News 01.2014.1
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE AWAITS THE ARRIVAL OF PRIME MINISTER PETER O’NEILL
By Aloysius Laukai
The Towns of Buka, Buin and Arawa have been cleaned in preparation for the Prime Minister PETER O’NEILL’s visit to the region next Monday.
Workers have been seen in all these three Bougainville regional capitals building stages,and general cleaning of the towns before he actually arrives.
In Buka they have been working on the main stage at the BEL ISI PARK and also the streets have been graded and lawns mowed by workers of the Buka Town Council.
In Buin reports are that all the Elephant Grass have been cut and the place cleared for the arrival.
And in Arawa the workers have also cleaned the Town and also the stage has been built.
According to the reports, the Prime Minister will officially open the TUIRUMA FESTIVAL(Garamut) which will be staged for the next three days.
The Buin festival will be held for the first time since the last BUIN SHOW ended just before Independence of Papua New Guinea.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
PM STILL COMING
By Aloysius Laukai
The visit by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to Bougainville is still on and is scheduled for Monday 27th January, 2014.
The Bougainville Events committee has been working on the final program however they are yet to confirm the exact places the Prime Minister will visit.
This will be the first official visit to Bougainville since the inception of the ABG in 2005.
According to the draft program, the Prime Minister will arrive on Monday and will be welcomed at the Buka airport then join the activities at the BEL ISI PARK and will overnight in Buka.
He will then travel to Arawa on Tuesday morning officiate at the Arawa activities then will fly all the way to Buin on Tuesday.
He will overnight in Buin , open the TUIRUMA Festival and later travel to Siwai.
From Siwai he will fly back to Buka ready for his return to Port Moresby.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
BUKA CONTRACTOR BUYS FROM BOROKO MOTORS.
By Alex Munme
A LOCAL Contractor in Buka is the first to buy two brand new heavy equipment dump trucks from Boroko Motors in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
Buka Management limited a local company owned by the former Regional Member in the National Government Fidelis Semoso was a proud recipient of the 10 cubic meter equipments.
A small reception with a celebration was held today to mark the arrival and delivery of the dump trucks in Buka today.
The two dump trucks were valued at a total of more thanK780, 000.00.
The gathering was attended by Representatives from National and Provincial Works, Bougainville Administration staff, Clerk of the House of Representatives, Edwin Kenehe, former Member for Hagogohe Constituency in the ABG, Robert Sawa and selected members of the Bougainville Business Community.
Speaking at the reception gathering today, former ABG Member for Hagogohe Constituency, Robert Sawa challenged the Division of Technical Services to support by awarding contracts to Bougainvillean Companies.
BML Managing Director, Fidelis Semoso among many things said his business is to help the communities and churches in the region.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
RETIRED CRANE OPERATOR IN DIRE NEED OF OUTSTANDING COURSE FEES
By Alex Munme
A BOUGAINVILLEAN with much experience in the technical field has retired to run a Tech Skills and Professional Training Course in Bougainville.
Mr. William Hollan from HAKU Constituency on Buka Island has been a Reader and a Crane Operator and has worked with Porgera, OK Tedi and Lihir Gold Mine since after the Bougainville Crisis.
He resigned to start the course to help many Bougainvilleans.
His first training began last year and with high demand it will continue this year.
As the Course Director, Mr. Hollan said however, last year’s Course Attendants must first pay up their outstanding fees.
Mr. Hollan said he cannot run the course without the full course fee payments and complete the practical training.
He said course training includes Crane Operator course, Heavy Equipment Operators, Readers, Forklift operators, Dogger Crane Operators and General Safety Covered in all courses.
Mr. Hollan said these courses need both theory and practical training to be skillfully and professionally qualified.
The technically skilled man said his trainings come in step by step depending on the kind of machinery available on the ground.
He said currently two of last year students are doing practical training but need more students to arrange practical lessons in Panguna where there is a crane available with a Chinese company.
He added that again this won’t eventuate unless all of last year’s students pay their outstanding fees.
Mr. Hollan is appealing for full Course fee payments for this year’s training.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
MARENA WANTS LONG TERM PLAN FOR ATOLLS.
By Alex Munme
AN ABG Member wants a long term sustainable economic development plan for his people in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Member for Atolls, Frank Pasini Marena made the comment through a press release to New Dawn FM this week in Buka.
Mr. Marena made the comment in response to his former Member, Taehu Pais’s comment on earlier harvest of Sea Cucumber and not until 2015.
Mr. Marena said the ban is legal and to harvest before the National Fisheries Authority’s ban period is taking the law into our own hands.
He said the ban period is a long term plan and is beneficial to the people. He said the ban is to grow Bechdemer to meet the National Fisheries Authority’s requirement.
The Member said the good news now is that ABG has secured K2m in the 2014 budget to farm Sea Cucumber, Sea weeds and others like the Giant Clamshells.
He said ABG has already introduced Seaweed farming in the area which has proven successful in the Carterets Islands who made K800, 000.00 at two exports.
Mr. Marena said Seaweed and other Marine Products farming will be expanded to Nuguria, Nissan, Mortlock, Tasman and Pororan Islands from the ABG’s K2m funding.
He said long term sustainable economic development is the answer to their continuous problems and predicts a brighter future for his people if they properly use the ABG funding made available to help them.
In regards to transportation to move their produce and the population of Atolls, Mr. Marena said the ABG has allocated K5m to purchase a suitable ship.
He said the people could not wait any longer and preparation is now underway to go and purchase the ship for his people.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
CHIEF WANTS TO SEE IMPLEMENTATION
By Aloysius Laukai
A Buin chief who represented the chiefs of South Bougainville at the reconciliation ceremony in Port Moresby yesterday, JACOB TOOKE called on the ABG President and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to stop playing politics and work together to fully implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Speaking at the ceremony representing the chiefs, MR. TOOKE said that the people in the villages want to see some tangible developments and not empty promises.
MR. TOOKE said that the people of Bougainville have not seen any changes since the inception of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in 2005.
He said that the people of Bougainville still see the Prime Minister as the head of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville until such time they decide otherwise through a guaranteed referendum.
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
PNC COMMITED TO ITS LEADERS WORK
By Aloysius Laukai
Prime Minister PETER O’NEILL says that the PNC party has special interest on Bougainville because of what its former leader did to establish peace on Bougainville.
He made these comments in a press conference after the reconciliation ceremony between the ABG President, CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Prime Minister was commenting of the former PNC leader and Prime Minister, the late BILL SKATE’s role in establishing peace on Bougainville.
He was the first Papua New Guinea Prime Minister to set foot on Bougainville and he even flew to PARUPARU in Central Bougainville.
MR. ONEILL said that as long as the PNC Party is heading the government coalition they will put more effort in working closely with the ABG to implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Prime Minister O’NEILL said that Bougainville is an integral part of Papua New Guinea and deserves to get the same treatment as the other Provinces in Papua New Guinea.
He said that because of the conflict the region has reversed and therefore needs the National Government to pump in more funds to try to catch up on the lost years.
High media interest in reconciliation ceremony
The reconciliation pig
25.01.2014
Source: Radion New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS ON COMMITMENT
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President, CHIEF DR.JOHN MOMIS says that the Bougainville Peace Agreement is the document produced by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the leaders of Bougainville to stop the bloodiest conflict in the Pacific and must be honored by both the ABG and the National Government.
He made these comments at the Reconciliation ceremony yesterday in Port Moresby.
ABG President said that the agreement binds the two Government leaders to implement in full and their failures can derail the Bougainville Peace Process.
President Momis also said that the delay by the National Government in paying outstanding Restoration and Developments grants to the ABG was also against the spirit of the agreement.
The ABG President said that the ABG was committed to work with the National Government but their actions were totally against this spirit.
Warmest regards from Bougainville: The famous Buka Bamboo Band
24.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Court fines Bougainville liquor trader
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A police raid has resulted in a businessman being fined K500 for not adhering to a liquor ban during the festive period.
John Minsipi from Duisei village in the Kopii constituency of Siwai District is a young businessman from South Bougainville who owns a liquor outlet in Buka town.
He was ordered to pay a fine of K500 by the Buka District Court this week for failing to adhere to the liquor restriction that was enforced in Buka town during the Christmas/New Year period.
Minsipi was arrested by police after he was found to have sold a half carton of SP beer to some drunkards on New Year ’s Day.
He was later charged with one count of selling liquor on restricted period under the Liquor Control Act.
A total of 79 cartons of beer were also confiscated from his liquor outlet during that raid.
Minsipi had admitted in court that he had sold liquor during the ban period to offset his rental fees, which he was having difficulties meeting.
However, Bougainville senior magistrate Bruce Tasikul had told Minsipi before handing down his decision that this was not an acceptable reason as it was totally against the restriction put in place by the Liquor Licensing Commission.
"The law is very clear, when the Liquor License Commission issues directions or restrictions not to trade during the festive season, licensees or license holders must comply with those directions,’’ Mr Tasikul said.
"Failing to comply may result in you being charged and may also warrant in you losing your license as in your case. I have considered your plea as this is your first time in court. You are a young businessman and you want to grow your business.’’
Mr Tasikul said although he accepted Minsipi’s plea for leniency, he reminded him that in order for one to own a successful business, one must comply with laws governing business operations and there was no short cut to making fast money.
He also highlighted that the public have been raising alcohol related complaints, including concerns over the number of liquor outlets operating in Buka town and Kokopau in the northern tip of Bougainville.
"In every corner of these two townships you will see a small window with beer on sale. I don’t know whether some of these shops have liquor trading licenses or not.
"I think the Autonomous Bougainville Government through the Liquor Licensing Commission should regulate the number of liquor trading license. They also need to regularly monitor those licenses as many of them have been abusing their license trading time,’’ he said.
He said it was time things were done or businesses were run according to laws in Bougainville and not as how people liked them to be done.
The businessman was fined K500, and a six months imprisonment if he defaults. The magistrate took account of the confiscation of his 79 cartons of beer by police as loss of his business.
Mr Tasikul added that section 73 of the Act gives the court the discretion on whether or not to forfeit alcohol to the commission.
"After much thought I order that 39 cartons of SP beer be forfeited to the commission and 40 be returned to you.
The 39 cartons of SP beer be brought to the clerk of court which will be disposed of after 30 days from today in the presence of the Liquor License inspectors and the prosecutor,’’ said the magistrate.
23.01.2014
Source: The National
PM, Momis renew bonds
By ELIZABETH MIAE
EMOTIONS ran high yesterday for leaders of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as they watched President John Momis and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill reconcile in a traditional ceremony in Port Moresby.
The ceremony at Parliament House marked the beginning of renewed relations between the two governments that shared a common goal for a better and unified Bougainville.
Chief of South Bougainville Jacob To’oke told Momis and O’Neill the reconciliation meant they were now at a crossroads.
He told Momis and O’Neill that as the representative of the grassroots people of Bougainville their cry was to see the full implementation of autonomy for the region.
“We don’t want politics but want to see and hear of fruitful results from you two leaders by working together,” To’oke said speaking in Tok Pisin.
Momis said negotiations had taken place and were all over and it was now time for implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“The Bougainville Peace Agreement is a joint creation of the National Government and the leadership of Bougainville,” he said.
“Through the spirit of this agreement we should deal with issues that affect us.
“We must implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement fully and create an atmosphere where people will cast their votes when the time for the referendum comes between 2015 and 2020.”
Momis said his wanted his people to be free to exercise their choice and right to choose the option that they wished to see come about in future for Bougainville.
He emphasised the importance of a close relationship, communication and dialogue with O’Neill to inform each other of important aspects of the peace agreement that must be addressed.
“It’s a good agreement and we should not be sidetracked by all kinds of views and statements that have been expressed in the media.
“We must stick to the agreement and it’s incumbent on the leaders to ensure that the people know what exactly the two heads of governments are doing to make sure that we preempt any more violent situation from arising in the future.”
O’Neill told the Bougainville leaders his government was committed to the peace agreement.
“The agreements are already set in place. We are not there or here to change the agreements. The government is committed to the implementation of the agreement because we really want to make a change on Bougainville.”
23.01.2014
Source: The National
MP: No motive behind Bougainville visit
THERE are no hidden motives behind Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s visit to Bougainville next week, Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro says.
Miringtoro said O’Neill’s visit was just like any ordinary official visit that the Prime Minister made to other provinces in the country.
He said yesterday he had to make such a statement because there were many misconceptions by people in Bougainville.
“People in Bougainville are assuming that O’Neill is going to Bougainville to hold talks about the development of the Panguna mine and that is why I had to clarify his visit,” he said.
On impact projects Bougainville is set to receive this year, Miringtoro said the projects were worth over US$200 million (K503 million) and the money would come from the National Government.
He said the money was not part of the budget but a special unconditional grant that the National Government gave to Bougainville for development projects.
“The money is put through JSB and the body decides the type of projects to award the money to,” he said.
“The Joint Supervisory Body is a body that addresses issues of Bougainville.
“The impact projects will include all the regions in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”
23.01.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacific Beat
New doco says mining not necessary on Bougainville
One of Bougainville's leading film-makers says the island would be better off without mining.
After 25 years, moves are afoot to re-open the Rio Tinto-owned Panguna copper mine and PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is due to make a much-postponed visit to the autonomous region next week.
Jemima Garrett has been getting a sneak preview of Clive Porabou's new doco 'After the War'.
LISTEN HERE !
Presenter: Jemima Garrett
Speaker: Bougainville film-maker, Clive Porabou (pictured)
SFX Traditional singing, theme song of 'After the War'
PORABOU: (narrating film) Bougainville Island is one of the provinces of Papau New Guinea. In late November 1988 Bougainvilleans took up arms to stop the mining company which had been destroying their land and environment with little in return.
GARRETT: Clive Porabou's latest film 'Bougainville after the War' is due out soon and Clive is in Australia putting the finishing touches on it.
PORABOU: (narration cont'd) Bougainvilleans want their island to become an independent island nation. The war ended in late 1997 and many windows opened for Bougainvilleans.
SFX traditional music
GARRETT: This is Clive Porabou's third film made for an international audience and his tenth in all.
Many of Clive's previous film's have been about the impact of mining but with this film he wanted to look at all positive developments on the Island since the war ended.
He says agriculture is providing a good living for thousands of Bougainvilleans.
PORABOU: Bougainville is a big plantation, like cocoa and copra.
GARRETT: Agriculture is a big employer but the film focusses more on successful small business and flourishing social entrepeurship.
PORABOU: (Film narration) Clytus and his wife Merry started domcom Genisis school .
PORABOU: Clytus is from outside Arawa, further up near mountains yes, and he started his own Tok Ples or language school, which when you see the need during the height of the war, so he started that school and now he has got many branches around central Bougainville.
GARRETT: So what does a Tok Ples school do exactly?
PORABOU: They taught the kids their mother tongue, which we tend to forget now, because we are jumping into high school, primary school and learning English or something. So he taught them basic culture and their tradition, yeah.
GARRETT: In the film Clive Parabou visits eco-tourism and fish-farming businesses, and a centre for disabled people.
Bougainvillean-run trade stores, are also performing well.
PORABOU: The small businesses like store, trade store, they had no idea of starting that thing. Before the war it was all taken by foreigners so now they have the chance of running that and yeah, they told me that if any big foreign company came in they are afraid because they are running on small capital.
PORABOU: Clive Porabou says his people have a better life now than they ever have and they don't need mining.
He was 19 years old when the Panguna copper mine closed.
His memories of the mine's impact are still fresh.
PORABOU: There were very few Bougainvilleans working in the mine. In fact, I try to get the job, but I didn't, yeah. And squatters, the Papua New Guineans they squatter on our land just outside Arawa. They killing, and rape, pack rape our sisters, mothers on their way back and forth. So that is what, you know, we see as a bad thing to us. Yeah! It was a side effect of the mine.
GARRETT: Did that sort of rape or violence happen to any of your close friends or family?
PORABOU: Yes, yes, because our village is just outside Arawa, where we call section 16 and just up from there there is a big squatter settlement so yes. Yes.
GARRETT: Bougainville is due to hold a referendum in independence between 2015 and 2020.
President John Momis believes the only way his people will have a real choice is if Bougainville can prove it is economically sustainable.
He and many others are supporting the push to re-open the mine.
Four-way talks between the The PNG government, the Bougainville government, the Rio-Tinto subsidiary Bougainville copper and landowners are underway.
Clive Porobou believes there are other options.
PORABOU: Leaders are talking about only mining. They should, you know, look for other avenues. there are talented people on the ground. the leaders should arrange something with other partners, Australia or whatever.
GARRETT: Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, will make a trip to Bougainville next week. After talks in the capital of Buka he plans to visit Central and Southern Bougainville and the Panguna mine site.
If the visit goes ahead it will be an historic occasion.
23.01.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG committed to Bougainville Peace Agreement
The Papua New Guinea prime minister, Peter O'Neill, says his government is committed to the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The Prime Minister made the statement during the reconciliation ceremony between Bougainville leaders, including Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis, at the Parliament House in Port Moresby.
Bougainville leaders gave Mr O'Neill traditional shell money which is used in Bougainville to pay for land and compensation and also represents the chief's status.
He says there is no time for politics but to implement the government programme covered in the peace agreement.
Mr O'Neill says there is no doubt that it is by far one of the best agreements that any conflict has ever produced and it is incumbent on the leaders to make sure to work towards the full implementation of the agreement to the benefit of PNG and Bougainville.
23.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
BCL may look to assist with infrastructure
Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) will look to assist with a number of infrastructure projects in Central Bougainville.
The projects have been suggested as urgent by customary landowners in areas affected by the Panguna mine.
Many of these issues have arisen as a result of structures going decades without maintenance.
The sudden shut down of the Panguna mine also meant there was no opportunity for the usual closure procedures to take place, which has resulted in many negative externalities.
In the Special Mine Lease area there is a need for culvert repair to prevent flooding, the provision of new toilets, septic tank facilities, permanent roofing material and the removal of a small dam at Upper Kurua that has the potential to cause serious flooding.
The lower tailings region would benefit from a bridge repair or replacement, water supply for the Jaba river-mouth villages, and a health facility for the relocated village at Katauri.
A clean-up is needed for chemical and oil spills at Loloho and an improved water supply with tanks for Rorovana.
There are also issues around the port mine access road that may result in an engineering study, maintenance to the wing bridge that is used by school children and a connecting road to Guava Village.
It has also been suggested there is a need for technical education for people to improve general employment and business opportunities and a need for recreation facilities in Arawa.
A decision will be made on the projects when engineers and other professionals are able to get on the ground to observe the issues.
23.01.2014
Source: ABC Radio Australia - Pacfic Beat
PNG and Bougainville leaders hold reconciliation ceremony
An official reconciliation ceremony has taken place between PNG's Prime Minister and the President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville.
Last year a highly public spat over the effectiveness of Bougainville programs funded by national money strained relations.
Presenter: PNG Correspondent Liam Cochrane
PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill
John Momis, President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville
LISTEN HERE !
COCHRANE: Amid traditional music and costumes… the leader of Papua New Guinea and of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville put on a public show of making up.
PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill wore strings of traditional Bougainvillian shell money around his neck, as he atoned for the past.
O'NEILL: Yes we have made many mistakes in the past and we will make mistakes in the future, but it must not deprive the rights of our people on Bougainville so that they too can be entitled to better services, they too can enjoy the development of the growth the rest of Papua New Guinea's enjoying.
COCHRANE: By his side stood the President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville, John Momis.
MOMIS: We should not be sidetracked by all kinds of views and statements that are being expressed in the media. So Mr Prime Minister I think it is good that we should be here today to once again confirm our commitment to the spirit of bipartisanship.
COCHRANE: The two were coming together after a dispute - played out in the media - over how effectively money from the national budget was being spent on Bougainville.
A lot of work has been done to patch things up and the reconciliation was symbolized by an exchange of vegetables and a pig.
Bougainville's recent history has been one of conflict.
Disputes over the compensation from an Australian-owned copper mine turned into a civil war in the 1990s.
The resource-rich region remains under-developed and the Australian Security Policy Institute recently warned that Bougainville risks returning to conflict.
But this recent political rift, at least, appears to be healing.
Peter O'Neill was given a bow and arrow that he will take to Bougainville next week and publically break, to show the end of hostilities.
Both men say political leadership is key to development, to peace and to the referendum on independence that Bougainville plans to hold between 2015 and 2020.
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.
O'NEILL: And it is incumbent on us as leaders to make sure that we work to the full implementation of that peace agreement so that the benefits of that goes to our people both in our country and of course on Bougainville.
COCHRANE: A similar sentiment from Bougainville President John Momis.
MOMIS: Because in the final analysis it is the politicians who should determine the direction and call upon the bureaucrats to implement the agreement.
COCHRANE: When Peter O'Neill travels to Bougainville next week he will be the first Prime Minister to go do so since the civil war ended in 1997.
23.01.2014
Source: Australia Network News
Papua New Guinea PM Peter O'Neill and Bougainville President John Momis attend reconciliation ceremony
By PNG correspondent Liam Cochrane
PHOTO: PNG PM Peter O'Neill (R) and Bougainville President John Momis (2nd R) attend reconciliation ceremony in Port Moresby (ABC News: Liam Cochrane)
An official reconciliation ceremony has taken place in Port Moresby between PNG's Prime Minister and the President of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville.
Last year a highly public spat over the effectiveness of Bougainville programs funded by national money strained relations.
Amid traditional music and costumes, the leaders of Papua New Guinea and of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville put on a public show of making up.
PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill wore strings of traditional Bougainvillean shell money around his neck, as he atoned for the past.
"Yes we have made many mistakes in the past and we will continue to make mistakes in the future," he said.
"But it must not deprive the rights of our people on Bougainville so that they too can be entitled to better services, they too can enjoy the development and growth that the rest of Papua New Guinea's enjoying."
By his side stood John Momis, the president of the Autonomous Government of Bougainville.
"We should not be sidetracked by all kinds of views and statements that are being expressed in the media," he said.
"So, Mr Prime Minister, I think that it is good that we should be here today to confirm our commitment to once again confirm our commitment to the spirit of bi-partisanship.
The two were coming together after a dispute - played out in the media - over how effectively money from the national budget was being spent on Bougainville.
A lot of work has been done to patch things up and the reconciliation was symbolized by an exchange of vegetables and a pig.
History of conflict
Bougainville's recent history has been one of conflict - disputes over the compensation from an Australian-owned copper mine turned into a civil war in the 1990s.
The resource-rich region remains under-developed and the Australian Security Policy Institute recently warned that Bougainville risks returning to conflict.
But this recent political rift, at least, appears to be healing.
The Bougainvilleans gave Peter O'Neill a bow and arrow that he will take to Bougainville next week and publically break, to show the end of hostilities.
Both men say political leadership is key to development, to peace and to the referendum on independence that Bougainville plans to hold between 2015 and 2020.
"It is incumbent on us as leaders to make sure that we work to the full implementation on that peace agreement so that the benefits of that goes to our people - both in our country and of course on Bougainville," Mr O'Neill said.
A similar sentiment came from Bougainville President John Momis.
"In the final anaylsis it is the politicians who should determine the direction, and call upon the bureaucrats to implement the agreement," he said.
When Peter O'Neill travels to Bougainville next week he will be first PNG prime minister to go do so since the civil war ended in 1997.
ESBC: Once again the stubborn "No-Buddies" of PNG Mine Watch fire against a beneficial peaceful evolution! Please read below more about their absurd arguments! Quite abviously they intend to keep Bougainville either in the stone age or to prepare the island for a unfriendly take-over !
23.01.2014
Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch
ABC Reporting on Bougainville – biased and inaccurate like always
Today the ABC published a story – see above – on yesterday’s peace ceremony held between the PM, Peter O’Neill and Autonomous Bougainville Government President, John Momis. It features a number of omissions and inaccuracies that have become something of a habit for the ABC when reporting on Bougainville.
Fail 1: The Bougainville conflict was a ‘civil war’. Last time we looked civil wars were domestic conflicts between multiple internal actors. ABC seem to have forgotten that Australia and Rio Tinto played a large role in this war. Or perhaps they feel the senior level admissions and mountains of documents are not ‘credible’.
Fail 2: The war was over compensation. Oh please, this is not a schoolboy error, try preschool error. The war started when landowners closed a mine because it was polluting their land and waterways – the Panguna Landowner Association’s message was very clear, money can never compensate for the damage the mine did to land, environment and culture. But, of course, the compensation lie needs to be pumped right now, because it means Rio Tinto can reopen the mine, but this time giving a little bit extra to the locals to keep them chipper.
Fail 3: The ABC has been swooning over a recent Australia Security Policy Institute report which warns Bougainville risks falling back into conflict unless more Australian aid is apportioned to the island and the mine reopened. It was given prime time position last year. And here it is mentioned again, and like in 2013 the ABC fail to mention ASPI is funded by Australia’s Department of Defence – slight conflict of interest perhaps. Never.
Fail 4: Bougainville is ‘under-developed’. Walk around the island, you see lush foliage, rich soils, pregnant waterways, people with a diverse diet, a colourful culture, nothing under-developed about that; except for perhaps the Kawerong Valley and the Jaba river which are choked and polluted.
23.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Momis: Government owes us K188m
By ISAAC NICHOLAS
AUTONOMOUS Bougainville Government President John Momis says the national Government owes his government K188 million in restoration development grants.
"They now admitted that they owe us some money and they are finding some way to pay us," Mr Momis said yesterday.
He said this in a joint media conference with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill after a reconciliation ceremony between national and Bougainville leaders at Parliament House yesterday.
23.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Government loyal to Bougainville peace agreement
By ISAAC NICHOLAS
The Government is committed to the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
The Prime Minister said this yesterday during the reconciliation ceremony betw-een Bougainville leaders, inclu-ding Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis at the Parliament House.
The Bougainville leaders presented Mr O’Neill traditional shell money, that is currently in use in Bougainville to pay for land, bridge price, compensation and also represents the chief’s status.
The red shell money which was presented to Prime Minister O’Neill was to initiate him to become a hereditary chief of Bougainville.
Prime Minister O’Neill confirmed that he would be visiting Bougainville over the weekend as the current People’s National Congress Party leader, a key partner in reaching a peace agreement under former leader late Sir William Skate.
Mr O’Neill said there was no time for politics but to implement the government program covered in the peace agreement. "Our government is very much committed to the implementation of the peace agreement that we have with the people of Bougainville.
There is no doubt in our mind that it is by far one of the best agreements that any conflict has ever produced and it is incumbent on us as leaders to make sure to work towards the full implementation of the agreement to the benefit of our country and Bougainville,’’ said M O’Neill.
He said Dr Momis was one of the founding fathers of the nation and it was good that he remained to ensure the ship was on course in making a difference in the delivery of services and the development of both PNG and Bougainville.
"Yes, we have made many mistakes in the past and we will continue to make mistakes into the future, but it must not deprive the rights of our people on Bougainville so they too can be entitled to better services and enjoy the growth the rest of PNG is enjoying."
President Momis stressed the importance for both parties to work together in a new paradigm of power sharing.
"The Bougainville Peace Agreement is a joint creation of the National Government and leadership of Bougainville and it is through the spirit of this agreement that we should deal with issues that affect us,’’ said Mr Momis.
"Negotiations have taken place and it is all over, now it is time for implementation. We must implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement fully and create a situation or atmosphere in which people will cast their votes when the time for referendum comes between 2015 and 2020 next year."
"We want people to be free to exercise their choice, their right to choose the future of Bougainville. It is very important that the Prime Minister and head of government of PNG and President as head of Bougainville and Provincial Executive Council and people of Bougainville to have a very close relationship, communication and dialogue to inform one another of the important aspects of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.’’
He said nothing was impossible if both parties work together in solidarity and even if it meant compromising for the benefit of both parties.
23.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville autonomy very important
Mr Momis thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in his commitment to work together with the Bougainville people to embark on a new system of government which at times seems difficult with a run down public service, shortage of funds and expertise.
He said it was very important for PNG and Bougainville to work together as the Bougainville Peace Agreement was a joint creation and binds both governments.
"It’s a new paradigm of power sharing. So Bougainville autonomy is very important for us," Mr Momis said.
"Whilst we are very grateful to you and the government for the big funds for roads and bridges and so on, we would like to once again remind the national Government that we believe the restoration development grant which we have been under-funded on must be addressed quickly because that enables us to work with a certain measure of autonomy and to do things that will be of our own issue."
He said the restoration development grant is the only fund that is free for Bougainville for the government at its total discretion to use at its own priorities.
Mr O’Neill confirmed his visit to Bougainville to visit the people and developments taking place on the ground.
He said all other issues has been taken carriage off under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Chief Secretary and Chief Administrator would fast track many of the issues.
The government promised K500 million for Bougainville over the next five years and Mr O’Neill said K200 million has been parked under a trust account.
He said tender process requirements need to be cleared properly before contracts are issued and the project technical team from ABG needs to assess and make their recommendations for a clear transparent process to take place before contracts are approved.
"We will try and fast track those work programs so that our people on Bougainville can receive the services they deserve," Mr O’Neill said.
22.01.2014
Source: The National
PM’s visit still on
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill’s visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville next week will go ahead despite strong opposition from the Mekeemui council of chiefs in Central Bougainville.
Acting chief administrator of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Chris Siriosi yesterday confirmed the visit planned for January 27 to 30.
An official from the Prime Minister’s Office said O’Neill had met with ABG President John Momis and the visit was on track.
But the Mekeemui leaders have described the organisers of the visit as “insensitive, frustrated and selfish individuals” who failed to appreciate the division and the complex situation the people had been in since the Bougainville crisis.
The Mekeemui control areas known as a no-go zone, including the Panguna copper mine site.
In a statement yesterday, they said despite peace initiatives and millions of kina poured into a voluntary weapon disposal programme supervised by the United Nations, commanders who were part of the programme still carried weapons.
The leaders said they had high regard for O’Neill as a vibrant prime minister and had initiated their own plans to meet him and begin dialogue that would pave the way for reconciliation and a united Bougainville.
Council of chiefs chairman Chris Uma said O’Neill’s visit to the region was a big issue and all sectors of Bougainville should have been consulted.
“This is because a lot of our people have still not gotten over the pain and suffering from PNG Defence Force and the government of PNG’s decision to impose economic blockade on the island that almost wiped out the population of Bougainville because of the lack of medicine,” he said.
“The prime minister should not trust his ministers (Communications and IT Minister Jim Miringtoro and Autonomous Region Minister Steven Kama Pirika) who conveniently relocated themselves to Rabaul during the crisis and never lived through the crisis to feel the pain our people had to endure.”
Uma, the commander of the Mekeemui Defence Force, said the ministers’ decision to bring O’Neill to the region with consulting them reflected their lack of respect for people who lost their lives during the crisis and their surviving relatives.
He called on Miringtoro and Pirikato apologise to the people of the region for causing the blunder.
“Let me put it on record that the Mekeemui Council or chiefs will invite O’Neill to Bougainville at a time when we are ready to receive him and his government,” he said.
22.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
PNG Government committed to deliver impact projects
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the Papua New Guinea government is committed to delivering major impact projects earmarked for Bougainville.
Speaking during a one-on-one meeting with the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Chief John Momis, in his Parliament office today, Mr O’Neill gave his reassurance that all impact projects identified for Bougainville will be delivered as planned.
Meeting after a long time, both leaders expressed gratitude for this opportunity to exchange views on issues such as the progress in the implementation of the Special Intervention Fund (SIF), update on the impact projects, and Mr O’Neill’s upcoming visit to Bougainville from the 27-29th January.
“I assure you that we will assist Bougainville with its major impact projects that you have identified,” he said.
These projects include the: Buka Island Ring Road, Arawa Hospital, Arawa sealing, Aropa Airport, Buka Town Roads sealing and the Kokopau to Buin Road (Trans Island Highway).
President Momis, on the other hand, said the people of Bougainville were looking forward to the Prime Minister’s visit to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville next week.
Chief Momis however expressed concern over the underpayment of the Restoration Development Grants as specified under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Both leaders agreed to direct their respective administrations to compare figures and notes on these underpayments.
The administrations will then report back to the leaders on their findings.
In true Melanesian style, a formal peace ceremony will be held between the PNG government and the people of Bougainville at the National Parliament’s State Function Room tomorrow afternoon.
22.01.2014
Source: EMTV
PM IN BUKA: MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, reconciled with Autonomous Region of Bougainville President, John Momis, today in preparation for his two day visit to the region on Monday.
Mr. O’Neill said this visit is part of the O’Neill Dion government’s tour of the country, aiming to engage with the people in the 22 provinces.
He said his government has passed the historic and massive budget this year, and it is fitting that the Autonomous Region of Bougainville benefit from it as well.
The Prime Minister led a high powered delegation of ministers including Chief Secretary, Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, to the reconciliation ceremony at the parliament poolside this afternoon in preparation for his two day visit to the region of Bougainville. They were joined by ABG President, John Momis and members of the ABG government.
Prior to the speeches, a reconciliation process took place. The two leaders were crowned with traditional shell money called Mamis, which symbolizes wealth and kingship and then broke the arrow.
The Prime Minister will be visiting Buka town and then travel across to Arawa. His visit to the Panguna mine site is yet to be confirmed. The site is still a no go zone since the crisis.
President Momis assured a safe and fruitful visit for the Prime Minister and his delegation.
The two leaders also met yesterday and talked about issues affecting the region and areas that needed assistance.
The visit is basically to assess the progress of major infrastructure and social projects launched by the national government. Mr. O’Neill said this visit is part of the O’Neill Dion government’s tour of the country, aiming to engage with the people in the 22 provinces.
He said his government has passed the historic and massive budget this year, and it is fitting that the Autonomous Region of Bougainville benefit from it as well.
Watch the EMTV report here!
22.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Haus Stori up for NZ design award
The indigenous timber, sac sac, was used to create the screens.
The Arawa library, Bougainville Haus Stori & Cultural Centre, has been nominated as a finalist at the NZ Wood Timber Design Awards.
NZ Wood is a major promotional and development programme to promote New Zealand forests and wood resources and the annual awards celebrate achievements in timber design.
Bougainville House Stori was designed by Paul Kerr-Hislop at the request of the Bougainville Library Trust.
The Bougainville Library Trust was established by Lloyd Jones, author of best-selling novel Mister Pip, in order to fund and support a library on Bougainville.
The Library is a finalist in the Indigenous Timber Showcase and Outdoor Infrastructure categories.
The award for outdoor infrastructure goes to the most outstanding contribution to the outdoor environment, resulting in a distinctive impact in a public environment.
“I was asked by the Trust to design the new library building which would house and display 15,000 books while providing a variety of spaces where the books could be read in comfort, community events could be held and cultural performances could occur,” said Mr Kerr-Hislop
The Indigenous Timber Showcase judges the design that utilises indigenous timber to best highlight its unique characteristics.
“All the timber for the construction apart from the plywood was sourced from local supplies,” Mr Kerr-Hislop continued.
“Sac sac screens on the exterior walls are woven from bamboo into various repetitive patterns and reflect local places and stories.”
Maintaining a suitable environment for the library as an archive and a place for local to read proved to be a challenge.
“The electricity supply in Arawa is very unreliable so an air conditioned building was out of the question,” Mr Kerr-Hislop said.
“Instead the principles of shade, ventilation and orientation had to be applied vigorously to achieve the desired environment.”
The main objective of the Bougainville Library Trust is to ‘cultural confidence and to instil among the younger population a sense of pride in where they come from as well as providing a window to a larger world’ and their efforts have been rewarded with this nomination.
22.01.2014
Source: The National
PM reaffirms government’s commitment
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the Government is committed to delivering major impact projects for Bougainville as budgeted for.
Speaking during a one-on-one meeting with the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Chief John Momis in his Parliament office yesterday,
O’Neill gave his assurance that all impact projects identified for Bougainville would be delivered as planned.
The two leaders who had not met for a long time welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on issues, including the progress in the implementation of the Special Intervention Fund, update on the impact projects, and O’Neill’s visit to Bougainville this month.
“I assure you that we will assist Bougainville with its major impact projects that you have identified,” he said.
The projects include the Buka Island Ring Road, Arawa Hospital, Arawa road sealing, Aropa Airport, Buka town roads sealing and the Kokopau to Buin Road (Trans Island Highway).
Momis said the people of Bougainville were looking forward to the PM’s visit.
Momis however expressed concern over the under-payment of the Restoration Development Grants as specified under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
Both leaders agreed to direct their respective administrations to compare figures and notes on these underpayments.
In true Melanesian style, a formal peace ceremony will be held between the PNG government and the people of Bougainville at the National Parliament’s State Function Room today.
Members of Parliament from both sides are expected to attend this ceremony.
22.01.2014
Source: The National
Buin to host special cultural fest
THE Buin district administration has organised a Tuiruma or Garamut Festival to coincide with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s visit to South Bougainville.
Community development officer John Nomoreke said the festival would be a one-day activity.
The performers will comprise four groups from Siwai, five groups from Buin, a group each from Wakunai, Tinputz and Buka.
“The festival will allow the performers to exhibit their culture in the presence of O’Neill and everyone present,” Nomoreke said.
O’Neill is expected to travel to Buin by helicopter on Jan 27 for a three-day visit.
O’Neill will launch development projects in Buin. The projects include the road sealing from Aropa Airport to Buin and from Kangu wharf to Buin town, upgrading of Buin hospital, development of a showground and mini stadium and a Bougainville Teachers College.
O’Neill is also expected to visit Buin Secondary School.
The grounds committee is cleaning the town area and informing business houses to clean their premises.
22.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TOWALOM ON MINING POWER
By Aloysius Laukai
The Director for the National Cordination office for Bougainville Affairs, ELISON TOWALOM has explained that the issue of draw down of mining power to Bougainville was made by the Chief Administrator then, the late PETER TSIAMALILI.
And the National government approved it fully understanding that the problem on Bougainville started from the Panguna mine.
MR.TOWALOM made these remarks during an interview with NEW DAWN FM today in Port Moresby.
He said that during negotiations the word mining was never uttered by anyone as this was like a taboo or very sensitive.
MR. TOWALOM said that based on this request the ABG was supported to beef up the ABG mining division with funding from the World Bank.
He said that the ABG now has to enact its own mining act to progress the mining,petroleum and Gas projects as they go together.
NEW DAWN FM understands that the Bougainville Mining act is now in its 3rd draft awaiting its presentation to the Bougainville parliament.
22.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Leaders Reconcile
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby
The ABG President, CHIEF DR.JOHN MOMIS and Prime Minister, PETER O'NEILL reconciled in Port Moresby at the Parliament House witnessed by Ministers of the Papua New Guinea Government and ABG Ministers and their Staff and also was witnessed various media crews.
The Emotional reconciliation followed months of attacking each other on the media concerning differences between the two governments concerning funds allocated to Bougainville and also funds guaranteed under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and not been given to the ABG By the National government now totalling 200 Million kina.
Today's reconciliatiaon puts all these differences of the pas aside and the two leaders promised to work together to futher strenghten the process agreed during the negotiations for the Bougainville Peace Agreement signed in Arawa on August 30th, 2001.
This also paves the way for the Prime Minister to make his official visit to Bougainville next Monday.
Both leaders said that the ceremony was small but was significant and will certain unite all leaders to work together for the benefit of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
Meanwhile the final program for the Prime Minikster's visit to Bougainville was also finalized this afternoon and this also confirms now that trip will also eventuate as previously planned.
Exchange of gifts
22.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RECONCILIATION SET FOR 2PM TODAY
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby.
The Reconciliation ceremony between the ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS and Prime Minister PETER O'NEILL will be held at the National Parliament house at 2 pm today.
This was announced by the ABG President during a dinner meeting (above) with Bougainville leaders last night.
President Momis said that he had met with the Prime Minister during the day and he was happy at the outcome of their one to one meeting which will now set the reconciliation to occur today so that his team can return to Bougainville to prepare for the visit by the Prime Minister.
The reconciliation will now take place between the Prime Minister and the ABG President whilst reconciliation with the other Bougainville leaders will now take place on Bougainville.
The ABG President also called on the four National Government members to work with the ABG after all they serve the same people.
President Momis was able to meet the National Member for North Bougainville, LAUTA ATOI, the Regional Member, JOE LERA and the Minister for Bougainville Affairs and member for South Bougainville, STEVEN KAMMA PIRIKA.
They pledged to work with the ABG at this meeting last night.
The Communications Minister and member for Central Bougainville did not attend this meeting which was also attended by former member for Central Bougainville, SAM AKOITAI representing Bougainvilleans in Port Moresby and Chiefs who came to witness today's reconciliation and including Bougainville administration officials.
Commenting on the meeting, SAM AKOITAI also commended the ABG President for humbling himself to talk with the Bougainville members and reconcile for the sake of Bougainville.
He said Bougainvilleans are watching with interest on how their leaders are working and expect them to work in unison and not in division as their actions can affect the final result of the referendum.
New Dawn FM will broadcast last night's meeting in Buka at 8 am this morning.
22.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Laity workshop underway in Bougainville
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
A WORKSHOP for the laity in the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville is underway at the Mabiri Vocation Centre in Central Bougainville. The three-day workshop which started yesterday and ends tomorrow is being facilitated by the secretary of the Commission of Youth and Laity in the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of PNG and Solomon Islands, Fr Shanthi Chacko Puthussery.
During the workshop, participants will undergo studies in various topics including vocation, faith and spirituality, verbum domino (The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church), Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Ten Commandments and the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, authentic Christian leadership and its qualities, and theology of body.
This workshop is in line with the mission by the Commission for Laity in the CBC of PNG and SI to rejuvenate the work of laity in these two countries. Deputy Bishop of Commission for Laity in the CBC of PNG and SI, Bishop Bernard Unabali, while defining the meaning of laity and its importance in his first pastoral letter for last year, said: “Laity are the adults who by virtue of their baptism become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. They are called to holiness (Lumen Gentium 40) with the other members of the Church.
“In this they become priests (general priesthood to offer life and mission in the world to Christ, lay ministries), prophet (witness and teach and kind kingly lay leadership in the Church), live their vocation (marriage) or committed to single life. “According to their personal and also recognised gifts and talents, under the one Spirit, live out their life and mission in the world. In this way they contribute to the building up of the Kingdom of God in the world by transforming the society and its salvation.
“From their core role of being the world above, the laity also help the hierarchy to run the Church due to their knowledge, competence and outstanding ability. “For this reason every opportunity should be given to them so that, according to their abilities, they may serve the Church,” said Bishop Bernard. Bishop Bernard continued to stress throughout his 43 page pastoral letter on the importance of laity and how they can contribute to the Catholic Church. Apart from this workshop in Bougainville, Fr Shanthi will also be conducting similar workshops throughout the year for the laity in all the 19 dioceses in PNG.
22.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Local urges ABG to buy vessel Atolls
By LAWRENCIA PIRPIR
STEVEN Lanto, originally from the Bougainville Atolls but who now lives in Madang, has appealed to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to buy a sea worthy vessel for the people of the Atolls to use. Mr Lanto said he has sleepless nights fearing for many of his relatives take great risks to ride rough seas at this time of the year on a 16 hour ride from the Cartrets to Buka on banana boats.
“I’ve been listening to my people long enough. Every night people travel between the Cartrets and Buka on banana boats at this time of the year, because teachers have to get back out to resume school duties and students are traveling to return to school,” he said. “It is scary and I am very concerned. Just a few months ago 9 people capsized.”
He said authorities need to look for ways to stop these banana boats and ensure sea transport safety for the people of the atolls. “It is nothing we can help because people make their own decisions to take such high risks but we need to get this message out and I appeal to the president and the ABG if whatever funds are available to consider the people of the atolls,” Mr Lanto said.
From information his relatives gave him, Mr Lanto said November 16 was the last time a boat came out off the atolls that was MV Marunga 2 East New Britain’s Tol Shipping Services ship. “My main point is to get on to the media and highlight the lack of services out to the Tasman, Motlock, Cartrets, Nissan and Fead Islands,” he said.
“We’ve been receiving updates of PNG weather reports that we are receiving low pressure in the southern hemisphere on the South Pacific side and people are forcing themselves to get on dinghies to travel to Buka. “If the ABG or the member for the atolls or the president is concerned about this situation, get us a boat for now and forget about purchasing a new ship to replace MV Sankamap 2.
Mr Lanto said MV Sankamap 1 was grounded at the Rabaul Simpson harbour and the Sankamap 2 that lasted 2 years is under a mangrove at Sohano. He hoped an amicable solution to the plight of accessing services for the Bougainville Atolls people would be addressed.
Mr Lanto said since the death of late President Joseph Kabui many problems that the people of the atolls face have been expressed time and time again, but they fall on deaf ears while every day presents a risk of people losing their lives. From the experience of his nephew, Mr Lanto said many students who were supposed to go home to the Atolls were stranded in Buka for the whole holiday since there was no ship to take them home to see their parents.
22.01.2014
Source: Martyn Namorong - NAMORONG REPORT
ESBC: Some never get tired by repeating the same dishonest old stories! Martyn Namorong is another one of these incorrigible liars!
PNG PM’s proposed visit to Panguna culturally insensitive
The proposed visit by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to the Mekamui (sacred land) of Panguna should be condemned by all parties. No PNG Prime Minister should ever be allowed to Panguna until there is justice for the lives of 20 000 Bougainvillean lives lost during state-sponsored violence on the island.
O’Neill’s (pictured) visit would make a mockery of the innocent blood that was spilt and belittles the legacy of those who fought to defend the dignity of their people, land, customary rights, and their proud history.
No one has been brought to justice for genocide, war crimes and various other injustices committed against the people of Bougainville. The consistence absence of justice for so much pain and brutality manifests itself in the violence and substance abuse that has become prevalent in the region.
It is quite morally repugnant therefore that the PNG Press has trumpeted the PM’s visit without highlighting the gross injustice that exist.
Of course there are those who may claim that it is time to move on and that the PM’s visit is a time to look into the future. Indeed the PM is taking a K500 million bag of goodies for Bougainvilleans, a year before the clock starts counting down towards a Referendum for Independence. But how easy would it be to look into the future and ignore the festering ulcers that provide discomfort to society.
The roots of the Bougainville crisis are widely debated however it is generally accepted that the lack of cultural sensitivity and a sense of economic injustice brewed discontent amongst Bougainvilleans. Those who failed to address the injustices felt by the people of Bougainville and continued to exploit them, created the conditions necessary for rebellion on the island.
In traditional Melanesia, deaths have to be compensated in order to create social harmony. The failure to compensate deaths creates social tension and triggers violence. The Bougainville crisis stemmed from a demand of K10 billion compensation for economic injustice and social injustice generated by environmental degradation caused by the operation of the Panguna Copper mine. The civil war has added 20 000 lives to that compensation bill.
The island of Bougainville is soaked in the blood of thousands of innocent lives that cry out of justice. It would therefore be a rather humiliating sight, seeing Bougainvilleans dancing and welcoming the leader of a nation that is responsible for the deaths of their relatives. Whilst this visit may be a triumphant entry into Francis Ona’s territory by a Prime Minister of PNG, it is a rather unsavoury act given the continued absence of justice for the victims of the Bougainville Crisis.
21.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PM O’Neill to reconcile with President Momis
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby
Preparations are underway for the reconciliation of the Prime Minister Honourable Peter O’Neill and the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Chief Dr. John Momis, tentatively planned for Thursday at the C-wing, Parliament House.
The reconciliation ceremony will be done according to the Bougainville customary practice of conducting reconciliations.
A delegation from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville comprised of three Autonomous Bougainville Government Ministers, Traditional chiefs from the North, Central and South Bougainville and Bougainville Administration officials, travelled into Port Moresby yesterday, in preparation for the ceremony.
Proposed draft of the program highlights the Prime Minister and President Momis having a private meeting after the reconciliation ceremony to discuss various issues in relation to Bougainville.
After their meeting, a media conference will take place between the two leaders and the media, to announce resolutions of their meeting.
21.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Preparations for the PMs Visit to Bougainville on hold.
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby
The Bougainville Administration Acting chief administrator Mr. Chris Siriosi has directed the ABG Events Committee to stop all preparation for the Prime Minister’s Visit to Bougainville planned for the 27th to 30th January until further notice.
In his directive issued at midday today, Mr. Siriosi said there is serious differences between the Bougainville National leaders and the leaders of the Autonomous Bougainville Government that requires urgent attention.
Mr. Siriosi said there is need for the Bougainville Administration to address reconciliation amongst the leadership before the Prime Minister can travel to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Acting Chief Administrator is scheduled to go live on New Dawn FM and NBC Bougainville this evening to give further updates on this issue.
Meanwhile our visit to Port Moresby could be longer than the originally planned due to the reconciliation ceremony program been moved to Thursday which is our date for return to Bougainville.
We will further advice on the latest developments this evening.
21.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
O’Neill and Momis to reconcile in POM
A reconciliation ceremony will be held in Port Moresby today between the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG), Peter O’Neill, and the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Dr John Momis.
The ceremony will also be attended by the Bougainvillean members of the national parliament Jimmy Miringtoro and Steven Kamma Pirika.
This forms part of a joint-government effort to strengthen ties between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, which will culminate in an upcoming visit by the Prime Minister to the Autonomous Region.
The reconciliation coincides with the first meeting of the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC), which will take place tomorrow Wednesday 22 January in Port Moresby.
As always, the JPNCC meeting will consist of representatives from mine affected landowner areas, the ABG, the Government of PNG and Bougainville Copper Limited, though it is not yet clear whether O’Neill or Momis will be in attendance.
The JPNCC seeks to strengthen relationships between the four key stakeholder groups and deliberate landowner driven discussions on the future of mining on Bougainville.
21.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
AKOITAI PLANS BIG FOR WAKUNAI
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby city
The former member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Mining, SAM AKOITAI (pictured) plans to develop the Wakunai district starting with his village Togarau.
In an interview with New Dawn FM yesterday, MR AKOITAI said that what he started whilst representing the people of Central Bougainville will become a reality starting this year.
He said that a company he registered already will work on improving the livelihood of his people in the village and later flow to Wakunai then Bougainville as a whole.
MR. AKOITAI has plans to complete the Hydro project started by the PNG Sustainable Fund which has already connected all the permanent houses in Togarau and also work on six other downstream processing projects in the area.
The downstream process will focus on Resourses that they already have in abundance like,Water Bottling,Potatoe chips, Animal husbandry and other projects that have been identified already.
He said that some stake of their operation will be given to the ABG as they would like to share the benefit of their resources with the people of Bougainville.
MR AKOITAI and his team will be making presentation to the ABG next month.
He said that he has no interest in taking politics again, but instead work on some impact projects that can move the economic recovery of Bougainville.
NEW DAWN FM recently visited the Hydro site and confirmed the work of preparing the site for. the Turbine and also other infrastructure have been completed and including the wiring of houses in six villages around the area.
21.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
O’Neill, Momis to settle differences
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
Autonomous Bougainville Government President John Momis yesterday led a delegation to participate in a reconciliation ceremony with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in Port Moresby tomorrow.
According to acting Bougainville Chief Administrator Chris Siriosi, the event was organised for both leaders to forgive and forget the differences they had against one another over the past months.
He said this should be done before the Mr O’Neill’s official visit to Bougainville next Monday. "This is in relation to differences that were highlighted in the media some months ago, and it is important that on the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit to Bougainville these matters are resolved so that it enhances the goodwill in the visit by the Prime Minister to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville," Mr Siriosi said before departing for Port Moresby yesterday.
The Bougainville delegation is made up of both government and village leaders and include Finance Minister Albert Punghau representing South Bougainville leaders, Public Service Minister Joel Banam representing North Bougainville, Veteran Affairs Minister David Sisito representing Central Bougainville and Mr Siriosi and three other chief executive officers of the Bougainville Administration.
The three paramount chiefs that accompanied the team are Jacob Toke representing South Bougainville, Glynn Tovirika for Central Bougainville and Dennis Sareke for North Bougainville.
Three other chiefs from North Bougainville, Joe Watawi, Ezekiel Massatt and Robert Tapi were also invited by North Bougainville MP Lauta Atoi and accompanied the delegation to witness the event.
Mr Siriosi said during the ceremony both leaders will also exchange traditional gifts as a sign of re-establishing the friendship and relationship between both governments.
He said a traditional bow and arrow will also be destroyed by the two as a sign of peace.
20.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RECONCILIATION TOMORROW
By Aloysius Laukai in Port Moresby
The reconciliation between Prime Minister Peter O’NEIL and ABG President, CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS and two National Government Ministers representing Bougainville, JIMMY MIRINGTORO and STEVEN KAMMA PIRIKA will be held tomorrow afternoon.
The team from Bougainville arrived in Port Moresby today whilst the remaining team will arrive in Port Moresby just in time for the ceremony.
The program will also be finalized first thing in the morning.
20.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE HAS MISSED THE GAME
By Aloysius Laukai
The former member for Central Bougainville and National Minister for Mining, SAM AKOITAI says that Bougainville has missed its chance to benefit from the price of Copper and Gold in the last ten years.
He told New Dawn FM that the price of Gold and Copper continues to drop and it was difficult for any company to invest on Bougainville in mining at the current price.
MR. AKOITAI was commenting on questions asked by New Dawn FM on how the former Mining Minister sees the turn of events on Bougainville.
He said that Bougainville must now focus on other commodity that can bring economic development to the region.
On Mining he said that it was now up to individual companies to consider the pros and cons of investing in the mining industry on Bougainville.
Pictured is the former Central Bougainville National Member, SAM AKOITAI
20.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville leaders fly in for reconcilliation
A MAJOR reconciliation is being planned between the Autonomous Bougainville Government leaders and the national Government this week in Port Moresby.
ABG President John Momis and his ministers, including administrative leaders, will be in Port Moresby today for two very important ceremonies.
According to the organisers and the leaders responsible for the program, Mr Momis and his team will travel to Port Moresby to witness the reconciliation ceremony between two Bougainvillean MPs and Ministers – Bougainville Affairs Minister Steven Kamma and Communications Minister Jimmy Mirngtoro.
The other major event will be a reconciliation ceremony between Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and the ABG leaders, which will take place in Port Moresby, facilitated by the Office of the National Coordination of Bougainville Affairs and the ABG leadership.
The organisers told the Post-Courier that these gestures have to be carried out and will be witnessed before Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his entourage of ministers and leaders take their trip to Bougainville next week.
The ceremony kicks off on Wednesday at the NACOBA office.
The Prime Minister is expected to travel to Buka on January 27 and will visit Arawa, Panguna and South Bougainville during the two day visit.
20.01.2013
Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG PM to visit Bougainville's Panguna at end of month
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is set to visit Bougainville in two weeks' time.
The Post Courier newspaper reports a team is in Bougainville to prepare for the landmark visit.
Peter O'Neill will visit Buka, Arawa and Panguna starting on January the 27th.
Mr O'Neill will be the first Prime Minister to visit Central and South Bougainville since the peace agreement was signed on August the 2nd, 2002.
He will also be the second Prime Minister to visit since Bill Skate arrived in Arawa in 1998 to broker the ceasefire between the PNG Government and the rebels.
The Central Bougainville MP and Communications Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, says Bougainville is set to receive impact projects worth $185.7 million US dollars this year.
He said there are no hidden motives for Mr O'Neill's visit and that he is not going to "dig for gold", regarding the development of the Panguna mine.
20.01.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Panguna mine group meets to discuss environmental remediation
by KEITH JACKSON
Panguna mineTHE JOINT PANGUNA NEGOTIATION COORDINATION COMMITTEE (JPNCC), which is developing parameters for negotiating the resumption of mining in Bougainville, will hold its next meeting in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
The JPNCC is a broad-based group comprisin representatives of landowners in mine-affected areas, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL).
At this stage the JPNCC is working closely with BCL to progress initial environmental studies related to the mine, which closed in 1989 because of civil strife in Bougainville.
The abrupt closure of the Panguna mine in 1989 and the long period of conflict that followed meant there was no opportunity to implement plans for its formal closure.
Closure planning is an integral part of a resource operation to rehabilitate affected land for post-mining use.
BCL says it is committed to undertaking environmental remediation and rehabilitation programs regardless of the future operation of the Panguna mine.
Studies of environmental conditions are required before remediation can take place at Panguna and other mine-affected areas.
These will gather new information and examine historic data to determine levels of degradation or recovery.
19.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE TEAM SET TO MEET PM
By Aloysius Laukai
A Bougainville delegation led by the ABG President, CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS will travel to Port Moresby tomorrow for a traditional reconciliation ceremony between the ABG President, CHIEF DR.JOHN MOMIS and Prime Minister PETER O’Neill and the two Bougainville National Minister’s, STEVEN PIRIKA the member for South Bougainville and Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Autonomy and the Member for Central Bougainville and Minister for Communication, JIMMY MIRINGTORO.
This is to make sure the trip of the Prime Minister to Bougainville next week is made without any hiccups.
The Acting Bougainville chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI made this known on New Dawn FM in a special broadcast tonight.
He said that the reconciliation will be witnessed by chiefs representing Central, North and South Bougainville.
MR. SIRIOSI said that the delegation which also includes senior ABG Ministers representing the three regions of Bougainville will include the exchange of traditional gifts of the people of Bougainville and IALIBU/PANGIA in Southern Highlands where the Prime Minister hails from.
The ceremony will be held the Bougainville way which would involve the exchange of Shell monies.
Prime Minister PETER O’NEILL’s visit to Bougainville has also been confirmed to 27th January, 2014.
A separate Program will be announced later.
New Dawn FM will cover the activities in Port Moresby and Bougainville and viewers and Bougainville listeners will be updated on these activities.
17.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
PM set for historic visit to Bougainville
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill (pictured) and a government entourage are all set to visit Central Bougainville, specifically Panguna, in two weeks time.
An advance team is already in Bougainville to prepare for the landmark visit by the Prime Minister.
As part of Peter O’Neill’s country-wide tour, he will visit Buka on January 27, Arawa and Panguna on January 28 and overnight in Buin until January 29 when he returns to Port Moresby.
He will be the first Prime Minister to visit Central and South Bougainville since the peace agreement was signed on August 02, 2002. He will be only the second Prime Minister to visit Central Bougainville since the Crisis. The first was Bill Skate who arrived in Arawa in 1998 to broker the ceasefire between the PNG government and the rebels.
Sir William’s visit ultimately ended the island’s prolonged bloody war of secession. In 1997, Sir William, of the National Congress Party, was elected prime minister and promised that peace in Bougainville would be his highest priority.
This led to the signing of a ceasefire agreement, the Rotokas Record, and a movement towards peace and autonomy for Bougainville.
As negotiations continued, the national Government was hard hit with a K10 billion environment damage claim and talks of reconciliation between the two escalated but was marred with outstanding issues, including the murder of then North Solomon (now Bougainville) Provincial Government Premier Theodore Miriung and many other issues.
Now after more than 20 years, the next PNC-led Government under the leadership of Peter O’Neill will visit the island.
Yesterday, Central Bougainville MP and Communication Minister Miringtoro said the Prime Minister was all set to visit Central Bougainville to meet with families from Boku, Nagovis and Tailings in Panguna.
He said reports of Mr O’Neill being stopped from entering Panguna have been cleared and he is now free to travel to Central and South Bougainville.
Mr Miringtoro, who has been in Bougainville for a month preparing for the visit, said Bougainville is set to receive impact projects worth K500 million this year, which will be drawn down to the districts in accordance with the strict finance and treasury laws.
"The Prime Minster is not coming here to dig gold or with any related motive concerning the Panguna mine," Mr Miringtoro said.
"There are no hidden motives behind the Prime Minister’s visit to Arawa and Panguna. The Prime Minister is doing his routine visit throughout the country and Bougainville is no exception. He has completed his visits in all provinces throughout the country and this time he is coming to Bougainville."
17.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PRESIDENT TO RECONCILE WITH BOUGAINVILLE NATIONAL MINISTERS
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President DR. JOHN MOMIS is to reconcile with the two Bougainville National Ministers, STEVEN PIRIKA, Bougainville Affairs Minister and member for South Bougainville and JIMMY MIRINGTORO the Minister for Communications and representing the people of Central Bougainville in the Papua New Guinea National Parliament.
This was revealed by the Bougainville Acting Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI last night in his weekly radio program on New Dawn FM.
He said these leaders had been attacking each other on the media concerning certain issues on Bougainville and need to reconcile so that they can work together to develop Bougainville.
MR. SIRIOSI also said that as we move into the five year window of referendum our leaders must be united and operating on the same frequency instead of attacking each other which could divide the people of Bougainville at this very crucial time.
The Acting Chief Administrator also said that the ABG President also has to meet with Prime Minister PETER O’NEIL and iron out several issues ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Bougainville at the end of this month.
The Bougainville team will travel to Port Moresby on Monday and will return on Wednesday ahead of the Prime Minister’s trip to Bougainville.
17.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RECRUITMENT ON
By Aloysius Laukai
The Bougainville Administration has commenced its recruitment drive to recruit manpower that will work under the Bougainville Public Service.
Acting Bougainville Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI (pictured) last night announced that recruitment has begun and called on all Bougainvilleans who have the qualifications to apply as selections will be based on merits.
He said some CEO’s and Executive Managers for some districts have been recruited but will be notified of their application status.
MR. SIRIOSI said that CEO for Primary Industry, Veterans Affairs, CEO for Human Resources, Finance, Law and Justice have been recruited with the Executive Managers for Districts, such as TOROKINA,BUIN, BANA, SIWAI and SELAU SUIR.
He said new advertisements will be announced next week and will take three weeks for them to finalize and announce the winning candidates.
MR. SIRIOSI said that whilst this program was in progress he wants all CEO’s and officers to perform their duties as expected.
He said that so far the performance was not to standard and he wants more improvements from the officers.
17.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
APPLICATIONS COMING
By Aloysius Laukai
The NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK has created excitement to the people of Bougainville who have been looking for ways to get funding to improve their small businesses on the island.
And since their establishment here in Buka they have already accessed ten applications and will be sending them to Port Moresby for approval.
Other ten applications are in process with some documentations to be attached before they are also sent to Port Moresby for approval.
This was also revealed by the Senior Loans Officer, ANGELLA SEIDAM in Buka today.
She also mentioned that applications for Housing Loans and Vehicle loans will have to be insured to protect both the Bank and the Lender in case these things are damaged before the loans are fully repaid.
MRS SEIDAM also said that the launching of the NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK office in Buka will be in February, 2014.
Meanwhile, New Dawn FM has noticed influx of possible clients into the NDB office in Buka.
Open for public from 9 am to 3 pm: new NDB Office in Buka - Sign Board still to come!
17.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Panguna remediation not dependent on mine
Closure planning is an integral part of a resource operation to Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in order to rehabilitate affected land for post-mining use.
The abrupt and continued closure of the Panguna mine in 1989 and during the period of conflict on Bougainville that followed, meant there was no opportunity to implement plans for its formal closure.
BCL is committed to undertaking appropriate remediation and rehabilitation studies and implementing necessary environmental programs regardless of the future operation of the Panguna mine.
Areas to be examined are the potential rehabilitation of the historical tailings deposits that remain in the Jaba River Basin and other legacies relating to the premature closure of the mine.
Studies of environmental conditions are required before remediation can take place at Panguna and other mine affected areas. These will gather new information and examine historic data to determine levels of degradation or recovery.
The scope for studies lays with the Joint Panguna Negotiation Coordination Committee (JPNCC) and will require “on the ground” access for the experts that are engaged.
The JPNCC is comprised of representatives of landowners in mine affected areas, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea and BCL.
BCL is working closely with members of the JPNCC to progress towards environmental and historical studies.
The next meeting of the JPNCC is on 22 January 2013.
16.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NDB STARTS ON BOUGAINVILLE
By Aloysius Laukai
National Development Bank has opened its doors to customers on Bougainville.
And they are now based at the new Commerce building near the Planning office in Buka.
Logistics Officer, DAVID RUTANA and OIC at the Bank, ANGELA SEIDAM told New Dawn FM’s Talk show this afternoon that they have already started work in Buka and would be supporting economic activities in the region.
They promoted two products, that are starter loan package and Grower loan package which range between FIVE THOUSAND KINA and ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA.
They said that people who want loans must be registered with IPA and must meet 30percent as their equity for their loans.
Loan must be repaid within two to 15 years with 6.5 percent interest charged on all loans.
The NDB team also announced one other requirement to be eligible for loan and that is age must be between 18 and 55 years.
They are already looking at setting up offices in Arawa and Buin.
New Dawn FM understands that the ABG has pledged THREE MILLION KINA into the NDB so that the people can be able to get loans to grow their businesses.
16.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
MP gives K800,000 for school fees assistance
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
BOUGAINVILLE Regional MP Joe Lera is adamant that if Bougainvilleans are given adequate funding to continue their education, they will be able to utilise their knowledge and skills to develop the province. And in-line with this, Mr Lera has allocated K800,000 towards subsidising school fees for students throughout Bougainville. This funding will be shared equally between students from North, Central and South Bougainville and the Atolls District, with each of these four getting K200,000.
The allocation of a separate funding to the Atolls comes as a great relief for the atoll islanders, as they have been having hard times raising funds for their children’s school fees over the past years. Those that are eligible to apply for assistance include students attending technical colleges like nursing and teachers and others colleges plus other tertiary institutions. However, Mr Lera said there are requirements that students need to meet in order to be considered for selection.
Some of these include a letter of request for assistance which should also state how much the parents will contribute, copies of the acceptance letters and academic transcripts plus a support letter from person in authority. In terms of academic transcripts, those who have done exceptionally well in their studies can expect to get more funding compared to the average students because there is a danger that those who score lower gradings sometimes fail in their studies.
The other criteria is that those selected should be Bougainvilleans and willing to come back and help develop Bougainville as well as contributing tax to ABG. Mr Lera said his office is screening the list of students that will benefit out from this school fee assistance program. Meanwhile, member for Suir constituency in the Bougainville House of Representatives has praised Mr Lera for the initiative.
16.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Reuben supplies Arawa with Pineapples
By Ishmael Palipal
Reuben Padau from Biroi has made himself the epitome of Bougainvillean cottage industry and entrepreneurialism..
Reuben Padau works as an employee of Jerohi Wholesale and in his free time he works as a subsistence farmer.
Before he was employed to work in Arawa town, he planted a plantation of pineapple which is now in Biroi of the Nagovis region that now supplies Arawa town.
“I came up with this idea in 2009; then I started to plant a small garden of pineapples,” Reuben said while showing us his pineapple plantation.
“But when I see the demand was rising, I started to enlarge the garden by planting more heads.
Currently Reuben produces around 300 pineapples in a harvest and is able to harvest every two or three days.
Reuben’s pineapple is recommended by many as the sweetest and the lowest price in Arawa town.
“Man, pineapple blo em, em nogat sawa stret, na olgeta taim mi save putim oda lo em bai bringim lo haus (His pineapple has no sour thus everytime I put my order so that he can bring them to my house if new stock arrives),” said Mr. Lui, one of Reuben’s frequent customers.
His juicy pineapples are becoming popular in Arawa town and Rueben who is from Biroi, a small village Nagovis, South Bougainville is planning for a bigger pineapple plantation to meet the future demand of his produce.
The growing demand has necessitated planting new pineapple heads to increase to 500 a harvest.
Reuben believes there are plenty of opportunities for people to build their own business.
“Everything is all around us which we can produce money but the problem is how? We have to seek how we can produce money out of it,” Reuben said.
15.01.2014
Source: The National
Bougainville helps NDB set up local branch
By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) government has chipped in K3 million to assist the National Development Bank (NDB) to open a branch in Bougainville, lending division executive manager Trevor Cain said.
He said AROB government had recognised that security for loans was an issue following the Bougainville crisis.
He said AROB had offered K3 million as seed capital for initial security deposit.
“This equity will be provided to NDB to secure loans for customers who do not have other forms of insurable security.”
Cain said NDB was finalising a branch plan in Bougainville.
He said the bank (NDB) was also organising an official opening once everything was ready and the AROB government president was available.
NDB was using an office in the building owned by trade and industry.
NDB said the renovation of the said office continued, with the branch office almost complete.
Meanwhile, Cain said NDB had decided to open a branch in Bougainville after a growing public demand for banking services.
“We received many requests to begin operations in Bougainville and in May 2013, the management spent a week in Buka checking out locations including Arawa,” he said.
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS DESCRIBES LATE KETSIMUR AS MULTI SKILLED
By Alex Munme
THE Late Carolus Ketsimur was a multi skilled Human being.
This was the best description the ABG President, John Momis would give to the late Minister for Works in the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Momis was speaking at the Funeral Service for the late Ketsimur today at Hahela, in Buka.
The President said the late Ketsimur has done and achieved great for Bougainville.
Knowing the late Minister for Works back in their school days and the only two Bougainvilleans winning scholarships to study in Australia that time, Mr. Momis said he knew him well.
The President among many things said the late Ketsimur was a Minister in both the Bougainville Interim Provincial and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Mr. Momis said the late Ketsimur was an experienced and knowledgeable person. A man of confidence, he wouldn’t careless. A man of principles and would always be faithful to his principles.
The President on behalf of the Government and his family extended his sincere condolence to the relatives and the people of Taonita/ Tinputz Constituency.
The body of the late Carolus Ketsimur left Buka this afternoon accompanied by the ABG Delegation to his Pamets Village in Tinputz to be handed over to relatives and clan chief for burial.
Casket taken out from the ABG House to a waiting Ambulance
Picture by Alex Munme
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SOME HOMES WET TONIGHT
By Aloysius Laukai
Heavy rains since last night has caused floods in and around some buildings in Buka town this afternoon.
Due to no drainage on the main streets of Buka town many homes got extra water from the roads.
And according to the Weather report rain will continue until tomorrow.
The Bougainville Aids Office and the Care International and New Dawn FM received more water from nearby houses also.
New Dawn FM has switched off its transmitter tonight due to excessive water around its Equipment Earthing system.
We will come n air in the morning.
We sincerely apologize to our listeners for the inconvenience caused by our actions.
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SPICEMAN READY TO BUY LOCAL SPICE
By Aloysius Laukai
A local Spice farmer based in Aropa, Central Bougainville has secured market for Bougainville Spice and will start exporting soon.
JOHN OKIA a graduate from the MASSEY UNIVERSITY in New Zealand grows and produces spice products for sale to local market and has been doing this since 2008.
He told New Dawn FM today that he will be buying from local farmers soon and called on farmers of Ginger and Chillies to make sure they start planting these plants because he will be buying from them soon and the price is good.
MR. OKIA said that he has a model farm and with the help of the Regional member, JOE LERA he would be training Bougainville farmers on ways of processing these spice for immediate market.
He said spice does not require heavy work and would be suitable for the families to get into.
Spiceman JOHN OKIA displaying his products
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SELAU TO MOVE INTO THE SEADWEED
By Aloysius Laukai
The people of Selau living on the beach between Tsiroge and Chabai will benefit from a SEA WEED Project that will be introduced to the area soon.
The SEA WEED Project which was introduced to the CARTERETS ISLANDS last year by the ABG’s Economic division has so far made to overseas exports raising the economic opportunity for the people there.
The ABG Member for SELAU, TERRY MOSE made this known on NEW DAWN FM this morning.
He said that he wants his people living on the beach to go in to something that can raise the living standards in the area.
AND the beach between TONGONO and RATSOA would be an ideal place for such a project.
MR. MOSE said that he was supposed to run awareness program on the project today but had to postphone the meetings because Government officers are still in Carterets this week.
He also called on the youths on these beaches to participate in these economic projects instead of sitting idle in the villages.
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DUST GONE AND NOW COMES SAFETY
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG member for Selau, TERRY MOSE today called on the people of SELAU living along the Arawa to Buka highway to avoid sitting on the side of the roads as Sealing of these roads moves into reaches Ten kilometers of the TWENTY KILOMETER sealing contract.
He says that although the sealing project as completely removed dusts from polluting their homes on the side of the road, another danger has become evident that is the safety of pedestrians and the villagers who own houses near the main highway.
He called on the people of Selau to make sure their kids are no unnecessarily on the road and speeding vehicles can run over them.
MR. MOSE also appealed to his people to make sure they allow plants that are in the way of PNG POWER lines to allow these trees to be felled to allow development to take place.
He said that Rural Electrification for the Selau district will start after the project at Malasang and that the people must be ready to remove houses that must be removed when the project starts in the area.
New Dawn FM understands that the Power lines in Selau will meet with the RAMAZON HYDRO Project in Tinputz.
15.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG HOUSE PAYS LAST RESPECT FOR LATE KETSIMUR
By Alex Munme
AUTONOMOUS Bougainville House of Representatives has met to pay their last respect for the late Carolus Ketsimur at Parliament House this morning in Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Casket of the late Member for Taonita/Tinputz and Minister for Works was escorted by Police followed by a convoy of Government vehicles carrying especially public servants and close relatives to the House of Representatives for the last meet.
At Parliament House, the Casket was carried by representatives from the Bougainville Police Service and with a slow motion March entered the house and into the Chambers for the event.
Present for the last respect and farewell was the ABG President, John Momis, his Vice, Patrick Nisira, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Andrew Miriki and other Senior Cabinet Ministers including Finance Minister, Albert Punghau, Mining Minister, Michael Oni, LLG Minister, Joseph Nopei, Commerce and Trade Minister, Wilfred Komba, Other ABG Members, Acting Clerk of Parliament, Edwin Kenehata, Government Officials and Immediate family members.
Speaking on behalf of the Bougainville House of Representatives, ABG Speaker Andrew Miriki said the house has met to give its last respect for the untimely death which has surprised them all.
The Speaker said the late Ministers death has created a vacuum.
He said since the establishment of the ABG, five Honorable Members have died.
They include late Dr. Benedict Pisi, Late Joseph Egilio, Late Paul Mitu, Late President, Joseph Kabui and today late Carolus Ketsimur.
Mr. Miriki said although they were saddened for the loss, they were also encouraged because he has left a legacy adding that his death has united everyone together.
He said the late Ketsimur will be remembered as the founding father of Bougainville.
Picture of ABG President, DR MOMIS viewing the body of the late Minister Carolus Ketsimur at the ABG Haus yesterday. Picture by Alex Munme
15.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Contractors caution government on contracts
Several contractors in Bougainville have raised concerns on the awarding of road contracts by the O’Neill-Dion Government to foreign-owned companies.
And they have written to the Government stating that the recent awarding of road contracts on mainland Bougainville and Buka Island to foreigners was a slap in the face for established indigenous Buka and Bougainville contractors and would pose some security issues.
The Government has awarded contracts on mainland and Buka Island roads already and it is believed Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will announce them when he visits Bougainville later this month.
The long-time local contractors are particularly concerned that companies who have just registered four months before the bidding period were awarded.
"While we appreciate that it is the prerogative of the state and the NEC to determine and approve contracts, the state must at the same time be sensitive to the socio politico and security situation in the local environment," the concerned contractors said.
"Indigenous local participation is a prerequisite for awarding of contracts on Bougainville. On Bougainville it is widely accepted practice that contracts are awarded along regional and district lines. This basically means priority is accorded to indigenous contractors where the project is undertaken. If the project is in Buka then local indigenous Buka contractors are given the first bite of the cherry. Likewise , if the project is in south Bougainville indigenous contractors from south are given priority. This ensures equitable distribution of opportunities and avoids squabbling."
However, Communications Minister and Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro has called on all contractors bidding for tenders on projects in Bougainville to adhere to proper procurement laws and processes.
He urged all the contractors who bid for contracts for projects in the region be it civil works or road sealing, to adhere to the procurement laws and processes and follow all laws and rules so that the job is done properly and of highest standard.
"Also, the contractor bidding for a project must have knowledge and skills, qualified personnel, expertise and experience and not just the bush engineers," Mr Miringtoro said. "Secondly, any contractor must have all the necessary equipment or the machinery to work and not just someone who specialises in selling beer and then suddenly bidding for the road construction works with no skills and experience."
15.01.2014
Source: Islands Business
Getting into the resource-rich Bougainville
‘Amazingly, no one cares about asking the people of Bougainville about their perception if they need foreign intervention from the likes of Australia and the United States. Quite clearly, Australian fear mongering and painting a picture of a security threat on its doorstep is intended to give it a reason to get into the resource-rich island before anybody else’
The pursuit of riches has existed from the dawn of civilisation. Ancient tribes risked their lives by leaving their homes and hearths in search of riches in distant lands. It is the pursuit of wealth and its concomitant greed that led to expeditions across the world, with the more powerful of explorers subjugating vulnerable locals to increase their wealth through all sorts of means—pillaging, sacking cities, overrunning countries and killing hundreds and thousands of people. This they did with a heady mix of superior weaponry, dubious barter deals, worldly guile—and religion. The new world order post-World War II brought new ideas of equality, human rights and egalitarianism, which effectively put an end to institutionalised colonialism. But colonialism survived the onslaught of the new world order. Only the means changed. Overt became covert, hush money replaced weaponry, dubious aid replaced dubious trade and corruption took the place of good old guile. Colonialism became a thing of the past, surviving only with a prefix like “post” as in “post-colonial” but its spirit has not only survived but continues to thrive in this so called modern age. Commentators and perceptive people term this new avatar of the old colonialism as “neo-colonialism”. It is still very much the pursuit of wealth but is pursued through new channels that are acceptable to the new world order. Such as aid, trade, investment and ideas like social and economic development, inclusiveness, capacity building and, of course, sustainability. Though the ideals look wholesomely altruistic, and many of them may be genuinely so, scratch the surface and you are more than likely to find the hidden hand of big money behind these initiatives. Just as big multinational corporate money continues to influence government policies around trade negotiations, it forces the hands of governments around geopolitical decisions as well. And when it does that, its only guiding principle is the pursuit of wealth—it does not matter what it costs in terms of lives, limbs, property of the people concerned and their environments. The scenario is very much from what hapless people suffered in the days of colonialism. Only the means have changed. The hand of Big Oil in the decades-long conflicts in the Middle East, and more recently, in the African continent, as well as the ongoing large scale destruction of rainforests and the habitats of countless species of wildlife, flora and not least remote human tribes in Middle and South America, South East Asia and even some Pacific Islands are only a few examples of the devastating impact of big money all over the world. Corporate big money fuelled neo-colonialism has been a part of the Pacific, as it has been in other parts of the developing world for several decades now. The race for resources and the emergence of new populous countries as growing economic powers has seen it rearing its head in the Pacific Islands region again. This is particularly true of the better resourced part of the region—Melanesia, to be specific. Australia has always remained a big player in Melanesia because of both geographical proximity and historical reasons and Australian big business has gained much from the country’s long involvement in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and more recently, in Timor Leste. Of these, its involvement in Papua New Guinea and its autonomous region of Bougainville has been of most significance. Its involvement in the Panguna Mine in Bougainville intensified the island’s bitter conflict about two decades ago, where a rebel group was aiming to break away from PNG to form an independent nation. The unrest and conflict caused innumerable deaths and unprecedented destruction. The Australians finally suspended mining operations leaving a huge scar on the pristine island and the people to their own fate. The island has slowly recovered and restored peace in the years since it was declared an autonomous zone but Port Moresby has not done enough to rehabilitate it and help build its economy, leveraging its many unique natural attributes. More recently, Bougainville is gaining more recognition as an offbeat destination for adventure and nostalgia tourism, given its pristine landscapes and diversity of terrain, not to mention its many onshore and offshore World War II heritage sites. The recent celluloid depiction (Mr. Pip) of an eponymous popular novel authored by a New Zealander has provided a surge of interest in the tourist industry. Bougainville’s resurgence has apparently rekindled Australia’s old desire to step up its involvement in the substantial island. Last month, it issued warnings that it feared Bougainville may be slipping back into chaos. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has said Bougainville “could” slip back into civil war unless “we” [read Australia and the United States] act now. In the newfound love between the region’s ANZAC nations and the US, there is a tendency to invite the US to be part of every activity in the region, cocking a snook as it were to China. ASPI’s paper reeks of the trappings of classic neo-colonialism. In its December report, it says there is a need to flood Bougainville with human resources to bulwark the political apparatus and economic infrastructure in preparation for independence. There are suggestions to invite the US to chip in with aid for Bougainville. The calculation is obviously to send a message to China, that the western powers are in first. That’s not all: other experts are making a case for the reopening of the Panguna Mine by its owners, mining giant Rio Tinto. Amazingly, no one cares about asking the people of Bougainville about their perception if they need foreign intervention from the likes of Australia and the United States. Quite clearly, Australian fear-mongering and painting a picture of a security threat on its doorstep is intended to give it a reason to get into the resource-rich island before anybody else, using the excuse of bringing in aid, investment, creating jobs and, of course, ushering in “sustainable development” while guiding its activists towards achieving their ultimate goal of independence from PNG. It is up to the pro-independence activists of Bougainville to see Australia’s offers to get involved for what it is worth without falling for the usual trappings of investment and promises of inclusiveness, capacity building, employment and development at the cost of their real natural wealth and economic independence in exchange for any promised help in gaining political independence.
14.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
New laws drive autonomy forward
President of Bougainville, Dr John Momis, has praised several new pieces of legislation that will drive the region towards greater autonomy.
The new laws look to continue the transference of powers from the national government to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and cover a broad scope, including foreign investment, education and the public service.
“In terms of implementing autonomy,” Dr Momis said, “this government has passed a number of important legislations both in response to concerns by our people as well as in response to the changing context of our autonomous arrangement.”
The new inward investment laws look to promote responsible investment on Bougainville congruent with the culture desires of its citizens.
“In order to protect our people from domination by unscrupulous foreign businesses, we recently passed the inward investment law,” Dr Momis continued.
“Another important piece of legislation that was recently passed by the government is the Bougainville education law; this will enable the abg to manage its own education system, quite separate from Papua New Guinea.”
The ABG is set to reform the public service in order to create more efficiency and accountability in government.
“The Bougainville Public Service Management Act and the Bougainville Public Finance Management act are two very important pieces of legislation that are expected to come into force,” Dr Momis said.
“Such legislations are part of the process of implementing autonomy through the enactment of Bougainville laws to government functions previously conducted under national government laws.”
“These two legislations are also part of the public sector reforms being undertaken in the administration to make the new Bougainville public service more effective, as well as to strengthen good governance.
“Throughout our political history, Bougainvilleans have always wanted to manage their own affairs.
“We have a golden opportunity to create something completely new and better for our people – a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society for our people; something that can be the envy of our friends and others because many people believe that we can do it.”
14.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Momis pays tribute to Ketsimur
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis has expressed his deepest condolences to the family and the constituents of Taonita Tinputz in North Bougainville on the passing of Carolus Ketsimur.
“His passing signifies a great loss to the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville as well as the ABG in which he was serving as the Minister for Works,” Mr Momis said in a tribute to the late leader. “The late Carolus contributed immensely to the PNG media industry, having served with prestige with the National Broadcasting Corporation as one of its most senior officers during the colonial and through the post-conflict period as well.
“He initially started working with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as one of its first PNG nationals to be trained by the ABC. “He was then appointed by the newly created PNG NBC board as the director of programs and served with distinction as the country’s most senior journalist in PNG’s largest media organisation until his retirement,” Mr Momis said.
“His love for his vocation as a journalist also sparked his passion for music as the late Ketsimur was also a musician and recorded solo albums like the Koitaki Cowboy. “Among his merits and service to PNG, the most distinct will have been receiving the mandate to serve the people of Bougainville as a member of the ABG House of Representatives. “He fulfilled his term in office with a gracious attitude and always with a good sense of humor.”
Some of his notable contributions to Bougainville include his service as chairman of the North Bougainville Council of Elders and the initiator of the successful Cocoa festival and to the media again as he served as the founding chairman of the local radio station, New Dawn FM. He was also chairman of the PNG Cocoa Board at one time.
“On behalf of my family, the ABG and the people of Bougainville, I would like to thank the Ketsimur family and the people of Taunita Tinputz for the services the late Carolus rendered to the people of Bougainville and this nation as a whole,” Mr Momis said.
“I pray that the Almighty and Merciful God may grant him eternal rest and console his family during their time of bereavement. Carolus led a remarkable life and greatly contributed to peace and the Autonomous Government in Bougainville. He will be remembered as one of Bougainville’s truest sons. May he rest in peace.” The requiem mass for the late leader will be held today at the Hahela Cathedral in Buka.
14.01.2014
Source: PNG Attitude
Carolus Ketsimur, politician, journalist & jazzman, dies in Bougainville
by KEITH JACKSON
Carolus KetsimurCAROLUS (CHARLIE) KETSIMUR – who died at Pamets village near Tinputz in Bougainville on Sunday evening at 69 - was a man of the finest calibre.
Carolus, who became Minister for Works in the Autonomous Bougainville Government after a long and distinguished career as a journalist, had been ill for some time and recently returned from a period in hospital in Port Moresby.
And so an illustrious, sometimes turbulent and high-achieving life is over. I’ll remember Carolus as a great journalist, an enthusiastic jazz musician and a good bloke.
Carolus was among the first Papua New Guinean journalists to train with the ABC in the late 1960s and became Director of Programs in the new National Broadcasting Commission in 1974.
He was also a talented musician – composing and recording the hit album Koitaki Cowboy – and a gifted jazzman, recording with Independence era musicians like Phil Charley and Doug Fyfe.
Early in his career, he married an Australian – a contract uncommon in those colonial days – and had two lovely children.
Like so many of those sixties marriages, mine included, the original did not last. Nor did the journalism. He left journalism to pursue a business career, becoming chairman of the PNG Cocoa Board.
In the late 1980s, with Bougainville falling deeper into civil strife and despair, Carolus returned home to be with his people, building a home outside the small town of Tinputz on the north-east coast.
Here he married again, this time to a young Bougainville woman who died tragically. Carolus started a small business, a music store, and a long personal struggle began with an island divided, an economy in tatters and his own health in bad shape.
With his life under threat from political opponents, he left his home and retreated to the bush. On a visit to Sydney a few years ago, he told me how - fearing his house would be torched while he was absent - he had wrapped his precious hi-fi equipment and record collection in plastic sheeting and buried in a hole in the ground.
When he returned home two years later, everything was intact but, ironically, the items he had hidden had been destroyed by water and mould.
Bougainville rose from its despondency – and so did Carolus. He was one of the architects of the Bougainville Peace Agreement; he restored his business enterprises; became chairman of the Tinputz Council of Elders and a respected company director; and was appointed Minister for Commerce and Communications in the Interim Bougainville Provincial Government.
He won, lost and then regained the seat of Taonita-Tinputz in the Autonomous Bougainville Government and was serving as Minister for Works at the time he died.
Carolus was the driving force behind the establishment of New Dawn FM in north Bougainville, a project I was delighted to be able to work with him to bring to fruition. He also founded the Tinputz Cocoa Festival.
Carolus’s body has been taken to Buka and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.
I miss this charming, charismatic and humorous man.
14.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville women receive training in governance, peace mediation
Australia is working with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to increase the opportunities for equal participation of women in governance and peace mediation activities in the Panguna District.
Often bearing the double burden of domestic chores as well as additional expectations arising from being a matrilineal society, women from this region are shouldering a disproportionate responsibility and workload. Consequently the Australian Government, through the Panguna Peace Building Strategy, is working with the ABG to try and restore some balance, reducing women’s vulnerability and encourage their participation in governance through capacity building and training.
This intervention is aimed at producing better equipped women leaders and peace mediators. In November 2013, thirty women were trained in basic leadership and management in a five day workshop and 180 people, half of whom were women, were trained to become peace mediators from the four councils of elders areas of the Panguna District. These training sessions were facilitated by representatives from the ABG and the Panguna Peace Office.
These initiatives are considered vital to the region’s prosperity which is dependent on achieving peace and security. There remains a need to reunite and heal divided communities. This is the role of the Panguna Peace Building Strategy, a forward-looking reconciliation and mediation initiative for Panguna and its surrounds.
It was set up by the ABG in 2011 to help communities turn over a new page, rise above the factionalism, division and suspicion and work towards developing mutual trust. The Panguna Peace Building Strategy has the backing of the O’Neill-Dion Government and Australian Government, through Strongim Pipol Strongim Nesen, providing K1.28 million to complement the ABG’s funding commitment of K1 million.
At the closing of the women leaders training Panguna District Executive Manager Otto Noruka said Bougainville needs good decisive leaders who understand the community’s needs and puts them at the heart of decision making. Me’ekamui leader Moses Pipiro described the training as vital for Panguna, given its history of violence and suffering, but noted that women and children are often hit hardest by disturbances and upheaval.
“This is why we need to encourage the women to be in a position to seek and manage any future funding to start and sustain projects for the benefit of their associations, communities and families.” “Women have played a vital role in the Panguna peace process and we in Me’ekamui, respect our women so much that we came out to negotiate peace with the ABG and the PNG Government,” said Mr Pipiro.
SPSN Deputy Program Director Dr Naihuwo Ahai hopes that the training will motivate the participants to rise up and becoming better leaders in the male dominated regimes that exist in Panguna and Bougainville. “Women in Bougainville have a big gap to bridge to reach the senior positions men currently hold, whether in politics or associations and communities that they belong to.” Dr Ahai challenged the women leaders to put into practice what they have learnt at the training, starting an inexorable march towards a brighter and fairer future for the women of Bougainville.
14.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Miringtoro buys vehicles for former fighters
By ROMULUS MASIU
Central Regional Commissioner James Koibo hands over the keys of the two new vehicles to Central Bougainville Regional Veterans chairman Isoa as Mr Miringtoro looks on.
Central Bougainville MP and Minister for Comm-unication and Information Technology Jimmy Miringtoro has dished out two brand new vehicles to former combatants of his electorate. On top of the two vehicles, Mr Miringtoro has already chipped in with K1 million for the Central Bougainville Regional Veterans Association. The money is from the Mr Miringtoro’s District Services Improvement program funding. One vehicle is for the veterans of Wakunai and the other will serve the Kieta and Panguna districts.
Mr Miringtoro has also committed a police vehicle for the Panguna District that will be issued when funding is available. Mr Miringtoro urged the veterans to respect the administration and him as the drawing down of funds and decision to purchase the vehicles was not that easy. “It’s not that easy to commit that money to buy these two vehicles. The approval has to come from the Joint District Budget Priority Committee. It was the same for the K1 million funding to the veterans.”
Mr Miringtoro said he had commitment to peace and would support whatever plans the veterans had to develop Central Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole. He urged the veterans to look after the vehicles and want them to perform to the best in whatever activities or awareness they were involved in. Central Regional Commissioner James Koibo, while thanking the Minister has he challenged the veterans to look after the vehicles as people were watching and they must be accountable.
He wants the veterans to come up with a program for the vehicle use. Ishmael Toroama, on behalf of the veterans, thanked Minister Miringtoro and urged all the veterans to sort out internal issues and walk as a team. Mr Toroama said the vehicles would be helpful leading up to the referendum period where a lot of awareness would be disseminated to the people of Central Bougainville.
13.01.2014
Source: The National
Canadian experts to observe PNG mining activities
CANADIAN mining consultants will visit the country today to observe how inspectors regulate health and safety policies in the mining sector, Mineral Resources Authority said.
MRA’s inspectorate branch of the Regulatory Operations Division will host the two consulting mining regulators from Alberta Province in Canada.
As indicated by the branch, they will be in Papua New Guinea to learn how the inspectorate branch regulates health and safety in such a technically complex and operationally challenging mining industry.
Mines chief inspector Mohan Singh said the regulators had requested to visit the inspectorate because they were fascinated by the magnanimity and complexity of the mining industry and also by the regulatory ability of the Mines Inspectorate.
He said PNG’s mines were globally comparable in terms of their size, complexity of operations and advancement of technology that made inspectorate’s job far more challenging and demanding.
The regulators would be taken to Lihir Gold project to provide them the opportunity to see Lihir’s mining operations and share experiences in the area of regulation of health and safety and related matters.
Singh said this collaboration would set the stage for future exchanges between the two jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, this year’s national mining emergency response challenge (NMERC) will be hosted by Newcrest Lihir in Kavieng, New Ireland.
The national mining safety Week (NMSW), like previous years, will be celebrated in March.
The NMERC and NMSW are annual events organised under the auspices of the inspectorate branch.
During the NMSW, all operating mines carry out safety promotional activities at their work sites.
These activities involved workforces, surrounding communities and school children to emphasise the need for being safe and healthy while at work.
During the NMERC, ER teams from various mines will participate and respond to artificially created emergency scenarios such as fire fighting, accidents-incidences, breathing apparatus, chemical spills, first-aid among other areas.
The teams are judged for their performance by independent adjudicators.
The challenge culminates with an award presentation ceremony for the winning teams and individuals.
The National Apex Mining Safety Council, the National Mining Safety Forum and the National Mining Emergency Response Forum are meeting in Kavieng at the end of this month to discuss plans for hosting these big national events.
13.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Land cruiser tips in bridgeless river
By Ishmael Palipal and Nelson Mirinu
Christmas travels nearly turned to tragedy when a ten-seater land cruiser travelling from Arawa to Siwai was turned over in the Pangara River at Nagovis, South Bougainville attempting to cross during a flood.
The lack of public infrastructure in the region, such as a bridge crossing, leads people to take risks such as driving across a flooded river.
Other cars had formed a long queue waiting for the flood to go down along the Koro Road to cross it.
“The car was the first one trying to cross the flood,” said another traveler waiting in their car.
Some passengers were able to get free easily, but the flood nearly took the life of a father (the driver), his wife and son.
The family was able to grab on to the trunk of a fallen tree and the father was able to rescue his wife and son.
“Lucky na onepla liklik baby lo car narapla mangi ya savim (luckily there was only one baby who was saved by one of the passengers),” said a villager, who was watching while standing on the river bank.
It is believed the land cruiser was top-heavy due to corrugated iron attached to the roof rack, and it tipped quickly.
There was a bit of good fortune when the vehicle was caught on a rock and was not swept any further down the river.
The villagers, driver and some of the people help tied a chain from the car to a tree standing on the river bank to avoid the flood from carrying the car further down the river in case the flood gets stronger.
Nobody was badly hurt in the accident according to the witnesses and all the other passengers were able to swim out of the car when it turned over.
It is likely incidents like this one will happen again while there are no bridge for flood prone river crossings.
13.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
National Development Bank opens up in Bougainville
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
MINISTER Komba handing over the office key to Angela Saigam signifying that the office is now ready to perform its duties, witnessed by other Buka-based NDB staff. Picture: WINTERFORD TOREAS
THE National Development Bank has already established and opened an office in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Though an official opening program is yet to be conducted, this could not prevent the bank’s staff from performing their operations out of their office which is located at the Division of Commerce building next to the DPI office building in Buka town. The establishment of NDB’s office in Bougainville has been supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
While commenting on National Development Bank’s establishment in Bougainville, ABG Minister for Commerce Wilfred Komba said he was very happy about this latest achievement. “As the Minister for Commerce in the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), I am very happy that National Development Bank (NDB) has now established its office here in Bougainville,” Mr Komba said. He said the official opening ceremony will take place at a later date following consultations between the ABG and the bank’s management in Port Moresby.
“The Government of Momis is serious about providing service to the people because the bank will come and help people by giving them loans so they can improve their businesses as well as whatever activities they want to excel in, which in the end will contribute to the economic recovery for Bougainville,” said Mr Komba. He said the ABG’s seriousness in the establishment of the bank in Bougainville is visible through the allocation of K3 million as equity for people to access loans, before adding that his division is currently preparing a policy on how people can access this equity funding.
He said the ABG will allocate a further K3 million as equity for the bank in the near future. The NDB is a state owned enterprise with its agendas, policies and strategies aligned with the national agenda of the Papua New Guinea Vision 2050 and strategies of the Papua New Guinea development strategies plan 2010-2030. In 2007, Parliament passed the National Development Bank (NDB) Act 2007, which mandates the government to utilise the bank as its prepared vehicle for empowering the indigenous business class to be at the forefront of rural development.
The bank is also greatly supporting the Women in Business concept. Meanwhile, National Development Bank (NDB) staff in Buka and the Commerce Division are planning a region-wide awareness to be conducted throughout Bougainville. The awareness is aimed at updating people on the types of services offered by the ban. Those interested in getting more information on the types of services offered by the bank can visit their office in Buka town, or contact the National Development Bank (NDB) establishment coordinator in Bougainville, David Rutana on 71361994.
13.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Group fights poverty
By ROMULUS MASIU
A non-government organization in Bougainville is taking the lead in the fight to alleviate poverty through illiteracy programs. Avaipa Development Concept Foundation (ADCF) Incorporated, which is based in Paruparu in the Eivo-Torau Constituency, has introduced six programs to alleviate poverty in the rural communities especially in their constituency. The six programs include indigenous governance development program, alternative and complimentary education development program, small and medium business entrepreneur development, family health care development, capital designs and plans development and community development research studies.
ADCF chairman Augustine Biniari told this newspaper that the group was formed in 2009 at Mainoki. The groups’ advocacy is run and managed in Arawa without any government support whatsoever. Mr Biniari said in Paruparu, there are school based networks and the local NGO has an office in Buka in the education division which is alternative education coordinating office. The school-based networks includes adult literacy, VTPS, Heritage College Bougainville, network partners mainly the private schools. “ABG is talking about literacy and we are trying to address that problem. There are plenty illiteracy problems encountered in the region after the crisis.
Even after the crisis, the population is not productive at homes as they are illiterate,” Mr Biniari said. He said even though we add school leavers into vocational schools, this does not weed out the problem at homes as the kids are still illiterate. He said one of the main aims is to strengthen and set up the village governance system at villages so that development will be owned at the village level. Mr Biniari said illiteracy is a critical issue on Bougainville and we need social empowerment to balance other literary programs. ADCF is formed by the five tribes of Avaipa in the Eivo Torau Constituency.
13.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Peanut seller of Panguna
MARIA Miriori (pictured) could not be missed at the Panguna mine site mini-market. The resident of Arawa town’s section 11 wakes up every morning, gets her market stuff organised and hops on the first PMV bus out of Arawa town to Panguna. It costs K10 one way to Panguna from Arawa. On a good day she makes about K80 to K100. This is her duty each day and the money is good too. Words and Picture: ROMULUS MASIU
10.01.21014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ONE OUT
By Aloysius Laukai
One of the several Crocodiles that have endangered the lives of fishermen at Rawa Bay and Tsunpets has been killed as the hunt for these Reptiles continue around the Bay.
Pictured is one which was caught yesterday...when it was operated,they found human flesh and a Dog inside.. Pictures by Noella Wavu
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
KETSIMUR DIES
By Aloysius Laukai
It is with Great sadness that we hereby announce the death of our former NEW DAWN FM Board Chairman, and ABG Minister for Works, CAROLUS KETSIMUR at his Pamets village in Tinputz this afternoon at about 5pm.
MR. KETSIMUR was the Director of Programmes with the National Broadcasting Corporation when I joined in the early 1980's as a Cadet Broadcast Officer. We have known each other since then.
The late Ketsimur was a music man and recorded some solo albums like the Koitaki Cowboy.
He was the man behind the Tinputz Cocoa Festival for a long time and was at one time the Chairman of the PNG Cocoa Board.
He won the ABG seat for Taonita Tinputz in 2010 and became the Minister for Communications and later changed to Works.
The late Ketsimur has been down with illness for some time until his death.
At this time his body is been brought to the Buka Hospital Morgue awaiting Funeral Arrangement.
We at New Dawn FM would like to send our deepest condolences to the widow and the immediate families for this tragic loss.
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE Big Brother, Elder Karu. Aloysius
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
FIFTEEN OFF TO STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND
By Alex Munme
Caption: Bougainville Regional Member, Joe Lera in the middle (right) and ABG Member, Luke Karaston (left) flanked by some of the students for the studies in New Zealand.
FIFTEEN Bougainville Administration Staff will leave next week to study Management Course at Ortago University in New Zealand.
The students were welcomed and at the same time fare welled at a Press Conference with the Sponsor, Bougainville Regional Member, Joe Lera at the Bougainville Administration Conference room this morning in Buka, Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
After the three weeks Computer Management Course and E learning they will get back and continue at the Bougainville Potytech. The Skills learnt at Ortago will enable them to communicate skillfully with their lecturers at Ortago University until they graduate after six months.
The idea to send the students is part of his vision to develop human resources and the establishment of a Polytech college at Kokopau in Buka.
The Polytech graduates will attain both technical and management skills so that they can either get employment or run their own business.
At the press conference, Mr. Lera said 60 plus Bougainville Youth are without jobs even if they complete technical skills training and find no jobs, they won’t do their own business because they don’t have the management skills adding that Polytech will give them hope and a future.
Mr. Lera said that Bougainville was stagnant because youth were not trained to master technical and management skills to be able to get employment or run and manage their own business.
The Bougainville Regional Member said other Provinces like East New Britain is ahead of the rest of the provinces in internal revenue because of developing basic education and mastering key institutions.
The Press Conference was also attended by ABG Member for Suir Constituency, Luke Karaston and some of the students.
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
RAWA BAY DECLARED A NO GO ZONE
By Alex Munme
RAWA BAY in Suir Constituency has now been declared A NO GO ZONE.
The state of emergency in the area and declaring it as a no go zone was made by ABG Member for Suir Constituency, Luke Karaston today at a Press Conference in Buka.
This public warning has become necessary as a result of a man being killed by a killer crocodile at the bay and is currently present in the waters with two others.
Mr. Karaston said people of Tsunpets and Rawa are warned not to go and fish or go near the waters at this time.
He warned that even those doing laundries or washing vehicles at the Rawa bridge to be extra careful when in or near the river.
Meanwhile an operation is underway to kill the three crocodiles.
Bougainville Police Personnel will be deployed to provide additional power to get rid of the deadly reptiles.
North Bougainville National Member, Lauta Atoi will also assist while his counterpart, Joe Lera has contributed a 200ltrs fuel drum for the operation to kill the crocodiles.
The state of emergency and declaration will be lifted when the crocodiles are killed.
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
TEACHERS CONFUSED
By Aloysius Laukai
Teachers teaching in Bougainville Schools today complained that the Education Division was not addressing their problems concerning outstanding salaries from last year.
They told New Dawn FM that they have been following their salaries and are confused that even the education office is not helping them.
New Dawn FM did managed to talk to some of these teachers who said that even their attempts to get loans from the Teachers Savings and Loans are not successful because they have not receiving their Pay Slips since last year and nobody is explaining what is happening.
The Teachers called on the Education officers to have some time for their officers who are posted in the fields and only come out during holidays.
And their problems will not help their settling in at the appointed Schools at the begin of the 2014 academic year.
Our attempts to talk to the Education office officials were unsuccessful.
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
KARASTON SUPPORTS LERA INITIATIVE
By Alex Munme
THE Member for Suir Constituency in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Luke Karaston is in full support of the Lera initiative to send the 15 Bougainville Students to study in New Zealand.
Mr. Karaston expressed his support while speaking at a press conference to welcome and fare well the students today in Buka.
The ABG Member said the initiative to send the 15 students is a step in the right direction for Bougainville.
He said they need to explore and gain new skills and knowledge.
Mr. Karaston told some of the students at the press conference that the knowledge they get is not theirs but for Bougainville.
While supporting the Regional Member, he also praised him for the many such programs the Regional Member is supporting.
Mr. Karasto is also urging everyone including the ABG to support to move Bougainville into the future and referendum.
He told the students that they are the lucky ones to get selected to study overseas.
Mr. Karaston in addition said the ABG Students School Fee Subsidy Scheme should be revived.
10.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER CLARIFIES RESPONSIBILITIES
By Alex Munme
THE Minister for Public Service in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Joel Banam has made a public statement today clarifying three important areas of responsibilities.
In a press conference today, Mr. Banam spoke on his responsibility, the Bougainville Administration responsibility and how to access funding through the Bougainville Administration for development while implementing policies.
Mr. Banam said his responsibility as the elected Member for Tonsu is to make policies so that the people can receive services through the Bougainville Administration. He said it is not his responsibility to deliver services.
He said the problem was with the previous administration which was changed.
Mr. Banam said his responsibility as a politician is to make decisions on projects and make funding available but the onus is on the administration to deliver the services.
He said with the Bougainville Public Service Act which is different from the PNG Public Service Act coming into effect on March 2014 and the current Administration, there will be no corruption and the people will receive services.
Speaking on the 2014 Budget, Mr. Banam said it is focused on Agriculture Development and not on services.
He said farmers and businesses can have access to the money through their Village Assembly Chairman, Council of Elders and Minister Responsible but with a well documented proposal.
He added that any public servant found claiming 10 percent for processing claims and funding of any project will be kicked out of the Bougainville Public Service.
Mr. Banam also said in 2014 the Momis / Nisira Government will set the date for Bougainville referendum.
10.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
ABG want local curriculum
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has passed legislation that will enable it to bring Bougainvillean elements to the local curriculum.
President of the ABG, Dr John Momis, praised the new education law as one of a number of new pieces of legislation that are needed with the changing context of Bougainville’s autonomous arrangement.
“This government has passed a number of important legislations both in response to concerns by our people,” Dr Momis said.
“The Bougainville education law,” he continued, “will enable the ABG to manage its own education system, quite separate from Papua New Guinea.”
There have recently been calls for leaders in the autonomous region to look more closely at the lack of local input in formal education system.
“The education curriculum we used has nothing Bougainvillean, all characters or lines our students see or read in all the text books are by and for the PNG people,” said Miscek James, a primary school teacher in Biampanari.
“Bougainvilleans should know the history of mining, plantations, missionaries and many other facts that had affected them.”
With the new education laws the ABG produced a positive response to sentiments such as those vocalised by Mr James.
10.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Government to fund most part of Bougainville budget
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
MOST of the 2014 budget for the Autonomous Bougainville Government will come from the national Government. From the K312, 901, 286 budget that was passed by ABG on December 31, 2013, K268,276,300 will come from the national Government. This includes K92,747,300 for recurrent grants and K175,529,000 earmarked as development grants. From this recurrent Budget, K5,771,00 is for recurrent unconditional grants while the recurrent conditional grants amounts to K86, 76,300.
The recurrent unconditional grants comprises of goods and services – K19,148,100 (same as last year), staffing grant/public servants salaries – K22,299,800, teachers’ salaries – K40,802,700 (no increase from last year), public servants leave fares-K272,800 (no increase), teachers leave fares-K1,350,500 (increase of K317,900 from last year), police grant -K2,803,400 (no increase) and the new recurrent grant for other service functions worth K5,771, 000. The latter will go towards the payment of salaries for the ABG members.
The Development Budget comprises the Restoration and Development Grants (K15m), special intervention funds for high impact projects (K100 million), donor funding programs from Australian aid, World Bank, NZAID (K12,028,000), District Services Improvement Program for three Open MPs (K30m), Provincial Services Improvement Program for Regional MP (K15 million) and District Services Improvement for NGOs/Women (K3,501,000), all amounting to K175,529,000.
On the other hand, the ABG’s component amounts to K44,624,986 and includes an estimated internal revenue worth K21,300,000 while the remaining comes from balances brought forward from the recurrent budgets of 2012 and 2013, the restoration and development grants for last year as well as from other sources.
09.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
ABG budget focus on development
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
BOUGAINVILLE’S 2014 budget of K312.9 million which was passed on the last day of 2013 has been formulated around three major policy priorities.
This includes improving service delivery through a strong and deliberate realignment of focus at the district level, significantly increasing the revenue volumes and the collection of revenue and strengthening key interventions and government functions.
ABG Minister for Finance Albert Punghau, while tabling the budget, said in order to achieve the above first priority ABG would be focusing more on improving the delivery of services to the districts and rural areas.
And in doing so, Mr Punghau said a District Development Program would be established aimed at deploying more people and funding to the districts.
Mr Punghau said this exercise would involve the conduction of rural patrols on a regular basis and interacting with villagers and locals through district development forums.
“A new emphasis will be focused on the re-organisation of village assemblies, including the role of chiefs in dealing with issues such as land for development and other purposes.
“Council of Elders will be asked to play a stronger role as the second tier of Government. This is demonstrated by the allocation of another K2 million for Council of Elders in 2014 under the Special Intervention Fund (SIF),” Mr Punghau said.
Mr Punghau said the emphasis would be on the empowerment of people in their communities to allow them to participate in the planning and implementation of projects.
“To achieve this, a start will be made to co-ordinate the aggregate pool of funds available to members (both national and ABG) to be applied more effectively,’’ said Mr Punghau.
“This will call for closer consultation on the utilisation of both the District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) and the Provincial Service Improvement Program (PSIP).’’
Other initiatives under this policy priority area include strengthening law and order, restructuring public service from bottom-up to meet service delivery needs and establishing co-ordination and monitoring mechanism in districts to inspect the effectiveness of service delivery.
Others include using the restoration and development grants and SIF funding to significantly improve the development of facilities and infrastructures.
09.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
More deaths in Buka
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
POLICE in Buka have reported three more deaths that occurred after the New Year.
The first incident happened around 5pm last Thursday where a young man from East New Britain was killed when he was travelling on a boat towards Taiof Island located a few minutes out of Buka town.
According to police, those that were on the boat said they were speeding towards the island when a large wave hit the boat, causing the man to fall off into the sea where the propeller caused deep cuts in his body, resulting in his death.
Police are continuing with their investigation to confirm witness statements.
The man was married to a woman from Tinputz District in North Bougainville and his body was taken to her village for burial.
In another case, a young man from Nissan Island was killed by a large crocodile at Rawa River in the Selau/Suir constituency in North Bougainville on Saturday.
The deceased had gone to the river in the early morning that day when he met his fate.
In the third case, a young boy was found dead on the road next to the Buka Airport late on Sunday night.
Police said the victim, who comes from Pororan Island in the Peit constituency of Buka was with a group of youths from the island who came to town to load copra onto a ship to be exported overseas.
Police reported that an eyewitness said the deceased was last seen hopping on the back of a dump truck that had left the wharf area.
Unconfirmed reports state that he must have fallen off the moving vehicle resulting in his death.
However, police have not ruled out the possibility of him being murdered and are continuing with their investigations.
The deceased was around 15 or 16 years old and had completed his grade eight at Pororan Primary School last year.
A post-mortem was conducted on Monday before his body was taken to his village for burial.
Meanwhile, a policeman based at Tinputz District in North Bougainville was admitted to Buka hospital yesterday after he mistakenly shot his own left foot with a gun.
According to police in Buka, this senior Tinputz based policeman (named) had gone to Rawa to try and shoot the crocodile that had killed a young man there on Saturday when the accident took place.
09.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
PM TO VISIT BOUGAINVILLE
By Aloysius Laukai
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, PETER ONEIL WILL visit Bougainville this month.
This was announced by the Bougainville Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI this afternoon.
He made this announcement in his weekly radio program aired by New Dawn FM and Radio Bougainville every Thursday evenings.
MR. SIRIOSI said that the Prime Minister will launch the Awareness campaign on the Bougainville Peace Agreement during his visit to the region.
He said that he will arrive on January 27th, 2014 and leave Bougainville after the 29th of January.
MR SIRIOSI called on the people of Bougainville to prepare well for this visit which is important for Bougainville.
He said that the PM will travel to Central and South Bougainville with the ABG President and the two leaders will discuss issues affecting the two governments.
09.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ADMINISTRATOR PRAISES PUBLIC SERVANTS
By Aloysius Laukai
The Acting Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI today praised all public servants for returning to work on time and on the 6th of January 2014.
In his weekly Administrator’s update, he said that the public servants needed a good break to refresh and tackle the issues of 2014.
MR. SIRIOSI said that 2014 will be a year of implementation and called on the public servants to remain focus and carry their duties to make sure service is delivered on time to the people of the region.
09.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SIRIOSI SENDS CONDOLENCE TO STAF
By Aloysius Laukai
The Bougainville Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI today also send his condolences to the family of the late PAUL TSUBE who went missing after the boat he was in capzied in rough waters near Carterets island.
He said that the late Paul Tsube and his wife and four other people were not found by the search and rescue team orgarnized to look for them.
He said he was a good staff of the Peace and Reconciliation office and his death is a loss to the Bougainville Administration.
MR. SIRIOSI said that this is a lesson for the ABG to make sure it speeds up the purchase of s boat for the Atolls to save lives and also to serve the people of Atolls who have been without transport for a long time.
08.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DPI NEEDS QUALIFIED FIELD OFFICERS
By Alex Munme
DUE to lack of qualified field extension officers the Division of Primary Industry is not promoting agricultural production in the rural villages.
This was the sentiment shared by a former Division of Primary Industry Officer, Francis Loio in Buka today.
Mr. Loio said the Division of Primary Industry has failed to carry out its responsibility to go out and educate and help farmers to produce cash crop, life stock and marine products to boost Bougainville economy because it does not have the qualified officers.
He is appealing to the divisional head to start doing promotions at high schools for students to attend Agricultural Colleges to get the necessary qualifications to get back and assist the rural farmers.
Mr. Loio is also appealing to the President and the ABG to allocate enough funds to promote and improve agricultural products such as cocoa, copra, fish, poultry, piggery and others.
He said the region also needs factories to use raw materials and produce goods like chocolate and now copra into oil which he is very pleased with.
The former Officer said Agriculture is the backbone of the region and our economy depends on it adding that without economy Bougainville will not achieve referendum and Independence.
08.01.2014
Soutrce: Post-Courier
More New Year deaths reported in Bougainville
POLICE in Buka have reported three more death cases that have occurred after the New Year. The first incident happened around last Thursday where a young man from East New Britain and married to a woman from Tinputz District in North Bougainville was killed when he was travelling on a boat towards Taiof Island located a few minutes out of Buka town. According to police, those that were on the boat said they were speeding towards the island when a large wave hit the boat, causing the deceased to fall off into the sea where the propeller caused deep cuts in his body, resulting in his death. However, police are continuing with their investigation to confirm the account of those that were on the boat. His body was taken to his wife’s village for burial. In another case, a young man from Nissan Island was killed by a large crocodile at Rawa River in the Selau/Suir constituency in North Bougainville on Saturday. The deceased had gone to the river early morning that day when he met his fate. In the third case, a young boy was found dead on the road next to the Buka Airport late on Sunday night. Police said the victim, who comes from Pororan Island in the Peit constituency of Buka was with a group of youths from the island who came to town to load copra onto a ship to be exported overseas. Police reported that an eyewitness said the deceased was last seen hopping at the back of a dump truck that had left the wharf area. Unconfirmed reports state that he must have fallen off the moving vehicle resulting in his death, however, police have not ruled out the possibility of him being murdered and are continuing with their investigations. The deceased was between the ages of 15-16 years old and had completed his grade eight at Pororan Primary School last year. A post-mortem was conducted on Monday before his body was taken to his village for burial. Meanwhile, a policeman based at Tinputz District in North Bougainville was admitted to Buka hospital yesterday after he mistakenly shot at his left foot with a gun. According to police in Buka, this senior Tinputz based policeman (named) had gone to Rawa to try and shoot the crocodile that had killed a young man there on Saturday when the accident took place.
07.01.2014
S0urce: Bougainville24
Bougainville needs local education curriculum
By Leonard Fong Roka
Miscek James has been a teacher for six years.
There is growing concern from educated Bougainvilleans about the effect lack of local input in to the school curriculum will have on the future of the autonomous region.
This sentiment was reiterated by Miscek James, a primary school teacher, in his address to the elementary school closing ceremony in the Ioro 1 Council of Elders (CoE) area of Biampanari in the Panguna District.
“I have being in the teaching service for 6 years and have not seen a positive Bougainville oriented change in our young people,” Mr James told the gathering.
“The education curriculum we used has nothing Bougainvillean, all characters or lines our students see or read in all the text books are by and for the PNG people.
“Ask your child, ‘On what date; month and year did Louis De Bougainville sighted your island home?’ and he will tell you nothing since the curriculum we are using is not Bougainville oriented.”
Bougainville is part of the Solomon archipelago and differs geographically, culturally and ethnically to the rest of Papua New Guinea.
“Our leaders should now work towards building our intellectual strength and that is an educational curriculum that is 100 percent Bougainvillean.”
“Bougainvilleans should know their geological history, their colonial history, their political history, their cultural and epistemological history and settings.
“Bougainvilleans should know the history of mining, plantations, missionaries and many other facts that had affected them.
“Bougainvilleans should learn from their curriculum the realities affecting their land, people and environment, for example the impacts of climate change.”
Mr James believes a Bougainvillean curriculum would provide understanding of the past that is crucial for future decision making.
07.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
DISASTER OFFICE UPDATES ON INCIDENTS DURING FESTIVE SEASON
By Alex Munme
BOUGAINVILLE Disaster Office has received confirmed reports on three incidents during the Christmas and New Year Periods.
The burning down of houses in the Hagogohe Constituency has now being calmed down with all concerned parties involved including the newly elected Constituency Members which the disaster office is very thankful of.
Another case was reported on a Tolai man falling off a speed boat and his body was found later.
The man’s body is now at the Buka General Hospital Morgue.
The third report on the Katrets Islanders missing at sea when their boat capsized.
Three out of the nine are found alive while six a now confirmed death.
They include two children and four adults.
While updating on these reports, Bougainville Disaster Coordinator, Franklyn Lessie says although the Small Craft Acts is not enforced, he will use the normal negligence of safety laws to bring those who are responsible for the loss of lives to justice.
He is appealing to everyone to observe instructions from the Disaster Office as there is one life and must be looked after.
07.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
Buka TOWN NEEDS FIRE SERVICE
By Alex Munme
BOUGAINVILLE’s current commercial and Administrative centre, Buka town is in great need of a Fire Service Department according to Community Auxiliary Police, Graham Misko.
Mr. Misko while making the comment says new buildings are being established among the existing ones with fuel service stations in the mixture making the town too crowded and dangerous in time of fire.
He says that when fire catches one the whole town will be burnt to ashes in no time and so needs fire fighting equipments and manpower.
The Community Auxiliary Police is questioning how the town is being planned.
He also says the Prestine Copra Mill is another establishment that is dangerously in the heart of town and will also contribute to destruction in time of fire.
Mr. Misko says every airport has a fire truck on standby when aircrafts are landing and Buka should also need one.
He is appealing to the relevant authorities to look into the matter.
07.01.2014
Source: Islands Business
Bougainville put PNG government on notice over beche de mer ban
BUKA, PNG --- The Papua New Guinea Government has been put on notice by Bougainville Islanders who say they will defy the extended ban on beche de mer harvesting.
In a letter to the National Fisheries Minister Mao Zeming, Tauhu Pais of Tasman Island who represents the Atoll chiefs of Tasman, Mortlock, Nuguria and Cartarets, said his communities were suffering and “had not been provided with any alternate arrangements to sustain our livelihood”.
The ban on beche de mer collection was recently extended to 2017 to allow stocks to recover.
The former provincial politician said: “We have now strongly opted to make our stand known that we intend to harvest our beche de mer in January 2014”.
He added: “We as rightful marine resource owners cannot just sit back and allow our fellow citizens to suffer for something the government does not own by birthright.”
Pais referred the Minister to a Constitutional Clause which “empowers the paramount chiefs of any ethnic group to have total control over its resources, on or under land, over the air space or otherwise”.
He said although the Atolls communities have faced severe hardships they had complied with the 2010 ban up til now.
Consequently they have experienced shortage of food and other basic needs “like soap, laundry detergent (and) children’s needs” as they depend heavily on the ocean for their survival.
The Atolls communities, he said, receive very little government support and rely on their own resources.
Pais said however, that the Atolls were ready for harvest and "we have a very sound, profound and respectful management control mechanism in place".
He said his islands should not be classified in the same way as other maritime areas have been.
“The marine scientists who were in Bougainville to study the sea beds of certain areas in the region did not go to the Atolls of Tasman Island to see for themselves what we have in stock and to determine the real situation.”
Pais asked the Minister to hear his people’s plea.
“Grant us leave and most considerate approval to this call of justice”. However, regardless of the Minister’s decision, all Atolls people – except Cartarets – “are determined to open up and start harvesting their beche de mer beginning January 2014, for six months”.
07.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Trobriand islanders rescued off Bougainville recover in Rabaul
By LAWRENCIA PIRPIR
PEOPLE from isolated island provinces in Papua New Guinea know the logistical nightmare of riding the high seas without one’s family, knowing you have gone missing and could not do anything to alert anyone.
Four men from Kitava in the Trobriand Islands are lucky to be alive after they went missing between Kitava and Woodlark islands on December 27 when they were doing a five-hour dinghy ride from Kitava to Woodlark Island and got caught out in rough seas that carried their dinghy away from their destination.
The relatives apparently were not aware of the four’s plight as there was no missing persons report with the police or other authorities.
The four are now safe in Rabaul after they were picked up on Monday December 30 by a Pilipino fishing vessel that picked them off the coast of Torokina in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
They are now under the care of the East New Britain Provincial Disaster Committee who received them on Tuesday, December 31 from the fishing boat.
It was noted by disaster officials that the dinghy they were in was brand new and the four did not bring much on the trip.
There were signs of a fire lit on board to cook the Trobriand much loved staple food – yams.
East New Britain disaster officials confirmed that the four have had full medical checks and they were all okay, awaiting repatriation back to Milne Bay’s provincial town, Alotau, and all the way to Kitava when government accounts open.
They are currently being housed at Mesu Lodge in Rabaul at the expenses of the ENB Disaster and Emergency Services.
The ENB Disaster and Emergency Services are working closely with the National Broadcasting Corporation to relay accurate information to inform the families of the four men.
And the four are all related, two brothers aged between 60 and 70 years of age were both travelling with a son each, one was the skipper about 30 years of age and the other, the youngest in the group was about 10 years old. From Kiriwina it takes about an hour by a motorised outboat motor ride to get to Kitava. Woodlark is in Samarai-Murua electorate while Kiriwina is in the Kiriwina-Goodenough electorate.
06.01.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
PNG's Bougainville MPs get grants doubled
MPs in Papua New Guinea's autonomous Bougainville government are to get 100 percent increases in their electoral grants.
In the just passed 2014 budget, the 40 Bougainville MPs will get 77,000 US dollars each to spend on projects in their electorates.
New Dawn FM reports MPs as saying they frequently come under pressure in their seats to deliver some small projects during their term of office.
Electoral grants, which also made available in other parts of Melanesia, are often called slush funds and watchdog groups repeatedly raise concerns about the lack of transparency in their acquittal.
06.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Bougainville villages get electricity
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
VILLAGERS living between Kobuan and Toniva in the North Nasioi constituency of Kieta District in Central Bougainville now have electricity to light up their homes. This follows the launching of the rural electrification program between these two communities about a week ago. According to the member for North Nasioi in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Nicholas Darku, the launching, which took place Christmas eve, came as a Christmas gift for the people there.
He said the continuation of this rural electrification program also marks this project as one of the biggest developments to have taken place in his constituency. The rural electrification program is a joint initiative between PNG Power and the ABG but the latter’s counter-funding component was not sufficient, resulting in Mr Darku chipping in with the remaining balance from his budgetary allocation to complete the project. Power poles used were taken from the former mining township of Panguna.
Mr Darku said the connection of electricity all the way to Toniva will now enable the government to fund the construction of staff houses for government officers who will be based at the new Kieta District Office in Toniva. He said the switching ‘on’ of the electricity at Toniva will also help the Chinese-owned factory which is currently undergoing construction in the area, before adding that this also marks the end of that electricity project in his constituency towards that stretch of road leading to South Nasioi.
“The next stage will be from Toniva to Aropa. K2 million for this Toniva-Aropa project has already been secured through the National Planning Department in Port Moresby. “But before that, we will supply electricity from Tubiana to Pokpok Island,” Mr Darku said. He said studies for this Tubiana-Pokpok Island project has already been completed, however the Bougainville administration through the Office of the special projects officer Ephraim Eminoni will need to pay K17,000 towards this studies before the connection of undersea cables to the island to be carried out.
Mr Darku who is also the ABG Minister for Primary Industry said electricity will also be restored from Arawa to Morgan Junction. After this, electricity will then be connected up the feeders roads towards villages situated in the mountainous areas in his constituency. Apart from this, Mr Darku said there are also other projects including a fishing project which he will be funding in his constituency however these projects are yet to commence following the non-release of funding.
06.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Deaths mar New Year celebrations in Bougainville
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
THIS year’s New Year celebrations in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville turned out to be a sad day for some families following the death of their loved ones. The first incident happened just before the New Year where a young man from Hangan village in the Tsitalato constituency of Buka died after being electrocuted. According to reports reaching the Post-Courier, the deceased was charging his mobile when he met his fate. It is said that his hand was wet with alcohol which acted as a conductor for the electricity to flow through his body.
The other incident happened on New Year’s Day where a young man from Bana District in South Bougainville was killed after falling off the cliff at his wife’s Ketskets village in Buka. He was under the influence of alcohol and had gone to the edge of the cliff to urinate when he fell off the cliff. He was rushed to the Buka hospital but pronounced dead upon arrival by the health officers on duty that time. The worst of these incidents took place also on that same day when an outboard motor with nine passengers onboard and travelling from Buka to Carterets Island had capsized due to bad weather which caused the sea to swell.
They had already arrived at Carterets and were just moving into the lagoon when disaster struck. Three of these passengers were found alive while the other six, one of them a pregnant woman, are yet to be found. There are no more chances of locating any more survivors, with many unconfirmed reports stating that they have all died. The other incident happened on the night of the New Year where a man committed suicide by hanging himself on his rented accommodation at Kokopau in the northern tip of Bougainville.
The deceased hails from Siwai District in South Bougainville but lives in Buka where he operates a PMV bus service and a liquor outlet. The deceased had decided to take his own life after discovering that his wife was having an affair with one of the Solomon Islanders who had illegally crossed the border to sell the famous Solomon necklaces at the Buka market. The wife after learning of her husband’s death quickly rushed to the Buka police station for her own safety in fear of retaliation from the relatives of the deceased.
She is still locked up at the police station. Apart from the above deaths, there were also other killings which were reported to have taken place before, during and after the Christmas Day. It is evident that most of these fatalities which took place during this festive season are alcohol related, thus showing that those who have been involved had defied the liquor ban restrictions as well as engaging in the illegal brewing and consumption of homebrew. These deaths could have been avoided if people had adhered to these directives and peacefully celebrating the festive season with their families in an alcohol-free environment.
06.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Arawa celebrates Xmas in the dark
By Ishmael Palipal
The air of Arawa town was filled with the buzz of generators instead of jingle bells over the festive season as PNG Power struggled to keep up with demand.
The people of Arawa have become unhappy at the frequent blackouts over Christmas and New Year.
“I am really fed up with all this on and offs of the PNG Power,” said Micah Tamunoru, a local business man.
“The power is damaging most of my electrical appliances such as freezers and chargers during the blackouts,” he said, showing his burned laptop charger.
Many Bougainvilleans love to celebrate their Christmas in the cooler evenings, especially with cold water or some liquor mixed with a soft drink like cordial, tang or sunrise.
People are frustrated on the recent on and off of the power that is servicing the town and the villagers nearby.
“Please do something PNG Power and give us a good celebration on these coming days,” Peter Lazarus said with frustration from Kongara on Facebook.
Many people thought they were going to enjoy their Christmas, but to be only presented with a Merry Christmas in the dark, with no cold water or evening celebrations.
03.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLEANS HOLD THE KEY FOR BOUGAINVILLE’S PROGRESS OR ITS FAILURES
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS wants Bougainvilleans to understand that the future of Bougainville is solely in their hands and nobody else.
He made these remarks whilst commenting on the 2014 ABG Budget this week.
President MOMIS said that throughout the political history, Bougainvilleans have always wanted to manage their own affairs.
And he said that the Bougainville Peace Agreement gives the opportunity to do just that.
He said that Bougainville has this golden opportunity to create something completely new and better for her people.
AND that is a Harmonious, Peaceful, and Prosperous society for Bougainville.
President Momis said this can be the envy of our friends and others because many people believe that we can do it.
He said that for this to become a reality, firstly we must have faith in ourselves because without this faith we cannot realize the human potential.
The ABG President also said that creating such an environment is not the responsibility of the Government, but a collective responsibility of all Bougainvilleans.
And this is because we chose to be in this situation and only we can get out of this situation.
03.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ONSA QUESTIONS LAUTA ATOI FOUNDATION
By Aloysius Laukai
A Buka Businessman, HENRY ONSA today questioned the motives of establishing a LAUTA ATOI FOUNDATION in Buka.
He said that if the member for North Bougainville is establishing this Foundation under his name he must use his private monies and not the DSIP funds which is supposed to help the people of North Bougainville.
MR. ONSA said that he has yet to see a five year Development for the member and suddenly coming out with the creation of a foundation is questionable.
He also questioned why paramount Bougainville leaders were handpicked to be committees of this foundation.
MR. ONSA said that the IPATAS Foundation is successful because he controls all funds from Minerals and support the people especially children’s education.
He also questioned the sustainability of the foundation if the member is removed at the next election.
Our attempts to get response from the office of the member for North Bougainville were unsuccessful.
03.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
BOUGAINVILLE ADMINISTRATION WILL IMPROVE IN 2014
By Alex Munme
THE Bougainville Chief Administrator, Chris Siriosi has made a strong commitment to improve the Bougainville Administration so that quality services are delivered in 2014.
Mr. Siriosi made the statement while speaking on New Dawn FMs new Radio Program in 2014 that will update the general public on how the Bougainville Administration is progressing.
He said some of these objectives are; to improve service delivery, improve and maintain infrastructure development, improve accountability, quality law and order service delivery, build capacity on all aspects of life, improve living standard and condition, improve cash flow management by proper monitoring and evaluation of funds and improve good governance.
Mr. Siriosi made it very clear that any public servant found deliberately misuse or abuse public funds will be brought to justice and persecuted by law.
The Chief Administrator also appealed to all constituency Members or ABG Leaders to have quarterly development forums with their people so that they are properly represented and not their own views in regards to developments.
He said after the holidays all organizations and public servants are refreshed and are expected to perform at an improved level.
Some of these organizations include Parliamentary Services, PNG Power, NBC, Telikom and all those who deliver services.
All Public Servants are expected to resume duties on Monday 06th January at 0800 hrs.
03.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Passengers missing at sea after boat mishap
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
AN outboard motor travelling from Buka to Carterets Island in North Bougainville on New Year’s Day had capsized at sea due to bad weather. There were nine passengers onboard including two children, aged five and two, reports revealed. According to the Bougainville disaster coordinator Franklyn Lacey, the boat had left Buka around11am that day bound for Carterets. Mr Lacey said they had already arrived at Carterets and were moving into the lagoon when the boat capsized due to bad weather which caused the sea to swell.
Mr Lacey said three of the passengers have already been found alive by a boat from the island that was engaged to conduct the search and rescue operation. Two were found on the same day the incident happened while the other was located yesterday morning. The other six that are still missing include the boat owner, identified by Mr Lacey as Paul Tsube and his wife, the two kids and two other adults. Mr Lacey said the boat may have been loaded with store goods as Mr Tsube owns a small canteen on the island.
He said his office is still monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Mr Lacey has expressed disappointment over the failure by some boat owners and operators in adhering to safety protocols issued by his office. “I am upset and very disappointed because some boat operators still never adhered to safety protocols put out by my office. One of them is Paul Tsube. He never comes and reports his travel between the Carterets Island and Buka. This is one of the boats that I am always disappointed with,” Mr Lacey said.
“This little protocol is not to safeguard us. It is to safeguard you who always travel out to the Atoll islands. We are trying our best to advice people to adhere to this safety protocols so that to help you in your travels within our islands,” said Mr Lacey. Mr Lacey issued a notice to all boat operators not to venture out to the open seas due to this ongoing strong winds and bad weather that is currently being experienced in most parts of the country. He cautioned them to wait until when this warning notice is lifted.
03.01.2014
Source: Post-Courier
Peaceful New Year celebrations in Buka
By WINTERFORD TOREAS
POLICE have reported a quiet and peaceful New Year celebration on Buka Island and other parts of Bougainville. Officer in charge of the internal investigation unit of the Bougainville Police Service (BPS), Inspector Kingsley Lua, said yesterday that although there were two major incidents plus other minor alcohol-related problems that took place, in general, people welcomed the New Year quietly and peacefully. Insp Lua said the first major incident took place at Ketskets village in the Halia constituency of Buka where a young man who was under the influence of alcohol had fallen off the cliff.
The deceased who comes from the Bana District of South Bougainville and married to a woman from Ketskets village was rushed to the Buka hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors. Insp Lua said a team of police officers travelled yesterday to the village where the incident took place to investigate and identify the cause of death. The body of the deceased is now at the Buka hospital morgue. In the other incident, an outboard motor travelling from Buka to Carterets Island had capsized due to bad weather (see separate story).
There were nine passengers onboard when the incident happened. Insp Lua, who spoke on behalf of the acting ACP of Bougainville police, Supt Paul Kamuai who is currently in his village in the Buin District of South Bougainville, and North Bougainville police commander Insp Spencer Aili who is still out of the region, then took the opportunity to thank Bougainvilleans for observing peaceful celebrations. He said this showed that people have adhered to numerous awareness programs conducted by police for a peaceful and trouble-free festive celebrations.
He also thanked the men and women in blue for tirelessly performing their duties, adding that though there was a shortage of manpower they were still able to carry out their responsibilities. “This shows that there is a big change in how people are behaving. And when people are happy, I am also happy,” Insp Lua said. Meanwhile, Bougainville police has again lost one of its committed and hardworking officers following the death of First Constable Robert Kenien early this week.
F/Const Kenien from Carterets Island was the Rural Police Station Commander for Siwai District in South Bougainville when he succumbed to his illness. Late Kenian was sick for some time and was referred to Buka hospital where he met his fate. Insp Lua said they were waiting for the police hierarchy in Port Moresby to provide them with financial assistance to repatriate the body to Carterets Island.
03.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
POLICE IS YET TO CONFIRM
BY Aloysius Laukai
Bougainville Police are yet to confirm the number of people that are missing from a boat that Capsized in rough seas near Carterets Island at the weekend.
Reports reaching our office said that families were traveling between Buka and Caterets when the mishap occurred.
Conflicting reports have said that some people have been rescued with a family still missing.
Our attempts to talk to the Bougainville Police and the local Disaster office were unsuccessful but we were told that search was continuing.
We will put in more infor as soon as we get the latest from them.
Picture is a similar boat loaded and going to Kunua on the West Coast of Bougainville.
03.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
Mine central to sustainable development says Momis
Bougainville has its road map for the year ahead as the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Dr John Momis, announced the 2014 budget.
In a new year address to Pariliament Dr Momis introduced the budget as one for “consolidating sustainable development though high impact investment” and the reopening of the Panguna mine could be central to this.
“My government believes that an operating Panguna mine will be catalyctical to Bougainville’s economic development, generating much needed revenue to support other sectors of our economy,” Dr Momis said.
“More than 85% of the ABG’s 2014 budget still comes from the national government.
“Until the ABG can raise more of its revenue internally, we will continue to be dictated to by others.
Dr Momis also used the address to discuss the controversy around the Draft Bougainville Mining Bill.
“The Bougainville mining bill is to regulate all mining activities in the region; its objective is not about the Panguna mine,” Dr Momis continued.
“To continue to make blanket statements that the proposed Bougainville Mining Bill or sections of the bill protects Bougainville Copper Limited, as some people continue to assert, is not true.”
The mining bill will undergo further consultation before it is due for debate in Parliament later in the year.
02.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MOMIS SUPPORTS BUDGET INTO RURAL COMMUNITIES
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS says that the shifting of a larger proportion of the recurrent Budget as well as plans to deploy more people to Districts under a new District Development Program.
In his comments to the ABG Budget this week, President Momis said that this was one Intervention that will strengthen the Council of Elders which is the second level of Governance on Bougainville after the ABG.
He said under this arrangement, the COE system will get increase funding and also get Technical support unlike in the past.
The ABG President said that focusing on districts as focal points for service delivery of Government services the Government will improve access to the majority of our people to basic and quality Goods and Services.
He said that the Bougainville conflict reduced the capacity of Bougainville to ashes and will take time for us to rebuild to the standard we would want and expect.
02.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SOHIA WANTS ALL OUTSIDE FUNDS OUT
By Aloysius Laukai
The newly elected ABG member for HAGOGOHE, PETER SOHIA wants the Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury to make sure that funds controlled by National MEMBERS and Donor partners are not included in the next ABG BUDGET.
He made these comments during debate of the 2014 ABG BUDGET this week.
MR. SOHIA said that this unnecessarily blows the budget out of proportion and in the end we end with nothing.
He said that this also creates problems between our National members as they too want to control all these funds.
MR. SOHIA said that DSIP and PSIP funds and Donor funds are controlled by them and should not be in our Government Budget.
02.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NEW RADIO PROGRAM FOR 2014
By Aloysius Laukai
New Dawn FM is introducing a new Government awareness program in 2014 and will start at 7.30 pm tonight.
The Program will be a weekly update on issues and programs of the Bougainville Administration will be presented by the Bougainville Acting Chief Administrator, CHRIS SIRIOSI.
This programs compliments other Government Programs that are also aired on New Dawn FM,like the ABG President’s Talk which come on at 8.30 on TUESDAY evenings and Regional Member’s Program that comes on Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm.
Apart from these New Dawn FM runs alot of awareness on Law and Justice, Education and Health with live broadcasts of most of the community activities throughout the region.
New Dawn FM will also run some awareness starting February on PANGUNA AND also runs a weekly Women’s Health Issues Program that was started with initial funding from the Commonwealth of Learning who have been sponsoring the training of Staff since 2010.
In tonight’s program, the Acting Chief Administrator thanks all Public servants for their work in 2013 and looks forward to a more coordinated effort in 2014.
All Government services will start on Monday January 6th, 2014.
02.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SLOW START FOR 2014
By Aloysius Laukai
The start of work for the 2014 work year was very slow when many Businesses in Buka opened their doors to clients this morning with many more starting on Monday 06th January 2014.
The groups of especially Stores who opened their doors told New Dawn FM that they had to open to serve the customers who are still in town during this festive season.
According to the memo from the Bougainville Chief Administrator many Government services were shut down for ten days and will come in full as of Monday next week.
New Dawn FM has reported a quite celebrations all over Bougainville with few deaths that occurred during the festive period.
These deaths were isolate cases and had nothing to do with the celebrations.
02.01.2014
Source: Bougainville24
The history of mining in Bougainville
By Leonard Fong Roka
Remains of the 1930-1936 mining operation.
The first known European to set eyes upon Bougainville was the French explorer Louis Antoin de Bougainville who reached the island in July 1768. This discovery led to tumultuous repercussions: traders came in search of wealth; missionaries to offer new religions; and colonists to bring their governance and law.
According to R J Cornelius, gold and copper mineralisation was known on Bougainville as far back as the German days from the late 19th century. Proven traces were known in the 1920s through copper specimens identified in Rabaul on cargo transported from Kieta.
In 1929, Jack Comb from Kekereka Plantation (now Arawa) prospected along the Bovong River and discovered gold at Kupe Village in the Crown Prince Range. The site was proclaimed as Kupe Goldfield in May 1930.
In December 1932, the Tapuu Reward Claim (near Moroni Village) was pegged by C W MEvans when he was prospecting up the Tumpusiong Valley from the West Coast. This was followed by G A Myers pegging the Pangkirangkuu Reward Claim (where the Panguna mine pit is today) in February 1934.
In the same year, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brisbane, Dr Duhig, established mining operations at Kupe. In 1936, hydrologist Richard Alexander MacLellan managed the project with labourers from Kieta and South Bougainville who were often paid with tins of tobacco.
Tonnes of processing equipment were shipped into Kekereka Bay and hauled into the Kupe Mountains through rugged terrain.
Before its closure due to the Japanese invasion in World War II, the operation produced 1,789 ounces of gold and 80 ounces of silver for the Catholic Parish of Brisbane.
In 1935, geologist N H Fisher, who later became the director of Australian Bureau of Mineral Resources, had reported the three mineralisation sites in Australia prompting further interest in the later years.
CRA geologist, Ken Philips, studied these records and tracked up the Kupe Village, entering the Panguna area in the 1960s and thus was born Bougainville Copper Limited.
Today, the Australian mine site in the Crown Prince Range, the central mountain backbone of Bougainville, is a lucrative gold mining operation re-activated by the local villagers of Kupe village.
The once isolated village of Kupe has been transformed into a commercial haven for the locals despite the fact it has no vehicle transport link.
In Kupe the miners now dig out gold bearing rock lumps from a cliff face and move them into safe pockets on the cliff and crush them with sledgehammers to powder. They are filled into bags and shouldered to the foot of the cliff to be processed by women.
Artisanal miner crushes his gold bearing rock into powder.
For the once poor villagers, gold is now earning them much money since every day, an individual miner, produces about two to five grams of gold.
There is an on-site canteen where goods like biscuit, soap, rice and beer are sold to the miners.
The Kupe people love the gold mining for it is their only source of income as they do not have a climate suitable for cash crops like cocoa.
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
MEMBERS INCREASE GRANTS
By Aloysius Laukai
Autonomous Bougainville Government members can now be able to deliver small projects in their electorates with the increase of the Electoral Support grants by one hundred percent which is in the 2014 ABG Budget passed yesterday.
The Members Electoral Supported Grant was started from the first house in 2005 with FIFTY THOUSAND KINA and increased some years back has been increased to TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA in 2014.
New Dawn FM talked to the members at the Parliament and were told that they really supported this move as they were pressured by their people to deliver some small projects during their term of office.
In making this announcement in Parliament, ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU however said that these funds will require acquittal and can be withheld if not acquitted.
New Dawn FM understands that these Members Support Grants was the main issue questioned by voters during the 2010 ABG Elections and made 80 percent of the former members lose their seats.
After several questions it was later cleared that these funds were to support members do their work and not for projects.
AND with the increase there must be a separation between how much should be the Members support and how much can be for small projects.
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUND TO BE FULLY UTILIZED
By Aloysius Laukai
The Much talked about SPECIAL INTERVENTION FUND or ONE HUNDRED MILLION KINA has been broken up into the following areas in the ABG 2014 budget.
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION has been allocated TWENTY ONE MILLION KINA.
HEALTH SIXTEEN MILLION KINA, EDUCATION SIX MILLION KINA, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FIFTY-FIVE MILLION KINA and COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, TWO MILLION KINA.
This was included in the monies announced by the ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU.
He also announced how the ABG Restoration and Development Grants will be appropriated.
These funds have been broken up into districts and as follows,
Headquarter will get FOUR MILLION AND FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND KINA.
NORTH BOUGAINVILLE will receive FOUR MILLION AND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND KINA.
SOUTH BOUGAINVILLE will get THREE MILLION ONEHUNDREED FIFTY THOUSAND KINA
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NEW YEAR QUITE
By Aloysius Laukai
The people of Buka celebrated Christmas quietly and in their homes thanks to the Heavy downpour just after midnight last night.
New Dawn FM did manage to make some quick checks and found out that the people all around Bougainville celebrated the New Year quietly.
And after lunch this afternoon strong winds and rain again spoiled outdoor and island parties on this first day of January 2014.
The presence of Police patrolling the streets of Buka which started just before Christmas also helped to keep the normal iron men off the streets of Buka town.
Reports gathered by New Dawn FM also said that some Business Houses were caught selling liquor and had their supplies confiscated by Police.
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
NEW COE CRIPPLED
By Aloysius Laukai
The newly established COE for TAUNITA/TEOP in the Tinputz area was crippled last night thanks to criminal elements who broke into their newly established office last night.
New Dawn FM received an early call by its staff in Tinputz that the COE Office at Sunvahora village was ransacked by thieves last night and all Office equipments including Computers were removed.
The Chairlady of the COE, MRS RITA PEARSON is calling on the people of Tinputz and nearby villages not to get any street sales that these criminals may be involved in.
She said that they believe the thieves will try to sell these computers for quick bucks and called on the people to report any suspecting people trying to sell stolen COE equipments.
MRS. PEARSON said that this not good as the people themselves are killing community efforts that are intended to help them.
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Dawn on Bougainville
ABG PASSES 2014 BUDGET
By Aloysius Laukai
The Bougainville House of Representatives has finally passed the ABG 2014 Budget after all members were given the opportunity to make their comments on the Budget tabled by the ABG Minister for Finance, Planning and Treasury, ALBERT PUNGHAU yesterday.
Many of the members were not happy at the time it has taken for them to study and pass the Budget.
They said next time they must be given ample time to properly study the Budget and comment on it before passing.
They also acknowledge that it was no use as the ABG House has no Opposition to really scrutinize government decisions.
The members then adjoined Parliament and went for the New Year celebrations many in their electorates.
01.01.2014
Source: Radio New Zealand International
New Bougainville MP concerned about illegal drugs
A re-elected MP in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville, Thomas Keriri, says the government has to address issues around marijuana growing and homebrew in the villages.
Mr Keriri, who was re-elected in the Rau by-election earlier this month, joined other new MPs in making his maiden speech in the ABG legislature this week.
New Dawn FM reports him saying that with poor returns from cocoa and copra people are resorting to illicit drugs and this must be addressed.
The new member for Peit, on the west coast of Buka island, Jerome Tsimoli Sawa, says there have to be changes in his electorate.
Calling it the last frontier, he told parliament Peit had been without a strong leader for a long time and this meant it had fallen behind other electorates on Bougainville.
Another re-elected MP, Dominic Itta, who won back the Kongara seat, says his time out of parliament was beneficial.
He says it allowed him to learn a lot from the people.
Mr Itta says he found that the government is too distant from the people and this must be addressed.
