b'ville future on land

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20060505/frhome.htm

B'ville future on land

BOUGAINVILLE should be utilising its resources to boost its economy and mining should not be ruled out altogether. Investors in the now defunct Bougainville Copper Limited believe that re-opening the Panguna mine and other smaller mining projects could assure enough revenues to build up a “prosperous region” with employment opportunities for everybody. These investors from different locations such as Germany, Spain and Luxembourg said every Bougainvillean should now start their fight for the island’s prosperous future and the investors would support the island’s efforts towards it. “Sure, we want to earn money by our investments but we also want that all Bougainvilleans will participate in the region’s economic success and become rich in welfare and peace,” said private investor in BCL Axel Sturm. “The money needed lies in the Bougainvillean soil and should be used for building up a modern state of Bougainville respecting the local history and all ethnic interests.” He also said that if the treasure in Bougainville was exploited, Bougainville would become one of the “most fascinating places in the Pacific region”. Mr Sturm said Bougainville could be compared to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where it was just an ordinary country before oil was found but today was the most prosperous nation in the world. He said if Bougainville considered venturing into mining activities, revenue earned from this industry would be used to fund other sectors such as tourism which would also benefit the whole region. Mr Sturm said the UAE was the wealthiest region and the money gave the Arabs the liberty to cultivate their ancient traditions. “Also, in far future Bougainville might become a fiscal paradise like Cayman Islands, Bahamas or other situated next door to the emerging markets of Asia,” he said. “Mind you for such development there are two important imperatives — that is security for people and security for investment. If only one of the two is not accomplished there will be no future for Bougainville. Please always bear this in mind. We strongly believe that the people of Bougainville deserve a a better future.” He said the worst case for Bougainville would be for the region to be regarded as the lawless place with no order and where people can do silly things without being caught such as the failed money scheme operating in Siwai.