Central Province Governor, Rufina Peter, has expressed strong concerns over the acquisition of 280 hectares of land at Caution Bay.
She supports the statements made by Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu, and the former Prime Minister Peter O’Neil, regarding the lack of transparency and proper processes in the land deal, involving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, John Rosso.
Governor Peter highlighted that this is not the first instance of land grabbing against the people of Central Province.
She previously raised concerns in July 2024 over a questionable transfer of land at Ilimo Farm, known as Portion 1221.
Investigations revealed that over 300 hectares of Central Provincial Government land were transferred to a foreign-owned entity under suspicious circumstances.
Peter assured the people of Central Province that the transfer of Portion 1221 would soon be addressed in court. She promised transparency and action, stating, “The people of Central Province will be advised in due course as to the issues surrounding Portion 1221 and related Portions.”
The Governor emphasized that the Central Provincial Government will not allow outsiders to exploit their land without proper procedures.
She added, “We will not permit the pillaging of land within our borders…without due process and respect for our rights, where infringed on.”
Peter vowed to work closely with MP Iduhu to investigate the Caution Bay land deal and ensure the rights of Central Province residents are protected.
She expressed concern about foreign corporations benefiting from such questionable deals and stressed the need for accountability and transparency.
“We simply cannot continue to be spectators in our own country watching large foreign corporations benefit from dubious deals, without the right to demand answers and accountability where circumstances warrant.”
“We demand accountability, transparency, and respect for the rights of our people.”
Governor Peter reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding the land rights of Central Province and called for justice for the people.