Dr Thomas Webster

In May, Dr Webster advised the Nambawan Super Board of Directors that it would be untenable for him to continue as an Independent Trustee Director due to a personal conflict of interest.

In a statement, Monagi expressed that it was unfortunate to lose a highly skilled and experienced Director, however, the Board recognises Dr Webster’s integrity in abiding by the Prudential Standards under which the Fund operates, as regulated by the Bank of PNG.

ADRP Leader, Dr. Thomas Webster addressed media personnel in a briefing today on the upcoming event, he said the National Conference will facilitate a robust discussion on;

• Basic service delivery systems
• The extent of capacity deterioration
• Weakening of national institutions and
• Governance and oversight in Papua New Guinea.

Dr. Webster explained: “The objectives are to facilitate an informed national conversation with dialogue and information sharing.”

Team Leader of National Research Institute’s study into the Bougainville Referendum, Dr Thomas Webster, highlighted this during his research presentation to students at the University of Papua New Guinea.

He emphasised the importance of Bougainvilleans having access to vital information that will help them make an informed decision when the Referendum is held.

He said people need to make an educated choice and be able to live with the outcome, even if the outcome is difficult.

This is according to Dr Thomas Webster from the National Research Institute.

Project manager of Bougainville Research in the Governance Program at NRI, Dr Thomas Webster says that as the new government is put in place, work on the Bougainville Referendum must continue.

 Dr Webster says there needs to be effective and ongoing dialogue between all stakeholders involved as the last meeting was held in April of 2016.

Papua New Guinea researcher engaged with the PNG National Research Institute, Dr Thomas Webster says people need to understand that the Referendum is not about Independence.

Dr Webster said Independence is an option, but people need to understand it in the context of the Peace of Agreement.

The Civil War which started in 1988 on Bougainville lasted for almost a decade with more than 10 000 people killed, deterioration of infrastructure, no services and no schools for a decade of generations.

Peace negotiations leading to the Peace Agreement began in 1998 to 2001.

The Bougainville Referendum is an important national event with significant implications for both PNG and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville with June 19 2019 as the target date.

The Referendum is to determine whether ABG will gain independence or remain autonomous.

Following the launch of Bougainville Referendum Research Project to be carried out by the PNG NRI, Dr Webster said PNG needs to have good solid preparations for the Referendum.

He explained that good preparations will result in a good sound process Referendum and the outcome will be credible.

The Bougainville Referendum is an important national event with significant implications for both PNG and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG).

The Referendum will determine whether ABG will gain independence or remain autonomous.

The aim of the project, launched today, is to generate research-based information for informing relevant stakeholders in order to ensure that the process and outcome of the Referendum is credible.