...On my first day in Arawa, many people I talked to were all against re-opening the mine. The silent majority that has never been interviewed and talked to by the mainstream media and the ones, who carry the pain every time when those in the high places look down on them, are opposed to the mine re-opening.
... asked one of the Meekamui soldiers, who have been offered jobs if the mine re-opens by BCL, what they think about taking the jobs? The soldier told me that jobs are not important. "We care for our land and future generations. Where will our children live if we destroy the land?" ...
A businessman in Arawa, who runs a guesthouse, while commenting on the issue says: "Mining is not the answer. It will bring more bloodshed on the Island if the pro mining landowners go ahead and sign any new agreement. I lost two sons in the war and no one pays me any compensation for their lives."
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