Ken Fairweather

MPSDA chairman, Henry Konaka, said: “It is unfortunate that despite Fairweather’s well intentioned decision to accept the Chairmanship, financial and political support was lacking. It is a relief and good news for the displaced people as we start the New Year 2020. There has barely been any progress since the enactment of the MRA in April 2016, apart from the slow process of board member appointments and the interim management arrangements.”

Nevertheless, Konaka thanked Fairweather for his leadership during the last twelve (12) months.

Mr Fairweather says he has emailed famed human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson, asking if he will take up the cause of Madang landowners in their dispute with the PMIZ (Pacific Marine Industrial Zone).

The MP, a member of the PPP group in government and Member for Sumkar, is named among 11 defendants in a case lodged in the court by Trade Commerce and Industry Secretary John Andrias.

Mr Andreas is seeking to prevent the defendants from meeting landowners and doing anything to hinder the US$300 million fisheries project.