Media Statement from Office the President: Parliament extends State of Emergency
The Bougainville House of Representatives has agreed to extend the current State of Emergency in the region for another two months.
This decision was reached during a special sitting of the Bougainville Parliament on Friday 16 October 2020.
When tabling the Bougainville State of Emergency Report in parliament, I explained to the House, that this extension is part of Bougainville’s continued health response to the global pandemic.
The extension will allow Bougainville to continue to maintain controls at entry and exit points, international border surveillance, and strengthen health system and control measures including strengthening the ‘new normal’ practices.
So far, Bougainville has had only one confirmed case, a 22 year old male; however he has already recovered and remains stable.
To date, Bougainville has had no positive cases and it’s a testament to the efforts by the Joint Agency Taskforce that worked closely with the Bougainville Department of Health to protect points of entry and exits by air and sea.
The Bougainville Parliament also established its Parliamentary Emergency Committee which will be chaired by Hon. Dennis Lokonai (Member for Bolave Constituency), Hon. John Bosco Ragu as Deputy Chair (Member for Tsitalato Constituency) and Hon. Polycarp Suito (Member for Suir), Hon. Lawrence Sirapui (Member for Eivo Torau Constituency) and Hon. Callen Matuna (Member for North Bougainville Veterans) as members of the Committee.
This committee will monitor the management of the emergency period on behalf of the Bougainville House of Representatives in consultation with the Bougainville Emergency Controller, and will provide progressive reports back to parliament.
I appeal to the people of Bougainville to continue to work together with the law enforcement and health authorities to ensure that Bougainville remains protected from COVID-19.
While your government is doing its part to protect our borders and points of entry, you must also do your part by adhering to the preventive health measures of social distancing and practicing the ‘new normal’ in our communities, homes, schools and place of work.
It is only through our joint effort, government and people working together, that we will prevent this deadly virus from entering our shores.
Hon. Ishmael Toroama
President
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