Category Government of Bougainville

ABG Government and her Elected leaders. Short History of Bougainville.

Feb 18 2015

Bougainville News updates: Elections, health and new public service 4 articles

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After the completion of data entry by the team above, preliminary Election rolls will be distributed to all Bougainville constituencies, Council of Elders and District Offices for public scrutiny. In this issue we have four stories with delays caused by constant power blackouts in Buka
  • WORKERS TO ENTER DATA IN THREE SHIFTS
  • BOUGAINVILLE PUBLIC SERVICE DEDICATED
  • CALL TO RELOCATE LEMANMANU HEALTH CENTRE
  • PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE PRIVILIGED

Preparation for the ABG 2015 General Election is in progress and the office does not leave any stone unturned.

By Aloysius Laukai

This morning the Electoral Rolls Data Entry exercise commenced and staff selected will start entering data into the system as of today and until the exercise is completed.

A total of officers were announced over the weekend to go into three shifts to complete the project.

Before the commencement of this exercise, the data processing officers (DPOs) were challenged by the Regional Returning Officer John Itanu, to do a thorough work on the updating of the preliminary rolls.

The DPOs were also reminded that the number of the eligible voters that will be casting their votes in this election will depend on how accurately they have entered the names of those that had filled in their claim for enrolment forms.

After the completion of data entry, preliminary rolls will be distributed to all constituencies, Council of Elders and District Offices for public scrutiny.

Those eligible voters who do not have their names on the common roll will now enroll for inclusion in the final Common roll.

It is anticipated that the writs will be issued at the end of March, 2015.

BOUGAINVILLE PUBLIC SERVICE DEDICATED

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Autonomous Bougainville Government dedicated for the first time the Bougainville Public Service and its public servants in a dedication service today.

The dedication service under the theme “A Call to Serve under God’s Leadership” was the initiative of the chief secretary Monovi Amani and was held at the Hutjena Secondary School hall and was attended by all public servants.

Pastor Kepsi Elodo who is also the president of the Seventh Day Adventist church in the region flew in last week Friday for the dedication service.

When presenting his sermon for the occasion, Pr. Elodo stressed to the public servants that as public servants, they were called to serve God’s people of Bougainville.

He challenged them saying the interest of the people of Bougainville must be served because God gave them the strength, wisdom and knowledge so they must do their best.

Under the topic “A Call to Serve under God’s Leadership” Pr. Elodo revealed that because God knows our past, present and future, it is appropriate for public servants to work under God’s leadership because God knows the way.

He said challenges for this year may be greater than the challenges faced last year but he reminded the public servants that God is interested in them and that he will take care of them.

He again challenged the Bougainville public servants saying everything that they do, whether in secret or in public is never hidden from God and if they are not judged by the law of this land, they will be judged by the law of heaven.

In conclusion, Pr. Elodo urged and encouraged the public servants to stop the practice of corruption, to remain faithful to their spouses, to attend church services regularly, to read the bible and to pray often because by doing so God will bless them, their families, their work, the Bougainville Public Service and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

After the sermon, the public servants were asked to hold hands and form a big circle as Pr. Elodo offered a prayer of dedication for the public servants, the Bougainville Public Service and the ABG.

CALL TO RELOCATE LEMANMANU HEALTH CENTRE

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Lemanmanu Health Centre in Haku constituency should be relocated according to Chief Hendry Onsa.

He told New Dawn Fm in an interview today that there is a land issue going on at the moment and the people of Haku constituency are concerned because the landowners sometimes force the closure of the health centre.

He said recently the ambulance belonging to the health centre was taken by a local who claimed that he was not paid by the officers of Lemanmanu health centre for hiring his car.

He added that this issue of land ownership has been going on for 20 years now and he is therefore calling on the government and the health department to fast track the relocation of the health centre to Hagogohe.

Chief Onsa revealed that an agreement has been signed already by the chiefs of Hagogohe and he is also calling on Dr. Anthony Pumpara to fast track the relocation of the health centre because the people are tired of waiting.

He said the proposal for the health centre to be relocated was done fifteen years ago and it has never been implemented.

He added that the landowner issue is still there and the only way to solve the problem is to relocate the Lemanmanu health centre to Hagogohe.

PUBLIC SERVANTS ARE PRIVILIGED

BY JENNIFER NKUI

Bougainville public servants are privileged to be in the position that they are in, says the ABG chief secretary Monovi Amani.

Speaking during the Bougainville Public Service dedication service this morning, the head of the Bougainville Public Service stressed that public servants are privileged to be employed by the ABG because if they can look around them, they can see that there are a lot of young, educated and matured Bougainvilleans who are still out on the streets.

He added that as public servants, they are so privileged because at the end of two weeks, they get to take home their finances to share with their families.

He said they have heard a very important message on servant hood from Pastor Kepsi Elodo and because of the occasion’s importance, the dedication service will be held every year from today.

He stressed that it is important that the dedication service be held every year to re-educate the public service which is the machinery for the government of the day.

Mr. Amani revealed that the gathering of public servants today is all about putting God first every day under God’s leadership.

He said under God’s leadership, there are certain conditions and rules that they as public servants must abide by.

He then asked the public servants to honour the government of the day saying if they do so, they will also honour the people of Bougainville.

Feb 9 2015

Bougainville News: Plans well underway for 2015 elections in Bougainville

 

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The election of the third House which will commence with the issue of writs in the coming months will see Bougainville leaders vying for the 40 seats in the Bougainville House of Representatives, including that of the president, three women seats and seats for former combatants representing the three regions and 33 constituency seats.

This election is very crucial to Bougainvillean as it marks the start of the referendum period which, under the conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is to be held between 2015 and 2020.

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/EDITED BY JENNIFER NKUI

THE Acting Electoral Commissioner for Bougainville, George Manu (pictured above), has recently announced the appointment of returning officers and assistant returning officers for this year’s ABG General Election.

This election is very crucial to Bougainvillean as it marks the start of the referendum period which, under the conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is to be held between 2015 and 2020.

Leaders elected will play a crucial role in addressing outstanding issues like weapons disposal, economic recovery and good governance which are needed to be met before the set referendum date.

The appointed officials include Regional Returning Officer John Itanu who will be responsible for the presidential seat, Peter Wanga (Northern regional seats for women and former combatants), Charles Kopana (Central regional seats for women and former combatants) and Sam Roroga who will be responsible for the southern regional seats for women and former combatants.

The Assistant Returning Officers for each constituency include Francis Tommy (Peit, Tonsu and Tsitalato), Garry Kenehe (Haku, Halia and Hagogohe), Peter Kutadio (Taonita/Teop, TaonitaTinputz), Henry Taul (Nissan), Samuel Aririan(Teua, Mahari), Peter Tokin (Atolls), Robert Toromet (Suir, Selau), Collin Darei (South Nasioi, Kongara and Kokoda), Denise Palipal (North Nasioi, Eivo-Torau and Ioro), Sylvester Semoso (Rau, Terra), Mathew Maau (Baubake, Makis), Moses Koiri (Lule, Konnou), Martin Tumuki (Kopii, Ramu, MotunaHuyonoTokunutui), Justin Teneke (Baba, Lato, Bolave) and Leo Gobekatsu (Torokina).

The dates for the issue of writs, polling, counting and return of writs have already been set but the announcement will be made by ABG Speaker Andrew Miriki.

BOUGAINVILLE ELECTORAL COMMISSION URGED TO DO MORE

BY JENNIFER NKUI

The Bougainville Electoral Commission is urged to do more to update and increase the present total number of registered eligible voters throughout Bougainville in preparation for the 2015 ABG General Election.

This urgent call is made by the leaders of Central Bougainville, particularly those from Panguna District where according to the figures held at the electoral commission, the total number of registered voters in the Ioro constituency alarmingly appears to be 1, 827 at the moment.

In a released statement today, the leaders insisted that this is simply not possible while Evo/Torau and Konnou constituencies have 5, 090 and 7, 407 registered voters respectively.

They revealed that during the last PNG General Election in 2012, it was reported in the common roll that the number of registered voters for Ioro constituency was around 7, 000.

The leaders are therefore seriously asking as to where the rest of the 6, 000 registered voters from the last common roll update during the PNG General election went to.

According to the recent figures obtained from the Bougainville Electoral Commission last Thursday, the total number of eligible voters in Bougainville is surprisingly as follows, Central Bougainville 28, 754 voters, South Bougainville 52, 219 voters and North Bougainville 62, 530 which totals up to 143, 503 voters.

This according to Sam Kaouna, Martin Miriori and Father Simon Mumarinu is not even half of the total population of Bougainville which is 300, 000.

The leaders demand that special efforts be made by the electoral commission to update the figure for Central Bougainville saying this figure is unrealistic, especially after considering the fact that all of the faction of the Mekamui are known to have recently registered their names to participate in the coming election.

They said this is vital especially in preparation for the referendum and if this is not done, the people will be deprived and robbed off their democratic rights to choose the leaders who will represent them in parliament in the next five years.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION TO PAY SERVICE PROVIDERS

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/edited by JENNIFER NKUI

THE Bougainville Electoral Commission will still be paying service providers that have yet to be given their dues for services rendered during the 2010 ABG General Election and the 2013 ABG bye-elections.

The Acting Bougainville Electoral Commissioner, George Manu said he has already made a request to the Autonomous Bougainville Government to release funding to pay off these outstanding bills.

He said he is constantly negotiating with the government to give him this money before we go into the election. When questioned on the outstanding for the 2012 National General Election, the Acting Commissioner distanced his office saying it is the responsibility of the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) to secure funding and settle the dues.

Mr Manu however said he has been constantly contacting the PNG Electoral Commissioner Andrew Trawen to settle these dues.

He added that as a concerned Bougainvillean, he has been discussing with the PNG Electoral Commissioner to settle these outstanding before the election.

During their meeting last week, Mr. Trawen informed Mr. Manu that the National Electoral Commission is waiting for the opening of the government accounts in March this year. And according to Mr. Trawen, once they access the accounts, they will pay off the outstanding.

POLITICAL PARTIES URGED TO REGISTER

By WINTERFORD TOREAS/edited by JENNIFER NKUI

The acting ABG Political Party Registrar Joseph Kaipu is urging all political parties to start registering with his office.

He made this announcement last week, thus encouraging all political parties to go to his office so he can assist them to fill in their application and finalizing their registrations before they can be able to participate in the upcoming 2015 ABG General Election.

He stressed that he does not want to do any last minute registrations because late registrations sometimes might not be in line with the ABG Political Parties (Registration) Act 2006.

That is why according to Mr. Kaipu it is very important for all political parties to start collecting the application forms from his office during this month because he does not want to rush up the registration process in the last minute.

The acting ABG political party registrar revealed that only one political party, the New Bougainville Party which is headed by the ABG President chief Dr. John Momis has collected the application forms from his office.

He added that he is only waiting for the party’s public officer to submit their application for consideration before he can register the party.

Mr. Kaipu said registration will close towards the end of March on the date scheduled for the issue of writs.

 

Feb 9 2015

Bougainville Media News :New Dawn to improve understanding of the Bougainville Peace Agreement

 

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The New Dawn Video Awareness Program project will engage Bougainville’s citizens in a nationwide video-based campaign to improve the country’s understanding of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Since its establishment in 2001, consultations have continued between the community and the government to ensure parties uphold the Agreement.

This will however, be the first use of audio visual education in these efforts.

Please note : Aloysius Laukai and New Dawn are publishers of this news service

Supported by the PACMAS Innovation Fund, the project developed by New Dawn FM, an independent community radio broadcaster, will produce six educational videos in Tok Pidgin language on Disarming, Referendum and Good Governance – the three pillars of the Peace Agreement.  Other sensitive issues that will also be covered are missing persons, war widows, and government corruption.

The 15 – 30 minute informational videos will be screened across the country, targeting the three district centres of Buka, Arawa, and Buin as well as key rural locations.  The live screenings will provide opportunities for discussions and debates on issues such as gender equality, empowerment of women, good governance and democracy.  Online deliberations will also be encouraged with New Dawn FM sharing the videos on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Typepad.  DVDs, mobile phones, and USBs will also be used for distribution.

Project Overview Working with: New Dawn FM

Start Date: 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015

Goal: Raise awareness about missing persons, war widows, government corruption and the three pillars of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

Budget: AUD $30,000 –

The outcomes of the New Dawn Video Awareness Program project are:

  • address an island-wide-lack of public understanding of Bougainville’s governance system;
  • bring matters of gender equality, missing persons, and government corruption into the public sphere and promote deliberations of these issues across the country;
  • facilitate the development of New Dawn FM’s video production capacity; and
  • providing opportunities for Bougainvilleans to engage with democracy not just as citizens but also as contributors to the media.

The New Dawn Video Awareness Program activity contributes to Bougainville’s ongoing development of a free and open democracy and aligns with the PACMAS Media Content component, as well as PACMAS’s overall goal of supporting better governance in the Pacific region by contributing to the development of a diverse, independent and professional Pacific media system.

To view the full project profile please click New Dawn Video Awareness Program.

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Feb 4 2015

Bougainville Media News : Media will play important role in Bougainville referendum

 

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“With the Referendum coming up there is a need for more awareness to be made so that the people of Bougainville are made aware of the work of the ABG and how they can contribute to the preparation of the region for Referendum

ABG Minister for Community Development, MELCHIOR DARE

By Aloysius Laukai

The new Bougainville Chief Secretary, MONOVI AMANI says that the media must report facts and figures precisely and not to change the story.

He made these remarks at the special meet the press dinner hosted by the ABG’s Division of Media and Communications last night.

About 40 people attended, they included 2 from New Dawn FM/ bougainvillenews.com,6 from Radio Bougainville 10 from Media and Communications, Bougainville Bulletin  Post Courier rep, Catholic Church Media, Tinputz FM AUSAID rep and several others including Secretaries from the ABG Departments.

Picture Above: Robert Anisia Director for Communications, Chief Secretary Monovi Amani and Minister for Community Development MELCHIOR DARE at the media meeting tonight.

AMANI in his speech said that in Business you don’t expose all your work to the media as your competitors could use your work for their own benefit or to kill your business.

But in government, all the activities must be made available to the media so that the people know and become partakers in the development initiatives.

He said as media personnel they however must report facts and not twist issues to create problems for the government. AMANI said that his office will be utilising media to disseminate vital information to the people of Bougainville and the World.

DARE PRAISES BOUGAINVILLE MEDIA

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The ABG Minister for Community Development, MELCHIOR DARE last night thanked the Bougainville media for supporting the government in disseminating vital information to the masses.

He made these remarks at the meet the Press dinner organized by the ABG Division of Media and Communications at the Hutjena Secondary School hall last night.

This is the first time for the Media and Communications division to organize and meet with all forms of media be it Electronic or Print operating on Bougainville.

The Minister said that with the Referendum coming up there is a need for more awareness to be made so that the people of Bougainville are made aware of the work of the ABG and how they can contribute to the preparation of the region for Referendum.

The Minister represented the ABG President, Chief DR. JOHN MOMIS who is also the Communications Minister at the dinner last night.

 

Feb 3 2015

Bougainville Government must be transparent in all areas of development says Kauona

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On behalf of the ex combatants in Bougainville, Sam Kauona, amplified that the Autonomous Bougainville Government must be transparent in all areas of development. He raised the issue of transparency, because, he claimed that many people did not have knowledge about the current developments brought into the region by the government
Third part of the forum held between the ABG led by President Chief Dr John Momis and the ex combatants
By Tanya Lahies :Picture caption: Sam Kauona and Monovi Amani poses for a picture after the forum  On behalf of the ex combatants in Bougainville, Sam Kauona, amplified that the Autonomous Bougainville Government must be transparent in all areas of development.

He raised the issue of transparency, because, he claimed that many people did not have knowledge about the current developments brought into the region by the government.

Kauona urged that weapons disposal was their area of responsibility and autonomy was the governments, but added that the government was still not delivering much needed services or programs it could have delivered.

Kauona claimed that, the money spent by the government to the development of Bougainville is not visible.

Kauona questioned whether the government monitored how the budget was spent on goods and services and he urged for more checks and balance on the budget itself especially on how the money was used.

Other concerns raised were on the delaying of the mining act and why there were foreign advisors involved. He questioned why, an advisor who had links with Rio Tinto was involved in the Mining Act and why there was no input from landowners and Chief of Elders (CoE)?

Kauona also wants to see honesty from public servants who are paid to do their jobs and not just occupying offices. He asked for a proper explanation about Torokina Oil Palm Project because at the moment, he sees that there was no sign of work taking place.

Vice President Patrick Nisira responded to the questions of Sam Kauona that the mining act did involve the landowners.

He urged that the Torokina Oil Palm Project had completed the phase one of the project, which was social mapping.

Phase two of the project is now progressing and a business development plan is being developed and once completed, investors will be invited to bid to work on the plantation, he said.

Hon Nisira urged that there needed to be an understanding about the shareholder agreement of the Bougainville POGE Development Corporation.

He said that the shareholder is based on a trustee agreement, meaning, the holder of the shares, do not own the account, but, that the money in the account, belongs to the people of Bougainville.

In his response to questions about why ABG did not build bridges, he reaffirmed that the construction of bridges is the responsibility of the National Government.

He also reassured that referendum is not deferred and that no government is delaying the process. He reminded the people the date to hold referendum is the decision of the government to make and decide on.

Other concerns highlighted by Hon Nisira were the Weapons Disposal and how weapons were still used to threaten democracy of the people. He also assured the people that the mining act was not delayed but following processes.

Hon Nisira also disputed the questions of the people who opposed bringing foreign advisors to the region. He said that any government couldn’t operate alone and become isolated from advisors abroad. That is inevitable.

“Maybe it is our fault – that we as the government, ex combatants and churches have decided that there should not be an opposition in the government… maybe we should re visit that option and make changes where necessary,” Hon Nisira said.

Ends

Tomorrow we bring to you the wrap up of the forum.

Feb 2 2015

Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has become the focus of leaders in the government ,veterans and ex combatants.

 

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As this year becomes a very critical year for Bougainville with elections around the corner in April and the expected referendum to be conducted this year, the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) has become the focus of leaders in the government and veterans or ex combatants.

The BPA, which was signed in 2001, has three specific areas highlighted on Autonomy; Referendum and Weapons Disposal. It also emphasizes on ‘Good Governance.’

Second part of the forum- Held on Friday 30th January 2015
words and picture by Tanya Lahies

The President of ABG Chief Dr John Momis defended that his government is a good government, better than the previous government and that a lot was achieved under his leadership.

Photo caption: Ex combatant leader Ishmael Toroama addresses the crowd at the forum on Friday, at Bel Isi park

He responded to the group of ex combatants led by leaders Ishmael Toroama with Thomas Tari and Sam Kauona, who confronted the ABG with questions on whether ABG was inline with good governance.

This occurred in the first ever forum conducted between the President Chief Dr John Momis and the ex combatants leaders at a ground level.

In the past, many issues were dealt with through the media to channel their views. The forum was an opportunity for leaders to speak openly and frankly on issues dated back to last year.

The two main criteria which leaders have emphasized mainly in the forum were on weapons disposal and good governance.

The ex combatants agree that the Autonomous Bougainville Government still needed to be transparent, which got the response of the President Momis, that his government is not corrupt and that all activities with development partners were based on transparency and for the interest of the people.

The ABG led by President Chief Dr John Momis, agreed that there was a lot to be done with weapons disposal and questioned whether the veterans will do anything about the issue as at the moment people are still using weapons to threaten democracy.

Tomorrow we look at ex combatant Sam Kauona’s statement and Vice President Patrick Nisira’s response.

 

Feb 1 2015

Bougainville News : Will the next 15 years see a major breakthrough for most people in poor countries

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They will have unprecedented opportunities to get an education, eat nutritious food, and benefit from mobile banking. These breakthroughs will be driven by innovation in technology — ranging from new vaccines and hardier crops to much cheaper smartphones and tablets — and by innovations that help deliver those things to more people.

Millions of people will have access to online education

The lives of people in poor countries will improve faster in the next 15 years than at any other time in history. And their lives will improve more than anyone else’s

Bill and Melinda Gates 2015 Letter

We see an opportunity and we want to make the most of it.

We’re putting our credibility, time, and money behind this bet — and asking others to join us — because we think there has never been a better time to accelerate progress and have a big impact around the world.

Some will say we’re irrational to make this bet too. A skeptic would look at the world’s problems and conclude that things are only getting worse. And we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that a handful of the worst-off countries will continue to struggle.

Picture Above :When we travel, we meet with people to learn what they need to live a healthy, productive life. Mapinga, Tanzania, 2011

 Watch video here

But we think the next 15 years will see major breakthroughs for most people in poor countries. They will be living longer and in better health. They will have unprecedented opportunities to get an education, eat nutritious food, and benefit from mobile banking. These breakthroughs will be driven by innovation in technology — ranging from new vaccines and hardier crops to much cheaper smartphones and tablets — and by innovations that help deliver those things to more people.The rich world will keep getting exciting new advances too, but the improvements in the lives of the poor will be far more fundamental — the basics of a healthy, productive life. It’s great that more people in rich countries will be able to watch movies on super hi-resolution screens. It’s even better that more parents in poor countries will know their children aren’t going to die.It is fair to ask whether the progress we’re predicting will be stifled by climate change. The most dramatic problems caused by climate change are more than 15 years away, but the long-term threat is so serious that the world needs to move much more aggressively — right now — to develop energy sources that are cheaper, can deliver on demand, and emit zero carbon dioxide. The next 15 years are a pivotal time when these energy sources need to be developed so they’ll be ready to deploy before the effects of climate change become severe. Bill is investing time in this work personally (not through our foundation) and will continue to speak out about it.

We’re excited to see how much better the world will be in 15 years.

Here are some of the breakthroughs in Education we see coming.

 

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Arizona who are getting their college degrees through online schools.

One of them, Shawn Lee, is a former construction worker who went back to college so he could build a better life for his young son. Shawn told Bill how he had struggled in a traditional school — and how learning online made it much easier to balance school and work.

Yet if we went to a poor country and asked a street vendor about taking online classes, she would just laugh. The idea would seem ridiculous.

It shouldn’t. And one day, it won’t.

Our foundation gives more money to education than to any other cause in the United States because it’s the best lever we’ve seen for giving every child in America a chance to make the most of their lives. Some of the work we fund is focused solely on U.S. students and teachers. But a core piece of it — online courses — will be a global asset, available to anyone with a smartphone or tablet.

As high-speed cell networks grow and smartphones become as cheap as today’s voice-only phones, online education will flourish. For people in rich countries, it will be an important step forward. For the rest of the world, especially in places where growth is creating demand for educated workers, it will be a revolution.

Think back 15 years, to when online education was first gaining traction. It amounted to little more than pointing a camera at a university lecturer and hitting the “record” button. Students couldn’t take online quizzes or connect with each other. It wasn’t interactive at all.

Bougainville education could do with your help Mr Gates

Bookgainville Project on Bougainville PNG

Feb 1 2015

Bougainville Political News : Ex Combatants confront Momis and Amani over many issues

 

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President Momis also defended that the current government has practiced good governance under his leadership and has done more than the previous government. One of the achievements of the government was the change of public service act.

President Chief Dr John Momis questioned the ex combatants, how many weapons have already been disposed and why people were still using weapons?

A summary of the Forum-a discussion between the ABG President Chief Dr John Momis and the ex combatant

By Bureau of Media and Communications- Public relations

Photo Caption: New Chief Secretary Monovi Amani greets a leader of ex combatant Ishmael Toroama after the forum. The forum ended with a shaking of hands between the ABG Ministers, senior public servants and the leaders of the ex combatants as seen in this picture by Tanya Lahies.

First part of the forum

ABG President Chief Dr John Momis responds to questions from the Ex Combatants (see details below )

On Friday, 30th of January 2015, a group of ex combatants from the South and Central Region, confronted the Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis with questions on issues, that received a lot of attention on the Social Media last year and early this year.

The confrontation was an attempt to get answers, by the ex combatants to the ABG Government. Prior to the forum, a petition was presented to the President asking him to resign based on the grievances’ raised and that he should do so if the accusations or questions were not properly answered.

The forum was to get clarifications about information of the latest development brought in by the current government.

Leaders of the ex combatants Ishmael Toroama with Thomas Tari and Sam Kauona presented their grievances based on what they saw as outstanding issues which was not properly aired out.

The issues raised were on;

• Bougainville POGE Development Corporation
• Torokina Oil Palm PROJECT a failed project
• MV Chebu shares arrangement
• Referendum deferred
• Good governance

Ishmael firstly explained that it was unfortunate that such an outcome had lead to a public forum but the reason for their public appearance was to get answers from the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

He emphasized on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, how they have completed their part and how the government needs to complete theirs. He emphasized on good governance and questioned how well the government has shown leadership at the administrative and political level.

Ishmael also acknowledged the United Nations Development Program for the part they played in ensuring the weapons disposal process was completed.

Based on the Peace Agreement under good governance, Ishmael questioned:

• Why four members of the government owned shares in the Poge Investment?

• Bridges need to be built in the North West?? Who is responsible? Where is the money going?

Thomas Tari also a leader of the ex combatants presented his views about patriotism towards holding a referendum. He spoke on how the government has failed and that there were still outstanding issues and asked for the government to explain clearly so that they are at ease.

President Chief Dr John Momis responds:

In response to the accusations, President Momis said that:

• The MV Chebu was a joint share between ABG and Henry Chou the owner of HAKAU Investment. This means the ABG held a trustee share of which the share belongs to the people of Bougainville. He reassured that it wasn’t a personal share. BUT that the ABG looked after the money that legally belongs to the people of Bougainville.

• Bougainville POGE Development Corporation comes under the Bougainville Government and that four members hold a trustee share in the corporation and that- it didn’t mean any of the members have personal control or ownership of the share but the shares belong to the people of Bougainville.

• The Torokina Oil Palm project was implemented by the Kabui Government. Since the implementation of the project, there has been a lot of misuse of funds. During the current government, the project was advertised and three companies applied and Hakau Investment won the bid to develop the project to providing technical services and successfully completed the work. The project is not a failed project. It is an ongoing project.

• Referendum- the talk to defer referendum is not true. Referendum will happen when two Governments (ABG and PNG) sit down and look at all the criteria of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Referendum will look at good governance and weapons disposal. President Momis urged that the people and Government have no power to defer referendum. By, 2020, the referendum should be held.

The president also clarified that the statement he made that a referendum will be held in 2019 was not a final decision but a thought based on how he sees the current preparation of the people and what the outcome may occur, looking at the political level nationally and internationally but he urged that it isn’t deferred.

He explained that if the people were ready to hold a referendum, it could be held this year, but then, the people must be ready to except the outcome.

He advised that the result of the referendum would be measured by the United Nations and the National Government using the Bougainville Peace Agreement as criteria.

President Momis also defended that the current government has practiced good governance under his leadership and has done more than the previous government. One of the achievements of the government was the change of public service act, he added.

President Chief Dr John Momis questioned the ex combatants, how many weapons have already been disposed and why people were still using weapons?

Momis questioned whether the petition for him to resign had criteria that could be used to judge him and be leveled against the developmental goals and achievements of his government.

President Momis reiterated that it was the people who gave him the mandate to become the president.

 

Note: The second part of the forum will be posted tomorrow evening.

 

Bougainville’s President Momis must explain widespread financial mismanagement

PNG Exposed

Bougainville’s President Momis has launched a scathing attack on villagers across Bougainville looking for economic alternatives to large-scale mining. Speaking on New Dawn he demanded they produce a coherent economic plan for turning ‘tomato sales’ into sustainable revenues.

The issue of economic accountability is an important one, here are five reasons President Momis should not be exempt.

1. The Torokina Oil Palm Project and Sir Henry Chow

President Momis must explain why during 2010/11 the Torokina oil palm project received ten million Kina in government grants, and what, if any benefits, the people of Bougainville have received for investing nearly the entire ABG agricultural development budget on one project? He must also explain any benefits which Sir Henry Chow received from these grants, through Hakau Investment Limited or any other company owned by Chow.

Given that the Torokina oil palm plantation was expected to bear fruit by 2014, can the President explain what has happened since 2011?

In March 2013 Islands Business reported that the ABG Public Accounts Committee would ‘inquire into the two joint ventures done by the ABG with the Hakau Investment on the Torokina Oil Palm Project, and the China Business Corporation’. Can the President report back on the findings of these investigations?

Torokina Oil Palm Project

2. Employing Hedge Fund Traders as ‘Development’ Advisors

In 2012 President Momis employed public revenues to contract a hedge fund, Seagate Global, led by US expatriate, William Lawton, to become his ‘economic and development Advisor’. Seagate claims it was hired ‘to design and implement comprehensive community and economic development in Bougainville’. How much has the President spent on this contract? What tangible outcomes has this had for the people of Bougainville who have little interest in hedge funds? Why did the President choose a financial speculator to advise him on rural development?

In 2013 Seagate Global stated on their website ‘Seagate Global is the economic and Development Advisor to the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, the location of the Panguna mine, one of the largest copper and gold mines in the world, and a country rich in numerous resources’. The page also states, ‘Seagate Global entered the mining business as one of the best ways to help people’. The first statement was subsequently removed from the company’s website! The President must explain whether Seagate Global has obtained any tangible interests in Bougainville’s natural resources through its relationship with the ABG?

3. Joint-Venture with Filipino Business Accused of Human Rights Abuses

Following visits to the Philippines President John Momis has engaged the ABG in a joint-venture with Filipino executives allegedly involved in land-grabbing, violence against landowners, illegal labour practices, and environment breaches (the full scandal was exposed here).  How much money has the ABG spent on Bougainville POGE Development and its ventures with Filipino businessmen the subject of serious human rights allegations? How much has the ABG spent flying the President and his wife around the Philippines? During his extensive foreign travels has the President received any gifts from foreign companies?

4. The Panguna Mine Fiasco

Then there is the Panguna mine scandal. Before President Momis began expending significant sums of government revenues on mining – including on the Office of Panguna Mine Negotiations, an expanded Mining Division and extensive foreign advice – did he conduct an economic and social feasibility study to ensure this was money well spent?

After all, we know that the expert advice given to the ABG and the Australian government in 2008 was that reopening Panguna would be heavily resisted by landowning communities, and a potential spark for heightened tension. As a result they were advised ‘in the interim, a strategy for economic recovery through agricultural production appears the most viable among the possibilities’.

Did President Momis conduct any study that overturned these findings, and offered a strong evidence base suggesting that the significant government investment in reopening Panguna had a strong chance of bearing fruits?

And if he is to be transparent, President Momis should reveal how much has been spent on this ill-fated exercise to reopen Panguna, including money that has come from donor organisations such as the Australian government and World Bank.

5. The Public Housing Crisis

The President was also warned by auditors that public housing in Bougainville was being abused by some public servants who were not paying rent, while retired and retrenched staff were monopolising public properties. Given many public servants are forced to find housing on the inflated private market, has he done anything to rectify the abuse of public housing?

 

Jan 30 2015

Bougainville politics: Demands by the ex-combatants for President Chief Dr John Momis to resign

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Demands by the ex-combatants for Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis to resign has been deemed as undemocratic. President Momis said that though the ex-combatants, led by former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commanders, Ishmael Toroama, Sam Kauona and Thomas Tari could voice their concerns on the government’s priorities on development, demanding his resignation without due cause cannot justify their demand.

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Report by : Anthony Kaybing New Dawn


This ultimatum was issued through a letter to the President questioning his ability to act in the best interest of Bougainville while outlining certain ABG ventures that it deemed were an utter failure and that if answers provided by President as unsatisfactory would warrant his removal from the Presidency.


“The ABG has already explained the dealings questioned by the ex-combatants clearly and concisely so what is the criteria that warrants me to resign as President,” President Momis said.

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“As the democratically elected leader of Bougainville what criteria justifies their demands for me to resign, without properly assessing the government’s development priorities before levelling accusations against me as head of the Autonomous Bougainville Government,” the President added.


President Momis declared that his government has done more in terms of development of infrastructure and policies in Bougainville than the last government.


He said though there were constraints within the Public Service and the ABG’s financial capacity the government had done all it can to strengthen Bougainville’s drive to reckoning its political destiny through and through.


The President’s sentiments are evident through the stability within the government and its development capacity during the last five years of the Momis Administration.


In the last 5 years of President Momis’ tenure as ABG President there has been an improvement in relations with the National Government with the President negotiating the K500 million Special Intervention Fund from the Somare Government, rescoping the ABG’s priorities on Mining and initiating important legislations.


With the ABG elections looming the President said if they really desired a change in the leadership in Bougainville then he encouraged them to partake in the elections where he said offers a level play ground for them all.
“The people will then decide on who they want as their leaders to lead Bougainville,” President Momis said

Jan 29 2015

Bougainville Health News: PNG researchers discover a treatment that completely cures one of the most common strains of malaria

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Australian and Papua New Guinean researchers say they have discovered a treatment that completely cures one of the most common strains of malaria worldwide. This could be good news for Bougainville.

Malaria is one of the world’s most prevalent diseases, affecting about 200 million people.

There have been successes and failures trying to combat the disease, but now a group of Australian and Papua New Guinean researchers believe they have developed a treatment that can completely cure one of the most common strains.

WATCH VIDEO HERE

By combining two drugs, and giving it to patients over three days, the researchers found the treatment completely eliminated the vivax strain of malaria.

The trial was led by Papua New Guinean medical doctor Moses Laman as part of a PHD he has been undertaking.

The 36-year-old, who was raised in rural Papua New Guinea, knows intimately what it’s like to have malaria

“I’ve even been admitted to hospital as a child for malaria at least twice in rural PNG, and that’s tough,” he said.

The Papua New Guinean researcher said he was excited about what he and his colleagues discovered after two years of field tests in Papua New Guinea.

“It’s satisfying to not only see our work, but all the other malaria research, and the time and effort and planning that malaria has recently attracted globally,” he said.

“The incidence[s] of malaria globally, not just in Papua New Guinea, have been declining so as someone who has come from an endemic setting it’s satisfying to see.”

Although the number of cases may be falling, a child still dies of malaria every minute in Africa according to the World Health Organisation.

Dr Laman and his team trialled their treatment on 250 children over two years in PNG and found they could kill the vivax malaria parasite in the children.

Normally the parasite hides in the liver, re-emerging to attack the host again and again.

But this treatment breaks that cycle.

Vivax malaria is not usually lethal, but it can make a child anaemic and vulnerable to other diseases.

Dr Laman’s study was supervised by veteran malaria researcher Professor Tim Davis from the University of Western Australia’s school of medicine and pharmacology.

Professor Davis said vivax malaria was a devastating disease that affected many of the world’s developing countries.

“Malaria is a disease of poverty and contributes to poverty and it makes it difficult for young children to develop normally if they’re recurrently unwell with infections like malaria,” he said.