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Your latest emails to the Prime Minister

ACT NOW! is inviting the public to send an email to the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to tell him what you think of changes to the Environment law that take away landowner rights and make major resource projects immune from litigation for environmental damage.

Read the full ACTION ALERT! Send your own email to the Prime Minister and sign the petition

Here are some of the latest emails sent to the PM:

 

Dear Prime Minister,

The current government of PNG is behaving in the same way that the former apartheid government in South Africa behaved. I refer here to the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without consultation or debate on 28 May 2010.

When your environment is destroyed and your people deprived of their heritage even the politicians will eventually suffer.

I write here to register my distress at the way this legislation was passed and the effects that it will have on your people and your country.

Yours sincerely, Desiree, South Africa

 

Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,

I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.

If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.

Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in today's world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."

If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.

Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!

Sincerely, Sarah

 

 

Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare, 

Please restore the Environment Act and revoke these newly-legislated measures that deprive all landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.

Please stand beside your people, supporting their rights in what is supposed to be a democratic society.

Draconian measures like these are not acceptable in today's world; a world that is being drowned by climate change, and where the rights of Mother Earth and all human beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."

If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.

Prime Minister Somare, I again urge you to please restore the Environment Act.

Thank you for your attention and consideration.

 Sincerely, Paul Moss, White Bear Lake, MN USA

 

Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,

I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.

If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.

Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."

If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.

Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!

There was an exhibit at St Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia many years ago.  It was the most beautiful exhibit and a most beautiful atmosphere was created with sacred items from your people.  I will never forget it; however, it is not the same as the real thing.  I would love to visit your country and the traditional peoples there; however, if the culture, the animals and the land is just the same as here with the same MacDonald's and other multinationals why travel there.  I am not proposing that the culture of a people be used solely for tourism either.  I do not want to see nature or traditional life in a zoo,  gallery or localized in reservation systems.  Not healthy for anyone.  Please help save our planet and traditional ways.  The traditional peoples know how to live correctly - if you and the corporations will let them.

Sincerely,Carla, Canada

Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,

I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.

If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.

Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."

If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.

Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!

Sincerely,Elisabeth

 

Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,

 

I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.

If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.

Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."

If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!

Sincerely, Abigail,  Silver Spring, MD  USA

 

Dear Bertha,

I understand that you wont be in a position to appreciate the fundamental challenges to the principles and the spirit of our constitution, although your intuition and inner-most self knows what your natural stance should be but you know you'd be at odds with your father. You are a melanesian, just like the so many in thousands, that rise up in trying times, such as now. It is our right and it will always remain that way.

The absolute secrecy, timing and speed with which amendments are being passed is extremely suspicious, automatically raising negative perceptions by those that gave the ticket for the members of parliament, which and without a doubt has seriously impacted the Prime Minister's reputation of his ability to deal with far more extremely important national issues whilst becoming more concerted on money-charged developments. I tend to imagine how you would feel had you been amongst us. Lets face it; the bottom-line is that almost everything if not all crucial changes that has been brought to bear by members of parliament has been fundamentally and principally flawed.

For the Ramu Nickel Project, its that simple. Nothing stops our Chief Executive Officer (PM) and it is his sole responsibility to revisit a process that is being seriously objected to by the very people that the project is meant to be of service to, whom, I  might add, really want the development to progress without fail but on condition that the environmental consequences plays a balance with the social and monetary benefits to them. Is that not what our government is supposed to do naturally and as a scope of their responsibilities?

I believe it is more than high time that we work with people's interests at heart and not just for the sake of accelerating development changes.

Gerard  

 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I spent my early years growing up in Mt Hagen. At the time the land and resources were not being exploited to the extent they are now. Regardless I am shocked to hear that the Papua New Guineans are beingstripped from their right to land.
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.
If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rightsin what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society. Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drowned by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."
If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!
Sincerely,
Renee
 
Dear Betha:
Thank you for forwarding the press release from the Prime Minister Office.
In one of my trip to Asia, I watch in great interest our Prime Minister’s interview by Middle East News Channel Aljazeera. I was proud of our Prime Minister Statesmanship and political stability that the Somare’s government brought since 2002, attracting major investments into Papua New Guinea including of my province, SHP.
Former Prime Minister John Howard on Wednesday spoke on leadership at the launch of the Legacy Torch Appeal. "I think the most important characteristic of leadership is to get the big issues right," he said in Sydney. True leaders get the big issues right and stand their ground even when their decisions are unpopular”. Though Prime Minister, Sir. Michael Somare might not be a great fan of Mr Howard, but maybe Somare might be in agreement now.
I however believe that Somare was sadly advised by self-interest group, foreign corporations and corrupt politicians. I am disappointed that Sir. Michael Somare did not get the issues and stand the ground for the future of our children instead listened to a self-seeking interest groups.  It is the Prime Minister and the government job to educated and be held accountable to the people of Papua New Guinea. Not allowing proper debate in Parliament and to the people of PNG for both the “Moses Maladina" amendments to the Ombudsman Commission and the Environment (Amendment) Act 2010 was a clear violation of process and trickery.The Papua New Guinea people are not to be blame forconfusion and misinterpretation except the full responsibility lies on the Government and the Parliament. I pray that God would help us if our Prime Minister and Members of Parliment have not fully read these amendments before passing it into law. I hope that the passing of the environment legislation was not for the benefit of the Chinese owned Ramu Nickel mine in Madang Province but any passing of any legislation must for the well-being of the people of Papua New Guinea.
Any trickery and deceptive actions by any Government of Papua New Guinea will haunt us in the future.  The Chinese or any other foreign corporations may not have long term interests for PNG.  Any PNG government must seek to protect the interest of our children in the future and not seek short term gains.
Thank you,
Robert
 
Grand Chief Right Honorable Prime Minister,
since 1973 I had huge respect for your statesmanship and leadership. You are admired as a great Melanesian leader who represented his people. You are the longest serving Prime Minister of any Pacific nation. 
But the recent action of your NA Coalition govt to the ammendment of the Environmental Act 2000 has made me loose my confidence in you as my Prime Minister. I feel this bill was rushed and requires the proper parliamenatal debate it democratically deserves by all the MPs who our reps in the house. Please be fair and listen to the cries of your simple people from the four corners of PNG. Use your God given concious and instinct and repeal this ammendement as the first business when the parliament resumes.
Therefore I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Please PM act now on behalf of the simple people of PNG...
Yours sincerely,
JF
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I implore you to RESTORE the Environmental Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.
You should be LEADING and PROTECTING your Nation, Prime Minister, not selling it out for short term economic gains.
Stand up for your people! Beside your people! Respect your DEMOCRATIC role as leader. Respect your land, your country. The gift from your mothers and fathers.
The removal of the Environmental Act is UNACCEPTABLE to no end. The magnitude of evil and dismissal of consequences this represents is greater than simply dangerous. We do not own this land. YOU do not own this land. The mining companies do not own this land. We are A PART of it and share it with billions of others. 
If we do not preserve our Environment and protect Human Rights than there can be no Nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in yourself and your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT NOW!!!
Sincerely,
Amelia
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
The current NA coalition has seen fit to bulldoze a bill without following proper debate on the floor of parliament by all MPs. Prime Minister be reminded that if this ammendment becomes law you are in effect passing a .....WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION.....to the very citizens you are supposed to protect. Where is the true NATIONAL INTEREST? Whose interest are you protecting, hah? Ramu Nickel and LNG PNG is not totally in the national interest. It's Exxonmobil and their developers who will be laughing their head off as they dust off their hands once LNG PNG is like Misima MInes.
Please PM, think again and repeal this ammendement. Look at the people on the streets of Madang and POM. It's out on the international media all over the world. Your very govt is now tarnished with bad human rights publicity all the world. The future of PNG is in your hands. Repeal the new environmental law of you will face the consequences of people power on the street and 2012 elections.
Yours sincerely
on behalf of PNG Papa Graun
 
Dear Ms. Somare,
I am writing to register both my disgust and hope at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act.  It is very unfortunate that these harmful amendments were hastily raced to passage, without the proper debate they deserved.  The unconstitutionality of these new measures would surely have been identified if this legislative process had been more transparent and inclusive.  In solidarity, with my indigenous brothers and sisters of Papua New Guinea, I demand that your government open debate on new amendments to the law - which would again restore the customary and statutory land rights of PNG's indigenous peoples.
Yours sincerely,
Lopaka
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed. Yours sincerely
John
 
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.
The legislation:
-      Removes landowners customary and legal rights;
-      Gives the government unfettered power to approve resource projects;
-      Denys anyone the right of challenge through the courts; and
-      Takes away ALL legal rights to compensation for environmental damage.
If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the people, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.
Harsh measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drowned by climate change, and where the rights of Mother Earth and all human beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."
If we do not preserve the environment and protect human rights then there is no nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your nation, please RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!
Sincerely,
A R
 
Thank you Bertha.
I appreciate the media release however I question the neutrality of such statement in the mainstream media. Political propaganda is not something new and is such reporting not scapegoating? I wish for a just, equitable, tranquil PNG society yet one thing that boils down my heart and soul: how could we create it if our big men continue to play soccer ball. And as laws are concerned, procedures should be adhered to and not sabotaged. At who's
good should laws be made? DON'T RAPE PNG and ITS RESOURCES!!
Ian
 
Thanks Betha for providing the PM’s press release
Unfortunately this reply to people's concerns is too shallow and does not explain the timing to which this Act was amended and the way it was passed in parliament. I doubt the Act was amended to protect the rights of landowners and their environment. I know you know better what is really going on there but hope you come to sense with the impact this amendment would have on the future children of PNG. Please inform the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers to repeal this Act immediately!
Yours sincerely,
Tsenglap, University of Canterbury, NZ
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
I am really mindful of the receiption of this important legislative changes to the Environment Act and how much the people will embraced it. I have come to  know that little has been done for;
  1. Consultation from all sectors of the Community and this including the landonwers (resource)
  2. Put out for proper forum debate by accademics, students eg UPNG and others
  3. Relevant Government Statutory Organisations (Cross cut ) has not been commented.
  4. NGOs and other political influence and appointed groups should not speak for the genuine landowners herein.
Furthermore, why Government in its humble opinnion its fit and proper to rush such an important legislation changes when the above has not been fully exhausted herein.
Yours sincerely
Marcus
 
Dear Betha, Michael, Benny and the lot,
In case you had never realized, nature has its way of justice.  And that what goes around, comes around.Your day of judgement will come, when the land will rejoice while you beg for a drop of water to your burning tongue.
Long live the righteous !.....
Charles
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed. Yours sincerely
Mark
 
Dear Bertha,
The new environment act is a disgrace and the move by parliamentarians to amend it without much consultation and appropriate procedures in passing a bill is questionable as far as PNG citizens are concerned. Law on traditional and customary landownership are protected under the constitution and international environmental best practises and Management tools. These includes ISOs, EIS, EIAs, environmental monitoring, environmental auditing etc, as such the environmental best practise carried out on activities that will have severe environmental degradation in PNG is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is the requirement for the developer (proponent) to produce to the Government (DEC). One of the procedures in acquiring an Environmental Permit is to conduct a public review where all stake holders involved in the development projects are gathered together to openly view their concerns and critics on the EIA. This however has been dissolved by the New Amended Act in favour of the Government and the developer which is totally unfair and an inhuman act towards the resource owners. A development project involves stakeholders and this includes, Government, landowners/resource owners, developer, responsible organisations, (e.g., MRA, DEC) thus all these stakeholders must have a SAY because they all will either benefit or be affected by the development project. With that, public consultation and free prior informed consent are important legal requirements and I see absolutely no reason whatsoever for the self-centred Government and some narrow minded, shallow thinking bureaucrats to pass such a dumb bill in parliament.
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely,
Michiko (Ms)
 
Dear Betha, 
I am writing to register my disappointment at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. This change in law has implications for the whole of PNG not just the Basamuk and the LNG projects. Environment health is a human right in PNG because the bulk of the population  in PNG (~80%) depend on their environment to sustain their livelihood - environment health is paramount to this lifestyle. Since independence, the government has been slacking off its duties in supporting the 80% of population who have been left to fend for themselves and now the government in its wisdom wants to take away the right these people have in protecting their environment and their livelihoods.  
As a Papua New Guinean yourself, I urge that you to take stock of your values - you have relatives and extended relatives, aunties  and cousins  who are part of this 80% who will be affected in one way or the other.  You are in an influential position;  if you choose to use your influence for the good of the voiceless 80%  so this unjust legislation is repealed - you would have done a great service to your country.  You don't need to stand under your father's and brother's shadow; you don't need to defend the government; you don't need to suppress your patriotic spirit -  you can stand up and make an impact as the strong PNG woman that you are. 
Yours sincerely PNG sister
Tanya
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
The Draconian measures you have taken will not give you a good international image, I indend to publish these measures on all social websites and spread the news of your anti environmental policies.
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice.
If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society.
Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest."
If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!
Sincerely,
 

 

Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.Please have heart for the people of Papua New Guinea and act democraticly. we are melanesian, understand our cultures and act with better considerations,
Yours sincerely
Hilton
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice. If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society. Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in today's world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest." If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!
Sincerely,

Christine

 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
Natasha
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
Anthony 
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that deprive all Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights: Their right to land, their right to live in a clean and safe environment, their right to justice. If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society. Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest." If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation.
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENTAL ACT!!!
Sincerely,
Jemima 
 
Dear Bertha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Our Land is our integrity. It has belonged to our forefathers-we have inalienable right to our land. Is the Government serving the rights of the People or is it serving the rights of multi-national corporations??? It is ironic that Michael Somare, a man who is still revered for his role as first Prime Minister of an Independent Papua New Guinea, should be the one who is effectively returning Our Country to colonial rule and taking away our rights to challenge what foreign companies do on OUR LAND.We will not rest until this unjust legislation is repealed!!
Yours sincerely
Conrad
 
Dear Bertha;
My name is Terry and I run a blog, www.pngblogs.com we write on issues and challenges facing Papua New Guinea. We write and post items/articles to expose corruption at all levels both government and corporate and discuss issues facing Papua New Guinea in the areas of Development, Climate Change, Crime and Good Governance.
I am very disappointed in the manner if I may say the trend your boss or dad has taken. I don’t know what planet you have come from but this is Papua New Guinea, you should know people cherish their land, it's sacred and it's something worth more than what money can buy.
If you are looking for a way out of Politics and need money, please say so that you can go out on a golden handshake, we are tired of you ruining this country, you do not own us, you are not our God, we do not answer to you or your stupid political party, you have shown us who you really are by ruining this country, you are protecting thieves, protect men who have stolen from this country, you have a stupid speaker who is a dumb nut controlling the House which is not allowing healthy debates, these very people are advising you, these thieves like Dr.Sause, Pruaitch, Lupari in the months ahead, you will not be in a comfortable zone,
I don’t know if you are a migrant from China or Singapore, because you are so much interested in the affairs of Asians in PNG then those of Papua New Guinea. Why do you go out to protect their interest ahead of the interest of Papua New Guinea? Why do we turn a blind eye on our identity for money? We need to start living within our means. The more we think about what we can get from our resources, we will be left with nothing, we will have a future where our children and our children’s children with be heartless over our choices.
In recent weeks we have seen the total annihilation of our State, Papua New Guineans are not mindful of the big picture, we have been blinded by a few incidence that has blinded our eyes from seeing the daylight robbery that is going on. We now know that Government Ministers including people very close to you were involved in the cover-up of the swindling of Millions of Kina from a HSBC Bank in Singapore, proceeds of which were revenue generated from interest from Log Exports from Papua New Guinea. Patrick Pruaitch then Forest Minister and now Minister for Finance and Treasury and a co-sponsor of alleged crime kingpin William Kapris knew the heat he was facing when revelations were leaked months leading up to the BSP Robberies, it was prime news back then but after the bank robberies hit the local news stand, attention has been taken away from that, also in the cards then Senior NA stalwart Timothy Bonga with some other MPs and now Member, was involved in a scam with members of the Taiwanese government in swindling millions of dollars from this Chinese province.
The media reported that we have had 9 years of growth, I hope it is reflected by the state of our National Infrastructures like our National Highways, the Highlands Highway in particular has seen more deaths in a year than its entire lifespan. I say the bloods of these people are in the hands of the current NA government, they had the responsibility to fix something like a simple pot-hole and yet they can’t afford to do so, why? Because money placed for the Highway road maintenance is being diverted to special consultants, I call them special interest groups who act as “go to” people in Waigani. Growth has to have a trickledown effect, is it affordable? You answer it yourself,
I don’t think you are serving the best interest of PNG; you are in there at a very opportune time, collecting all the money coming in from the proceeds of Gas, Gold and Oil.
Shame on you, if you have some decency left, recall Parliament and restore the Environment Act.
 
Dear Secretary,
As a true Melanesian, I see the passing of the new bill is genocide to the people of Papua New Guinea. The land is our birth right and giving away our birth right would result in bloodshed. The passing of Maladina bill and now the new one is causing anxiety to the people of PNG. It is evident that the current government is autocratic.
You are professionals in your professions but yet your decisions are leading Papua New Guinea to the blood path. Sooner of later you would regret that you have made a wrong decision to pass the bill of environment act. Withdrawing of the environment act and Maladina bill would help safe life of the innocent Papua New Guineans. We do not want to be a victim of your stupidity. Our leaders’ unwise decisions would cause instabilities in all sectors
My question is where are Sir Michael Somare and his cabinets from? If they are from Papua New Guinea why not consider our Melanesian values and principles. Our Melanesian values and principles have been precipitate because of individuals gain and now we are making decisions as if we are not from PNG. How comes a Papua New Guinean betraying his own people and depriving them from their rights that is given to them by GOD. Our ancestors were deceived in the past and our politicians should not repeat that because it would cause a disaster.
As PIKININI SEPIK residing in Sepik, I condemn the decision made by the so call founding father of the nation and all his cabinet. The passing of bill has not been made known to the people of PNG. It hasn't been debated and yet it was passed. What kind of governing system do we have in PNG? Could the prime minister’s office explain to the people of Papua New Guinea who is running the government and whose interest is the government serving? I believe the government is run by a shadow government that’s why the foreigners are favored. As a nationalist, patriotic and anti – corruption campaigner, I for one declare for the common good of all my people that the action of passing the bill is a corruption that has to be stop through bloodshed. I don’t think the people of PNG will uphold the integrity of Sir Michael The people of SEPIK would want to see the government change in 2012. It is a bad picture the National Alliance Party is portraying to the people of PNG and I believe the National Alliance Party should not elect leader to contest for the coming election because their candidates’ life might be at risk.  What I am trying to convey is icing on a cake.
My last and final say is to let you know that the current government is leading the country to the next crisis. The Bougainville crisis is a lesson we should learn and should make wise decision to avert future crisis. If the so call politicians passed the environmental bill for their own interest, I suggest you advice the prime minister and his cabinet to withdraw the bill. If the bill is not withdrawn, there will be a civil unrest and it will be bigger than the Bougainville crisis. Remember, Papua New Guinea is a country that land is own by the people and passing the act would impede the progress of development and would cause innocent people to spill their blood. As a PIKININI SEPIK owning a huge landmass, the passing of the environmental act is a cold blooded murder. The bill has murdered me and all my tribesmen.
If my interest is being jeopardized or at risk, I will use all necessary means to protect my interest. Doing so would cause my life and I am looking forward for that. I believe all the Papua New Guineans would have the same sediments. Before the things get out of hand, REMOVE THE ENVIRONMENT ACT NOW BECAUSE IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNDEMOCRATIC. I WISH IF LATE BERNARD MULU NARAKOBI WAS ALIVE. HOW WOULD OUR LATE MELANESIAN PHILOSOPHER FEEL? I hope you understood what I am trying to say.
Kind regards!
MELANESIAN NATIONALIST
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to let you know that, I am very disappointed and disgusted at the changes the government made to the Environmental Act. Let your papa know that this is totally against the spirit of this country...That ammendment will not solve landowner issues, it will in fact spark more problems and the current government must be prepared to face the consequence.
Your sincerely
Steven
 
Somare, you have sold us out to the Chinese. How much did you get in kickbacks for this? Don't you remember what you wanted to accomplish when you started? or has 35 years of taking bribes, being the Bikman and treating the people like mediaeval serfs fed your delusions of grandeur? You are a disgrace, a sell-out and should be removed from office immediately.
Copper tailings into the water off Madang?!? Complete impunity for all resource companies? NO recourse for landowners or concerned citizenry? You are insane. You risk national unrest on an unprecedented scale. Are you really so blind that you can't see this? You have given foreign-owned gas, oil, mining & forestry companies carte blanche to environmentally and culturally rape and pillage. So a Chinese company is frustrated by the delays and costs of setting up in Ramu - so what?? That's not something they should be able to buy their way out of. You're a sovereign, independent nation (supposedly), not the haus boi for a Chinese masta.
I am simply APPALLED that you have allowed - no, *orchestrated*! - this debacle, this utter travesty. Be a real leader and stand up for your country. On your own website
you tout the "largely unspoiled natural beauty" of the country - not for much longer, if you actually allow this to go through. Please - be a man. Stand up to the Chinese and others, instead of allowing them to destroy my home and yours. History will not be kind to you over this.
Suzanne
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
I implore you to RESTORE the Environment Act and REVOKE these newly-legislated measures that depriveall Landowners in Papua New Guinea of their most basic rights - land, a clean and safe environment, justice. 
If the tables were turned, Prime Minister, I believe you would be standing beside the People, struggling with your People and their rights in what is supposed to be a DEMOCRATIC society. Draconian measures like these are UNACCEPTABLE in todays world; a world that is being drown by climate change, and where the Rights of Mother Earth and all Human Beings have taken precedence over short term economic gains and ideas of "National Interest." We all live in this same World., dear Prime Minister... And  honestly I don't believe you would prefere to live in a poisoned one instead than in harmony and beauty. So I understand your efforts.. But why should National interests always need to abuse of their Indigenous people and Mother Earth resources? If we do not preserve our Environment and Protect our Human rights than there is no Nation. 
Prime Minister Somare, if you take pride in your Nation, please RESTORE THE ENVIRONMENT ACT!!! 
Sincerely,
Sonia                                                                                                  
 
Dear Betha,
I have great respect and a supporter of your father, Michael Somare over the years since my childhood years in the SHP since 1975. He has contributed hugely to the development of Papua New Guinea and believes that our Chief, Michael Somare loves PNG and want to see the best for PNG in the next 35 years. But the Parliament taking away the basic right of the people and without proper debate over the Environment Act in Parliament is an insult to us,  Papua New Guineans and  making a mockery of Papua New Guinea internationally. There needs to be sufficient time given for debate even for the “Moses Maladina" amendments to the Ombudsman Commission.  Ideas have consequences and it will have long term impact if we take away the basic rights of people. I am afraid that Papua New Guineans will take the law in their own hands if the laws that our Parliament pass is not there to protect them. I wish your father all the best in the next few years as the PM and I hope to see him finish well. 
Robert (USA) 
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed. If this is not done I want to warn you that "WORSE THAN" Boungainville crises in looming and be sensible, you and your government ACT NOW to repeal this SENSELESS legislation to prevent unnecessary loss of lives of Papua New Guineans.
Yours sincerely
COC
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
Val
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed. 
Yours sincerely
Chris
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
john
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is
repealed.
Yours sincerely
Fiona
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
Michele
 
Dear Betha,
Your father and his cohorts have done it again. The changes they have made to the Environment Act and the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate, public or otherwise, yet again, show the despotic tactics of the Somare Government to stifle fundamental rights of Papua New Guineans. The government is taking us for fools but be rest assured, people will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Oh, and BTW, the attempt now to go on air following public fury is pathetic. A little too late.
Yours sincerely
Almah
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely
Alistair
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government may consider the PNG people as being fools but there is a growing number who will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Tell your father and his cronies that the world watches and waits to see pay-back happen
Yours sincerely
Henry
Expat pre Independence
 
Dear Prime Minister Michael Somare,
You are a total disgrace to all Papua New Guineans for you have lost the plot of what good honest and responsible government is.
PNG deserves a better Prime Minister than you for you have been in politics for over 40 years but have learnt absolutely nothing about running an effective government and making your people rich with their resources plundered by you and interests.
Papua New Guineans do not have any respect for you as PM so you should do the right thing and resign as PNG desperately needs a new Prime Minister NOW!
Step aside PM for your due date has already expired yesterday.
Vagi
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. This tyrant attitude is directly undermining the just and democratic right of every Papua New Guinean children now and in the future. Therefore we the genuine Papua New Guineans will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely,
Peter
 
Dear Betha,
Any proposed changed to the nation's legislation should be properly debated about its merits and demerits before it becomes a law. That is the standard procedure in policy circle or 'stages heuristic'. Public opinion is an important prerequisite to policy design and failure to do so, only reveals the detachment of legislators from the masses.
After the controversial tax law passed by parliament earlier this year that promulgate massive tax holiday to the LNG operators, this environmental law reveals that PNG's public policy is design at the whims of multinational corporations (MNC). Unless our Ministers and bureaucrats cannot think independently to address national issues, this country will become another puppet states, remotely controlled by MNC's and TNC's. The trend is gradually revealing.
It is a fact that foreign direct investment (FDI) is one of the major prerequisite to economic development, and therefore any unnecessary impediments to FDI must be removed. However FDI should be encouraged pragmatically in the light of local realities. A responsible and sensible government will never undermine the local situation to jostle foreign investor's interest.
Albert
 
Dear Betha,
Frazer is right! Is that indicative of a government's view of the bulk of the citizenry as unconscious, illiterate? Is that a sign of a test of people power for a bigger control-monopoly and dictatorship by Sir Michael and his cohorts? Maladina Bill was the case and her the next without debating first?
NO one is above the law to bypass procedures for his/her gain suffering the multitude 87 % of rural populace. Please, "Don't bring Sukarno/Suharto to PNG!"
Ian
 
Dear Betha [in response to Fraser below],
Hehe, common sense.
Andrew
 
Dear Betha [in response to her email below],
Don't you think it would have been a good idea to do that before it became law?
Regards
Fraser
 
From Betha
Representatives from the Department of Environment and the Attorney General's department will be on FM100 tomorrow 0900 to 1000hrs to explain the amendment to the Environment Act of 2000. You are most welcome to tune in.
Betha Somare
PM's Media Unit
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Yours sincerely,
Ian
Papua New Guinean nationalist for democratic rule of law.
 
Dear Betha,
Olsem tok tasol, tingting na wokim samting, yumi stap yet lo PNG. You might not feel the pain because its not your land but for those who loose Land its painfull.
Think of Bougainville, Africa, na ol middle east country nogut yumi kamap olsem ol.
Tingting tasol
PS Nava.
 
Dear Betha,
I am writing to register my disgust at the changes the government has made to the Environment Act and to the way it was bulldozed through Parliament without debate. The government is taking the people for fools but we will not rest until this draconian and unjust legislation is repealed.
Is the government asking for a civil unrest???
Yours sincerely
Leonard 

Send your own email to the Prime Minister 

Comments

Dear Betha,

I have great respect and a supporter of your father, Michael Somare over the years since my childhood. He has contributed hugely to the development of Papua New Guinea and believes that our Chief, Michael Somare loves PNG and want to see the best for PNG in the next 35 years.

But the Parliament taking away the basic right of the people and without proper debate over the Environment Act in Parliament is an insult to us, Papua New Guineans and making a mockery of Papua New Guinea internationally. There needs to be sufficient time given for debate even for the “Moses Maladina" amendments to the Ombudsman Commission. Ideas have consequences and it will have long term impact if we take away the basic rights of people. I am afraid that Papua New Guineans will take the law in their own hands if the laws that our Parliament pass is not there to protect them.

I wish your father all the best in the next few years as the PM and I hope to see him finish well.

Rob

Dear Bertha;

My name is Terry and I run a blog, www.pngblogs.com we write on issues and challenges facing Papua New Guinea. We write and post items/articles to expose corruption at all levels both government and corporate and discuss issues facing Papua New Guinea in the areas of Development, Climate Change, Crime and Good Governance.

I am very disappointed in the manner if I may say the trend your boss or dad has taken. I don’t know what planet you have come from but this is Papua New Guinea, you should know people cherish their land, it's sacred and it's something worth more than what money can buy.

If you are looking for a way out of Politics and need money, please say so that you can go out on a golden handshake, we are tired of you ruining this country, you do not own us, you are not our God, we do not answer to you or your stupid political party, you have shown us who you really are by ruining this country, you are protecting thieves, protect men who have stolen from this country, you have a stupid speaker who is a dumb nut controlling the House which is not allowing healthy debates, these very people are advising you, these thieves like Dr.Sause, Pruaitch, Lupari in the months ahead, you will not be in a comfortable zone,

I don’t know if you are a migrant from China or Singapore, because you are so much interested in the affairs of Asians in PNG then those of Papua New Guinea. Why do you go out to protect their interest ahead of the interest of Papua New Guinea? Why do we turn a blind eye on our identity for money? We need to start living within our means. The more we think about what we can get from our resources, we will be left with nothing, we will have a future where our children and our children’s children with be heartless over our choices.

In recent weeks we have seen the total annihilation of our State, Papua New Guineans are not mindful of the big picture, we have been blinded by a few incidence that has blinded our eyes from seeing the daylight robbery that is going on. We now know that Government Ministers including people very close to you were involved in the cover-up of the swindling of Millions of Kina from a HSBC Bank in Singapore, proceeds of which were revenue generated from interest from Log Exports from Papua New Guinea. Patrick Pruaitch then Forest Minister and now Minister for Finance and Treasury and a co-sponsor of alleged crime kingpin William Kapris knew the heat he was facing when revelations were leaked months leading up to the BSP Robberies, it was prime news back then but after the bank robberies hit the local news stand, attention has been taken away from that, also in the cards then Senior NA stalwart Timothy Bonga with some other MPs and now Member, was involved in a scam with members of the Taiwanese government in swindling millions of dollars from this Chinese province.

The media reported that we have had 9 years of growth, I hope it is reflected by the state of our National Infrastructures like our National Highways, the Highlands Highway in particular has seen more deaths in a year than its entire lifespan. I say the bloods of these people are in the hands of the current NA government, they had the responsibility to fix something like a simple pot-hole and yet they can’t afford to do so, why? Because money placed for the Highway road maintenance is being diverted to special consultants, I call them special interest groups who act as “go to” people in Waigani. Growth has to have a trickledown effect, is it affordable? You answer it yourself,

I don’t think you are serving the best interest of PNG; you are in there at a very opportune time, collecting all the money coming in from the proceeds of Gas, Gold and Oil.

Shame on you, if you have some decency left, recall Parliament and restore the Environment Act.

Dear Prime Minister,

The passing of the amendments to the PNG Environment Act earlier this week just goes to show how the powerful mining lobby can shape a supposedly sovereign country's future.

Perhaps the wisdom of a Native American chief known as Chief Seattle who had long gone can offer some insight and provoke some thoughts to us. Here is an account of his speech written by a bilingual white writer Dr Smith:

"I hope are indeed Yonder sky that has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold, and which to us appears changeless and eternal, may change. Today is fair. Tomorrow it may be overcast with clouds.

My words are like the stars that never change. Whatever Seattle says, the great chief at Washington can rely upon with as much certainty as he can upon the return of the sun or the seasons.

The white chief says that Big Chief at Washington sends us greetings of friendship and goodwill. This is kind of him for we know he has little need of our friendship in return. His people are many. They are like the grass that covers vast prairies. My people are few. They resemble the scattering trees of a storm-swept plain. The great, and I presume -- good, White Chief sends us word that he wishes to buy our land but is willing to allow us enough to live comfortably. This indeed appears just, even generous, for the Red Man no longer has rights that he need respect, and the offer may be wise, also, as we are no longer in need of an extensive country.

There was a time when our people covered the land as the waves of a wind- ruffled sea cover its shell-paved floor, but that time long since passed away with the greatness of tribes that are now but a mournful memory. I will not dwell on, nor mourn over, our untimely decay, nor reproach my paleface brothers with hastening it, as we too may have been somewhat to blame.

Youth is impulsive. When our young men grow angry at some real or imaginary wrong, and disfigure their faces with black paint, it denotes that their hearts are black, and that they are often cruel and relentless, and our old men and old women are unable to restrain them. Thus it has ever been. Thus it was when the white man began to push our forefathers ever westward. But let us hope that the hostilities between us may never return. We would have everything to lose and nothing to gain. Revenge by young men is considered gain, even at the cost of their own lives, but old men who stay at home in times of war, and mothers who have sons to lose, know better.

Our good father in Washington--for I presume he is now our father as well as yours, since King George has moved his boundaries further north--our great and good father, I say, sends us word that if we do as he desires he will protect us. His brave warriors will be to us a bristling wall of strength, and his wonderful ships of war will fill our harbors, so that our ancient enemies far to the northward -- the Haidas and Tsimshians, will cease to frighten our women, children, and old men. He in reality he will be our father and we his children.

But can that ever be? Your God is not our God! Your God loves your people and hates mine! He folds his strong protecting arms lovingly about the paleface and leads him by the hand as a father leads an infant son. But, He has forsaken His Red children, if they really are His. Our God, the Great Spirit, seems also to have forsaken us. Your God makes your people wax stronger every day. Soon they will fill all the land.

Our people are ebbing away like a rapidly receding tide that will never return. The white man's God cannot love our people or He would protect them. They seem to be orphans who can look nowhere for help. How then can we be brothers? How can your God become our God and renew our prosperity and awaken in us dreams of returning greatness? If we have a common Heavenly Father He must be partial, for He came to His paleface children.

We never saw Him. He gave you laws but had no word for His red children whose teeming multitudes once filled this vast continent as stars fill the firmament. No; we are two distinct races with separate origins and separate destinies. There is little in common between us.

To us the ashes of our ancestors are sacred and their resting place is hallowed ground. You wander far from the graves of your ancestors and seemingly without regret. Your religion was written upon tablets of stone by the iron finger of your God so that you could not forget.

The Red Man could never comprehend or remember it. Our religion is the traditions of our ancestors -- the dreams of our old men, given them in solemn hours of the night by the Great Spirit; and the visions of our sachems, and is written in the hearts of our people.

Your dead cease to love you and the land of their nativity as soon as they pass the portals of the tomb and wander away beyond the stars. They are soon forgotten and never return.

Our dead never forget this beautiful world that gave them being. They still love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains, sequestered vales and verdant lined lakes and bays, and ever yearn in tender fond affection over the lonely hearted living, and often return from the happy hunting ground to visit, guide, console, and comfort them.

Day and night cannot dwell together. The Red Man has ever fled the approach of the White Man, as the morning mist flees before the morning sun. However, your proposition seems fair and I think that my people will accept it and will retire to the reservation you offer them. Then we will dwell apart in peace, for the words of the Great White Chief seem to be the words of nature speaking to my people out of dense darkness.

It matters little where we pass the remnant of our days. They will not be many. The Indian's night promises to be dark. Not a single star of hope hovers above his horizon. Sad-voiced winds moan in the distance. Grim fate seems to be on the Red Man's trail, and wherever he will hear the approaching footsteps of his fell destroyer and prepare stolidly to meet his doom, as does the wounded doe that hears the approaching footsteps of the hunter.

A few more moons, a few more winters, and not one of the descendants of the mighty hosts that once moved over this broad land or lived in happy homes, protected by the Great Spirit, will remain to mourn over the graves of a people once more powerful and hopeful than yours.

But why should I mourn at the untimely fate of my people? Tribe follows tribe, and nation follows nation, like the waves of the sea. It is the order of nature, and regret is useless. Your time of decay may be distant, but it will surely come, for even the White Man whose God walked and talked with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We will see.

We will ponder your proposition and when we decide we will let you know. But should we accept it, I here and now make this condition that we will not be denied the privilege without molestation of visiting at any time the tombs of our ancestors, friends, and children. Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.

Even the rocks, which seem to be dumb and dead as the swelter in the sun along the silent shore, thrill with memories of stirring events connected with the lives of my people, and the very dust upon which you now stand responds more lovingly to their footsteps than yours, because it is rich with the blood of our ancestors, and our bare feet are conscious of the sympathetic touch. Our departed braves, fond mothers, glad, happy hearted maidens, and even the little children who lived here and rejoiced here for a brief season, will love these somber solitudes and at eventide they greet shadowy returning spirits.

And when the last Red Man shall have perished, and the memory of my tribe shall have become a myth among the White Men, these shores will swarm with the invisible dead of my tribe, and when your children's children think themselves alone in the field, the store, the shop, upon the highway, or in the silence of the pathless woods, they will not be alone. In all the earth there is no place dedicated to solitude. At night when the streets of your cities and villages are silent and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled them and still love this beautiful land. The White Man will never be alone."

I sincerely hope that PNG will one day (before it is too late like most other places) DO learn from the mistakes of other countries and stand up to be a brave and different nation that values what matters to your people and your soul....

All the best!

Hey Michael Somare,

Stop wasting the people and PNG's time by staying in the job which you do not know much about. You have now made a total mess of it so give it to your deputy, Puka Temu to run PNG now.

Please resign or step down now before the people take away your power which you have abused since coming into office in 2002.

Vagi Nalika

Dear Readers,

Please do not waste your time writing to Bertha. Who is Berth? She has no more idea about what is going on than her father or brother so let throw them out of the office now so PNG's sake.

Vagi Nalika