Ishmael Toroama

“We are at a transitionary phase from autonomy to independence where we are creating a new chapter for Bougainville,” Toroama said in his ministerial statement on June 8^th.

“This requires us to be innovative and absolute in our commitment to Bougainville as we introduce new ideas, new ways of doing things and a new mindset that is focused on political independence that is complemented by socioeconomic growth.

President Ishmael Toroama said the Autonomous Bougainville Government is trying its best to ensure that life in the region remains as normal as possible under the new normal initiative.

President Toroama said the current measures are not as stringent as the ones that were in place last year due to the ABG wanting to adapt to the new normal.

However, he said citizens should not take this as an opportunity to become complacent, but to take heed of the measures set by the Bougainville Health Department.

An emotional President Toroama said this when paying his respects at Sir Michael’s haus krai. 

President Toroama led the Bougainville community to represent the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Toroama honoured Sir Michael as the nation’s founding father.

“You are truly the seed of this nation. A seed that stood and embraced democracy for this nation. A seed that truly believed that peace and freedom is what this nation should achieve. I salute you, on behalf of my people, I salute you with great honour and respect. May your soul rest in peace,” said Toroama. 

President Ishmael Toroama made this statement during the opening of the 2021 Legal Year themed; ‘Partnering with the Community to Ensuring Effective delivery of Justice in Bougainville’.

Speaking at Arawa Town on Thursday (February 11^th), President Toroama said Bougainvilleans must uphold law and order in the communities as responsible citizens.

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."

He also reiterated his Government's commitment to give a separate K100 million every year to Bougainville in Special Infrastructure Funds.

The Prime Minister announced this at the end of the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in Arawa.

It is among nine resolutions of the JSB.

"The outstanding of K621 million in Restoration Development Grants (RDG) has been outstanding for the last 18, 19 or so years," he said.

“The spirit in music changes your ability in realising your potential and it also has the power to change the social behavior of people,” President Toroama said.

“Musicians have the power to create positive social change in our communities as well as our government through their messages of hope and awareness on development.

“To the young musicians and to all young Bougainvilleans, you have to embrace change that will create innovative thinking and creativity on Bougainville.

Speaking at the recent Poka Youth Summit in the Tonsu Constituency, he stressed on the need to socially, economically and politically revitalise Bougainville.

President Toroama says this approach is not isolated to the functions of the government but must also include social responsibility by the people.

The announcement follows a successful meeting between the leaders in Port Moresby over the weekend.

Key issues that will be brought forth to this JSB meeting include post-referendum matters which cover the progress of establishing the Permanent Secretariat to support the Joint Government Consultations, the appointment of a moderator and the Ratification agenda.

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.