Special Mining Lease opted for Panguna reopening by OSIKAIYANG LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (5-4832)

The SMLOLA Leadership Team Wins an Unprecedented Level of Support
From its Members on Panguna Progress.

The Special Mining Lease Osikaiyang Landowners Association (SMLOLA) in Panguna, Bougainville, in accordance with its Constitution, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 December 2018 reporting back to its members on the significant activities during the year and the success of the extensive awareness and unification programs, establishing the hard fought for unity of its members, that has taken nearly 30 years to achieve.

Given the 3 year term of the Board was also up for renewal, a new election was held for all officers and Board members, with the addition of more members to ensure we have a broad representation of our constituents. The previous leadership team, including Mr Philip Miriori as our Chairman was also reelected, together with 6 other office bearers, demonstrating the strong support for the significant progress and unity the team has achieved over the last 3 year term.

The elections were strongly supported with 1,757 proxies lodged and over 530 members attending in person, unanimously supporting the new Board. The election proceedings were managed and overseen by SMLOLA’s Lawyers, Ovia Lawyers, and representatives of the Autonomous Bougainville Government were also invited.

Former Chairman, Mr Philip Miriori from Guava Village was re-elected to the position of Chairman of the SMLOLA Board for the next 3 years. No other candidate nominated to contest the position of the SMLOLA Chairman. Chairman Miriori was supported by the former Chairman Lawrence Daveona who remains as his Chief Advisor. Previously strong opponents, the two men reconciled in 2017 and have been working diligently together ever since they signed their Deed of Settlement in December of 2017.

Mr Richard Avero from Kupe Village, Bovonari Ward was chosen to hold office as SMLOLA Vice Chairman, the Treasurer position went to Mrs. Angela Kavarui from Dapera Village Modapi Ward, Public Officer, Mr Kevin Masen from Siredonsi Village Pinenari Ward and SMLOLA Board committee members are Mrs. Emilia Damana from Kooro village Pinenari Ward, Henry Pipino from Onove Village , Oune Ward. SMLOLA Chief Adviser is Mr Lawrence Daveona also from the Domana Ward Area and Technical Adviser Mr Dennis Nasia from the Modapi Ward area. The meeting also discussed and formally approved the nomination RTG Mining Inc as the preferred developer for the Panguna Project.

Mr Philip Miriori said; “this is one of the best Boards the SMLOLA has ever had because it has people from all the seven (7) villages and ward areas of the SMLOLA represented and the Board is also made up of both the young and old generations of the SMLOLA. Importantly we have a strong representation by women, who own the land under our Nasioi custom.”

Mr Philip Miriori said, “as Chairman of the SMLOLA Board I will keep on making sure that our people in the SMLOLA areas are treated fairly and that their voices can be heard in regards to decisions concerning their future.”

Chairman Miriori promised the members that he will always be available to listen to their concerns and will work hard to advocate for lasting peace in Panguna.

The New Members of the SMLOLA Board with the newly elects Board Chairman
(Front row 2nd from the right), Mr Philip Miriori.

Mr. Philip Miriori said, “With this unprecedented level of support, the Leadership Team of SMLOLA are looking forward to continuing to work closely with the ABG in all matters effecting Panguna and supporting the ABG in the upcoming referendum.”

OSIKAIYANG LANDOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC (5-4832)

Level 2, Karoona House
Panguna Town, Panguna District
Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea