Autonomous Bougainville Government

In a statement, Chief Secretary Joseph Nobetau, in his six-month update to the people, said corruption must stop now.

“Four more Department heads have been petitioned for allegations of serious misconduct, matters that are now subject to Independent Boards of Inquiry established under the Bougainville Senior Appointments Act,” Nobetau said.

“Corruption is not only against the law. It is stealing from Bougainville – it is selling out on our dream, our future, and the idea that we are destined for a higher level of behaviour.”

She says only then, both governments can know what the people of Bougainville want and prepare for the outcome.

Semoso, who attended the 1^st Joint Supervisory Body meeting in Arawa last Friday between the PNG Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government, said it’s important that the process of Referendum is complete.

“There’s a lot of pros and cons, a lot of people are saying that we are not ready, but Bougainvilleans are saying, ‘We are ready’,” she stated.

In briefing the Bougainville Executive Council, President Momis said the ABG had a clear plan for the JSB talks to resolve long-standing issues between the two governments.

“While there is much work to do, I am confident that this JSB will make real progress on the referendum questions to be asked, the legal framework of the BRC, appointment of all members of the Bougainville Referendum Commission and funding for Commission activities,” Momis said.

Bouagainvilleans must be prepared to vote on the referendum that will decide their political future. The business of raising awareness and communicating important information needs different avenues to reach everyone and one of those solutions is digital messaging.  

With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Peace Building Project, the ABG recently installed solar-powered billboards at each of the newly-constructed Community Information Centres (CICs) in Buka, Arawa and Buin.

This is consistent with the recently concluded Joint Supervisory Body Meeting as per the peace agreement.

A total of K15 million will be handed over to the ABG tomorrow during a very important public ceremony at the Bel Isi Park.

This is also part of the draw down of powers between the National Government and ABG.

This makes fisheries the fourth sector to be drawn down after public service, education and mining.

There are over 20 powers in the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Prospecting has started since the introduction of legislation allowing landowners complete ownership of customary land, and the lifting of the moratorium on specific localities for mineral exploration.

However, the ABG is making sure the exploration is done in the best interest of the people.

ABG Treasury and Finance Minister, Robin Wilson, said currently there is a moratorium on Panguna Mine due to its history and sensitive nature, which is being carefully addressed.

However, exploration has been allowed in other parts of the island.

ABG Treasury and Finance Minister, Robin Wilson, said the legislations aim to boost the local economy by maintaining revenue on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Wilson said they are mindful of how some investors keep money offshore and want to avoid that scenario.

With the development of key infrastructure on Bougainville, the ABG is gearing towards potential investment opportunities on the island.

ABG Treasury and Finance Minister, Robin Wilson, said the move was to avoid further disputes until a common ground is reached on a way forward.

He said this during the presentation of the ABG’s budget to Treasury yesterday.

Wilson said the ABG Government implemented the moratorium on Panguna given various views of stakeholders which could potentially escalate problems.

He informed Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel of the moratorium that is in place.

Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Deputy Opposition Leader, Timothy Masiu, said it addresses a lot of issues that have been lingering in the minds of Bougainvilleans, especially in regards to the issue of the Referendum Commission and the restoration development grants funding.

“On behalf of the Opposition and as Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs, I’m delighted that the ABG and the National Government can agree to some of the issues and move forward.”

These were the words of Deputy Speaker of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Francesca Semoso, after returning from a two-day workshop in Brisbane, Australia.

“There are decisions that are being made that are male-oriented and do not cater for women and children,” said Semoso.

She outlined that the workshop in Brisbane was funded by the United Nations Development Program and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and focused on male views as to why women struggled to get into parliament.