Mine treaty leaders selfish, says Danaya

 THE representatives of community mine continuation agreement (CMCA) under the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd are confused and ignorant of the Fly River provincial government’s decision and its plans regarding the controversial OK Tedi mine issue.

Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya made the comments in reference to a full page statement released last week by 11 representatives under the CMCA, which he described as senseless contradictory statements and they should be ashamed and refrain from making such statements. 

According to the statement, in April 2006, the provincial executive council endorsed a decision to review the eighth and ninth supplemental agreements under CMCA through a Supreme Court reference which was filed the same month.

He called on Steven Wembut, one of the members who released the statement, and ten others to see reality and be aware of what the provincial government was doing.  

He said it was obvious CMCA was a minority group that enjoyed the privileges provided by the mine

“You should declare openly how much OK Tedi has been paying you to side with them over the years.  

“You fly around in comfort within the province and into Port Moresby at the expense of OTML and enjoy the luxury of the benefits from the mine while the bulk of the people suffer,” Danaya said.