Review deals

WE learn from the letter by Luwi James of Port Moresby that Indigenous people of Madang to sue China for environment damage from mining (The Southeast Asian Times 17/3 ).
There might be a cautionary tale in the experience of the indigenous people of Madang for other indigenous people in the region, including Fiji, who are quick to accept Chinese mining without proper due diligence regarding possible damaging environmental impacts.
The mining deals are often cut by local politicians purporting to advance the interests of the indigenous/local people.
The subsequent reality following the commencement of mining is often the very opposite.
The mining and the accompanying environment damage undermine their sustainable livelihood, health and well-being.
It’s a very common trend.

Rajend Naidu,
Sydney