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Momis: A need to reform JSB

By Anthony Kaybing

There is an immediate need for reform in the Joint Supervisory Body which is responsible for implementing the autonomous arrangement in Bougainville.

The JSB operates under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and is underpinned by the National and Bougainville Constitutions.  It is an important mechanism through which the two Governments manage the complex arrangements related to autonomy.  Under the Agreement, the role of the JSB is to act as an oversight body in relation to Peace Agreement implementation, a consultative forum and a dispute resolution mechanism.

Other than the signing of the Overarching Memorandum of Understanding on the Drawdown of Powers and implementation work to establish the Bougainville Referendum Commission, no other work had progressed. 

The ABG President Chief Dr John Momis in his discussions with the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill last week also expressed concern at the level of inaction on the part of our officials. 

The Prime Minister is committed 100% to the peace process, but like we agreed that we needed to review how the JSB operates and to provide stronger direction to officials, we agreed on the need for reform to ensure that the JSB returns to its original intended role, as spelt out in the National Constitution, the President said.

“If we are to make real progress there is a need for reform, it is not enough to drift from one JSB to the next without achieving goals and delivering on expectations. If we are to deliver on the intent of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the expectations of our people we must take action to enhance the systems, processes and mechanisms that can give life to autonomy arrangements,” Momis said.

“The Prime Minister and I both agreed that for this to occur there must be more direct consultation at all levels across government – between officials, between Ministers, within committees and directly between the Prime Minister and myself. If we are to do that and progress meaningful change this will provide future JSBs with real issues to consider and discuss,” Momis added.

The JSB is supported by the Joint Technical Team (JTT) which is a team of officials from both Governments responsible for negotiating arrangements associated with Peace Agreement implementation. 

As part of his discussions with the Prime Minister they have agreed for the JTT to engage in meaningful consultations and negotiations to progress a number of outstanding important issues that the JSB has to date been unable to resolve. 

This will enable important work to continue during the caretaker period for the National Government election.

more on ABG news...

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has indicated his support for Bougainville Copper Limited to resume its operations on Bougainville.

ABG President Chief Dr John Momis said this will provide BCL with the level of assurance they need to manage sovereign risk and take meaningful steps to start feasibility work. 

Momis revealed that the Prime Minister has also agreed that a steering committee will be established with joint representation from the National Government, ABG, Land Owners and the BCL. 

Importantly this steering committee will be convened by an independent chairman to ensure that all parties interests are heard.

“As President I am very conscious of the sensitivity of this issue, but I am pleased that the vast majority of land owners have now agreed that Bougainville Copper Limited should be given the opportunity to rehabilitate the mine. 

He added that the economic benefits of this cannot be denied but Bougainville must ensure that any future mining operations are respectful to our people, protect our environment and that the benefits flow through to the people. 

Prior to the Bougainville Crisis the major shareholders are Rio Tinto (53.6%), Papua New Guinea (19.1%) and the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC) with approximately 4%. The remaining freefloat of 23% was held by private investors.

After the parent company of BCL, Rio Tinto divested its 53.8 percent shares to an independent trustee, Equity Trustees Limited, Bougainville for the first time received 68 percent of the Rio Tinto shareholding (36.4 percent of BCL shares) and PNG received a further 17.4 percent which added to its current 19 percent equates to a total of 36.4 percent.

The National Government has also made a commitment to further divest these shares directly to the landowners of the defunct Panguna Mine but this has not been entirely favourable with the majority of Bougainvilleans who believe the ABG should be the recipient of these shares on behalf of the rest of the people of Bougainville who suffered through the 10 year civil war.

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