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The Green Islands (Nehan) in The Post War Period
In the post-war period, the Green Islands become a province of Bougainville, in the nation of Papua New Guinea. They are now generally referred to as Nissan or Nehan - the native name. War broke out when Bougainville attempted to seceed from Papua New Guinea, a battle enhanced by the easy availablility of ammunition left on Nissan by departing WWII troops.
As the death rate moved into the tens of thousands, a Catholic Women's organization began an extraordinary process of bringing peace to their land. They succeeded: in July, 1997, a settlement was reached, launching Bougainville toward its present status as an autonomous PNG province. Parliament was elected seats were guaranteed to women, in honor of their remarkable achievements. Joseph Kabui became the first president, amidst great hopes; he died.
As the area approaches another presidential election, it continues struggling toward political and economic viability and stability. Peace is still uneasy, but the remaining abandoned ammunition on Nissan has been destroyed under United Nations auspices. Meanwhile, the most promising capital for the fledgling country, Rabaul, was destroyed by a volcano in September 1995.
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The
History of Green Island by Milton Bush includes more details about the
current situation. (picture by William Blake) |
The Women's Peace Initiative offers a timeline of the war and peace efforts.
1976-1989: Fr. George Lepping, SM: Parish priest on Nissan Island March 1979-Dec. 1981: Health Center re-opened by Sr. Sharon Becker, CSJ Fr. Duffy, SM: Priest |
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1971-Stephen Nachman, Edinboro Univ., PA: thesis on Nissan funeral rites, weather, flora
Research on ancient and pre-war anthropology
Matthew Spriggs, The Island Melanesians,
Fire Eating Dance and other Nissan Customs
1995: Samuel (PT Ron 23) and Pat Frankel visit
http://fas-history.rutgers.edu/oralhistory/frankel.html
1995- Volcano
destroys Rabaul (account of David Bond)
Late 1990s-2000s-Ammunition dumped on Island finally removed
| 1994-5: Peace Corps volunteers teaching in Nissan
school: David and Laura Bond Mid 1980s-at least mid 1990s: SIL Missionaries from
Balil |
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Women's Peace Initiative (pdf file)
1999: Peacekeepers: Josh McDade
www.pacificwrecks.com/privinces/bougainville_nissan.html
Mosquito problems in Nissan since WWII spraying
http://www.gladwell.com/2001/2001_07_02_a_ddt.htm
Agnes Titus Nissan Native receives UN Peace award
Helen Hakena (of Nissan) and the Women's Peace
Movement
Includes timeline of Political events
2003: New school on Nissan.
Aid from Australian Compasnies and GovernmentThe Nissan Island Holy Cross
High School Project provided for the upgrading of a school on which had
become a safe haven for children from mainland Bougainville, resulting in
severe overcrowding. Several new dormitories, classrooms and administration
buildings were built and water and electricity services improved.
http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/archives/March2k3/news/news_07-03-2k3.htm
http://www.smec.com.au/media/newsletters/archive/review%20may.pdf
2001: New Zealand Teacher in Nissan School:
http://www.gladwell.com/2001/2001_07_02_a_ddt.htm
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