The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been consistently let down by the National Government through its continued deferral of the Joint Supervisory Body meeting, says President Dr John Momis.
“The National Government has consistently failed to meet its obligations under the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA),” Dr Momis states.
“The JSB was established as the primary mechanism under the Bougainville Peace Agreement through which ABG and the National Government must consult and resolve disputes.”
Momis further expresses his disappointment, saying the National Government has failed to respect the role of the JSB by using it as a rubber stamp to push through its own views at the expense of the Bougainville people.
“After twelve years of autonomous government we are still constrained in our ability to govern effectively because of the inaction of the National Government,” Momis points out.
Over the course of these last twelve years, the JSB has not yielded anything of substance except for the negotiations for several drawdown of powers and functions and the implementation of several high impact projects.
With the JSB now set for December 14 and 15, the ABG and the National Government are still at loggerheads over the formula for Restoration Development Grant, of which close to K1 billion is owed to the ABG, which is a basis of the BPA.
“The other outstanding funding is the Special Intervention Fund of K500 million with an outstanding of K201 million,” says President Momis.
“The ABG’s main focus for this JSB will be on the referendum preparedness by both sides; the ABG has already taken steps to meet the terms of the BPA which will qualify Bougainville on eve of the referendum.
“The National Government’s slowness in addressing the terms of the JSB and the Peace Agreement has greatly hindered the ABG’s drive as everything regarding the referendum must be carried out in agreement with the National Government.”
Despite these setbacks, the President was pleased with the momentum displayed by the ABG’s Department of Peace Agreement Implementation in its referendum preparedness.
“In spite of these seemingly dark times, I call on the people of Bougainville to focus on the noble ambition of self-determination and to commit to achieving our ultimate goal.”
(Loop file pic)