A crisis which cost 20,000 lives

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA in BUKA
MEMORIES of the nearly 20,000 lives lost in the 10-year Bougainville crisis, and the determination of the people to begin their lives anew, flooded back as two leaders shed tears in front of the people.
Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, both children of missionaries – one crossing the mountains of the Highlands region, the other crossing the swamps of Western – and both grew up in Christian homes, stood on stage to witness the latter’s inauguration in Buka yesterday.
When the national anthem was sung, Marape reminisced on the people who had suffered much yet were determined to embrace peace in dealing with the aftermath of the Bougainville crisis.
Acting Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari said the two leaders would discuss in the coming months the path ahead before the first joint supervisory body meeting in November.
“The crisis and its effects are not lost on them,” he said.
Toroama said the PNG Government had “caused us immense pain and suffering”.
“But you have helped us in restoring our lives and you are helping us to rebuild our government systems and institutions,” he said.
“We have reconciled and buried our differences as true Melanesian people.
“However, a lot more needs to be done to help Bougainville people live a comfortable life.
“Bougainville and PNG will walk the journey together side by side and help Bougainville to reach its destiny which was sanctioned by the blood of 20,000 lives.”
Marape said: “It has been a long road to the restoration and maintenance of peace and search for prosperity for Bougainville and PNG.
“And I am fully committed to working with Toroama in finding a path that is truly a blessing for both PNG and Bougainville.
“I look forward to Toroama appointing his cabinet and for our first meeting where we can carve out the next phase in accordance with the intent of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.”