News 08.2014.2
31.08.2014
Source: EMTV
BOUGAINVILLE’S PATH TO REFERENDUM
There is no “if or buts” on the road to referendum for the Autonomous Region Government, referendum has to go ahead.
President of the ABG Dr John Momis made this known yesterday during a seminar organized by Bougainville students of the University of Papua New Guinea.
Dr Momis said this against the backdrop of plans to re-open the Paguna mine, but under renegotiated terms that suits landowners and the ABG.
The theme of the Seminar was “Gathering Intellectual Capacity for our Journey towards referendum.”
The sole reason for holding the seminar was for Bougainville Students wanting to create dialogue by reaching out to their leaders through open dialogue.
Present amidst President of the Autonomous region of Bougainville John Momis, were other political leaders including ABG Governor Joe Lera and former Bougainville Affairs Minister Sam Akoitai.
With the date to referendum quickly approaching around the corner, economic empowerment is at the top of the agenda. Without it, ultimate Independence is just a dream.
Chief John Momis explained the hard-line approach and conditions they’ve put forward to former developer of the now defunct Paguna Mine Rio Tinto, in no terms will landowners be left out in the negotiation process.
The actions they have taken against Rio Tinto, despite being threatened with law suits, illustrate that fact.
The other issue that will also determine a smooth transition is, if the weapons disposal program is successful. Currently, the situation is far from being handled.
Presentations by students were impressive; their understanding of the Bougainville issue and recommendations gave hope to their leaders.
Carmelita Momoi a post Graduate student in organic chemistry recommended that Bougainville set up a Research centre to develop the agricultural sector. She is currently working on a formula to safe guard cocoa from the dreaded Cocoa Pod Bora.
Business student Edward Misiliu gave some pointers on economic growth.
While final year Law student Joshua Ku’usa gave a rundown of the legal frame works governing the ABG as well as recommending the setup of an Ombudsman Commission.
The students were challenged to continue with their awareness efforts in the lead up to referendum.
31.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Three days Mona festival described as successful
By Aloysius Laukai
The three-days Mona festival was hailed a success despite government allocation not released on time.
This was the message echoed by the Chairlady of the Festival Committee, FRANCESCA SEMOSO at the close of the festival yesterday afternoon.
Ms Semoso said that despite these hiccups the three-days festival was incident free and safe and was enjoyed by all who attended.
She said thanked the local sponsors who donated in cash and kind to make the festival a success.
Mrs Semoso said that show casing one's culture was good as it identifies the uniqueness of different groups.
Meanwhile, one of the famous Bougainville actors and co-actor in the Tukana film with Francesca Semoso, MR. ALBERT TORO who was one for the festival organizers, said that he was happy to see all the different people participate at the festival.
He said Bougainville had both the Melanesians and the Polynesians and it was good to see them participate as true Bougainvilleans.
The three-days festival was officially closed by the ABG Minister for culture, Mechior Dare.
Mona meets vessel in Buka
31.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
The three days Mona festival ended this afternoon in Buka
31.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
STUDENTS VISIT NEW DAWN FM
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Thirty six grade eight students from Lontis Primary School in Haku visited New Dawn Fm today as part of their school’s curriculum lesson.
They visited the studio because they wanted to know how New Dawn Fm produces commercials, advertisements and how much it charges for each commercial and advertisements because that is what they are currently learning in school.
The students were given a tour of the New Dawn Fm establishment by the staff of New Dawn Fm Maxine Pais, Lawrence Banae and the manager Aloysius Laukai.
Mr. Laukai then explained to the students how advertisements are done and how much New Dawn Fm charges for these commercials.
He also showed the students places all over the world where the New Dawn Fm website is being accessed and explained how New Dawn operates in Bougainville.
The students were amazed at how New Dawn Fm is being operated because it was their first time to be in a setting like this where they also learned a lot of things during their short excursion.
30.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
EX-COMBATANTS MUST BE SINCERE IN THEIR EFFORTS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG vice president Patrick Nisiria is asking the ex-combatants as signatories to the Bougainville Peace Agreement to be sincere in their efforts.
He said ex-combatants must respect the Autonomous Bougainville Government as the legitimate government which was created by the peace agreement.
Speaking in response to an article in the Post Courier by ex-combatants, Mr. Nisiria said ex-combatants must understand that the ABG makes decisions on major issues for the benefit of the people of Bougainville and they must not try to interfere with the democratic roles and responsibility of the elected government.
He added that ex-combatants must be reminded that as signatories to the peace agreement, they too are in breach of the peace agreement because they have not honoured their part in completing the final phase of the weapons disposal on Bougainville and destroying the remaining weapons of war that are still on their hands.
He pointed out that the ABG, the National Government and our donor partners must not be blamed for breaching the peace agreement while we ourselves as Bougainvilleans ignore our duty to uphold the provisions that demand our full co-operation in the peace agreement that we are signatories to.
The vice president is appealing to former combatants and those who continue to have issues with render safe to work with the ABG and our partners and friends to get rid of all remaining bombs, small arms and ammunitions in Torokina.
He said failing to deliver our commitment now will result in losing developmental and socio-economic opportunities with the benefits of a successful render safe operation.
He added that the history and future generations will judge us very harshly and it is time to act decisively.
30.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PICTURE ON POST COURIER FRONT PAGE CRITICISED
BY JENIFER NKUI
The picture of women being plastered across the front page of today’s Post Courier has brought about much criticism from the general Bougainville public because the picture does not portray the Mona festival.
A Bougainville citizen who was not happy with the picture told New Dawn Fm today that the culture of the Mona must be seen through how the Mona started and who really in a village should own a Mona.
He stated that when we commercialize the Mona, it gives a wrong message to the young generation as to how we treat the Mona and respect it.
Tony Tsora, who has been involved in the making of the Mona sixty years ago, said he is well aware of the traditions of the Mona saying the Mona is no ordinary canoe that can be mistreated.
He pointed out that the way the two Monas were treated yesterday shows clearly the misuse and abuse of the culture surrounding the Mona.
He explained further that the Mona can only be owned by a chief thus signifying the leadership of a person and his status within a community.
He said the Mona has its own culture and traditions and according to the traditions, women are not allowed near the Mona.
He added that the Mona is usually built on platforms and it is not something one can just throw on the ground as done yesterday.
Mr. Tsora said our young generation in Bougainville, especially in Buka must be well aware of the traditions and culture surrounding the Mona.
He added that if we can really educate our people following the culture of the Mona, then we can call it a Mona festival.
30.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
POLICY ON MISSING PERSONS IN BOUGAIVILLE FORMULATED
BY JENIFER NKUI
A policy on missing persons in Bougainville has already been formulated by the department of peace and reconciliation with the International Community of Red Cross (ICRC).
This was revealed by a representative of ICRC Tobias Koehler during an interview with New Dawn Fm yesterday.
He said the policy is now ready to go before the ABG president Chief Dr. John Momis and the Bougainville Executive Council for approval.
He explained that after his organization found out that the issue of missing persons was of grave concern to many families in Bougainville, the ICRC started talking with families to try and get an understanding of the issue and the main problems involved.
He added that many people in Bougainville has lived with this horror and uncertainty of not knowing what has happened to their loved ones during the crisis and the organization’s main concern now is the retrieval of human remains to their families.
Mr. Koehler said the international Red Cross community has some experience in this type of issue as it has worked in many conflict areas around the world.
He pointed out that Bougainville has a sad and tragic history which is also very similar to other conflict areas.
He explained further that the organization which is based in Arawa is trying to find bones and grave sites so they can return the bones to the families and they can be properly buried according to their customs and on their ancestral land.
He added that the ultimate goal of the International community for Red Cross is to stay as long as it can to try to resolve this issue because it will take up to five years or more to solve this issue together with everybody who holds information including the PNG defence force.
30.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ALL BOUGAINVILLE FESTIVALS MUST BE PROPERLY PLANNED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Member for Tsitalato constituency, Cosmas Sohia wants all Bougainville festivals to be properly planned as annual events for the region.
When giving his welcome speech at the launching of the Bougainville Mona festival in Buka yesterday, he stated that the festivals must be funded through the ABG annual budgets instead of soliciting funds from the private and corporate sectors.
He pointed out that the private sector cannot continue to give in kind towards the staging of the Bougainville festivals every year because they also have their financial constraints.
Mr. Sohia who acknowledged the founders of the Mona festival said that the staging of such a festival is a dream come true for Bougainville.
The Bougainville Mona festival which started yesterday is a three day event which will end tomorrow.
29.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
March to remember those still missing from Bougainville conflict
Dozens of people have marched in silence today in Arawa in Bougainville, to remember their family members who remain missing, nearly two decades after the conflict there ended.
Tobias Koehler from the International Committee of the Red Cross was says the fate of those who disappeared when violence broke out in 1989 remains unknown.
Presenter: Catherine Graue
Speaker: Tobias Koeler, International Committee of the Red Cross
LISTEN HERE !
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
Nisira challenges ex-combatants
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
ACTING President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Patrick Nisira is challenging the former combatants to respect the ABG as the legitimate government of Bougainville.
He issued the challenge following a call by the former combatants last week for the suspension of the render safe operation planned to be carried out towards the end of this year at Torokina in South Bougainville.
The former combatants had issued this call saying they were not consulted on this exercise.
"I ask the former combatants, as signatories to the Bougainville Peace Agreement to be sincere in their efforts. They must respect the ABG as the legitimate government created by the peace agreement," said Mr Nisira.
"They must understand that ABG makes decision on major issues for the benefit of the people and must not try to interfere with the democratic roles and responsibility of the elected government."
He reminded the former combatants not to always attack the government, before blasting them for failing their responsibility in containing and destroying all weapons they have.
"I must also frankly remind ex-combatants, as the signatories of the peace agreement that they too are in breach of the peace agreement. They have not honoured their part in completing the final phase of the weapons disposal on Bougainville and destroying the remaining weapons of war that are still in their hands.
"We cannot continue to blame the ABG, national government and our donor partners for breaching the peace agreement while we ourselves as Bougainvilleans ignore our duty to uphold the provisions that demand our full co-operation in the peace agreement that we are signatories to."
Mr Nisira is now appealing to the former combatants and those who continue to have negative conceptions concerning the render safe operation to work with ABG and its partners and friends get rid of all remaining unexploded ordinances at Torokina so that people there can be free to move around without fear of getting injured or killed by these unexploded bombs.
29.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MEN SHOULD RESPECT WOMEN IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Men, especially in Bougainville must respect women who are working in fields that are male dominated.
This issue was raised with New Dawn Fm yesterday by a woman who is in a male dominated field and who has gone through situations that were not respectful.
Lydia Toata said just because she is a woman in a field that is male dominated; it does not mean that she should not be respected in there.
She stressed that men must not take advantage of women who are in a field that is male dominated.
She added that women who are in a male dominated field deserve as much respect as their male counterparts.
29.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NISIRA RESPONDS TO FORMER COMBATANTS
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The ABG vice president Patrick Nisira has made it clear that the engagement of the Australian defence force in the render safe operation in Torokina does not in any way threaten the process of peace on Bougainville.
Speaking in response to a press release in the Post Courier by former combatants, he said the call to remove unexploded ordinances in Torokina was made by the Torokina member Steven Soako at the Tsiroge Weapons Disposal Summit in 2012.
He revealed that Mr. Soako told the summit which was attended by ex-combatants from across the region that they were dealing with crisis related weapons and asked what the government was going to do with the unexploded ordinances in Torokina which has affected his people for fifty years.
He added that Mr. Soako must have had a lapse in memory as he now says that all stakeholders were not consulted.
In a statement, the vice president stated that the people of Torokina on the other hand wholeheartedly welcomed this initiative to remove world war two relics in Torokina.
He said the women in Torokina wanted the bombs to be removed as they were the ones who were greatly affected.
He added that this was the plea from the women in Torokina and as a very responsible leader he cannot sit back and let them suffer.
He explained that since the ABG does not have the capacity, it has to ask our Australian friends help us.
Mr. Nisiria said as a responsible government that cares, it made sure that consultations and awareness were carried out which involved everyone from Torokina including ex combatants and their member who now seems not to know where his left and right foot is.
He added that awareness is continuing at this stage but wants everyone to be clear that this is not the first time that the ABG has worked with other foreign governments to remove bombs in Torokina.
29.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUIN TOWN MURDER
BY VERONICA OKURU/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI
A youth who is known for slaughtering, hospitalizing and disabling four other youths in Buin Town, South Bougainville was killed in a retaliation confrontation last week.
The deceased who was revealed by police as Max Rabi is from Kugumaru village in the Lugakei constituency.
According to police reports, Mr. Rabi was targeted by Laguai youths because he had on four occasions slaughtered, hospitalized and disabled four youths from Laguai village in the Baubake constituency.
The report revealed that the deceased was seen roaming Buin Town freely last week Thursday when he was spotted by a youth from Laguai village.
The youth then mobilized other youths from Laguai village via his mobile phone and they blocked off all exit routes leading out of Buin Town.
The youths from Laguai village then chased Mr. Rabi, shot him with bows and arrows, and stones until he fell down, then they slaughtered him to death.
When the news of the murder broke out in Buin Town, the market goers fled without selling their goods.
Police officers in Buin are trying to do their investigations but were not allowed to by the relatives of the deceased.
Southern Regional commander sergeant major John Popui has made an urgent appeal to both factions to restrain from retaliating.
Meanwhile the chiefs of Baubake and Lugakei constituencies have formed a peace committee which is chaired by chiefs Chalie Laia and Jacob Tooke who is the main facilitator.
The peace committee’s task is to negotiate and facilitate peace between the two factions.
29.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
PNG is undermining Bougainville's independence moves
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
PAPUA New Guinea was built at the cost of the alienation of the Solomon island people of Bougainville.
The Bougainville people were belittled by the influx of non-Bougainvillean and non-Solomon people and cultures. Bougainville suffered environmental destruction that will take hundreds of years for ecology to put right, caused by the extraction of ore to finance PNG’s independence.
For this injustice, a people took up an armed struggle against the state of PNG, its peoples and the mining company, Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).
This armed crisis was backed by an unprepared political leadership and resulted in a decade long struggle of civil conflict, ultimately resolved by a negotiated multilateral peace process that was more-PNG friendly and not Bougainville oriented.
The Bougainville economy collapsed with the crisis while other PNG’s provinces were advancing. With the Bougainville peace process, it was obvious that PNG came stronger while Bougainville’s chaotic recovery process was choked.
Bougainville’s Constitution guarantees that a referendum on independence will be held as early as 2015 provided certain conditions are met, which include weapons disposal and the establishment of good governance.
The PNG and Australian governments hailed the referendum terms as a ‘breakthrough’ and a ‘milestone’, but Bougainvilleans questioned it.
Former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) leader Sam Kauona accused the late Joseph Kabui and Joel Banam, who led the Bougainville delegation to sign the terms, of giving “too much away to a dishonest government” and added that “the survival of the PNG/Bougainville peace process depends very much on honesty, fairness and transparency… If we have not learned from our past mistakes then this struggle could go on for another 40 years.”
Honesty, fairness and transparency are foreign attributes in the current context of PNG’s dealing with the Bougainville people and government. In the entire tour of Bougainville by PNG prime minister Peter O’Neill in January, he hardly talked about Bougainville’s rights to a referendum or self-determination.
In a David Lornie Post-Courier article in February, Maurua: PM to clarify views on referendum, a Siwai pastor said “I’m feeling that I don’t understand Papua New Guinea’s position on independence. They are not serious about what we think because 2014 is the last year before we enter the window of referendum.”
This is one of many doubts on Bougainville and those with guns seem to be happy that they did not throw them away so long as PNG seems to play with Bougainville.
Again PNG’s thinking was captured by Anthony Regan in a 2010 article, Light Intervention: Lessons from Bougainville:
The logic is that in the 10 to 15 years from the establishment of the ABG in 2005, the PNG government has the opportunity to work closely with the ABG to promote all forms of development in Bougainville in a way that could be expected to encourage Bougainvilleans to consider the possible merits of remaining a part of PNG when it comes time to vote in the referendum.
PNG is at work. It succeeded in influencing the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) to create friction and now it is all about winning Bougainvillean hearts to get them to see Bougainville and its problems through a PNG lens and not a Bougainville lens.
And the Peter O’Neill 2014 tour showed the proof of PNG activities to undermine the Bougainville government.
During the three-day tour, the PNG delegation announced multi-million dollar development projects like the re-opening of Aropa International Airport by the PNG government for Bougainville, thus exciting the people and a handful of leaders.
For all the project launchings, a PNG minister flies into Bougainville from Port Moresby to officiate - not an ABG minister.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) had endured continuous loud attacks from Bougainville’s representatives in the PNG parliament for not bringing development. Noteworthy in this respect have been Jimmy Miringtoro from Central Bougainville and Steven Pirika from South Bougainville, and to some extent Lauta Atoi from the North.
The regional MP, Joe Lera, is the exception - productively working with the ABG.
All these condemnation of the government came from national MPs who have the financial power over the struggling, PNG-dependent ABG.
An ABG parliamentarian sent me a text message few days ago saying:
We believe PNG has agents in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to disrupt our preparations for referendum. Our national MPs, except the regional MP, are all agents of PNG.
They feel comfortable with what they are receiving [from the PNG government] while majority of Bougainvilleans continue to struggle.
They use the DSIP funds to promote “PNG’s might” and attempt to convince and mislead Bougainvilleans thus undermining the ABG. Tasol ol bai tait (But they won’t succeed).
PNG’s intentions are clear. They are pursuing a disrespectful desire to keep Bougainville integrated with PNG so it can remain enslaved under the old claws of those pre-1990 days.
29.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
The role of Osi Tanata in the peace process
In 1998 Oxfam New Zealand founded Osi Tanata, a project aimed to improve quality of life in remote communities and rejuvenate civil society following the decade long Bougainville Conflict.
Osi Tanata, which translates as ‘custodian of the land’ or ‘lukautim ples’ from Nasioi, has undertaken many projects since its inception and in 2004 the project was so well established that it was relaunched as a non-government organisation, fully independent of Oxfam.
Back in 1998 Oxfam first arrived in a deeply divided Bougainville to deliver a series of projects aimed at generating income in local communities.
Cooking, gardening, poultry farming and livestock rearing activities all formed part of the project and encouraged people to once again work together.
One example of these initiatives is The Tui Tui Women’s Poultry Project, which brought the community a steady source of income, through the sale of chicks and eggs, and a reliable source of food.
Though it was a difficult operating environment to begin with, the projects had the effect of rebuilding trust and reuniting divided communities. Workshops were run to reconcile former enemies and plan for a peaceful future together.
Since 1998 Osi Tanata has been staffed largely from within Bougainville as Oxfam realised that people from outside the region could never fully understand the local complexities and the trauma of the conflict.
In 2004 Osi Tanata was launched as a local entity and it shifted its focus towards community development and capacity building. It currently has five board members, four senior managers, 10 programme staff and 8 support staff.
Oxfam has applied its valuable Bougainvillean experience to assist in other Pacific Island nations, such as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
New manager for Arawa PNG Power
By ROMULUS MASIU
MARTIN Itamai is the new PNG Power Limited boss in Arawa. He was officially installed by PNG Power Ltd Regional Manager for Southern/NGI Linus Melivala in Arawa yesterday in the presence of business house representatives, Kieta district executive manageress Lucy Travertz and Provincial Asset Manager Cornelius Omi and ABG Special Projects Officer Ephraim Eminoni and others.
Mr Itamai from Mituai Village, Buin District of South Bougainville came from Lae to take over the Arawa permanent post.
Mr Melivala said he is optimistic with the management team now in place; Arawa will prosper through a coordinated effort from all stakeholders and the new manager Mr Itamai will play a key role in the coordination and team work.
He added that it is in the best interest of PNG Power to bring the management closure to the people as the company has that special heart for the people, the valued customers throughout the country.
Mr Itamai said the company is here to provide that service to its clients and that service will become a reality when there is support from all stakeholders.
“Please I need your support, support me on the programs that we will be carrying out now and in the future. Lets communicate together and I would really appreciate if there is problem we must at all times consult for the benefit of all our clients,” Mr Itamai said.
Mr Itamai joined PNG Power in 2002 as a linesman and worked his way up to a Team Leader of a zone in Lae. He later did his Engineering diploma at Lae’s Polytech. He applied for the Arawa Asset Manager and was appointed to take up the post. He resumed this week.
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
Bougainvilleans showcase unique
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THIS year’s Bougainville Mona festival was opened in style yesterday as different cultural groups throughout Bougainville converged at the Bel Isi Park in Buka town to showcase their unique cultural traditions. The three-day festival, will end tomorrow.
Sounds of various traditional dances and the different rhythmic beats of kundu drums, panpipes and bamboo bands were the order of the day as people flocked in to town to witness some of the unique cultural activities and rituals that can only be found in Bougainville.
Mr Nisira said it was pleasing to see different groups fully dressed in their traditional attires. "As we work towards fostering and forging a strong united Bougainville it is very encouraging to see our people joining hands and united to celebrate an activity of national and regional importance," said Mr Nisira.
"Today marks yet again a significant event in our short history as an autonomous region. "I’m very thankful that the Mona festival is now an annual cultural event.
"As Bougainvilleans we stage the Mona festival annually in Buka town to celebrate the seafaring tradition of our ancestors, plus other attractive and colourful cultural activities from all over Bougainville."
Mr Nisira said such cultural events was an ideal opportunity for Bougainvilleans to cherish and value because Bougainville has already lost much of its culture. "The Mona festival tries to showcase and revive our unique Bougainville culture.
"We should all be proud of our culture because it gives us a strong sense of unity, pride, respect and most importantly of all, our identity. "Rooted our strong cultural identity and belief we identify our self as one people of Bougainville."
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
Bougainville eyes oil palm project
By Anthony Kaybing
As the time for Bougainville’s Referendum period draws closer, it must seek ways to strengthen its capacity to meet the requirements of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, President John Momis says.
With the slow negotiations on the correct calculation of the restoration and development grant and the outstanding amount owed to the ABG, the government has decided to look into possible foreign inward investment, he said.
Mr Momis had the chance to visit the Aberdi oil palm project on the Philippine Island of Mindanao last Saturday and was impressed by the oil palm project which has built its own refinery to refine the palm’s crude oil and start producing products from food to cosmetics.
Mr Momis also had the chance to see first hand how the processing of the palm oil takes place and refined with a visit to the projects laboratory was also included. The President said with the palm oil industry offering a lucrative market he believes Bougainvilleans should look into this industry as an alternate cash crop.
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
ABG Clerk still in dark over sacking
THE acting clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives who was terminated by Speaker Andrew Miriki (pictured) about a year ago is still in the dark regarding the fate of his termination.
Mr Robert Tapi has been acting on this position before the formation of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in 2005 and has been performing that responsibility up till his termination in September last year.
Mr Miriki had terminated Mr Tapi, saying he was illegally occupying the clerk’s position, a move Mr Tapi said was “controversial” as well as constitutionally wrong. Mr Miriki’s termination notice was nullified by the Bougainville Executive Council in its meeting in October last year. The BEC than issued a two weeks suspension notice to Mr Tapi.
According to Mr Tapi, the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee chaired by President John Momis further suspended him on the basis of three complaints from the chairman of the committee.
“I expect the ABG to announce yet another decision on my fate as the acting clerk following the passage of the Bougainville Senior Appointments Act 2014 recently by the Bougainville House of Representatives,” said Mr Tapi.
Before assuming the responsibilities of the acting clerk, Mr Tapi was appointed as the executive officer tasked with the execution of constitutional duties listed under section 240 of the Bougainville Constitution.
29.08.2014
Source:Post-Courier
PNG Power drives awareness in Buka
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
PNG Power Limited Arawa linesman hard at work trying to fix the faulty line opposite the White House in the middle of the town. Picture: JACOB IENU
THE PNG Power corporate relations and approvals team has been conducting a “live safely with Electricity” awareness campaign in Buka this week. They have visiting Lonahan and Malasang primary schools in the Tsitalato constituency to carry out their awareness.
These two schools are in the recently completed Tsitalato rural electrification project area and this is where new power connections have been established thus the need to educate the children and the community on the use of electricity.
The team will also be going on air through Radio Bougainville and New Dawn FM to spread awareness campaign to those that won’t have the opportunity to see the team, especially those in Arawa and Buin and the other schools that won’t be visited.
28.08.2014
Source: The National
Thirteen flee from custody
By SHEILA MALKEN
THIRTEEN prisoners escaped from police custody in Arawa, Central Bougainville, on Tuesday night, police said.
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) acting assistant Commissioner Chief Supt Paul Kamuai said police had already appealed to the relatives and families to help police in their investigations.
“These male prisoners broke out of the police cells and are still at large. Given the shortage of logistics like vehicles, it is hard to apprehend the escapees.
“We have no one to blame but would like to make and appeal to all law-enforcing officers in the region to work fast when preparing court files and reports.”
Kamuai said a mixture of prisoners had escaped from custody.
“Some have already been sentenced by the court but are still kept in the police cell while others are waiting to appear in court.
“I am very concerned and would like all law-enforcing officers to do their best when dealing with cases and outstanding court files and reports. Only this will improve the process of the law to avoid such activity.”
There were 31 prisoners in the police cells when Kamuai visited the area on Monday.
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Work continues on Bougainville’s long term mining law
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Mining Department and its partners have been working tirelessly for seven years to develop a policy framework for a long term mining law to meet Bougainville’s special needs.
Last week international experts and their Bougainville counterparts conducted a workshop attended by ABG cabinet members and senior Bougainville public services officers.
The purpose of the workshop was to brief these leaders and senior officers on the long-term and detailed draft act and regulations which would give effect to ABG’s previous decisions on the mining policy to become a best-practice law.
Bougainville is the only place in the world where a local rebellion over mining issues has forced the shut-down of a very large mine of 25 years. These international experts have been in Bougainville and working closely with the Bougainville team on the draft act and regulation and together they have agreed on many improvements which have been agreed upon to by cabinet.
The experts’ team leader, Jeremy Weate and senior expert Professor James Otto, have assured cabinet that they will make agreed changes to the draft act and regulations with the final draft to be delivered to ABG in early November this year.
Acting President Patrick Nisira and Mining Minister Michael Oni both expressed satisfaction on the rapid progress made in preparing Bougainville’s long-term mining law.
They said policy work began in 2007 where many stakeholders were invited to attend workshops and air views as it was ABG’s aim that this new law should address Bougainville’s special needs and should adopt world’s best practice.
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
NZ govt donates dyotomy machine
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE dyotomy machine used by surgeons during a surgery was donated to the Arawa Health Centre yesterday. The life-saving machine was donated by the New Zealand police as a gift from the New Zealand Government to the people of Bougainville through the Arawa Health Centre.
The equipment has brought a sigh of relief and smiling faces to the doctors and management of the Arawa Health Centre. The health centre acts as a referral hospital and serves the people of Central and South Bougainville and parts of North Bougainville also. The equipment will assist and improve the services at the health centre, especially theatre operations.
Arawa Health Centre resident doctor Dr Joseph Vilosi thanked the government of New Zealand and said the machine will be put into use immediately to assist the current team of doctors from Buka Hospital who are in Arawa assisting in surgical cases.
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Arawa faces power outage
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE township of Arawa will be without power supply for an indefinite period as all its three generators are down with mechanical and electrical faults, PNG Power Limited confirmed yesterday in Arawa.
In a brief meeting with stakeholders, provincial asset manager Cornelius Omi said all the three machines that generate power for the township and for Toniva are not functioning due to mechanical and electrical faults.
Mr Omi said the second machine is down with electrical fault and needs to be cleaned, adding that it will take time because Arawa and Buka do not have the cleaning materials which need to be flown from outside in Lae, Port Moresby or Rabaul.
"It will take a bit of time again because the quotation must be sent to head office for approval of payments and such," Mr Omi said.
He said machine one, a 1.4 megawatts power engine, failed to pick up on frequency when started by workers.
"The workers solved the problem but its alternator burnt out worsening the problem," he said.
"The electrical guy will come up to Arawa to assess the machine and make a report. It will take time again because the alternator is very expensive and is supplied in from outside of the country."
He said the third machine cannot carry the current power load in Arawa because of high load shedding. The machine has faced another problem after mechanics found out that the diesel has water in it.
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Nisira: Exercise won’t threaten peace process
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
ACTING ABG President Patrick Nisira says the planned render safe operation involving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in South Bougainville will not threaten the Bougainville peace process.
Mr Nisira made this clarification following a demand by certain former combatants for the suspension of the exercise.
The former combatants issued a resolution last Thursday expressing their concerns as one of the key stakeholders of the peace agreement.
They siad they were not consulted on this exercise to remove unexploded bombs in Torokina district in the South Bougainville.
They said they do not want to see any foreign military engagements jeopardising the peace agreement.
But Mr Nisira, while responding to their concerns, said there was nothing sinister about the render safe operation.
“I must make it clear that the engagement of the ADF in the render safe operation in no way threatens the peace process on Bougainville,” said Mr Nisira.
“I must make it clear that the call to remove unexploded ordinances in Torokina was made by their honourable member for Torokina, Steven Suako at the Tsiroge weapons disposal summit held at Tsiroge in 2012.”
Mr Nisira said the summit was attended by former combatant leaders from North, Central and South Bougainville.
“Mr Suako told the summit that we were dealing with crisis related weapons which he supported,” Mr Nisira said.
“But he asked the government what it was doing to help remove the unexpected ordinances in Torokina which has affected his people for almost 50 years.
“He further stressed that his people were not free to go about their daily lives because of the presence of those bombs in the bush and sea.
“Mr Suako must have a lapse in memory as he now says that all stakeholders were not consulted.”
Mr Nisira, who is also the ABG vice president, said following the Tsiroge summit he wrote a letter to the then Australian High Commissioner Ian Kemish, who responded positively to his invitation for assistance towards the removal of the World War Two remains.
He said follow-up meetings were held with the Torokina people who openly voiced their desire for all war remains to be removed so that they can freely move and do their normal daily chores without fear of ordinance related injury.
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Regional office closes doors
BY JACOB IENU
FRIDAY last week saw the official closing of the Central Regional Commissioner’s office in Arawa, Central Bougainville.
The office closure was in line with the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s latest policy to deal directly with the district level and provide service directly to the people through the village assemblies. The office was administered by the late James Koibo up until his death in July.
Otto Noruka, executive manager of Panguna District, said working with Mr Koibo had been a good experience and they had gained a lot in terms of government office administration.
Anita Salas, who worked at the office, said the three districts of Kieta, Panguna and Wakunai had a good working relationship with the commissioner’s office.
She said it was now time for these three districts to work together and provide better services to the people through the council of elders (COEs) and village assemblies (VAs).
28.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainvilleans flock to Buka flower show
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
BUKA’S Bel Isi Park has been the centre of attention this week as people flock to witness the floriculture exhibition currently on show.
The week-long event, which started on Monday and ends this Saturday, has seen different women groups from Buka and mainland Bougainville proudly showcasing the different types of flowers and plants that they have grown in their backyards.
Various flower cuttings and plants are also on sale in the stalls throughout the duration of the show.
This floriculture show is the brainchild of former ABG deputy speaker and women activist Francesca Semoso and other women from her Malasang village in Buka.
Ms Semoso and the women from her village are now turning to flower cultivation at their homes as a hobby.
Apart from them, other women in Buka and Bougainville have also taken keen interests in floriculture and have started planting flower gardens at their backyards.
The floriculture exhibition was first held at the Bel Isi Park last year, however, this year’s event is expected to be more spectacular and bigger as the interests of engaging in floriculture gardening is already high among many mothers and women in Bougainville.
This flower show is also a lead-up to the three-day Bougainville Mona Festival, which will be held in Buka starting today and ending on Saturday. The festival will be staged in three locations, including the Hutjena oval, the Bel Isi park and the Isa beachfront.
27.08.2014
Source: The National
Momis visits palm oil plant
AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government President Dr John Momis visited the Aberdi Oil Palm project in Mindanao, in the Philippines, last Saturday.
He was impressed by the oil palm project, which has built its own refinery to refine crude palm oil and produce goods from food to cosmetics.
Momis saw how the processing of the palm oil takes place with a visit to the project laboratory.
He said with the palm oil industry offering a lucrative market, he believes Bougainvilleans should look into this industry as an alternate cash crop.
“Bougainville can have a set up like the one at Aberdin, while cutting off all middlemen and ensuring that we maximise the benefits for all Bougainvilleans.
“We have a lot of arable land that can be used for extensive agricultural projects from which employment and revenue could be generated for the government and Bougainvilleans.”
27.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville ‘kina’ case thrown out
BY JACOB POK
An American national that was charged for smuggling a briefcase full of illegal Bougainville currency was acquitted from the charges by the Waigani Committal Court on Monday. The court dismissed the case on the basis that there was insufficient evidence to commit the matter to trial.
The American, named as Berry Keith Webb (pictured), was apprehended by Port Moresby police and customs officers at the Jacksons International Airport on February 15, 2014 when Customs officials confiscated a briefcase in his possession containing illegal currency worth 1.6 million purported to be Bougainville Kina.
He was arrested and locked up at the Boroko police station. The court, after going through the matter, found that there was insufficient evidence given that the purported banknotes did not resemble any legal currency but only samples of money for the Autonomous Bougainville Region, which is a province of PNG.
The court also noted that the Governor of Bank of PNG and Customs withdrew their charges on the basis that the bank notes were not legal tender and were only samples. Presiding magistrate Pinson Pipinda therefore ruled that the evidence against the accused were insufficient and the case did not warrant further trial at the National Court.
The magistrate also ordered the release of items belonging to the accused, which included his passport and other travel documents. He also ordered that the briefcase can be returned to the accused but its contents, which are the sample bank notes, be destroyed by police.
The magistrate further ordered that the accused is at liberty to travel out of the country should his travel documents permit. Many believed that the transporting of the purported Bougainville kina was the work of self-proclaimed king and failed fast money scheme operator Noah Musingku.
The case attracted the attention of a lot of people throughout the country who had lost millions of kina in their investment under Musingku’s U-Vistract money scheme. Many of them turned up in court to hear the ruling and were partly satisfied with the outcome of the ruling after the lawyer briefed them on the outcome.
Many still have faith that their investments are safe and Musingku had promised that they would still be given their monies. Musingku rules over his self-proclaimed twin kingdoms of Papala and Me’ekamui in Tonu, South Bouganville, as King David Peii II.
ESBC's comment: Justice mad (e) in PNG ! This judgement is an invitation to all conmen world wide !
27.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
‘No-go zone’ opens up
By ROMULUS MASIU
A former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) controlled area in the North Nasioi Constituency of Kieta District in Central Bougainville has opened up for tourist visits.
Kerei village, about 15-minutes drive out of Arawa town, since after the crisis has been regarded as a no go zone for non-Bougainvilleans and expatriates, including tourists.
But at the weekend a Russian family was driven to the highest point of Kerei, Tokiai lookout, for a sightseeing tour.
They were driven to Kerei by none other than former BRA general Chris Uma (pictured), who is from that area.
Tokiai also offers waterfalls, bush tracking, fisheries, mountainous views, bird watching and bungalows that will be built soon.
The Russian family came onboard tourist passenger liner Paul Gauguin at the weekend and they were treated and welcomed at Kerei by the Komeri cultural group.
Mr Uma said Bougainville should be now looking more into tourism instead of talking about re-opening of Panguna mine.
“The Russian family are the history makers as they were the first to come to Kerei and over to Anganai village where they were entertained by the Komeri cultural group,” said Robson Aumora, Kerei West VCC Member, adding that tourism is the first priority now for the Kereinari.
Kerei East VCC member Paul Kova also said through tourism all stakeholders will benefit in one way or the another.
He said uneducated youths, widows and orphans will benefit from the industry to support their families and communities and most importantly to support the economy of Bougainville.
“Kerei is opened to the world now and wishes to engage into tourism now,” Mr Kova said.
Mr Aumora is calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support the tourism industry and programs though the ABG Minister for Tourism as this is the only way forward for Bougainville’s revival and not mining.
“Through the tourism industry ABG could easily boost its economic development of all communities,” Mr Aumora said.
27.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Ex-convict part of plans to fight marijuana use
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
VILLAGE and church leaders in the Aita area of Wakunai in Central Bougainville have already formed a working committee to conduct awareness on the dangers of marijuana.
The members of the committee come from the three village assembly areas of Usiura, Asigoro and Rauvira.
According to committee chairman Samuel Boireto, they will be visiting small hamlets and villages in their area to conduct the awareness.
“We have now formed an awareness committee and very shortly we will start conducting our awareness on the dangers of marijuana consumption,” said Mr Boireto.
“Today you will see that many people in our area especially the youths are heavily involved in the consumption of marijuana. That is why we the leaders have decided to take the lead by trying to educate our people on the bad effects of this drug.
“Marijuana has already caused a significant amount of destructions in our area. Many people have already lost their lives.
“Even many of the youths have already gone insane as a result of consuming marijuana that is why we need to quickly find ways to address this issue before it affects all people in our area.
Chief Boireto, who is also an elder of the CMF church in their area, said apart from their normal awareness plans, they will also try and help address the spiritual needs of the youths and those affected.
Mr Boireto and his team will be conducting their awareness together with one of the youths from their area who was recently released from prison after spending about eight years.
This young man, Justin Sirata, was arrested in 2007 after murdering his little brother.
His brother, who was in elementary school that time, had approached Justin at their village and told him to make a small canoe for their school project.
But Justin, who was under the influence of marijuana, got up and started chasing his brother before killing him.
“During our awareness we will be using Justin as an example of what marijuana can do to people.
“Justin was a drug addict and was under the influence of marijuana when he killed his own brother,” said Mr Boireto.
27.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mona festival on tomorrow
THE Bougainville Mona Festival is on again this year.
The festival will run for three days starting tomorrow and ending on Saturday.
The festival which is named after Bougainville’s famous traditional dugout canoe, mona, was first held in Buka in 2009.
Since then this annual event has grown from strength to strength and is now gaining popularity among Bougainvilleans.
The purpose of this event is for artists to showcase their different arts and crafts, dances and rituals and to sustain them through participation of youths, elders, tourists, visitors as well as other members of the society.
The official opening ceremony for the festival will be held at the Hutjena oval tomorrow morning.
According to the festival committee headed by former ABG deputy speaker and women activist, Francesca Semoso, the celebrations will be held in three locations including the Hutjena oval, the Bel Isi Park and Isa Beach Front in Buka town.
It is understood that traditional groups from as far as South Bougainville will be traveling to Buka to participate.
26.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLEANS ARE READY FOR REFERENDUM
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Despite the government’s attention being turned to mining, the people of Bougainville are ready for referendum.
This statement was made by Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) general Ishmael Toroama last week.
He told New Dawn Fm in an interview that despite senior leaders coming out and saying that Bougainville is not ready for referendum, the people of Bougainville are ready for referendum.
He said what the government must do now is to push the people one step ahead to make their preparations for referendum.
He added that in preparations for referendum, we cannot be ready now but we need to be prepared and the people of Bougainville need to be prepared.
Mr. Ishmael challenged the members saying the people voted for you and you should not be sleeping.
He pointed out that collective effort is needed from all Bougainvilleans if we are to achieve referendum because the agreement binds us together.
He urged the government to not divert their attention to mining but must come together and work together in order for us to achieve referendum.
26.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NINETEEN REGISTERED CULTURAL GROUPS FOR MONA FESTIVAL
BY JENNIFER NKUI
It has been revealed that only nineteen cultural groups have formally registered on time for the Bougainville Mona Festival which will start this coming Thursday.
Chief executive officer for tourism in Bougainville Lawrence Belleh explained to New Dawn Fm that they are not accepting any more groups as the deadline for registration was last week Friday.
He said they gave the groups ample time to come forward and register their groups but only nineteen groups made it their responsibility to register on time.
He added that his office did not want late registrations because it will allow for unnecessary invoices and so forth.
Mr. Belleh said they were looking to register twenty five cultural groups for this year’s festival but unfortunately due to the groups not registering on time, only nineteen groups will be performing during the three full days of the festival.
He said the cultural groups will perform during the day and during the night as well to allow for working class people to take part in the festival.
To top it off, there will be screening of international and local festival films at the Bel Isi Park during the three nights of the Mona festival.
There has also been a change of main venues and Bel Isi Park will now be the main venue in which performances will be displayed while Hutjena Oval and Isa Beach front will be the satellite venues.
26.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
HAKAU INVESTMENTS POSITION IN TOROKINA OIL PALM PROJECT CLEARED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Torokina Oil Palm project was endorsed by the Bougainville Executive Council in 2006 under the presidency of late Joseph Kabui for a feasibility study to be undertaken as an alternative cash crop for Bougainville, given that the economy was teetering without the operations of the Panguna mine.
Subsequent BEC decisions then gave the green light for the engagement of Hakau Investments as consultants to determine its long term viability and facilitate the contracting of a developer.
This process is till still progressing and the project has been elevated to a high impact project status and given higher priority under budgetary appropriations due to its perceived positive impact on the economy and internal revenue generation.
ABG deputy president Patrick Nisira pointed out that the Torokina Oil Palm project is not a failed venture as alleged by “Driftwood” in the Post Courier.
He said it is a long term development project for Bougainville and is still very much on target for development as a viable business venture under completion of a number of planned phases.
He added that it is also not correct to suggest as the writer in the Post Courier has done that ABG has once again gone into a joint venture with Hakau Investments to purchase the ship and make money to “revive” the ‘failed Torokina Oil Palm project’ and inferring that the developer, Hakau Investments has failed to get the project started despite the ABG pouring much money into it.
Mr. Nisira stated strongly that the ABG is responsible for the welfare and development of Bougainville as a whole and it cannot place itself in an uncompromising position if it makes decisions that would only marginalize certain Bougainvilleans and continue to place them in disadvantageous positions compared to other Bougainvilleans.
He added that to find out more about what is happening with any government initiative such as the one discussed, it is better to seek out facts and figures from relevant government agencies.
He said this way; a lot of misunderstandings on issues affecting the general population can be resolved agreeably without resorting to ‘mudslinging’ via mass media.
26.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MV CHEBU JOINT VENTURE MUST NOT BE CONFUSED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The joint venture purchase of MV Chebu must not be confused with the purchase of a new ship to service the Atolls, says ABG deputy president Patrick Nsiria.
Speaking in response to a letter to the editor in the Post Courier by “Driftwood”, he told New Dawn Fm that the ship to be purchased for the Atolls is a worthwhile investment which the member for Atolls has been involved in with the technical arrangements for its purchase from day one.
He said it is not a compromised arrangement in terms of its value and it is irresponsible for the writer of the article in the Post Courier to imply that the boat for the Atolls should have been purchased with the bulk of the K5 million mentioned and not with the mere K700, 000 thus suggesting that the ship would not be of high quality.
He explained that the ABG has since learnt from past experiences about previous ships purchased for the Atolls such as their value, sea-worthiness, mismanagement and sustainability of services intended for the population of the atolls and is ensuring that the best option, considering operational costs, sustainability and long term benefits is adopted and implemented.
He added that while ABG has a responsibility to cater for the Atolls population’s socio-economic needs, it also has the responsibility for the overall development of Bougainville and has to ensure wise decisions are made on the best use of its limited financial resources.
Mr. Nsiria said operating a shipping service anywhere is an expensive matter as the ship for the Atolls is expected to be heavily subsidized by the ABG.
He pointed out that it is therefore irresponsible for the writer to say that the ABG is neglecting the Atolls and that they are being treated as inferior citizens to Bougainville and left on the “side-line” as alleged.
He added that he is sure that the member for Atolls Pasini would disagree and if the writer is able to talk to him about these matters, he would have explained them to him properly without having to resort to the media to publicize his concerns.
26.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
New Dawn FM: The independent and united voice of the region
By Maryanne Hanette
New Dawn FM is a community radio station on the island of Bougainville that provides informative programming to listeners.
The conflict years Bougainville left parts of Bougainville underdeveloped and many people do not have access good roads, electricity or communication systems.
Some people have a radio and as a result, radio is one of the best ways to share important news.
This gave Aloysius Laukai the idea of starting a community radio station, so in 2005 he began New Dawn FM.
Unfortunately New Dawn FM’s broadcasts only reach Buka and some regions in the North of Bougainville, for the time being at least.
This could soon change though, as the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited jointly fund an upgrade to radio transmission infrastructure.
Founder and station manager of New Dawn, Aloysius Laukai, has stated that one of the stations objectives is to bring the people of Bougainville together.
“New Dawn FM’s aim is to make sure that North Bougainville understands what is happening in South Bougainville,” Mr Laukai said.
This objective leads New Dawn to take a special interest in reporting local reconciliation events, which build peace between people who were divided by the conflict.
This can be difficult after many years of fighting, but the people of Bougainville are trying to build a peaceful island and broadcasting can provide the information to solve difficult situations
Social change is a serious business and New Dawn is about serious business happening daily in Bougainville.
The crisis divided many people and now Bougainvilleans want to use freedom of expression to help bring people together after the conflict.
New Dawn has three main types of programming that cover local events, community programs and peace & reconciliation.
For local events New Dawn broadcasts programs about local weather, traffic, health and politics, both at a local and national level.
New Dawn also brings people together through programs that build community, with the aim to educate and empower people in Bougainville.
For example there are programs that give information about farming or health. Another program is called Bougainville women today, a learning program for communities that address women’s health issues, such as pregnancy in very young women and malaria.
25.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Oil Palm Project
Anthony Kaybing
As the time for Bougainville’s Referendum period forecloses Bougainville now has to seek ways to strengthen its capacity to meet the requirements of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
With the slow negotiations on the correct calculation of the Restoration and Development Grant and the outstanding amount owed to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the government has decided to look into possible foreign inward investment.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Chief Dr John Momis had the chance to visit the Aberdi Oil Palm project on the Philippine Island of Mindanao and located on the outskirts of Cagayan de Oro City last Saturday.
The President was wholly impressed by the oil palm project which has built its own refinery to refine the palm’s crude oil and start producing products from food to cosmetics.
President Momis also had the chance to see firsthand how the processing of the palm oil takes place and refined with a visit to the projects laboratory was also included.
The President said with the palm oil industry offering a lucrative market he believes Bougainvilleans should look into this industry as an alternate cash crop.
“Bougainville can have a set up like the one at ABERDIN, while cutting off all middlemen and ensuring that we maximize the benefits for all Bougainvilleans,” the President said.
“We have a lot of arable land that we can use for extensive agricultural development, that can provide employment and revenue for the government and people alike,” he added.
With Bougainville’s own Inward Investment Act already in place, this will guarantee the ABG and the people of Bougainville are not marginalized in any awry business deals with possible foreign investors.
Bougainville’s own oil palm project at Torokina has gone into an indefinite hiatus and its future remains uncertain but the Government is still adamant it will get the project moving only and after it resolves all issues pertaining to its suspension.
The President’s visit to Aberdin was facilitated by A Brown Energy and Resources Development, Inc. (ABERDI), which is a subsidiary of A Brown Company, Inc. which is engaged in the real estate development business primarily in the Philippines.
The company operates through the Real Estate, Manufacturing/Trading, Hotel, Agriculture, Resource Development and Power segments.
Pictured is President Momis at the Factory
25.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LONG TERM BOUGAINVILLE MINING LAW PROGRESSES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A workshop was conducted in Buka last Friday to brief the ABG Cabinet and senior Bougainville public services officers on the draft Act of the Long Term Bougainville Mining Law.
The workshop was conducted by experts and the Bougainville team to seek the views of the ministers on the draft Act.
In a joint statement, deputy president Patrick Nsiria and minister for natural resources Michael Oni said the mining department has worked for seven years to develop a policy framework for a long term mining law which will meet Bougainville’s special needs.
They said the ABG’s aim was for a new law that truly meets our special needs and follows the world’s best practice or is even better than that.
They added that the cabinet members were satisfied that the long and detailed draft Act and regulations give effect to the ABG’s previous decisions on policy and give us a best practice law.
The deputy and his minister explained that the draft ‘Long Term’ Act builds on the foundation of the Bougainville Transitional mining Act.
They said it provides a framework making small scale mining by Bougainvilleans legal and maintains the abolition of the Bougainville Copper Agreement, the SML created by it and all exploration licenses held by BCL since the 1960’s.
They added that the ‘Long Term’ also deals with many things that are not covered by the Transitional Act explaining that these new things were not covered in the Transitional Act because it was a temporary act.
The two pointed out that the ABG moved quickly to develop an interim mining law because it was worried about back door deals being made by unscrupulous outsiders and it also faced possible action of the National Government taking majority ownership of BCL.
They stated that the ABG is now satisfied that we have achieved what we wanted with the transitional Act and they are now very pleased to be able to move on to work hard to have a much more detailed, comprehensive and best practice law that meets Bougainville’s needs.
The ABG aims to finalize and pass the new mining Act late this year or early next year after public awareness and consultations have been made about the draft ‘Long Term’ Act which the ABG is committed to doing.
25.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TAKE CHALLENGE AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN
BY JENNIFER NKUI
ABG education minister John Tabinaman has urged Bougainvilleans to take the challenge and make things happen.
Speaking during the Buka Rotary club fundraiser event last week, he pointed out to the Rotarians and other Bougainvilleans that we must stand together for what we believe in.
He said rotary is about action and we need partners to help us with material things and kindness that comes straight from the heart.
He added that the organization, Rotary International is important because of its cohesiveness to make things happen.
Mr. Tabinaman then said as Bougainvilleans, we must take this challenge to make things happen and it will only happen through cooperation.
He added that we must stop depending on outside help but with the help from people from outside, we must try to help ourselves.
He pointed out that there is nothing most satisfying than helping your neighbor who is in need for our services.
25.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MEMBERS FAIL TO DISSEMMINATE INFORMATION
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Politicians and members of the Bougainville House of Representatives fail to disseminate clear and correct information to their people.
This statement was made by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) general Ishmael Toroama last week.
He told New Dawn Fm that since we started the process, the main idea behind the Bougainville Crisis is to own a certain percentage of ownership rights.
He said now that we have a government that has passed this bill which is clear to some and to others no, it is good that the government must disseminate clear and correct information to the people.
He added that that is why we have politicians that represent the people in their constituencies.
Mr. Ishmael pointed out that the big failure is with the politicians because they only live and stay in Buka without going to their constituencies to explain to the people what is happening.
He added that the intention of the government must be made known to the people, especially the members; they must go straight to the people and talk to them.
He said by doing this, the people of Bougainville will be aware as to what the government is doing.
25.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LERA INCLUDES KARATURI PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TV PROJECT
By Aloysius Laukai
The Regional member for Bougainville, JOE LERA last Friday agreed to fund TV Project for the KARATURI Primary school in Wakunai.
He made the announcement when responding to a request made by a student who talked on behalf of the school at the celebration to honour Mary Queen of Heart which was the patron for the School and the sub Parish.
The student, Miss Sarah Akoitai told the Regional member that her school was one of the remote schools and TV Programs can assist the students in their learning.
Regional member, JOE LERA said that he was putting TV Programs in sixteen schools and KARATURI will definitely be one of these sixteen schools to be covered this year.
The regional member was invited by the School to participate in their celebrations last Friday.
KARATURI Primary school was the school the composed a song Develop People, Build Bougainville which is in line with the Regional member’s vision in his five year term as the Regional member for Bougainville.
The celebrations started with a Mass and later speeches and other activities to commemorate the feast day.
Pictured is Sarah Akoitai shaking hands with the Regional member at Karaturi last Friday. Picture by Aloysius Laukai
24.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Ex-fighters query Aust operation
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Former combatants in Bougainville have issued a call for the suspension of the render safe operations currently undertaken by the Australian Defence Force in the Torokina District of South Bougainville.
This resolution was reached last Thursday by 21 former hardliners including Ismael Toroama, Thomas Tari, Sam Kauona, Michael Komoiki and Junior Dake.
According to their resolution, the former combatants had arranged for a meeting to be held between them and the Autonomous Bougainville Government vice president Patrick Nisira regarding the render safe operations.
These former fighters are not happy with the move to remove the unexploded world war II remains in Torokina and are claiming that proper arrangements were not taken into consideration before the commencement of this exercise.
They said as a key player in the Bougainville peace agreement, they should have been given the chance to air their concern on this issue.
However upon arrival at the vice president’s office, they were not able to meet with Mr Nisira as he was busy attending to other commitments.
“Ex-combatants who are signatories are committed to making sure the Bougainville peace agreement is not jeopardised by any foreign military engagement,” the ex- combatants said.
“Any military engagement in Bougainville at this point of time can lead to suspicions. And further consultation between the ABG and the ex-combatants is essential to avoid any issues arising.
“The ex-combatants are putting a temporary hold to any progress until a formal meeting is to be convened between ABG and the ex-combatants at the earliest possible time.”
This render safe operation had come about following an invitation by Mr Nisira to the Australian Government to provide technical advice and assistance on the removal of these unexploded ordinances which is currently posing danger to the lives of the people in Torokina.
The Post-Courier was not able to contact Mr Nisira for his comments regarding the stand of the former combatants.
Meanwhile, member for Torokina constituency in the ABG, Steven Suako said the temporary closure notice would not have been issued if all stakeholders in Bougainville were consulted.
ESBC comments: Of course the "former combattants" claim for the suspension of the render safe operations currently undertaken by the Australian Defence Force in the Torokina District! They risk to loose their enormous inventory of weapons that is still buried in the Torokina soil. These unlawful guys who sould better keep their mouth shut killed a huge number of peaceful Bougainvilleans during the crises. The criminals around Sam Kauona still represent still a danger for the peace in Bougainville. Who knows better then them that machine guns and rifles are more efficient than bows and arrows. These folks should finally be locked up in jail!
24.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Tourist ship brings in more visitors
By JACOB IENU
French tourists admiring the WWII relics at the Kieta Harbour in Central Bougainville after disembarking the tourist passenger liner Paul Gauguin at the Kieta International Port. Picture: JACOB IENU
TOURIST passenger liner Paul Gauguin(pictured below) called again into the Kieta International Port over the weekend.
Her last call was in June 20 this year. This time the vessel came in with a total of 318 tourists from all over the world. One hundred and fifty passengers came from United States, 60 tourists passengers from Australia, 40 from Canada, 23 came from New Zealand, 15 from South America, 10 from France and the other 20 passengers are from other nationalities.
Their next port of call will be the Solomon Islands.
Locals were on hand at Kieta wharf on Saturday selling their artefacts including carvings, baskets, walking sticks and even gold.
While some tourists travelled to Panguna, others went to nearby tourist sites to take photographs and take in the fresh air and sights of Bougainville’s central region. Though there was no traditional entertainment group on standby to welcome the tourists, others, mostly elderly tourists went scuba diving, while others strolled along the magnificent Kieta harbour to visit world war II relics.
22.08.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch from Business Advantage PNG
Bougainville Copper maintains inside running on re-opening Panguna mine
by Business Advantage PNG
The Bougainville parliament has just passed an interim mining act, paving the way for its troubled Panguna copper mine to re-open. Even though the new act removes the automatic renewal of its lease to continue, Bougainville Copper Limited is still the preferred mine operator, as Kevin McQuillan reports.
Bouginaville’s mining regime seeks to redress what Dr John Momis, the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), describes as the ‘extremely unjust and unfair Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Law 1967’.
The issues include control over the terms of mining leases and the share of the income from mining.
At the heart of the new mining regime is that:
- traditional landowners, and not the State, own the minerals in, on or under their land;
- the ABG will own the minerals in, on or under non-customary land;
- customary owners will have a right of veto over the grant of any exploration licence over their land. (See box below for further details.)
No independence without revenue
Earlier this month, Bougainville’s Finance Minister, Albert Punghau, outlined Bougainville’s delicate financial situation to the 65-member forum tasked with developing a negotiating position on the future of Panguna.
This year, he said, the ABG will collect revenues of about K25 million—less than 10 per cent of its annual budget—with the rest coming from PNG’s National Government.
‘Without much more revenue, we can’t reach [the] highest autonomy or independence. We cannot meet the increasing needs of our people,’ he said.
John Momis recently told Business Advantage PNG that only the re-opening of Panguna will provide the revenue necessary for economic development: ‘with the way things are going, we don’t have much option, really.’
‘Landowners want the devil they know, not a new devil, because the devil they know accepts that it did many things wrong and accepts responsibility for fixing them up and they fear that a new devil would not accept those responsibilities,’
The vast majority of Bougainvilleans agree the mine should reopen, according to a source close to the ABG.
‘The clear message coming from the Panguna landowners is to resume mining, not because it’s wonderful, but because we’re not going to have economic development and independence which clearly the vast majority think they can achieve,’ they tell Business Advantage PNG.
Re-opening Panguna
While Momis has described the Transitional Mining Bill as ‘stripping’ BCL, the previous operator of the Panguna mine, of its seven exploration licences and its special mining lease over Panguna, the issue is not that clear-cut.
The new Act does not grant any minerals to BCL, but it does give BCL the first right of refusal to negotiate with both the ABG and landowners for a mining licence over the Panguna site, says Momis.
‘Landowners want the devil they know, not a new devil, because the devil they know accepts that it did many things wrong and accepts responsibility for fixing them up and they fear that a new devil would not accept those responsibilities,’ say government sources.
‘BCL will continue to engage and continue in talks about reopening the mine.’
Rio Tinto reviewing BCL ownership
This week, Rio Tinto announced it was reviewing its 54 per cent ownership of BCL, in light of the new legislation.
BCL Managing Director, Peter Taylor, is unfazed by the news, telling Business Advantage PNG that any changes to the ownership of BCL shares will not affect its plans to continue negotiating with the ABG and landowners.
He says he’s still ‘optimistic’ of striking a deal to re-open the mine.
‘BCL will continue to engage and continue in talks about reopening the mine,’ he tells Business Advantage PNG.
Rio is reviewing a whole bunch of projects and BCL is just one of them,’ he said. ‘They might decide not to sell. I don’t want to pre-empt an outcome.’
Other buyers
‘Rio Tinto is large enough to have done their sums, looking at the costs of benefits, so I don’t know if we will see a new player on the scene,’ according to Satish Chand, a finance professor at the University of New South Wales.
Chinese buyers are currently looking at copper deposits in PNG. Guangdong Rising Assets Management Co. has been considering a takeover of Pan Aust, an Australian company poised to acquire a majority stake in the Frieda River copper project in East and West Sepik provinces.
Carpetbaggers?
In the ABG parliament this month, Momis named four companies from Canada, the US and China ‘with very dubious or limited track records in the mining industry’, who were ‘entering into arrangements with Bougainville factions and leaders’.
He also named five local landowners who were bypassing the ABG and dealing with the companies.
‘Very largely opposition to mining has been orchestrated by the Bougainville[-based] partners or agents of outside groups seeking to get control of significant mining resources in Bougainville without any government approval,’ sources advise Business Advantage PNG.
‘The truth is that the Bill is designed to stop unscrupulous and dishonest outsiders who together with a few weak or dishonest Bougainvilleans are the ones trying to both buy and sell Bougainville,’ said Momis.
The cost of rehabilitating the mine is about A$6 billion (K13.72 billion), and revenues for the life of the mine are estimated at $A75 billion in 2014 dollars.
A lot of reasons to attract modern-day carpetbaggers.
Summary of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Bill 2014
The guiding principle of the interim Mining Bill is recognition of customary ownership of minerals, under s23 of the Bougainville Constitution, rather than ownership of minerals by the State.
Customary landowners will own the minerals in, on or under their land;
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) will own the minerals in, on or under non-customary land.
Customary owners will have a right of veto over the grant of any exploration licence over their land;
Landowners don’t have a power of veto, but can raise objections to a development proposal;
Landowners also have significant rights to share in mine revenues, including royalties, rents and compensation;
Landowners will also be entitled to free equity in every major mining project;
Small-scale mining will be legal on one’s own land with the permission of Landowners;
The draft Act does not grant any minerals to Bougainville Copper Limited (the previous operator of the Panguna mine). It gives BCL a right to negotiate with both the ABG and Landowners for a mining licence over the Panguna site;
There can only be a maximum of two ‘major mines’ operating in Bougainville at any one time;
The final draft of the long-term law is expected to be ready by the end of2014, or early 2015.
22.08.2014
Source: The National
New vessel to service islands
THE Autonomous Bougainville Government has purchased a new vessel to service the outer islands and coastline of the mainland and Buka Island.
The vessel, christened Rapois Chief, is being refurbished in the Philippines and will carry about 53 passengers with a crew of seven.
Much of the vessel’s interior and equipment has not been completed but the two new engines have been fitted with propellers. The steering and gear compartment will be fitted soon. The vessel has a sturdy hull made of steel designed to withstand the rough Bougainvillean seas.
Marala Vitas Central Terminal and Shipyards Corporation president Randolph Tiangco said once the engineering aspect of the ship was completed, they would start on the interior design and painting.
“The vessel is virtually new as we are replacing almost every bit of it with new parts and redesigning it to cater for the needs of the people of Bougainville,” Tiangco said. He said the company was working to meet the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority standards and to guarantee the ship’s sea worthiness.
A Bougainville delegation, led by President Dr John Momis, Minister Assisting the President Thomas Kereri and Haku MP James Beani, inspected the vessel on Tuesday.
They were happy with the workmanship and excited about the new vessel, which will benefit the people of the atolls and coastal Bougainville.
West Coast Bougainville is inaccessible by road.
22.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
The first missionaries to Siwai
By Zilpah Maurua
The first missionaries to Siwai were Methodists that arrived in 1913 from what is now the western part of the Solomon Islands.
Their arrival was helped by the strong relationship between the Siwai and the people of the Treasury Islands, who vouched for the missionaries.
The missionaries came with canoes and shored on the beaches of Siwai. They then followed a bush track and settled in Duisei, a village in Siwai district.
The track followed by the missionaries to bring the gospel of God (lotu) is still followed by the Duisei villagers to go to the beaches for picnics and fishing.
Duisei was settled by the missionaries at the request of its chief, Ruben Monori, who believed the missionaries and the construction of a church would bring order to the village. He called the missionaries in to the village to build a person in all aspects of life – physical, spiritual and social – and in 1916 the missionaries moved in to the Hari area of Siwai district.
Leaders from other villages in Siwai heard that the missionaries were in Duisei and decided to invite them to establish lotu in their villages because of the good reputation the community of Duisei had gained since the missionaries had arrived.
After their work in Siwai the missionaries moved to other parts of Bougainville, in particular villages within the Nagovis and Kieta regions.
This is how the missionaries came with the gospel of God to Bougainville from the Solomon Islands.
This is the wave of missionaries to bring the Methodist Church and the gospel of God in to Bougainville from our neighbouring islands in the Pacific.
22.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Relief operations run smoothly
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
View from the helicopter of Mt Bagana, which has thrown heavy ash fall last week but has since stopped. Picture: SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
THE operations of the response team co-ordinating the relocation and relief supplies exercise for the people affected by ashfall from Mt Bagana in Torokina is progressing well into its second week.
The active volcano has ceased throwing heavy ashes into the sky with only smoke emissions now visible.
According to the team leader, Alois Pukienei, who is the director of public health in Bougainville, the first supplies are being distributed to the affected people of Wakovi village who have been relocated to Gotana village.
“They could not be relocated to other safer areas because of land issues so we have placed the 156 Wakovi villagers to Gotana, which is not safe but the land issue is alright,” said Mr Pukienei.
“Seven villages with a total population of 265 have been affected and we are encouraging the villagers to start replanting food crops with food aid to possibly last for six months.”
The relocated people will need toilets and underground water source, an improved aid post, a staff house and more tarpaulins for shelter.
Torokina Executive Manager, Simon Koraikove said logistics has been a problem for them as they are currently using only one vehicle to monitor the villages affected.
“We need one more vehicle and I am appealing for assistance in paying off for the light fittings on the police vehicle for Torokina, bought by the National Member for South Bougainville, Steven Pirika,” said Mr Koraikove.
The fitting cost is K12,900 and the vehicle is currently at the Ela Motors yard in Buka.
A 5th report on relocation and budget will be submitted to the government with a disaster and evacuation plan also included for the long term.
Two officers from the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO) have set up monitoring equipment and taken readings on the volcano activity.
NCD assistant director of operations, Andrew Oaego traveled with the Bougainville regional disaster coordinator Franklyn Lacey early this week on and aerial survey trip to the active volcano.
22.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Sorcery suspect escapes death
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
SORCERY-related killings and destruction of properties owned by the suspected sorcerers is becoming common in Bougainville.
Recently an incident was reported to have taken place in South Bougainville where a suspected sorcerer and his family escaped death after they were nearly burnt to ashes by unknown men. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday last week at Kiriwa village in the Ruhwaku ward of Siwai District. According to reports from Siwai, the accused and his family were fast asleep when some unknown men torched their house.
The suspect and his family luckily escape by jumping through the window. They however were not able to save any of their belongings which were burnt to ashes. His relatives retaliated by burning the house of the person believed to be behind the attack.
21.08.2014
Source: Bougainville Copper Homepage
Sir Peter Barter joins Panguna planning process
by Ben Jackson
The Joint Panguna Negotiation Committee (JPNCC) has been boosted by the support of eminent businessman and former senior political figure Sir Peter Barter.
Sir Peter has been appointed as the Independent Chair of the Multi Party Trust Fund that administers the funding for JPNCC projects which include social, economic and environmental studies relating to the possible re-opening of the Panguna mine.
After an eight-year absence, Sir Peter was warmly welcomed back to Bougainville by a greeting party including a traditional dance troupe from Takuu Atoll.
“One of the reasons I have chosen to be here today is to see whether or not we can move forward and create an economy, which is needed to make this province truly autonomous,” Sir Peter Barter told the audience at Buka Airport.
“We have no autonomy without an economy.”
In his 15 years as a Member of Parliament, Sir Peter served as Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Minister for Inter-Government Relations.
He was integral in brokering the peace agreement, in 2007 relinquishing his seat in parliament to take on the role of Paramount Chief Masalahana (Peacemaker) in Bougainville.
Like the composition of the JPNCC, the board of the Multi Party Trust is drawn from the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the National Government of PNG, landowner representatives from the Panguna area and Bougainville Copper Limited.
The Multi Party Trust board meetings are held the day before the JPNCC convenes. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2 October in Port Moresby.
21.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Miner to review options
MINING Giant Rio Tinto has announced they will be reviewing all options for its stake in the Bougainville Copper Limited.
In a statement it released this week the company said this was in light of recent developments in PNG, including the new mining legislation passed earlier this month by the Government of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The passing of the laws had resulted in the miner being stripped of all its mining and exploration licenses.
“In light of recent developments in PNG, including the new mining legislation passed earlier this month, Rio Tinto has decided now is an appropriate time to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper Limited.
“For some time, BCL has been involved in discussions with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the ABG and landowners about whether it would participate in a future potential return to mining at Panguna,” the statement read.
The company had announced that they were seeking legal options to counter the ABG mining legislation and also considering the future of its key stake in the mine.
Meanwhile, the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper Limited (ESBC) in a separate statement yesterday said the new Bougainville Mining Law has to be considered as an arbitrary expropriation of Bougainville Copper’s shareholders by the ABG and the Panguna landowners.
The ESBC are the major shareholders of BCL.
They claim that they have to be recompensed for the financial losses the investors bore during the last 25 years, to receive an adequate indemnity for willful destruction of BCL’s mine site by local unlawful elements and recompensed on future revenues from the Panguna mine, as the current mining leases are expected to expire in about 20 years.
They have urged Rio Tinto to pursue legal actions to safeguard the shareholders’ interest.
They are claiming an amount to a total of USD24 billion (K58bn), adding the defendants to be sued in this law suit should be the Independent State of PNG, the ABG, local landowners of the BCL leases, Philipp Miriori as representative of self-appointed Me’ekamui Government, other Me’ekamui organization branches, and former BRA leaders like Sam Kauona and Chris Uma.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PUBLIC SERVANTS IN TOROKINA TOLD TO RESUME DUTIES
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Torokina district administration is calling on all public servants who have fled their posts when Mt. Bagana started ejecting ash and smoke to return and resume their duties.
New Dawn Fm received word that Mt. Bagana is not ejecting heavy ash and smoke and it is safe for public servants to return to their posts at Torokina.
These public servants fled Torokina last week when Mt. Bagan started ejecting ash and smoke which covered most parts of Torokina.
The ash and smoke from Mt. Bagana has slowed down and the Torokina administration wants teachers and public servants who are in Buka and other areas of Bougainville to return to Torokina and resume their respective duties.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SIAMESE TWINS CELEBRATE EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The only Bougainville Siamese twins Eaustina and Eustocia Posin who are now in their teens celebrated their belated eighteenth birthday at the Kuri Village Resort in Buka last night.
The twins were surrounded by the members of the newly founded Buka Rotary Club, Rotary International governor George Grant, his wife Mary and the man who made it possible for them to have a successful operation David Anderson Conn.
When given the opportunity to say a few words, an emotional Eustocia told the Rotarians and guests who were present for the celebration that they are alive today because of Rotary International.
She pointed out that she and her twin would still be conjoined if it wasn’t for a very kindhearted gentleman by the name of David Anderson Conn.
She said because of the Rotary International, they were able to enjoy life like any other normal children; they are free to play and have fun and they have the freedom to move around easily and without difficulty.
When concluding her short speech Miss Posin said she wished Dr. Alex their doctor, all Rotarians in Australia and people who made it possible for them to be operated on were here in Buka to celebrate with them their eighteenth birthday.
Pictured are the twins cutting their Birth Day cake last night
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ROTARY IN BOUGAINVILLE
BY JENNIFER NKUI
Rotary International now has a branch in Buka, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville thanks to the experiences of Siamese twins Eaustina and Eustacia Posin.
The newly formed Buka Rotary Club is founded this year and is now under the leadership of club president Gabriel Pantei.
Rotary International governor George Grant who is visiting Bougainville for the first time with wife Mary explained to members and guests at the Kuri Village Resort in Buka last night that Rotary International is a non political organization with activities that exemplifies charity.
He said the organization is built on eternal principles and is for business and professional people.
He also congratulated the people of Bougainville in forming the new Rotary club in Buka.
After his speech, Mr. Grant presented a Charter certificate to club president in recognition of the club as a branch of Rotary International which is now in existence in Bougainville.
Meanwhile, Club president Mr. Pantei pointed out that the Rotary club is an organization that is non political in nature which work towards realizing the needs of the people of Bougainville.
He said he has taken on a challenging role to be part of the organization and as president he is also learning.
He then encouraged the Rotarians to work together to bring programs and services to the people in their areas of need in the rural areas of Bougainville.
The gathering at the Kuri Village Resort was organized by the Buka Rotary club to welcome Mr. Grant and wife Mary to Bougainville, celebrate the twins’ belated eighteenth birthday and raise funds for the club.
Pictured is David Anderson Conn the rotarian who was involved in the rotary supported that seperated the twins 18 years ago
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
OWNERSHIP OF MV CHEBU QUESTIONED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The former Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) general Ishmael Toroama wants the Autonomous Bougainville Government to come out clear on the ownership of MV Chebu.
He told New Dawn Fm that since we are fighting for ownership rights, the ABG must inform the people of Bougainville as to how much money was put into purchasing the ship in partnership with Henry Chow.
He said this information must be brought clearly and correctly to the people right across the region.
He added that when it comes to management, the ABG must be clear on certain percentages in the rights of ownership.
The general said if the ship was purchased for the people of Bougainville, why can’t the government come out clear and make arrangements with locals?
He stated that the government must come out clear as to who will own the ship and who will manage it.
And when it comes to benefit sharing, Mr. Ishmael, who is talking on behalf of ex-combatants and the people who cannot speak out, wants to know who will be getting the bigger share.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MV Rapois Chief
Anthony Kaybing
The Autonomous Bougainville Government has embarked on the purchase of another vessel to service Bougainville’s outer islands and it’s the coastline of the mainland and Buka Island.
Christened Rapois Chief, the vessel which is being refurbished in the Philippines will carry about 53 passengers with a crew of 7 and cargo and is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Much of the vessel’s interior and equipment has not been completed yet but more importantly, its two brand new engines have already been set with the propellers and the steering and gear compartment which are also new to be fitted soon.
The vessel also has a sturdy hull made of steel which are designed to withstand the rough Bougainvillean seeas.
President of the Marala Vitas Central Terminal and Shipyards Corporation in Mania, Randolph Tiangco says once the engineering aspect of the ship is completed they will proceed with the interior design and painting of the vessel.
“The vessel is virtually a new one as we’re replacing almost every bit of it to with brand new parts and redesigning it to cater for the needs of the people of Bougainville,” Mr Tiangco said.
Mr Tiangco explained that work on the vessel might seem slow as his company is working meticulously to meet PNG’s National Maritime Safety Authority standards and to guarantee MV Rapois Chief its sea worthiness.
A Bougainville delegation led by ABG President Chief Dr John Momis who was accompanied by Minister Assisting the President, Thomas Kereri and ABG Member for Haku James Beani was also on hand to inspect the vessel on Tuesday.
The delegation expressed their satisfaction at the workmanship of the Marala Corporation and were excited at the new development which will greatly service the people of the atolls and coastal Bougainville especially West Coast Bougainville which are inaccessible by road.
President Momis said the coastal people of Bougainville especially those in the west coast and the atolls will now have a safer means of travel and to move their goods especially cash crops.
The President said the MV Rapois Chief will be the second ABG owned vessel purchased by his government that will service Bougainville waters and parts of Papua New Guinea.
The first vessel, MV Chebu which is a brand new ship, is near completion and will set sail for Bougainville soon.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RULE OF LAW QUESTIONED
BY JENNIFER NKUI
A concerned citizen in the region is questioning the rule of law after a drunk driver who was involved in a hit and run incident was released by the police.
An unhappy Francis Loio told New Dawn Fm that the drunk driver and his unregistered vehicle were released by the police after being taken to the police station.
As a by stander and a witness to the incident he said the drunk driver hit a young boy who was standing in front of the Buka betel nut market last week.
He said he is not happy with how the police in Buka handled the case because the drunk driver is supposed to be locked up until he appears in court.
Mr. Loio said the young boy who was hit by the drunk driver with his unregistered vehicle is in the hospital and justice has not been served.
He added that the police must do their job and not give in to the so called “wantok system”.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
LAE BOUGAINVILLE COMMUNITY TO HOST SUMMIT
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Bougainville community in Lae, Morobe Province will be hosting a Bougainville summit in Lae next month.
Chairman of the Bougainville Summit, Justin Kehatsin told New Dawn Fm that the summit under the theme “Bougainville’s Journey towards Referendum” will be staged at the Lae International Hotel on September 5.
He explained that the purpose of the summit is to conduct awareness on the progress of the political status of referendum for Bougainville.
He said this will be an avenue for Bougainville leaders and other intellectual people in PNG to give their views and ideas on how, they as stakeholders can develop Bougainville and shape its future.
He added that fourteen papers will be presented during the summit and will be complimented with speeches from prominent leaders.
Mr. Kehatsin said the program will continue the next day with an awareness campaign focusing on the same theme which will target the Bougainville community at large.
He said this campaign awareness will be held at St. Mary’s primary School hall.
The program will end with the “Bougainville Night”, a fundraiser event which will be staged by the Bougainville Unitech Students Association in the Duncanson Hall at Unitech.
21.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NO MORE STREET MARKETS IN BUKA TOWN
BY JENNIFER NKUI
The Buka Urban Town Council has declared that there will be no more street markets in Buka Town.
A representative from the council Rayleen Kidoro explained that this rule comes under the town management control rule which the council abides by.
She told New Dawn Fm that the security firm which has signed a contract with the council has already been given the green light to do away with street markets.
Mrs. Kidoro called on the residents and people living in Buka Town to not sell their wares on the streets in front of their houses or in front of their stores.
She said if the security officers catch up with street sellers, the security officers have the right to confiscate the market items.
She added strongly that it is forbidden to sell store goods such as cigarettes and betel nut on the streets of Buka town.
21.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mines vital for revenue
BOUGAINVILLE Finance Minister Albert Punghau has stressed the need for Bougainville to boost its economy with mining.
At the opening of the recent Panguna Negotiating Forum, Mr Punghau (pictured) said if Bougainville was to gain independence it needed revenue from mining to bankroll the economy.
The forum was held as part of widespread consultations for the Transitional Mining Bill which was recently passed by the Bougainville Parliament.
“As Bougainville’s Minister for Finance, I think constantly about the funds we need to meet our people’s needs.
“Yes, we all want the highest possible autonomy as soon as possible. Yes, most of us want to achieve independence when the referendum is held.
“But the reality is that without much revenue, we can’t reach highest autonomy or independence. We cannot meet the increasing needs of our people,” said Minister Punghau.
If Bougainville gain independence, revenue from the National Government would be cut off. He said customs duties; taxes from income, business, agriculture and small-scale mining would not be able to cover the Autonomous Government’s recurring budget.
“Just so we are all clear, what the (Peace) Agreement says is that we will reach ‘fiscal self-reliance’ when the revenue collected by the National Government in Bougainville from company tax, customs duties and GST is greater than the amount of the annual grant that the ABG receives from the National Government.
“That is the Recurrent Grant. It meets the costs of the main activities of, and services provided by the ABG,” said Mr Punghau.
He said fiscal self-reliance was built into the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“We did that because Bougainville don’t simply own independence. Instead, we must work hard to earn the right to independence, to develop and demonstrate the capacity to be independent,” said Mr Punghau.
21.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Joint negotiations continue on Panguna mine re-opening issues
by BEN JACKSON | Bougainville 24
BOUGAINVILLE Copper Limited (BCL) has told representatives of Panguna mine-affected landowners that it welcomes direct dialogue between parties as well as collective discussion through the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC).
Some representatives of the nine mine-related landowner groups that met in Buka last Friday at a regular meeting of the JPNCC said they would like informal contact with BCL to raise issues not covered by the JPNCC’s terms of reference.
The JPNCC is responsible for a range of activities including environmental, social and economic studies and the reconciliation process known as belkol.
The landowners sought the blessing of the JPNCC to proceed with informal talks about their own particular issues.
Other JPNCC members agreed that informal discussions between parties outside JPNCC meetings are an importance part of the negotiation process.
The meeting also discussed the selection of consultants to conduct environmental, social and economic studies in the Panguna area.
The JPNCC’s responsibilities include the supervision of environmental, social and economic studies to be conducted as part of the decision-making process leading to the possible mine re-opening.
Photo: Panguna landowner representative Lawrence Daveona shares a joke with BCL’s Justin ‘Ted’ Rogers at the JPNCC meeting (Ben Jackson)
21.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Buka faces erratic supplies
SUPPLIES of basic goods in Buka town have lately been more erratic than usual.
Buka relies heavily on cargo shipped in from other Papua New Guinea centres, such as nearby Rabaul, which arrive fortnightly on average.
People who live in the town have, over the years, become used to supplies running out but over the past two months the situation seemed to have worsened.
Rice is one of the main commodities which has been in short supply. Petrol is another necessity often in short supply, whilst eggs, beef for meat pies and other foodstuffs are often not available.
Buka is undergoing a mini-construction boom and basic hardware items such as louvre glass blades are unavailable at most outlets.
Recently the PNG Power station in Buka ran out of diesel fuel, throwing the island into darkness for several hours. A ship was sent from Kieta in Central Bougainville full of diesel to refuel the generators.
Relieved residents are now more confident of PNG Power’s capacity to provide an uninterrupted electricity supply to Buka.
It is not known whether the current shortages of consumables is being caused by poor stock control by wholesalers, or an increased demand for goods in Buka.
There is certainly an increase of economic activity around Buka with copra, cocoa and other commodities currently attracting good financial returns and this may be a contributing factor.
21.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Church empowers women
By JACOB IENU
THE Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church in Kongara-Koromira district has recently held a week-long evangelism course.
It was held in Tavatava village in the Kokoda Constituency of Central Bougainville.
The theme “wholesome in Jesus Christ” was a timely one directed to the mothers and women in the church to become better citizens and make a difference in their lives.
During the closing speeches, Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Member for South Nasioi, John Ken praised the women and encouraged them to extend their knowledge to other mothers and women in other districts so that they too can be positive forces in their household and communities at large.
20.08.2014
Source: PNG Loop
Mining bill causing mixed feelings
by Peterson Tseraha
THE latest mining bill that was passed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government two weeks ago was a success to many Bougainvilleans, but some are still confused about the bill and how it will be enforced.
A call has been made for awareness and enforcement for village based people to understand the whole bill, its sections and clauses.
A concerned Bougainvillean citizen who wishes to remain anonymous told this reporter more awareness is needed in order for this bill to be understood.
“It has already been misinterpreted and misunderstood, leading up to a protest,’’ he said.
“Mining still remains a very sensitive issue on Bougainville right now. Anything done on the floor of parliament has to go down well with the majority of the people, especially the silent majority, and the only way is through awareness,’’ he said.
He said that the bill itself allows for resource owners to own the resources and any interested mining company enquiring for exploration, should come in through the Government, the legitimate authority on the ground which is none other than the ABG.
“A lot of people agree with that but the big thing is that a lot of people are interpreting it as the bill is still of relevance to the PNG Mining Act of 1992 and all clauses still relate to the same old Devil which caused Bougainville and PNG a lot of trouble BCL,’’ he said
The concerned citizen also said, people who are educated will understand the bill fully but not the ones who are in the villages and mountains of Bougainville. Those are the ones that really matter, the people in the village.
He stated that the Autonomous Government under the leadership of Chief Dr John Momis is unique, straight forward and the government for the people.
But bills have been passed however now has to be the time to enforce those bills, he says.
20.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - RN Breakfast
Rio Tinto reviewing investment in Bougainville Copper
Mining giant Rio Tinto stands to lose control over its Panguna copper mine in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville province.
Local pressure and a deadly civil war forced the mine's closure in 1989. Until recently there were strong hopes of reopening one of the world's largest copper deposits.
New draft mining legislation has prompted Rio Tinto to review it's role in redeveloping the mine.
LISTEN HERE !
20.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville Copper shareholders cry foul
Story courtesy of Radio New Zealand
A group of minority shareholders in Bougainville Copper Ltd are crying foul over Bougainville's new mining law and say they want billions of dollars in compensation.
Under the new law, the autonomous Papua New Guinea province has stripped Bougainville Copper or BCL of its exploration and mining licenses but has given it first right of refusal when negotiations over new licenses get underway.
The president of a group of BCL's European shareholders Axel Sturm says it is an unfriendly gesture after 25 years of investment in Bougainville.
"I consider this more or less as an attempted blackmail for getting more money from the company. We already invested a lot of money on the island, a lot of that money was lost because unlawful people destroyed our equipment with the value today of around 6 billion US dollars."
Mr Sturm says the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper are urging the major shareholder Rio Tinto to take further legal action against not only the Papua New Guinea government and the province but local landowners and former leaders of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army
20.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Bougainville Copper shareholders cry foul
A group of minority shareholders in Bougainville Copper Ltd are crying foul over Bougainville's new mining law and say they want billions of dollars in compensation.
Under the new law, the autonomous Papua New Guinea province has stripped Bougainville Copper or BCL of its exploration and mining licenses but has given it first right of refusal when negotiations over new licenses get underway.
The president of a group of BCL's European shareholders Axel Sturm says it is an unfriendly gesture after 25 years of investment in Bougainville.
"I consider this more or less as an attempted blackmail for getting more money from the company. We already invested a lot of money on the island, a lot of that money was lost because unlawful people destroyed our equipment with the value today of around 6 billion US dollars."
Mr Sturm says the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper are urging the major shareholder Rio Tinto to take further legal action against not only the Papua New Guinea government and the province but local landowners and former leaders of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army.
20.08.2014
Source: The National
Rio Tinto optimistic
Rio Tinto may yet return to Bougainville, Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) chairman Peter Taylor said, as reported by Radio Australia.
However, in a previous statement, Rio Tinto said it would review its majority stake in its subsidiary BCL.
The Australian reported yesterday that meant Rio Tinto was likely to quit its 53.8% stake in Bougainville Copper.
Taylor told Radio Australia that he was optimistic a solution can be found.
“One can’t pre-empt what the outcome of that study is,” he said, referring to the Rio review.
“It may be that Rio Tinto decides to pursue its investment, it may not, but I can’t speculate.”
BCL has been negotiating with landowners and the PNG and Bougainville governments for three years.
“The key challenge was to get the landowners and the landowner groups to come together and have a common agenda so they could come together and negotiate with the company, and the Bougainville Government and the National Government, and we’ve achieved that. Despite the past, most landowners want mining to restart, but on their terms,” he said.
Taylor said last week’s mining legislation passed by Bougainville government was a setback.
He said under new law, BCL will have to reapply for the mining lease it has lost.
“The law gives landowners powerful veto rights over exploration, but not over mining of an area once an exploration licence is granted.
“It is complex but nonetheless I am optimistic that a reasonable solution can be achieved,” Taylor said.
Meanwhile, apart from Rio’s control position at BOC, the company is 19.06%-owned by PNG government and 27.36% by public through its ASX-listing.
20.08.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Panguna planning continues with appointment of consultants
The Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC) met in Buka last Friday to discuss the selection of consultants to conduct environmental, social and economic studies in the Panguna area.
The JPNCC comprises representatives from the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Papua New Guinea National Government, Panguna-affected landowners and Bougainville Copper Limited.
It is part of a process that ensures all key stakeholders have the same access to information about a possible resumption of mining on Bougainville.
Its responsibilities include the supervision of environmental, social and economic studies as well as the customary bel kol reconciliation process.
As with all decisions made by the JPNCC, the selection of consultants for the baseline studies will be made unanimously.
The JPNCC is guided in these processes by an independent panel of experts, the Project Support Team.
For the environmental baseline study, the team is evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of expressions of interest from consultants.
At the same time, the United Nations Environment Programme will independently evaluate tenders using the same criteria.
The next meeting of the JPNCC is scheduled for Friday 3 October in Port Moresby.
20.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Peoples’ views on new bill
BY ROMULUS MASIU
A LOT of the people on mainland Bougainville, especially in Central and South Bougainville, say the mining bill passed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government, was done without proper consultation through the council of eders and village assemblies.
The Post-Courier interviewed several people who said consultations could have been done better.
Steven Madaku from Toboroi village in Kieta district said: “The bill is null and void as there was no proper consultations with the Council of Elders and Village Assemblies on the whole issue.”
Thomas Miarama, also from Kieta district, said the bill is tricky (mining bill section 211) as it (bill) has the all foreign interest in it under mining bill, section 211. The bill must be stand alone with no foreign interruptions.
Edwin Miri from Kanavitu, also in Kieta district, said the ABG should have its own mining policy before the bill is passed. “I don’t agree because ABG doesn’t have a proper mining policy yet,” he said.
Andrew Nompo from Donsiro village said the ABG must have its own mining policy first before bill is passed.
Rosemary Moses from Siredonsi said there was no proper awareness conducted and carried out to the grassroots people.
The people should have a lawyer to represent them in the ABG Mining Division, she said.
“ABG should have followed the wishes of the resource owners. This bill has been rushed, people not fully consulted – ABG should really come down to the people and get their views and what they think,” said Michael Vore from Sisivi village in Wakunai district.
Patrick Kanasu from Siwai district said the ABG rushed with the mining bill, adding that they should have talked and negotiate with BCL first before passing the bill.
“The passing of this bill is a big issue. More awareness should have been done,” said paramount chief of Arawa village, Mark Niniku.
“The bill has been passed at the government level while the people are still in the dark – all groups should be included such as youth groups that should lead in the awareness campaign before the bill is passed.”
Steven Sonnei from Siwai, South Bougainville said people should be fully made aware before the bill is passed, adding that what policy ABG draft must benefit every Bougainvillean as every resource on top and below the ground belonged to the people thus the people must be the beneficiaries of every law the government makes.
20.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Buka businesses attend Nasfund awareness
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
MORE than 30 representatives from various Buka-based companies and statutory organisations were fortunate to have attended a three hour refresher luncheon session conducted by the National Superannuation Fund Ltd (Nasfund) in Buka yesterday.
The session which was held at the Kuri Village Resort conference room was facilitated by Nasfund’s team leader (contributions) Michael Pokanau with assistance from his officer in charge of Buka branch, Geita Ario Goasa.
Organisations that sent in their representatives include airline companies Air Niugini, Airlines PNG and Travel Air, Telikom PNG, Nationwide Microbank, City Pharmacy, Care International, ABG Parliamentary Services, Jomik Trading, Bougainville Women’s Federation, Lankeasa Trading and various other companies.
The aim of the luncheon was to update the contributing employers on the services and operations currently offered by Nasfund as well as on the different processes involved in the registration of new and former members.
Participants were also given a brief insight into the Superannuation Act and the penalties that will be dished out to organisations that fail to faithfully submit their financial contributions for their employees.
Soon after the completion of the session, many participants wasted no time expressing their satisfaction for having attended the luncheon.
One of the participants, Elijah Ture told the Post-Courier that the knowledge gained will greatly help him in dealing with the superannuation needs of his employees.
20.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Murderer released from jail
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
JUSTIN Sirata is a young man from Kakari village in Aita Ipa area of Wakunai District in Central Bougainville.
He is now a changed man with a sound mind which, according to his father Michael Viarivate, was not the case more than eight years ago. Justin comes from an area widely known in Bougainville as the birthplace of marijuana. And as it is a common practise by many people in the area, Justin was heavily involved in the consumption of this illegal drug.
This affected his mental state. The effect of the drug finally took its toll on the life of this young man when he murdered his younger brother in 2007. His brother, who was about nine years old that time, was in elementary school when Justin murdered him.
“His small brother was told by his teacher to make a small canoe as his school project,” Mr Viarivate recalled.
“His small brother knew that Justin was good and skilled at making such small things so he went home and told him (Justin) to make this canoe. But Justin, who was already badly affected by marijuana, got up and started chasing him with a spade.
“Justin caught his brother and hit him at the back of his head with the spade, before taking a piece of wood and hitting him several times on the head again, causing death. Then he took the body and hid it near the river.”
Justin was arrested, charged and convicted. He served his time at the Bomana jail in Port Moresby, after which he was transferred to Bekut in Buka and later released.
“Now he can talk freely and can understand what you are saying. This was not the case about eight years when he was taking marijuana,” said his father. “Justin was away from us for about eight years and now I am happy to take him back to the village.”
He said even though the family is still shocked over the death, they are happy to have Justin back after eight years.
19.08.2014
Source: ESBC press release 20140819
Thunderstorm on Bougainville
The new Bougainville mining law has to be considered as an arbitrary expropriation of Bougainville Copper’s shareholders by the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Panguna landowners.
Therefore the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper Limited (ESBC) claim that they have to be recompensed for the financial losses the investors bore during the last 25 years. Furthermore the ESBC claims that they have to receive an adequate indemnity for wilful destruction of BCL’s mine site by local unlawful elements. The ESBC also claim to be recompensed on future revenues from the Panguna mine as the current mining leases are expected to expire in about 20 years.
The European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC) urge Rio Tinto as major shareholder of Bougainville Copper Limited to take further legal action to safeguard the shareholder’s interest.
The ESBC claim amount to a total of USD 24 billion (PGK 58 billion). The defendants to be sued in this law suit should be the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the local landowners of the BCL leases, Philipp Miriori as representative of self-appointed Me'ekamui Government of Unity on Bougainville, the other Me’ekamui organization branches, and former Bougainville Revolutionary Army leaders such as Sam Kauona, Chris Uma and others as well.
19.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Rio Tinto offers a more nuanced view of its Panguna intentions
by KEITH JACKSON
CHAIRMAN of Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), Peter Taylor (pictured), has been reported by Radio Australia as saying parent company Rio Tinto may yet return to Bougainville.
In an earlier statement, Rio said it would review its majority stake in its subsidiary BCL.
The Australian newspaper reported this morning that this meant Rio was “likely to quit” its 53.8% stake in Bougainville Copper.
But in a more nuanced statement Mr Taylor told Radio Australia he's optimistic a solution can be found.
"One can't pre-empt what the outcome of that study is," he said, referring to the Rio review.
"It may be that Rio Tinto decides to pursue its investment, it may not, but I can't speculate."
BCL has been negotiating with landowners and the PNG and Bougainville governments for three years.
"The key challenge was to get the landowners and the landowner groups to come together and have a common agenda so they could come together and negotiate with the company, and the Bougainville government and the national government, and we've achieved that," Mr Taylor said.
Despite the past, most landowners want mining to restart, but on their terms, he said.
Mr Taylor said last week’s mining legislation passed by the Bougainville government was a setback.
He said under the new law, BCL will have to reapply for the mining lease it has lost.
The law gives landowners powerful veto rights over exploration, but not over mining of an area once an exploration licence is granted.
"It is complex but nonetheless I am optimistic that a reasonable solution can be achieved," Mr Taylor said.
19.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Media reporting that Rio is threatening to quit Bougainville
by BARRY FITZGERALD | The Australian | Extracts
RIO Tinto is likely to quit its 53.8% stake in Bougainville Copper (BOC) after the listed subsidiary was stripped of its mining rights to the abandoned Panguna copper/gold mine in Papua New Guinea.
Panguna was abandoned in 1989 because of attacks on the operation by secessionist rebels on Bougainville island.
The response by Rio to the recent stripping of Bougainville Copper’s right to mine under new mining legislation passed by the Autonomous Bougainville Government is to “review all options’’ for its BCL stake.
That prompted speculation that Rio could look to gift its BCL stake to charitable foundations, as it did recently with a project in Alaska, or hand the interest to a trust for the long-lasting benefit of the local people.
BHP Billiton did the latter with its stake in the environmentally controversial Ok Tedi mine in PNG but now frets over control of that trust passing to the national government.
Rio demonstrated in the Alaskan situation that where it no longer feels welcome — and where the price of exiting is not too high — it is prepared to walk away.
The Alaskan deal involved Rio giving its 19.1% stake in Northern Dynasty to two local charitable foundations.
The project has emerged as a cause celebre for environmentalists worried about the impact of a development on the region’s famous salmon runs.
But because of Bougainville’s ongoing recovery process from its fractured past, quitting the BOC stake will not be simply a case of offering up the stake to the highest bidder.
Apart from Rio’s control position at BOC, the company is 19.06%-owned by the PNG government and 27.36% by the public through its ASX-listing. More than five million tonnes of copper and 19 million ounces of gold were left behind in the Panguna open-cut when it was abandoned.
The cost of returning the mine to its former glory would be several billions of dollars. But the main hurdle to a redevelopment remains support for the project at the regional level.
19.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Rio Tinto reviewing Bougainville Copper stake
Mining giant Rio Tinto has indicated it may not return to the troubled Panguna mine in Bougainville.
Rio Tinto reviewing Bougainville Copper stake (Credit: ABC)
In a statement Rio says now is an appropriate time to review its majority stake in its subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited.
The move follows the adoption of a new draft mining law by the Autonomous Bougainville Government which strips Bougainville Copper of any mining rights.
It had operated the Panguna mine which was once one of the biggest in the world and also the spark that lit a decade-long civil war in the 1990s that left thousands dead.
Presenter: Karen Snowdon
Speaker: John Momis, President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville;
Peter Taylor, Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited
LISTEN HERE !
19.08.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Bougainville's ambiguity: Desire for autonomy & the PNG challenge
by LEONARD FONG ROKA
THERE may be a war of words occurring around the transitional mining legislation passed through Bougainville's parliament last week, but the good news is that we now have our own law to deal with mining in the province.
Of course, mining has been a controversial issue on Bougainville since the 1960s. We all know it sparked a crisis that cost many Bougainvilleans their lives.
Observing the protests over the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) creating this mining law, both sides seem to have good reason for argument: Bougainville has ambiguous problems within which Papua New Guinea is the catalyst.
In his 1997 doctoral thesis, Dr Jerry Semos stated plainly that “in 1964, an Australian mining company, Conzinc Riotinto of Australia (CRA) came to Bougainville, uninvited.”
This forceful entry was legalised by the cruel Bougainville Copper Agreement of 1967. It was a tragedy that culminated in the deaths of 15-20,000 innocent Bougainvilleans since 1988.
Because of the ten years of destruction and bloodshed, the world saw the need that politics should be streamlined to accommodate Bougainville, and so emerged the PNG-friendly Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001.
Analysis of the Agreement would show that the Bougainvillean leadership of the time gave too much to PNG. The late leader Joseph Kabui had a notable weakness: of not hurting others and desiring to maintain positive relations with all.
The peace process did not value the suffering of the Solomon people of Bougainville.
In a 1990s article, Bougainville: A sad and silent tragedy in the South Pacific, Bougainville leader Martin Miriori wrote:
"On 16 September 1975, Papua New Guinea obtained independence from Australia. Bougainville's pleas for the people to be allowed to exercise their right to determine their own political future were ignored. Panguna became one of the largest opencast mines in the world, and the only source of finance for Papua New Guinea's independence. In essence, Australia gave Bougainville and her people as an independence gift to Papua New Guinea."
Bougainvilleans were an object given to PNG by Australia to exploit and finance PNG’s independence.
Raspal S Khosa, in his 1992 University of Adelaide thesis, The Secessionist Crisis 1964-1992: Melanesians, Missionaries and Mining, highlighted the Anglo-German Declaration of 1886 as dividing the Solomon Islands into two spheres of influence between Britain in the south and Germany to the north.
Then there was exploitation by foreign planters, two world wars and, from the 1960s, CRA threatening people's existence with the Panguna mine – hastily established to fund the development of PNG.
PNG knew that the chaotic experiences of the Bougainville people had disturbed their psyche and had attuned them to struggle for self-determination. But it did not respond appropriately.
This ensuing chaos led to the armed crisis that began in 1988 and which clearly PNG had no power to handle. Australia, in the cause of regional stability, backed PNG and tried to starve out the rebels – and the rest of the population – through a blockade.
With the support of small Pacific countries, especially the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, and promotion of Bougainville’s cause overseas, a peace process began slowly developing.
As Anthony Regan’s 2010 book, Light Intervention: Lessons from Bougainville, put it, the conflict that was supposed to be an internal crisis internationalised and PNG lost control of Bougainville.
Peace prevailed on Bougainville not because of PNG (its police and army were forced out of Bougainville and it was Bougainvilleans who were fighting and killing each other) but because Bougainvilleans saw the need to end the conflict and work towards a lasting political settlement for their future.
But PNG took the upper hand in the peace negotiations and once again disrupted Bougainvilleans' right to self-determination which they had fought and died for. PNG was not willing to support Bougainvilleans and let them march freely into independence but enforced further burdens upon the troubled people of the island.
My personal experiences of leaders who participated in those peace negotiations with PNG and others in the late 1990s showed that PNG was always barking wildly at Bougainvilleans demanding us to do this and do that.
Anthony Regan’s 2010 work said:
"This strong sentiment was a factor in the PNG government negotiations with parties sometimes arguing for limited roles for not only the UN and the PMG [Peace Monitoring Group], but also foreign advisers to the Bougainville leaders. Such arguments were a source of tension, as the Bougainville leadership in generally supported expansive roles for the international intervention, and strongly opposed any suggestion of interference by [PNG government] in relation to sources of advice utilised by Bougainville."
PNG was not there to address the injustices faced by Bougainvilleans under PNG but to undermine us. It is known throughout Bougainville that PNG was not willing to sign the Bougainville Peace Agreement unless it was given a veto power over the outcomes of the prescribed referendum on independence.
The PNG criteria forced on the leaders of Bougainville were that Bougainville must be weapons free, the economy must be self-sustaining and autonomy must be functional. Let me quote Regan again:
"The logic is that in the 10 to 15 years from the establishment of the ABG in 2005, the PNG government has the opportunity to work closely with the ABG to promote all forms of development in Bougainville in a way that could be expected to encourage Bougainvilleans to consider the possible merits of remaining a part of PNG when it comes time to vote in the referendum."
All PNG government activities on Bougainville, including the Peter O’Neill tour in January this year, have been part of this strategy to undermine the Bougainville people’s right to freedom.
And under this threat, the ABG is struggling to create laws like the mining bill to assert its functional capacities as a government that can carry Bougainville forward.
The ABG moving forward to a referendum for an independence that will be well based on a viable economy is a threat to a PNG that is wanting to undermine the authority of the Bougainville government and keep the province integrated within PNG.
This is the ambiguity of Bougainville today.
19.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Plans afoot for million kina projects
BY WINTERFORD TOREAS
MANETAI in the Eivo-Torau constituency of Central Bougainville will soon be accommodating multi-million kina projects.
These projects, which will shortly be implemented, will no doubt lead to other tangible developments taking place both in Manetai and Bougainville as a whole.
One of the projects that have already been approved for construction in the area is the Bougainville Football Academy.
This project which will cost more than K3 million to construct and complete will be con-funded by the world soccer governing body, FIFA and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The ground-breaking ceremony for this academy is set to take place on the 29th of this month and soccer heavyweights including Oceania Football Confederation president and FIFA vice president David Chung and other FIFA representatives will be attending. The other million kina project that will be established in the area is the Bougainville Higher Education, Science and Technological Institute.
This project is the brainchild of the Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera. Mr Lera has already allocated large sums of funding toward the feasibility studies for this project. The institute is expected to cost about K20 million, it will accommodate all universities in the country including UPNG, Unitech, DWU and PAU.
These universities will all be providing their learning programs under the leadership of one vice chancellor.
The third high impact project is the re-establishment of the Kuveria corrections facility. This institution had all its facilities destroyed during the crisis.
Discussions have already started and the people of Manetai have already expressed their support toward the re-establishment of the facility.
There are plans to establish other high impact projects in the area as well. These projects will have a great development impact on Manetai and Bougainville.
19.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Dantanai community celebrates Catholic feast day
By ROMULUS MASIU
THE people of Dantanai in the Kokoda Constituency of Kieta District, Central Bougainville celebrated the feast day of Mary’s Assumption Mother’s Day.
The celebration was led by Catholic Marist priest Fr Steven Lubabai with a mass for the Catholic faithful in the area. Invited guests for that day were Dantanai paramount chief Cletus Namaara, village chief Tony Mirinoo, mass centre chairman Bernard Paran, Fr Steven Lugabai, Kokoda women representative Namirinu Pangkaraung and Dantanai Primary School head teacher Clare Maako.
During the speeches, Fr Steven highlighted that men must respect mothers (women) in any areas of leadership, instead of ‘hitting them with stones’ from the side. Fr Steven said if a woman becomes healthy with her family the whole being of the community and the nation becomes healthy.
After the speeches entertainments were the order of the day with great performances from entertainment groups. The best performers of that day were from Ioro’s Child Literacy School Students. The students and other entertainers braved the heavy downpour to celebrate the day in the rain.
18.08.2014
Source: Reuters - UK Focus
Rio Tinto to review stake in closed Papua New Guinea copper mine
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MELBOURNE, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Rio Tinto (Xetra: 855018 - news) said on Monday it will consider whether to return to mining in Papua New Guinea following this month's passage of a new mining law on the island of Bougainville, where the company abandoned its Panguna copper mine 25 years ago.
The new law converts Bougainville Copper Ltd (Other OTC: BOCOF - news) 's mining lease into an exploration lease. That can be converted to a mining lease if approved by the autonomous province's government, which now controls resources on the island.
"In light of recent developments in Papua New Guinea, including the new mining legislation passed earlier this month by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Rio Tinto has decided now is an appropriate time to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL)," the company said on Monday.
Rio Tinto declined to comment on what was the most likely outcome of its review or how soon a decision would be made. Selling its stake to Bougainville Copper Ltd would be an option.
A secessionist rebellion on Bougainville in 1989 stopped mining at BCL's Panguna mine. The mine produced some 3 million tonnes of copper and 9.3 million ounces of gold over 17 years.
The company has been in talks with the government of Papua New Guinea, the Autonomous Bougainville Government and landowners about whether to return. (Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Michael Perry)
18.08.2014
Source: PNG Industry News Net
Rio to assess Bougainville options
Alison Middleton
RIO Tinto has announced it will review its stake in subsidiary Bougainville Copper following the passing of a mining bill that prompted the loss of the mining lease at Panguna copper mine.
The mining major holds a 53.83% share in Bougainville Copper, which has been working towards the resumption of mining of the giant copper deposit after the mine was closed in 1989 following civil war.
But the passing of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014 by Bougainville’s Parliament vested Bougainville Copper with an exploration licence for the area where a mining lease was previously held.
The exploration licence will give Bougainville Copper the right to apply for a mining lease under the Bougainville Mining Act, while the grant of a lease will depend on the outcome of negotiations in the Bougainville mineral resource forum.
The transitional law formalised the province's control of its own resources as laid out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement and a complete mining law is expected by early next year.
Rio Tinto said in a statement: “In light of recent developments in Papua New Guinea, including the new mining legislation passed earlier this month by the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Rio Tinto has decided now is an appropriate time to review all options for its 53.83% stake in Bougainville Copper Limited.
“For some time, BCL has been involved in discussions with the government of Papua New Guinea, the ABG and landowners about whether it would participate in a future potential return to mining at Panguna.”
Bougainville Copper chairman Peter Taylor previously warned both the national and Bougainville governments of BCL’s concerns about the potential adverse impact the new mining act might have on its asset base.
18.08.2014
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
Rio Tinto reviews Bougainville stake
Mining giant Rio Tinto is considering the future of its key stake in a company that has lost the right to mine in Bougainville.
Bougainville Copper was stripped of all exploration and mining licences by the autonomous Bougainville government last week.
"Rio Tinto has decided now is an appropriate time to review all options for its 53.83 per cent stake in Bougainville Copper," the mining giant said on Monday.
Bougainville Copper owns the Panguna mine, and the company has been in discussions with the government of Papua New Guinea, the Bougainville government and landowners about a potential return to mining.
Rio's statement appears stronger than last week's comments by Bougainville Copper managing director Peter Taylor, who has not ruled out legal action, but said pulling out of the project was not being considered.
The controversial mine was closed 25 years ago and was a key component in Bougainville's bloody civil war that ended in 2001.
Locals fiercely resisted the open pit - then one of the world's largest copper mines - arguing they saw little revenue and it was causing environmental and social problems.
Bougainville's government is interested in re-opening the mine because it would potentially benefit the local economy, but is using its new Mining Act legislation to put itself in a stronger bargaining position.
18.08.2014
Source: Morning Star
PRESS: Rio Tinto's Bougainville Mine Stake Under Review - Bloomberg
LONDON (Alliance News) - Rio Tinto Group PLC is to review its controlling interest in the company ...
LONDON (Alliance News) - Rio Tinto Group PLC is to review its controlling interest in the company behind a Papua New Guinea mine with a potential gold and copper resource worth over USD60 billion, Bloomberg reported Monday.
Laws passed by the provincial government of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea this month prompted Rio to review its 53.83% stake in Bougainville Copper Ltd, the operator of the Paguna mine on Bougainville Island, the news service reported.
Bloomberg quoted Adrian Wood, an analyst at Macquarie Group Ltd, saying that, should a sale take place, Rio has shown it is "adamant that it isn't giving away assets cheaply at the moment," adding the company will not sell the business if it doesn't get value.
Rio decided to retain its diamond businesses after it failed to identify a buyer and decided against an initial public offering for the unit last year. It also dropped plans to sell its Australian and New Zealand aluminium unit.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-18/potential-60-billion-mine-in-play-under-rio-stake-review.html
- See more at: http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1408341414174340200/press-rio-tintos-bougainville-mine-stake-under-review---bloomberg.aspx#sthash.siBEGoSQ.dpuf
18.08.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
Rio Tinto reviewing its future at Bougainville copper mine
Mining company Rio Tinto has indicated it may not return to mining in Bougainville.
It follows the autonomous government stripping Rio Tinto of any mining rights.
The company says now is an appropriate time to review its majority stake in Bougainville Copper Limited.
The Panguna mine was once one of the biggest in the world but it was also the spark that lit a decade-long civil war in the 1990s in which 20-thousand-people died.
Presenter: Bruce Hill
Speaker: Liam Cochrane, ABC Papua New Guinea correspondent
LISTEN HERE !
18.08.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
Rio Tinto considering options over Bougainville Copper
The mining company Rio Tinto says it will review all options for its majority stake in Bougainville Copper Ltd.
This comes after a new mining law for the autonomous Papua New Guinea province stripped the group of its exploration and mining licences.
The newspaper, The Australian, reports Rio Tinto is considering options for its nearly 54 percent stake in BCL after the Autonomous Bougainville Government passed new mining legislation earlier this month.
Rio Tinto says BCL has been involved in discussions with the ABG, the PNG government and landowners for some time about whether it would return to mining at Panguna.
The company lost seven exploration licences and a special mining lease under the new legislation but retains first right of refusal in discussions on re-opening the mine.
18.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SHIP HANDOVER
Anthony Kaybing
The shipping woes of the people in the New Guinea Islands will soon be at an end following the official handover of MV Chebu on Sunday to the Bougainville Government.
MV Chebu is part of the newly created Chebu Shipping Company, a joint venture between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Hakau Investments Limited, a subsidiary of businesses owned by local Businessman, Sir Henry Chow.
ABG President Chief Dr John Momis has described the new ship as the biggest impact project undertaken by the ABG to date following the Bougainville Crises.
“This ship is something all Bougainvilleans can be proud of as it shows our willingness to progress and reconstruct Bougainville,” President Momis said.
“I would also like to thank all those responsible for making the ship a reality especially the ABG official, Hakau investment and the Shunhai Ship Building Company in Guangdong Province China for building the vessel,” the President said.
After viewing the vessel the President and Sir Henry were mutually happy with its completion and its specifications as it suits the maritime needs of the people
The initial idea for the vessel was conceived by President Momis and Sir Henry following the ill-fated MV Rabaul Queen that capsized off the coast of the Morobe Province and saw nearly 300 lives tragically lost in 2012.
The President also revealed that after consulting Sir Henry they have decided to purchase another vessel for the Chebu Shipping Company in the near future.
The vessel has been built to specifications suitable for Papua New Guinea and will carry at 370 passengers including the crew and offers the latest in maritime technology that will guarantee safe passage for those wishing to travel the route.
The K15 million vessel has also been designed to meet National Maritime Safety Authority regulations such as proper safety equipment for each passengers and creature comforts including flat screen televisions in the main seating area and cabins and life jackets for every passenger and crew.
MV Chebu will be travelling the New Guinea Islands route from Buka, Rabaul, Kimber and Lae, a very lucrative route that has not been serviced since the tragic Rabaul Queen.
shake hands at the take over ceremony
inside the MV Chebu
President Momis inspects the MV Chebu during of the handover ceremony
18.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RADIO NEW DAWN OFF AIR
By Aloysius Laukai
New Dawn FM is off air due to technical problem and will be off until the end of this week.
However our online news on www.bougainville.typepad.com and www.bougainvillenews.com will be providing news to all our viewers until we come on air.
The management of New Dawn FM wishes to apologize to our clients and listeners that we are working on to make sure your favorite station comes on air as soon as possible.
18.08.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BUIN CHIEFS APPLAUD PRESIDENT MOMIS
By Aloysius Laukai
Chiefs of Buin in South Bougainville have praised the ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS for making sure that laws are made by the ABG to protect the people of Bougainville.
In a meeting they held in Buka last week, they said the ABG should have made laws like the Bougainville Public service, Mining law after its establishment in 2005.
They said that because of the failures of the last two governments to legislate these important laws, many people especially outsiders came in due to these vacuum.
The chiefs praised President Momis for making sure laws were enacted before the actual work of restarting Bougainville begins.
They said as one of the initial framers of the Papua New Guinea Constitution he knows that without laws we cannot move on as a people who can decide to succeed from PNG if the people do wish in a guaranteed referendum also enshrined by the Papua New Guinea constitution.
Paramount chief of Tantareke village, MR NAISI was very critical on the need to put laws to protect Bougainville’s interest from outside influence.
He questioned which party should they go for arbitration if their partnership comes into conflict in future without any law or set guidelines to be followed by possible investors.
Chief Naisi said that Parliamentarians are law makers and Bougainvilleans should support the ABG set out good laws in which we all can operate under. The Buin chiefs said that many critics to the ABG have no proven records and are yet to prove their worth to the people of Bougainville.
New Dawn FM understands that since the enactment of the Bougainville Public Service law, Bougainville Public Finance Management Law, Bougainville Contracts and Tenders law, Bougainville Senior Appointments Law and the Bougainville Legal Advisor law, Bougainvilleans will definitely see some changes in implementation of Autonomy on Bougainville.
Pictured is a ceremonial platform that the Buins use to carry chiefs.
18.08.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Mt Bagana spews ashes
By SEBASTIAN HAKALITS
THE Bougainville Disaster Coordination Centre and the ABG health division have al dispatched relief supplies, including eight bales of mosquito nets with urgent medical supplies for Piva Health Centre in the Torokina district to assist those affected by ashfall from Mt Bagana.
Bougainville disaster coordinator Franklyn Lacey and director for public health, Alois Pukienei also said Australian aid, through the health adviser in Bougainville, has supplied torches, water bottles and four stethoscopes to assist the locals affected by the ashfall.
Both officers said the provincial response team needs to move in quickly with a lot of food supplies and safe drinking water for the people.
Two officers from the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory are believed to have arrived in Buka last week and were supposed to have travelled to Torokina to conduct further assessments on the situation there.
Torokina district, which has a total population of about 6000 people, is currently only accessible by speed boat, which usually takes about four hours of travel between the district and Buka.
Preliminary assessment reports of the ash fall from the officer in charge of Piva Health Centre, Marcellina Kinna, show that the volcano has been spewing heavy ashes since Sunday last week, which has greatly affected most of the villages in the district.
“This has affected open drinking waters in villages of Wakovi, Gotana, Piva and Koromaketo, except for underground drinking water,” said Ms Kinna.
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