South Bougainville MP

Deputy Opposition Leader and South Bougainville MP, Timothy Masiu, sounded the warning recently in Lae when he launched the country’s second cocoa of excellence show to be held this July.

Masiu, who is a cocoa grower himself, sternly urged the Cocoa Board of PNG to be on the lookout, claiming intruders do not have or grow cocoa in their countries but were here pretending to be “experts” of cocoa and telling local farmers what to do with cocoa. 

The South Bougainville MP said recent incidents of violence and anti-social activities throughout Bougainville are undoubtedly sending the wrong signal to PNG and the international community.

“In terms of some of the killings and some destruction of properties and the general law and order situation on Bougainville, I’m just so worried because referendum is approaching and yet the people have not seen the real value of referendum.”

Masiu plans to plant a million seedlings in the South Bougainville Region.

The seedlings will be supplied by Soroken Plantation.

The seedlings would be shipped from Hahon Island and distributed at specific locations in the South Region, mainly in the Buin, Bana, Siwai and Torokina districts.

Masiu earlier this year had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cocoa Board PNG for their expertise.

He now officially has two licences for nursery and freight.

Masiu is also pushing for an export licence to sell overseas.

When announcing the shadow cabinet, Opposition Leader Patrick Pruaitch said Masiu, 53, has a solid background in community socio-economic development issues and is destined to play a key role in Parliament as Deputy Opposition Leader.

Masiu, who entered Parliament after a by-election in July 2016 and regained his seat in the recent general election, spent his early career as a journalist and broadcaster prior to taking on key advisory roles in government.

Speaking during the Autonomous Bougainville Day celebrations over the weekend in Port Moresby, he also announced the re-establishment of the South Bougainville supply and tenders board.

Since getting into office during the 2016 bi-election, he has made it clear that Buin town as the capital of South Bougainville, must play an active role in service delivery.

“Our efforts have been geared into transformation, of transforming South Bougainville from a laid back and forgotten electorate, to a vibrant and progressive region of Bougainville ”  said Masiu.