Remarks from leaders on the 13th Inauguration of the Autonomous Bougainville Government
In just 12 months away from the target date of the Bougainville Referendum come June 15 2019, government leaders have reflected on the challenges the ABG have encountered over the 13 years under the Autonomy arrangement.
President Hon. Dr John Momis
“We have implemented important reforms, established enabling laws and developed public service institutions and structures for the future and through the finalization of the strategic development plan, we have a road map, the future that straddles the referendum and beyond. but we can not become complacent as we mark the anniversary of the AUTONOMOUS GOVERNMENT we must also continue to recognize the continued issues that we face. we must remain vigilant in our fight against corruption, and our desire to ensure that our affairs are conducted according to the highest standards of good governance at the same time we must continue to grow our economy, empower our people and lay the continued foundations for lasting peace and prosperity.
“As President Bougainville Day captures the dreams and aspirations of all Bougainvilleans. All of us must play a role in securing Bougainville's long-term future by working together and moving ahead with a common goal there is much that we can achieve. The challenge for us all is to embrace change, qualitative change, change that will bring equitability, justice and fair play and contribute to the journey. United there is much that we can achieve.”
Vice President Hon. Raymond Masono
“The last 13 years under autonomy has been difficult and challenging. We have faced many difficulties and challenges including those that relate directly to the non-compliance by the National Government to the Bougainville Peace Agreement to transfer to ABG what constitutionally and legally belongs to the people of Bougainville under the peace agreement.”
“The failure by the National Government to give to the ABG its share of the national wealth directly affects the ABG’s ability to provide quality goods and services to our people and thus, the ABG is being continuously blamed by its people for failing them. “
“The other challenges had been those created by our own people. Only in Bougainville for example, can any group or individual agreed by a government policy openly challenge the government by commending government assets and mob group with total disregard for the rule of law. Unfortunately, these are the very things we will be charged by the National Government, the United Nation and the International Community whether or not we are addressed adhering to the peace agreement. We will not be charged so much on what the National Government does not give us in terms of the grants that it is supposed to transfer to the ABG.”
“More over, we cannot rely on the National Government to finance the ABG.”
“We chose this part to autonomy and a chance to be an independent nation because we wanted to do things differently and better than what PNG has done in the last 43 years. “
Hon. John Ajaka MLC, President of the New South Wales Legislature
“This is my first visit to Bougainville and I will not say that it will be my last. I have made a commitment that while I am president, I will come each and every year.”
“My colleges and I are delighted to be here in person to help celebrate the 13th anniversary of the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in 2005.”
“On behalf of my colleges, thank you once again for the opportunity to visit your province, to share in the celebration of this significant milestone and to reaffirm our commitment to our partnership. It’s been noted by many people, that Bougainville is one of the most beautiful island groups in the South West Pacific and it’s had a remarkable history.”
“It’s a genuine pleasure to be here and we’ve had a fascinating time more importantly we’ve learned much. Clearly, the political challenges relating to the fort coming referendum on independence will be a major focus for members and we wish to be here to assist you in any way possible.”
Simon Pentanu, MHR, Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives
“The 13th Anniversary is now being referred to as the Foundation Day. In other words, 15th of June 2005 is a significant date in the history of Bougainville in terms of the inauguration of ABG as the government as well as the parliament house as its legislature.”
“We have a democracy that is actually functioning. We have elections every five years. One of the regions that actually conducts relatively peaceful elections, peaceful outcomes of the elections, taking the floor of the house without any challenges to the results of the elections in many respects. “
“We maintain a respect of committee between the house, the legislature and the executive, the government. These are two independent arms of the government. In Bougainville, independent does not mean separation. Independent does not mean trying to do things on the exclusion of another branch of the government. Independent as an institution that is traditional doesn’t mean isolation in terms of addressing the issues that we must address.”
“Peace by peaceful means is our motto. That’s what we take in terms of trying to resolve issues. In our community, we don’t give and take. We have a value in sharing when it comes to solving problems.”
“Peace by peaceful means is a living proof that reconciliation has always been a way of life in our society.”
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