Dylup locals repel outsiders

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
LANDOWNERS claiming to own portions of the Dylup Plantation several kilometres out of Madang town are calling on certain individuals to stop brainwashing them over acquisition rights and development of the plantation.
The call was made after several landowners found themselves duped by other self-serving groups led by individuals and promises by various cooperative societies on the handling of the affairs of the plantation after its last owner, Bill Gardner, left.
The plantation, which was acquired under a special agriculture business lease of 99 years by the Middleton family for more than 10 years, was to have been sold back to the landowners but lack of capital with no financial support from the Madang provincial government had resulted in it being handed over to PNG Ports.
PNG Ports has so far contracted Agmark to act as the caretaker managers of the plantation.
Disgruntled over the non acquisition of the plantation, certain persons within the area have stirred up the ire of those also angry at the lack of consultation and monetary backing to go against the new management.
Dylup station manager Paul Manong, when contacted yesterday, said as far as he was concerned genuine landowners, depsite having no proper policy position on the status of the plantation yet, were to await proper documented processes than listen to garbage.
“There are people out there trying to brainwash other genuine landowners on trying to create unrest but the way certain changes  have been brought about here has been to the benefit of both employees and landowners alike.”