies to work here as long as we need him."
The President of Papua New Guinea's Bougainville, John Momis.
15.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Academic says Bougainville MP wrong on mining claims
An Australian academic who advises the autonomous government in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville has dismissed claims he has ties to mining companies.
The claims were made by the MP for Central Bougainville, Jimmy Miningtoro, who says the academic, Anthony Regan, should be removed from the province.
Mr Miningtoro says there has not been enough commmunity consultation on the draft mining law that Mr Regan has been involved with.
And he claims Mr Regan has links to Rio Tinto and Bougainville Copper Ltd.
But Mr Regan says he has never been involved with these companies or any mining operator.
"No links of any kind. I have no shares in any companies. I have never done any consulting work or any paid work for any mining company, including BCL or Rio Tinto, and it would be a gross breach of my duties as a lawyer and an advisor to the Bougainville Government, if I were to have any such links."
Anthony Regan also says there have been widespread community consultations over the draft mining law.
15.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Dinghy business booms in Buka
By Pauline Karalus
Bougainville is composed of three main regions, the north, central and south, however the main centre of Bougainville since the crisis has been Buka which is located in the Northern region.
There are two main islands catering all these three regions. The northern region is found in Small Buka and a small portion at the north Big Buka, mainland Bougainville. The rest of Big Buka is considered to be the central and southern region.
The southern and central Bougainvilleans travel by ten seaters and landcruisers to the tip of Big Buka in order to access to services such as the hospitals, banks and stores.
Big Buka is separated from Small Buka by a small channel, the Buka Passage, and in order for people to get to from side to the other it is just a 2 or 3 minute ride by dinghy.
The dinghy fares differ depending on age; an adult fare is K2 one way, teenager is K1 one way and kids pay 30t, 40t or 50t depending on their age groups.
The dinghy transport system is a booming business for people who did not have the chance to get an education.
They can make up to K500 each day due to increasing population around the town area.
The skippers are always happy with their work taking their passengers to their destinations.
There are always some dinghies operating at any time of the day or night. They play the role of ambulance, providing the important service of transporting sick patients from either the mainland, Sohano or any of the other islands.
Sometimes they deliver passengers to dances held at either Kenny’s Hall or at other clubs.
Most young businessmen start from scraps like selling buai (betel nut) or spear rolls, saving enough money to establish a dinghy businesses and then hopefully build a shop.
These young men provide an important service to the people of Bougainville and shows how smart Bougainvillians are at making the best out their lives, even given limited opportunities
14.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS ON BOUGAINVILLE PUBLIC SERVICE
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President CHIEF DR.JOHN MOMIS says the launch of the Bougainville Public Service is something that needs celebrations.
Speaking at the Launching of the Bougainville Public Service Management and Administration services in Buka, President MOMIS said that for Bougainville to control its delivery of services it must have its own Public service .
He said that this took tough negotiations between the ABG and the National Government as the National government saw the release of the Public Service was actually removing its national sovereignty from Bougainville.
But after negotiations it was finally agreed and he thanked the Department of Personnel Management for heading the National government team to finally come to today's launching.
14.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Elders get role in Bougainville administration
The autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville plans to give the Councils of Elders a key role in overseeing the public service.
Bougainville is launching its own public service today as the handing down of powers under the Bougainville Peace Agreement picks up pace.
The chief administrator, Chris Siriosi, says it is something for the province to be proud of and comes after two years of preparation.
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Photo: supplied
He says it will mean more effective delivery of services to the grassroots and there will be accountability to the system of local level government.
Mr Siriosi says the Councils of Elders will have a key role.
"We want Council of Elders to be responsible for monitoring and compliance with standards, public service standards here in Bougainville. That is something that is a bit more long term but we intend to start work on that immediately."
The chief administrator in Bougainville, Chris Siriosi
14.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville launching own public service
The chief administrator in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville says the launch of its own public service today will greatly benefit locals
Running its own public service is a cornerstone of the Bougainville Peace Agreement but Port Moresby has, until now, not handed down the powers because it had deemed the province lacked the capacity.
Chris Siriosi says the province has been laying the groundwork for today's development for the past two years.
He says it is something to be proud about and will mean improved services for Bougainvilleans.
"As far as I am concerned I think it will mean bringing public services right down to the grass roots level and making delivery of service much more effective and accountability to the system of local level government here in Bougainville."
Bougainville's chief administrator, Chris Siriosi.
14.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Locals kill suspected sorcerer
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
POLICE in Bougainville have reported another sorcery-related killing which took place last week in the Bana District of South Bougainville.
According to the acting head of the Bougainville Police Service, Chief Superintendent Paul Kamuai, the suspect was severely tortured before being killed by some villagers from the area.
Chief Supt Kamuai said three other suspected sorcerers were being held captive by the disgruntled villagers who were armed with firearms.
One of those held captive is the son of the deceased and a member of the Community Auxiliary Police (CAP) from the Bana area.
Mr Kamuai said two of the captives were released to a team of policemen led by the Central Bougainville police commander, Inspector Januarius Vosivai, who went to the area to assess the situation last week.
He said one of them was taken to the Arawa hospital to receive medical treatment on injuries he sustained while the other was brought to a safe house.
Two firearms were also handed by the villagers to Insp Vosivai and his men.
Mr Kamuai also confirmed that the son of the deceased was able to escape to Arawa and is now with police there. He denied reports that the man was killed along with his father.
Chief Supt Kamuai, while condemning the killing, said police will still arrest and charge those responsible.
"Every law applicable in PNG is also applicable in Bougainville. So those responsible for killing the suspected sorcerer are also suspects and they will be arrested and charged for murder," said Chief Supt Kamuai.
"We will still conduct proper investigations and arrest those responsible."
The acting Bougainville police boss said the situation in the area is still tense and a team of police personnel will shortly be dispatched into the area to monitor the situation.
Mr Kamuai later stated that there is an urgent need for police and other stakeholders to team up and address the sorcery-related killings in the Bana area.
He said a team effort is needed because at the moment there are only six regular policemen in the area plus the CAPs, who are trying their best to address the escalating law and order problems.
This is the second sorcery-related killing to have taken place in the Bana area. The first incident took place in April last year where an old woman suspected of practicing witchcraft was brutally murdered by aggrieved villagers.
Mr Kamuai said the mediation process to solve this case is still continuing and that police will make arrest once this mediation process is completed.
14.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Education inquiry set
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE sectoral and advisory committee for education, health and HIV/AIDS in the House of Representatives will conduct an inquiry into issues affecting Bougainville students doing tertiary studies in East New Britain Province and in selected vocational schools in Bougainville.
This inquiry will come about following petitions raised by the North Nasioi women’s group and the Halia youths on the tragic sinking of the ill-fated MV Rabaul Queen in February 2012 and the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s vacation of the Bougainville Open Campus office complex, which is currently being used as the parliament building.
According to the committee’s chairlady Joan Jerome, the inquiry will involve site visits, public forums and public hearing in selected institutions in East New Britain and Bougainville.
“This inquiry is very important and timely for it will excavate a lot of issues faced by most Bougainville students undertaking studies in other provinces, particularly in these selected tertiary institutions in East New Britain,” Ms Jerome said.
“The inquiry will also explore ways to try and minimize or solve such problems. As we are all aware, the ABG is now working towards achieving referendum and independence and it will need manpower (human resource) to drive this government forward.
“As far as this is concerned, the ABG is now putting more emphasis on the education sector to train and educate more Bougainvilleans so we can run our own affairs once we get independence and become an independent country.
“The inquiry will therefore inquire for possible ways to keep and train or educate our own students within Bougainville instead of sending them to other centres.”
Ms Jerome said the committee is very keen to get public participation in this inquiry, before adding that the inquiry will be divided into two phases.
Phase one will be held this week in East New Britain while the second and third phases will take place in Bougainville.
The terms of reference for this inquiry will look into problems like accommodation, school fees, transportation as well other issues of concern. The committee will also conduct its findings into the ABG’s school fees assistance scheme and on the education policy to support vocational schools and establishment of tertiary institutions in the semi-autonomous province.
Ms Jerome said the committee is inviting submissions from interested individuals, groups and other stakeholders to air their views regarding these issues of concern so the inquiry can consider these issues.
14.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville road seal complete
Workers complete the first coat of resealing between Morgan Junction and the Arakawau River Bridge.
BOUGAINVILLE has reduced road travel time for its commuters after the completion of a second major resealing project in two years.
With the support of the Bougainvillean and the Australian governments, 14.4km of road between Morgan Junction and Arakawau has been resealed. This follows the resealing of the Arawa to Tunuru Road in 2012.
The combined works has reduced travel time for the 179km journey between Arawa and Kokopau to three hours.
Minister for Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, Stuart Schaefer said each year Australia supports the maintenance and rehabilitation of more than 2000km of major roads in PNG.
Mr Schaefer said the Australian Government contributed PGK8.9 million for the project through the PNG-Australia transport sector support program (TSSP).
He said the TSSP assists with direct funding assistance for road maintenance, building the PNG Government’s capacity to manage and deliver transport infrastructure, and support to ensure that maritime and aviation transport systems are safe and secure.
“With over 85 percent of PNG’s population living in rural and remote areas, better roads and highways support economic growth and development, through giving people a means to take their goods to market to earn an income,” Mr Schaefer said.
“Working in partnership with the Department of Works, we focus our support on the maintenance and rehabilitation of sections of the 16 national priority roads.
“These roads form the backbone of PNG’s road network through which the majority of goods and services are delivered.”
Mr Schaefer said the Morgan Junction to Arakawau resealing project has generated employment including foundation works, drain clearing, vegetation control, repairing and restoring roadside furniture, and traffic control.
He said Australia has helped to maintain 179km of national priority road and 246km of other roads in Bougainville.
14.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Market vendors moved
By ADRIANA SCHMIDT
THE Kokopau Town Authority has started an exercise of moving market vendors from the Kokopau beachfront to the main market area.
This came as a result of a meeting with the Kokopau town council and the Selau community, including church groups, women’s federation and youth groups held two weeks ago.
Town mayor Michael Katoa said one of the resolutions passed at the meeting was to have the market sellers re-located back to the main market.
The reasons being that the beachfront at Kokopau is the gateway to mainland Bougainville and the image that it portrays is very important, especially to the people travelling in and out of Kokopau.
This move was also agreed to be taken because of the rubbish that piles up in and around the area, especially betelnut spit and husks makes the place look unclean and unhealthy.
He added that the beachfront area is also the main place where highway trucks drop and pick up passengers so it is not safe for mothers to be sitting around the area.
Mr Katoa has carried out awareness in the area with the market sellers over the past week, and as of today all market sellers have been moved to the main market.
Mr Katoa said he is now happy that the beachfront area is clear from betelnut sellers.
14.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Tradition Today: Clay pots fading away
By Ishmael Palipal
Clay pots have been an important part of traditional life in Bougainville, as they have in many Melanesian communities.
A clay pot is often used for fetching and cooking water and was a very important resource and asset for the Bougainvillean families and clans in days gone by.
In the past, the clay pot was very valuable and were considered sacred or holy. Different shapes, styles and sizes had different types of spiritual significance and practical purpose.
These were not uniform across Bougainville Island, differing from clan to clan, so one community may have a slightly different story. People from different places may have legends or myths about these traditional pots.
In Central Bougainville an oral story passed down from my ancestors tells that long ago people did not know how to make clay pots. One day a god of the soil, having seen people always roast food in the fire, took the form of a women and came out from the bush to show the wife of the clan’s chief how to make clay pot, how to use it and how to cook with it.
Nowadays the new modern saucepan or pot has removed the practical need for the clay pot and there is a danger that soon it will fade away.
From the North to the South Bougainville one will not often see someone cooking with a clay pot. Even in the villages their usage is rare, except for on big occasions.
During the Reeds Festival and the Kul Festival, the organisers stated that Bougainvilleans must try to preserve those traditional resources. One said that people that know how to make clay pots must be identified and asked to help teach the skills to the young ones before the knowledge is lost.
That is why at the Reeds Festival some clay potters were hired to give some basic education to the young ones. There is a need for proper lessons to be conducted in each community to preserve this tradition.
The government should at the issue of how these disappearing traditions can be retained for the future.
These traditions are part of what makes Bougainville unique and; the identity of the people and an attraction for tourists.
In spite of that, clay pot is still in use in some parts of Bougainville because it still significance. Many people prefer the taste of the food cooked in a clay pot compared to the modern pot.
“Kaikai yumi save kukim lo clay pot em save swit moa lo ol displa mipla save kukim lo ol pot blo whiteman o blo pawa (Food we cook in clay pot tastes much better than those cooked from the whiteman’s modern pot or those on power),” they might say.
This tradition needs saving before it dies out, something that could be achieved through proper education of the new generation.
13.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
The ups and downs of mobile telephony
By Ancitha Semoso
The introduction of mobile phones to Bougainville in has made a major impact to the lives of many people, especially youths, in the region.
Today you can scarcely avoid bumping in to somebody that has mobile phone their pocket or bag. It is almost an entitlement to have a phone, even some primary schools have expensive mobiles.
There are many uses for mobile telephony, for instance people within the region use them to contact relatives, parents can talk to their children in schools and people with businesses can call their suppliers and customers.
Phones can also give people in remote areas access to facilities they have not had before, such as banking services.
This advanced technology has given Bougainvilleans access to unprecedented amounts of information, but has also brought some social challenges.
One issue, which concerns many young people in Bougainville, is the accessibility of pornography on phones.
This has become prevalent, especially among male youths that have these documents in their phone and share it with friends.
There have also been examples of people using phones to orchestrate and carry out pre-meditated crimes.
We are living in a globalised world and we need technology, such as mobiles, for fast communication and access to information.
Though it is an individual’s right to have a phone, the way they choose to use it affects the region as a whole.
We use mobile phones in our everyday lives, but we should use it in a way that doesn’t bring problems to the communities that we live in.
13.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE READY TO LAUNCH BOUGAINVILLE PUBLIC SERVICE
By Aloysius Laukai
Despite the negative comments by so many people on the Bougainville Public service the stage is now set for the Launching of the Bougainville Public Service Management and Administration act tomorrow.
According to the Official Program, all Public servants will be gathered at the Hutjena Secondary School hall for the Launching which will start at TEN AM.
Welcome speech will be delivered by the Acting Bougainville Chief Secretary, CHRIS SIRIOSI whilst other speeches would be from the Department of Personal Management Secretary, JOHN KALI the National Planning Minister, CHARLES ABEL, the National Finance Minister, JAMES MARAPE, National Minister for Public Service, SIR. PUKA TEMU, JOEL BANAM the ABG Minister for Administrative Services and the ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS.
After all the speeches there will be the official handover and declaration ceremony of the Bougainville Public Service and Management act 2014.
Bougainville Public Finance and Management Act 2014 AND the
Bougainville Government Contracts and Tenders Act 2014.
This will then be followed by a Cultural procession of the National and the Bougainville Public service acts.
The ABG Administrative Services Minister, JOEL BANAM will receive the National Public Service Act which he will then hand back to the National Minister for Public Service, SIR. PUKA TEMU.
The ABG Administrative Minister, JOEL BANAM will again receive the new ABG PUBLIC SERVICE ACT and will cut the Ribbon and hand over the Bougainville Public Service Act to the ABG President, CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS who will then officially declare the commencement of the Bougainville Public Service Management and Administration act.
13.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HEROMATE CALLS FOR RESPECT
By Aloysius Laukai
A long time public servant, PATRICK HEROMATE today called on critics of the Bougainville public servants to understand that the officers operate under extreme conditions to deliver services to the people of Bougainville.
Speaking to NEW DAWN FM today, MR. HEROMATE said that the public service that Bougainville has today is a continuation from the Bougainville Provincial Government system which was one of the best in the country in those days.
He said that these public servants went through a lot of pressure and intimidation but managed to survive to this day.
MR. HEROMATE said that even today the situation is not normal and yet public servants are expected to perform as if a one hundred percent normalcy has been attained.
On the recruitment drive under the new Bougainville public service, MR. HEROMATE called on ABG members not to push for their candidates but allow the normal recruitment drive to continue and the best candidates be selected for the Bougainville Public service.
He said that they have received reports that some members were recommending candidates outside of the normal recruitment system.
13.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
GET BACK THE CULTURE SHOW SET
By Aloysius Laukai
The people of Siwai in South Bougainville will showcase cultural activities at the MONOITU Parish in Siwai this week.
The Get back culture is part of the people’s way of reviving cultural activities so that Tourists and other people can be attracted to admire the culture of the people of Siwai who are so reach with arts and crafts.
The three-days festival was to have started tomorrow but due to the Launching of the Bougainville Public Service they have been requested to have it for two days that is Thursday and Friday this week.
According to the CEO for the Tourism division, LAWRENCE BELLEH this show was organized by WILMO and his team from Monoitu.
The show is set to attract several tourists who have already left for Siwai to be part of the show.
12.05.2014
Source: PNG Industry News
PNG govt criticised over Panguna inquiry vote
by Alison Middleton
A SHAREHOLDER at Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper has criticised the Papua New Guinean government for not taking part in a vote calling for an inquiry into the company’s involvement in a decade-long civil war.
The Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility moved two resolutions at the annual general meeting of Bougainville Copper in Port Moresby last week, which centred around plans to reopen the Panguna mine.
The company has been eyeing a resumption of mining of the giant Panguna copper deposit after a recent visit by PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill prompted conciliatory sentiment among war-torn communities.
Up to 20,000 people were killed in the conflict, which began in 1990 and was fought between PNG forces and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
But shareholders overwhelmingly rejected the motion that plans to restart the mine should wait until an independent jurist made a full inquiry into the company’s involvement during “counter insurgency operations conducted around the time of the mine closure”.
Shareholders voted 218.4 million against and 3.5 million for the resolution.
ACCR noted BCL’s biggest shareholder Rio Tinto (53%) voted against the proposals while the PNG government, which owns 19% of BCL, did not vote on any resolutions.
“These resolutions would give Bougainville Copper a chance to say that it wants to move on from the issues of the past,” ACCR executive director Caroline Le Couteur said.
“The board did not express an opinion on the resolutions while the biggest shareholder Rio Tinto voted against them.
“The PNG government, who owns 19% of BCL, did not vote on any resolutions and has not voted in previous years.
“This is disturbing. The mine was a major project and the PNG government is a major shareholder.
“The PNG government has a responsibility to express its views and support positive developments for it as a shareholder and the citizens of PNG who should be the ultimate beneficiaries of any development.”
ACCR said the majority of other shareholders who voted had voted in favour of the resolutions.
“The fact ordinary shareholders, many of who are Bougainvillian natives, voted for a resolution calling on BCL to appoint an independent person to investigate what happened in the past and make a public report with recommendations about the way forward shows that they appreciate that all the wounds from that time have not healed.”
12.05.2014
Source: EMTV
BOUGAINVILLE MINE LAW
The National Government has been requested to intervene to prevent possible insurgencies on Bougainville.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has been notified to stop the Autonomous Bougainville Government from entertaining foreign legal advice on the Panguna issue.
Member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Information and Communication, Jimmy Miringtoro (pictured) , has also notified Foreign Affairs and the Attorney General.
A member of the National parliament is concerned at the way the Panguna issue is being handled and wants immediate intervention from the National Government.
Central Bougainville member, Jimmy Miringtoro is questioning why the Autonomous Bougainville Government is engaging foreign legal consultants to draft the mining legislation when this can be done by nationals.
Minister Miringintoro says there was no open dialogue and consultations with the landowners. Miringtoro is accusing the ABG government for working in isolation; he said Bougainvilleans need be made aware of what will be happening if the mine resumes.
He said Bougainville is on its way to referendum however, the National government is still an integral part. The Minister said people have been misled by the new mining legislations that are being drafted.
He said Panguna and other mines in Bougainville must not open unless laws are made to protect resource owners’ rights and proper benefiting sharing are in place, and that issues relating to mining are resolved.
It is understood that mining laws for Bougainville are expected to be introduced and passed by the Bougainville House of Representative during the October and Novembers sessions.
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Prime Minister assures Bougainville
by Anthony Kaybing
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill has assured ABG President Chief Dr John Momis that the National Government will not influence the Panguna issue.
Mr O’Neill made this remark during a meeting between the two leaders last week in the nation’s capital.
The Prime Minister said it is not the intention of the National Government to decide or to take control of the Panguna Mine.
The Prime Minister made this remark following the controversial takeover of Ok Tedi Mine by the National Government which saw the PNG Sustainable Program being superseded.
The Prime Minister adds the final decision to reopen the mine rest with the people of Bougainville with their legimate government the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Amongst the issues discussed between the two leaders was the correct calculation of the Restoration Development Grant.
President Momis was happy to reveal that both governments have reached a consensus on the issue with the National Government agreeing to pay the outstanding arrears but over a period of time.
President Momis also added that the Prime Minister was happy to hear of the ABG’s initiative to create its own public service which shows its intent to move towards the creation of its autonomous institutions.
Much of what has been discussed between the two leaders will be tabled during the next Joint Supervisory Meeting which is proposed to be held in June of this year.
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS WANTS PROGRESS BY ALL
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS wants all Bougainvilleans to be active participants of all developments on Bougainville.
Speaking on New Dawn FM today, President Momis said that many people are sitting idle and expecting the ABG to do miracles to help them.
He said that he wants all Bougainvilleans in all walks of life to contribute in whatever they can to make sure Bougainville moves forward.
The President said that it was the duty of all citizens to do their bit in shaping Bougainville into the future.
He said that as a Soccer team, for TEAM BOUGAINVILLE to win all the individual players be it the Striker, Goalie and fullback must do their best in their section to make sure the team wins in the end.
President said that for him as the Captain is to control and making sure all players are performing to their full capacity to make the team win.
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SALEM WANTS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
By Aloysius Laukai
The World Health Organization representative on Bougainville, DR. RESA SALEM says that the ABG must put more financial resources to the Health sector on Bougainville to reduce the rise in childhood mortality throughout Bougainville.
He made these remarks at the World Vision led CHILD HEALTH NOW campaign launched in Buka this week.
DR. SALEM said that Bougainville needs to put funds to equip all health facilities to save children under five who are the most vulnerable to death with preventable diseases.
He said that Bougainville continuous to have one of the highest child mortality rates in Papua New Guinea but this can be reduced if the government make a priority on it.
DR. SALEM said that reports of children dying from infected Umbilical cord can be prevented if these health facilities have the necessary supplies needed to safe lives.
The one week program was launched at the BEL ISI PARK on Monday.
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HAND OVER OF DPI BOSS
By Aloysius Laukai
Under the changes taking place in the ABG Public service the division of Primary Industry has gone a step further by inaugurating its new CEO, MR.GEORGE MASUSU last Friday.
The Handover takeover was witnessed by the ABG Minister for Primary Industry, NICHOLAS DARKU who welcomed the new CEO and thanked the acting CEO, ALICE TSIROATS for maintaining the office in the absence of a permanent CEO for Primary Industry.
MR. MOSES MASUSU thanked ALICE TSIROATS for making sure the division continued with its operation when there was no CAPTAIN at the wheel.
He promised to make some improvements of the division with the support of all the staff of the division.
In her outgoing remarks, ALICE TSIROATS said that her time as the Acting CEO was very challenging but she managed to have survived to see these changes taking place today.
Minister DARKU said that he hoped to see the Division develop to become a power player like in the good old days.
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Prime Minister assures Bougainville
by Anthony Kaybing
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill has assured ABG President Chief Dr John Momis that the National Government will not influence the Panguna issue.
Mr O’Neill made this remark during a meeting between the two leaders last week in the nation’s capital.
The Prime Minister said it is not the intention of the National Government to decide or to take control of the Panguna Mine.
The Prime Minister made this remark following the controversial takeover of Ok Tedi Mine by the National Government which saw the PNG Sustainable Program being superseded.
The Prime Minister adds the final decision to reopen the mine rest with the people of Bougainville with their legimate government the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Amongst the issues discussed between the two leaders was the correct calculation of the Restoration Development Grant.
President Momis was happy to reveal that both governments have reached a consensus on the issue with the National Government agreeing to pay the outstanding arrears but over a period of time.
President Momis also added that the Prime Minister was happy to hear of the ABG’s initiative to create its own public service which shows its intent to move towards the creation of its autonomous institutions.
Much of what has been discussed between the two leaders will be tabled during the next Joint Supervisory Meeting which is proposed to be held in June of this year.
12.05.2014
Source: ABC Radio Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Pacific has a lot to gain from PACER Plus - Taylor
The Pacific has a lot to gain from the proposed PACER Plus trade deal with Australia and New Zealand and little to lose according to a leading Australian business figure.
Peter Taylor, President of the Australia PNG Business Council and Chairman and Managing Director of Bougainville Copper has told has told a workshop for business and NGOs in Nadi in Fiji, this morning, that the Pacific has a lot to gain from opening up to foreign investment.Mr Taylor says PACER plus will help that process.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Peter Taylor, president, Australia PNG Business Council
TAYLOR: It's all about trade and investment and the Pacific really is a pretty small player globally in this area, so clearly if they could combine their resources, if they could have common goal, it would actually give them more leverage than they've currently got individually.
GARRETT: You're particularly focusing on foreign investment and what you say are the benefits to the Pacific of foreign investment, why?
TAYLOR: Certainly I come from the foreign investment side of this debate. So far, PACER Plus has largely been driven by governments and that's understandable, because governments will ultimately be the signatories, but nonetheless, my point is that I don't believe the aims of PACER Plus, which for your listeners is the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relation, can actually achieve what it aims to achieve without involvement of the private sector. That message is starting to get through, so I've been invited to deliver these messages to the delegates.
Now the delegates will be from the business communities in those Pacific nations as well as some government people and I just think they need to know what a business person like myself expects if those countries want me and companies like mine to invest.
GARRETT: Critics would argue that foreign investors can crowd out local businesses, bring in foreign labour that takes jobs of locals, and also that foreign companies sometimes get unfair tax breaks from governments. Don't they have a point?
TAYLOR: Oh, they do and it's an understandable one. I understand as an Australian, I prefer that all the business opportunities in Australia are reserved for Australians, just as the Pacific Island countries would prefer that business opportunities be reserved for them. But the reality is that to be involved in global trading, or even regional trading, you have to open your country up to outside investment. There simply isn't enough capital within these small nations to develop their full potential. So the way to actually get the economy moving is to invite outside capital and use it to your local advantage. I mean whatever the investment might be from a foreigner, it is likely to have a multiple affect internally, produce opportunities for small businesses within those nations that will be run and serviced by local people. And, of course, if the outside investor with the sort of global expertise comes in, the locals can learn from what's been brought to their country and actually use it to their advantage in the future and try and displace the external investors.
GARRETT: Well, you say that to truly reap the benefits of PACER Plus, Pacific Island countries need to think seriously about the quality of their investment environment. What do you mean by that, what is in your view a quality investment environment?
TAYLOR: Well, there is a tendency in these smaller nations to be insular, if you like, in terms of the investment climate. They have generally speaking short term dictated by political cycle aims and objectives for their economy. What needs to be done is have a longer term plan for the region. They need to understand quite clearly what it is they want to achieve and take it outside of the short term 3 or 5 year government cycle and have common rules for investment, have common tax regimes, have common foreign exchange control, and so on, so they can compete with other parts of the world that are attracting investors at the moment.
GARRETT: The Pacific countries have been asking for guaranteed opportunities for Pacific Islanders to work in Australia and New Zealand, to be included in PACER Plus. But Australia and New Zealand have been holding out. What are business councils like yours saying to Australia and New Zealand about that?
TAYLOR: My particular Business Council, the Australia-PNG Business Council was one of the promoters of the Guest Worker Scheme which has now been implemented by New Zealand and Australia. So we've been advocates of the Guest Worker Scheme. Then it has advantages for the small Pacific nations because of remittances those people can send back to their own countries. It's been more successful in some countries than others, but it's a well known means by which a small nation with not a lot of internal capacity can actually get some foreign exchange by sending their workers out to other parts of the region for employment.
LISTEN HERE !
12.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Minister wants academic out of Bougainville
A Papua New Guinea Cabinet Minister wants Australian academic Anthony Regan removed from Bougainville.
Mr Regan, who is a constitutional law expert from the Australian National University, has had a long association with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, most recently helping draw up new mining legislation.
But the Member for Central Bougainville in the national government and Communications Minister, Jimmy Miningtoro, says the promise of wider consultation over the legislation has not happened.
He says Bougainvilleans are often not properly informed on issues and in this case he says Mr Regan is to blame.
"You know in Bougainville, since the problems started, the people have not been briefed properly on many issues - things like referendum, things like weapons disposal, things like peace agreement. Now these are very important issues for Bougainville to be stabilised and people must understand all this."
Jimmy Minigtoro also alleges Mr Regan has links to Rio Tinto, the parent company of Bougainville Copper Ltd, which owns the shut down Panguna mine.
12.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Works Department moves back into Bougainville
By ROMULUS MASIU
Mr Tup and Works Department legal officer Marcus Mandape signing the agreement at Toniva, Kieta District of Central Bougainville in the presence of Bougainville leaders. Picture by JACOB IENU.
THE Department of Works re-established its headquarter at Toniva, Kieta District of Central Bougainville yesterday.
Yesterday a big ceremony took place where the Department of Works sent a big delegation to take back their yard where they operated before the Bougainville Crisis.
They will move the temporary headquarters from Buka Island to mainland Bougainville for the benefit of the majority of Bougainvilleans.
Bougainville Works manager David Tup said the re-establishment of the Department of Works at Toniva has several important meanings.
“It means the Autonomous Bougainville Government can now better the Central and South Bougainville Regions in terms of delivery road maintenance services. It also means ABG will now be able to properly assess, quantify and valuate the road improvement needs and costs for such improvement,” Mr Tup said at the ground breaking ceremony.
He said with the re-establishment of the Department of Works at Toniva, the ABG can now be able to carry out technical feasibility assessment and costing on the new road infrastructure needs in the Central and South Bougainville Regions.
Mr Tup said ABG can better inform the people of the priority infrastructure needs in these two regions.
“ABG can better strategise, plan, budget and roll out road infrastructure rehabilitation and improvement activities in the region. More importantly, ABG can improve its effectiveness and efficiency in delivery of essential services to the people of Bougainville,” Mr Tup said.
He said his two roles as the provincial manager involves providing prudent leadership and guidance to a group of highly skilled technical team to deliver high quality road infrastructure, maintenance and construction services that benefits you.
“Also, my other job is to manage the critical assets of the ABG essential for road construction and maintenance work. I would like to assure you that the quality of work and service the department of works will provide thepeople of Bougainville will be second to none under my leadership,” Mr Tup said.
12.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Siriosi orders education audit
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE Chief Secretary of the Autonomous Bougainville Government has ordered an audit to be carried out into the implementation progress of the education system in Bougainville.
According to the State-owned enterprise and special programs coordination specialist at the office of the Chief Secretary, Moses Koliwan, this directive was issued recently by Mr Siriosi to look into how effective the division was at implementing its programs in relation to providing quality education for students.
Mr Koliwan said this audit which is “broad-based” is targeting high and secondary, community and primary, elementary and vocational schools and is aimed at identifying ways to improve certain issues affecting the delivery of education services within these institutions.
The directive which has the blessings of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, also specifically outlines issues that need to be addressed including current schools infrastructures, teacher availability and their attendance and the grievances they have.
The other issue is on the “cut-off mark” for grade eight students which had been slashed down from about 60-70% to just above 50%, which was too low.
Mr Koliwan said this has had a great impact on the output of students learning, thus resulting in the big disparity between the number of students going on to tertiary institutions compared to those entering high and secondary schools.
The board of managements, education agencies, students and the community are also expected to share their views on these set of issues outlined.
he said the audit teams have already started off with high and secondary schools, withthe reports of th investigations expected to be presented to the government today.
Investigations into the elementary, community, primary and vocational schools are also expected to be conducted shortly.
Mr Koliwan later stressed that this directive was an initiative of ABG and not the national Government nor the National Education Department.
12.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Ex-fighters cry for ABG help
By Adriana Schmidt
While the rest of Bougainville prepares for referendum that will determine the political future of Bougainvilleans, there still exists a wounded population that have almost been forgotten.
Ex-combatants who fought in the 10-year civil war that claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Bougainvilleans, live today with scars and traumatised pain of memories of the civil unrest that brought Bougainville down to level zero.
Three of these ex-combatants travelled all the way from their home in South Bougainville to Buka’s Post-Courier office to tell their painful story of how the scars of the war have left them incapable of living a normal life with their families. They told of how the conflict has left them forgotten by their government.
Thomas Marukoi, Philip Lamau and Francis Numai are all ex-combatants.
They were recruited at a very young age by the revolutionary army to fight for Bougainville’s freedom.
But their fight for freedom has left them with wounds and scars that they still carry with them today after almost 25 years.
Marukoi sustained many bullet wounds during the crisis, and today these bullet pellets are still stuck in his body. He said he had over 240 bullet pellets stuck in his body starting from his head right down to his legs.
He feels the pain of these wounds everyday and as a result, he cannot do much in his village like gardening or helping his family with other work.
Philip Lamau has a pellet stuck in the middle finger of his left hand and in other parts of his body as well and Francis Numai also tells of similar ordeals.
These three ex-combatants spoke on behalf of all other ex-combatants who are living with the same wounds and scars from the civil war.
They are now calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government and also the Veteran Affairs Division of Bougainville to take heed of their silent cries.
They want their government to send them and other ex-combatants in the same situation to hospitals where they can undergo proper operations to have the pellets from their bodies removed.
The three men explained that the only operation they received was at the Sohano Health Centre in 1994 during the time of the crisis, but not all of the bullet pellets were removed.
Former commander and ex-combatant Albert Magoi was also with the three South Bougain-villean ex-combatants.
He said he felt very sorry for his men because they were the ones that fought for the freedom that Bougainvilleans today enjoy.
"If the ABG can send Bougainvilleans to the Philippines for studies, why can’t they do the same for the ex-combatants and send them also to the Philippines so they can receive special medical attention," Magoi said.
12.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Mountain men cruise the Pidia Peninsula
By Leonard Fong Roka
The Pidia village; an exotic place for the highlanders of Bougainville.
In the Bougainvillean scene of geographical archetypes I am aware of, a Panguna man is a highlander, just like a Kongara man. He is a stranger to the mysteries of the Solomon Sea that girds the hundreds of green islands that make up the Solomon Archipelago.
The end of his journey, the shimmering streets of Arawa, is the start of the coastal Bougainvillean’s home. Here the highlander talks about the coast and goes back to his cold, mountainous haven, which is a misery to the coastal man.
The Panguna man fears the ride on a canoe over the bulgy myriad of waves generated by the vast Solomon Sea around Bougainville; the Panguna man hates the deep and wavy look of the sea and the coral reefs below and holds tight onto the wet sides of a canoe till ashore.
With the ever rising population of Arawa, the highlanders of Bougainville are now the major domestic tourists, travelling on the beautiful coastlines of Arawa and Kieta every weekend. They often taking food and beverages to spend a day out on a boat or the islands outside Kieta District’s sea space.
The Pidia Peninsula has a natural gravity to Arawa’s urban population to break free from the tiring weeks in the public and private offices and other work commitments.
The Panguna mine-related Upper Tailings Office personnel love the Pidia Peninsula to find peace of mind and get away from the invasive clients and the stressful life in Arawa.
It all starts from the Kobuan village at the base of the Pidia Peninsula, which formerly hosted numerous PNG Defence Force camps in the war from 1988-1990 and 1992-1995.
From the Kobuan village, where most canoes and dinghies for the Pidia village are anchored, the Panguna men – Francis Nazia, Camillus Kabui and myself – and our entourage are sucked away into the bliss fizzled by the singing sea flapping on the sand calmly and the imposing green landmass stretching innocently out into the sea.
It is a picture postcard scene, breathtaking and promising, that the Panguna men love to feel, taste and see.
We love to hear firsthand all the tales of the movie, Mr. Pip, recently filmed on this peninsula and see for ourselves all the locations stretching from Pidia village to Pokpok Island.
Our dinghy cuts through crystal clear water so calm and we are mesmerised when schools of flying fish create miniature storms all around us.
With a few cool cans of beer the voyage is soul healing and perfect; the supply of adjectives runs short when one attempts to describe the beauty of our motherland, Bougainville.
Pidia Point as seen from the Kobuan village at the base of the peninsula.
Pidia Point as seen from the Kobuan village at the base of the peninsula.
When the twenty minute boat journey is completed, the Pidia village spreads invitingly before our eyes.
Kids run free on the white sandy beach beneath the swaying coconut palms. Unlike Panguna there are no huge gardens, for the people live on seafood and cash earned from selling fish at the Arawa Market.
The people show us all the filming locations of Mr. Pip; now only the house that was home to Hugh Laurie’s character in the movie remains but in a degraded condition.
On the beach we are advised to be careful, for it is infested with giant of clam shells. They have brought the clams back to the village from distant locations and are cared for until maturity for sale at Arawa or consumption.
Most villagers here are employed at the Stevie Doring Nikana at the Kieta Wharf and Arawa, a few run businesses in Arawa and there is also a good population of students.
The people live on the food harvested from the sea and garden food shipped in from Arawa.
Most families have an engine powered boat for fishing, travel to Solomon Islands, paid-tours around Kieta and taxi service to Arawa and the Kieta port.
Cruising beyond the village is a scene is so brilliant and mystic at the foot of the slopes.
The Pidia Peninsula is all virgin jungle where birds sing high in the canopies and below, on the ground, walking birds like herons and megapodes rule, occasionally making a surprise landing on the sea water for a salty drink and back.
Our dinghy suddenly is dwarfed by the Eberia cliff, the sacred site of the Kurabang clan that were some of the original settlers in this area of Kieta.
The cliff was not always popular, but it came to be known with the cultural activities mastered by the late Bougainville film actor, William Takaku. It is rumored around Bougainville that Takaku actor would travel to pay homage to his clan spirits beneath the cliff.
The whole ride beneath the cliff seems blessed with numerous colourful orchids plastered on the rock face and crowned with hundreds of insects to feast on nectar the flowering plants produce.
Upper tailings staff members, Francis Nazia and Camillus Kabui, relax at Arovo Island.
And at the end of the Pidia Peninsula sits Arovo Island, the pre-crisis resort island that is now in ruins. The only sightseeing icon, a Japanese fishing trawler MV Kasei Maru, lonely and rusted away with time.
Beyond to the south, sleeps Pokpok Island and Tausina Island.
The Panguna men, that have now experienced coastal life, feel bad that their home is all rock, gravel and sedimentation so naked and without a blessing by nature.
11.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG PUBLIC SERVICE TO OPERATE STARTING MAY 15th
By Aloysius Laukai
The Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Public Service will officially assume duties and responsibilities on Bougainville next Thursday, May 15th, 2014.
This was revealed by the Acting Chief Secretary for Bougainville, CHRIS SIRIOSI in his weekly Bougainville administration program last night.
MR. SIRIOSI said that prior to this on Wednesday May 14th, the Bougainville administration will be officially farewelled by the CEO for Department of Personal Management, JOHN KALI at the Hutjena Secondary school hall.
Other leaders from the National Government and ABG will also address the Bougainville Public servants and some presentations will also be done to farewell those who will now join the Bougainville Public service.
The Acting Chief Secretary said that after the 15th, and to implement the new Bougainville Public Service all positions will be advertised starting from the position of the Chief Secretary and the Secretaries of the Divisions created by this new change.
11.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
COMMITTEE TO PROBE INTO EDUCATION ISSUES
By Aloysius Laukai
Whilst the newly established Monitoring and Evaluation Committee under the office of the Chief Secretary, CHRIS SIRIOSI is investigating the effective delivery of Education service throughout Bougainville, the ABG Parliamentary Committee on Education and Health has started an inquiry into Bougainville students issues in selected tertiary institutions in East New Britain and vocational schools in Bougainville.
The ABG Parliamentary inquiry was established following two petitions it received from the North Nasioi Women’s Group and the Halia Youth.
The North Nasioi women’s association wanted some information in regards to issues relating to the tragic MV Rabaul Queen accident in the waters of Morobe and the HALIA youth wanted the Autonomous Bougainville Government to vacate the Buka Open Campus Office Complex.
The Terms of Reference will allow the Committee to inquire into why most students are facing problems of;
1. Accommodation
2. School Fee
3. Transportation (Air/Land/Sea)
4. Any other issues.
The Committee will also find out on the Autonomous Bougainville Government's (ABGs) support in terms of ;
1 The ABG School Fee Assistant Scheme
2 Education Policy to support vocational schools and establishment of tertiary institutions in Bougainville
The Inquiry will involve onsite visits, public forums and public hearing in selected Tertiary Institutions in East New Britain Province and relevant vocational schools in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Chairlady and ABG Member representing the women of Central Bougainville,Joan Jerome said " this inquiry is very important and timely for it will excavate a lot of issues faced by Bougainville students undertaking studies in other provinces particularly in these selected tertiary institutions in East New Britain Province. The Inquiry will also explore ways to try and minimize or solve such problems".
The inquiry is divided into three Phases. Phase one will be held in East New Britain Province from 6th-14th May 2014 with all the Bougainville Students attending these particular institutions. The second phase and third Phase will be held in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
08.05.2914
Source: EMTV
ARAWA SECONDARY ADOPTS ENGLISH
A school in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville has made the use of English language compulsory.
Speaking English is now a rule, for Arawa Secondary School. Student’s found speaking their local dialect, and are caught guilty, will write an explanation letter of one thousand words for not speaking English.
The use of English language at Arawa Secondary School in the Central Bougainville is compulsory.
Principal Paul Lapun says, the school authorities have identified, that lack of speaking English, has resulted in poor communication and poor level of understanding context.
The schools have put in place; disciplinary measures that the students must abide by. This is to help improve the student’s communication, reading and learning skills. Students say even though English is their third language, it’s a good practice, which will help them to understand and analyze any give situation.
Meantime, Arawa Secondary School has adopted the National Policy, banning the use of mobile phones at school.
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HOUSE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, Weapons Disposal and Veterans Affairs is conducting an inquiry into the Weapons Disposal Program throughout Bougainville. The Committee initiated this inquiry following matters raised pertaining to Committee meetings on issues surrounding weapons on Bougainville.
The terms of reference sets out the basis for the committee’s investigation into the progress of weapons disposal programs currently under implementation and how effective they are.
The Chairperson for the Parliamentary Select Committee on Peace, Reconciliation, reference will take into consideration how these programs align with each other in achieving one purpose and the stakeholders’ involvement in implementing these programs.”
He further stated the outcome will then enable the committee to consolidate the various weapons disposal programs into one single program and that will need a collaborative approach including all stakeholders in the Peace Process.
During the course of the investigation, the committee will also identify obstacles or problems that will determine to a larger extend its solution.
“The Committee will also seek to find out the awareness level whether communities in Bougainville know about the weapons disposal programs taking place and are familiar with programs and the implementers,” said member Hopping.
The Committee investigation will lay out the options for improving coordination and effectiveness of the programs.
The inquiry is divided into two Phases. Phase one will be held throughout the region, particularly, Buin, Tonu, Bana, Panguna, Arawa, Wakunai, Tinputz and Buka from 19th – 26th May 2014 with all the stakeholders on the ground.
The second Phase of the Inquiry will be held in the Bougainville House of Representatives Chamber following the completion of Phase one.
Pictured is the ABG Parliament House in Kubu, Buka island
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
POLICE CONCERN ON RISE IN SUSPECTED KILLINGS
By Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville Police Service I wari olsem pasin bilong kilim dai man long Posin emi wok long kamap strong long Bana District.
Assistant Commissioner for Bougainville Police Superintendent PAUL KAMUAI told New Dawn FM this afternoon that more awareness is needed in the BANA district to stop all these killings.
Superintendent PAUL KAMUAI made these remarks when announcing another sorcery related death in the BANA district this week.
He said Police have moved to the area and calmed the situation to allow for the law to take its cause.
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOROKANA CONCERNED
By Aloysius Laukai
The former Chairman of the LENOKE COE, PAUL MOROKANA says that Bougainville needs new jobs to be created to meet the number of Technical schools that are being established by the Regional Member for Bougainville, JOE LERA.
He told New Dawn FM that without new jobs, the graduating students will be frustrated more than ever before.
MR.MOROKANA said this is the main reason why parents still insist to send in their kids to other PROVINCES so that they can be employed after completing these courses.
He said that establishing institutions was one good thing, but these kids must be employed after training or else this will be another wasted effort.
MR. MOROKANA also mentioned continuity for these programs will only work by collaborating with the ABG who can budget for their sustainability once the member is gone.
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NO SUPPLY IN BUIN
By Aloysius Laukai
The Government Officer based in Buin charged with Disaster relief operations, JOE MAINEKE says that he has nothing to assist the earthquake victims in Buin as they have not received anything as yet from the Disaster office in Buka.
MR. MAINEKE called from Buin and said that he was frustrated as the people heard of some assistance made by Digicel for South Bougainville but he does not know anything from the Disaster office in Buka.
He said it has taken over a month for any assistance from the relevant authorities concerning any assistance to the disaster victims.
MR. MAINEKE said that he wants the Buka disaster office to speed up any assistance so that the people can stop pestering him.
Our attempts to talk to the Disaster office were unsuccessful.
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TONIVA THE FORMER CHINA TOWN
By Aloysius Laukai
The small unknown town of Toniva situated between Kieta and the Aropa airport in Central Bougainville will become live tomorrow as the local community will gather to sign a MOU with the Department of Works to re-establish there again.
During the Provincial Government days, Toniva was a thriving industrial centre which had the biggest Motor Car dealers, Workshops and the National Works which supplied parts and equipments to the giant Panguna Copper mine.
Toniva also had the best hotel on Bougainville, the DAVARA HOTEL with another the SIROMBA Hotel in Kieta.
According to the landowner of the area, JOHN KIWI the landowners are excited to sign the MOU to allow work to begin in the area.
He told New Dawn FM from Toniva this morning that the people want to see some tangible development happen in the former town. The MOU will be signed tomorrow.
08.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MY PEOPLE MY BOUGAINVILLE RETURN
By Aloysius Laukai
The radio program, My people, My Bougainville will return to air next Wednesday.
This program which supports the work of the Bougainville Regional member is a weekly program that goes on air on Wednesday evenings on both New Dawn FM and Radio Bougainville was of air for some time.
New Dawn FM will start the program next Wednesday starting with a review of the first programs and should continue with the series the following Wednesday.
People who were excited by the program have been requesting that we re-start the program.
08.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Dept to revive Toniva
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
PARAMOUNT chief John Kivi of the Kuravan clan in discussion with Department of Works officers.
THE former Department of Works supply branch at Toniva, under the once North Solomon Province, will now be revived and be re-established.
Paramount chief of the Kuravan clan, John Kivi, has welcomed its re-establishment and said we must bring in services in order to have development and those services must serve the people properly.
“A lot of our young educated people have gone their own way to make deals in bringing other business entities onto our land without proper consultation with the clan.
“And this piece of land that was once used by the department we have given it back after discussing with our other parties, the Manta clan and department officers,” said Mr Kivi.
The department will now start work on clearing the area for infrastructural development.
08.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Compo to renew relations
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE compensation that will be paid out by Rio Tinto subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) is not to re-open the Panguna mine.
This was the clearance from the reconciliation events and grounds committee in Arawa, which brushed aside speculation from the general public that the bel kol is for the re-opening of the mine.
After eight meetings since 2010, July 9 this year has been set aside for the bel kol ceremony to take place where the leadership of BCL and Rio Tinto will participate in the ceremony in Arawa.
Representative of the bel kol events committee Luke Aksilly told this newspaper that BCL will not open the mine after the compensation but this will mark the ground breaking ceremony enabling the construction of BCL’s liaison office in Arawa.
“The purpose of the bel kol is to re-establish relations between BCL and the people of Bougainville, which was severed during the crisis.
“It will pave the way for BCL to reestablish a presence in Arawa, presence of BCL in Arawa is critical with regard to timelines for negotiating the future of Panguna mine.” Year zero ‘0’ begins when BCL is on the ground, Mr Aksilly said, adding that BCL cannot properly scope urgent infrastructure maintenance, conduct pre and full feasibility studies, and hence decide whether or not to go ahead with the Panguna mine until it is on the ground and has access to the mine site.
The bel kol will come in three packages for North, Central and South Bougainville with a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by BCL and Bougainville parties namely Ex-Combatants, Panguna Landowners, Me’ekamui and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Mr Aksilly confirmed awareness teams will be dispatched to the three regions of North, Central and South on 16 May.
The bel kol ceremony will take place in Arawa on 9 July with North to be allocated K120,000, South K110,000 and Central which will be the host region with a total of more than K300, 000 for the preparation of the ceremony.
Participants include heads of the Australian government, PNG government, United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Japan and the Pacific region.
08.05.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch
Shareholders want Bougainville Copper to heal wounds of the past.
by ramunickel / Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility
The Annual General Meeting of Bougainville Copper (BCL) was held in Port Moresby on 6 May 2014. The Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR). moved two resolutions at the AGM.
Ms Caroline Le Couteur, Executive Director of ACCR said
“These resolutions would give Bougainville Copper (BCL) a chance to say that it wants to move on from the issues of the past.
The board did not express an opinion on the resolutions while the biggest shareholder, Rio Tinto (53%) voted against them. However a majority of other shareholders who voted, voted in favour of the resolutions.”
“The fact ordinary shareholders, many of who are Bougainvillian natives, voted for a resolution calling on BCL to appoint an independent person to investigate what happened in the past and make a public report with recommendations about the way forward shows that they appreciate that all the wounds from that time have not healed.”
“They also voted for BCL to sign on to international agreements which are designed to prevent the sort of disaster that occurred on the Bougainville when the mine was operating. If BCL did this, it would show their commitment to not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
The PNG government, who owns 19% of BCL, did not vote on any resolutions and has not voted in previous years.
“This is disturbing. The mine was a major project and the PNG government is a major shareholder. The PNG government has a responsibility to express its views and support positive developments for it as a shareholder and the citizens of PNG who should be the ultimate beneficiaries of any development.” said Ms Caroline Le Couteur.
BCL operated the Panguna mine at Bougainville between 1972 and 1989. The mine was closed as a result of industrial sabotage by local landowners arguing that the mine polluted the environment and waterways, harmed culture, custom and kinship, killed wildlife, damaged crops, caused illnesses and significant inequalities. The group demanded compensation and the mine closure. The PNG government responded using military force and a blockade, prompting a decade long war leading to 10,000 to 20,000 dying.
In moving these motions, ACCR is working with Jubilee Australia, an NGO with strong links to development organisations and faith groups in Australia including the National Council of Churches of Australia.
08.05.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
ESBC: Caroline le Couteur stands for a minuscule group of Australian minority shareholders. She is a notorious environmental activst who pronounced her left-wing ideas earlier in Australian politics. She has absolutely no mandate to speak for BCL shareholders. Mrs. Le Couteur's appearance in Radio Australia is simply a joke!
Bougainville Copper Shareholders heartened by support for corporate responsibility
The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility says it is encouraged by the number of Bougainville Copper shareholders who voted in favour of appointing an independent jurist to investigate the company's involvement in counter-insurgency activities during the Bougainville civil war.
The Centre's resolution, put to the Bougainville Copper annual meeting in Port Moresby was overwhelmingly defeated. but the Centre's Executive Director, Caroline Le Couteur, says that if you exclude the vote by major stakeholder Rio Tinto, it is clear the majority of votes cast favoured the appointment of a jurist.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Caroline le Couteur, Executive Director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility
The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility says it is encouraged that most Bougainville Copper shareholders are in favour of appointing an independent jurist to investigate the company's involvement in counter-insurgency activities during the Bougainville civil war.
The Centre's resolution, put to the Bougainville Copper annual meeting in Port Moresby was overwhelmingly defeated
LE COUTEUR: The majority of ordinary shareholders who voted actually voted in favour of … resolution, so I think what that shows is that among the people who are following what’s happening in Bougainville, and that of course includes quite a few people, residents there, there’s still substantial concern that the wounds of the past have not been healed, and that we need a better process to heal them before any resolution can be achieved.
GARRETT: Rio Tinto has a 53 per cent shareholding, so it’s obviously the crucial player here. Do you know why Rio Tinto voted against the motion?
LE COUTEUR: I think Rio Tinto’s view is that it will make whatever decisions it makes internally as it were, and it won’t be signalling them into sort of public meeting like an ATM. We actually me with Rio Tinto staff last weeks, and that’s basically what they said, that they weren’t going to vote to say anything to the board, they would do whatever they did internally.
GARRETT: The Papua New Guinea government also has a major shareholding in Bougainville Copper, it was a combatant in the civil war, but of course has signed a peace deal. How did the PNG government vote?
LE COUTEUR: Well they didn’t vote and I find that really astounding. As you say they’re a major shareholder, their citizens are the people who are affected by whatever happens in Bougainville. And for them to have no opinion on this is quite strange. I also note that they didn’t vote in last year’s annual general meeting and they seem to have a history of not being involved. And I think from the point of view of the people’s PNG to whom presumably they hold these shares in trust, this is disappointing.
GARRETT: You had another resolution before the Bougainville Copper annual general meeting seeking to get Bougainville Copper to sign up to some international human rights and environmental standards. That did less well than the resolution for the appointment of a jurist. What do you put that down to?
LE COUTEUR: I put that down to the fact that probably most people there had not heard of the various international standards, and so it wasn’t as meaningful. I have however talked to people after the annual general meeting about it, and most of them thought that it could be a positive step forward for establishing trust, but also some people felt that it really wasn’t appropriate until a decision to mine was actually made. Whereas the second resolution clearly is appropriate now before any decision is made.
GARRETT: You actually got less than one per cent of the vote. How can you be encouraged by that?
LE COUTEUR: Well the reason why I can be encouraged is that the people of the ordinary shareholders, that is excluding Rio Tinto and the PNG government, of the ordinary shareholders who are concerned enough about what happened to actually vote, we got a majority of those people. They were the people who were most likely to vote for our resolution, and I think what the vote shows is that of the people who care about and are following what’s happening in Bougainville, they realise that the situation hasn’t normalised, there’s still a lot of work that has to be done so that Bougainville Copper can regain trust in the Bougainville community. And that’s what the resolutions are aiming to achieve.
GARRETT: Where will you be taking the issue from here?
LE COUTEUR: I anticipate that we will be back at next year’s Bougainville Copper annual general meeting. I also anticipate that we’ll continue dialogue with people we’ve already been speaking to, plus the new contacts we made as a result of the annual general meeting.
GARRETT: It’s quite expensive to sign up to things like this. Why is it worth it for Bougainville Copper?
LE COUTEUR: The reason it would be worth it is because they need to demonstrate that if they re-open the mine it won’t have the problems that it had last time. These international conventions have been put in place because of disasters like the Bougainville Copper Mine. And they’ve been put in place to stop them happening again, that is the reason it would be worthwhile for Bougainville Copper to sign up. One thing I suggested to some of the directors afterwards that maybe the compromise Bougainville Copper could commit that if and when the mine is re-opened, it would sign up at that point of time.
LISTEN HERE !
08.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Bougainville’s heart starts to beat at Aropa
By Ishmael Palipal
A groundbreaking ceremony was held the Aropa Airport site in March.
The re-establishment of the old Aropa International Airport is a significant move forward for Bougainville.
Since the end of the Crisis many people have been forced to spend extra money to travel to Buka for access to airport services.
This major project could turn out to be starting point for many more changes.
Central Bougainville is like the heart of Bougainville and that is where everything begins and stops, just like a human body bumps out blood to every part of the body.
When Central Bougainville moves, the whole region moves and the reopening of Aropa means something big is going to happen.
The recent ground breaking ceremony and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday 20 March is an indication that the heart has once again started beating for a better Bougainville.
At the ceremony, Minister for Civil Aviation, Steven Davies, stated that the O’Neill Government is committed to see this development happen.
“Nothing will stop, delay or postpone the opening of this very important service,” Mr Davies said.
“We in the O’Neill Government will make sure the airport is re-opened and you, our very important people, will benefit.”
A customary ritual, known as domangminta by the Nasioi people, was carried out to give respect to the dead and to cleanse the blood of the people who died during the High Speed 2 Operation by PNG Defence Force during the conflict.
About K10,000 worth of mimis and pigs were given to the relatives of the dead fighters.
The day also saw the crucial reconciliation between the chiefs of the two major clans – Barapang and Bakoringku.
The clans had been arguing over the Aropa Airport land, which had stalled the development since the crisis ended.
Once the terminal buildings are completed it should not take long for service to resume at the airport.
This is a significant opening up of Bougainville since the war and symbolises that it is opening up for more development to come into the region, because now the heart is open.
08.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Inquiry into weapons disposal
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE sectoral committee for Peace, Reconciliation, Weapons Disposal and Veterans Affairs in the Bougainville House of Representatives is currently conducting an inquiry into the weapons disposal programs in Bougainville. The committee had initiated this inquiry following matters raised pertaining to committee meetings on issues surrounding weapons on Bougainville.
The terms of references for this inquiry have also been issued and are aimed at identifying the effectiveness of the implementation of the weapons disposal program in the region.
“The terms of reference will take into consideration how these programs align with each other in achieving one purpose and the stakeholders’ involvement in implementing these programs,” committee chairman Franco Hopping said.
Mr Hopping, who is also the member representing the former combatants in North Bougainville, said also that the outcome of the inquiry will then enable the committee to consolidate various weapons disposal programs into one single program, and which will need a collaborative approach and involvement of all stakeholders in the process of peace. During the course of the investigation, the committee will also identify obstacles or problems that will determine to a larger extent its solution.
“The Committee will also seek to find out the awareness level, whether communities in Bougainville know about the weapons disposal programs taking place and are familiar with programs and the implementers,” said Mr Hopping, before adding that the investigation will lay out the options for improving coordination and effectiveness of the programs.
There is a provision for the committee to also consider any other matters of importance not included in the terms of reference that may come about during the course of the inquiry. After the completion of the inquiry, the committee will then present a final report to the ABG parliament.
The chairman stressed the importance of conducting the inquiry into the progress of weapons disposal in Bougainville.
“Today the Government (ABG) is more focused on conducting reconciliations in the region,” Mr Hopping said.
“Weapons disposal is a serious problem in the Region that needs realistic policies and plans to address the issue.”
The inquiry is divided into two phases. Phase one will be held from the 19-26 of this month in various areas in the region including Buin, Tonu, Bana, Panguna, Arawa, Wakunai, Tinputz and Buka. The second phase will be held in the ABG parliament Chamber following the completion of Phase one. The committee is now inviting submissions from interested individuals, groups and other stakeholders to raise their views regarding this issue.
07.05.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia Pacific Beat
Rio Tinto votes down plan for inquiry into Bougainville civil war
Rio Tinto has voted down a proposal for the appointment of an independent jurist to investigate its subsidiary Bougainville Copper's involvement in the civil war on Bougainville Island during the 1990's.
The proposal - along with recommendations that the company should sign up to three international human rights and environmental sustainability standards - was put by a group of concerned shareholders at Bougainville Copper's annual meeting in Port Moresby.
Afterwards Jemima Garrett spoke to Managing Director Peter Taylor who opened the meeting with his update on BCL's talks with landowners, and at regional and national government level.
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Peter Taylor, Bougainville Copper Chairman and Managing Director
LISTEN HERE !
07.05.2014
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited
AGM voting results published !
Please download here the 2014 Annual General Meeting's voting results!
07.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
BCL: Mine to involve all parties
By ANCILLA WRAKUALE
THE Panguna mine in Bougainville will only reopen after a wider engagement with all parties concerned, says Bougainville Copper Limited.
The company, in its annual general meeting in Port Moresby yesterday, said they are now in the process of talking to all stakeholders including landowners, ex-combatants, community leaders, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the national Government.
BCL board chairman Peter Taylor told shareholders in that the company is putting together a customary reconciliation process known as bel kol to pursue reconciliation.
Through this process he said BCL is hoping to establish a presence in the former mining township of Arawa.
He said the Joint Panguna negotiation coordination committee (JPNCC) consisting of government, landowner and company representatives is working on that.
He said the bel kol process is a critical path to resuming access to the mine site and other related areas.
Mr Taylor said the reconcilliation may take place this year.
"As a gesture of good will, the company will make a significant contribution, towards vocational training upgrades, village literacy programs and malaria mitigation," Mr Taylor said.
"After the bel kol ceremonies, in which the BCL management will participate, three different memorials will be erected.
"Furthermore, more detailed studies, such as the pre-feasibility study and a feasibility study are required to confidently determine the potential economic viability of re-opening the mine.
"Only upon completion of those studies will the board be sufficiently informed to take a decision whether or not to open the mine and commencement of construction.
Mr Taylor said the ABG is steadfast in its commitment to achieving wider consensus needed among all Bougainvilleans to allow BCL should their technical studies demonstrate a viable business, to make a return to mining at Panguna.
Meanwhile, BCL recorded a profit of K6.8 million for 2013, compared with a planned loss of K10.4 million in the last reporting period.
"The result comes after a write-back of a provision of K8million.
Mr Taylor said tax dispute legal fees continue to be a drain on the revenue.
07.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Women get funding
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
WOMEN from the Tonsu constituency in Buka have every reason to celebrate after receiving K15,000 from their representative in the Bougainville House of Representatives. The funding, which was presented by Mrs Elizabeth Burain to representatives of Tonsu women, will go towards funding programs that will benefit women and the entire community.
The presentation, which was held at Tung village, was witnessed by the member for Tonsu constituency and Minister for Public Service in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Joel Banam, ABG Minister for Community Development Melchior Dare and other village leaders and people of Tonsu.
The funding assistance now makes Tonsu the 11th out of the 14 constituencies in North Bougainville that have already received assistance from Mrs Burain. Mrs Burain while delivering her speech called on the women to use this funding in starting up sustainable programs like micro schemes that will generate profits while at the same time utilizing the money in activities that will have positive impacts in the lives of women, children and the people in the constituency.
Mr Dare also challenged the women to use the money in programs that will benefit the community, before commending Mrs Burain for her initiative in allocating funds to women in North Bougainville. “It is now up to the women of Tonsu to be united in order to manage the money wisely for the common benefit of all,” said Mr Dare.
He also called on the Tonsu Women’s Federation to liaise with the mother organization, Bougainville Women’s Federation, in order to seek assistance from other organizations in the region that are willing to help women in Bougainville. Mr Banam also acknowledged Mrs Burain for her generous contribution to assist women in his constituency.
He urged the women to make strategic plans on how to use the money, challenged the council of elders and village assembly leaders to work with the women in the communities.
07.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Polytech college nears reality
By ROMULUS MASIU
SINCE the ground breaking ceremony of the Aropa Airport in Central Bougainville, there has been no consultation between the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the national Government through the National Airport Corporation and the local landowners.
Secretary for Aropa Airport Landowner Association Peter Onaui revealed this to the Post- Courier in Arawa yesterday. “We’re left in the dark. We don’t know what is happening now in regards to the re-opening of Aropa airport.
We had high hopes during the ground breaking ceremony as this is one of the impact projects for the region. However, our high hopes are fast fading away, with no light shed on the airport reopening,” Mr Onaui said.
The plan was instigated by Peter O’Neill when he visited Bougainville early this year. He directed State Enterprises Minister Ben Micah, Civil Aviation Minister Steven Davies and local MP Jimmy Miringtoro to spearhead the campaign to get the landowners together and negotiate for the airport’s re-opening.
The negotiations with the landowners started and went smoothly which led to the ground breaking ceremony which Minister Davies officiated in March this year. According to Mr Onaui, to date there has been no consultation at all between the concerned authorities.
“We are ready and willing to reopen the airport and we would like to hear from the other stakeholders especially the ABG, the national Government and the airport corporation. Please shed some light on the issue. Officers that were supposed to come and act as liaison personnel are not on the ground as yet,” Mr Onaui said.
However, the member for South Nasioi in the ABG John Ken said everything is going according to plan; the tenders of the terminal construction have already been won by two PNG companies. The sealing of the airport runway will be done by Dekenai while another local company Kompaini will assist in the general clearance of the place including filling potholes.
Mr Ken assured the people of Bougainville that the Aropa airport re-opening work is on target.
07.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Butchers
BOYS from Sianaba cutting up a pig in a downpour. The occasion at Marai, Kieta District of Central Bougainville, marks the end of mourning for a family member who died some time ago. Picture by JACOB IENU
07.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EX ARAWA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FUNDRAISE
By Aloysius Laukai
Ex- Students of the Arawa High School today met in Buka to support with the fundraisings that is taking place all over Papua New Guinea to raise funds to support the infrastructure buildings of their former TAMPARA MASIKA school.
Only a small group met at the Kuri village resort at lunch time today to elect an Interim Committee to set the stage for further fundraisings planned for this year.
The Interim President, FRANKLYN LACEY a former Rigu High School student has been elected as he has been involved in other similar fundraisings for the school in the past.
The team will be having their first BBQ and dance next Friday at Club Rendevouz in Buka town.
All former Ex Arawa High School students can contact the Secretary/Treasurer, JENNIFER SALOHI to register or to contribute towards the first fundraising.
Other Committee members are Vice President, ANTHONY NANGORE and committee member is Sylvester Hulagam and Aloysius Laukai from New Dawn FM will be the media man promoting fundraising activities for the group.
Pictured ae from left to right, Franklyn Lacey,Aloysius Laukai, Jennifer Salohi,
Anthony Nangore and Sylvester Hulagam.
06.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
WOMEN IN BUSINESS MOVING
By Aloysius Laukai
The secretary for the Bougainville Women in Business, ANGELA KOVOHO says that the Bougainville Women in Business association continuous to encourage more women to get into business and tap into the opportunities that are available to Bougainville women doing Business.
She told New Dawn FM today that the Association was established in 2009 and has been growing its members since.
MRS. KOVOHO said that since 2009 it has been a slow growth to 2012 but in 2014 because of the establishment of the NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK and the women’s desk, the women are given the opportunity to do business.
She said that her association encourages women and girls to go into business, however only one Grade Ten girl who is currently doing matriculation studies at the UNI CENTRE has become a member.
MRS. KOVOHO said this is very encouraging as the girl does market and uses these monies to pay for her fees.
She encouraged more girls to become a member as they benefit in the long run.
06.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BY ELECTION ON TARGET
By Aloysius Laukai
The Taonita/Tinputz By- election is still on target with the printing of Ballot Papers to be completed by tomorrow.
This was revealed by the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, GEORGE MANU today in an interview with New Dawn FM.
MR. MANU said everything including the funding for the By-Election has been sorted out to make sure that Election is completed as planned.
He said that a total of ten polling teams will be engaged in the three-days election.
MR. MANU said that Polling will be held between the hours of 8AM and 4PM daily starting on the 19th of May.
And as soon as polling is completed on May 23rd, counting will resume for the next two days at the Tinputz District office.
06.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SERVICE PROVIDERS DEMAND PAYMENT
By Aloysius Laukai
Service providers for the 2012 NATIONAL ELECTION today demanded that they be paid their outstanding as soon as possible because they are fed up with empty promises made to them by their officers since 2012.
And they told New Dawn FM today that their patience is running out and want the officer manning the office in Buka to tell the truth on the outstanding payments.
The service providers said that they were promised to be paid in March 2014 which has already lapsed.
They said that if no further payment will be processed, then they should advice so that they will stop following these outstanding payments.
06.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TORBUIL MAKES PEOPLE GREEDY
By Aloysius Laukai
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the TORBUIL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY, PIO BISIA says that you have to be greedy to help others later.
Speaking at the launching of the Co-operative Society last Saturday, MR. BISIA said that his people must learn how to save so that they can assist others in future and doing this in the Melanesian way is seen as being greedy.
He said that the aim of the Co-operative is to make sure the people are motivated to plant cocoa or coconut and for those who can do fishing can also do this and make money to save for the future.
MR. BISIA said that the current trend of making money today and blowing it in the same day is breaking up many families.
06.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
COPRA PRICE INCREASES
By Aloysius Laukai
Copra prices have gone up as of this week according to the Publicity Officer of the Pristine Copra Mill in Buka, JOSEPH WATAWI.
MR. WATAWI said that the Pristine Copra mill has increased the price from the previous ONE KINA TWO TOEA to the new price of ONE KINA TEN TOEA.
He was speaking on New Dawn FM’s Talk show on New Dawn FM this afternoon.
MR. WATAWI also revealed incentives for truck owners delivering copra to the mill and that they will be paid TWO KINA for every copra bag they deliver to the mill.
And the TWO KINA will be increased if up to 50 bags of copra is delivered to the mill.
MR. WATAWI said that the mill is also replacing Copra bags depending on the number of bags a farmer sells to the mill.
Pictured are copra sold to Pristine 101
06.05.2014
Source: Bougainville Copper Limited
Chairman’s Annual General Meeting Statement
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Peter Taylor and I have the
honour to be the chairman of your company. I have been on the board since 1997
and have been Chairman since October 2003. I declare this meeting open. This is the
47th annual general meeting of Bougainville Copper limited and I welcome
shareholders, and visitors. I understand that each member has received a copy of the
notice of meeting and, with your consent I propose to take the notice as read.
Although visitors who are not shareholders in the company are welcome to attend
the meeting as observers, you are not entitled to ask questions or vote. Nevertheless
I hope you find the proceedings interesting.
There are five resolutions to be dealt with at the meeting. Voting on these will be by
way of a poll, at the end of the meeting. Mr Burns from PWC and Mr Hitchcock of
Banisstap Company Limited will act as scrutineers and the results of voting will be
announced to the ASX after the voting process is completed.
The company's register of directors' shareholdings is available for inspection at the
meeting, for those of you who are interested.
I would like to introduce each of the directors all of whom are present.
Seated on my immediate right is Dame Carol Kidu. Most of you here will know Dame
Carol. She was a member of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea and in her
distinguished career in politics, held a number of ministerial portfolios. She retired as
the Leader of the Opposition, and has been known globally for her commitment to
improving the rights of marginalised groups such as the disabled, children, women,
HIV positive people and indigenous minorities. She was elected to the board as a
Director at the AGM last year.
Seated next to Dame Carol is Sir Rabbie Namaliu. Most of you here will also know Sir
Rabbie. He is a former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and in his distinguished
career in politics, held many senior government ministerial portfolios. Sir Rabbie
holds numerous other board positions and joined the BCL board in March 2012.
Seated next is Mr Adam Burley. Mr Burley joined the board in 2013 to fill a casual
vacancy and in accordance with the constitution will stand for election at this
meeting. He is an mining executive, and has worked in various leadership roles
throughout Africa, Europe and North America.
Next to Mr Burley is Mr Rob Burns. Mr Burns is a metallurgist by profession with
more than 40 years experience in the mining industry. He was appointed a director in
January 2006. Next to Mr Burns is Mr Paul Coleman, the company secretary. The Annual General Meeting gives me an opportunity, as chairman of the company, to make a statement concerning the up‐to‐date affairs ofthe company. Copies of this statement were distributed as you came in this afternoon, and with your permission,
I would now like to present it.
Since mining was suspended there have been many challenges both for the people
of Bougainville and the company. A considerable time has now elapsed since the
peace accord and a good deal of positive dialogue has taken place between company
representatives other key parties on Bougainville.
The human issues facing us are complex with technical mining and metallurgy in
many ways being the easier challenges.
But I think what best characterises the activities of your company over the past
twelve months is, once again, steady progress in dealing with both the human and
the technical challenges, as well as increased dialogue.
• Very positive steps continue to be taken on the multi‐party engagement,
thanks to the contributions of leading landowner representatives, ABG and
National Government officers, other agencies, and BCL management, at
regular meetings in Port Moresby and Buka;
• The mine‐affected landowners, as they continue to assess their priorities for
the future, are becoming more aligned with considering options for potential
re‐development of the mine. They are moving closer to a common position
which will make negotiation with the company and governments possible;
• The Government of President Momis is steadfast in its commitment to
achieving the wider consensus needed among all Bougainvilleans to allow us,
should our technical studies demonstrate a viable business, to make a return
to mining at Panguna, and sharing the benefits;
• In my judgement, the substantial majority of Bougainvilleans see clearly that
a choice between present autonomy and the approaching vote for
independence can only be made in the context of considerable economic
self‐sufficiency, such as can be provided by large projects including a
potential re‐started Panguna;
• We are also in dialogue with the National Government.
Your company is responding to these developments in a proactive and consistent
manner, by engaging with all stakeholders, increasing the flow of information, and
investing time and money in preparatory studies that will form the basis for
redevelopment studies when the time is appropriate.
Periodic reports of significant developments that may take place between these
annual meetings are reported by the company to the Australian Securities Exchange,
and posted on our website.
I will go into more detail of these activities, after my report on other items of
importance to the company and its shareholders, which are recurrent, year on year.
First a summary of the results as contained in the Annual Report. For the year ended December 31, 2013, a profit of K6.8 million has been recorded, compared with a planned loss of K10.4 million in the lastreporting period.
The result comes after a write‐back of a provision of K8 million. In comparison, a loss
of K6.3 million was recorded in 2012. Income from interest, and realised capital gains
on the disposal of investments, were above budget, with administration and project
costs being under budget.
The tax dispute legal fees continue to be a drain on revenue.
Due to the need to preserve cash for future development the company will not pay a
dividend.
The company has sufficient funds to cover its recurrent expenditure under the
current two year plan, and is debt free.
Now the investment strategy.
BCL’s liquid assets continue to be cash and Australian equities. The company’s
financial position is therefore linked to the performance of the Australian equities
market, which is in a relatively strong position, both in the reporting period and
looking forward.
It is intended to continue with the current investment strategy, for as long as the
Investment Committee deems this to be the best option, or until such time as
equities need to be sold to fund further studies and potential mine development.
It is expected that the size of the investment portfolio will be reduced as a result of
the tax dispute, discussed in a moment, and will continue to reduce to meet future
expenditure. Importantly, the company has sufficient funds to carry it through to a
commencement of a pre‐feasibility study in the medium term. The market has been
kept aware of the company’s wish to raise development funds as and when the need
arises.
The ongoing taxation dispute with the Internal Revenue Commission of PNG has
made little formal progress in the period, but there continues to be useful contact
with the IRC. As I have previously reported, an earlier court‐initiated mediation did
not result in a settlement, but has taken us closer, I believe, to a negotiated
outcome.
It is possible that further mediation will produce a settlement. If not, the company
will rely upon the accounting and legal advice it has received and test the issues in
court.
At the same time, the company is in dialogue at a high level seeking a resolution to
this long running issue.
For a decade now I have been reporting on litigation involving a small group of
Bougainvillean plaintiffs in the US Federal Court. The matter involves allegations over the way themine was operated andmattersthat occurred on Bougainville after
mining wassuspended. BCL was never a party to the litigation.
In June last year the US Federal Court of Appeals dismissed this 13 year old action.
BCL has governance reporting obligations to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
and internally to Rio Tinto Limited. A statement on BCL’s compliance with the ASX
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations is contained in the Annual
Report.
BCL is particularly safety conscious and has in place a comprehensive set of safety
standards to ensure that it provides a safe working environment and that its
employees and contractors comply with best practice safety procedures. BCL
complies with the requirements of the Rio Tinto safety policy.
The management of BCL undertakes regular facilitated risk workshops. The aim of
these exercises is to identify risks and opportunities for the company and allocate
responsibility for each to a member of the management team. The company has also
undergone a number of audits to ensure compliance with its own policies and those
of Rio Tinto.
BCL is continuing to support the work of the Bougainville Copper Foundation. This is
an independent, “not for profit”, company that has been funded by BCL since its
inception. This year, as in previous years, the Foundation has more than 100
Bougainville students on scholarships. It also undertakes “special projects” on a
needs basis with the emphasis being on education, peace and good governance. The
Foundation is proud of its achievements and those of its former scholars who are
contributing to the development of Bougainville.
The Foundation is completing a high level review of its objectives and future
direction.
The company also sponsored the Don Vernon post graduate scholarship to
Queensland University.
The scholarship honours Don Vernon who was a past Chairman of BCL and the
founder of the Australia PNG Business Council. The scholarship should add to the
considerable weight of knowledge currently possessed within the ranks of Papua
New Guinea mining professionals, and we are proud of the initiative.
And now, as I indicated earlier, I can report on some other events which have a
bearing on this company’s prospects and its progress towards a return to profitable
and sustainable mining.
I previously disclosed to shareholders an Order of Magnitude Study, which is an
exercise aimed at giving us guidance as to the most appropriate and cost effective
way to re‐develop the Panguna property. It is one of the company’s major tools in
evaluating our options going forward.
The Order of Magnitude Study was presented at the last AnnualGeneral Meeting
and is being continually re‐visited and up‐dated. In brief it describes a new mine at
Panguna processing between 60 million and 90 million tonnes of ore per annum,
over a mine life of 24 years, with an estimated capital cost of approximately 5.2
billion US dollars.
Further, more detailed studies, such as a pre‐feasibility study and a feasibility study
are required to confidently determine the potential economic viability of re‐opening
the mine. Only upon completion of those studies will the Board be sufficiently
informed to take a decision whether or not to proceed with financing and
commencement of construction.
The time line to first production could be between five and seven years from the
date of approval and financing.
Many of the assumptions, including the size of the resource, the life of the mine, and
the start up cost, may vary significantly when BCL has access to the mine site and
conducts a rigorous assessment of the assets.
In support of the Order of Magnitude Study, several other studies are being
undertaken by the company, some of them aimed at providing a clearer picture of
the state of the environment in mine impacted areas, the needs of the population,
as well as land ownership and social mapping. A commitment made by BCL once
access to mining related areas is achieved, is early provision of water supplies, school
upgrades and other local level improvements.
The Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC) consisting of
government, landowner and company representatives is active in defining and
preparing to implement these contributions to the quality of community life.
Another responsibility of the JPNCC which is on the critical path to resumed access to
the mine site and other related areas, is the customary reconciliation process known
as Bel Kol, an expression perhaps best translated as a cooling of the heart, or a
lowering of the emotional temperature. This historic and sensitive ceremony, long
discussed and unfortunately somewhat delayed by various factors, aims to bring
reconciliation between BCL, landowners, ABG, ex‐combatants and community
leaders.
Bel Kol may be conducted during the year. As a gesture of goodwill, the company will
make a significant contribution, towards vocational training upgrades, village literacy
programs and malaria mitigation. After the Bel Kol ceremonies, in which BCL
management will participate, three conflict memorials will be erected.
In return, BCL has asked for open access to Panguna and the SML, assurances of
safety, and a written invitation to establish a presence in Arawa, as a base for field
work, baseline studies and social mapping previously mentioned, and for the
recruitment of local people to participate in the evaluation and de‐risking programs. The JPNCC has designed a training program,to be supported by BCL, to prepare
members of the “lost generation” for work opportunities.
Within its own work program, the company is conducting or commissioning several
studies which will ensure an up‐scaling of activity as and when we are back on the
ground. These programs aim at firming up many of the early assumptions of the
Order of Magnitude Study, including resource quality, tailings options, status of
company assets, logistics, safety, security and others.
Of all the significant events that took place on Bougainville in the period, none
resonated more strongly with the ABG and the various Bougainville communities
than the visit of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in January of this year.
The visit was highly symbolic, being the first visit to Bougainville by a PNG Prime
Minister since the visit by Sir William Skate during the Bougainville crisis in the
1990’s. Prime Minister O’Neill visited Buka, Buin, Siwai, Panguna and Arawa during
his visit, and met with very few expressions that a visit by the head of the PNG
Government was unwelcome. The PM indicated National Government support for a
number of projects including the re‐opening of Aropa airport.
Both Prime Minister O’Neill and President Momis committed to the ongoing
implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and developing closer
relations between the two governments.
I believe that this highly publicised and widely witnessed event will provide impetus
to the Bel Kol process.
The relationship between President John Momis, his government, and the Board and
management of BCL remains constructive and engaged, including the invitation for
company representatives to pursue reconciliation, and establish a presence at Arawa
through the Bel Kol process.
President Momis maintains his support for the re‐opening of the mine, and the
momentum which has produced landowner elections, public forums and an
increased focus on the re‐start agenda is in considerable part due to the efforts of
the President and members of his cabinet, together with the commendable efforts
of an increasingly capable Bougainville public service, and the contribution of
Australian Government funded advisors.
The ABG team is dealing with the local response to aspects of its draft Bougainville
Mining Act. This is of significance to BCL and its future investment plans.
Mining powers currently remain with the National Government but the peace
agreement provides that for the transfer of mining powers to Bougainville. It is
important that the long term mining regime for Bougainville is settled so the
company can factor its terms into its potential redevelopment.
I wish to restate that BCL cannotre‐commencemining at Panguna unless all parties:
the Landowners,the Autonomous Bougainville Government,the National
Government of PNG, and BCL, are acting in close accord, now and into the future.
Funding and sovereign risk assurance for the project will require a united effort.
There will need to be a fair and stable regulatory regime that gives investors the
confidence needed to commit to a project that will cost in excess of US$5 billion.
The company’s contribution to this united effort includes the Order of Magnitude
Study, which I mentioned before. This is in part a published document, and gives all
stakeholders some information on which to base their positions.
A pre‐feasibility study on reopening the mine, will be very expensive, so certainty is
needed that a workable mining regime and conditions will be put in place before
committing the funds.
There is one changes to the Board of Directors of the company to be dealt with at
this Annual General Meeting.
A Rio Tinto executive, Mr Adam Burley, has been appointed to fill a casual vacancy
on the board and will be required to stand for election at this meeting.
In conclusion, let me assure you that the vision to return to active exploration and
profitable, sustainable mining remains, and, I am pleased to say, with the active
support from local stakeholders to which I have earlier referred.
This company faces the coming year with enthusiasm for the tasks ahead, and
anticipates good progress toward the vision of reopening the mine.
We have many initiatives in place, we are engaged with the ABG and the
Landowners, and we anticipate the implementation of several new activities in this
coming year, particularly if the Bel Kol process comes to fruition, and we are able to
resume a presence among old and new friends at Arawa.
Thank you for your attention to my report, and I am now open to your questions.
Peter Taylor
Chairman
6 May 2014
Download here the original PDF file of the statement above!
06.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Hagogohe launches society
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
THE people of Hagogohe constituency in Buka witnessed the grand launching of their cooperative society as well as the unveiling of a tuna fishing boat model during the weekend.
The Torbuil Co-operative Society Limited will develop and operate sustainable enterprises to care for and develop the community of Hagogohe.
The launching will now see fish aggregated devices (FAD) being set up out at the sea in the area to attract fish in which the locals can catch for family consumption or for selling in the local markets.
This FAD instruments was made possible through the office of the North Bougainville MP Lauta Atoi, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority’s fishing program and other stakeholders.
Chairman and founder of the society, Pio Bisia said the purpose of the co-operative is to encourage families to be self reliant, financially independent and to own resources that can be used to earn cash income instead of begging for free handouts.
“We are also helping families to save through family micro savings in the village to serve and help each other to build a foundation for prosperity,” said Mr Bisia.
Mr. Atoi while delivering his speech said the co-operative is a “vehicle for change and a road for prosperity and needs to be supported”.
“We must serve the intentions of the concept and look at the economic side where I must sit down with the executives and discuss the business plan to work together with all stakeholders as this principle will be a model for other constituencies to follow.”
“We will make sure this is a success for the future generations to see it, feel it and ride on this co-operative concept that we are establishing,” said Mr Atoi.
The member has already allocated K2 million for agriculture and fishing for the next four years and Torbuil Co-operative will get the first lot of funding from this package.
The FAD program will compliment the storage and packing room currently under construction at the Buka waterfront where fish will be stored for selling and packaging to markets outside of Bougainville.
Mr Atoi said he will support and work along with the chairman till this becomes a historical success, before adding that he would also work with the regional member who has also put in his support to fishing by purchasing three fishing boats.
This co-operative which already has over 2000 registered members will look at fishing and other concepts like cocoa, piggery, poultry.
06.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Polytech college nears reality
By ADRIANA SCHMIDT
PREPARATIONS are now underway for the establishment of the Bougainville Polytechnic College following the groundbreaking ceremony which took place at Hutjena on Friday.
The establishment of the Bougainville Polytechnic College is an initiative of the Regional Bougainville Joe Lera through a partnership with the Otago Polytechnic College of New Zealand.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr Lera said there is a great need for leaders to re-focus their efforts in institutionalising Bougainville with master key educational institutions to help empower school leavers to contribute to the development and progress of Bougainville.
“Leaders forgot to develop the master key level institutions that give people master keys to life and opens up many new opportunities to how they can sustain their lives in whatever situations they find themselves in after leaving primary and secondary school,” Mr Lera said.
“These master key institutions include higher education, teachers and nursing colleges as well as vocational, technical, agricultural and polytechnic colleges.”
Mr Lera explained that Bougainville has not transformed to the expectations of the people because of where the emphasis and focus on education has been placed by leaders in the past.
As a result 60 percent of 350,000 Bougainville youthful population have been unconsciously made complacent, lazy and dependent in satisfying their basic and developmental needs.
Also present at the ceremony was chief executive officer for Otago Polytechnic College Philip Ker and his team.
Mr Ker said Otago can bring in lots of expertise on vocational training and education through the partnership.
“We cannot make any difference for Bougainville unless we truly understand what it is that you need, what are your priorities and it’s only then that we can prepare our expertise,” he said.
ABG Minister for Education John Tabinaman in his address said the Bougainville government recognises the importance of education and supports the establishment of this institution.
“Principally, the ABG will want to see the courses that will be offered at this institution will be based on the needs and aspirations of the people of Bougainville,” he said.
MrTabinaman said that an ABG working committee has been established to look at various curriculum issues at the school and to achieve quality education standards in line with the ABG and Vision 2050.
06.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Maritime equipment for Bougainville
Safety equipment, including life jackets and radio beacons, have been given to health staff from Bougainville to aid them in sea rescue.
The equipment was given by the Australian Government to the division of health to improve the maritime safety of health workers during emergency evacuations and patient visits.
Stuart Schaefer, from the Australian High Commission, said: “The kits will enable health staff to safely undertake supervisory visits of all health facilities in remote locations and give on the ground support to the health facility staff. Improved monitoring and supervision of health programs and the safe evacuation of patients and guardians will result in better health outcomes.”
Health staff cover Nissan Island, the Mortlock, Fead, Tasman and the Caterets group of Atolls, and the west coast of mainland Bougainville, by boat.
In Buka, Mr Schaefer also congratulated the Bougainville Executive Council’s endorsement of the scoping study for an Accelerated Malaria Control Project that has also been supported financially by the Australian Government.
Australia is providing approximately K700,000 towards the scoping study.
06.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Fuel shortage caused boat mishap
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE passengers onboard the outboard motor that got lost at sea while travelling from Nissan Island to Buka about two weeks ago have confirmed that there was not enough fuel on board when they left Nissan.
According to one of the passengers, Anthony Korewa, they had left the island with only 80 litres of petrol.
Mr Korewa said when he questioned the skipper if this was enough to reach Buka the skipper replied that he has always travelled between Buka and Nissan with only 80 litres.
He said the skipper decided to follow a different route out, along the passage from Balil village, which the skipper claimed was shorter than the main route and was always used by other boats and ships traveling to Buka.
“We then met strong currents which dragged us off course. Unfortunately we ran out of fuel and started drifting away into the open seas,” Mr Korewa said.
He said the small children were very fortunate during their ordeal at sea as one of the passengers, Sr Alberta Timakandio, had brought along some smoked fish and the adults agreed the children should have priority when it came to sharing the fish. “We decided on this because we did not want to throw any dead body of a child overboard,” said Mr Korewa.
Bougainville disaster co-ordinator Franklyn Lacey said the skipper will be arrested for his carelessness and negligence of safety measures.
He said though Bougainville is yet to establish its own Small Crafts Board, this will not prevent police from arresting the skipper in accordance with some of the measures contained in the Small Crafts Act.
Mr Lacey confirmed that this was the second time in two weeks an incident took place involving the same operator.
“About two weeks ago he carried some passengers towards Buka without having enough petrol onboard,” said Mr Lacey.
The petrol ran out just off Haku on Buka Island but luckily some of my boys got the message and quickly went there and gave some petrol to this skipper,” Mr Lacey said .
Acting Buka police station commander Alex Gunan when contacted by Post-Courier yesterday said they have yet to call the skipper to the station.
He said however the skipper will still be questioned and the law will take its course.
Meanwhile, Mr Lacey has acknowledged the contribution from the other disaster co-ordinators in the New Guinea Islands region for their efforts in trying to locate the missing boat or its passengers.
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Australian Government and the Royal Australian Air Force for the utilisation of their aircraft in conducting the aerial search.
06.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Leader backs Panguna landowners
A FORMER Arawa town authority official is supporting the Panguna Landowners Association’s call for "bel kol" payout before the re-opening of the Panguna mine.
Francis Mange, who is also the former president of the Highlands Welfare Association, based in Arawa, said special lease mining chairman Lawrence Daveona’s demand for K27 billion compensation ($US10 billion) is genuine.
"I support Lawrence because he is the landowner there. Even I lost my properties when I was in Bougainville during the crisis," Mr Mange said.
"Conzinc Rio-Tinto Australia is the cause of all these problems. The National Government and CRA did not listen to the people, hence many lives and properties were lost."
Mr Mange, after completing his plumbing apprenticeship at the then Lae Technical College (now called the Lae Poly-technical Institute), travelled to Bougainville in 1969, where he has lived for more than 25 years. "Panguna mine was the world’s biggest mine. It attracted people from all over Papua New Guinea," he said.
05.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TRAVELAIR FLIGHTS TO BUKA SUSPENDED
By Aloysius Laukai
The Famous MANGI LO PELES operating as Travel Air has been suspended from flying to Buka for an indefinite period.
Civil Aviation Safety Authority has suspended Travel air flights into Buka for not adhering to a notice of the airport’s closure due to landowner dispute last week.
The offence happened last week during the airline’s inaugural flight into Buka.
It is understood that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority will carry out investigation into this incident.
New Dawn FM who covered this ceremony also understands that all the three airlines still landed in Buka during the closer.
Two flights from Airlines PNG came earlier and Travel-Air came later with the Air Niugini cargo plane coming the next day.
05.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SURVIVOR RECALLS ORDEAL AT SEA
By Aloysius Laukai
A survivor of the overloaded Banana Boat that went missing between Nissan Island and Buka two weeks ago yesterday told NEW DAWN FM NEWS that the Boat skipper made a wrong start when they left Nissan island.
A Catholic nun, SR. ALBERTA TIMAKANDIO said that the boat left Nissan island with 14 passengers and only three Petrol containers for the trip to B uka and also came out of Nissan using a channel completely new to the sister who is also a Nissan islander.
She said that the skipper instead of turning towards HANPAN Point on Buka island, where they normally come into Buka island continued all the way towards Tinputz when they all realized that they have gone the wrong way.
So when they tried to turn back resulting in their Petrol running out in strong winds.
From then on they were at the mercy of the tides which tossed them back and forth into the ocean.
SR. ALBERTA recalls one night she had to paddle to try to get to what she saw as an island but could not reach it because of strong currents.
She said that many times she was trying to assist with the possible locations but was told to shut up as she was only frustrated and talking.
The Sister said that they were lucky they had bags of the local nut KALOK in the boat and they had to eat them for their survival.
She also had one month’s worth of smoked fish which she started giving to the hungry children who were crying with hunger.
SR. ALBERTA said that on Friday May 2nd they were spotted by a Royal Australian Air Force Plane which immediately dropped off food and water.
The plane then told rescue teams to go to the location and get to Fead island.
SR.ALBERTA said that one boat with extra petrol came and they refilled their boat and took some passengers to Fead island.
She said that their final trip back to Buka was made in only one day.
They left Fead island at 6.30 am on four boats, arrived Nissan island at 11 am and left Nissan for Buka arriving at 5.30 to Buka yesterday.
Pictured is SR.ALBERTA with Disaster Co-ordinator, Franklyn Lacey.
05.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mine negotiations director corrects mine visit reports
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE director of the office of Panguna Negotiations in Bougainville, Raymond Masono has refuted allegations made by the chairman of the Special Mining Leases regarding a visit by an assessment team from the Bougainville Copper Ltd to Bougainville last week.
According to a report which was published in the Post-Courier last Friday, the chairman of the Panguna Landowners Association Lawrence Daveona stated that the Autonomous Bougainville Government had collaborated with BCL to send the assessment team to Arawa. But Mr Masono when clarifying the misleading statement by Mr Daveona, said the BCL assessment team was approved by the Joint Panguna Negotiations Coordination Committee (JPNCC) at its meeting in Buka on March 25.
“The JPNCC comprises the four main stakeholders to the negotiations; ABG, Panguna Mine Affected Landowners, BCL and the national Government,” Mr Masono said.
“The chairman of the Special Mining Lease Mr Lawrence Daveona and the rest of the landowners’ association executives were present at the meeting when the decision was made. I’m sure the meeting minutes will confirm that.
05.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Australian Air Force rescues lost islanders
A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft has successfully located and helped rescue 15 people who were adrift at sea when their ‘banana boat’ lost power when travelling from Nissan Island to Buka Island in Bougainville.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Moresby requested assistance from Rescue Coordination Centre Australia after the boat failed to reach its destination.
Air Force Director General Capability and Planning, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Michael Kitcher, said the rescue was another example of the excellent work being done by the RAAF in conjunction with Australia’s neighbours.
"The crew of the Orion did an excellent job in locating the boat and helping to arrange for the subsequent rescue," AIRCDRE Kitcher said.
"This is another demonstration of Air Force’s ability to be anywhere at any time and is testament to the high standard of training of our air and ground crews."
The RAAF Orion aircraft was dispatched to Port Moresby on the evening of 30 April 2014. The aircraft launched from Port Moresby the next day and located the missing boat, dropping an SAR8 Air-Sea Rescue Kit. The SAR8 kit, which contained two inflatable life rafts and two containers of emergency supplies, was successfully recovered by occupants of the boat. The Orion also dropped a search and rescue reference datum marker buoy.
The passengers were then rescued by a vessel dispatched by MRCC Port Moresby. No injuries were reported among the people rescued.
The Orion returned to Port Moresby after the successful completion of the task.
05.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville schools get more help
TEN primary schools in Bougainville will be proud recipients of projects under the provincial infrastructure project program for 2014.
This was announced by the acting chief executive officer for education in Bougainville Michael Meten at the classroom opening ceremony of two primary schools in the Kunua District of North Bougainville on Wednesday. Mr Meten said Bougainville has been very lucky to have been included in the provincial infrastructure program.
He explained that 20 primary schools in the region have already received these projects and they are targeting 10 more schools in the region for 2014. This will total up to 30 schools. Kunua Primary School and Ubako Primary School in the Kunua District opened new facilities in their respective schools.
These facilities included a double classroom and office, ablution blocks and a teacher’s house for each respective school.
Mr Meten urged the staff and students to look after the new facilities. "I want to remind the people that today these facilities will now become yours and please take ownership and look after the facilities so that the children from these two schools in the next ten years will continue to use these facilities," said Mr Meten.
05.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
'Negligent' Bougainville boat operator facing charges
A boat operator in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville is to face negligence charges after prompting his second rescue in a month.In the most recent incident 14 people were lost at sea for a week until being rescued last Friday.
The boat was spotted by an Australian Airforce plane which had been requested by the disaster manager in Bougainville, Franklin Lacey.
He says the people are all safe and well, though several of the adults were put under medical observation.
Mr Lacey says they think the boat ran out of fuel - just as had happened the previous month when they also had to rescue him.
He calls the operator a careless young man and says there will be charges.
"With negligence, nearly causing death and all this. They could have died if I didn't get the ADF [Australian Defence Force]"
Franklin Lacey
05.05.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Bougainville weapons disposal stalls as ex-combatants resist
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
INTERVIEWED on camera for the 1999 documentary, Coconut Revolution, the late Bougainville leader Francis Ona stated these as the goals of the revolutionary war: “We are fighting for man and his culture, land and environment and independence.”
The 1988 armed protest to show BCL and PNG that Bougainville was for Bougainvilleans, and that nothing should come between them and their land, resulted in a 10-year war and the loss of perhaps 10-15 thousand Bougainville people and huge loss of property and infrastructure.
The art of war was new – by and large the World War II veterans were not around - but Bougainvilleans learned quickly and, through stealth and bravado, got access to PNG military resources.
The fighters also learned how to re-condition wartime ammunition and guns.
In another 1999 documentary, Bougainville: Our Island our fight, the former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) commander, Sam Kauona, said: “All weapons that the BRA has presently are from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Like my weapon there are now hundreds and hundreds of them.”
The BRA had rapidly learned the art of guerrilla warfare and felt confident in taking on the PNG government.
A generation of youngsters grew up and joined in the fighting in the 10-year civil war. They fought effectively enough to demoralise the PNG army and to witness it leave their island.
But the way in which young men were drawn into combat and support roles and the consequent gun culture that developed provided anything other than a normal upbringing for a Bougainvillean teenager.
Internal Bougainville refugee Maryanne Moses observed in Bougainville: Our island our fight, that, “We have deprived the children from what was rightfully theirs. Children are growing up without [formal] education, they are in a war situation and that’s all they know.”
The Bougainville Peace Agreement, when it eventually was signed in 2001 after many failed attempts, unlike previous initiatives had a more concrete emphasis on the gun culture and the weaponry available across Bougainville. It stated bluntly that Bougainville must be free from guns.
It made clear that the proposed Bougainville referendum on independence to be held between 2015 and 2020 was conditional on Bougainville being weapon free.
In 2010 Aloysius Laukai on the New Dawn on Bougainville news site (No Bougainville referendum until weapons are gone) quoted a Bougainvillean lawyer as saying: “Although the referendum is guaranteed under the PNG and Bougainville constitutions, there first must be weapons disposal before it can take place.”
So far this directive has not being upheld by the ex-combatants and a new generation of Bougainvilleans that loves to own a gun and many people blame the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) for not putting in the effort.
Many ex-combatants believe the ABG should look at the Bougainville crisis through a Bougainville lens since the issue is still fresh in the hearts and minds of the people.
The ‘half success’ of the UN backed weapons disposal program has failed to fully dispose of weapons for a reason and, as Bougainvillean, it is about time politicians recognised that and acted.
There are still sources of conflict in Bougainville as to how the ABG should function and how the peace agreement should treat Bougainville.
In Anthony Regan’s book, Light Intervention: Lessons from Bougainville (2010), the author stated: “Despite agreements, diverse sources of tension and conflict usually tend to simmer, even once the main conflict is resolved—the previous intensity just finds new outlets.”
On Bougainville many ex-combatants do not want to throw away their guns, pointing out that they risked their lives to seize arms from PNG government and other forces want their stories of war to be recorded for the future.
A notable Meekamui group leader, Chris Uma, is one such figure holding out against the weapons disposal exercise.
He told an Al Jazeera TV documentary, Bougainville: Reopening the old wounds, in 2009: “I fought the PNGDF, I got the rifle, I grab it from the enemy [and] that is why I cannot give [up] my arms. People who are putting their arms to containment [are] stupid.”
These combatants do not want to destroy their weapons but want to keep them safe for future generations, they claim to have touch with Bougainville history.
These are the issues Bougainville is caught with today. But despite the only partial success of the disposal program, Bougainvilleans are not reckless gun wielders in the post-conflict Bougainville.
04.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Maritime life saving equipment for Bougainville Division of Health
Maritime life saving equipment for Bougainville Division of Health
Health staff from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will now be equipped to conduct safer health monitoring and supervisory visits to the maritime areas of the ARoB after receiving quality safety equipment provided by Australia to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Division of Health.
This support is in response to the need of the Division of Health to improve maritime safety for health program monitoring visits and emergency evacuation of the patient and guardians via sea passage.
The Chief Executive Officer for the Division of Health, Dr Anthony Pumpara, on receiving the equipment, said that this equipment is vital for safety of both staff and patients and the support from the Australian Government is greatly appreciated.
Minister, Development Cooperation, for the Australian High Commission, Mr Stuart Schaefer, inspected the kits that include adult and children’s life jackets and an Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon for tracking distressed or disabled boats.
“The kits will enable health staff to safely undertake supervisory visits of all health facilities in remote locations and give on the ground support to the health facility staff. Improved monitoring and supervision of health programs and the safe evacuation of patients and guardians will result in better health outcomes.” Mr Schaefer said.
The Division of Health’s monitoring and supervisory visits are undertaken by boats to Nissan Island, the Mortlock, Fead, Tasman and Caterets groups of Atolls, and the west coast of mainland Bougainville.
In Buka, Mr Schaefer congratulated the Bougainville Executive Council’s endorsement of the scoping study for an Accelerated Malaria Control Project that has also been supported financially by the Australian Government.
Australia is providing approximately K700, 000 towards the scoping study that will gather baseline data including information regarding the prevalence of the disease. The scoping study will inform the Autonomous Bougainville Government, National Department of Health and stakeholders about the feasibility of proceeding with the Control Project.
Dr Pumpara stated that the Autonomous Bougainville Government wants to eliminate malaria by 2030 and support for this initiative is an excellent response by the Australian Government.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is a priority area of support for Australia’s health partnership with PNG. Assistance focuses on improving maternal and child health, financial management, training health workers and health infrastructure.
03.05.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
14 Bougainvilleans lost at sea found
The provincial disaster manager in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville, says a group of 14 people, missing at sea for a week, has been found safe and well.
The group went missing on Friday a week ago while travelling from Nissan Island to Buka.
Franklin Lacey says an Australian Airforce plane spotted the boat late on Friday afternoon.
"So they gave me the co-ordinates. I gave the co-ordinates to my search party and they got them [ the missing 14] over to Fead Island."
Bougainville's provincial disaster manager, Franklin Lacey, says the four children on board the boat are well, but a number of the adults are still under medical observation.
He says it appears the boat ran out of fuel.
Mr Lacey says the group should be back in Buka tomorrow.
03.05.2014
Source: EMTV
ABG SUPPORTS MEDIA FREEDOM
The power of pen and paper must be respected, and allowed to exercise its democratic freedom. This is from the Autonomous Bougainville Government Communication’s Minister Reverend Joseph Nopei.
In commemorating the Media Freedom Day today, Minister Nopei says the media must be free and not politicized.
Media outlets, journalists and citizens commemorate the democratic right and freedom of speech and expression.
ABG Communication Minister Reverend Joseph Nopei says the media must be free and not controlled by the Government.
His strong message to journalists is to report without favour or fear, with stories to be accurate, fair and balanced.
The challenge was on journalists not to bow down to politicians but uphold reporting principals and objectives.
Meanwhile Minister Nopei says the media’s role in Bougainville’s referendum is vital.
The ABG will continue to use the media to drive public awareness and information concerning referendum.
PNG is a democratic nation which the PNG Constitution; gives media the right to pursue any information of public interest.
03.05.2014
Source: EMTV
AUTONOMOUS BOUGAINVILLE GOVERNMENT SIGNS MMEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has signed, two Memorandums of Understanding with State Owned Entities to improve service delivery.
This is part of the National Government’s commitment, to restore and improve service delivery in the autonomous region.
These documents will pave way for future developments.
The government is fulfilling the National government’s commitment to improve service delivery in the autonomous region.
The MOU between Water PNG Limited is for these projects; the Arawa Water Sanitation and Rehabilitation and the Buka town sewerage development.
As Bougainville is heading towards referendum, ABG Works and Civil Aviation Minister Luke Karaston says its headquarters must be improved to meet the required standards.
Feasibility studies will be conducted to look at alternate sources that would maintain the services.
The MOU between NBC and ABG is a 60:40 agreement that cements the commitment to improve casting services and capacity.
National Communication Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro says the government’s plan is to improve communication and radio Bougainville will take the lead to drive the Bougainville peace agreement awareness.
This is a high impact project that is managed by the project management unit.
It aims to improve communication and the dissemination of public information using the main stream media and others to inform and educate Bougainvilleans about the Bougainville Peace agreement and its Autonomy status.
03.05.2014
Source: EMTV
MANGI BLO PLES FIRST FLIGHT TO BUKA
The inclusion of another airline operating to Buka, has made traveling more convenient for passengers. Passengers now have a range of airlines to choose and fly with.
Today Mangi Lo Ples, Travel Air, made its inaugural flight to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Since the restoration period, after the Bougainville Crisis, Buka Airport was only operated by the National Flag Carrier, Air Niugini.
This year, the Autonomous Bougainville Government has opened its business doors to other airline companies. They include Airlines PNG and Mangi Blo Ples, Travel Air that commenced its first flight today. The maiden flight brought surprise to customers, with lowest sector airfares from Port Moresby to Buka low as 388 kina.
Travel Air has opened the competition market, against other airline that operates to Buka, where customers will exercise their freedom to choose. The flight was welcomed in the Bougainville way, on its arrival at the Buka Airport.
The aviation records of crash in PNG have put fear in people’s lives. While the competition on airfares will be a game to be played, people will continue to caution safety.
03.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Group not happy with reconciliation plan
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE Panguna Landowners Association executives have strongly denounced the manner in which the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) collaborated and brought the BCL reconnaince team to Arawa before the proposed compensation.
Among the team are two representatives from Rio Tinto.
Special lease mining chairman Lawrence Daveona said this and strongly condemned the actions of the ABG and BCL.
“These people do not have any culture and they think they can turn a blind eye to what happened on Bougainville. They think they can come to Bougainville, especially Arawa without first paying ‘bel kol’ to the people. Many Bougainvilleans died as a result of BCL ignoring the landowners demand for fair and equitable compensation for the environment destruction. We want fair and equitable benefit sharing from our natural resources,” Mr Daveona stated.
Mr Daveona who met with the four men reconnaince comprising of BCL and Rio Tinto in Arawa yesterday said it is now clear to the landowners, especially SML that ABG and BCL will use whatever it’s available at hand to suppress the landowners and the people of Bougainville.
“One of the methods is that they think they can use bullying tactics to drive the re-opening of the Panguna. We lost a lot of lives and we need to carefully address all the underlying issues and come to amicable solution with regard to the reopening of the Panguna Mine. Landowners will have a final say on whether the mine will be reopened. Therefore, no stone must be left unturned and address all issues, including benefits sharing, business spin offs, employment opportunities for Bougainvilleans and other issues that may affect the future operations of the company. We do not want to repeat the history that happened concerning the Panguna Mine.” Mr Daveona added that all important stakeholders must bear in mind that Panguna mine is very sensitive issue.
“Our people at Panguna have been blaming the landowner executives that we are pushing for the reopening of the Panguna Mine. It is the ABG which is trying to bulldoze the re-opening of the mine. Not landowner executives’ issues are the welfare of our people. The relocation, housing, compensation, fair benefit sharing for all Bougainvilleans, employment opportunities, business spin offs and others.”
“Lastly but not the least, the ABG and BCL, must bear in mind that the war is not over yet. The US$10 billion compensation demand still stands. Furthermore, we have resolved that the BCL will be treated as other interested investors. No special treatment will be given to them. No special treatment will be given to BCL. BCL will meet all our demands before they (BCL) set foot on Bougainville,” Mr Daveona told the Post-Courier in Arawa.
02.05.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Vital services returning to Central
By Timothy Poroda
Welcome sign at Aropa Airport
Arawa, the former capital of Bougainville, is slowly seeing the return of vital services.
Recent times have seen the establishment of a Bank South Pacific (BSP), a post office and an Air Niugini office in Arawa.
Air Niugini launched their office in anticipation the reopening Aropa Airport.
Construction and maintenance got underway at the international airport in Central Bougainville following a ground breaking ceremony in March.
The airport long lay dormant after its closure due to Bougainville Civil War
Aropa Airport will provide utility to the whole of the autonomous region, but especially Central and South Bougainville.
Air Niugini Dash 8
In the first instance the airport will only cater for small aircraft, such as the Air Niugini Q400 Dash-8.
The national carrier, Air Niugini, will add Aropa to its schedule as of mid-2014, commencing flights to the port as it had been in the past.
It will be a huge change in the transportation of people and goods throughout Bougainville.
The reopening will also help local people to pursue their dreams of having prosperous businesses on the island.
The people on the ground are happy to receive the government service, which was once interrupted.
02.05.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia News
Australian air force helps stranded 'banana boat' off Bougainville
The Australian Air Force has helped rescue 15 people, whose boat lost power off PNG's Bougainville island.
15 people were onboard the 7-metre 'banana boat' bound from Nissan Island to Buka Island in Bougainville when the craft suffered engine problems and was left without power. (Credit: Audience submitted)
A Royal Australian Air Force aircraft has helped locate and rescue 15 people who were stranded at sea off Papua New Guinea's Bougainville island.
The seven-metre 'banana boat' went adrift after it lost power while travelling from Nissan Island to Buka Island on April 26.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Port Moresby requested assistance from Rescue Coordination Centre Australia after the boat failed to reach its destination.
The RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft was dispatched to Port Moresby on Wednesday evening.
The aircraft, launched from Port Moresby on Thursday, located the missing boat and dropped a rescue kit.
The kit, which contained two inflatable life rafts and two containers of emergency supplies, was recovered by the boat's occupants.
The Orion also dropped a search and rescue marker buoy.
The passengers were then rescued by a vessel dispatched by MRCC Port Moresby.
"The crew of the Orion did an excellent job in locating the boat and helping to arrange for the subsequent rescue," RAAF Air Commodore Michael Kitcher said.
"This is another demonstration of Air Force's ability to be anywhere at any time and is testament to the high standard of training of our air and ground crews."
None of the boat's passengers were injured.
01.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SOHIA PRAISES THE PEOPLE OF HAKU
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG Member for Hagogohe , PETER SOHIA today praised the people of Haku for uniting for the tourism project at Kessa.
Speaking at the gathering to decide the future of the Kessa Plantation with the landowners, MR. SOHIA said that the people of Haku had some good leaders who were instrumental in the development of Bougainville can do it again if they were united.
He said that the Proposed tourism project was good and can boost the economy of Bougainville .
MR. SOHIA said that Kessa was located in an ideal situation that can be marketed for tourists to visit.
The meeting was attended by more than one thousand people.
01.05.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
CHIEF WANTS TOURISM PROJECT
By Aloysius Laukai
The Paramount chief of LONTIS, MR THOMAS KENETH MARU has called for unity from the people of Haku especially the landowners of Kessa to support the Tourism project been mooted for Kessa by the chiefs of Kessa.
The chief was speaking at a meeting arranged by the Division of Tourism to promote a Tourism project for Bougainville at Kessa.
According to the meeting attended by the chiefs and their people they wanted the project to go ahead but want first the title of the land to OPAHA Clan.
Representative of OPAHA clan, FRANCIS TEKIA told the meeting that the landowners want development.
01.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Travel Air connects Buka
By BENNY GETENG
Travel Air opened their inaugural route to Buka Island with an affordable one way fare of K338 per person on Tuesday.
According to the airlines Chief Executive Officer Tofayel Siddike the price per person to travel to Buka Islnad in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is offered with no limited seats applicable.
Mr Siddike stated that the flights into Buka will be for this week on a three times per week and will increase to six times per week beginning next week.
"The connection flight as well can include the Port Moresby to Rabaul route of which that will connect from Rabaul to Buka and vice versa."
The CEO thanked the government representatives of the ABG to allow them to start operating in the region and highlighted that if possible they can look at servicing the small island airstrips in Bougainville Island to give the people a much better air service experience.
"We are proud to come to Buka and service the people of the region with an affordable and better air service experience and we are also thankful of the grassroots people of this country that are choosing to fly with us."
Bougainville Regional Member of Parliament Joe Lera stated that when approached by Travel Air to have them service Buka Island he was pleased to see another airline company coming onto the island to help the people with more air travel.
"We as leaders worry too much about protocol than rather look at the needs of the people in regards to transport. Sometimes we can do away with protocol and do something for the people when they need it the most.
"When we follow protocol we then at most times slow down the process of development and transport is an integral part of development in the country."
01.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Air Niugini resumes flights to Buka airport
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
NATIONAL flag carrier Air Niugini will resume its normal flights into Buka starting today.
This was confirmed by one of the company staff in Buka yesterday.
The airline had decided to suspend its flights into Buka on Tuesday following reports that the landowners of the area where the airport is situated were going to close down the airport after learning that the ABG nor the NAC were not addressing their demands.
The landowners later decided not to carry out their planned stand on the closure of the airport; however the airline company still decided to cancel its operation over the safety of their planes and passengers.
An officer with the National Airports Corporation told this reporter yesterday morning that they have also uplifted the temporary closure notice which they issued on Tuesday morning upon learning of the landowners plans to close the airport.
This officer, who wished not to be named, added that NAC also advised Air Niugini through email to resume its flights to Buka, however it is understood that the airline company did not receive the message.
He confirmed that Air Niugini will resume its normal flights to Buka today.
He also denied rumors floating around Buka town and on social media that NAC had closed the airport till May 11 this year.
Despite the non-travel of Air Niugini flights into Buka yesterday, third level airline company, Airlines PNG still continued with its normal service into Buka while Travel Air also made its second flight into the region.
A representative of the land-owners Channel Solas told NBC Bougainville that they have decided not to close the airport.
He said their intention to close the airport was just a wake-up call for the government to quickly address all outstanding issues raised by the landowners. Chief Solas also gave his assurance that the landowners will not disrupt flights in and out of Buka starting yesterday.
He however called on the Bougainville administration and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to quickly meet with them and shed light on the outstanding issues they raised more than seven years ago.
The landowner spokesman said though they have been notified on the requirements concerning this Asian Development Bank-funded project on the rehabilitation of the Buka Airport, their main concern was on the benefits that will be given to the owners of the land where the airport is situated.
01.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Fourteen still missing in Bougainville waters
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
AN outboard motor that left Nissan Island bound for Buka last Friday is still missing at sea.
According to Thomas Sansan from the division of local level government in Buka, there were 14 passengers on board, including 10 adults and four children.
Numerous boat searches organised by the Bougainville Disaster Office have failed to locate either the missing dinghy or the passengers.
Mr Sansan said the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) in Port Moresby yesterday arranged for a plane from Darwin in Australia to travel to Bougainville to conduct a five hour aerial search.
The plane arrived yesterday at around 10:30am and conducted aerial searches towards the west coast areas of mainland Bougainville and the atolls.
Mr Sansan said rescue boats are on standby for any sightings of the boat, adding that if there is any sighting these rescue boats will quickly move out to rescue the passengers.
Mr Sansan also denied reports circulating in Buka that the boat has already been found in the Torres Straits in Australia.
Reports from some Nissan Islanders stated that the boat had left the island with insufficient fuel, which may have run out due to the strong currents between Buka and Nissan.
This is not the first time that a boat of islanders travelling between Buka, Nissan and the atolls of Bougainville had got lost at sea. The most recent mishap happened on January this year when a boat travelling from Buka to Carterets Island sank due to rough seas and strong currents as they were about to travel into a passage there.
Three of the passengers including the skipper were found alive while the bodies of the boat owner, his wife and two children were never found.
Numerous calls have always been directed to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to quickly buy a ship to service the atoll islanders.
The government has already bought the ship, however another boat has again got lost at sea while the ship is yet to arrive in Bougainville.
01.05.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Women complete tourism course
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE Arawa Women Training Centre saw the first group of participants complete a tourism and hospitality course last week.
The two-week course was run by Lillian Ahai, a Bougainvillean who has run and managed three national institutions. She was the former headmistress of Kerevat, Sogeri and Port Moresby National High Schools during her teaching career, where she ran courses on tourism and hospitality, and the management and promotion of ecotourism system.
The participants, eight women and two men most of them from Rorovana Village in Central Bougainville, passed with flying colours. They were presented with certificates at a small but significant ceremony at the Arawa centre. All speakers supported the tourism and hospitality industry and said tourism was easy to start and manage but must have policies to run them.
“It allows us to take care of our environment,” said Mrs Ahai who was the first female headmistress in the three national high schools in the country.
