Call to stand together

THE 1996 settlement included a commitment to spend US$350 million (K1.18bil) on the construction of tailings dams, a US$90 million (K) Trust Fund for the people of the Fly River, and 35 million US dollars for the communities.
BHP Billiton’s 52 per cent equity was transferred to the PNG Sustainable Development Program Company, in return for indemnity from future pollution liability.
The 52 per cent equity transferred to establish PNG Sustainable Development Program Company as concerned – Government expropriated PNGSDP under the Tenth Supplement Agreement Act of 2013 when it was passed in the parliament.
The government used our so-called Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Leaders and other leaders as well who are the trustees for the 158 CMCA villages as rubber – stamps to gain its favour and ownership over PNGSDP.
The whole plate of rice of (67 per cent) is owned by the government and Western was given the tablespoon of rice of (33 per cent).
This Tenth Supplement Agreement Act made the government to breach the laws on the original agreement which was made initially between BHP Billiton, Government and the people of Western.
There were no proper consultation and awareness done to the people of Western. From the past experience the similar thing happened.
The government is not respecting the natural rights of the people over their properties, shareholdings, assets, resources, land and the environment.
The government didn’t also realised that what BHP Billiton gave to the people of Western is an insurance against legal responsibility for its actions whereas that sum of monies were paid to compensate for the damages or loss Western experienced.
The government made its decision not in the best interest of the people.
I appeal to the government to critically start thinking about returning what rightfully belongs to the people.
I also want to urge all our political leaders and the elites of the province to unite, collaborate and be held responsible for the problems we have in the province.
Western is sitting on so many problems that require immediate attention.
Our people are lacking more educational awareness campaign programmes on these issues.
It is by the time that the leaders and the elites of Western need to stand up strong to fight, protect and speak up for the rights of our people.
I desperately want the government to give back what rightfully belongs to the people of.

Arago
South Fly