Autonomous Region of Bougainville

His family and community are involved in the production process and is passionate about the project after discovering the potential of coconut husk waste. 

Earlier this year, Mr. Lahis registered his company, Gelasabe Corporate Society, with IPA.

Lahis explains that the coconut husks are manually processed with bush knives, canvas for drying the chopped husks, and other vital tools. The husks are then packed into fine grains, and 12 bags weighing 20kg each are produced and is currently in contact with a buyer for the products.

The program is an eight-year investment by the Australian Government, aimed at improving teaching and learning practices in Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

The launch of PIE was celebrated by students, teachers, parents, and community members at Hahela Elementary School, located outside of Buka Town.

This was in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the New Zealand Government.

The construction of new market project has been a priority for the governments to support women who earn income from selling fresh garden food.

The project welcomed youths and the community to participate in and freely showcase their creativity and talent.

When issuing the writs on January 10^th, Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Simon Pentanu, said the Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner has gained a very good reputation of delivering credible elections, both nationally and abroad.

He believes this will be the case for these by-elections, thus he is looking forward to receiving the writs on March 6 from the Acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu, after the declaration of members-elect for both constituencies.

When presenting his final Ministerial Statement for the year 2022 on December 20^th, President Ishmael Toroama said the Era Kone Covenant has enabled a lot of progress in preparing for the ratification.

“Our technical team is currently engaged with the national technical team to deliberate on the parameters of the Constitutional regulations and the ratification process,” he stated.

This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ABG and the United Nations Development Program in Buka on Monday, July 18^th.

The Innovation Hubs will be funded by the government of Japan, and will essentially be a one-stop-hub where women and youth from Bougainville can look to begin their entrepreneurial journey, improve their financial literacy, and look to resource themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills towards participating in a digital and technologically focused future.

Celebrations were held in the three regional capitals in North Bougainville (Buka Town), Central Bougainville (Arawa Town) and South Bougainville (Buin Town).

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama was in Arawa for the celebrations, where he paid tribute to former Bougainville leaders as well ex-combatants who fought in the Bougainville Civil War.

He said their sacrifice made possible the existence of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the legal framework that preceded the ABG and allowed its creation.

The region, which is pursuing independence from Papua New Guinea, has attracted mining and minerals exploration companies from around the world, drawn by its valuable copper and gold reserves.

Over a two-year investigation, Jubilee Australia tracked the companies vying for the right to mine on the island, ranging from one-person outfits to global operations backed by major investors. 

General immunization was put on hold during the pandemic.

This week, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville officially launched its World Immunization Week in Malasang Aid Post, North Region.

AROB Secretary for Health, Clement Totavun said that immunization was the backbone of public health.

“Immunization saves lives, it protects you, your family, and your community from common diseases and it also protects future generations by reducing the risk of serious diseases.” 

The theme for this year’s World Immunization Week (WIW) is 'Long life for all’.

AROB has launched the training that will equip its health workers with vital knowledge, skills and confidence on COVID-19 vaccination.

Central Region Rural Health Services Director, Peter Arwin in opening the training on behalf the Secretary for Health, underscored the critical role of health workers in increasing demand generation and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.