Media Statement:President on preparations for Pre-JSB
President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government Ishmael Toroama will be meeting Prime Minister James Marape for the Pre-Joint Supervisory Body Meeting in Port Moresby next week.
This meeting which is scheduled for the 9th of November is a prelude to the proper JSB Meeting scheduled for November 30th in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.
For the Pre-JSB Meeting the two leaders will begin discussions on the Post Referendum Consultations as well as the fiscal arrangements for Bougainville which will include the outstanding Restoration and Development Grants.
ABG Departments have already begun the preliminary work on the agendas that will be discussed by the two leaders as the two governments anticipate the JSB proper at the ends of the month. The Department of Post Referendum Consultation and Dialogue has taken the lead to prepare the ABG for these important meetings at the administrative level.
From these preparations under the Bougainville Technical Team on the JSB, the administration will brief the ABG leadership on the government’s resolve before these meetings commence. President Toroama is adamant that the Pre-JSB Meeting with Prime Minister Marape will yield positive results as the two leaders progress dialogue on the consultations.
President Toroama’s main issues during the preliminary meeting with the Prime Minister will address matters on the economy, resource development, draw down of powers and functions and readiness before the ratification.
The President trip to meet the Prime Minister will coincide with his meetings with several diplomatic missions and the PNG Ombudsman Commission.
President Toroama will meet with Chief Ombudsman, Richard Pagen to discuss furthering the establishment of the Ombudsman Commission on Bougainville.
With the President’s bold declaration to combat corruption on Bougainville, the meeting with the Ombudsman demonstrates his seriousness about the issue and to tackle corruption head on in Bougainville.
Consistent with the Bougainville Peace Agreement and relevant Constitutional laws, the ABG and the National Government are required to consult on the outcome of the Bougainville Referendum.
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