http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20130627/thhome.htm
Talks on mine underway
By ROMULUS MASIU
IT’S an all go for the Panguna Mine re-opening with all stakeholders in Central
Bougainville reaffirming their support for the Autonomous Bougainville
Government.
All stakeholders in the three districts of Central Bougainville – Wakunai,
Panguna and Kieta – spoke out during the two-day 4th Mining Forum on Panguna
Mine Negotiations held in Arawa, saying it’s time to boost the region’s economy
in preparation for the vote for Referendum to Independence 2016.
All opted for the mineral rich mine pit (Panguna) along the Crown Prince Range
to bank roll the region’s independence.
The only stumbling block now is the Me’ekamui government of unity under the
leadership of Philip Miriori who still has reservations and wants the mine to be
opened after Independence is granted for Bougainville.
The Me’ekamui Government of unity represents the other side of the landowners of
Panguna who are opposing the re-opening of the mine on environmental grounds and
more importantly on where they will be relocated to and placed if BCL or any
other mining company re-opens the mine.
Mr Miriori stood firm questioning the forum on where the Government ABG will
relocate them to if they are to open the mine.
“Where will you put me and my people of Panguna if you start operations on our
land again? We have nowhere to go now our land has been spoilt, taken away from
us and you’re still pushing us away by not considering our plight and forcing
the re-opening of the mine,” Mr Miriori had said.
President Chief Dr John Momis sympathised with Mr Miriori and the people of
Panguna, telling the forum that he has been deeply touched by the statement of
Mr Miriori and assured them that ABG as the legitimate government of the day has
this very important obligation to take care of its people.
“Yes, Miriori and the landowners of Panguna have a genuine point, we have to
give them new land, a new place to live as they have given us their land, their
God-given land for all of us to benefit –even PNG benefited from their land
therefore, we’ll accord them a special compensation, that will be stipulated in
the new mining law for Bougainville.”
However, President Momis reminded the people of Bougainville to be realistic
when talking about the issue of Panguna.
“All the things that have happened to us in the past is history now, we’ve
learnt from them and moved forward.
“Your government ABG is taking care of the loopholes in the system – the
colonial laws have been thrown out where there was no consultation at all, now
everything is very different and more importantly we need money to run our
government since National Government of PNG is not honouring its commitment as
stipulated under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.”
However, Bougainville Veterans Associations throughout the island have put up a
firm stand that Panguna Mine must be re-opened so that all Bougainvilleans –
more than 20,000 lives that perished during the Crisis must be compensated.
Former late Francis Ona’s side-kick Glynn Tovirika challenged those who are
negative about the mine re-opening to tell the former combatants who are
responsible for the permanent closure of the mine that where will they get the
money from and how will they pay the compensation for those killed.
Mr Tovirika challenged the Me’ekamui that what will they offer to the people of
Bougainville – to the families of those who died during the crisis – they are
still crying for the family members who have died.
“Whether you like it or not, we will still open the mine. We (ex-combatants) are
the ones who close the mine and we are the ones who will open the mine because
this is the dream and wish of late leader Francis Ona, who told us that the mine
is not permanently closed, but will operate back after we’re ready to gain
independence. That time is now, we are ready,” Mr Tovirika said.
.....