Mine will affect us

I agree with John Nonggorr’s call for the PM to step aside. Recent events show that the PM has lost the plot.
Although there are many examples from which to choose, the amendment to the Environment Act is the worst abuse of legislative power by the Government. According to Sir Michael, he went to China to bring in MCC. If the PM negotiated the deal, did he tell his Chinese friends, the MCC that unlike China, PNG has strict laws on environment? Did he tell them that they would have to comply with the laws like all other developers? Why amend the Environment Act because MCC is having a hard time? The Government says the mine will bring development. Yes, but what kind of development? A few roads and bridges in exchange for hell? How about the widespread pollution and environmental damage? The mine will not go on forever.
Our people will live on their land and fish the seas forever. When the mine closes and MCC leaves PNG, what will happen to the people who will be unable to garden on their land and fish in the seas? Will they all jump on a ship and sail to China to spend their days with MCC? What is amazing is the failure by the Government to appreciate that the landowners are not against the mine.
They simply don’t want tailings to be dumped into the sea. The PM should understand this and explain this to MCC.

Mangi Saina

Post Courier, June 17, 2010

Leaders responsible in curbing corruption

Allow me to express my disappoint at the Prime Minister Michael Somare, the Governor-General and the lack of action that our NGOs, unions and other organisations formed who claim to have the country’s interest at heart when speaking and preaching about corruption.
Corruption is staring us all in the face, we see it on TV and read it in the papers and yet I am sick that honestly, very little is being done to rid us of the crippling disease that is making the rich richer and the poor poorer in our country.
We can go on talking forever about stopping corruption and continue having annual events of getting up early in the morning to walk against corruption but the fact is that no matter how much we talk and the distance walked, none of it will ever make a difference if those who have the authority to effectively start the fight against corruption turn a blind eye against it.
I challenge the G-G who to my knowledge has the power vested in him to dissolve this country’s parliament and government of the day and call for fresh elections. Why has this not been done? Three leaders have been implicated in robberies and other incidents have made headlines should prompt us as to question the integrity and honesty of our Government. The G-G took part in the Walk Against Corruption and for him to turn a blind eye to all the events and front page stories that we have all become too familiar reading everyday is a “slap in the face” of hard working, honest men, women and children in this country. I don’t understand why someone who has the power to turn this country around is ignoring our cry.
People power must happen if change is to take place. It’s time for everyone to practise their democratic right by taking action against corruption.

Judy Howard , Mt Hagen

Post Courier, June 16 2010