GOWRIE'S PLANS FOR CONFLICT ISLANDS

MILNE Bay’s unpopulated Conflict Islands in Misima have been a topic of much debate over their unclear acquisition and ownership. The chain of 21 islands has been put on the market by global tycoon and owner Ian Gowrie-Smith who bought the islands in 2006 and now has what is called a freehold title on them. Ian’s vision for the islands is based on tourism and investment but also conservation and preservation of the environment. Clans of the nearby Panaeati Island however also have a claim to the chain and have been requesting that their members intervene to no avail. Daniel Duncan of the Sisilili clan says in the eighteenth century the islands were originally leased for agricultural purposes which never eventuated and are now on this commercial lease. Smith’s development goals have earned him the support of the Milne Bay government with backing from Governor Titus Philemon and his electorate members. “I have begun the consultation this week with stakeholders and interested parties in POM and soon Alotau and the government is in support of what I am trying to achieve,” Smith said. He said owning and developing land in PNG is not just a piece of paper but a social contract with locals. “Coral atolls are not much use to the locals as they cannot be used to grow food and fishing is easy from their own islands so the best way to make the islands beneficial to the people is through investment and employment,” he said. There will be development that will ensure a minimal ecological footprint using environmentally friendly technology such as solar power, treated recyclable water and bio-mass generators. Among his many ventures Smith has invested in wildlife conservation in South Africa converting barren land into a thriving game reserve and received an award for sustainable architecture. “There is a draft constitution that interested investors will have to sign if they want to come in to the islands but I have no 100 percent guarantee that they will share the same goals as me,” he said. Panaeati Islanders however still challenge the ownership claims saying that there has been no consultative process with them and their members who vowed to fight for the islands have failed them. “We were told if we voted them in they would give the ownership back to the people but they have not kept their word,” he said. Attempts to obtain comments from members of the Milne Bay Government was unsuccessful.