Wed May 24, 2006 12:01 am
Wed May 24, 2006 2:43 am
Leave our war relics alone
WE condemn in the most strongest terms the removal of our war relics under the disguise of preserving them in foreign countries. World War II was fought on our soil and those who died and the remains of their war machines must remain in Papua New Guinea. Foreigners who want to see the relics or pay respects to the war dead should be given all the encouragement to visit this country and do so. But, to allow anyone to remove anything such as the Oro “Swamp Ghost” and move it to the United States is a total disrespect for the war dead. It also removes a historical link between the people of Oro and those who came and fought on Oro land. The place will become a desert of no interest to tourists. Yet, this is what we are promoting! What a shame. The National Museum is being utterly irresponsible in allowing the removal of important war relics from PNG without fully understanding the full implications on tourism to the country. We call for a total stop to all future removals of war relics from this country. We have lost far too many priceless pieces of war relics to foreigners who now sit back and enjoy their new treasures at the expense of the simple PNG villagers. No tourist will ever venture into the swamp left behind by the B17E. It is no longer there, thanks to the National Museum and Art Gallery. It claims to be acting under the authority of its own Act in giving the green light for the removal of this war aircraft. We say the museum has been misguided and it has acted in a way that does not serve the best interests of PNG. What is it that in this country while one arm of the government is trying to promote tourism — encouraging foreign visitors to visit PNG and see the unique and diverse cultures of this land, including the war relics — another arm of government is encouraging foreigners to remove these attractive features of our country. We cannot bring in more visitors if government agencies are not working together in unison and ensuring that they co-operate with each other to do what is best for the people of this country. The National Museum needs to rethink the way it is encouraging the removal of war relics from PNG. It must take a different approach and ensure whatever is still there in the jungles, are preserved and left as they are. Then tell the world to come and see for themselves.
News
Weekend Edition Fri - Mon May 05th - 07th , 2006
Dispute over Ghost Swamp
A dispute has arisen between the National Museum and an American tourist over the salvaging of an American World War II plane that crashed in a swamp in Oro Province. The dispute began when 28-year-old New Yorker Justin Taylan provided information on a feature story in the Post-Courier and a video tape aired on EMTV on the American B-17 bomber aircraft nicknamed Ghost Swamp that crashed at Agiambo Swamp. Mr Taylan was keen to promote tourism in Papua New Guinea and urged the Museum to keep war relics, especially the Ghost Swamp intact and in the country. He said the plane was valued at about K15-20 million. He said it was “best to leave the Swamp Ghost in the swamp so it can be visited by tourists. The local people had agree and have established rules and fees for visitors. Mr Taylan said he had raised public awareness about the aircraft’s historical value, dollar value and tourism potential. “The people of PNG must instruct the Government and the museum on these matters,” he said. Mr Taylan’s comments has angered National Museum and Art Gallery acting director Simon Poraituk who said the Museum Board of Trustees had allowed another American, Fred Hagen, to salvage and restore the plane.
Wed May 24, 2006 3:46 am
Wed May 24, 2006 5:44 am
Wed May 24, 2006 6:32 am
The local people had agree and have established rules and fees for visitors.
Wed May 24, 2006 7:21 am
Wed May 24, 2006 7:39 am
Wed May 24, 2006 8:01 am
Well Folks,
I think its time to flood the newspaper with letters via point out how the National Musuem has had chance in the past to save stuff and how if PNG is so worried about there Tourism then why do they allow the mass scrapping to still go on.
Also I want to know how in the he11 they think American Aircraft are there Heritage. Hey Justin thanks for getting the ball going and opening the gennie from the bottle.
Already start the letter if anyone needs backinginformation ask me and I'll provide it. I plan on siteing UNESCO stuff the musuem own policey and the original agreement they had with Charles and David oh this is going to be fun
Wed May 24, 2006 8:10 am
Wed May 24, 2006 9:18 am
Mark_Pilkington wrote:By all means develop a logical, respectful submission and hold it for the IRC public inquiry if you feel so inclined?
Wed May 24, 2006 9:35 am
Wed May 24, 2006 11:11 am
Col. Rohr wrote:Also I've been looking at the actual ownership question I mean does the USAF still have ownership because while the US gace up all aircraft that were left at active fields they never gave up the ownership of aircraft lost durning combat.
Wed May 24, 2006 11:55 am
Wed May 24, 2006 1:59 pm
Wed May 24, 2006 2:03 pm
FULL STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!