News 10.2010 

30.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

CHINA TO SUPPORT ABG
By Aloysius Laukai in Beijing

The ABG and the SHANGHAI Chamber of Commerce this morning signed two separate Memorandum of Understandings to allow Business transactions to start between CHINA and Bougainville Bussinesmen,
The two agreements would be for Shipping to commence between Shangai and Kieta International wharf for business to commence as soon as practicable.
As China is a big consumer of goods from other countries Bougainville is set to benefit from this direct shipping link.
The Agreements were signed after a Seminar was held in Shanghai this morning in which the ABG presented its Economic Policy to kick start and develop its economic recovery.
The Deputy Administrator, RAYNMOND MASONO presented the policy to more than fifty Businessmen and including Government Officials.
MR MASONO stressed that the ABG welcomes joint ventures with credible business people and that Bougainville would not allow stand alone outside businesses.
More news and story on the China trip shortly.

President MOMIS with flowers presented to him and his delegation at Shanghai airport last Thursday at 5pm after arriving from Manila.

29.10.2010
Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Women security celebrated
By Veronica Hannette

The 10 years anniversary of the United Nation Women Security council Resolution, UNSCR was commemorated with a Music Festival at Buka’s Hutjena oval today.
During his speech, UNDP technical Advisor, Anthony Agyenta said it was an achievement for UNSCR 10 years on and women should hold their head up high and be proud.
Mr. Agyenta expressed his gratitude to all women in Bougainville for taking the lead in upholding the resolution and celebrating the day.
He said that the event is also an eye opener for other women. The challenge now is for the ABG Minister for Community Development Rose Pihei to drive their agenda.
Mr. Agyenta urged everyone to support the Minister.

29.10.2010
Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

People told to uphold food ban
By Joyce Tohui

The Bougainville Health Division is calling on everyone in the region to respect the ban on cooked food items and ice blocks in the open markets.
The ban was imposed by the Bougainville Cholera Task Force to minimize the spread and possible outbreak of cholera in the region.
Environmental Health Officer with Provincial Health, Motoru Memeho, says the sale of prohibited food items are also not allowed in the rural markets. That ban is still in force in the township of Buka, according to the Buka Urban Council.
Mr. Memeho says the Provincial Health Office is responsible for markets in the rural communities. Cholera awareness have been carried out by the Bougainville Cholera Task Force in various rural communities.
He says sale of the ban food items is a recipe for cholera outbreak in Bougainville.
And he urged everyone to maintain healthy living and take heed of the awareness done by the Bougainville Cholera Task Force.

29.10.2010
Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Health awareness lacking
By Joyce Tohui

Rural communities in Bougainville face the risk of contracting the cholera disease because the health division lacks manpower to carry out effective awareness.
Sources from the health division say the current manpower shortage cannot allow them to carryout ongoing awareness at rural communities. The lack of awareness is posing serious risks for the outbreak of the disease.
The ban on cooked food items and ice blocks is still on.
The source also revealed that there are only four District Health Officers in the region.
Plans are underway for new recruits subject to the availability of funding. New Dawn FM News understands all Departments in Bougainville need funding to carry out their work effectively.

29.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Concerns raised on slow work on Buka market
By Joyce Tohui

Concerns have been raised on the slow progress with the maintenance of the main Buka town market. It has taken almost two years to complete the upgrading.
The upgrading project was expected to finish within three months since the launch last February. The current temporary market is faced with overcrowding and marketing activities are often affected during wet seasons.
A spokesman Thomas Nokunei tells New Dawn FM News that market users are finding it difficult to cope with the current situation.
He has called on the contractors to speed up the upgrading project.

29.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Population growth affects Nissan
By Joyce Tohui

Nissan Island is facing serious land shortage because its population is growing rapidly.
The islanders are currently experiencing food shortage because there is not enough land to cultivate food crops.
Peter Dosti with the Nissan Nehan Development Foundation says problems related to the shortage of land can be minimizing if the people take heed of the rising population.
He says a big family size is a major contributing factor to the increase in population. He says the islanders should consider available land space and plan their family.
Mr. Dosti is calling on the Government and other partners in the region to carry out awareness on family planning and land matters

29.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Life styles diseases on the rise in Bougainville
By Maria Laukai

Lifestyle diseases are on the rise in the region of Bougainville. That’s according to a research done by Bougainville Health division and four experts from Australia.
The research done in 2009 reveals a good number of public servants in the Bougainville administration will face attacks from various lifestyle diseases.
The findings were revealed by Dr Joe Vilosi, who was a member of the research team. The main types of life style diseases are high blood pressure and diabetes.
Lifestyle diseases are self-inflicted with the consumption of imported food products and the ignorant practice of harmful westernized behaviors.
Those living in the urban centers were as the next to be affected.
He says high income leads people to spend recklessly on factory made products that attract all forms of lifestyle diseases. Two villages in the region have high intake of sugar and also faced with the dilemma.
The government is urged to use the findings to tackle the disease.

29.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Scrap metal war heats up
By TODAGIA KELOLA

THE “fight” for ownership of the scrap metal in Bougainville heats up between two local companies.
Dorani Scrap Metal Limited and Bakako International Commodities Ltd registered with IPA are both claiming that the scrap metal that is now on its way to South Korea belongs to them and not the other party.
Yesterday, Bakoko the company that allegedly helped a foreign investor from India to ship the K1.5 million worth of scrap metal out of Bougainville refuted claims that their action was illegal.
In an exclusive interview, the group led by Gideon Bana an ex-combatant and director of the company said they never stole the scrap metal nor shipped it out illegally.
“We were the ones that collected the goods while we were with Dorani, so we did not steal it, the ship sailed into Lohoho and was cleared by customs and when it departed it was cleared by the ABG,” he said
Papers provided showed that relevant Government agencies had approved the ship to sail in and out of Bougainville waters.
Flanked by, Charles Synod, a shipping agent on the island and investor Roshan Sunny, Mr Bana said: “The company (Bakoko) is owned by ex-combatants who have over the last four years, cut and stockpiled scrap metal to sell to prospective local and overseas buyers.
“Before the formation of Bakoko, another company called Dorani Scrap Metals Ltd was mandated by the ex-combatants to facilitate the sale of scrap metal at Loloho port.”
Dorani Scrap Metal Ltd director, Jonah Matevai refuted all the claims by Bana and said his overseas investor HS World Wide International had spent millions to stockpile the scrap metal which included his machinery to bring everything to Loloho and while waiting for clearance by ABG for him to ship this cargo out, the Indian national moved in and influenced employees of Dorani to form a company and take over the goods.
“I am challenging Bakoko and its investor, why didn’t he come with his machinery if he claims to has the money and gather the scrap metal, and then he can ship it out without controversy. Instead he has influenced the ex-combatants within three months only for them to register their company and take out the goods that legally belong to Dorani Limited who had never allowed this ex employees to be owners of the metal” he said
He said Dorani is a family company started by him and his brother and they employed others to give them jobs but unfortunately others think that they can take over their operations.

The fight for ownership of the scrap metal in Bougainville heats up between two local companies. Gideon Bana (top) ex-combatant says his group did not steal the scrap metal while Jonah Matevai says the scrap metal belongs to his company.
 

28.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Women Roles in Society
By Veronica Hannette

A session focused on gender issues affecting the roles of women in the society under the United Nations Women Security 1325 Resolution was held today.
The Security Council is a commitment made by the member states to take action on specific issues on women.
The workshop based particularly on the post crisis that was experienced and to recap on boosting the women roles.
In today’s session participants realized that women plays a vital part in the community yet that have been left in silence.
Some of the highlights mentioned were, overlook of women excess to involvements within their reach, gender based violence and women fooled into polygamy.
Discussions were about the future changes reflecting the post crisis period.
And suggestions were raised on including reconsidering the participation of women under the UN Security resolution.

28.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Passage of vessel illegal
By TODAGIA KELOLA

AN APPROVAL by the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, John Momis for the safe and unhindered passage of a vessel laden with K1.5 million worth of scrap metal out of Bougainville was illegal.
But the president in an interview with this reporter said he had to take this action to avoid a confrontation by warring factions over the ownership of the scrap metal and that they would resolve the matter if the boat was released with the cargo.
“I was assured by the other faction that they will resolve the matter amicably by sharing the proceeds among both parties equally which prompted me to give the approval” he said.
Responsible Government authorities on the ground, the Internal Revenue Commission, Customs and the police also confirmed this yesterday saying the Vietnamese registered vessel had entered the waters of Bougainville illegally and allegedly loaded stolen scrap metal and was given approval to leave illegally by the ABG which was a matter of serious concern.
“Because the situation is very sensitive and involves two very powerful warlords arguing and using firearms, the situation had to be eased by the release of the vessel,” police in Bougainville advised.
The President’s office however advised Momis approved the release of the vessel because the faction in charge had presented their case to him and also to avoid killings and a further confrontation.
The MV NGOC SON (Vietnam Flag) had allegedly entered Bougainville via Solomon Islands without proper inward and outward customs clearance. The ship, according to a report compiled by a committee of five from the ABG House of Representative was brought in by a foreigner from India who had formed an unregistered company with prominent warlords from Arawa.
The foreigner with the assistance of the warlords had taken possession of the scrap metal which belonged to a registered local company Dorani Scrap Metal Ltd who was dealing with an American-based company and had used their resources to gather the scrap metal at Loloho storage.
The faction according to the report had used arms to take possession of the goods and loaded it on to the ship. It is now on its way to South Korea but the Indian national was stopped in Port Moresby by police after a complaint was laid by Dorani Scrap Metal alleging theft on his part.
President Momis also said that BCL had given all scrap metal to the ABG and from now on, no foreigner should go directly to the people to buy their goods but must seek the approval of the ABG so that such incidents are avoided in the future.

28.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

For the love of my brother
By VERONICA HANNETTE

In times of peril or crises, there are many amazing stories of courage.
Here is one heart rending epic that will tug at your heart strings and burst your tear ducts because it did not happen in a war far from our homeland.
It happened right here in PNG, on Bougainville Island where Papua New Guineans were pitted against each other because of a foreign company’s exploitation of the local people’s mineral wealth drove the peasant population to rise up against the foreign invader.
Set in Buka, it tells the story of a brother and a sister and their fight to survive against an invading army, the mercenary army and finally the liberation army. This is the story of one innocent woman, her courage in the face of overwhelming odds and brave search to find her captive brother.
It is a story of love and compassion, real guts against live guns, a story that ends sadly 10 years after the crisis in a painful way.
In 1988, Panguna landowners, led by Francis Ona rebelled against the Rio Tinto owned Bougainville Copper Mine. Angered by environmental damages, they claimed compensation and took up arms to back their claims and forced the massive copper mine to its knees that Christmas.
Further fuelled by secessionist sentiments, the fight spread and soon engulfed the entire Bougainville Island as the Bougainville Revolutionary Army took command of the situation.
War broke out and the killings started when the PNG Government deployed its security forces to the island to crush the rebellion.
Caught in between were the innocent families and many were killed by both opposing forces. It was 1989 and everyone was fleeing for their lives when John Omi and his sister Monica Kora found themselves caught up in the conflict.
The brother and sister were from Ieta, the village that owns Buka Town on the island north of the Bougainville mainland.
The BRA had established a force and foothold in Buka and was very active there, mainly in terrorizing and keeping the local population on its side.
Monica is the last born of a family of 8. John was before her. Both had been teachers before the crisis and had taught in other provinces of PNG before returning to Buka.
It is natural for last born siblings to stick together in life and to Monica, John was like a ’small brother’ even though he was 10 years older.
The dreadful day came when the BRA accused the former government teacher of spying for the government forces, taken from Ieta and imprisoned at Hutjena.News reached Monica on a Sunday after mass that John was taken prisoner by the BRA. The crisis was at its peak forcing civilians to flee seeking shelter in care centers in Mission stations.
After church service, Monica made her way to Hutjena, it was tense but with just the rosary beads in her hand, she pleaded with the BRA to see her brother. She headed straight to the police station where John has kept captive. Monica politely asked to see her brother but was forbidden. She then begged for his location and was directed to a guard room.
When she reached the room there was no opening except a door. Worried, she began searching the area for her brother. At that time she was also told that the commander was out with the keys so it was a waste of her time coming.
With tears rolling down her cheeks, she begged for mercy to see her brother at least for a minute. Convinced by her determination, a BRA soldier took Monica to a small window to speak to John.
Even though they were separated by a cell block, the BRA surrounded her with guns, threatening to lock her up too if she said anything wrong.
In John’s mind he thought that this was the end of them both, moments passed and not a word came out of their mouths.
In great pain, he finally muttered: “sori steret sister bilong mi, yu kam na lukim me ah na maski bai mi tupela bai dai tasol long hia nau.” (I’m sorry my sister, you have come to visit me. It looks like we will both die here). But such words only inspired Monica to get her brother out of the cell. She said a prayer of hope as she walked back to Hahela Catholic Mission.
The next day John was brought to his relatives at the main village but he was in so much pain from the severe beatings.
Deep in his sister’s heart she was praying that her brother would be okay even though his appearance was really bad.
The war was raging and by May, 1989, the BRA mounted a raid on Ieta searching for alleged informers and traitors. On hearing this, Monica swung into action, taking her brother on her shoulder and half dragging him to safety.
They could see their village on fire and hear the gunshots. John was in so much pain but Monica grabbed him tightly and could not let go as they struggled through the bush tracks to get away from the crazed gunmen who had ransacked their village on May 29.
It took a whole day for them to walk to the mission station at Hahela.
There was no medication and John was crying out in constant pain. The next morning the BRA men came to Hahela Mission but Monica stood firm that no-one would touch her badly injured and crippled brother.
Seeing the fight in this feisty woman, the BRA had met their match and gave up trying to take their ex-prisoner. The next day, Monica determined to take her brother to Hangan village to seek traditional medication.
Leaving him in the care of relatives at Hangan, Monica journeyed back to Hahela by the beach roads, all the time hoping and praying that there would be no BRA in her path.
In 1990 a care centre was established at Hahela where villagers sought refuge and Monica - the brave woman who never gave up - returned to Hangan to bring her brother back. All this she did on her own strength, carrying him on her shoulder and willing him on when he faltered in his steps.
Both settled till the first ceasefire in 1994 and moved back to Ieta after the second ceasefire in 1999.
The scars of the conflict still haunted brother and sister as they tried to settle back into life. Buka had become the administrative centre of Bougainville and Ieta was being rebuilt.
But John’s mental and physical condition was still very poor due to a lack of proper medication.
At age 72, on October 22, 2009, John passed away in Ieta. Monica cried her heart out, her tears flowing in endless streams like the Buka Passage. His death ended a close brother and sister relationship from birth.
Last Friday, by a simple wooden cross at Ieta, Monica Kora said a silent prayer of thanks, and laid a wreath of flowers for the brother she loved so much she was willing to risk her own life to save him from the BRA aggressors.
John is survived by his wife and two children. Monica, now 62 and a grandmother, lives with her husband and three children in Ieta. A fourth child now lives in Lae, Morobe Province.
As for the BRA who cruelly beat up John, Monica has not forgiven their harsh treatment of her innocent brother.
But John’s children have forgiven the former BRA soldiers who mistreated their father and beat him up badly saying it is time to heal the wounds and move on in life.
According his elder son, the crisis has come to pass that they do not want the past to haunt them.

28.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

ABG group off to China
By GORETHY KENNETH

A BOUGAINVILLE delegation of 37, led by Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis, left for China yesterday for a trade show in various parts of that country.
The team, comprising ABG political and business leaders and a cultural group, left Port Moresby late yesterday for China to participate in a year-long expo that has been on-going in that country.
They will be visiting Shanghai, Beijing and various other places to show case the cultures and business potentials of Bougainville.
They will also aim to learn from China their ways of doing business, its technology and see what they can bring back for Bougainville.
Businessmen who were part of delegation told the Post-Courier yesterday that they were travelling on the invitation of both the Chinese Government and the ABG and said the trip would be a plus and a worthwhile learning making for them.
Mr Momis, travelling with his wife Elizabeth, were accompanying the cultural group and businessmen because they are familiar with that country as he served as PNG’s Ambassador to China based in Beijing.

28.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Increasing firearms worry police chief

THE increasing number of firearms that are in the hands of ordinary citizens in Bougainville has become a major concern for the region’s top cop.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Thomas Eluh has also raised concerns over the use of firearms in public, a clear breach of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Mr Eluh specifically talked about the use of firearms in Arawa where a man was killed and families of the victims retaliated and another incident recently where ABG President John Momis’ body guard fired gunshots at a night club in Buka, causing the public to retaliate.
Mr Eluh is calling on all Bougainvillean leaders, the ABG, the village chiefs, communities, parents and youths to find ways of removing the arms from the community, the youths and individuals.
He is also appealing to the ABG to seriously address the issue of firearms and weapons used in public.
“My main concern is about the number of firearms that are in the hands of ordinary citizens. I appeal to the ABG to find ways of removing the arms from the community and also every Bougainvillean is duty bound to contribute towards the issue at hand,” Mr Eluh said.
“The removal of firearms would pave the way for investors and more development to come to Bougainville.
“I am urging everyone not to talk about complicated ways of weapons disposal but use the traditional chiefs and our customs to sort out the issue.
“We should work together to come up with strategies to dispose off weapons in and around Bougainville to return the island back to its glory days.
“That’s when we can discuss about autonomy and independence, otherwise we are not ready for autonomy and independence.”
Mr Eluh also raised concern about drink driving on Bougainville roads. He urged all drivers to be more cautious when under the influence of alcohol. He said this after two people were killed in a fatal traffic accident near the Buka airport last week.
“The public should consider the value of life and the suffering caused by irresponsible driving under the influence of alcohol which will lead to long term effect of traumatised victims of such traffic accidents,” he said.

28.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Hope for people with HIV
By Veronica Hannette

PEOPLE living with HIV on Bougainville have established an association to look after their interests.
The association, called Friends of Bougain-ville, will look after their interests and welfare while they live with the virus.
The association will operate under the main PNG organisation for people living with HIV and AIDS.
Bougainville AIDS Committee Care and Counseling co-ordinator May Matanu told the Post Courier that the association was formed with the help of Care International and the Bougainville Provincial AIDS Committee.
Mrs Matanu said currently the association has 10 HIV positive members but the number would increase once the number of confirmed cases increases.
She said the association would be responsible for sourcing assistance for the members from other partner association outside Bougainville.
The association was formed recently in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
Mrs Matanu also called on other people living with HIV and AIDS to join the association and get medication because there is treatment available that can minimise the effects of HIV on the body and help those living with the virus to live normal lives.
The Bougainville AIDS Council is calling on everyone to support the development and work of the recently established association.
The association was established to provide care and support to people living with HIV and AIDS. A recent meeting has included five more people living with HIV to the association.
People have been urged to undergo voluntary counseling and testing of their blood.
Mrs Matanu says the recent awareness in the Arawa, Kieta Districts has drawn positive responses.
She said many people living with HIV were able to get support and treatment after knowing their status.
Meanwhile, the Bougainville AIDS Council is planning to involve the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in their next constituency visits that are scheduled for Hagogohe and Tsitalato.
Mrs Matanu said they are using the people living with HIV and AIDS to share their testimonies and help the people to come forward for check-ups.
Mrs Matanu said those people living with the virus are now in their respective communities and will be called upon to participate during the visits.
The Provincial AIDS Council hopes to attract more people for blood tests from the stories that will be shared by those living with the virus, Mrs Matanu said.
Meanwhile, the voluntary counselling and testing mobile teams are still conducting their visits in the communities.

27.10.2010
Source: ESBC Research

Semoso wants to see the Panguna mine to re-open soon!

On Wednesday, Fidelis Semoso, the Papua New Guinea Minister for Bougainville Affairs met with Panguna Landowners (PLA) and Landowners from other Bougainville Copper lease areas in Port Moresby. He reiterated his stand on wanting to see an impact project get off the ground for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, a project that will “create employment for our youth, rebuild our schools and health services but most importantly boost the economy of the region”. In this respect he made his previous stand clear that he will want to see the Panguna mine re-open at the earliest opportunity. This means that he wants to see the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA) review fast tracked. To this end he is committed to assisting the Panguna landowners to get them organized.

In this regard the Minister has directed to Lawrence Daveona to arrange for PLA representatives from each of the six mine lease areas to come to Buka for two days of consultation with him to tell him what they want.

He told the landowners who were present to the meeting that he does not waste time saying that Panguna landowner's issue has been there before the crisis and is still there and no one has really attended to them. With the BCA review Panguna landowners are the major stake holders. He maintains that the problem is not “our Bougainville people” but “us the elected leaders of Bougainville”, whether it is ABG or the National Government or both.

Semoso commented further that during his travels through out the island he has found out that the general feeling is that Panguna mine must be re-open, there is no other way for Bougainville to move forward. The Minister concluded his remarks to those of the landowners representing the mine leases by challenging them to give him tangible project submissions to push through the Government system for funding. To this effect the landowners assured him that he will be getting these soon.

He also was already given the cost estimates for this first meeting that he wants to have in Buka.

27.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Gold buyer robbed in Bougainville
By GORETHY KENNETH

A GOLD buyer was robbed in one Central Bougainville village by thugs who walked away with K65,000.
Police confirmed the incident happened at Karato where a Bougainvillean gold buyer was robbed but could not elaborate.
A serious warning has been given to gold buyers and those interested to be careful when entering certain areas of Bougainville because there are now criminal activities in parts of Central Bougainville where youths are stealing from gold buyers.
The warning was given to gold buyers entering Karato because there has been an increase in criminal activities towards Atamo and Manetai by youths. People of Karato told the Post-Courier the money was retrieved but less K5000 and the suspect apprehended with strict punishment.
“This was a very unusual,” the concerned Karato people said.
“The question rose why resort to criminal activities while the land has resources, stealing is not the Bougainville way.
“Nature and norms in Karato does not and will not accept outsiders influencing youths of Karato into such lazy ways of robbing people bringing in services into the community.
“The victim will raise this with the member of Karato to seek ways to control these activities.
“Cash was returned after three days with the help of the strong Mekamui faction and the chief leader of Dosiana clan. “There will be reconciliation in December with a clan group meeting to organise the community and planning. About 10 clan chiefs have been meeting to look for ways to curb these activities and recommendations will soon be made to the ABG.

27.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Study finds syphilis on the rise in Buka

By GORETHY KENNETH

THE Bougainville Provincial AIDS Council’s HIV/AIDS roll out program undertaken in two constituencies of north Bougainville has found syphilis is on the increase.
BPAC undertook a door to door voluntary, counselling and testing (VCT) at Haku and the Halia constituencies of Buka district – north Bougainville.
They only had K20,000 to carry out the roll out but proved very successful because the turnout was excellent according to BPAC boss Ray Himata.
They seriously need a major funding from the Autonomous Bougainville Government and assistance from outside to conduct and continue this roll out, to cover Hagogohe, Tsitalato, Peit, Tonsu, Selau /Suir, Tinputs and the Atolls before heading to Central and South Bougainville.
But BPAC hesitantly advised yesterday that according to their roll out statistics in Haku and Halia, the most affected areas where syphilis was found to be the major threat was the welfare area of Eltupan.
Mr Himata said the statistics and the report will be made public very soon, but confirmed syphilis was a major threat to the population of Haku and Halia.
He could not detail the latter but also confirmed the youngest affected was 11 years old and the oldest tested was 80 years.
Yesterday, non-government organi-sations in Buka appealed to the ABG and the National Government to intervene because these people were the future of Bougainville who have been affected with the disease.
“Both government’s have to intervene and help because if it is true most youngsters affected with syphilis and are students, this is a worry,” leaders of Haku said.

27.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Semoso helps FM radio
By REUBEN KALAUNG

FREE information dissemination is very vital for development in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
That was the remark made by Bougainville Affairs Minister Fidelis Semoso when presenting a K10,000 to 95.3 New Dawn FM.
The funds will go towards infra-structural capacity for Bougainville’s only community radio station.
Mr Semoso said there was need for free flow of information to every citizen in the region.
He urged his other colleague members of the National Parliamebnt and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support agencies that relay information to the people. Mr Semoso stressed the need for information on political and other developments.
He said since 1989, information dissemination in the region had gone backwards.
Embracing the funding assistance, New Dawn manager Aloysius Laukai thanked Mr Semoso for his support.
He said the semi-commercial radio station was established to help the region with information and entertainment in its post conflict approach.
Mr Laukai says the funding is the first of its kind from a politician, and will go towards the upgrading of the radio station’s broadcast capacity.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Bougainville delegation departs for China
By REUBEN KALAUNG

A delegation of over thirty Bougainvilleans departed for China today. It was led by the Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief John Momis.
The delegation is on a mission to source better markets in China for various agriculture and marine commodities for the region. The bulk of travel expenses was met the PNG Embassy in China.
The delegation comprised members from the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the region’s administration, and the private sector. A few businessmen financed their own travel across to China.
Businessman and media owner Aloysius Laukai says the trip will be of great help to ordinary people in the region as sourcing better markets was high on the agenda.
The Bougainville region will also be promoted as the next best holiday destination for tourism activities.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Bougainville Games update
By THOMAS KATHOA

Preparations for the upcoming ABG Games in Buin, South Bougainville towards the end of this year is progressing according to schedule with regions conducting their selection trials in their respective areas.
Reporter Tom Kathoa returned today from Tinputz, where he witnessed the trial games being conducted there.
Insert; The Tinputz trial games kicked off yesterday after being officially opened by the ABG Member for Taunita/Tinputz and Minister for Works Transport and Communication, Hon Carolus Ketsimur infront of a capacity vocal crowd.
The theme of the tournament is quote, “Peace through Sports” end of quote, calls for total commitment not only from sports men and women, but also, to all the people of Bougainville to work towards peace building in the region.
Minister Ketsimur appealed to sports men and women NOT to take sports only as an entertainment, but to take it more seriously as a means to develop them physically, mentally and spiritually and even make a living out of it.
Several leaders in the region have urged sports organizers to make sports an industry, generating its own revenue to sustain itself and Not to rely heavily on government handouts.
Sports selectors have a difficult task in picking the best athletes and sports men and women to represent their respective regions and sports organizations in the Buin ABG Games on the 13th of December this year.
Nearly all sporting codes are being represented at the Tinputz select games, but kick boxing had to be axed at the eleventh hour due to inadequate facilities and equipment.
Meanwhile, Care International, an NGO Organization which has its office in Tinputz is assisting the tournament with the provisions of sports equipments.
The games at Tinputz Station are being attended by sports men and women from the four constituencies of Selau, Suir, Taunita/Tinputz and Taunita/Teop will end with the announcing of the select squad on Friday, this week.
A similar tournament is also being conducted at Haku for Halia, Hagogohe, Peits, Tonsu and Taitalato Constituencies this week while Arawa in Central Bougainville has completed through a similar process selection last week.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Panguna complete Games
By REUBEN KALAUNG

The last frontier, Panguna District, has soared to the front as the first to complete their selection games for the 3rd ABG Games in Buin come December. All games for the Central Bougainville region were completed last weekend.
Panguna was categorised under zone two with Wakunai district.
A media statement from the office of the Member for Eivo/Torau says the three day event was more than just sports and was historical. True spirit of peace was promoted and felt by all participants.
In the same spirit, the Panguna district administration is calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to help the district through the mobilisation of youths in sporting activities. They specifically want the government to support its rehabilitation sports development program.
New Dawn FM News understands the ABG Games aims to promote unification amongst all Bougainvilleans as part of its ongoing peace building and restoration exercises.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Disaster officials arrived in Buka
By CYNTHIA TOKIAPRON

A team from the National Disaster Office, NDO, has arrived in buka today to make awareness on their work in the region. They will also meet with the new members of the Bougainville Disaster Office.
Major part of the visit will involve visits to certain areas in the region including Karoola in the Halia Constituency. Karoola is the site allocated for resettlement of islanders affected by rising sea level.
They will conduct a workshop on the impacts of climate change and how it affects livelihood. The public is invited to attend.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Bougainville address Security resolution
By Veronica Hannette

Gender specialist with United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, Margot Szamier arrived in Buka today. She is here to educate women in the region on their rights under the UN Security resolution.
A workshop on that topic will be held at the Lemankua Guest House tomorrow.She will talk about the resolution’s relevance in Bougainville. Ms. Szamier paid courtesy visits to various offices in Buka upon her arrival.
Bougainville will celebrate the security resolution with a music festival schedule for Friday at Hutjena oval.

27.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

BAN ON COOKED FOOD ITEMS STILL ON
By Joyce Tohui

The sale of cooked food items and ice blocks are still not allowed in the open markets.
The ban was imposed by the Bougainville Cholera Task Force to minimize the spread and possible outbreak of cholera in the region.
Environmental Health Officer with Buka Urban Council, Deloudes Semoso, says cooked food items will be allowed back on the markets when the ban is lifted.
Ms. Semoso says the Buka Urban Council is responsible only for markets and vendors in the Buka Township, while the Bougainville Health Division is responsible for rural communities.
New Dawn FM News will seek advice from the Health Division soon.

 
26.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville police restructure

THE Assistant Commissioner of Police in Bougainville Thomas Eluh hopes a restructure of the service, predicted to cost K45 million, will begin next year.
Mr Eluh said in the five months that he’s been with Bougainville police, the force has been operating without a chain of command.
He said until key positions of authority are filled, the long-running problems of lawlessness in Bougainville will persist.
Mr Eluh said to make the restructuring financially possible it’s been broken into four phases over a 10 to 12 year period.
“So the first phase of our restructure which hopefully is estimated at about K6 million, we have done the paperwork and it is now with the National Treasury in Port Moresby, hopefully they can find money to assist us next year to get the restructure rolling,” he said.
ACP Eluh, an experienced police officer with Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) for more than 30 years, said a well-resourced police service will be able to deliver effective policing work in the region.
“The current resources cannot handle the entire region especially with guns still in the community. More manpower is needed. There is no command-and-control,” he said.
He told Bougainvilleans that problems in the region can only be solved by themselves and not by outsiders.
The restructure will beef up police manpower and infrastructure capacity for effective delivery of policing services.
It aims to address manpower, housing, police station and posts, transport, communications, information technology, and community auxiliary police.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has endorsed the police plan. The first phase of the plan has been approved by the Joint Supervisory Meeting in Port Moresby in August this year. That phase will require K6 million to implement, and has been approved for funding by the National Government in its 2011 budget.
ACP Eluh says an implementation group will be established to oversee the project whose activities will be scrutinised by a high level steering committee.

26.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Bana High School reopens
BY RK/ML

Good news for students, parents and citizens for students attending Bana High School in South Bougainville. The school has re-opened its doors for normal academic year.
The school was forced to close its doors last week following claims by landowners over non payment of land fees by the government.
Local authorities in Bana told New Dawn FM today, negotiations between the landowners and the Government succeeded in the return of the school keys and the subsequent re-opening of the school.

26.10.2010
Source: RadioNew Dawn of Bougainville

Purple Day
By Veronica Hannette

Women around the world will unite in Purple to commemorate the United Nation Security Council Resolution schedule for Friday.
The resolution is a tool that can be used to ask the Government to lift the representation of women in politics and other levels.
Leitana Nehan Women Development Agency under the theme WHY DO WOMEN MATTER has chosen purple as the color representing women.
The purple color aims to encourage women to stand firm in the United Nations Security Resolution to make better decisions at different levels they serve in.
The event will be held at Hutjena.

26.10.2010
Source: RadioNew Dawn of Bougainville

BOUG FRIENDS
By Aloysius Laukai

People living with HIV on Bougainville have established an Association to look after their interests as People Living with HIV and Aids.
The Association named as “Friends of Bougainville” to look after their interests and welfare whilst they are still alive.
This Association would operate under the main PNG Organization for People Living with HIV called “there is hope”.
This was revealed today by Bougainville Aids Committees Care and Counseling Coordinator, MRS. MAY MATANU.
She told New Dawn FM today that the Association was formed with the help of Care International and the Bougainville Provincial Aids Committee.
MRS. MATANU said that currently the Association has ten HIV Positive members but the number would increase once the number of confirmed cases increases.
She said that the Association would be responsible of sourcing assistance for the members from other partner association outside of Bougainville.
The Association was formed recently in Arawa.
MRS. MATANAU also called on other persons living with HIV to come and join the Association and get medication as HIV now has treatment that can support them to work as other people with No HIV.

25.10.2010

Source: ESBC Research

President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government to meet PNG Prime Minister today.

John Momis, the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, is in Port Moresby today. He will meet Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare for in-depth consultations on further steps of bringing progress and economic recovery to Bougainville. Mr. Momis is accompanied by Mr. Fidelis Semoso, the PNG Minister of Bougainville Affairs.

An agenda of the talks has not been published yet, but it is supposed that the two leaders will discuss on the Bougainville Copper Agreement issue and the lifting of the moratorium of exploration on Bougainville as well.

Both are related to the draw down of mining power and the transfer of the PNG hold BCL shares to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB). It is quite probable that President Somare will also meet BCL representatives in Port Moresby. Both statesmen, Prime Minister Somare and President Momis are friends since many years.  Perhaps they may also discuss the ESBC's proposal of charging Sir Michael's son, minister of Public Enterprises, Arthur Somare, with the task of mining resumption in Bougainville.

25.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Foreigner faces arrest for ‘theft’
By TODAGIA KELOLA

POLICE are expected to pick up a foreigner today and question him over his role in the sale of scrap metals on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The man is an Indian national whose passport and travelling documents were confiscated by police for been allegedly involved in the multi-million kina theft of scrap metal on Bougainville.
This was confirmed by NCD and Central Commander Assistant Commissioner Fred Sheekiot yesterday. Police acted after it was reported that a ship load of scrap metal worth more then K1.5 million was shipped out of Loloho in Central Bougainville illegally and was on its way to Singapore. An overseas investor and buyer who claim to have spent over K5 million to gather the scrap metal said the action by the Indian man and his cohorts was illegal and they have reported the matter to the police. The investor, an American company HS Worldwide Metal Inc and local company Dorani Scrap Limited had also gone out of their way to get an interim injunction in the National Court to stop the shipment until all outstanding issues are dealt with but the ship is already half way to its destination after being given clearance by PNG Customs and the ABG.
This has prompted the local company to lay a complaint with police in Buka and Port Moresby for the dealer to be detained for alleged theft.
The Indian national believed to be the agent in the deal was stopped at the Jackson Airport by police and his passport and travelling documents confiscated and he will be formally interviewed today by the National Fraud Squad. Documents revealed that ABG senior leaders and politicians supported the American company and its partners in taking out an injunctive order stating that they have followed all the legal requirements.

25.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Mine talks on hold with JSB

THE delay in the Joint Supervisory Body meeting between the National Government and the ABG is now affecting the review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement.
The Bougainville executive council under president John Momis has begun discussing issues relating to mining in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and high on agenda is the BCA review, which is supposed to have been on-going if the last three JSB’s had not been cancelled.
Momis’ policy review announced recently states, the review process is the first step in order for Bougainvilleans to work with the other major stakeholders-the National Government and BCL. In the review process, issues like Bougainville Copper Agreement, compensation, environment, training, business opportunities for Bougainvilleans, and revenue sharing with landowners and the Bougainville government will be addressed.
At the same time, the BEC will be considering the future of the moratorium on mineral exploration in Bougainville.

25.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Togel laid to rest in Buka

BOUGAINVILLE leaders finally laid one of the region’s former leaders - James Togel to rest at his wife’s Malis village, Gogohe over the weekend.
ABG President John Momis missed the burial on Saturday afternoon because he had to travel to Port Moresby to meet with the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
But ABG leaders and the Bougainville Administrator Lawrence Disin and his executives were present. Togel’s life history was cited again at Gogohe for the public and his people to hear-the fact that he was instrumental in successfully setting up 40 provincial governments in Bougainville and how he was so particular about the leadership of Bougainville.
He is survived by wife Juliana, daughters Nelia and Juliet and son James Jr.

25.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Giving mosquito nets to people

MORE than 118,500 treated mosquito nets have been distributed through out Bougainville, the Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) have reported. Reports at the weekend has detailed the break up of the nets distributed so far as - North - 51,000, Central - 27,900 and South - 39,600. Distribution in south and central Bougainville had been a little bit hard because of logistics and the locations of villages.

25.10.2010
Source: manager magazin

Börsenfusion
Singapur bietet Milliarden für Sydney

Die Börsen von Singapur und Australien wollen fusionieren. Damit entstünde der fünftgrößte Börsenbetreiber der Welt. Die Australier rechnen mit Zustimmung zu dem rund 8,4 Milliarden Dollar schweren Gebot, die Singapur-Dominanz stößt aber auch auf Skepsis.

Singapur - Die Börsen von Singapur und Australien wollen in einem Milliardengeschäft fusionieren und einen der größten Aktienhandelsplätze der Welt schaffen. Mit dem Zusammenschluss entstünde die zweitgrößte Börse in Asien nach Tokio und der fünftgrößte gelistete Börsenbetreiber weltweit, teilten die handelseinigen Partner am Montag mit.

Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX) bietet 8,4 Milliarden australische Dollar (5,9 Mrd Euro) für den Rivalen Australian Securities Exchange Ltd (ASX) in Sydney.

Das entspricht einem Aufschlag von 37 Prozent zum letzten Schlusskurs vor der Ankündigung. Die ASX-Aktien legten 19 Prozent zu. Die Fusion muss von den Aufsichtsbehörden genehmigt werden.

Nach Angaben der beiden Börsen würden auf den Plattformen zusammen 2700 Unternehmen aus 20 Ländern gelistet, darunter 200 aus China und Hongkong. Zusammen hätten die beiden Plätze einen Börsenwert von 12,3 Milliarden US-Dollar (8,8 Mrd Euro). "Singapore Exchange Limited und ASX Limited kombinieren (ihre Geschäfte), um die beste Börse im Asien-Pazifik-Raum zu schaffen - dem Herzen des Weltwirtschaftswachstums", teilte SGX mit.

Australische Wettbewerbshüter entspannt

Die 23-Prozent-Beteiligung der Singapurer Regierung an SGX sahen Analysten zunächst als Stolperstein. Das australische Gremium, das Auslandsinvestitionen überwacht, müsste zustimmen. Derzeit besteht für die ASX eine Obergrenze von 15 Prozent Aktien-Anteil pro Anteilseigner, die aufgehoben werden müsste. Die australischen Wettbewerbshüter ließen schon grünes Licht erkennen. "Wir hätten dies nicht angekündigt, wenn wir nicht damit rechnen würden, dass die Genehmigung erteilt wird", meinte ASX-Chef Robert Elstone.

Er würde in der neuen Börse den Chefsessel seinem Kollegen Magnus Böcker aus Singapur überlassen. "Dies wird die führende internationale Börse der Region", meinte Böcker. "Zweifellos eine historische Konsolidierung."

Stephen Mayne, ein Interessenvertreter von Kleinaktionären in Australien, war nicht begeistert. "Die Singapurer Regierung hat schon Anlagen in Höhe von 30 Milliarden australischen Dollar in Australien - mehr, als die kommerziellen Vermögenswerte der australischen Regierung", meinte er. "Es wird mit Sicherheit eine lebhafte Debatte geben, bevor es dafür grünes Licht gibt."

23.10.2010

Source: OWEN  / SCHATTENBLICK    Oktober 2010

Helen Damu Hakena -

Vom 'weiblichen 'Häuptling' zur Vorkämpferin für Frauenrechte

Lesen Sie hier mehr über das Leben einer ungewöhnlichen Frau.

22.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville needs own human resources

By GORETHY KENNETH

BOUGAINVILLE needs to prepare itself, especially groom its home-grown human resource to work in the mine if the Panguna copper mine re-opens.
European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC), several developing partners and the civil society organisations have raised concerns that Bougainville cannot just sit back and watch outsiders groom themselves for the re-opening of the Bougainville copper mine or any other mining activities in the region.
Developing partners working in the region have also raised the same issue of ABG preparing its human capacity instead of recruiting from outside the expertise like the case when the BCL was in operation, more than 80 per cent employees of the Panguna mine were from all over PNG and abroad.
“ABG cannot pretend that all is well, we all have a duty and role to play in Bougainville, we are here to help and all we need is a concerted effort from everyone. We need to start talking about training human expertise, we need to train our own men and women to prepare them for the re-opening of not necessarily the Bougainville copper mine only, but any mine that will open or any major impact projects in the region,” developing partners raised. That goes to say, we need to set up our own training colleges here, we need to set up more institutions here in Bougainville, we got to move fast.”
ESBC president Axel G. Sturm this week urged both the National Government and ABG to consider the Joint Supervisory Body meeting to be split into two parts - a special JSB dealing only with an extraordinary responsibility of Bougainville Copper Agreement Review and the JSB dealing with all matters other than BCA Review.
“This way the BCA Review will get the focus it deserves,” Mr Sturm said.
Bougainville needs a perfect power team. All political leaders of ABG and PNG were elected in a correct way. But unfortunately there are still some individuals or even small groups who are interested in their own welfare than in public welfare. These persons have difficulty in accepting the outcome of elections and decisions of the majority.”

22.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Rebuild college in Arawa

THE decision to rebuild the Arawa Technical College in Tinputz in North Bougainville by Autonomous Bougainville Government has not gone down well with all.
Former minister for finance, treasury and planning in the ABG Mathias Salas said in a statement yesterday that the decision to relocate the college was conveyed to the people of Central Bougainville by the chief executive officer of the ABG division of education Bruno Babato in Arawa last week.
In 2008, the National Government made a commitment of K48 million to fund the re-construction of the Arawa Technical College. This commitment as announced by the Assistant Secretary for Technical Services Jay Banda during a visit to Arawa.
Immediately, after the visit, the Kieta district administration established a task force to oversee the formulation of the memorandum of understanding and to address other related issues.
Since this visit, the ABG administration has had over two years to facilitate the reconstruction of the former college. In 2008 the ABG appropriated a total of K100,000 to carry out scoping work on the former college site.
Mr Salas has said that the people of Arawa do not have any problems in regard to this land as it is part of the land leased by Bougainville Copper Ltd and the company still pays lease rentals to the National Government.
Moreover, the Arawa Technical College is a registered and an existing college, whose initial establishment is covered under the provision of Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act 1967, section 10 (a).
Mr Salas said relocating the college was an administrative function that rests with the ABG administration.
He warned the ABG administration to refrain from blaming the people of Arawa to cover up for its incompetence.
He claimed that the whole saga smells fishy as there seems to be a hint of political manipulation in the decision to relocate the college to Tinputz.

22.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SEMOSO SUPPORT MOMIS
By Aloysius Laukai

Regional Member for Bougainville and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO has called on the people of Bougainville to support the ABG government of President JOHN MOMIS.
He told a gathering in Tinputz at the weekend that Bougainville will continue to struggle as it does not have the necessary finance to carry out its work.
MR. SEMOSO said that Bougainville can move forward once the PAPNGUNA MINE is re-opened.
He said that he had sighted a letter written by the ABG President JOHN MOMIS for the National Government to speed up the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review.
The Regional member said that he fully supported the move by the ABG President to fast -tract the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review.
He said that whilst the ABG was working on this impact project the National Government members must continue to support the ABG by assisting the people.
MR. SEMOSO said that since 2007 the National Government has approved more that SEVENTEEN MILLION KINA to the Open members and these funds should be used to develop the rural areas.

22.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

WORLD VISION BUKA
By Aloysius Laukai

World Vision is one organization that is still working on alot of Community Projects on Bougainville.
Their Water and Sanitation program has moved from Buka and its smaller islands to the mainland Bougainville. They are now in Kunua and Torokina and would need a new boat to move quickly to project sites.
They are also working on HIV and Aids Awareness in the West coast of Bougainville.
Last week they tested this new boat pictured that will assist them to move fast to assist the people. They are also working on building VIP toilets in the rural areas. They are a true friends of Bougainville in these difficult times.
Pictured is their new boat being tested at the Buka waterfront.

22.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SAFETY FIRST
By Aloysius Laukai

A local safety officer Xavior Tsiwa today called on the residents of Buka town to be mindful of safety and make sure they have safety gear in case of Emergency.
MR. TSIWA told New Dawn FM this afternoon that he was concerned at the safety standard currently available in Buka town.
He said many houses were built very close to each other and this could be very dangerous in times of fire.
MR. TSIWA said that BUKA Town does not have a Fire Service and this makes it very hard for owners of buildings to save their properties if a fire occurs.
On the safety of workers he said many building contractors were not even making sure that their employees had safety gear whilst at construction sites.

21.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Mainland Holdings helps Bougainvilleans
By GORETHY KENNETH

A CONTAINER full of flour from Mainland Holdings in Lae has arrived in Buka this week, ready to be distributed to the islanders whose food supply was affected by heavy rains.
Mainland Holdings has donated 20 tons of 2.5 kilograms of their 3 Roses brand flour to the people of Bougainville who had been badly affected by the change in weather patterns since August.
Many people on the islands of Petats, Matsungan, Pororan, Saposa and villages in Haku, Halia, Hagogohe, Tsitalato, Selau/Suir, parts of Tinputs and mainland central Bougainville went hungry for more than two months because the change in weather patterns badly affected their food gardens.

Mainland Holdings, which sells more than 20 tonnes of one kilogram and 10 kilogram flour bags to Bougainville every month, has decided to give something back to the people of Bougainville in their time of need.

Daniel Kairat, NGI sales manager for Mainland Holdings, was in Buka recently to present to Bougainville disaster authorities the donation which will mostly benefit the island population of Bougainville.

Bougainvillean leaders also took the opportunity to challenge every other company working or operating on Bougainville to be sincere and give back to the people of Bougainville.
Mr Kairat thanked Consort Shipping for shipping the 24-foot container full of flour free of charge.

20.10.2010
Source: ESBC Press Release 20101020

Bougainville Needs a Perfect Power Team!

An Interview with the President of the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper.

Question: 
The Panguna mine shall re-open within the next years say nearly all stakeholders concerned. Are you satisfied about that?

Axel G. Sturm:
Not yet. I will be satisfied if Panguna will be on production again and earn money for all stakeholders – especially for those who live in Bougainville and who are still in need.

Question: 
Are you not interested in maximum gains for the BCL shareholders?

Axel G. Sturm:
All investors who buy shares of a company are interested in earning money. One can earn money by soaring share prices and with dividends. But the investment in the Bougainville Copper Project is a bit different compared to other companies. Panguna is really an outstanding win/win project for all: for the shareholders (dividends), for the ABG and PNG government (taxes), for the Panguna landowners (royalties) and last but not least for all the people of Bougainville, because they will find well-paid jobs and they will benefit from better infrastructure as there are better roads, high-standard healthcare, good communications, schools etc. . I am convinced that in five years from now Bougainville will become a flourishing hotspot in the Pacific. Already the preparations of the mine re-opening will bring an enormous amount of money to the island that will be invested in housing, roads, harbours, hospitals, schools and more. Local businesses will revive and the daily life will become much easier and more pleasant on Bougainville. That’s for sure! Please let me add this: A good education always pays – for the individual and for the community where the child is brought up. As President of the ESBC and to establish my credentials I recently made a personal contribution of K10,000 to the Bougainville Copper Foundation for education. But what we as shareholders can do for a small number of Bougainvilleans is little compared with what the mining company can do for all Bougainvilleans. Money from the mine can make sure no Bougainvillean is deprived of education for want of money. I would like the BCA to be signed sooner rather than later so today's kids start getting the benefit of education.

Question: 
The Joint Supervisory Board (JSB) meeting has been postponed several times. The main issue of this JSB should have been the preparation of the Bougainville Copper Agreement Review which we have been hearing about for some five years. Are you disappointed about that?

Axel G. Sturm:
Yes, of course because it was absolutely not helpful for Bougainville’s image in the world. Perhaps those who are responsible for that mess are not aware that the world’s eyes are focussed on Bougainville. But, I am particularly sad because with every day that is lost the people of Bougainville have to wait longer for a change to better times. I think all the people should have the benefit of this already announced positive change as soon as possible. Bougainville today is still in agony: the local news have constant reports of people who die too early because of absence of health care, who drink too much home-brew, who smoke Marihuana and so on; I consider this as a symptom of lack of hope for the future. I also feel very sad when I see photographs of people walking without shoes on unsealed roads. All Bougainville and PNG leaders, the Panguna landowners and the BCL management should be aware of this and do their very best to speed up the re-opening of Panguna. The positive change is in their hands. I am really fed up of reading about food shortage, insufficient health-care, mother and infant mortality and lack of security. That’s a tragedy for a region that lives on a giant treasure of copper, gold and silver.

Question:
How do you judge the role and the performance of the actual leaders?

Axel G. Sturm:
All leaders concerned were elected in a fair and democratic way. I think it was great evidence of the mature democratic mind of the Bougainvilleans when they voted for an very experienced statesman like John Momis as president. I also appreciate very much the role of Fidelis Semoso. He does a lot for the people of Bougainville. Unfortunately the National Government charged him to represent PNG in the JSB meetings. That was not really a brilliant idea. Mr. Semoso is Bougainvillean. In so far he easily could become a subject of wilful allegations from PNG regarding his work. I would prefer to see the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr. Arthur Somare, as PNG representative in the JSB meetings. He comes from East Sepik Province and is absolutely not supposed to face allegations of selfish partiality one day. As Minister for Public Enterprises he is in charge of the Bougainville Copper Project as well because PNG holds nearly 20 percent of the BCL shares. Furthermore:  His admirable feat in the PNG Liquid Gas Project proved that he is the best one to handle such a big deal. President Momis and Minister Somare could be a very successful dream team to bring the things forward. Bougainville needs such an efficient power team now! Both should jointly head the JSB meetings in the future and push the re-opening of Panguna forward. By the way: A couple of days ago I wrote to Mr. Momis and to Mr. Somare to make this proposal to them.

Question:
Do you believe that this can happen?

Axel G. Sturm:
I believe that this would be the best and most efficient way to bring things forward in Bougainville. All political leaders of ABG and PNG were elected in a correct way. But unfortunately there are still some individuals or even small groups that are more interested in their own advantage than in public welfare. These persons have difficulty in accepting the outcome of all elections and decisions of the majority elected. Perhaps some people still have to learn this. Mr. Momis has an overwhelming and recent mandate from Bougainvilleans. The JSB needs to be split into two JSB: A special JSB dealing only with an extraordinary responsibility of BCA Review and the JSB dealing with all matters other than BCA Review. This way the BCA Review will get the focus it deserves.

Question:
What’s your vision on the future of Bougainville Copper?

Axel G. Sturm:
Well, let me put it like this: I hope that all major stakeholders will become totally aware of their social and public responsibility and that they will meet minimum once a month and take fast and wise decisions. They have to face the challenge now. I strongly hope that the re-opening of the Panguna mine will be agreed as soon as possible and that the exploration moratorium will be lifted very soon as well. I also hope that the leaders will do their very best to provide easy access for the people on the ground to buy Bougainville Copper shares. BCL shares represent a once in a lifetime wealth creation opportunity for all Bougainvilleans and PNG Nationals that could see the shares go up from AUD1 now to above AUD30 in four years. Furthermore: If every Bougainvillean owns a small part of the BCL leases the company can become a really big family. Also citizens from homeland PNG should invest in BCL shares and become members of Bougainville-Copper-Family as well. That would be the best reconciliations after all these years of unrest.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS ON TOGEL
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG President, JOHN MOMIS said today that the late JAMES TOGEL left behind a legacy of dedicated service and integrity which were the hallmark of his life.
He was one of the outstanding Bougainvillean University graduates who pioneered the North Solomons Provincial Government working with DR. ALEXIS SAREI,LEO HANNETT and MR. MOMIS before PNG became independent.
He was a man of visionary who dreamed dreams and was prepared to accept the consequences which his dreams.
MR. MOMIS said that although the late JAMES TOGEL had depth and width of knowledge and experience, he chose to live an ordinary life, refusing to use his public office to enrich himself.
MR. MOMIS made these comments at the Funeral service of the late JAMES TOGEL at the HAHELA Parish after his casket arrived from Port Moresby this morning.
He was taken to his Holasanpeis village after the funeral service.
His body would be laid to rest this Friday.
Meanwhile, death can be used to reconcile people as it happened this morning.
The Regional Member for Bougainville, FIDELIS SEMOSO and the ABG President JOHN MOMIS were seen this morning shaking hands at the Buka airport whilst waiting for the body of the late JAMES TOGEL.
The two have been at loggerheads over JSB matters recently and their meeting this morning is a good sign for Bougainville.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

OGIO FAREWELLS
By Aloysius Laukai

The member for North Bougainville and Minister for Higher Education, MICHAEL OGIO today commended his political rival, Late JAMES TOGEL as a man of Principle and Integrity.
The member made these comments at the Funeral Mass this morning at the HAHELA CATHOLIC CHURCH.
MR. OGIO said that the LATE JAMES TOGEL is the kind of leader Bougainville have produced to serve the people first before their own interest.
He mentioned the likes of the Late President JOSEPH KABUI and other former leaders who came to the world poor and died still poor.
He also mentioned not even entering politics change their beliefs on serving their people.
The member for North Bougainville called on the people of Bougainville to maintain this kind of leadership.
He said leaders must not serve their own selfish interest in the name of the people.

20.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Australia plays vital role on Bougainville
By GORETHY KENNETH

AUSTRALIA has spent about K600 million in Bougainville since the ceasefire agreements were signed.
There has also been on-going support from Australia over the years, and more assistance has been placed through AusAID programs in education, health, law and justice and indirectly through the social sector programs in the region.
Australia has also funded major development programs throughout the rest of PNG that include a wide range of issues affecting the provinces.
And each year, the Australian Government, through their High Commission, in Port Moresby makes courtesy calls to provinces to give them a chance to witness what they have already been doing or are able to do.
One such visit is that of Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish who touched down in Buka on Monday to a rousing welcome by a Hangan cultural group at the Buka Airport.
Mr Kemish, accompanied by AusAID Minister Counsellor Stephanie Copus Campbell and other officials are in Bougainville for their first official visit.
They were met by ABG Education Minister John Tabinaman, Bougainville Administrator Lawrence Disin and other dignitaries including the AusAID head on Bougainville, Madeleine Moss and project officer Roslyn Kenneth. The official program of the visit continued yesterday.

20.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Semoso helps FM radio
By REUBEN KALAUNG

FREE information dissemination is very vital for development in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
That was the remark made by Bougainville Affairs Minister Fidelis Semoso when presenting a K10,000 to 95.3 New Dawn FM.
The funds will go towards infra-structural capacity for Bougainville’s only community radio station.
Mr Semoso said there was need for free flow of information to every citizen in the region.
He urged his other colleague members of the National Parliamebnt and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support agencies that relay information to the people. Mr Semoso stressed the need for information on political and other developments.
He said since 1989, information dissemination in the region had gone backwards.
Embracing the funding assistance, New Dawn manager Aloysius Laukai thanked Mr Semoso for his support.
He said the semi-commercial radio station was established to help the region with information and entertainment in its post conflict approach.
Mr Laukai says the funding is the first of its kind from a politician, and will go towards the upgrading of the radio station’s broadcast capacity.

20.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Study finds syphilis on the rise in Buka
By GORETHY KENNETH

THE Bougainville Provincial AIDS Council’s HIV/AIDS roll out program undertaken in two constituencies of north Bougainville has found syphilis is on the increase.
BPAC undertook a door to door voluntary, counselling and testing (VCT) at Haku and the Halia constituencies of Buka district – north Bougainville.
They only had K20,000 to carry out the roll out but proved very successful because the turnout was excellent according to BPAC boss Ray Himata.
They seriously need a major funding from the Autonomous Bougainville Government and assistance from outside to conduct and continue this roll out, to cover Hagogohe, Tsitalato, Peit, Tonsu, Selau /Suir, Tinputs and the Atolls before heading to Central and South Bougainville.
But BPAC hesitantly advised yesterday that according to their roll out statistics in Haku and Halia, the most affected areas where syphilis was found to be the major threat was the welfare area of Eltupan.
Mr Himata said the statistics and the report will be made public very soon, but confirmed syphilis was a major threat to the population of Haku and Halia.
He could not detail the latter but also confirmed the youngest affected was 11 years old and the oldest tested was 80 years.
Yesterday, non-government organi-sations in Buka appealed to the ABG and the National Government to intervene because these people were the future of Bougainville who have been affected with the disease.
“Both government’s have to intervene and help because if it is true most youngsters affected with syphilis and are students, this is a worry,” leaders of Haku said.

20.10.2010
Source: The National

Bougainville K45m police plan to boost services
By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

BOUGAINVILLE’s K45 million police plan will begin in earnest.
The Bougainville Police Service (BPS) is embarking on a major re-structuring exercise that will be implemented over a term of 10-12 years.
A report released by Bougainville Assistant Commissioner of Police Thomas Eluh said the plan had been divided into four phases.
The plan was aimed at providing Bougainville with proper policing service.
Eluh, an experienced police officer with Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) for more than 30 years, was adamant that a well-resourced police service would be able to deliver effective policing work in the
region.
“The current resources cannot handle the entire region especially with guns still in the community.
“More manpower is needed.
“There is no command-and-control,” Eluh said.
The restructure project will beef up police human resource and infrastructural capacity for effective delivery of policing services.
It also aims at addressing major components of manpower, housing, police station and posts, transport,
communications, information technology, and community auxiliary police.
The plan had been endorsed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The first phase of the plan had been approved by the joint supervisory meeting in Port Moresby in August.
That phase will require K6 million to implement, and has been approved for funding by the national government in its 2011 budget.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

AUSSIE SUPPORT
By Aloysius Laukai

The Australian High Commissioner, IAN KEMISH (picture) says Australia will continue to support Papua New Guinea and including Bougainville in areas of Education and Health and also Law and Justice sector.
He was speaking at a press conference in Buka yesterday after arriving from Port Moresby.
MR. KEMISH said that Australia has provided more the SIX HUNDRED Million kina worth of assistance on Bougainville since the start of restoration of services to Bougainville.
This he said is about 14 percent of the overall assistance to Papua New Guinea.
The High Commissioner said that Australia will continue to assist Bougainville as it moves towards deciding its own future.
He said that Australia has a strong presence on Bougainville through its AUSAID office on Bougainville.
On the visit to Bougainville, The High Commissioner and his delegation visited The Education Office Complex, The Voluntary Confidential Counselling Centre in Hahela and would also open the Ausaid funded Law and Justice facility in Kubu.
The High Commissioner also presented Village Court Uniforms to the Tinputz Community Justice centre.
The Australian delegation return to Port Moresby tomorrow morning.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Contributing factors to HIV
By Veronica Hannette

A one day awareness on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), homebrew, marijuana and HIV/AIDS was held today in Buka town.
The HIV/AIDS Care and Counseling Coordinator in Bougainville May Matanu told New Dawn FM News that the rise in the number of HIV/AIDS infections has many contributing factors.
She said a 2 week VCT visit to the Haku and Halia constituencies has revealed a high number of STI infections. The open awareness was made to urge others to come forward for voluntary blood test in their next visits.
Mrs Matanu added that the Aids council will try to make it possible for people in the remote areas to have the test. Alcohol and marijuana consumption are the major contributing factors in the contraction of STI’s and HIV/AIDS.
She says VCT’s will allow people to know their HIV status in order to minimize the spread of the dreaded disesase.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

TOGEL COMING
By Aloysius Laukai

The body of the former North Bougainville member, LATE JAMES TOGEL arrives in Buka tomorrow morning from Port Moresby.
The late JAMES TOGEL died in Manila, Philippines last week whilst receiving medical assistance.
According to tomorrows program, the ABG President JOHN MOMIS would receive the casket at the Buka airport VIP room and the it will be taken to KUBU the official residence of President Momis to await for the time for the Funeral service that will be held at Hahela Catholic church.
After the service the body would then be transported to HOLASANPEIS village- Gogohe.
Eulogy would be read by MR. PETER KERIA whilst speakers at the funeral would come from the Minister for Higher Education and member for North Bougainville, MICHAEL OGIO and the Regional member for Bougainville and Bougainville Affairs Minister, FIDELIS SEMOSO.
Speech by Pesident MOMIS and a reply by James Togel Junior.
President MOMIS will hand over the body to the family of late James Togel at Holasanpeis village tomorrow.

20.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SUIR HAPPY
By Aloysius Laukai

The member for SUIR, LUKE KARASTON is calling on the National Government members to support the ABG in funding a lot of projects in the rural areas.
He said that whilst the ABG was having problems delivering to the communities, the National members must come in and assist after all they are serving the same people.
The member was speaking at Tekoknih last Sunday to welcome the Regional member for Bougainville.
MR. KARASTON said that the ABG is still developing its internal revenue and was not in a position to support many projects in the districts.
Meanwhile, the Regional member, FIDELIS SEMOSO promised to continue to assist the ABG by helping with funds on Education and Health Projects in the Region.
He said that he only gets FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA annually and is trying to cover all areas of Bougainville.

19.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

TEKOKNIH

No matter up on the remote parts of Bougainville you will still see them.

Teachers and students from Tekoknih Primary School sing the National Anthem for the visiting member.

Picture of MR. SEMOSO Giving the Cheque to the Schools Principal

19.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PORPOR

The People of Porpor in the Rapoma COE gave this Pig to the Minister for Bougainville Affairs FIDELIS SEMOSO when he visited their area last Saturday. They claimed that MR. SEMOSO is the first Member to visit this area since independence. Picture of the procession to the stage.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER
By Aloysius Laukai

The Australian High Commissioner to PNG IAN KEMISH and team arrived in Buka this afternoon for a two-day visit to Bougainville.
Immidiately after arriving in Buka they went staright to visit the newly renovated Education Office in Buka.
They will visit Education and Law and Justice Projects on Bougainville before returning to Port Moresby.

Pictured is the High Commissioner being welcomed by the Protocol Officer Philip in Buka this afternoon.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SEMOSO IN TEKOKNIH
By Aloysius Laukai

The Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO yesterday became the first National Government Minister to visit the people of Tekoknih Sub Parish in the Suir area since the 2007 General Elections.
He went at the invitation of the chairman of the Tekoknih Sub Parish and donated TEN THOUSAND kina towards their new church building project.
The Regional member also donated Five thousand kina each to Tekoknih Primary School and ARAVIA Primary school further inland.
Minister SEMOSO sympathized with the people and questioned where a total of Seventeen million for District Support and Improvement Program (DSIP) funds for North Bougainville have been going to.
The Minister explained that the SOMARE Government after the 2007 Elections designed the DSIP Program so that members can develop their electorates.
He said that if the people he has visited so far have not benefited from these allocations where has all the funds been going to.
The Minister received same comments from the people of Porpor in the Selau district on Saturday.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NO PERSONAL GRUDGES

ABG President JOHN MOMIS says he has no personal grudges with the Regional member for Bougainville, FIDELIS SEMOSO.
And their differences on issues are a sign of mature leadership.
He made these comments during a News Conference last Friday in reply to a news from Radio Bougainville that the JSB has been put off because the President did not want to attend.
MR. MOMIS said that the JSB did not eventuate because the National Government ministers did not come to the meeting.
He said that it was up to the National Government to talk with the ABG and set another date for the meeting.
MR. MOMIS said that officers from the Bougainville Administration went to the airport on two different days to wait for the Ministers but they did not turn up.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Semoso brings hope to PORPOR
By: Tani Tulo
(Office of the Regional Member & Minister for Bougainville Affairs - Buka)

The people of Porpor in the Selau/Suir District of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville had a reason to celebrate on Saturday (16/10/10) as Regional Member and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Fidelis Semoso donated Forty eight thousand kina (K48000.00) towards the development of education and health infrastructure.
The occasion was a historical moment for the people of Porpor as it was the first time a National Leader had given such support to their community since Independence.
Porpor since 1975 has lacked basic Government services. They claimed that they had been neglected by both the National and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Porpor Primary school and the community aid-post are both rundown because the community had not taken the initiative to maintain the upkeep of these infrastructures.
Students have been sitting on broken desks while the rundown aidpost has been used as an elementary classroom.
Upon seeing this two months ago in a recent visit, Semoso challenged the community to change their mindset of relying on free government handouts and to embrace unity and self reliance.
He later made a commitment and returned to Porpor on Saturday to honour his commitment.
He challenged the community to work together in partnership with the National Government and the ABG to bring positive development to the area.
“Development is everybody’s responsibility; it is not a sole responsibility of a Member.”
“There should be partnership. We all have a role to play to develop Porpor,” he said.
The Minister also reminded parents of their responsibility to discipline their children and urged them to maintain law and order in the community.
He assured them of the Governments continual support if the community used the money wisely and accordingly for its rightful projects. He warned the community against misuse of public funds and said that he would physically return to Porpor to follow up on the projects.
“You cannot lie to me, because I will personally come and check on these projects,” he said.
He also informed the people of the National Government’s District Support Improvement Program (DSIP) funding, stating that Porpor was not developed because this funding was being misused by Government leaders and public servants.
“This is the first time the Government has allocated funding straight to districts and it is up to members to use it wisely and develop their respective districts,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Selau Council of Elders, Ken Amsia thanked and praised Semoso for his dedication to his commitment and called on him to continue his good work in assisting communities throughout the region.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Major restructure for Bougainville Police Service
By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

The Bougainville Police Service (BPS) is embarking on a major re-structuring exercise that will be implemented over a term of 10-12 years. The restructure project will cost well over K45 million.
A status report collected from the Assistant Commissioner of Bougainville Police Service Thomas Eluh revealed the plan has been divided into four phases in its long term vision. The restructure project is aimed at providing Bougainville with proper policing service.
ACP Eluh, an experienced police officer with Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) for more than 30 years, is adamant that a well-resourced police service will be able to deliver effective policing work in the region. “The current resources cannot handle the entire region especially with guns still in the community. More manpower is needed. There is no command-and-control, “Mr. Eluh commented. He told Bougainvilleans that problems in the region can only be solved by themselves and not by outsiders.
The restructure project will beef up police human resource and infrastructural capacity for effective delivery of policing services. It also aims at addressing major components of manpower, housing, police station and posts, transport, communications, information technology, and community auxiliary police.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has endorsed the police plan. The first phase of the plan has been approved by the Joint Supervisory Meeting in Port Moresby August this year. That phase will require K6 million to implement, and has been approved for funding by the national government in its 2011 budget.
ACP Eluh says an implementation group will be established to oversee the project whose activities will be scrutinized by a high level steering committee.

18.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Deputy Sheriff killed in Buka accident
By REUBEN KALAUNG in Buka

PAPUA New Guinea’s Deputy Sheriff Warren Grant was killed in a nasty car accident within the perimeters of Buka town over the weekend.
A 3 months old pregnant woman was also killed when the vehicle, a 10 seater landcruiser, they were travelling in lost control and ran off the road adjacent Buka airport.
Buka police confirmed the accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning as the vehicle was dropping of friends from a social gathering at Buka’s infamous party venue Kenny’s Hall. The two casualties were rushed to Buka hospital but died from major organ fractures and serious internal bleeding.
Two women are still in critical condition at the Buka hospital. One of them from the local village of Ieta lost half her tongue when the vehicle rolled several times. A man was discharged on Sunday after receiving medical attention.
The driver escaped with no injuries but surrendered to Buka police after the incident.
The late deputy sheriff headed a team from the National Court that travelled to Buka last week for a public auction. The deceased woman was the second wife of the driver while the driver is the nephew of the late sheriff.
Police say the vehicle was travelling at high speed before its fate. Full investigations into the accident will be done today, however, it is alleged the driver did not have a valid driving licence and was heavily intoxicated.
Buka Police Station Commander Chief Sergeant Alex Gunnan said unconfirmed reports have surfaced that the vehicle was transporting more than 10 passengers. He said the driver of the hired vehicle is in police custody and will be charged pending the outcome of the investigations.

18.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Administrator not on payroll
By GORETHY KENNETH

NEWLY appointed Chief Administrator for the Autonomous Bougainville Government Lawrence Disin has not been paid his salaries since he took office.
Bougainville president John Momis said on Friday Mr Disin was not on the payroll since he was officially sworn in on September 2.
Mr Disin hs been working for that period without any remuneration package and salary.
“Lawrence Disin since becoming chief administrator has not been paid.
“I would like to know what is happening,” said Mr Momis.
Speaking on the issue during a press conference, Mr Momis spoke of how the ABG was the only legal authority to appoint the chief administrator in consultation with the National Government.
Mr Momis explained the consultation process was done since the time of late Peter Tsiamalili – and still maintained ABG had the powers to appoint its own administrator.
“I don’t know who is advising the National Government on the appointment of the administrator on Bougainville.
“The Bougainville Peace Agreement quite categorically states that we have the powers to appoint...in other words, the ABG is the appointing authority in consultation with the National Government.
“So it is quite clear that it is the ABG which is the appointing authority.
“The law the National Government talks about refers to the provincial governments in other provinces.
‘‘The Bougainville Autonomous Bougainville Government is the only legitimate appointing authority,” said Mr Momis.
The Department of Personnel Management in Port Moresby would not officially comment when approached by the paper on Friday, but only advised they had not had any official papers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

18.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

 
Road carnage, a big worry in PNG

Buka town is the headquarters of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. By comparison, Buka is smaller than Arawa but the 9 year Crisis has devastated the latter that the capital had to be shifted to what is commonly referred to as ‘small Buka’.
In that town, there are more liquor outlets than in any other town in Papua New Guinea so the accessibility to alcohol for the population is not a problem. This is an issue that the Autonomous Bougainville Government may want to take up but it comes as no surprise that there was a very fatal accident at the road leading to the Buka airport on Saturday night. According to eyewitness accounts, a Toyota land cruiser, with nine people on board, was travelling at very high speed when it ran off the road, rolled five times, sending the occupants flying out of the back door and windows. Consequently, three people are dead; two are on life support, while several others are in critical condition at the Buka General Hospital. According to reports, the nine people, including the deceased were drunk after a night out in Buka town when they ran into trouble.
Sad stories like this are received from all over Papua New Guinea every weekend. In 2006, 3000 motor vehicles accidents were recorded involving 4000 vehicles, sending 2500 people, either to their death or to hospitals.
In 2007, 2287 motor vehicle accidents involving 3504 motor vehicles were recorded and 2064 casualties were sent, either to their death or hospitals.
The National Road Safety Council is still compiling the statistics for the years 2008 and 2009 but the statistics provided is alarming and points to the fact that road accidents is a major killer in the country.
The cost is not only in lives. The injured and dead are also putting a lot of pressure on the public health system, already submerged in a lot of problems. Hospitals and health centres care for the dead and injured, using medicines and supplies at cost that are not usually budgeted.
Then there are the other costs that are associated with road accidents. Deaths by car accidents always lead to compensation demands, tribal fighting and sorcery claims, which also always leads to cold blooded killings.
Then there is also the insurance cost that has to be paid for both the deaths and injuries. The Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL), the company that settles insurance claims from motor vehicle accidents, is very concerned about the growing number of claims it was receiving and to address the situation, it launched the Road Safety, It’s Not A Game campaign in August this year.
Statistics unearthed during the campaign from MVIL show that 729 accident claims were registered in 2009 and of those only one claim involved a female driver. From the same source, it was found that speeding and drink driving as accident causes far outweigh any other contributing factors.
The MVIL, though, is not empowered to enforce the motor traffic law and arrest motorists, confiscate their license or impose fines. It is the police that will have to carry out these tasks and again, we have to stress that they lack the capacity to carry out an effective job. And in instances where they are able to catch traffic offenders, the men in blue opt for fines rather than making sure that a deterrent sanction is imposed.
This country cannot continue to ignore the carnage on our roads. It is time the police, the government through departments like health, education and community welfare, work in partnership with motor vehicle dealers, alcohol brewers, MVIL and civil societies to develop intervention programs to bring our road deaths and injuries down. The MVIL is showing the way.

18.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville has role in food security

By Veronica Hannette

CLIMATE change, population growth and poverty are issues that are forcing the world to address food security issues and Bougainville is no exception, says DPI food security officer Helen Punus.
Mrs Punus said food security included the interaction of education, agriculture and health as well as other social issues.
She said that people needed food security in order to sustain themselves during change of weather patterns and uphold the traditional food conservation methods.
She said widespread hunger could be minimised by increasing food production through different farming methods.
Mrs Punus said that food security issues were trying to address malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to different ways of farming and planting methods in the region.
Meanwhile, Bougainville will not commemorate the World Food Day this year because of financial constrains.

15.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

REGIONAL MEMBER DONATES
By Aloysius Laukai

The Regional Member for Bougainville and Minister for Bougainville Affairs, FIDELIS SEMOSO this afternoon became the first National Government member to make a donation to Bougainville’s Community Radio, New Dawn FM 95.3 towards the Stations upgrading.
He donated TEN THOUSAND KINA.
New Dawn FM started Broadcasting in Bougainville in April 2008 and has been raising its own revenue to support its work.
New Dawn FM as a community Radio since its inception has been involved in covering nearly all activities on Bougainville.
It carried live Broadcasts for the Death and funeral of ABG’s first President, LATE JOSEPH KABUI the late Chief Administrator,PETER TSIAMALILI,
Live Broadcasts from Arawa of Former ABG President JAMES TANIS’s inauguration and the inauguration of President John Momis in June this year.
New Dawn FM won a Pacific Award for Communication and Social Change from the University of Queensland in 2009 and this year became a member of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters.
And last month it introduce a women’s health issues programme CALLED BOUGAINVIL MERI TEDE which is aired every Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm.
The program intends to connect all women’s Organizations throughout the region.
Those women’s groups that are not getting Radio signals, Audio CDs are provided for them to pick up and they can be listened to at their own time.
So far feedbacks for the programme has been overwhelming.

15.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Semoso supports information dissemination
By REUBEN KALAUNG

FREE information dissemination is very vital for development in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. That was the remark made by Bougainville Affairs Minister Fidelis Semoso when presenting a K10, 000 funding assistance to 95.3 New Dawn FM this afternoon.
The funding will go towards infrastructural capacity building for Bougainville’s only community radio station. Mr. Semoso emphasised the need for free flow of information to every citizen in the region.
He called on his other three colleague members of the national government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support agencies that relay information to the people.
The regional member for Bougainville also stressed the need for information on political and other developments to reach the people. He pointed out that since 1989; information dissemination in the region has gone backwards.
Embracing the funding assistance, New Dawn Manager Aloysius Laukai applauded Mr. Semoso for his support. He said the semi-commercial radio station was established to assist the region with information and entertainment in its post conflict approach.
Mr. Laukai says the funding is the first of its kind from a politician, and will go towards the upgrading of the radio station’s broadcast capacity.

15.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

JSB CANCELLED AGAIN
By Aloysius Laukai

Harmonious relations between the Papua New Guinea National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government may be stretching out according to a observer on Bougainville.
The observer who wants to remain anonymous told New Dawn FM that the 3rd cancellation of the Joint Supervisory Body meeting opening last night.
The observer said that the delay in having the JSB meeting could be related to the differences that has developed between the Bougainville President JOHN MOMIS and the Bougainville Regional member.
The two Bougainville leaders have voiced their differences in the media recently concerning the JSB meetings.
He is now calling on the two leaders to forget their differences and reconcile for the good of Bougainville.

15.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Big plans for Eivo-Torau
By PETERSON TSERAHA

THE member for Eivo/Torau in the Autonomous Bougainville Government Melchior Dare is focusing on development in his constituency.
In the first letter written to the Minister for Natural Resources Lands and Physical Planning the member asked for database on land titles in his area.
“I have written to the Minister to inform him that I am ready to put into practice the inaugural maiden statement which outlined high impact projects to be established in Eivo Torau.” Mr Dare said.
The projects include:
* Former Kuveria jail state land be used for development of state institutions include administrative centre for Eivo/Torau, sports academy for the region, eco-tourism operation centre for the region at sea front, establishment of technical and life skills training centre, residential centre for workers for Manetai Limestone and satellite township for Eivo/Torau constituency;
* Relocation of jail to one of inland areas of Nasiwau/Kopikiri/Kopani to facilitate road infrastructure to inland areas of Eivo/Torau. It will open new opportunities for economic growth;
* Kuveria state land to include portion/hectares of atolls resettlement area. The resettlement program of Atolls has been opposed by Eivo/Torau people;
* Strong recommendation by landowners of Bove plantation for ABG to acquire plantation and give it back to them to develop;
* Call for re establishment for CCI at former Duncan station at Mabiri compound;
* Establishment of Divine Word University at Mabiri;
* Establishment of Camp Five satellite centre (former Birempa camp) for border population of Pineinari and Simeku to host additional COE (stated) and administration centre, outside of Arawa on the port mine access road to Panguna district;
* Re-opening of former Manetai limestone project to support ABGs economic recovery initiative at the earliest convenience.
* ABG lands and physical planning division to facilitate proper survey to establish state land boundaries to include former atolls resettlement area.

15.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Ministers fail to show up

BOUGAINVILLE’S way forward meeting - the Joint Supervisory Body - where issues affecting the region are ironed out between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government has been cancelled again.
ABG administration late yesterday advised the National Government MPs and some departmental heads did not show up for the meeting scheduled for yesterday.
But the National Government technical team, numbering about 20 defended that they were ready to meet with the ABG leaders.
The team has been in Buka since Tuesday and Wednesday.
The National Government ministers did not turn up – they had the Minister for Bougainville Affairs Fidelis Semoso on the ground to co-chair the meeting with ABG President John Momis and whatever recommendations reached would be taken back to Port Moresby for the Government to act on.
But by close of business yesterday, the President’s office advised that the President basically wanted the responsible national government ministers to be present.

15.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

UN rep attends arms talks
By GORRETHY KENNETH

UNITED Nations resident representative for Papua New Guinea David McLachlan-Karr arrived in Buka yesterday to attend crucial sessions of the United Nation-chaired workshops on issues affecting Bougainville, politically, socially and economically.
The Bougainville leadership and the people of the region were lucky to have 15-high powered UN agency heads including World Bank, Asian Development Bank and World Health Organisation in Bougainville to hear them out.
The UN team was given an intensive run-down on the weapons disposal program, which the UNDP office in Bougainville was heavily involved in.
The Bougainville leadership was told they should take advantage of the UN, WB and ADB presence in Bougainville to iron out issues affecting the region with the weapons disposal program being the biggest issue.
There is a need for a policy on integrated approach to the weapons program,” one of the leaders said yesterday. This would involve a process of setting up intervention projects as a way forward for the sustainability of former combatants. Ex-combatants are willing to surrender arms if projects were available.
Funding for the weapons program was also highlighted, and the need for the Task Force for Bougainville to be established to oversee the implementation of the program.
There is need for strong involvement of the Bougainville administration, resources are critical, therefore the issues of budget for the weapons program was to be reviewed and the budget must be realistic as to meet the demands of the weapons program, the leaders reiterated. One thing was clear, the weapons program was a political issue and a clear policy was needed, which was inclusive of all partners. UNDP’s role was to facilitate the process and not assume leadership.

15.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NISSAN NEHAN SET
By Aloysius Laukai

The people of Nissan want to address problems faced everyday by their people by setting up their own Organization named Nissan Nehan Development Foundation.
Founder of the Foundation PETER DOSTI told New Dawn FM that his organization has identified issues and would be slowly addressing them.
He said that in the past the people of Nissan have really struggled to transport their death from Buka and other outside places and also to transport the sick to seek medical attention have been difficult.
MR. DOSTI said that the foundation would be raising its own funds for Health and education for its people.
He said they would also want the people of Nissan to get good and affordable education fully paid by this Foundation.
MR. DOSTI as a former School inspector mentioned Standards must be set for Nissan Schools to make sure all students get the best education.
This means that if their teachers have only teaching certificates the foundation will fund for these teachers to get further training to Diploma and degree certificates.

14.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Meeting may be cancelled

By GORETHY KENNETH

THE Joint Supervisory Body meeting between the Autonomous Bougainville and National Government leaders scheduled for today may not take place on time or if at all because half the people from Port Moresby have not turned up in Buka.
And if the leaders from Port Moresby arrive in Bougainville today, it will be this afternoon as the Air Niugini flight to Buka arrives about two o’clock, unless there is a plane on charter.
This is the meeting which has been cancelled for three times over the issues of documents and agendas not being ready and ABG leaders wanting responsible PNG Government ministers attending the meeting. The meeting was cancelled last week because responsible leaders of the National Government could not make it to Buka. On separate occasions the issue of cancellation of the JSB was the subject of argument between the Minister for Bougainville Affairs Fidelis Semoso and ABG President John Momis. Semoso explained the ABG was not ready with the agendas and that he had got off in East New Britain to negotiate the K15 million for Bougainville with Planning Minister Paul Tiensten and State and Enterprise Minister Arthur Somare who were in ENB.
Yesterday ABG Minister’s told the Post-Courier they were disappointed about the National Government’s turnout. The technical team comprising lawyers and members of the PM and NEC arrived in Buka and held meetings with key leaders of the ABG. Today the full meeting between several national ministers and ABG ministers led by President John Momis should convene. This is a very important meeting between the ABG and National Government where they iron out serious issues affecting Bougainville and the drawdown of powers.

14.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Buka welcomes UN officials
By GORETHY KENNETH

WITH a “One UN in Bougainville” slogan, the 14 high powered United Nation Agency team operating in Papua New Guinea arrived to the tune of Bougainville’s famous bamboo band welcoming them at the Buka airport yesterday.
The UN officials in Buka led by UNDP boss Anthony Agyenta, all dressed in blue with the “One UN in Bougainville” print joined by the Bougainville Administrator Lawrence Disin and his divisional chief executive officers were all at the airport to welcome the team.
UN Resident Representative David McLachlan-Karr will be in Buka today but the team, led by UNICEF boss Dr Bertrand Desmoulins included Margaret O’Callaghan (UNIFEM), Christina Saunders (OHCHR), Gilbert Hiawalyer (UNFPA), Dr Siddharta Datta (WHO) Dr Norbert Rehlis (WHO), Jorg Shimel – (UNDP), Walpurga Englbretcht (UNHCR), Charles Perring (OCHA) and Lars Tushuizen (UN Chief of Strategy).
In an interview UNICEF head Dr Desmoulins said they were here to listen to what ABG had to say and to promote the new UN strategy of delivering as one and to strengthen the coordination among UN agencies towards an expanded program.
“Our visit also demonstrates our determination to promote and have an update on our current programs in Bougainville,” Dr Desmoulins said. Our visit should also provide an insight to the progress as well as challenges encountered by the ABG leadership in the political and social transformation efforts.”
Yesterday, they met with all chief executive officers of ABG, the administrator, the ABG President John Momis and today they should be meeting with the civil society on social issues. UN advised

14.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Former Bougainville leader dies
By GORETHY KENNETH

BOUGAINVILLE has lost one of its former leaders James Togel, who passed away at the City Hospital in Manila on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Togel died at five o’clock in his Manila City Hospital bed, after a successful operation to remove his thyroid gland - one that was giving him problems, but suddenly collapsed from a stroke that hit him a few days after the operation.
Togel and his wife Juliana left for the Philippines early last month to seek further medical treatment for his thyroid gland problems and just recently, he was reportedly on life support a few days after his operation, which was successful.
Togel, 62, comes from Malis, Gogohe, in Buka, north Bougainville. Survived by his wife Juliana who was by his side when he died in Manila, he has Nellia his first daughter, James Togel (Jnr), and Juliet who are all in Port Moresby working and waiting for his “coming home”.
Togel was north Bougainville’s former National MP in the PNG Parliament from 2005 t0 2007 after Michael Ogio beat him for this term. Togel was the National Alliance fully pledged candidate and MP and was instrumental in participating in the Government’s decision making on Bougainville. He led a team of north Bougainvilleans towards the peace process before entering politics, and during the Bougainville Crisis, successfully helped in negotiating for peace in the region. He also helped the then premier’s office in negotiating for peace on Bougainville. Before the Bougainville Crisis, Togel was the North Solomon’s Provincial Secretary before moving to the premier’s office. He retired slowly to his Malis home after he lost the 2007 elections but still had his hands full advising several leaders on issues affecting Bougainville.
Togel was critical of the first ABG Government and on most occasions would call the Post-Courier to air his “off the record” views. He was one person that was very instrumental in talking about the current ABG President John Momis’ come back to power on Bougainville.
Before the issue of writs for the second ABG elections in March this year, Mr Togel, in one of his references told the Post-Courier from his Malis village, that he never intended to stand for elections but had one candidate to fully support for the presidential elections and that was the current ABG President John Momis.
He told the Post-Courier in our March 2010 interview: “I am getting Ambassador John Momis back here to Bougainville to come and stand for the President’s seat and I am telling you, he has already won. I am just organising some committee members to strategise and once we are ready we will move....” On another occasion, the Post-Courier spoke to him during a visit to his home, but he said he was sick and wanted the paper to visit at a later date. When Momis won the election by a huge margin, Togel called the Post-Courier to say: “See I told you that Momis was going to win by a big margin especially in Buka.”
After the election there was no contact until in September when Togel was Port Moresby bound, on his way to Manila where we were assured his wife Juliana be contacted from the Philippines for an update on his condition.
President Momis would not speak on Togel’s death yesterday but his office assured preparations were now underway to assist with Togel’s body home.

14.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

District Games on
By REUBEN KALAUNG

Buka District will field the biggest number of sports as the district games kicks off 18th – 22nd this month. All four districts in the region will battle it out in the 4 days event to make the selection for their respective districts to compete in the 3rd ABG Games in Buin come December.
Acting President for the Autonomous Bougainville Sports Foundation, Joseph Mobisi tells New Dawn FM News, Buka District will field a total 11 sports, making it the biggest number of sports in the region.
District squads will then be selected to represent their districts in the Buin ABG Games.
Meantime, 26 sports officials from the region will meet in Buka tomorrow to devise rules to be applied at the ABG Games for all sporting codes. Tournament procedures will also be discussed.
The workshop ends on Friday.

14.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Murder suspects apprehended
By REUBEN KALAUNG

Four murder suspects in a recent killing in Arawa have been apprehended by police and are now in police custody in Buka. Buka police says the murder victim is related to infamous former combatant Israel Toroama.
The killing occurred last Friday in Arawa following a drunken brawl between the deceased and a group of men, who were alleged to be heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The name of the deceased could not be verified by police; however, the suspects were transferred to Buka by Wakunai police for their safety. Arawa police are investigating the murder before charges could be laid.
A police source says the situation in Arawa is quite tense but under control.

13.10.2010

Source: United Nations University of Peace (Costa Rica)

• ANALYZIS : The Bougainville Conflict: A classic outcome of the resource-curse effect? 
   

13.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

TOGEL ORBITS
By Aloysius Laukai

Another Bougainvillean leader has died while receiving specialist medical assistance in Manila Philippines.
Former member for North Bougainville in the National Parliament, JAMES TOGEL died yesterday.
MR. TOGEL was one of the pioneer Bougainvillean University graduates who teamed up with DR. ALEXIS SAREI,LEO HANNET, MEL TOGOLO, JOHN MOMIS and others to establish the first NORTH SOLOMONS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT in the late 1970s.
He worked with the North Solomon’s Provincial Government and was one of the first Buka leaders to be held as prisoner in Panguna at the start of the Bougainville conflict.
He became the National member for North Bougainville from 2002 to 2007.
The late James Togel is survived by his wife ,two daughters and one son.

13.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MOMIS SAD
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville President JOHN MOMIS today send his condolence to the family and relatives of former North Bougainville member, JAMES TOGEL.
MR. MOMIS said that MR.TOGEL was a very well educated leader who chose to stay with his people despite his knowledge and experiences as a Political Scientist.
He said that the late JAMES TOGEL was a committed leader who continued to work with his people despite his health condition.
MR. MOMIS said that the death of JAMES TOGEL has left a vacuum which is hard to fill.
On behalf of the people of Bougainville, MR. MOMIS sends his condolences to wife, JULIANA with his one son and two daughters.

13.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN HERE
By Aloysius Laukai

UN officials from Port Moresby arrived in Buka this morning for a two-day visit to the Region.
They were met by the Bougainville Chief Administrator, LAWRENCE DISIN and officials from the Bougainville Administration and including members of the local UN ground team.
The team are led by DR. BERTRAND DESMOULINS.
According to the team leader, the visit by joint UN agencies demonstrate the determination by the country team to promote the new strategy of Delivering as one UN team.
Previously UN agencies have been operating under 14 different groups.
The team is to meet with the ABP President, JOHN MOMIS, Bougainville administration, Bougainville Police and other Donor partners like JICA,AUSAID,
NZAID,USAID and other Non Government Organizations.
The team would return to Port Moresby on Friday.

13.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

DISIN WELCOMES
By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville’s Chief Administrator, LAWRENCE DISIN this morning welcomed the UN delegation into Bougainville.
MR. DISIN told the delegation that Bougainville has been working with UN and other donor partners and would continue to collaborate with them on development issues that is affecting the region today.
He said that he hoped that their two-days stay in the region would be enjoyable.
The chief Administrator said that UN will continue to play a role as the region needs to remove all remaining weapons to fully secure lasting peace on the island.

13.10.2010
Source: The National

Panguna landowners claim maltreatment

LANDOWNERS of the Panguna copper mine, who went to war in 1988 over what they claimed then was utter disrespect and disregard for their existence and welfare, are claiming the same maltreatment as the National Government,  the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Bougainville Copper Ltd prepare for negotiations on the possible reopening of the mine.
They are claiming that the interim Panguna Landowners Association (PLA) has not been recognised and its reconciliation process not supported.
In a letter dated Oct 5, to chairman of BCL Paul Coleman, PLA interim secretary Lawrence Daveona said: “The people of Panguna mine leases believe that ABG, BCL and the Government have the legal obligation to assist Panguna mine landowners.
“For far too long, even before the crisis, we have been used for your own benefits. Through the crises and up till now our people are still suffering.”
He said while the name Panguna landowners was “too often prostituted in the news media by the chairman of BCL in his chairman’s statement at the AGM”, the same chairman had said variously that the landowners were disorganised.
 “Our simple question now especially with the arrangements to prepare for Bougainville copper agreement review is: How long do we have to wait for you our partners (with the resources) to assist us with funding to enable us to be prepared and be ready to take part in the BCA review?” Daveona said in his letter.
It ought to be noted that both BCL and the ABG had assisted the Panguna landowners with their reconciliation ceremony last October.
The company donated K5,000 and ABG threw in K300,000.
Daveona said the work of reconciliation and disarmament was not yet completed and it would take at least two to three million more to cover the entire island.
He said presently their pleas were falling on deaf ears and it seems  the reconciliation process might be short-lived and the review of the BCA proceed without the landowners participating.
“Most of the interim PLA executive members have worked tirelessly year after year over the past 21 years keeping the Panguna landowner’s fire burning because of the concern for the welfare of their people without receiving any payment. Our concern for our people is deep rooted and we will not rest until such time we have achieved our goal,” Daveona said.
“All we need from you as partners in this process is for you to assist us with:
* Make funding available to ABG electoral commission to conduct PLA elections; and
* Make funding available for United Panguna Landowners Association (UPLA) BCA review task force.”
Daveona said he was very disappointed to hear comments repeated about the Panguna landowners not being organised and do not constitute a legal body that BCL can organise.
He said the landowners had formed the interim organisation out of their resources and it was up to the company to assist with an election to make the body be properly elected and incorporated.
Daveona was particularly critical of the Government and its Office of Bougainville Affairs which had not accommodated a single request to date.
He said such neglect had led to the crisis.

13.10.2010
Source: The National

Lessons from Bougainville

THE Bougainville crisis did not just happen.
The writing, so to speak, was on the wall for a good seven years before violence erupted.  Even in the early days of the crisis, the prolonged and bloody nature of it could have been averted, but it was not.
The reason for this was really a series of stupid decisions and unforgivable neglect by those in authority at the time in national government and the Bougainville Copper Ltd.
The Bougainville Copper Agreement, signed in 1974, had contained within it a provision for a review to occur every seven years. The first opportunity for such a review fell in 1981, but there was no review.
Angry reminders were made in the media, and even in parliament, by the member for Bougainville, John Momis.
The crisis started when the second opportunity for a review, 14 years from the signing of the BCA, fell due in 1988 and it looked like nobody was prepared to do it.
When the power pylons were felled, Panguna leaders sought the way of peace but, while the people awaited an important government delegation led by a deputy prime minister to turn up, police mobile squad pounced on them and did what this squad does best – beat them up. The deputy prime minister, it turned out, was playing a game of pool in Arawa.
There had been no coordination between the government and its law enforcement agency, and an important government leader was so neglectful of his duties that an easily containable situation moved out of control.
Today, The National carries a plea, once again peacefully put, by the original landowners of Panguna to be helped in the process of their own reconciliation ceremonies which started last October.
They ask also to be assisted and to be involved in any negotiations which will determine the future reopening of the mine.
We must urge the national government, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Ltd to fully involve the Panguna landowners in moving forward from here.
To leave them out would show that PNG has never learnt anything from the Bougainville crisis.
To that extent, we note that BCL did contribute K5,000 and the interim ABG contributed K300,000 towards the reconciliation ceremonies held in and around the Panguna area. This ceremony will be sweeping outward to cover the whole of Bougainville to bring together all parties to the conflict.
It is crucial that the national government, ABG and BCL co-fund this process. The national government, in particular, is compelled by the Bougainville Peace Agreement to actively contribute.
Under Item (F):  Other matters, the agreement recognises “reconciliation and unified structure for Bougainville” as a crucial element of disarmament.
Without reconciliation, there can be no real peace as animosities, borne out of the crisis, will remain in the hearts and minds of former combatants and those who were harmed or, otherwise, displaced by the crisis.
In another part of the agreement, it is stated: “The signing of this agreement is intended to be a symbol of progress in reconciliation.”
Reconciliation is the way to lasting peace.
The early success shown in last October’s reconciliation ceremonies between families of one of the first Panguna landowner leaders to have been killed, Mathew Kove, shows that the way of reconciliation is the best way forward.
Lawrence Daveona, who has written to the BCL chairman, was secretary of the Panguna Landowners Association. He had remained so throughout the crisis and was recently appointed to remain in the position on the interim PLA.
Many of the other interim members are likewise survivors from the crisis. The company just cannot accuse the landowners of being disorganised.
It has been intimated that BCL thinks the PLA is disorganised. Perhaps, that is not wise counsel. It also seems that the Bougainville coordination office in Port Moresby is uncooperative to the advances by PLA. That too is insensitive and, perhaps, the management there can be more alert.
Deal with the leaders at the talking stage, which is now. You do not want to leave it until the younger people get fed up and start agitating.
That much we have learnt from Bougainville and ought to apply it in all dealings with not only Panguna landowners but all others who today want to be heard.

13.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Home guards petition
By GORETHY KENNETH

ONE faction of Bougainville’s home guards has petitioned the Autonomous Bougainville Government over nonpayment of outstanding claims for security services provided to government assets during the peak of the Bougainville crisis.
All over Bougainville, there are home guards still waiting to be paid - the issue also includes risk allowances which public servants have been waiting for from the ABG and its administration and the National Government.
The Sohano Island home guard group have petitioned the ABG over their outstanding claim of K317,000 being for services provided during the height of the Bougainville Crisis.
From 1991 to 1997 the Sohano Island Home Guard was formed to provide security and take care of Sohano Island purposely because all assets belonging to the State, which included Government houses, Civil Aviation, Health Department, Government School, Government-owned power house and government officials were under their protection.
The group was formed after the PNGDF and police officially asked people at Sohano Island to provide security for all these assets and the home guards were tasked to be on duty day and night ensuring there was no harm to the community and also the Government assets.
Sohano Island now accommodates Bougainville’s ACP Thomas Eluh, deputy and former acting administrator Patrick Koles, ABG President John Momis and part of his cabinet ministers, the CEO for Health and Buka hospitals and many other executives of the ABG.
ABG yesterday advised the issue was still with the National Government. But the National Government advised Cabinet approved funds for the risk allowances and the home guards several years ago and yet they have not been paid.

13.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Guns disposals plans afoot
By GORETHY KENNETH

RESPONSIBLE ABG stakeholders are seriously working on a common framework for weapons collection and disposal – a way forward for the region.
They are UNDP, AusAID, NZ Police, Law and Justice Sector Program, ABG Peace Division, the ABG Veterans Division and the Eivo/Torau MP Melchior Dare.
It was universally noted that the current government’s target for weapons program was three years, and ABG faces manpower problems and that there was a need for a structure to be created. This will now be effected as a task force has been set up with an aim to tackle the weapons issue in Bougainville.
The ABG administration could not make it for the meeting, which was chaired and introduced by newly appointed UNDP technical adviser on Bougainville Anthony Agyenta. A brief synopsis of the situation was presented and Agyenta outlined the current challenges that must be addressed such as:
* THE need for an ABG-led weapons program (this must begin with a consensus across the ABG and local counterparts
* DEERMINATION of the roadmap (key ABG Divisions to develop a common approach, decide on who leads the process and what goes into the weapons program guidelines including timelines.
While UNDP commended the recognition by the Veterans Affairs and Peace Divisions to develop a joint approach, a proposal of a working group to start the process and determined terms of reference to be established were discussed.
UNDP, who had a leading role in early 2000 on the weapons disposal program, said that it was a political issue, which needed a clear policy and a need for public education.

13.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Warning on con artists

EUROPEAN shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC) have warned locals in PNG and Bougainville of some European foreigners trying to do business in Bougainville or the Pacific to take heed.
Axel Sturm, president of the ESBC, in a statement, put out a strong warning to alert individuals from Europe trying to do business on Bougainville or other countries in the Pacific region.
This is, he claims, because most of the times these people have doubtful careers and come to small Pacific nations especially places like Bougainville to con people and do business and get away with millions.
Mr Sturm advised the ESBC had carried out a research and found many people are taking advantage of the situation in Bougainville and teaming up with locals to milk them.
He appealed to the people to contact EU offices, the French Embassy, British High Commission and German office in Canberra if in doubt.
“Please be extremely careful if you intend to do any business with persons from Europe. Very often, these persons have an extremely doubtful career at home and only come to small Pacific countries to trick the local people,” he said.
“Do not become a victim of these people without any scruple. Do not be misled by their declarations or the fact that these person keep up good private relations to locals.”

13.10.2010
Source: The National

Bougainville Utd FC gear up for next NSL season
By HENRY MORABANG

LITTLE known Bougainville United Football Club Limited (BUFCL) are preparing for the 2011-12 National Soccer League challenge.
BUFCL Bid Committee chairman Peter Tariesi told The National recently in Buka that his committee was working around the clock to have a franchise in the National Soccer League challenge.
Tariesi, no stranger to soccer in his heydays with Sobou and University, had been mandated to head a powerful team to ensure young Bougainvilleans realise their dreams in the NSL.
He said his committee had so far raised K50,000 to have their team in NSL competition.
Ganei Holdings through its managing director Gerard Ganei and Bougainville Soccer Federation president Justin Halele had put up the money to lure other corporate sectors in Autonomous Region of Bougainville to follow.
Ganei donated K30,000 while BSF injected another K20,000 to kick-start the fundraising drive for the BUFCL.
Tariesi, who was the former managing director of Kalang FM in Port Moresby, is now a businessman in Bougainville.
He said he was aiming to raise K50,000 in the remaining 12 months to support a franchise.
The chairman said the team would be based at the Kimbe Football Academy for cost-cutting measures.
Although the majority of the players will be from the ARB, they will open the doors to players from Kimbe and others from the New Guinea Islands, including current NSL franchises.
Tariesi said he would push for Bougainville United FC because it would unite all Bougainvilleans in the ARB and other parts of PNG.
Tariesi also extended his congratulations to the Hekari United FC and John Kapi Natto for putting PNG on the world map.

13.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UN MISSION IN BUKA
By Aloysius Laukai

A PNG UN team arrived in Buka this morning for a two-day visit to the Region.
They were welcomed by ABG Government Officials at the airport.
More stories later.

Just a picture of the Team leader DR. BERTRAND DESMOULINS (right)with the local UNDP Chief Technical advisor to Bougainville Anthony Agyenta (in blue)

12.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

TASMAN ART
By Aloysius Laukai

A Tasman Islander has been quietly painting pictures until New Dawn FM's Aloysius Laukai found him today.
MR. Robert Lepuhi Pais had interest in paintings many years ago but came to really become involved after he resigned from NUKUMANU their local company.
Mr. Pais says that he wants to encourage other Bougainvilleans to go into painting,dancing and other talents that can be exposed to the outside world.
He says that Bougainville artists and painters should organize and display their talents instead of wasting their talents.
MR. PAIS said that he has sold two of his paintings and needs to sell other collections that he has made since he started in June this year.
He is hoping to promote his paintings with other Bougainvillean artists who would want to promote their talents at a Pacific night he is proposing soon in Buka.
MR. PAIS has about six different paintings for sale when I visited him in his studio today

 
12.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MICHA CALM
By Aloysius Laukai

The member for Taunita Teop Constituency MICHA MOSE is calling on his people to continue to work to support their families.
He told New Dawn FM that despite their everyday struggles they must continue to work on their cash crops to earn their living.
MR.MOSE said that he would like his people to work hard and not wait for the government for assistance.
He said he was working hard to find assistance on their road network as it would greatly assist his people.
MR.MOSE said that he was confident once the road network is fixed all other problems would be addressed.

12.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

MONA FESTIVAL OWED
By Aloysius Laukai

The Mona Festival Committee is yet to collect SEVENTY FIVE THOUSAND KINA from pledges made by Companies and Individuals early this year.
Committee Chairman, LAWRENCE BELLEH made this known today during a live Talk Back Show on New Dawn FM.
He said that because of this shortfall the committee is yet to settle bills incurred during the Mona Festival.
MR. BELEH said that his committee would be carrying out fundraisings to settle all outstanding payments.
And he called on persons and groups that are still owed by the Festival Committee to have patience and wait for their payments as the committee is still working the uncollected pledges.
Assistance can also be made to the following Account.
Bougainville Mona Festival with Bank South Pacific, Buka Branch and No. 100 164 1151

12.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

NAMATOA SKILLS
By Aloysius Laukai

The youth of Namatoa village in the Tinputz District are calling on the ABG and other NGO to run some skills training workshops in their area.
They told New Dawn FM that they would welcome literacy and other programs in their area.
The Youth and Women said that there was a need for skills training for their youths so that they can develop their area.
On the question of if their youths were participating in the Bougainville games, they said that only boys would participate as their Sports Association collapsed some time ago.
 

12.10.2010
Source: The National

Views on autonomous governments

THE concept of autonomous governments might mean different things to different people.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville, for instance, seems really to be a first step towards ultimate independence.
The autonomous community, as it is practised in Spain, is a first level political division established in accordance with the Spanish constitution that recognises the rights of regions to self-government but declares the “indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation”. Regions can attain autonomous community status but they are prevented from aspiring further.
It is important to realise that autonomy on Bougainville has not been devolved from the national government as in Spain. It has been wrestled from central authority.
Entirely new sections had to be added to PNG’s legal scheme of things to take account of the special case on Bougainville.
A provision for referendum, which was earlier thought to be dangerous and excluded from the National Constitution, has now been included only to give Bougainvilleans a chance to answer the ultimate question between now and 2015: Do they or do they not wish to remain a part of PNG?
But is PNG to be lumped with the same provision for referendums so that, at some future date, another province or region might aspire for the same?
As more provinces clamour for autonomy, it is crucial to ensure we do not create a situation where the nation faces disintegration at some future date.
The clamour for autonomous governments, which is slowly spreading outward from the New Guinea Islands region after the case of Bougainville, must be addressed decisively by the national government before it is too late.
At this juncture, it is instructive to take a closer look at the Bougainville arrangement.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement was signed in 1997. In the agreement, there are three interlinking pillars which are sequenced as autonomy, referendum and disarmament.
In their application, however, disarmament began before autonomy and referendum is yet to come.
PNG agreed to the terms of the Bougainville agreement but the creation of the Bougainville constitution and the Autonomous Bougainville Government derived from Bougainville efforts.
The national government played a supportive, advisory and financing role.
The Bougainville interim provincial government, in consultation with the Bougainville people’s congress, established a constitutional commission and a constituent assembly which were the forbearers to the Bougainville constitution and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The final draft constitution was reviewed by the national executive council and ratified by the national parliament, but it is the supreme law for all matters that fall within Bougainville’s jurisdiction. It is enforceable in the Bougainville courts and the Supreme Court.
The national government’s powers and functions over Bougainville included defence, foreign relations, immigration, central banking, currency, international civil aviation, shipping and trade, posts, telecommunications and cross-boundary fish stocks.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government looks after the balance including a civil service, a court system, police, correctional institutions and the right to impose and collect taxes.
Bougainville police will not develop the equivalent of an armed police mobile unit.
While public servants will be subject to the control of the autonomous government, they will swear an oath of allegiance to the head of state of PNG.
Until it has the sufficient revenue-raising powers, the national government is continuing to provide various types of grants including recurrent, unconditional and development grants.
Once Bougainville is financially self-reliant, the two governments would reach a revenue-sharing formula. The autonomous government would then assume the powers and functions to impose, set rates of and collect personal income tax and company tax (within certain limits).
In relation to foreign aid, the national and autonomous governments will be able to obtain foreign aid  – provided this does not reduce the value of aid already available to PNG and subject to overriding national foreign policy considerations.
 

11.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ABG district games on
By Veronica Hannette

BOUGAINVILLE is now preparing for District games that are scheduled this month.
Preparations have been positive for the games that will be held throughout the region. So far nine zones had been confirmed to participate.
They include Buka, Atolls, North 1, North 2, Central 1, Central 2 and South have been divided into three areas covering Buin, Siwai and the Bana/Torokina area.
Bougainville Games Coordinator Robert Semoso says the district games are held to select players to compete in the upcoming ABG games.
Semoso said the Autonomous Bougainville Sports Foundation has assisted 13 districts with a K5000 each in funding to conduct the games.
This games will also include the Paralympics as part of the teams taking part.
Semoso has stressed that all districts try to include disabled sportsmen and women in their areas.
This is after an inclusive concept was passed by the National Government, which is also important to include, disables in any social activities and because the 5th New Guinea Islands (NGI) paralympics’ games were supposed to be hosted in Arawa this year.
The Autonomous Bougainville Sports Foundation (ABSF) has been asked by the Paralympics committee to integrate the disable games with the 3rd ABG games.
The NGI Paralympics and the ABG games will coincide and that would be a great achievement for sport in the region.

11.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

ABG minister gets tough

By PETERSON TSERAHA

THE Veterans Minister in the Autonomous Bougainville Government David Sisito will embark on a complete overhaul in his ministry.
Firstly, there will be a full scale investigation into the K5 million Veterans money, and whoever is found guilty of misappropriating that money will be held accountable and prosecuted.
“My ministry, I think is the most sensitive in the ABG and it definitely needs a very aggressive leader to handle veteran issues.” Mr Sisito said.
He also said his ministry was the most controversial one in the past five years especially with the Veterans Holdings Limited, where a lot of ex-combatants had raised questions as to how they would benefit from the company.
“The first thing I want to know of is how much money is left from the K5 million and the acquittals and financial reports, receipts invoices, rentals accommodation, transportation air fares, business deals both domestic and abroad, and everything,” Mr Sisito said.
“Three major projects will be launched soon, one in the South, Central and North Bougainville so everyone will benefit.
“We will be looking at projects everyone will benefit from and not just greedy individuals and groups,” he said. Mr Sisito said those who failed to perform would be sacked.

11.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Guns disposals plans afoot

By GORETHY KENNETH

RESPONSIBLE ABG stakeholders are seriously working on a common framework for weapons collection and disposal – a way forward for the region.
They are UNDP, AusAID, NZ Police, Law and Justice Sector Program, ABG Peace Division, the ABG Veterans Division and the Eivo/Torau MP Melchior Dare.
It was universally noted that the current government’s target for weapons program was three years, and ABG faces manpower problems and that there was a need for a structure to be created. This will now be effected as a task force has been set up with an aim to tackle the weapons issue in Bougainville.
The ABG administration could not make it for the meeting, which was chaired and introduced by newly appointed UNDP technical adviser on Bougainville Anthony Agyenta. A brief synopsis of the situation was presented and Agyenta outlined the current challenges that must be addressed such as:
* THE need for an ABG-led weapons program (this must begin with a consensus across the ABG and local counterparts
* DEERMINATION of the roadmap (key ABG Divisions to develop a common approach, decide on who leads the process and what goes into the weapons program guidelines including timelines.
While UNDP commended the recognition by the Veterans Affairs and Peace Divisions to develop a joint approach, a proposal of a working group to start the process and determined terms of reference to be established were discussed.
UNDP, who had a leading role in early 2000 on the weapons disposal program, said that it was a political issue, which needed a clear policy and a need for public education.

11.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Go through the hell to reach the paradise!

Cape Laverdy seen from Namatoa

Aloysius Laukai, the editor in chief of Radio New Dawn on Bougainville, visited the remote village of Namatoa in the Tinputz area - half way between Buka and Panguna. Read here two reports and see the pictures he has taken to tell a story of a forgotten island that desperately needs resume of mining for a sustainable economic recovery.

NAMATOA FORGOTTEN
By Aloysius Laukai

The people of Namatoa village in the TAUNITA TEOP Constituency have been slowly suffering in their own hideouts due to no government services and presence in their area for many years.
Their only road network that connects them with the rest of Bougainville was disconnected due to no maintenance of this Fourteen Kilometre starting from SUN near Kekesu Health Centre.
A team from New Dawn FM that went to the village at the invitation of the local member MICHA MOSE took more than two hours to reach the village last Friday.
And nearly all people interviewed complained on their road system that has been neglected for so long by past governments and including National Government members.
Member MICHA MOSE told New Dawn FM that he has been knocking on all doors since his election to fix two roads in his area but to no avail.
He said these two roads account to more than 200 Hectres of Cocoa and Coconut Plantations but due to the bad road conditions his people cannot sell their produce to markets.
The roads the member mentioned were the NAMATOA and INUS roads that starts from the main road to the blue mountains further inland.
He said that for Bougainville to develop it has to fix these roads so that farmers have easy access to markets.
The member said that these roads have not been maintained since the 1980s.
And calls for assistance have fallen in deaf ears.

Roads to paradise - pictures taken by Aloysius Laukai in October 2010:

HEALTH FOR NAMATOA
By Aloysius Laukai

Women of Namatoa in the Tinputz district are calling for the Health Division to improve their only health facility that is catering for more than three thousand people in this remote region.
They told a New Dawn FM team that visited the area at the weekend that many women have died while attempting to reach Health Centres on the beach.
The women said that the only Aid Post that serves them has no inpatient for very sick patients and no delivery facility to pregnant mothers.
They said that because their road system is in a very bad state their only hope was the upgrading of their Aid Post.
They said that they have been trying to upgrade this Aid Post because of the rising population and also due to their remoteness but this has fallen also on deaf ears.
They called on the Provincial Health Division to address their problem as soon as possible.
 

08.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Leader slams politicians

BOUGAINVILLE politicians both at the ABG and National Government levels have been criticised for their lack of commitment to developing the region.
Selau leader Francis Hanesi said politicians are good at making empty promises.
Mr Hanesi challenged politicians to change their attitudes towards people and work together to bring about real and meaningful development.
He cited the conditions of Buka Island road and Buka town to Kessa Highway which is fast deteriorating and the Kokopau to Arawa road which is also in shambles.
Bougainville Affairs Minister and MP Fidelis Semoso said sealing of these roads will start next year.

08.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

‘Look after church workers’

MINISTER for Higher Education Science and Technology Michael Ogio has called for attention to be given to the needs of church workers.
Mr Ogio, the Member for North Bougainville, said concentration has been placed on building materials while little consideration was given to the welfare of church workers like priests, pastors, nuns and other church workers.
He challenged members of the different church denominations to look after their pastors and priests financially. He issued the challenged during the official opening of the Siara Catholic Church sub-parish in the Selau Constituency last Sunday.
Mr Ogio said it was important that individual churches look after their missionaries financially.
“Church members can effectively do this by paying their tithes or one tenth to the church faithfully every Sunday,” he said.
Priests and pastors have a big responsibility in looking after the spiritual upbringing of their congregation members.

08.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Bougainville calls recognise village courts and help improve it

By GORETHY KENNETH

IT’S time the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Government recognise the work of the village court officials by addressing their remuneration package.
These hardworking, law abiding citizens have been working against all odds and under difficult circumstances and yet are paid K26 a month and in a year K312.
Yesterday, the ABG leaders launched Bougainville’s official uniform for the village court officials working in the region.
In Bougainville, there are 96 village courts altogether throughout the region and 960 court officials operating - each village court has 10 officials looking after the circuit.
Their monthly allowance is K26 but because it is meager, some officers decide to receive them in a year, which is K312.
Bougainville’s chief magistrate Peter Toliken appealed to the authorities yesterday to empower the village court officials as they are the ones looking after the law and order situation in villages and communities where 90 per cent of the population live. Mr Toliken, addressing the ABG leaders during the official launching of the village court uniforms, funded by the New Zealand and Australian governments under the Law and Justice Sector Program (LJSP), appealed for these people to be given the power and authority to rule in the villages and not seen as volunteers - this is because they carry out the law and order issues in villages where most criminal activities are committed.
Mr Toliken asked if the Council of Elders and the Council of Chiefs could be empowered the same so they could work with the village court officials for a better community and village.
ABG police acting ACP chief Inspector Cletus Tsien appealed for the same - for these officials to be empowered so they can help the police maintain the law and order situation in communities and villages effectively and especially in places where police cannot reach.
ABG Correctional Service Minister Leo Hannett asked for the administration to come up with a proposal on the issue of remuneration for the village court officials and the COEs so that he can present it to the government to address.
ABG acting Administrator Patrick Koles said that they are now reviewing district operations which will also include the local level government operations where the village court comes under.

07.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Joint meet set for today

BOUGAINVILLE leaders want national Ministers to be present in the Joint Supervisory Body meeting between the two governments today.
The JSB meeting has been postponed for the ocassion, this time because ABG leaders demanded PNG Ministers to be present when the meeting begins.
This is because they claim there are important issues to discuss apart from the drawdown of powers and the mining issue.
The ABG administration confirmed the meeting was cancelled and scheduled for next week but could not detail the dates. Last month, the cancellation of the meeting in Port Moresby was the centre of an argument between the Bougainville Affairs Minister Fidelis Semoso and the ABG President John Momis.
Mr Momis claimed Mr Semoso did not have the courtesy to advise on the cancellation, but Mr Semoso defended that the ABG were not ready with their agendas and all necessary papers needed for the meeting. This time, the ABG leaders have blamed the non attendance of National MPs.
They want National Planning Minister Paul Tiensten or Treasurer Peter O’Neill or even the Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye to attend the meeting.
The National Government advised they were ready, also citing they had Bougainville Affairs Minister Semoso who was also their ear, eye and mouth but assured Bougainville was important as any other pressing issues to be addressed. The Planning Office and the office of the Deputy Prime advised the ABG should communicate and work hand in hand with Minister Semoso as he was the National Government’s appointee on Bougainville matters. They assured they stand ready to attend the meeting if ABG was ready also

07.10.2010
Source: The National

Bodies of MIA soldiers found in Bougainville

AN Australian army forensic team from Unrecovered War Casualties- Army (or UWC-A) has returned from Bougainville where it conducted post-mortem examinations on the human remains of three PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldiers.
The three soldiers were reported as missing in action (MiA) during the Bougainville emergency in 1996 and later were confirmed dead.
PNG and Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) had agreed to have the remains of the soldiers returned to their homes for burials.
The Australian army provided the expertise of UWC-A in a joint Australian Defence Force-PNGDF effort to identify the remains of the soldiers on Sept 26-30.
The team travelled to Buka and then to remote Kunua to examine the remains.
Brain Manns, UWC-A manager, said the remains were being looked after by local custodians in widely separated communities in a country where transport and communications were often very difficult.
“Despite these handicaps, the local communities went to great lengths to make the remains available for
us to examine,” Manns said.
PNGDF Lt-Col Eddie Yodu and Joe Ben successfully negotiated access to the remains
and the necessary logistic support with the Bougainville government and local officials.
The forensic team returned to Australia last Friday and would publish a full report of the results of the examinations to the PNGDF in order that negotiations can commence for the repatriation of the remains to their home provinces and their families.
Lt-Col Siale Diro, PNGDF’s director of land operations, said once the remains were identified, the ceremonial handover of the remains involving the PNGDF, custodians and the soldier’s family would begin.
Other team members included investigator Lt-Col Paul Vercoe, forensic pathologist Wing Cmdr Timothy Lyons, forensic dentist Lt Comdr Russell Lain, and forensic anthropologist Donna MacGregor.

07.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SENIOR MAGISTRATE OUTLINE ISSUE
By Veronica Hannette

The Village Courts systems are not part of the Bougainville Judiciary system.
That is according to senior magistrate for the Region, Peter Toliken during his speech at the presentation of uniforms to Village Court officials in Buka today.
He said the Bougainville constitution does not recognize the Village Court as part of the regional court system.
He called on the Administration and the ABG to review the constitution and include Village Courts in the Judiciary system.
Mr TOLIKEN also mentioned that Village court officials and peace officers handle 95 percent of disputes in their rural setting yet they are not fairly remunerated.
Meanwhile, Patrick Koles the Deputy Administor Operations said the review of the Village court functions is currently underway and will be presented to the BEC soon.

07.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

HANNETT APPEALS FOR SUBMISION
By Veronica Hannette

The Minister for Police and Law and Justice, LEO HANNETT has appealed to the Bougainville Administration to quickly amend the Bougainville Constitution to include the Village Court system into the Legal network.
MR. HANNETT made these comments following statements made earlier by the Provincial Magistrate PETER TOLIKEN that the Village Courts were not recognized by the ABG constitution thus making them live only on allowances since the inception of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in June 2005.
He told the Deputy Administrator Operations, Patrick Koles to make sure that the Village courts were addressed in the next ABG Constitution review that is coming up later this year.
Minister Hannett said that the review should now make sure that the ABG constitution takes on board the Village Courts as they are the only signs of a legal system in the villages.

07.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PPC
By Veronica Hannette

The Provincial Police Commander, CLETUS TSIEN says that without the Village Courts Law and Order in our rural communities would be unmanageable.

He was speaking at the Uniform Presentation to the Village Court Magistrates and Village Courts Officials in Buka this morning.
MR. TSIEN said that the Village Courts in the rural areas were trying their best to minimize law and order problems but needs the support of other Law Enforcers like the Police and the CIS.
He said that because support services from POLICE and CIS were not reaching the rural communities he wants the Village Courts to be empowered to address law and order issues in the communities.

06.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Member Launches HIV Testing
By Joyce Tohui

ABG Member for Haku Constituency, James Beani officially launched an operation program, MI GAT PAWA in Buka yesterday.
The operation, MI GAT PAWA is an initiative from Bougainville HIV AIDS Council through the National AIDS Council to carry out Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Constituencies.
The operation basically is to find out the HIV status of the region.
Before the Official Launching, Hon James Beani publicly demonstrated the HIV Testing at the Buka Beach front.
And during his Launching speech, he urged the public to take the opportunity given by the operation, MI GAT PAWA to get tested.

06.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Teen under custody
By Veronica Hannette

Buka Police have received reports of an attack on a 14 year old girl at the weekend.
Reports say that a 17 year old youth under the influence of marijuana had sexually assaulted the young girl at Topan Village in the Tonsu Constituency area.
Police apprehended the suspect who is now in the custody of a probation officer
His case would be held under the Juvenile jurisdiction.

06.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Parish Priest assaulted
By Veronica Hannette

A Fijian Priest Fr Siko based at Lemanmanu Catholic Parish is recovering from injuries sustained during an attack on him last week.
Reports reaching New Dawn say, Fr. SIKO was attacked at his residence by some unknown assailant.
Reports say the attacker made off with some of Fr. Siko’s expensive belongings including a laptop.
Fr. Siko is staying with the Sister In-charge of the Lemanmanu Health Center for safety.
The suspect is still at large but known to the community.

05.10.2010

Source: USGS

Major Earthquake on Bougainville 

Magnitude 5.0 - BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
2010 October 05 00:32:03 UTC

DetailsSummaryMapsScientific & TechnicalTsunami Earthquake Details
This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Magnitude 5.0
Date-Time Tuesday, October 05, 2010 at 00:32:03 UTC
Tuesday, October 05, 2010 at 10:32:03 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
 
Location 6.678°S, 154.889°E
Depth 82.4 km (51.2 miles)
Region BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Distances 90 km (55 miles) SW of Arawa, Bougainville, PNG
185 km (115 miles) W of Chirovanga, Choiseul, Solomon Islands
900 km (560 miles) ENE of PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea
2310 km (1440 miles) N of BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia 

05.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Momis 100-day report wanted

Bougainvilleans have openly asked for the Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis and his cabinet to spell out what they had done in their last 100 days.
The concerned Bougainvilleans, in a letter to the editor, demanded the ABG present its report on the last 100 days in office as they claim during the inauguration of the second ABG House at Kubu, which Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and all other foreign dignitaries were present, witnessed and heard the president make a rundown of his list of things to do in his 100 days in office.
Mr Momis, in June this year, detailed his priority tasks for the next 100 days and promised to appoint a permanent chief administrator within these days to fully implement these tasks.
A chief administrator was appointed, but controversy surrounded the process in which he was appointed. BEC approved these priority tasks in June and announced a revised Budget was now being done to accommodate the tasks within the 100 days.
The tasks included awareness on weapons disposal, awareness on the peace agreement, awareness on the Bougainville Constitution, awareness on ABG’s policies and consultation meetings with faction leaders and community leaders.
On the economic aspect the Momis Government planned to establish an economic recovery plan for Bougainville.
The plan was to include among others, the continuous Panguna mine consultations with the relevant stakeholders with the view of re-opening the mine, consultations with landowners on the Manetai lime stone and a Bougainville Fishing venture.
President’s office advised they would respond later this week to the concerns raised by the concerned Bougainvilleans.

05.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Sensing what is good and evil

A senior minister of State, while on duty in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville was going from one engagement to another under the influence of liquor last week.
This minister, this newspaper was told, was “totally pissed to his eye ball” as in the words of a local in Buka. The man was not even allowed to board the Air Niugini flight out of Buka on Friday because of the condition he was in.
Currently there is a case pending in Court that involves another state minister. Police have charged him with attempted murder and the committal hearing into this matter will start sometime this month.
Then there was this report sometime ago about another senior government minister, who brought two women into a hotel room in Port Moresby. This newspaper learnt that one of the women was not the legal wife and when in the room, they got into a fight. Hotel security guards had to be called in to separate the women and bring the situation under control.
At every office you visit, there are workers who are standing around betelnut markets, and chewing their favorite chew and smoking. At the pokies parlours in the cities, workers are drinking their favorite amber and playing pokies, during official hours. They could not care if there is work waiting for them to do in their offices.
Are they right or is it okay for them to do what they are doing?
Moral ethics, it is generally agreed, are the principles on which our moral decisions are based. And ethics are our sense of what is good and evil, right and wrong, and the values and responsibility that goes with a job. In fact ethics, in general, is used to measure whether a person is good, bad or evil.
In simple terms moral ethics are nothing but the code of conduct decided by each person for himself or herself to live and work in this world and among fellow human beings.
And moral ethics are formed out of the obligations and duties a person has in the society. So whether we are politicians, government ministers, bureaucrats, fathers, mothers, or students, our moral conduct should be formed from the kind of job we have.
So, it goes without saying that when a person becomes morally corrupt, that is, engaging knowingly in activities that are deemed wrong, evil, or is outside of his or her duty or responsibility, it is easy for this person to lose his sense of what is right, wrong and evil, or good that can be the start to a life, plagued with lies and deceit. For leaders, this can lead to doing things illegally or dishonestly, using their power willingly.
Corruption is a very serious issue in PNG. You see this everywhere you look. It can be a worker who takes a 10 minute smoke break every one hour. It can be the landowner in the highlands submitting a claim for non-existent properties on the highlands highway.
It can be a politician who gives a job to a wantok who is not qualified for that position. There are different forms of corruption, and it is said that this has become entrenched in our way of life.
We can get rid of corruption, this disease that is eating into the very fabric of our society. It does not need a rocket scientist to show us the way, for many times, either in church, in discussions and in the media, our church leaders have reminded us that moral corruption is the root cause of our problem today.
There is a lot of truth in what they are saying. For if you are not morally corrupt, you will know right from wrong, good from evil and you will make decisions that are right and good.
Thirty five years is a long time for Papua New Guinea. Its destiny in the years ahead is in our hands. We must change the way we do things, even the little things right.

05.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Pastor faces rape charge

A pastor has been locked up at Buka jail for allegedly raping of a 15-year-old girl.
The pastor was locked up last month for allegedly raping a the schoolgirl.
He appeared briefly in the Buka District Court last week but pleaded not guilty.
He told the court he did not commit the offence so the case was adjourned to a later date.
The 15-year-old girl has also been asked to appear before the court when it resumes.
She has also been ordered to bring her medical reports from the doctors or the hospital she visited when the alleged incident was committed and witnesses to appear before the magistrate when the case proceeds again.
The pastor has been denied bail as he awaits the case to proceed this week.
Last week, church executives from Lontis appeared at the Buka police station to try and bail him from prison.
Police refused him bail as they claimed the case was still pending.
The girl who attends grade five is still undergoing counselling at a local counselling office in Buka.

04.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

UNITE FOR SIARA
By Veronica Hannette

Bougainville leaders were united yesterday to witness the opening of SIARA sub parish in the Selau constituency.
The Minister for Bougainville affairs and Regional member for Bougainville, Fidelis Semoso, Minister for Higher Education,Science and Technology and member for North Bougainville, Micheal Ogio, ABG minister for Works and Communications, CAROLUS KETSIMUR and local constituency member Terry Mose all were present to witness the opening of the church.
According to the Building Committee, the church building was build at a cost of FIFTY EIGHT THOUSAND KINA.
The leaders whilst congratulating the people of Siara for their new building also called on them to continue their good work and venture into other areas.
Leaders at the Church Opening (From left to Right) Local ABG member Terry Mose,Regional Member Fidelis Semoso,Open Member for North Bougainvile and Minister for Higher Education, MICHAEL OGIO and a local Businessman MR. E Omi.

04.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SEMOSO DELIVERS CHEQUES
By Veronica Hannette

The Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Regional member for Bougainville yesterday gave out cheques totaling NINETEEN THOUSAND KINA to the people of Selau.
He delivered K5000 to Siara sub-parish for completing the church building, K3000 to ST. Patrick’s chapel, K10 000 to Hantoa main parish and another ONE THOUSAND KINA to the Nazareth sisters.
He made those presentations during that celebration of the opening of the sub-parish at Siara.
Mr Semoso assured the people that changes will not happen if the people of Selau continue to work as individuals but have to cooperate and work together for the development of their area.
Regional Member Hands Chq to Parishioners pic by Veronica Hannette

04.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

SIARA’S NEW CHURCH
By Aloysius Laukai

The people of Siara village yesterday became another proud owners of a new Church building.
The church building was officially opened by the Parish Priest for Hantoa Catholic Parish FR. PETER LUGABAI.
In his speech FR. LUGABAI said that the people of Siara Sub Parish had sacrificed and contributed to build their own church which was a self reliance program in its own.
FR. LUGABAI said that the people of Siara were challenged in 2007 that even their School was built by outsiders and not by them.
He said because of this challenge the people organized themselves to build their church.
Fr. Lugabai called on the people to continue working together to support their local church and also uphold their faith.
He said the time for Outside Missionaries are gone and that it was now up to the people to support their church and its programmes.

04.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

PPC GETS TOUGH
By Veronica Hannette

Provincial Police Commander, Cletus Tsien yesterday challenged the leaders of Siara to lead by example as Law and Order was a issue in the area.
He said that he has been seeing a lot of their leaders drinking on the road and portraying a bad example for their youths
Mr Tsien said that a lot of problems were rising because the leaders were not showing examples and that was contributing to the law and order problem in their area.
He challenged the chiefs of Selau to be a role models for the youths so that they can engage in more social and church activities.
He said Bougainville is like a sinking ship and that we should work together to shape and mould our youths and not caring and drinking beer every Fridays on the road.
Mr. Tsien also urged the people of Siara to use the Church as an institution to change the behavior of youths in the area.

04.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

ROTARY AGAINST MALARIA
By Veronica Hannette

A total of FIFTY ONE THOUSAND mosquito nets will be distributed throughout North Bougainville by the NGO group Rotary Against Malaria.
And another Twenty Seven Thousand would be distributed to families in the Torokina area.
According to the District Health Officer for Selau Suir District Rodney Sapaun, house hold surveys have already been conducted in parts of North Bougainville and District Health Officers are distributing mosquito nets in the region including the Atoll islands.
Rotary against malaria a Non-government Organization is carrying out the bed nets distribution under the global fund.
This is being done as malaria is one of the number one killer disease in PNG and a lot of awareness has been carried out throughout the country on Malaria.
For North Bougainville, Haku, Tonsu and Hantoa have been covered while other areas including Nissan and Atolls are yet to get their supplies.
Meanwhile, Central and South Bougainville are still doing their survey before distribution starts in their areas.
Their supplies of mosquito nets are still at the Kieta wharf awaiting distribution.
A workshop was conducted at Sohano by Rotary against Malaria last month to carry out the surveys and the distribution of the mosquito nets.
A total of 38 participants attended the workshop.

04.10.2010

Source: ESBC

JSB Meeting in Buka on October 7th and 8th, 2010

The Joint Supervisory Board meeting (JSB) that had been cancelled recently now has been scheduled for Thursday and Friday of this this week. Main issue on the agenda will be the review of the Bougainville Copper Agreement (BCA), confirms Mr. Lawrence Daveona of the Panguna Landowners Association.

JSB Treffen in Buka am 7. und 8. Oktober 2010.

Das JSB Meeting, das kürzlich abgesagt wurde, findet nun am Donnerstag und Freitag dieser Woche in Buka statt. Wie Lawrence Daveona von der Panguna Landeigner Vereinigung bestätigt, wird Hauptgegenstand dieses Trefffens die Überarbeitung des Bougainville Copper Agreements sein.

01.10.2010
Source: Post-Courier

Dolls cause quite stir in Buka

By PATRICK LEVO

A blue turquoise ocean with gentle waves lapping on the white sandy shores of palm fringed coral islands. Add a ‘shipwreck’ in the distance and two ‘castaway’ dolls.
Indeed a laid back scene of Pacific serenity and an imposing backdrop for a Crusoe type epic but not quite the script for a dramatic Hollywood blockbuster just yet!
However in this picturesque idyllic playground, a recent shipwreck and the story of its castaway survivors have the local population in uproar. It is brewing as the hottest love story with an insidious sex appeal slowly enveloping the forested atolls of Buka and developing somewhere on mainland Bougainville.
Mention the name of the offending ship – Le Feng - and you will get inquiring looks from the locals of Buka Passage.
That might just also be the appropriate title for the developing story if there is ever an attempt to shoot a sequel to the current episode involving angry villagers demanding justice, bemused police offering little or no leads and a bunch of youths high on home brew intent on having the time of their lives.
The stars in the cast are the castaway dolls and since April, the dark skinned island youths have guarded these with some intrepid enterprise and elementary Watson zeal in evading police and their own people.
Now Buka police have launched ‘Operation Le Feng’ in an attempt to rescue the lost castaways – a pair of bubbly obedient twins who once commanded the insatiable sex needs of their oriental crew members.
It all began in April this year when the Malaysian registered logging ship MV Le Feng, traveling from Panama to Solomon Islands, encountered engine problems compounded by cyclonic weather and struck Hahamui reef between Matsungan and Petats Islands off Buka Island.
Various attempts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful and the Chinese crew members – unable to communicate with local officials due to language difficulties - packed up and left, leaving a ghost ship parked on the reef to this date with their most ingratiating passengers – two lifelike sex dolls.
The people of the nearby islands finally boarded the unguarded, stranded ship and stripped it bare of all valuable assets including lifeboats, food, gas and anything they could lay their hands on.
According to eye witnesses, youths from one of the islands – just like the pirates of the Caribbean – clambered aboard the 50 metre vessel one dark night, and during a thorough room to room search under torch light, came upon a locked cabin.
Smashing it open in the hope of finding some hidden treasure, they were horrified to locate two human sized figures. Closer inspection by the astounded ‘rescuers’ soon revealed that these were not life sized rescue training mannequins but spicy sex dolls used by the mariners for absolute ‘pleasure and pain’ on the high seas. Now the ‘sex slave dolls’ are the talk of the islands as womenfolk in whispered tones refer to them as ‘raba mama’ or ‘rubber pumps’ while officially, police desperately search high and low after the Le Feng dolls – illegal sex toys under PNG law - and their seemingly invincible captors.
Adding to the hilarious and deepening mystery of the ongoing doll hunt, a senior Buka policeman said: “Yes, we were initially looking for this ‘raba meri’ for our prisoners but we have not succeeded. We are already told one has been sold to mainland Bougainville.” A concerned community leader Rebecca Hamis said: “These rubber women should be removed and destroyed because young boys are also being exposed to it and their minds are disturbed, find it and get rid of it before we have more social problems.”
Whatever you call them, they are made for one thing and that is to entertain men without complaining and that is probably why the police response has been half hearted as the stretched out force has bigger more stressful human problems to worry about on a daily basis.
According to one islander, who seemed to have appreciated the rubber mama’s erotic appeal, the dolls are power operated, and can do what normal women perform.
“Rubber mama can sing, she can perform like a real woman,” the man, who asked not to be named, said.
According to our friend, rubber mama can say: ‘come here baby, come and make sweet love to me!’
Stranger things are happening which is compounding a rather rubbery situation. Since power is needed for the dolls to sing love songs, portable generator sets have suddenly gone missing in villages on Buka.
One genset owner said his power unit went missing one dark night ‘only to turn up a few days later,’ alas with its full tank of diesel all used up.
The general consensus among the populace is that youths under the influence of homebrew or drugs – commonly referred to as druggies – are pinching the gensets to power up the dolls and ‘have a good time’ in the bushes.
Police leads are few but they believe one doll was recently traded for a large sum of money to buyers on mainland Bougainville while its twin is doing the cheap rounds of cocoa patches in Buka.
Cheap sex dolls are inflatable and usually made of welded vinyl, resembling men or women with artificial sex organs. It seems the Le Feng castaways were cast in a more expensive mould of latex or silicone and the druggies of Bougainville are having a delightfully lustful time.
Meanwhile, the ship is still sitting on the reef, its owners fined K36,000 by the Buka District Court in April while its two shipwrecked ‘sailors’ are lifelessly being hounded and pounded into oblivion by the druggy pirates of the Buka Pasis.

 
01.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Wavik Thanks LO’s
By Veronica Hannette

Correctional Service Deputy Commissioner Operation, Henry WAVIK yesterday thanked the Bekut land owners for accepting to offer their land for the New Prison for Bougainville.
He also challenged the land owners to take ownership of the institution because they will be the immediate beneficiary in future.
He was speaking at the Bekut Prison yesterday.
The deputy Commissioner also thanked the Law and Justice Sector for coordinating and starting funds through the AusAID and NZ AID for erecting the prison building in Bekut in the Peit constituency.
Meanwhile, police are still holding on to prisoners in the Buka cell station while the building is still under construction.
New Dawn FM understands that police are working hand in hand with the Correctional Service (CS) to maintain law and order on Bougainville.

 
01.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Nisira acknowledges development in the area
By Veronica Hannette

ABG Vice President, Patrick Nisira was pleased with the development taking place throughout Bougainville.
He said that these developments were signs that the ABG and the National Government were working hand in hand to improve Law and order on the island.
He said that the facility would later be converted into a vocational school.
The facility would also have a Elementary school, Aid Post and market.
Mr Nisira said fifteen hectres of land were given to the government for building the prison and with the development taking place, people will lose their land but will gain from benefits from services provided by the facility.
He also said that this is an important achievement for all stakeholders and foreign partners in building this facility.
MR. NISIRA also thanked the donors and the people of Solos for contributing towards making this prison project a success.

01.10.2010
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville

Aimo Declares prison in Buka
By Veronica Hannette

The Minister for Correctional Service, Tony Aimo yesterday officially declared the BEKUT prison in Buka.
Currently there were 19 convicted cases and 25 remedy cases in the Buka police cells and the BEKUT Prison will greatly ease the over crowding at the Buka Police cells.
He said the prison in Buka will be the 19TH DECLARED PRISON in Papua New Guinea,
He mentioned that this is one of Papua New Guineas commitment that essential Government services are delivered through out the Nation.
He also thanked the police for working in collaborating with the Correctional Services to strengthen the law and order situation on Bougainville.

CIS Minister Tony Aimo and ABG Minister for Law and Justice LEO HANNET hold up the certification document on BUKA JAIL at the ceremony yesterday

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