In late 2006 the Council of Elders (CoE) of the Carterets Islands held a series of meetings to discuss the worsening effects of sea surges on their islands. The CoE were concerned that progress in establishing a relocation program for the Carterets people was going very slowly, while the erosion of their islands and the destruction of food gardens as a result of sea water surges was increasing at a very fast pace. As early as 2001, the Bougainville government talked about relocation for the Carterets, but as nothing had ever eventuated, the CoE felt the process was not going to happen unless the Carterets people took charge ... read more