LEEWAY CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (LCRC)
Re: The current uprise in Papua New Guinea that has caused a temporary damper on Logging.
Yes, It is deep rooted in that in the 1800's The British (in typical fashion-although actually orchestrated by the Governor of these islands of the Empire) short changed the People of Papua New Guinea and the Solomons completely out of their lands.
As with Native Americans, The indigenous peoples there had a completely different conception of land ownership. When the British Governor acquired completely the land from the people, They believed based on their custom, that upon his death, the land would revert back to the people. They were unfortunately dead wrong and for generations they have been living the equivalent of squatters on land their people have lived on for centuries. British Descendants -Some in Great Britian and never set foot in the lands they own) have been calling the shots and allowing Foreign logging companies Carte Blanche in denuding the Islands. The exasperation of the people in trying to stop the destruction of their homeland's resources was best exampled by the murder by the Mauving Brother's logging firm of Martin Apa who protested the logging and destruction around his community. The government was so corrupt that justice in murder was never initiated.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Brian
LCRC
