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Ishmael Toroama

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Bougainville

ABG Won’t Accept ACP Wagambie Appointment

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ABG on Wagambie Appointment

Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama said the appointment of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Anthony Wagambie Jnr as Deputy Chief of Police in the Bougainville Police Service is not recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

Toroama’s comments follow a change of command directive issued by police commissioner, David Manning.

“This appointment will not be recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government as it is unconstitutional and breaches the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Toroama said in a statement.

Wagambie was transferred to Port Moresby from Lae and served as the NCD and Central Divisional Commander until his suspension in January over the riots in Port Moresby.

Under Section 26 of the Organic Law on Peace Building on Bougainville and Section 237 of the Bougainville Peace Agreement, “The appointment of the hierarchical officers in the Bougainville Police Service by the Commissioner of Police is to be based on the direct nomination of a suitable candidate by the ABG through the Bougainville Executive Council”

Toroama said the National Government through the Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary had ignored his government in this decision

” We were never consulted nor privy to the process of appointing the Deputy Chief of the Bougainville Police Service,” Toroama sai.

He commented further that PNG’s disciplinary forces are barred by the Peace Agreement from instituting any decisions, be it administrative or tactical on Bougainville without the knowledge and input of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

“I am dissatisfied with the manner in which the National Government of Papua New Guinea has yet again usurped the role of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in implementing the parameters of the Bougainville Peace Agreement,”Toroama said in a statement.

The joint creation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement by the National Government and the people of Bougainville legally requires the joint implementation of its provisions.

‘I want to be clear to the National Government that Mr. Wagambie’s appointment to the Bougainville Police Service by RPNGC Commissioner David Manning is neither welcomed nor recognized by the Autonomous Bougainville Government,”Toroama said.

The Bougainville Peace Agreement does not exist merely to protect the civil liberties of the people of Bougainville and resolve the Bougainville Conflict. The peace agreement is also intended to empower the autonomous arrangements for Bougainville that came into existence as a direct result of the agreement in 2001.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has given too much quarter to the National Government in usurping the legal process in the administration of Bougainville’s autonomous arrangements and the Post Bougainville Referendum consultations.

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Process in Judicial Review

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Process in Judicial Review

There’s notable development made in the ongoing discussions between the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) in relation to the Judicial Review Dialogue.

This includes the appointment of five Bougainvillean directors to reflect it’s local representatation.

“I am pleased to advise that good progress has been made in our ongoing discussions with Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) aimed at amicably ending long-running Judicial Review proceedings in the National Court of PNG, “said Toroama.

In January 2018, the Bougainville Government refused an extension of BCL’s exploration licence (ELO1).

In April 2018, the Court granted a leave to BCL for a judicial review of the decision.

Toroama said much has happened since then, including the historic referendum that’s paving Bougainville’s path to independence.

“BCL has also continued its transition as a local company, and the ABG currently has 36.45% shareholding in BCL. Through this, the process of transferring another 36.45% presently held by the National Government started,” said Toroama.

Judicial Review
Panguna Mine Pit

In total, the ABG and people of Bougainville are set to have a 72.9% ownership stake in BCL.

As a result, the ABG and BCL have agreed on terms for a deed of settlement that would result in BCL ending the judicial review proceedings once the parties have delivered on a series of undertakings.

These include BCL contributing funds to assist Panguna reburials and reactivating the Bougainville Copper Foundation education scholarships program.

For its part, the ABG has agreed, consistent with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, to reconsider BCL’s EL01 extension application with a view to extending the exploration licence for five years.

“It must be stressed that this would NOT be a mining licence; the issuance of which is subject to a separate process. BCL has agreed to file a notice with the court for the discontinuance of the Judicial Review,” said Toroama.

An extension of EL01 will allow BCL to continue its program of community support and work cooperatively with the ABG, landowners and the broader community to achieve mutual goals.

An abandoned bridge near the once busy mining area of Panguna.

Any future redevelopment of Panguna under a mining licence will inevitably require the involvement of many project partners. The ABG will continue to progress dialogue with landowners and important stakeholders in preparation for the eventual granting of a mining licence in the near future.

In the meantime, required feasibility related activities must be progressed under an exploration licence; these activities will take years to complete before the project sees actual mining development stage.

“Panguna is also a Bougainville-wide agenda given its relationship with the Bougainville Crisis. This fact, coupled with evidence of strong backing across Bougainville from prior consultative forums undertaken by the ABG in North, Central and South Bougainville supports my decision to pursue this path as President,” President Toroama said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/key-bougainville-plans/

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Arts & Culture

Musical Connection

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Wan Solwara

Described as a musical connection across seas, the launching of Wan Solwara is intended to unite people from different cultures.

Wan Solwara (One Ocean) is a collaboration between Indigenous Australians and young Bougainvillean musicians, coming together to celebrate the power of music.

It was conceived in 2022 when the Australian Government invited internationally renowned didgeridoo player, Tjupurru, and his son Jake Fabila, to participant in the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion competition.

The song, and a video which documents the story of the music collaboration, were officially launched by Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Jon Philp.

High Commissioner Philp said the Australia Government is committed to promoting and strengthening cultural linkages between First Nations Peoples in Australia and across Papua New Guinea as part of its Indigenous Diplomacy efforts.

“This collaboration underscores the power of cultural exchange and music to strengthen people to people links and knowledge sharing between First Nations peoples. Indeed, Tjupurru also has a strong connection to PNG, being born in Port Moresby and with family connections in Central and Bougainville,” said Philp.

Along with Tjupurru and Jake, Wan Solwara features 2022 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion contestants Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea.

Supporting artists include acclaimed PNG musician and producer, Richard Mogu, Tsarlayse Iamu and Kawas Band. It was recorded and mixed in Bougainville in 2022 by local sound engineer, Melchior Wagum, with guest producer, Richard Mogu, and mastered and released in Australia in March 2023 by Wantok Musik label.

The artists drew on their cultural heritage, using a combination of traditional and contemporary instrumentation including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by ABG Minister for Community Development, Morris Opeti, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.

President Toroama says music plays an important role in transmitting cultural knowledge from generation to generation.

“Music is an important conduit for conveying important messages of hope and peace. Bougainvilleans have a strong attachment to music through unique, traditional songs and chants, accompanied by bamboo pipes. This is something that Bougainville youth must be proud of and maintain,” said Toroama.

The collaboration was documented by local filmmakers, Bruno Louey and Ishmael Palipal (Createk Multimedia), and produced with Wantok Musik. The track lyrics and video call upon Bougainvilleans to “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” to bring about positive change in their communities.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/ready-for-work-pacific-australia-labour-mobility-palm/

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Bougainville

Infrastructure Agreement

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Bougainville Infrastructure

The signing of an Infrastructure Agreement by Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama provides a framework to improve deteriorating infrastructures in the Autonomous Region.

The agreement signed during the Pacific Infrastructure Conference is worth an estimated value of USD$4.8 billion (PGK17.5 billion) and involves infrastructural works on government buildings, schools, hospitals, airport, sea ports, bridges, roads and telecommunications.

Toroama said the Infrastructure Agreement represents a momentous step for the ABG, towards building a prosperous future, through substantial advancements in critical infrastructure development.

“The first ABG was elected on 15 June 2005. In the 18 years since then there has been frustratingly slow progress in the delivery of critical Bougainville infrastructure,” Toroama said.

The Infrastructure Agreement is between the ABG and the following Companies:

  • Bougainville Public Private Partnership Limited (BPPPL) is appointed as the Program Manager responsible for fundraising and project delivery of Bougainville Infrastructure Development Plan.
  • Kramer Ausenco (PNG) Limited is appointed as the Project Manager responsible for project design documentation, project management and facilities management of infrastructures under Bougainville Infrastructure Development Plan.
  • Bougainville Islands Group Limited (BIGL) has agreed in principle to provide land to the BPPPL partnership as part of the infrastructure agreement.

President Toroama assured the founder of Kramer Ausenco (PNG) Limited, Frank Kramer, that his Government will collaborate closely under this new Infrastructure Agreement, with the shared goal of delivering urgently needed infrastructure for the people of Bougainville.

“ABG will be working together in partnership with Kramer Ausenco and BIGL to deliver transformative benefits for the people of Bougainville and agree to work closely together to achieve this,” Toroama said.

The Pacific Infrastructure Conference brings together political, business representatives from Pacific Islands, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Japan, France, and various international partners, including the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and United Nations Development Programme, making it the most inclusive event of its kind in the Pacific’s history.

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News

North Bougainville By-Elections

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North Bougainville By-Elections

At least four women are amongst male candidates contesting for the North Bougainville Seat in the By-election.

However Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Ismael Toroama said candidates in the by-elections should not use the Region’s aspirations for political independence as a campaign platform to muster votes.

“Every Bougainville leader in the ABG and the National Government must remember that our independence aspirations is sacred in the sense that we lost twenty thousand fighting an unjust war to secure our freedom and having 97 percent of our people expressing their desire for independence during the 2019 Referendum,” said Toroama.

North Bougainville Open is one of three electorates going into by-elections this year.

The former member, Late William Nakin who was supposed to have served his second term under the National Alliance Party, as North Bougainville MP died last July from a short illness.

As the campaign period is underway, President Toroama said Bougainvillians
must not be misled by candidates who claim to represent their aspirations for political independence.

“I want to encourage the candidates contesting the North Bougainville By-elections who have their hearts in the right place, to honor the sacrifice of our people and our desire for independence by truly representing the felts needs and aspirations of our people when they are elected into office,” President Toroama said.

North Bougainville has been without a representative at the National Parliament for more than a year and the Issuing of Writs this July kicks off the race to finding a new Leader.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/orders-for-repatriation/

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News

SOE Extended

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The Bougainville House of Representatives has voted unanimously to extend the State of Emergency (SOE) on the island region for two more months.

President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Ishmael Toroama presented an comprehensive report on the SOE in the parliament and recommended for an extension in a special session that convened today.

Toroama said a team from the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory Center arrived in Buka to establish a seismic monitoring system at Piva Station at Torokina.

The arrival of the RVOC team comes following an Australian Government initiative to install the monitoring instruments.

“I take this time to thank the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and USA for their generous support. On an international front of our political independence journey, we are open to humanitarian assistance through such strategic alliance,” said Toroama.

The initial SOE was declared on 16 July 2023, following the eruption of Mt. Bagana in Wakunai and Torokina Districts.

Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsimalili Jnr told Inside PNG, continuous rain on the island has made it a little more difficult for effective humanitarian response.

“We now have been hit by torrential rains so the whole of South Bougainville does not have access to Arawa or Buka for store food. So now they are reaching out again for operation on the ground to provide support to South Bougainville, said Tsimalili Jnr.

SOE Extended; State of Emergency

Key action plays outlined by SOE Controller, Esther Usurup and was presented in Parliament by President Toroama include;

  • Establishing a central operations hub at the Buka District headquarters, led by Emergency Controller Esther Usurup-Harou, Deputy Chief Secretary, Operations.
  • Setting up evacuation centers at Piva Station and Wakunai district areas, equipped with essential relief supplies such as food, water, medication, tents, and basic necessities.
  • Temporarily suspending classes from 03 August to 17 August 2023 in impacted areas of Torokina and Wakunai District, following the guidance of the Bougainville Education Board and the Education In Emergency Committee.
  • Collaborating with the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory (RVO), a subsidiary of the National Department of Mineral and Geohazards, to establish a seismic monitoring system at Piva Station in Torokina District.
  • Finalizing the Bougainville Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan, which outlines strategies for resource allocation and community response to natural and human-induced disasters

With the extension of SOE, two more evacuation centers were declared in Kopani Ward in Panguna District, and Soroken in Kunua District.

Related: https://insidepng.com/bagana-assistance/

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Autonomous Bougainville Government

Key Bougainville Plans

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The Bougainville Vision 2052 launched in Arawa comprises of eight pillars aimed at strengthening sectors within the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

The vision states that by 2052, Bougainville will be a high income, educated, healthy and peaceful sovereign nation.

ABG President, Ishmael Toroama, said the ABG already started the process for national building through several economic and development programs initiated through his government.

“This is the question that I had in mind when I stated, under the six-point strategy, a desire for the ABG to get into the practice of long-term visioning and planning so that we can start laying the foundations of a future Bougainville society,” Toroama said.

The Bougainville Vision is the long term plan that will be implemented through six seperate five year development plans starting the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027

ABG President Ishmael Toroama launching the Bouginville Vision 2052

“I am very proud of the efforts by our government to create the Bougainville Vision 2052 and the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023 – 2027 because for us in Bougainville it is essential to have a strategic plan to build our human resource capacity, improve and develop our revenue streams, build infrastructure, and enable a stable economy on Bougainville,” said Toroama.

The eight pillars listed in Bougainville Vision 2052 include Bougainville Ways; Integral Human Development; Sustainable Economic Growth; Peace Justice & Security; Infrastructure & Technology; International Relations; and Environment & Natural, Resources and Climate Change.

Related: https://insidepng.com/bagana-assistance/

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