Jan 7 2015

Bougainville News Summary over New Year: New ABG budget ,appointments and election act changes 2015

In this issue of Bougainville News we have a summary of news that happened over the Xmas/ News Years break

1.Unite under one banner says President Momis as the referendum window opens in 2015

2.Bougainville welcomes new Chief Secretary Monovi Amani

3.Protests on the appointment with four demands

4.ABG Budget 2015 summary

5. Outgoing Chief Secretary Siriosi asks Bougainvillean’s to respect

6.New amendments to Bougainville election act

1.UNITE UNDER ONE BANNER SAYS MOMIS
By Aloysius Laukai

The ABG PRESIDENT CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS has called for unity as Bougainville moves into the Referendum window in 2015.He made these remarks when commenting on the ABG 2015 Budget . PRESIDENT MOMIS said that Bougainville although has more factions then before have one common goal that is self determination for Bougainville.

DR. MOMIS said that Bougainville must address two important issues before the referendum.They are a massive awareness on the Peace Agreement and the activities of the government and the removal of all weapons before the referendum.

He said that because a lot of people invested funds on buying weapons the ABG will look at a program of buying back these weapons for some small amount of funds to be agreed at.

President Momis said that Bougainville must be united as the famous saying that United we stand or divided we fall which will be not in the best interest of Bougainville.

2.BOUGAINVILLE WELCOMES NEW CHIEF SECRETARY
By Aloysius Laukai

The Bougainville Public Employees Association(PEA) has welcomed the announcement by the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and chairman of the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS on the appointment of the new Head of the Bougainville Public Service, Chief Secretary MONOVI AMANI. President of the PEA, PATRICK HEROMATE whilst responding to the appointment said that the PEA trusts the appointment of the Bougainville chief secretary is in line with the new process of appointments by the BSAC.

The intended aim of the procedure of appointments by the BSAC is to give effect to transparency in the appointments.

Whether or not this has been achieved is yet to be realized and as far as PEA is concerned, we want to ensure that no stones are left unturned.

“We want to see that all due diligence checks have been made into questions of wether or not any of the candidates have pending investigations by relevant authorities have been declared by the shortlisted candidates and appointed officer” said MR. HEROMATE.

As far as PEA is concerned, there are rumours of pending investigations by the Ombudsman Commission on the appointed officer.

In order to give effect to transparency in the appointment process and also to gain confidence of the people of Bougainville, this rumour has to be dispelled.

We congratulate the new head of the Bougainville Public Service Chief Secretary, MONOVI AMANI and wish him best in his new role.

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF SECRETARY
By Aloysius Laukai
The ABG President and Chairman of the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee, CHIEF DR.JOHN MOMIS has announced the new Chief Secretary for Bougainville as MONOVI AMANI 52 years from Mortlock Island. In making the announcement, President MOMIS said that this was done after an extensive recruitment and selection process that the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee had to go through to come with the final selection.
Mr MONOVI AMANI has been notified to take up the position of Chief Secretary and Head of the Bougainville Public Service.
He is currently the Provincial Administrator for New Ireland Province a position he has held for the last two years.
Prior to that he was CEO Planning and Finance in that Administration.
The new Chief Secretary has previously been a business and taxation consultant, a
lecturer in finance and accounting, a senior officer in the National Housing
Corporation and a tax assessor with IRC.
Mr Monovi Amani has degrees in Commerce, Accounting and Business Administration. He also has certificates and diplomas in financial management and tertiary teaching.
Since 1992 Mr Amani has been a member of the Australian Society for Chartered Practising
Accountants.

3.PROTESTORS HAPPY WITH EXPLANATION

FORMER BRA General, ISHMAEL TOROAMA has put in four demands to the ABG President Chief, DR. JOHN MOMIS following the appointment of MONOVI AMANI as the new Chief Secretary for BOUGAINVILLE. In a letter addressed to the President and copied to NEW DAWN FM, MR TOROAMA said that the Bougainville Veterans are not happy with the appointment made by the Senior Appointments Committee.
MR. TOROAMA said that the appointment of MR. MONOVI AMANI is not the only insensitive decision that the ABG under DR. MOMIS has made causing instability to the fragile Bougainville Peace Process.
He said that the appointment is a slap in the face for the people of West Coast, Bougainville and Bougainville as a whole.
MR. TOROAMA said that this decision only indicates that the current Government has no confidence in hardworking Bougainvilleans on Bougainville who have continued to build Bougainville in very tough times.
The for demands are, WHY the acting Chief Secretary was not confirmed to the position to continue the remarkable work that he has started.
TWO, That the Ex Combatants want to know why the ABG President and several Minister have personal shares in the POGE Limited based in the Philipinnes.
THREE, That the President declare the relationship of the President with the failed TOROKINA OIL PALM Project.
AND Four, that the President outline the benefit sharing arrangement between HAKAU and ABG on the MV CHEBU Project.
Apart from these four, the former BRA GENERAL also condemned the recent comments made by the ABG President on the South Bougainville Commander, THOMAS TARI at the launch of the Australia/New Zealand funded Radio Station in Buin.

By Aloysius Laukai

More then one hundred people especially ex combatants fronted the ABG House this afternoon to protest on the appointment of the new Chief Secretary, MONOVI AMANI by the ABG Senior Appointments Committee.

The former combatants presented a petition to the ABG President, DR. CHIEF DR. JOHN MOMIS who promised to look into their grievances addressed in their petition.

PRESIDENT MOMIS told the protestors that the appointment was made by an Independent Committee as per the Bougainville Constitution.

He said that the Bougainville Costitution says that the Appointments must be made by a Idependent Committee that includes a representative of the Churches and in this case the Bishop of United Church TIM AUTHER, Women’s rep, MRS HONA HOLAN,LAWYERS REP, HUBERT KIKIRA, JOHN KALI from the Department of Personal Management and President Momis as the Chairman.

Chief Momis said that if we continue to disturb the process that we have established then there is no use of setting up the mechnicism to move Bougainville forward.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Police, ACP PAUL KAMUAI this afternoon thanked the former combatants for presenting their petition quitely and receiving their answer from their leaders.

He said this was a sign that our people were matured and can present their grievance peacefully.

4.ABG Budget 2015

house

The ABG 2015 Budget session today saw the ABG finance and treasury minister Albert Punghau gave the members a rundown of the 2015 budget summary.

Before giving a rundown of the budget summary, the minister stressed to the ABG president chief Dr. John Momis and the members of the House of Representatives that the 2015 budget priorities as tabled in the house in September will be to improve service delivery through a strong focus at the district level, promote economic growth and sustainability, significantly increase revenue volumes and collection of revenues and to strengthen key interventions and functions of the government.

He added that the budget also seeks to increase transparency of all sources of funding available in Bougainville from all sources.
He then urged that the members of the House of Representatives to work together to get the best value out of every kina available to Bougainville.

Mr. Punghau then revealed that in summary, the total Recurrent Unconditional Grant stands at K127, 977, 000, the estimated sub-total of internal revenue stands at K19, 119, 000, while the restoration and development grants is estimated to be K160 million.He also revealed that the K30 million RDG arrears has already been allocated to 17 programmes whilst the 2015 RDG payment of K15 million was allocated to a total of 10 region wide projects.

The minister said for the first time, a budget document records development partner contribution and those of our national member representatives.
He added that in total, the sum of K249, 015, 400 is appropriated from the Bougainville consulted revenue fund for expenditure in respect of the general public services for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.

Members not happy with budget
By Aloysius Laukai

ABG members who spoke in the ABG Budget tabled today by the ABG Finance Minister, ALBERT PUNGHAU said that the budget did not reflect the wishes of the people as per the ABG Budget meeting held in Arawa recently.
The member for TSITALATO, COSMAS SOHIA told the house that the meeting in Arawa was just another waste of Government funds as their input were not reflected in the 2015 ABG Budget.
Other members who also spoke was the member for SOUTH NASIOI who questioned why his new AROPA HIGH SCHOOL was not in the Budget.
He said that AROPA which is under his constituency was able to get funds under the National Government’s HIGH IMPACT PROJECT and this AROPA HIGH SCHOOL must have been included as part of the ABG’s input to the development in the area.
The member for HAGOGOHE, PETER SOHIA was not happy as the Budget was pushed without providing the Minister’s Speech to all members.
The budget bill was read two times and the leaders will be given tonight to go through the budget before they can debate further tomorrow before passing the bill.
New Dawn FM understands that the law says that the ABG must pass the ABG Budget before the 31st of December and delay in passing the bill will mean not funds to do government work in the new year.

5.SIRIOSI ADDRESSES BOUGAINVILLEANS

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Outgoing chief secretary for ABG Chris Siriosi is asking the people of Bougainville to respect the decision of the senior appointments committee on the appointment of the chief secretary to the Bougainville Government and head of the Bougainville public service.

He said in a statement today that as a proud Bougainvillean and a loyal public servant, he has sworn an oath to well and truly serve the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and he intends to remain strongly faithful to that oath by respecting the lawful process by the Bougainville senior appointments committee in selecting a well qualified Bougainvillean, Monovi Amani for this important position.

He stressed that no one should be under the misapprehension as he supports our president, the BEC and the senior appointments committee as they work to establish a credible professional Bougainville Public Service under our laws.

He added that recruiting and selecting on the basis of merit a permanent chief secretary and the permanent 13 departmental heads was never going to be an easy task for anyone involved as change is never easy to manage and is even more difficult in a situation such as that faced by Bougainville.

Mr. Siriosi said however, how the public servants in the public service, the ministers and the people handle this process and its outcomes will make a strong statement about Bougainville’s maturity.

The former acting chief secretary believes that the only path to fulfilling the spirit of our constitution and the Bougainville Peace Agreement is to follow the rule of law and our Christian faith in all things.

While he appreciates the strong show of personal support from those who are concerned about him not being selected for the position, Mr. Siriosi said we need to open our doors to those from outside of Bougainville who want to come here to work, especially well qualified Bougainvilleans.

He revealed that he wants to work for the government in any position that best suits his skills and talents as he is not afraid to roll up his sleeves or working long hours for Bougainville.

He said he has enjoyed his time as the acting chief secretary and he is proud of his achievements of the last year or so saying he will accept an invitation from the president and the BEC in an appropriate position.

In the meantime, Mr. Siriosi is asking the people of Bougainville to accept this decision as he has and move in supporting the new chief secretary in contributing to Bougainville’s peace, prosperity and development.

6.NEW AMENDMENTS to BOUGAINVILLE ELECTION ACT

The ABG House of Representatives this week made a number of amendments to the Bougainville Elections Act 2007, as well as an election-related amendment to the Bougainville Public Services (Management and Administration) Act 2014.
The Bougainville Elections Act 2007 is the law under which elections in Bougainville were conducted in the including the first was the Presidential By Election after the death of the first President, the late JOE KABUI in 2008.
The Elections Act was last amended in 2013,unfortunately, following a review of the impact of these amendments, it was realised that many of the changes will be difficult to implement before the next election.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner, MR GEORGE MANU expressed concern that, if these amendments remain in place, his ability to effectively deliver the 2015 general election will be jeopardised.
The key issues addressed under these new changes are on Postal Voting, Polling period the time public servants are required to resign to stand for Elections.
The amendment Bill will be passed at the March session of the ABG House.
Ends

LAW CLARIFIES ISSUES
By Aloysius Laukai
There is strong support for the adoption of measures to allow for voting by post in the coming 2015 ABG General Elections.
And as a result, the 2013 amending Act inserted new sections providing for a complex process of postal voting for electors who will be prevented from voting by illness or physical disability, or who will be outside Bougainville at the time of the election.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner is of the view that application of these provisions in their present form will significantly delay the counting of votes, making it unlikely that the writs will be able to be returned within the 2 weeks allowed under the law.
It is unfortunate, but it will not be possible to implement postal voting measures in time for the 2015 election. The Electoral Commissioner will review the capacity to adopt postal voting for future elections, which will be able to be provided for by regulations.
Before last year’s amendment, the Elections Act required the polling period to commence no earlier than 5 weeks after the issue of the writ, and no later than 8 weeks after the issue of the writ.
After the amendment, the polling period must now commence sometime between 3 and 7 days after the issue of the writ.
This is clearly a drafting error, as it overlaps with the nomination period for candidates.
And according to the Acting Electoral Commissioner If retained in its present form, there will be no time for campaigning, and no time for the printing of ballot papers.
The Acting Electoral Commissioner recommends that the polling period commence sometime between 6 and 8 weeks after the issue of the writ, to allow adequate time for all preparations for the poll to be made.
The amendments of the Bougainville Elections will be passed in the March session of the ABG House.

010115PUBLIC SERVANTS MUST RESIGN TO STAND IN 2015
By Aloysius Laukai
The latest amendments to the law on Bougainville Elections now clears the air on Public servants who want to stand for the upcoming ABG General Elections.
Prior to the amendment, there was inconsistency in the Bougainville Public Services (Management and Administration) Act 2014 between resignation ahead of National elections (where public servants must resign 6 months before the issue of the writ) and Bougainville elections (where public servants must resign 1 month before the writ issues).

This amendment standardises the obligation to resign and, in the case of general elections, provide for time to be calculated from a known date in the past, instead of ahead of an uncertain future date.
This means that there will be transitional arrangements for the 2015 Bougainville general election, as the amendment will mean that the date by which a public servant must resign will have already passed.
As a result, public servants wishing to contest the next Bougainville election will have to resign no later than 9 January 2015

Jan 6 2015

Bougainville News: President Momis “To meet fiscal self-reliance we must open the Panguna mine

Firstly we would like to wish all our Bougainville News readers a Happy New Year for 2015

It is going to be very big year for Bougainville deciding our future direction

BY Aloysius Laukai – Managing Editor

The ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS says that Bougainville needs to meet fiscal self-reliance with good governance and weapons disposal as condition before the referendum is held.

Speaking on NEW DAWN FM, President Momis said that he sees no other option to meet this fiscal self-reliance but to open the Panguna copper Mine under the new Bougainville mining law.

He said that weapons disposal and good governance can be met in time but he was more concerned at the fiscal self-reliance was currently out of reach and most critics who do not want the mine to re-open are not providing the alternatives for raising these funds.

PRESIDENT MOMIS said that Agricultural commodities can be fast-tracked once funds are raised from the mine.

He said funds can be raised immediately once the approval is given and starting at reconstruction stage.

PRESIDENT MOMIS said since the end of the Bougainville conflict WORLD BANK and AUSAID pumped in a lot of funds on Cocoa rehabilitation but the cocoa pod borer killed these initiatives and will take time for these products to come on line.

And with the drop in prices the help needed by Bougainville is not coming at all said President MOMIS.

Responding to comments made by DR.RUTH SPRIGGS, he said that under the new mining law Bougainville land owners are fully protected and on top of that they have the veto power to halt any operation if they are not happy with the company or the government.

He said if critics think their option like planting and selling tomatoes and other garden foods can make Bougainville reach economic self-reliance within the short time remaining to referendum, then they should tell the government of these options instead of just criticizing the government.

listed below are some of the initial responses to this interview

Please leave your comments below

Jade Kilo What is the department of primary industries doing in terms of the agriculture, fisheries and etc, sectors? I think Very creative people are needed at the top to run these direct economy building machineries. No wonder we are now turning to mining as the only option to alleviate and boost Bougainville economy.
Aloysius Laukai Ol plantation long ples i bush pinis, I don’t know why our people have stopped working on plantations and now looking at the ABG and National members for handouts.
Walter Pakei There is a pot of Gold sitting in the middle of the Bougainville Island.
Remove

Mangi Kieta Patere John Momis, Mining should be the last option.Look at the tomatoes first!

January 5 at 9:51pm · Like · 6
Godfrey Bitari If Bougainvilleans are critically serious about being fiscally self reliant and politically independent, then we have no other option but to suppport the president. If not then the whole dream becomes a joke. Be serious or forget independence.

January 5 at 10:04pm · Like · 8
Jade Kilo I need answers to rest my mind and accept mining here. Which is the most destructive and expensive in terms of environment, financial and humanity/social. Mining or agriculture, tourism etc..other wise as long as we understand that greater the benefit, the greater the opportunity cost(sacrifice we make).

January 5 at 10:14pm · Like · 2
Godfrey Bitari How much time do we have left before the clock catches up with us before the “the referendum vote?” We need to critically act here and now.

January 5 at 10:21pm · Like · 5
Steven Kolova The rationale behind reopening of Panguna mine is good but based on experiences its almost not workable given that since 8 June 2006 when the decision to drawdown mining powers to facilitate reopening of Panguna mine was reached in Alotau not much has been acheived. Ating em inap evidence lon tok nau yet mining m hard lik x2 ating bihain bae ok

January 5 at 10:42pm · Like · 7
Petersen Ketsore I really feel sorry for our leaders, they are handicap with the situation they are presented with, they can’t do much…

January 5 at 11:09pm · Like · 5
Walter Pakei If ABG can negotiate maximum benefit for Bougainville from the mine, then it is a good idea to open the mine. At the moment, ABG will be getting peanuts from the mine if it opens.

January 5 at 11:13pm · Like · 4
Mycall Essam Miise I believe 8/9 landowner associations are already registered in preparation for the reopening? The hold up is from the SML landowners.I think the issue faced by the government is that they don’t have money to fund agriculture, fisheries etc. Nogat mani long kirapim ol displa sectors.So ba yumi independent or yumi ba hangamap stap long PNG na dai blo ol man meri ba go nating.

January 5 at 11:22pm · Like · 5
Petersen Ketsore No leader come this year’s election would promise Bougainville Independent without the re-opening of the mining. We have to make use of the very intellectual people that we have now…\

January 5 at 11:46pm · Like · 5
Fox Sobee Patere yu tok turu. If no help to open the mine is given to the momis goverment then byebye independance.

January 5 at 11:57pm · Like · 3
Petersen Ketsore hem now ya, we’ll have to just say bye to the idea of independence, then the blood that our brothers and sisters spilled for Bougainville will be in vain. that’s the fact…

Yesterday at 12:02am · Like · 3
John Kopana It is sad to see our leaders throwing in the towel without demonstrating any effort to prop up other industries. We will only open Panguna if it’s socio – environmental costs are acceptable to all Bougainvilleans. ABG must map these out and insure that we accept such.Let us not demonstrate panic, but systematically work through the issues in the time we have.The former means that we have not done our work!! Let’s not hit panic station and spread anxiety through our folks. Time to demonstrate tact, unless the intent of this press release is just that – make us panic!

Yesterday at 12:23am · Edited · Like · 6
Fox Sobee From the news article momis is much more conscious about the time frame?

Yesterday at 12:10am · Like
Ian Wilkinson Ben, how are people extracting the gold? Panning?Perhaps small scale low environmental impact mining operations could provide some govt income, without opening the main mine.

Yesterday at 12:41am · Edited · Like · 4
Aloysius Laukai Referendum is to be held between 2015 and 2020. if they decide to have it next week are we ready? we had ten years to prepare and who are we going to blame this time? mi wari ia

Yesterday at 12:29am · Like · 4
Steven Kolova I think Bougainville can achieve fiscal self reliance without the mine eg for Fisheries Bougainville waters accounts for about 30 percent of PNG’s fisheries revenues which worth about US $ 30 million per year. To aquire that ABG needs to implement the provisions in BPA on developing benefit sharing formula. with PNG, and alluvial mining currently accounts for about PNGK 18 million n cocoa accounts for 3 % of Bougainville’s GDP In anycase ABG needs about PNGK 102 million per year to sustain its operations .. ating yumi ken survive yet

Yesterday at 12:45am · Like · 6
Aloysius Laukai When can we start, the clock is ticking..and the illegal fishermen out there are wiping out the fish from our seas because we have no capacity to police our waters. If we want to try something it’s now or never.

Yesterday at 12:55am · Edited · Like · 3
Aloysius Laukai We are working on 6 awareness films to be screened at a mobile cinema in the District centers in March this year funded by the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) The six films are in Tok Pisin and will cover War widows, Missing persons, Government Corruption and the three pillars of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.Research has been completed with information that is not good at all.Our people don’t know what is happening. we are working on the scripts based on these findings.We can do another one to find our we can assist our government on these issues but there are people on the payroll who suppose to do all these things. TOKSAVE TASOL.

Yesterday at 1:09am · Edited · Like · 8
Maiko Maka I failed to understand how any Bougainvillean could sustain oyr macro economy without prudent and solid economic base. Agriculture and tourism that many would be presidents are intending to pursue as their priority are strategised and sustained by stable macro microeconomics. Bougainville’s great depression caused by the crisis and its resulting high unemployment rate and increased poverty greatly influenced the development of our macro microeconomics. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT IMPROVING A CASH-STRAPPED VILLAGE CANTEEN. ITS ABOUT ECONOMICALLY EMPOWERING A COUNTRY.
THE MINE IS THE ONLY OPTION AT THIS POINT IN TIME FOR BOUGAINVILLE TO COMPETE IN HER STRUGGLE TO BECOMING A COUNTRY/NATION.

22 hrs · Like · 9
Thomas Ikurau Corruption is high and strife in AROB. We must try to minimise at all levels.

21 hrs · Like · 3
Jade Kilo Ye tomatoes em easy lo growim lo Bougainville. preserve those tomatoes and whatever not in various ways and first start selling locally in Bougainville and PNG; then extend to others as market indicates.

21 hrs · Like
Warwick Brooker Attempting to base a new nation’s economic viability on the unstable supply (e.g. pests, diseases and climatic factors) and world prices of agricultural and marine products would be a recipe for disaster. The economic base should be as wide as possible, utilising all of Bougainville’s resources, including its vast mineral deposits.Of course, whichever resources are exploited, they must be exploited in a manner that mitigates destruction of the island’s natural habitat. Any industry is likely to cause some environmental damage and this has to be weighed against the industry’s advantages to the long-term welfare of the island’s community.I’d be surprised if the ABG has not been weighing these factors up for years. As President Momis has said, those opposed to mining have failed to come up with viable alternatives that will pave the road to independence.

20 hrs · Like · 5
Maiko Maka WHETHER ANY HUMAN BEING LIKES IT OR NOT DESTRUCTION IS A FOUNDATION OF DEVELOPMENT. Not undermining anyone, Sometimes it makes me wonder how those vying for president’s post going to run ABG when their actions and comments are clearly seen as no match for the post.

20 hrs · Like · 1
Steven Kolova I think ABG should talk about workable economic strategies in the current situation instead of been blogged down by rationalization of theories and speculations that are not effectively applicable.

20 hrs · Like · 1
Peter Tareasi Broad based Economy is what ABG needs. Mining is just part of an economic mix that we need. We certainly need investment, domestic and foreign, to kick start the economy. Too much a decision for ABG to decide which way to go..Takes time but procrastination in the decision making process is probably hurting us.

20 hrs · Like · 3
Jade Kilo I’m not totally against mining. But I am a victim of the Bougainville crisis (like all of you) which erupted and escalated mainly because of mining and still have fears. I hope this time it’s better and that the new mining act gathers well for all Bougainville. Hope nothing similar to what I hear about the PNg LNG project happens with mining on Bougainville as well. Here’s a saying to ponder on; ‘Fools don’t learn better from experiences or mistakes’.

19 hrs · Like · 2
Godfrey Bitari Take and make this opportunity work or our ignorance will backfire on us.

18 hrs · Like
Warwick Brooker Or as the saying goes, “Strike while the iron is hot”!!

18 hrs · Edited · Like
Warwick Brooker Or should that be while the copper and gold are hot? 🙂

18 hrs · Like
John Kopana You have to be ready to strike, otherwise it will burn you! Judging by the negative sentiments, our folks are very, very scared of being burnt the second time around. Has ABG done enough to sell the idea to our anxious people? Or are they imposing ideas without the sell job done?

14 hrs · Edited · Like · 1
Mycall Essam Miise David late Kabui’s no nephew just returned from his leave and told me the Bougainville mining department are conducting awareness on mining. He attended one at their home. So the government is doing its part but it is up to the people to accept mining back or not or later in future?

17 hrs · Like · 4
John Becks Broad based socio-economic investment is what ARoB should have set its referendum and nationhood development priorities from the start. Both this government and previous Kabui government did not had a prudent broad base economic and social priorities to set the foundation for independence; and most Bougainvillians are aware of the reasons why (those who are not maybe are part of the reason why ARoB is not ready yet for independence). As I indicated in my previous posts, ARoB has already run out of time to carry out its economic, social {and maybe political) activities to set the foundation ready for independence. Five (5) years is not enough to organize a proper economic activity like reopening BCL mine, establish large scale agriculture projects or develop large scale tourism industry that would fund and sustain independent ARoB.
Let go back to PNG government renegotiate BPA and extend the recovery period by say 10 years so we can prepare better for the independence. We re-negotiate the statehood and referendum. There is no reason why we should not renegotiate an extension to better prepare for the independence. Over to you leaders!!

8 hrs · Edited · Like · 5
John Kopana Aung. John Becks. Totally agree with you. No need to panic, and we may have to swallow our pride/ego to insure that we are systematically prosecuting issues.

12 hrs · Like · 1
Warwick Brooker John (Becks) it might have to come to that. Otherwise, the only other alternative might finish up being abandoning the independence goal completely, and to many that would be unthinkable and unbearable in the light of the enormous sacrifices made to gain independence.

9 hrs · Edited · Like · 1
Mycall Essam Miise Gives more reason for ex combatants to hold on to their guns. People are not sure whether independence will be achieved. Too many against the government.

7 hrs · Like · 2
Warwick Brooker Mikes, I hate to think of that happening, but if Bougainville can’t achieve self-sufficiency economically and through the demonstration of good governance and civil obedience, who knows what could happen. I believe you’re correct in suggesting that the…See More

7 hrs · Like
Steven Kolova The so-called fiscal self reliance is measure of formal sector economic activities such as GDP n per capita income but I suppose the level of poverty in Bougainville is better than many so called developed states where there are beggars n people sleeping at bus stops and living in wrecks yu can hardly see such scenarios in Bougainville ating even better than many parts of PNG

7 hrs · Like · 1
Mycall Essam Miise Yes Warwick Brooker. If there is no economic base for independence I hate to think what the heck is going to happen? ABG is running out of time and options. The government is now focused on mining in the last 5 years with the thinking it will take a co…See More

7 hrs · Like · 3
Tony Oawa Can we accept that Bougainville is NOT ready for independence? Guys thats the reality. Daunim tasol na yumi ranim autonomous governemnt.

6 hrs · Like · 1

Dec 16 2014

Bougainville Development News: Kieta has a rich history that is now flying

“THERE CAN ONLY COME POSITIVE LEGACIES FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR BOUGAINVILLE AFTER OPENING OF KIETA (AROPA) AIRPORT.” Simon Pentanu reports

The Bombadier Q400 under the cloudless Bougainville blue sky after its naming, parked and patiently waiting in full bloom like the dancing Raggiana Bird of Paradise displaying its colour and plumage.Foto credit: Bruce Mallar, PBA Inc.

With the effervescent sea breeze from the Solomon Sea soothing sweats and high humidity under the tropical noon day sun this Bird of Paradise was aptly named Kieta after a township that needed a huge spiritual lift after it descended into the abyss of sorts as many famous places often do in the confusion and decadence resulting from human conflicts.

Much of the early history of what is now Kieta District may be offshore somewhere in Germany in a historical, anthropological or natural museum and some bits and pieces may well be in Canberra. The old site of Kieta was the first German settlement where ruins and remnants of the old township still stand by the shores that form the Kieta harbour.

PHOTO: A church tower and spire on pokpokisland. Foto credit: Simon Pentanu, PBA Inc.

The first Marist missionaries also landed here on August 7 1901 on Pokpok Island on a schooner that travelled from Faisi in the Shortland Islands in western Solomons. Kieta was also the headquarters of Bougainville District after the HQ was moved from Sohano Island near Buka. At the time Papua and New Guinea were jointly administered by Australia, the former German New Guinea as mandated territory under the United Nations and Papua annexed by Britain, as a protectorate or colony.

An old German reef marker that had lamp markers, at the outer mouth of entrance into Kieta Harbour. Able bodied men from Pokpok Island were employed to paddle soil and gravelmix in canoe loads from Uruna Bay to the reef and were used to mix the concrete to erect this monolith which still stands innocuously stuck on Pangaradomoto reef. Foto credit: Simon Pentanu PBA Inc.

Kieta has a lot of history than we might care to find out. The efforts made by the National Government, ABG and the Aropa landowners adds to its more recent history with the reopening of Aropa for Air Niugini to commence normal commercial services after 24 years in the abyss. Last Friday 12 December 2014 was history capped with a huge gesture on the part of PNG’s Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC) and Air Niugini management to name one of its the Q400 aircraft Kieta.

Kieta today with Pok Pok Island (backleft) Photo Phil Staley

You can now fly back into the annals of history as Air Niugini resumes its service to Aropa (Kieta) this week.

As the Member for Central Bougainville Hon Jimmy Miringtoro MP said at Aropa, the opening is a huge relief for him and his people after many efforts over the last twelve years following the restoration of Peace on the Island.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neil and President John Momis in auspicious pose after unveiling the name of the aircraft Kieta after and as part of the opening of Aropa airport

Foto credit: Bruce Mallar PBA Inc.

Dec 16 2014

Bougainville News: Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop visits Buka and Arawa

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop arrived in Buka on Tuesday after chairing the annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial forum in Port Moresby.

Ms Bishop was accompanied by Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes and other dignitaries from the Australian government.

Story from Papua New Guinea Today and Pictures from Aloysius Laukai and Ishmael Milton Palipal

Read all Julie Bishop/ Bougainville background notes and watch Video interview here

She was met at the Buka airport by the ABG Finance Minister Albert Punghau, Bougainville Regional MP Joe Lera and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in Bougainville Chief Superintendent Paul Kamuai at the foot of the plane before being led to the VIP lounge by the Kulubou cultural group dancers.

In welcoming the Australian minister ABG Health Minister Mrs Rose Pihei on behalf of the ABG thanked the Australian government for their long term assistance that has really helped in rebuilding Bougainville through the support in funding and human resource to see us through in our political future.

Ms Bishop said on behalf of the Australian Prime Minister and the government we want to see a peaceful, prosperous and safe Bougainville with a strong autonomous government as Australia and Bougainville are friends and we live in the same neighborhood.

“Since the conflict, Australia has provided continuous enormous support as we were witnesses to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and we want to assure that the BPA is implemented to the fullest extent,” said Ms Bishop.

“We were also supporting the Truce Monitoring Group (TMG) then the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) from the outset and we have been focusing our support in the areas of education by providing new classrooms and teacher’s accommodation and we have already completed 20 schools in the region and in 2015 we will be looking at more schools,” said Ms Bishop.

She said health is another area of focus to roll out infrastructure to other hospitals and health centers so that people have better access to health care and we are also looking at improving the roads as most Bougainvilleans live within 7 kilometers away from the main roads for them to access service.

“We also put support in the Law and Justice issues with New Zealand and today we will be introducing the new pre-recruit education program for young Bougainvilleans have the opportunity to be involved in security for the people,” Ms Bishop said.

The recently concluded Operation Render Safe led by Australia that involved Canada, Sweden New Zealand, United States and Solomon Islands was also the support by Australia to help the people of Bougainville improves their livelihoods and that support will continue to see Bougainville achieve its destiny.

The delegation will be visiting Arawa to attend and launch the GIF funded mobile radio, then visit the Panguna Peace building strategy office, the women’s micro finance office.

And on Wednesday they will visit local women who form a part of road maintenance in Tinputs and then proceed to Buka to conclude Bougainville Womens Federation Forum (BWF), then a brief tour of the ABG parliament and finally the opening of the new police training center barracks at Hutjena before departing for Port Moresby.

More pictures from Arawa Below

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Dec 14 2014

Bougainville Development NEWS: Opening Aropa airport was Xmas gift for Bougainville’s future

“It was emotional, it was exciting, thought drenching, brain leavening, quite historical in many respects. After almost 24 years in disuse, a revamped and upgraded Aropa airport was re-opened last Friday 12 December 2014. With its new terminal buildings it is now ready for business. As usual it was marked by celebrations of sorts – political speeches, hand clapping, chanting, lamenting, shouting, smiles and laughter and ecstatic joy all around.

If the thrill and joy of opening Aropa at this time is a Christmas gift, the naming of the aircraft is a spiritual lift for Kieta township and for Bougainville. It’s great, it is the stuff that marks and makes history that is worth remembering.”

From Simon Pentanu who was on the first flight into the upgraded airport

I am thankful for the opportunity get on the inaugural flight to be among wiser and much stronger and more power-wielding politicians and bureaucrats on the historic flight. There was no way I was going to miss this for the world. I wanted to return home and land on the same turf where I took the second last flight out and away to Port Moresby 24 years ago. And going back a little earlier in history the old Aropa airstrip is also where I took my first flight on a TAA DC-3 in 1965 to begin high school on Buka Island. I cannot forget, the old work horse was the fastest thrill I ever had then with a landing on the way at the Wakunai grass strip before arriving on Buka Island.

The inaugural flight F400 PX4354 flew direct Port Moresby – Aropa. We arrived on the west coast and made our way over the Crown Prince Range to the other side above Loloho and took a slow flight path southwards along the coast above Arawa, Kieta, over Pokpok Island and then made the landing approach from the Koromira end in south touching down at 10.39am on the newly paved new-look Aropa Aerodrome.

The opening of Aropa means Bougainville is probably the only Province/Region with two aerodromes, one in Buka and now in Kieta (Aropa). As part of the reopening and renewing ceremony the F400 Dash was named Kieta. This once thriving township name now becomes a very recognizable part of the aircraft’s livery on one of Air Niugini’s domestic fleet. If the thrill and joy of opening Aropa at this time is a Christmas gift, the naming of the aircraft is a spiritual lift for Kieta township and for Bougainville. It’s great, it is the stuff that marks and makes history that is worth remembering.

The name is conspicuously poised providing a respectful distance between the Prime Minister and the President who both unveiled and named the aircraft.

Part of the excited but orderly crowd that welcomed the inaugural flight and witnessed the naming of the aircraft after their township.

If the naming required baptismal or christening rites as part of the ceremony, The President, a former priest adequately fulfilled both the purpose and occasion for this. If the naming and ceremony needed any political validation, the Prime of PNG and who is also the Prime Minister of Bougainville fittingly occasioned this purpose.

As you might imagine I am – and I would think many Bougainvilleans would be too – still over the moon that a long last Aropa is open for business. Landing at Aropa means it will take me less than an hour to get to the village as opposed to three and a half to 4 hours drive from Buka to Kieta. I can prepare lunch in Port Moresby and eat it in my house on Pokpok Island whilst it is still warm. Or, I can bring the famed local dish tamatama within a few hours of being prepared in the village on the flight back to Port Moresby to share with family and friends in the city while the pudding is still warm.

So there, another Day in the life, trials and tribulations of a Paradise that lost its head, its charm and its way as a promising place with so much to offer. But never mind. The past is gone, the future is yet to come. The moment to live and savour is now. It is time to make the most of it.

Commercial flights will begin in the coming days or weeks. May be Air Niugini can make the two routes to Aropa and Buka quite profitable in the country if it offers no-frills travel and targets volume and bums on seats at affordable fares that’ll allow more people to travel.

Flying over this enchanted Island is truly a sight to behold. Landing back at Aropa after 24 years was redeeming. Seeing the multitudes that converged to celebrate and adorn the opening was reassuring.

WE praise God.

Dec 12 2014

Bougainville Development News : Aropa airport opens after 24 years

By Aloysius Laukai

The famous REBOINE, AROPA Airport in Central Bougainville officially opened for Business today by Prime Minister, PETER O’NEIL and ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS amidst capacity crowd of what was estimated to be more than TEN THOUSAND people from South, Central and North Bougainville.

Photo above Ishmael

The airport was closed at the height of the crisis in 1990 and remained closed although the Peace Monitoring Group and several light aircrafts continued to land especially for Bank runs to Central Bougainville.

The opening was added extra flavour when three Airline Companies also flew in on the re-opening day.

The Once International Airport had the Airline PNG landing first then the Air Niugini’s Q 400 which was officially named KIETA to commemorate this special service into mainland Bougainville.

A plaque displaying this name KIETA was also unveiled by the Prime Minister PETER O’NEIL and ABG President DR. JOHN MOMIS this afternoon.

The Q400 carried the Prime Minister’s Official party whilst the Airline PNG carried Aropa Airport landowners who went to Port Moresby to complete the MOU on the future of the airport with the National Airport Corporation.

The other plane that landed today was the TRAVELAIR or the famous MANGI LO PLES which had the owner, MR. EREMAS WATOTO and several media team on it.

The opening ceremony was incident free although security was tight to make sure the opening went without any disturbance.

Dancers came from all over Bougainville

Speakers at the ceremony included the Minister for Communications, JIMMY MIRINGTORO, ABG President Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS and the Prime Minister PETER O’NEIL.

Comments from Peter O’Neil as reported by Brian Semoso

The PMs reply to President Momis struck the right cords with the masses.

“Mi no kam toktok politics. Mi no kam toktok independence, mi no kam toktok lo referendum. Mi kam lo opim airport blo yupla. Mi kam lo givim yupla wanem samting yupla bin laikim long taim yet. Na mi kam tu lo lukim wanem samting gen yupla laikim ba mi wokim. Hausik ba mi wokim, Rot ba mi wokim, schools ba mi wokim. Within the next two years , rot stat lo Kokopau na kamap long Arawa ba mi sealim blo yupla too..ba mi kambek gen planti taim bai yupla les lo lukim pes blo me lo Bougainville…”

Updated Reports 14 December

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and ABG President John Momis officially opened the K10 million Aropa airport just after 1pm today.

The opening was witnessed by a high-powered delegation from Waigani of State Ministers, heads of State-owed Enterprises (SOEs) and Bougainville leaders in Port Moresby.

The ribbon was cut by the two leaders to mark the official unveiling of the Kieta aerodrome plaque.

In what was a historic yet significant event for Bougainvilleans badly affected by the 10-year Bouganiville Crisis which started in 1989, it was an atmosphere of mixed feelings for locals.

Locals were excited with this opportunity and joined the delegation to set foot on the tarmac of the new airport.

Soon after the opening, National Airport Corporation (NAC) officials had to remove excited locals from the tarmac, most just wanting to have a closer look at the three planes from Air Niugini, Mangi Lo Ples and Airlines PNG that took part in the inaugural flight to Aropa.
The Aropa airport for the moment can only take aircrafts the size of Dash 8 and Q400 or smaller.

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Dec 11 2014

Bougainville Mining News: Momis tells PNG PM O’Neill “Panguna mine decision a matter for Bougainville

“I have today sent a letter to the Prime Minister reminding him that Bougainvilleans are deeply concerned about the future of mining in Bougainville, and determined to control it themselves, through the ABG.

The letter is attached to this statement. DOWNLOAD Momis – O’Neil re MGU Visit – Nov 2014

Download Minutes of meeting Minining Bougainville Minutes Page 1 and 2

MOMIS TO O’NEILL: PANGUNA MINE DECISIONS A MATTER FOR BOUGAINVILLE

President Momis said today that he was deeply concerned that Prime Minister O’Neill wants the National Government to control future mining at Panguna.

On Thursday 9^th October the Prime Minister held a three hour meeting with a team form the ‘Me’ekamui Government of Unity’ (‘MGU’). The meeting was arranged by the office of the Member for Central Bougainville, Hon. Jimmy Miringtoro.

The President said that the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has obtained minutes of matters discussed at that meeting, prepared by the ‘MGU’ team. The Minutes (attached to this statement) report the Prime Minister as saying:

‘Ok Tedi is your model to help you with mining in the future’; and

‘We have given the Western Province 20% ownership of Ok Tedi’; and

‘I will give 35% to Bougainville in any mining in the future’.

The President said: “The Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) states clearly that the main goal of Bougainville’s autonomy is to ‘empower Bougainvilleans to solve their own problems, manage their own affairs and work to realize their aspirations’.

Because of our experience of mining, mining was in the first set of powers that the ABG requested to be transferred from the National Government. “I told him that the idea of the National Government operating mining at Panguna (or anywhere else in Bougainville) is completely unacceptable to Bougainville.

Any attempt by the National Government to control mining in Bougainville could cause Bougainvilleans to lose all faith in the BPA. Many would refuse to work with the National Government any more.

They would want immediate independence. It would be a recipe for undermining, perhaps even destroying, support for the BPA. “I met with the Prime Minister on Friday 3^rd October (just six days before your meeting of 9^th October) and again on Tuesday 18 November. Both meetings discussed the Prime Minister’s views about Bougainville.

Yet he made no mention in either meeting of the views he expressed to the MGU team on 9^th October. “He must explain why he can express such dangerous proposals to the MGU, and refuse to discuss them with me.

Is he trying to divide the people of Bougainville?“If such views were expressed by the Prime Minister, they clearly have serious potential for undermining relationships between the ABG and the National Government.

“In the interests of maintaining a working relationship between your Government and mine, it is essential that the Prime Minister clarify his position on these issues.”

“This meeting was arranged by the office of Mr. Jimmy Miringtoro. The minutes indicate Mr. O’Neill wants the National Government to control mining at Panguna in the same way it manages Ok Tedi.

Other information available to me indicates that the Prime Minister also told the MGU group that the National Government proposes to purchase Rio Tinto’s shares in BCL to allow to control Panguna mining.

AUTONOMOUS BOUGAINVILLE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Hon. Peter O’Neil MP 2 December 2014

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Office of the Prime Minister

Morauta Haus

Waigani, NCD

My dear Prime Minister,

I have been advised that on Thursday 9^th October you held a three hour meeting with a team form the ‘Me’ekamui Government of Unity’ (‘MGU’), organised through the office of the Member for Central Bougainville, Hon. Jimmy Miringtoro, and attended by his Press Secretary, Mr. Chris Baria. Minutes (two pages) from that meeting, apparently prepared by the ‘MGU’ team, have been provide to my Government. They are attached to this letter.

You will perhaps be aware that this meeting, and the views reported by the ‘MGU’ team to have been expressed by you have caused great consternation to many Bougainvilleans. In the Minutes you are reported as saying:

‘John Momis is going ahead of me with important issues – PNG can’t allow that’.

Issues about ownership of Panguna land and resources, and the future of large-scale mining there, were a focus of the meeting. The Minutes report you as saying:

In this context you are reported as saying that you believe that mining powers and functions have not been validly transferred to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and that the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014 is invalid.

‘Ok Tedi is your model to help you with mining in the future’; and

‘We have given the Western Province 20% ownership of Ok Tedi’; and

‘I will give 35% to Bougainville in any mining in the future’.

I also understand that you suggested to the MGU group that they should consult with me and my Government about the issues that you discussed with them. While I welcome that advice, I have grave concerns about the above your reported views. Amongst other things:

I understand that in this context you proposed that the National Government purchase shares held by Rio Tinto in BCL and control future mining operations at Panguna, similar to arrangements with Ok Tedi.

Given the various decisions made since January 2008, jointly between the National Government and the ABG (through the Joint Supervisory Body), about the transfer of mining powers to the ABG, and the multiple efforts made by the ABG to consult the National Government about development of the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014, it would be a matter of the gravest concern if you did in fact express the reported views concerning the transfer of mining powers and the Bougainville Mining (Transitional Arrangements) Act 2014.

There are few issues of greater sensitivity to Bougainvilleans than those concerning the future of mining in Bougainville. A key goal of autonomy recorded in clause 4(b) of the Bougainville Peace Agreement(BPA) is to ‘empower Bougainvilleans to solve their own problems, manage their own affairs and work to realize their aspirations’. In the light of Bougainville’s experience of mining, it is no coincidence that the first set of powers that the ABG requested to be transferred included mining

Bougainvilleans regard it as essential that all decisions about future mining be made by the ABG, on behalf of all Bougainvilleans. The concept of the National Government operating mining at Panguna (or anywhere else in Bougainville) – whether on a basis like Ok Tedi or on any other basis – is completely unacceptable to Bougainville

Any attempt by the National Government to control mining in Bougainville could cause most Bougainvilleans to lose all faith in the BPA, and to refuse to work with the National Government any more. Many would want to seek immediate independence. It would be a recipe for severely undermining, perhaps even destroying, support for the BPA.

I met with you in Port Moresby on Friday 3^rd October (just six days before your meeting of 9^th October) and again on Tuesday 18 November.

In both meetings our discussion focused on your views about issues concerning Bougainville. Yet you made no mention at all in either meeting of the views you advanced in the meeting on 9^th October.

It is difficult for me to understand how you could have been unwilling to discuss with me the views you are reported to have stated to the ‘MGU’ team on such important, sensitive and potentially divisive issues.

If such views were expressed, they have serious potential for undermining relationships between the ABG and the National Government.In the interests of maintaining a working relationship between your Government and mine, it is essential that you clarify your position on the matters raised in this letter, and that you do so as a matter of urgency.

Dec 8 2014

Bougainville Good News Story: What Rorovana has done is a good example of community engagement and equal participation.

The road that locals have maintained. Picture: The locals who took part in the maintenance initiative.

By Ishmael Palipal

THE Rorovana community in Torau has teamed up with its leaders to maintain their only access road from Arawa to the two villages.

According to their supervisor Raphael Moses, the road maintenance initiative started the previous week and is expected to be completed this week.

The work, organised by the council of elders (COE), was to involve the community and the youths to create a means of income for the unemployed.

This means that the funds allocated for the maintenance work by Central Bougainville MP Jimmy Miringtoro – about K200,000 – will be used to pay the locals who volunteered to do the work.

Mr Moses said at this time of the year, seas are rough and the locals, most of whom depend on the catch and sale of fish to earn an income, must resort to other means. He said the road maintenance initiative is one such avenue.

The council and leaders have decided that the money set aside for the road maintenance can be utilised by using the community to do the maintenance, which involves work such as bush and grass cutting, clearing, digging proper drainage system, patching and levelling portholes and muddy areas along the road.

“We see that most times when we hire contractors, they only work for the money and they do not do the roads properly; that’s why we decided to involve the community so that when they are working, they can at the same time take ownership of what they are doing and do it properly since it is the gate way to other services,” said Mr Moses.

“Also we engaged the unfortunate ones such as youths to earn an income.” Another local, Nathan Birio, said road infrastructure is an important service because through that other services will reach the people.

He said the government should look into this more closely and what the people of Rorovana have done is a good example of community engagement and equal participation. About 180 people volunteered to work on the road, including men, women and youths.

The volunteers were happy to give their service through the road maintenance initiative and urged the government to adopt such community-engagement initiatives throughout Bougainville so that the people can take ownership of government facilities and services in their areas. They said the communities will also stand to benefit from such partnerships

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Dec 4 2014

Bougainville “good news” Story: 2014 has been a very progressive year for Central Bougainville

The current government’s free education policy has seen increase in the number enrolments at schools around Central Bougainville. Numbers of schools are also on the increase and this means that more money must continue to put into education every year. Bougainville has missed out on education during the crisis and we have to bridge the gap created when children could not go to school during the troubled period.

What we need is a broader based economy instead of just relying on extractive industries that may run out one day. One of the biggest assets Bougainville has is its people who are creative and innovative. This is why there must be emphasis in putting a lot of money into education.

Picture above : A new classroom building funded by member for Central Bougainville, Jimmy Miringtoro at Raiovi Primary School Wakunai District, Our thanks to Chris Baria for assistance with this article

Good things ahead-On the Sunny Side

This year 2014 has been a very progressive year for Central Bougainville. The region started the year on a positive note with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neill visiting all three regions of Bougainville including Central. During his visit he made a commitment to the people of Bougainville to fund high impact projects, several of which are in Central Bougainville.

These are the water and sanitation restoration for Arawa Town, the Aropa Airport re-opening and the other major project is of course the sealing of Bougainville Coastal Trunk from Buka to Buin.

This is a clear indication of commitment that the National Government with the support our four Bougainville MPs has a strong desire to see the Autonomous Region of Bougainville prosper in the coming years.

We have come a long way since the peace agreement was signed and there is a lot to be done as yet for Bougainville to achieve what was agreed to in the peace process. In Central Bougainville we have devoted a lot of time and money in improving education by providing more classrooms to accommodate ever increasing number enrolments in schools in the bid to bridge the gap left by the Bougainville crisis.

Education is one of the priority sectors that the government is putting money into along with Health, Infrastructure Development, Law and Order and Business Development. Health centers and aid-posts are also receiving funds from my electoral office. The police in Arawa have benefited from a vehicle allocation from the office of Member for Central as part of his community efforts to enhance the law and order sector. Funding has also been made available to the local Business Association as a form of assistance to grow small businesses in Central Bougainville.

Rural Communications Project and Integrated Government Information System (IGIS)

The government has already rolled out a rural communications project. You many have noticed new towers set up in areas that were not formerly serviced by mobile phone network. By the end of 2015 the government hopes that Bougainville will have more than 50% mobile network coverage that will include data, Internet and telephony. By 2016 Bougainville should have 100% mobile network coverage including remote and rural locations, which are not service by roads.

The main aim of the Rural Communications Project is to provide access to telecommunications and other ICT services including TV, internet, FM Radio and Data storage and transmission to rural and remote locations that lack these services.

The government has also established the “integrated government information system” or IGIS for short. This is the forerunner of e-government for Papua New Guinea. Under this ICT infrastructure all government departments and divisions will be interlinked through a computer network, which also has a data bank. This will prevent duplication and enable data and information sharing with ease.

Information can be stored at central location where those who need it and/or if they require it. The Rural Communication Project roll out will establish communication network that will become integrated into IGIS and link up all local level governments with the main government network and data center. This will mean that leaders will have to be more transparent in their work because the people will be able to monitor their performance online through IGIS.

Supporting sustainable development

Papua New Guinea is heavily reliant on logging, minerals, oil and gas for its revenue generation. These industries while they may bring economic boom to a country do have large problems associated with them and for one thing they are non-renewable, and finite and therefore unsustainable. Central Bougainville has had its taste of mining activity during the 70s and 80s.

Kindles a revolutionary literacy tool in Bougainville schools

In another first for Central Bougainville and in fact Papua New Guinea,James Tanis (former Bougainville President) has established Book-Gain-Ville E reader Revolution in a number of schools in Central Bougainville including Nariana, St. Judes Pok Pok Island, Dareenai Kavearonau and Piruana .

It was launched as an initiative to improve literacy throughout Bougainville.

Each Kindle can hold up to 1,400 books and by the end of 2014 there will over 50 kindles in 11 Bougainville schools. To date there has been no government support but hopefully in 2015 with the support of Government and NGO’s more schools can get these E reader libraries

See Website for more details or make a donation http://www.bookgainville.com/

Government Development Priorities

As part of its continuing commitment the National Government development policy covers five development sectors, which are in, line with its Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP). These are also applicable to Bougainville. These sectors are Health, Education, Infrastructure, Law and Order and Small Business. In line with this plan Bougainville MPs have funded a number of health facilities. In Central this includes Manetai and Wakunai Health Centres and a number of village level aid posts in the rural communities.

In the health sector, the office of MP for in Central has also funded ambulances to all major health centres in Central Bougainville. More money has been spent on building classrooms and other school infrastructure to cater for the increase in the number of enrolments over the years.

With regard to infrastructure, considerable amount of money is being used on feeder road maintenance including, for the first time a new road into remote and densely populated area in Paruparu previously inaccessible by road. A considerable level of funds has also allocated to restoration of Aropa Airport, which is about to be opened soon. PNG Power also received funding to provide power to Arawa town, Kieta port and to the new Kieta Distict entre in Toniva. Up to K1million has been committed to the Central Bougainville Business Association to assist small business in the region.

Looking ahead

Children are our future

Lot of work has been done to provide much needed infrastructure such as roads, schools, and of course the soon be reopened Aropa Airport. Services such as health and education continue to more draw more funds from the government through my electoral office and the treasury.

A lot more needs to be done to improve current services and to build more roads and schools. The government is ready to help out in anyway it can. However, there are certain areas where the community can contribute to the development process. For example, in order for feeder roads to last longer, drains need to kept clear of debris and grass has to be cut along the roadside. A little preventive maintenance can make a lot of difference.

Same goes for schools. Parents and community must devote sometime to do maintenance work, cleaning and grass-cutting in the school areas. The community must help to look after what the government has provided for them. The government cannot be expected to do everything. In order for us to move ahead it requires joint effort by all.

Dec 4 2014

Bougainville Mining News: Momis continues “ethic” attack on Australian research

“Jubilee Australia claims to be a body undertaking ‘scientific research’. Any scientific research body must adhere to strict ethical standards when planning, carrying out, and reporting on its research.

“Jubilee and its partners were researching sensitive issues in Bougainville’s complex post-conflict situation. The research, and Jubilee’s report, involve serious risks, not just for those being interviewed, but for the wider Bougainville community. By taking sides on complex, divisive issues, Jubilee has added to sources of division and conflict

President Momis raising new issues about Jubilee : Pictured above with PNG PM Peter O’Neil on a visit to Panguna earlier this year

We welcome your comments (see below)

MOMIS QUERIES JUBILEE AUSTRALIA’S RESEARCH ETHICS

The President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has raised new questions about research about Bougainville undertaken by Australian NGO, Jubilee Australia. Jubilee’s report was released in Australia in September.

On the basis of interviews with just 65 people selected because they opposed resuming mining at Panguna, Jubilee claimed that the Panguna mine affected communities as a whole were also opposed to mining. But as President Momis has pointed out, there are between 10,000 and 15,000 people in those communities, a majority supporting resumption of mining.

BOUGAINVILLE MINING LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS DEVELOPMENT

Presentation to the people of Bougainville

Download Here

BOUGAINVILLE Policy Act and Regulations Presentation to landowners

In a series of three letters to Jubilee in September, October and November, President Momis has criticised the report. He questioned research methodology used, false claims made on the basis of interviews with a tiny selected group of opponents of mining, many serious factual errors in the report, and the track record of opposition to BCL and Rio Tinto on the part of Jubilee Australia’s research partners, Kristian Lasslett and the Bismarck Ramu Group.

The President was especially critical of Jubilee’s failure to at any time communicate with the ABG or Panguna landowner associations about the research – failing even to seek ABG views on a draft of the report before it was published. He agreed with an Australian academic who criticised Jubilee as involved in advocacy, not research.

Today President Momis raised new issues about Jubilee and its research. He said:

It has undermined the carefully considered efforts of the democratically established ABG to build consensus amongst divided Bougainvilleans on the difficult issues involved in choices on mining.

“If Jubilee had been adhering to proper ethical research standards, they would not have intervened in this complex situation, and taken sides. They would not have rejected having any form of communication with the ABG and landowner associations.

“Jubilee Australia’s website claims that their research program is overseen by a Research Centre Advisory Committee comprising ‘leading Australian academics’, which they say strengthens Jubilee’s ‘capacity for rigorous, academic based research’. Such a Committee should surely play the most important role of setting and overseeing Jubilee’s research ethics.

“But it now emerges that a member of that six member Advisory Committee who had extensive knowledge of PNG was never informed by Jubilee about the research. This fact may help explain Jubilee’s use of badly flawed research methodology. It raises serious questions about how Jubilee ensures that its research adheres to the highest standards of research ethics expected of a ‘scientific research’ body.

“I have today written to Jubilee’s Board, asking when they will respond to the issues raised in my two most recent letters to them about their report (dated 26 October and 2 November). But in addition I have raised serious questions about how Jubilee ensures that proper standards of research ethics are met, so that its otherwise well-intentioned work does not descend into advocacy of particular unsubstantiated viewpoints.

“I have further asked how Jubilee can be held accountable in terms of their ethical standards. Jubilee is an Australian NGO working on international development issues. Most such NGOs are members of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), which administers a complaints process that can handle queries about NGO research ethics.

“But from the list of members appearing on the ACFID website, it appears that Jubilee is not a member of ACFID. If so, the ABG cannot seek to hold Jubilee accountable through ACFID. I am questioning Jubilee’s board as to whether it is open to being held accountable by independent bodies.

“I have further asked Jubilee to advise whether any non-citizens who have been in PNG at any time to undertake this research have held the research visas required under PNG law.

President Momis concluded:

“The ABG welcomes thorough research, and well-informed criticism. But it expects outside research bodies, in particular, to observe the highest standards and principles. In this case, there are grave doubts about many aspects of what Jubilee has done.

“Further, Jubilee has shown little willingness to be in communication with the democratic government of Bougainville. Their one communication with us in the more than two years they have been doing their Bougainville ‘research’ was a letter in late October stating that my criticisms of their report were ‘without basis’. I now call on Jubilee’s Board to engage with the ABG in relation to the serious questions that we are asking, both in today’s letter, and my letters of October and November.”

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