JSB news: Endorsement reached on key issues
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, today endorsed key resolutions from the Joint Supervisory Body meeting.
Four key issues were tabled in the JSB meeting, including referendum preparedness update, weapons disposal and national reconciliation updates, post referendum transition process updates and the independent report of the constitutionally guaranteed Restoration and Development Grant.
The referendum update was provided by the Chief Referendum Officer of the Bougainville Referendum Commission, Mauricio Claudio, where he assured both governments that the BRC stands ready to deliver the referendum for Bougainville.
The two leaders also endorsed the six week extension bringing the final dates of polling to November 23 and issue of writs to happen on September 27, 2019.
On the issue of weapons disposal, the JSB took note of the progressive work done to date, and endorsed that on September 25, 2019, all Me’ekamui-held weapons must be contained. Further to this, an additional four weeks grace period will be allowed for weapons still being held by individuals to be surrendered for containment. Any weapons held after this grace period will be held accountable under the National Guns Act.
In terms of the national reconciliation, the JSB noted that while internal reconciliation activities are happening, it is also critical to have the national reconciliation between the National Government, the ABG and veterans.
The JSB endorsed the update provided by National Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Puka Temu, on the post transition process and further endorsed a proposed Joint Secretariat to support the work of the Joint Ministerial Taskforce on Post Referendum.
Minister Temu also proposed that a process should begin immediately to identify facilitators/moderators (both national and international) to assist the two governments in the negotiation period after the referendum.
The Restoration and Development Grant was the last item on the agenda, and has been an issue that has always been left unresolved by both governments in previous JSB meetings.
The Restoration and Development Grant (RDG) is a constitutional grant payable annually to the ABG by the National Government to be used to rebuild and restore government services on Bougainville.
In the March 2019 JSB, a decision was made for the UNDP to engage an expert who will provide an independent review of the RDG calculation formula. This report was presented today to both governments during the JSB where an agreement was reached for both leadership to accept the expert’s report and the immediate settlement of arrears.
The JSB further endorsed a new arrangement going forward, for the National Government to provide K100 million annually to the ABG over the next 10 years.
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