PNG Minister to speak at the Everglades

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Mines Mr Sam Akoitai will speak at the Everglades Country Club on April 26 for a fundraising event held by the Rotary Club of Woy Woy.

Mr Akoitai will speak about the Bougainville Peace Process and the current state of PNG-Australia relations.

Money raised will be used to send educational and medical equipment to the remote villages on the island of Woodlark in the Trobriand Islands far from the PNG mainland and too distant to receive government services.

Mr Akoitai started the mainland Bougainville Resistance Force (BRF) to oppose the Bougainville Revolutionary Army after Government services were withdrawn from Bougainville.

After many attempts on his life and seeing the bloodshed on both sides, he decided to risk meeting with his enemies to open a peace dialogue, providing a foundation for peace on Bougainville.

Mr Akoitai first ran for government at the national elections in 1997 and won the Central Bougainville open seat.

He became the Minister of Bougainville Affairs and was instrumental in the Bougainville Peace Process.

In 2002 Mr Akoitai was re-elected for a second term and was appointed Minister for Mining.

Rotary club vice president Mr Ross Pearse said "This will be a great opportunity for those who have previously visited or worked in PNG to relive the experiences, or simply to find out about this close neighbour and how they relate to us."

A raffle will be held on the night with prizes including a weekend for two people at the Outrigger Club with an ocean view suite and an a la carte dinner for two.

Team-signed Penrith and Cronulla NRL jumpers will also be auctioned.

Tickets are $35 including a meal with bar service.

Bookings may be made with Jim Bohle on 0412 438 290 or Peter Clark on 0412 616 161.

Press release, April 13 Ross Pearse, Rotary Club of Woy Woy