The sale of 21 islands in Milne Bay Province has irked leaders and locals, calling on the National Government to immediately intervene to stop this practice.
Kiriwina Good Enough MP, Douglas Tomuriesa, raised this concern at Parliament, calling on the cabinet to review the Free Hold Lease Agreement.
The 21 islands in Milne Bay Province were amongst the others purchased under the Free Hold Lease Agreement in the postcolonial era.
It guarantees no ownership rights to the locals.
Mr. Tomuriesa said the people plough land on the islands to make gardens that sustain their living in the long run.
He called on the Government to review the Free Hold Lease.
Lands and Physical Planning, Minister Benny Allan, in his response said he is aware of this issue and told the parliament that group of islands in question are not in the Milne Bays’ economical zone.
He assured the Milne Bay people that a review on the Free Hold Lease will be conducted.
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