Paguna landowner’s commit to Lloyd’s Metals

Landowners from Panguna communities have united in a significant ceremony on Wednesday, [September 16], pledging renewed commitment to the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s plan to redevelop the Panguna Mine.

The Panguna Landowner Interim Council, chiefs, and representatives from Guava, Dapera, Moroni and Pirurari offered heartfelt apologies to the government and developer Lloyds Panguna Metals and Energy Limited [LPMEL] for the violent events of September 13.

Guava Chief Titus Miri, brother of the late Francis Ona, says his family now stands fully behind the redevelopment.

“My heartfelt apologies to Lloyds, you have invested so much, and our own people have done this. Shame on us. As a chief, I must defend my land, but what has happened has caused me great pain. Today I step down and give my full support to the government. No more games, let us move on and make things happen for Bougainville,” Miri said.

Stakeholders agreed to work closely with police and allow the law to take its course, while veterans pledged to support the process without violence.

LPMEL CEO Hulala Tokome appealed for reconciliation, stressing that destruction must never be the way forward.

“We have lost millions of kina worth of machinery, but violence cannot solve our differences.

"Lloyds is here for more than a mine, we want to create jobs, train young people, support health and education, build infrastructure, and sustainable communities. But we cannot do these things if property continues to be burned and fights continue.

"What has happened, has happened, we must move forward together,” Tokome said.

The ceremony was witnessed by ABG Veterans Minister Linus Dake Jr, the Member for Ioro Constituency David Miringtoro, Chief of Bougainville Police Service Deputy Commissioner Francis Tokura, veterans and community leaders.