Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG)

The Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Capital Insurance Group came together to launch the opening of its branch in Bougainville on Wednesday 20 march, signifying the return of this vital service.

Insurance offers a powerful solution to mitigate risks providing individuals, businesses and communities with financial protection and peace of mind in times of adversity.

The handover ceremony took place in Buka, where Pastor Jenjen presented the books to ABG President Ishmael Toroama, alongside Education Minister Thomas Pataaku, Deputy Chief Secretary Esther Usurup, and Secretary for Education Dorothy Kenneth.

Pastor Royree, a Pentecostal Pastor who resided in Bougainville with her family after the Bougainville war, offered her firsthand spiritual insights into the post-war era through "Sons of Thunder."

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama said that 98 per cent of Bougainvillean’s desire for an independent sovereign state of Bougainville, was firmly established by the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum.

President Toroama said the government and the people must now work together to empower Bougainville’s socioeconomic capacity to support its independence endeavour.

“The Panguna Mine is a multi-billion-kina resource that has remained dormant for almost 40 years now,” Toroama said.

ABG Minister for Police and CS, also Member for Tsitalato, John Bosco Ragu declared this during the Kute Limited Service Station opening in Buka. Minister Ragu emphasized the significance of robust investments, asserting that these initiatives are vital in ensuring financial stability for Bougainville.

In a commendation to businesses contributing to Bougainville's progress, Minister Ragu applauded the efforts of Islands Petroleum and Kute Ltd. He acknowledged their role in bolstering the region's economic landscape.

Emphasizing the importance of recognizing the ability to save for the future, Toroama asserted that Bougainvilleans hold the key to shaping their sovereign destiny.

During the announcement, Toroama urged citizens, including cabinet ministers, public servants, and members of the private sector, to prioritize saving. He highlighted the government's commitment to advancing the aspirations of Bougainvilleans, citing various projects, including a savings and loans society, as crucial steps toward financial self-sufficiency.

The National Narcotics Bureau and the National Mental Health Directorate conducted a three-week training session in the notorious Wakunai District, known for its involvement in marijuana cultivation and supply.

Participants, including representatives from various sectors such as ex-combatants, chiefs, youths, women, auxiliary police, Catholic Diocese Health, Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, Callan Services, Bougainville Healthy Community Programme, and nurses from Buka General Hospital underwent training. 

President Toroama in his address to the Bougainville House of Representatives, clarified that the review process would adhere to legal transparency, involving extensive stakeholder consultations and requiring approvals from the Bougainville Executive Council before any amendments reach Parliament. 

He emphasized that the amendments, stemming from the Panguna Mine Dialogue, were unrelated to previous Caballus proposals.

The signing on Friday August 18 in Port Moresby, between the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) and the ABG is a milestone. AROB is the 10th province that have signed the MOU, this gives the region powers to operate and manage its own transport system and services. 

As outlined in the MoU, the Road Traffic Authority will delegate all the functions under the Road Traffic Act 2014, to the provinces to empower them to perform, generate revenue and at the same time improve road transport services.  

Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Ishmael Toroama, when addressing the Joint Supervisory Body meeting yesterday, said more than 20,000 lives have been lost in the Conflict, infrastructures demolished to basically nothing, and the rule of law, while being reconstructed slowly, mainly exists through traditional laws and systems.

ABG’s Minister for Commerce, Trade and Economic Development and Vice President, Patrick Nisira announced this with the signing of the MoU from the ABG to Capital Insurance to assist in the establishment of the company in the region.