Many voices contend for B’ville influence

The day job of Steve Mark [left], who I met at a rather soggy garden party in Bowral yesterday, is as NSW Legal Services Commissioner. One of his other passions, in his role as Chairman of the International Commission of Jurists (Australia), is the development of a workable common law code for the people of Bougainville.

The rule of law in Bougainville broke down totally during the civil war, and was replaced by the rule of AK-47. Following the cessation of hostilities, an unhappy mixture of ‘gun justice’ and various forms of traditional law prevail. This situation is neither pleasant for most of the people of Bougainville nor conducive to the economic and social development of the autonomous PNG province.

So, in a few weeks time, Mark and some colleagues will return to the island to continue an innovative task of blending traditional and common law – seeking to find a happy medium that will suit the needs of the fiercely independent and proud Bougainvilleans and the imperative to redevelop a Province in which little infrastructure remains but where, although the Panguna mine is finished forever, the central cordillera remains a rich source of gold, copper, silver and other minerals.

Such wealth lies there, in fact, that Chinese and Russian companies are competing for the favours of the Bougainville people in seeking to exploit it. (Australia is not to be seen.) But the question remains, under which law?

With the much-respected President Kabui dead of a heart attack a few months ago and a new election due in the near future, there are many contending influences for power in Bougainville. The hope that the Province would quickly settle back to normality after the civil war has not been realised.

That beautiful island with its fine people is still very much a work in progress. And it is clear that much of that work confronts the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.

Comments

[Solomon]

Unlike Africa, the Middle East and many other conflicts around the world, the AK-47 was never an available weapon used on Bougainville Island. But we know what you mean. Good on you Steve Mark! Let us hope the right balance of laws are implemented for the good of all Bougainvilleans so that peace and tranquility is once again restored.