Take a look at that child above: in theory he could have been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, if his father owned the land that is now Port Moresby.
Instead, he lives in a slum. Literally living on top of shit.
The violence in PNG this week is the eruption of long simmering tensions, says Martyn Namorong. Doug Hendrie talks to the fearless political blogger who sells betel nut by day and tackles the country's corrupt ruling classes by night.
The PNG Government sanctioned Commission of Inquiry (CoI) hearing into the issuance of the Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Lease (SABL) commenced in Kiunga, Western Province on Wednesday, 16/11/2011.
The inquiry, which was supposed to have started on Monday (14/11/2011), was delayed due to Air Niugini not able to fly all the equipment and staff of the Inquiry into Kiunga on time. The hearing is being presided over by Commissioner Mr. Mirou.
PRELIMINARY observations have revealed landowner company and developer agreements were largely in favour of Gilford Limited, a subsidiary of logging giant Rimbunan Hijau, with landowners of West Pomio getting less in benefits. Rimbunan Hijau owns The National newspaper
It was also observed that there was no legal representation of the landowners during the signing of the sub lease agreements.
“We want our land back” was the response of two female landowner representatives when asked to comment during the extended Commission of Inquiry into the acquisition of Special Agriculture Business Leases (SABL) in Kokopo yesterday.
Scolar Konpunrea and Sekunda Gwemor from Portion 196c (Pomata Investments Limited) in the Memalo Integrated Project area in West Pomio represented other women landowners and more are expected to give evidence today.
Many “unanswered questions” were believed to have forced an extension to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the acquisition of Special Agriculture Business Leases (SABL) in West Pomio, East New Britain Province.
This is due to revelations about forged signatures and lack of consent by women witnesses at the close of the inquiry at Vunapope, Kokopo on Friday.
Serious allegations of biased dealings have been raised by Pomio Landowner representative, Norbert Pames, against the East New Britain Provincial Government and the Pomio District Administrator, Mr Pomaleu Lagisan, on its lack of action and concern over the land grabs that is currently occurring in the Pomio District.
There have been exciting developments on a number of issues on which ACT NOW! supporters have been making their voices heard; including the SABL land grab, violence against women and children, and the Environment Act amendments. You can find out more here:
The inquiry, which was supposed to have started on Monday (14/11/2011), was delayed due to Air Niugini not able to fly all the equipment and staff of the Inquiry into Kiunga on time. The hearing is being presided over by Commissioner Mr. Mirou.
