answers?, page-14

Hi All,

Mr Burgoyne has been kind enough to post replies to my queries on another site, he did say say i could paste them here and I think it is only fair to give him the right of reply. For a number of reasons Grant at this stage I would prefer my identity to be private but I may take you up on your offer at a later stage.

Regards
PS they are quite long so may take a few posts.

jaeb: Both the ALC and the NT Govt ripped into GEMCo over the spillage of manganese in Milner Bay. The ALC is also into GEMCo about the state of the Angurugu River. GEMCo is a fait accompli. The TO's would rather not have them here, but the... original agreement to mine was negotiated not by the TO"s but by the Church Mission Society "on their behalf" in 1963. The TO's have never agreed to mining nor the granting of exploration tenements when they've had the choice. The Forum: The Traditional Owners of the Groote Archipelago does in fact constitute the decision making body on matters of Sea Country. GR's moves have united a family based culture in a manner I've never seen before. Choose to believe this or not. As I keep on saying it's your dough. The current TO's are working on a four part legacy for future generations. The first- the consultative and decision making protocols between the TO's and the ALC- was adopted at a meeting on October 12th. The second, yet to formalised in the Mainstream manner i.e. via written documentation, but agreed upon among themselves, is that there is to be no more mining on Land or Sea. GEMCo is only too well aware of this and it distresses them greatly, seeing that they have made overtues to the TO's seeking exploration on what they refer to as the "Eastern" and "Southern" leases. The third part of the Legacy is the recording of the "open anthropology of the sea". The fourth is the "recording of the secret anthropology of the sea". These people are Ceremonial People. It would be difficult to explain this here but, if you wish to proceed, in good faith, please contact the TO"s and they'll provide you with information. GEMco have severely impacted on the culture of the local people, and TO's are worried about the state of the Angurugu River as it constitutes an important Song Cycle. GEMCo are aware of the need to address this issue to avoid a serious deteroration in their relationship with the TO's. Under the sea where GR have their tenements there are 8 Song Cycles that would be obliterated by mining...this would constitute the end of their Ceremonial Life. That's why they'll fight GR to the death. The comments posted on GR re drug use and sex romps may be amusing to those who see that forum as some sort of playground. It doesn't amuse the TO's who see this as sneering at them and their culture. Which, to be fair, is very much the case. If you and your mates are fair dinkum why not come to the Eylandt and have a look for yourselves. From your posts you all seem to be loaded. If you wish to proceed, in good faith, my wife Nancy and I, who work full time on this campaign, are happy to engage in serious dialogue. I would also suggest that you begin questioning GR, who are not being up front with the full knowledge that they possess in regard to current state of play. Sincerely GFB.