Joe Lera

Bipartisan committee hampered

Deputy Chair of the Committee and Bougainville Regional MP, Joe Lera, said this during the launching of the PNG NRI Bougainville Referendum Research Project’s sixth report on the Referendum.

“Our work has also been hampered in many ways, including access to limited funding and other support. Our Committee plays an important role in the future of Bougainville and we would need to do our part in informing Parliament on an appropriate course of action, when the results of the Referendum are considered by Parliament,” he said.

Governor calls for more local content

Basil said this in response to questions by Bougainville Governor, Joe Lera.

“What is the policy of NBC in regards to giving equal airtime to global, national and local content to our people? asked Lera.

“I ask this question because currently radio Bougainville is giving more time to global and national content and little time to Bougainville content.

“This disadvantages my people from getting adequate, relevant and appropriate information on the social, economic, political affairs, especially in the context of the referendum.”

Dialogue on ARoB radio frequencies

This is to improve the dissemination of information through the Island.

Basil said if need be, funding will be requested from the NEC towards the projects.

Bougainville Regional MP, Joe Lera, asked Minister Basil in parliament what plans are in place to improve radio coverage in Bougainville, with the current FM frequency only servicing a small segment of the population.

He said with the referendum preparations, many Bougainvilleans need to be informed.

​More resources needed for referendum: Lera

Bougainville’s Regional Member, Joe Lera, says to prepare and to fulfil the three conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the government and all leaders concerned must unite and work with the people.

He appreciates the new structure of the community governments by the Autonomous Bougainville Government and says this is the way forward for Bougainville.

“For decades we have overseen the potential and contributions that our community leaders can make towards the building of our province and country as a whole,” said Lera.

Lera to focus on referendum and rural service deliver

Lera in his second term pledged to have more regular consultation with the ABG President, the ABG ministers, the North, Central and South block ABG members and civil society institutions in Bougainville.

Social groups such as youth, women, churches, veterans and donor partners will also be consulted to shares views and find ways forward on how they can all work together to contribute and prepare Bougainville for referendum.

VIDEO: Lera retains seat

Lera maintained a strong lead in the election that saw him collecting constant votes in all counts.

 

Meredith Kuusa with more 

Lera retains Bougainville Regional seat

The URP candidate maintained a strong lead in the election that saw him collecting constant votes in all counts.

Lera was officially declared this afternoon at 1:24pm PNG Time and 2:24pm Bougainville Standard Time (BST) at the Hutjena counting centre by the PNGEC Bougainville Provincial Electoral Manager, Desmond Timiyaso.

The declaration was witnessed by PNGEC officials, police, scrutineers, students and the general public that were present at the counting centre.

Lera calls for New Zealand Government support

Minister Lera made this known to New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, Murray McCully at the Kuri Village Resort on Tuesday during his two days official visit in Bougainville.

Lera thanked the New Zealand Government for their continuous Aid funding under the Governance and Implementation Facility program.

“In my view any form of Aid funding on Bougainville should really target those programs that will have a real impact on Bougainville and its people,” Minister Lera said.

Lera applauds preparation of Bougainville’s Referendum

Earlier this week in an agreement signing between the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and their two electoral commissions, the PNG Electoral Commission and the Bougainville Electoral Commission, agreed for an establishment of an independent body, the Bougainville Referendum Commission (BRC), which will oversee the running of Bougainville’s Referendum.

Softball gets boost from Lera

Minister Lera in a small but significant ceremony yesterday officially handed over the equipment to BSF president Anthony Tsora.

The equipment comprised of three bags fully-kitted with professional softball sporting gears like gloves, bats, balls, helmets, chest guards and more.

Apart from softball, Lera has also assisted other sporting codes and believes that all sporting activities can foster friendship and unity amongst players.