By John Chitoa | BRG Coordinating Team Leader
National Debate on Land Theft and Illegal Logging
Things are certainly moving in regards to the land theft in PNG. And thanks to the support of all of you the Bismarck Ramu Group (BRG) has been able to contribute effectively to addressing the issue.
Overall the government of PNG is beginning to feel the pressure from all sectors of society including the churches, civil society, the grassroots and a social media blitz that is calling the government to account for its actions. After a media blitz and press releases from civil society groups the Prime Minister went on the airwaves to declare on FM100 Talkback that the government will start cancelling Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABLs) that were acquired illegally and restart the process with strict guidelines to protect the landowners!
The Prime Minister has set up a Ministerial Committee to look into the findings of the SABL Commission of Inquiry. HOWEVER the Ministerial Committee is made up of the same three departments and ministers found to be responsible for the corruption! This has caused nation-wide outrage, which BRG plans to harness for change.
How Your Generosity has Helped
During the period since the Global Giving competition BRG has been able to conduct four (4) patrols to SABL affected communities, released two press statements addressing the issues and set up several interviews between landowners and local media. We have also been able to get the issue addressed in overseas media including several interviews by Radio Australia, including one with John Chitoa, BRG Coordinating Team Leader and Radio New Zealand. Also, you can listen to one of our advertisements that was broadcast on PNG FM 100 radio.
For More Information
For those of you who want to know more details of the unfolding events can go to our sister organisation’s website ActNow PNG. We also direct you to an outstanding article by Jo Chandler from the Global Mail and "Like" our Donor's Facebook Page.
Thanks again to everyone who supported us during the Global Open Challenge. Your donations have made this work possible, saving people’s livelihoods and the last great rainforests on the planet. And we have not stopped yet. Please keep sharing our GlobalGiving donation site with your friends and colleagues. IT IS STILL OPEN FOR DONATIONS!
Position Vacant
Following the success of the Global Open Challenge, we want to make corporate, philanthropic and individual fundraising a bigger priority – interested? YOU COULD BE THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR! For inquiries contact richard_barcham@bigpond.com.
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