Gau: Govt should consider K15m commitment to islanders

By ANGELINE KARIUS
MADANG Governor James Gau says the national government should re-address the previous government’s commitment of K15 million to the Manam settlers on the mainland.
This is to enable a reconciliation with the people of Bogia, Madang, before a long-term resettlement is considered.
He said he believed that reconciliation and compensation from both the Manam and Bogia people could settle their differences.
“The national government must take ownership of the Manam issue and address the seriousness of it,” he said.
He said former prime minister Sir Michael Somare had agreed in the previous government to give K15 million but this had not been done due to the change in government.
However, Gau said he would pursue the matter with Prime Minister  Peter O’Neill and Minister for Provincial Affairs and Kikori MP Mark Maipakai.
“I call on the national government and Minister responsible to establish a dialogue to carry out a peace process for the reconciliation to take place,” said Gau.
He said the two most important issues at stake was to execute a reconciliation between the two parties and decentralise funds for the Manam Islanders.
The riot escalated last weekend when 25 houses were razed to the ground over the killing of an 11-year-old boy who was speared by youths from the Kalilak in Bogia district.
He said it was unfortunate that no support had been given by Bogia MP John Hickey.