Autonomous Bougainville Government

ABG Concludes Leaders’ Symposium

The Autonomous Bougainville Government concluded a three-day leaders’ symposium on June 1st at the Sharpe Memorial Youth Centre in Arawa.

Running under the theme of “Moving a resilient and responsible Bougainville towards Independence”, the Symposium provided the space for leaders to reflect on progress so far under the Bougainville Strategic Development Plan 2018-2022, and craft out independence-readiness priorities for the next five years.

ABG responds to misleading statements

Minister Osioco made this statement in light of allegations made on social media regarding Nik Zuks having been granted a mineral license to operate in Bougainville.

“Zuks has no licensed mineral project in Bougainville under his name and/or his company Wyndale,” Minister Osioco clarified.

Minister Osioco also clarified that the Inward Investment processes under the Bougainville Inward Investment Act for approval of investors is independent of the processes for application and approval of mineral licences under the Bougainville Mining Act 2015.

Parliamentary Service Launches Programme

Under the theme “Walk, Work, Pray and Play”, parliamentary staff under the leadership of the Clerk of Parliament, Robert Tapi, and Corporate Service Director, Ignatius Hamal, met in Buka Town as early as 6am.

After thanking the staff for turning up for the programme, Tapi then officially launched the programme and led parliamentary service staff to collect rubbish within Buka Town all the way up to the Parliament House at Kubu.

This programme is the first of its kind to be introduced and implemented by Parliamentary Service.

ABG Does Not Support Musingku: President

ABG President, Ishmael Toroama, emphasised that his government does not support Noah Musingku and his U-Vistract faction, nor do they condone their activities on Bougainville.

“I was vehemently clear on this matter when I visited Tonu with an ABG delegation last year,” the President said in a statement.

“There is no evidence to show that they are supporting Bougainvilleans through agricultural projects, homeownership schemes and subsidising school fees for students with their illegal tender, the so-called Bougainville Kina.

Work in progress for ABG

President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) Ishmael Toroama applauded his government MPs in a recent parliament sitting. He highlighted that September 29 this year marked the first year of the Toroama-Nisira government in office. He described the first year as an eventful one.

The President said, “In the last twelve months our government has progressed our Independence Mission from a seemingly impossible concept into a reality driven by our people in our constituencies. We have mapped out an economic roadmap and the administration is well on its way to reform.”

Referendum ready program launched

The event was held at Tanei Village in the Tonsu Constituency on Sunday.

On the 18th of November 2020, the Bougainville House of Representatives passed a motion on the Bougainville Independence Mission.

This motion called upon all Bougainvilleans to make it their duty to ensure that Bougainville is prepared to attain its full sovereign powers as an independent sovereign state.

Government releases K146.7 million to Bougainville

He made the announcement at the end of a successful Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Arawa on Friday 5th February, which he co-chaired with Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama. 

PM Marape said such early allocation was "unprecedented" and highlighted his Government's commitment to Bougainville. 

"For us to deliver K146. 7 million early, in February, is unprecedented," he said. 

"Not too many governments of the past have done this sort of thing."

President clarifies past business dealings

Following an article in an Australian news site that pinpointed the president as a major shareholder, President Toroama clarified that his past business dealings were done as a private citizen.

“Bougainville Sustainable Timber Resources Limited was set up with the intent to bring in foreign investors to Bougainville to be involved in sustainable logging as well as alluvial gold projects,” he said in response to The Australian article.

ABG president notes steady progress

In a recent update, he outlined that the fourth House of Representatives is on track.

“During my campaign, I outlined three basic platforms that form the basis of my Presidency; these are independence, economic revitalisation and ending corruption and improving law and order,” Toroama stated.

“These platforms appealed to the average Bougainvillean because the people demanded a change from the previous political regime and so they opted for one that could provide decisive and pragmatic leadership.  

Cocoa grants applications open

The grants scheme is an initiative of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and implemented through the Bougainville Partnership’s Commodity Support Facility.

The announcement follows the completion of a first round of grants which supported 25 famers groups from 2017-2020.

Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said the program is part of a partnership to foster agriculture and economic development in Bougainville.

“Australia is delighted to support this program’s continuation,” he said.