Arawa gears up to make Bougainville Day a happy occasion

Arawa town will come alive next week as the former Bougainville capital commemorates Bougainville Day.
The initiative was largely a communal effort without government support, with backing by the local businesshouses and the Kieta district administration.
The celebrations were aimed at encouraging economic recovery, reconciliation and Bougainville’s achievements on its path to the referendum and its ultimate political goal — independence. The chairman of the Central Bougainville events committee and Kieta district executive manager Tonny Moera said that over the years there had never been much emphasis on celebrations.
“Bougainville Day was another public holiday in Arawa and most parts of Bougainville despite the date being a key aspect of the autonomous arrangement we enjoy today,” Moera said.
Moera said previous celebrations in Arawa were low key and observed by only government officials.
“This event should be a celebration of Bougainville’s successful journey to self-determination while paying homage to the courage and resilience of our leaders,” Moera said.
“It must also serve as a means of educating younger Bougainvilleans on the significance of our political history from the tumultuous years of the crisis to the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“Our children must learn to appreciate sacrifices that were made and they must have a sense of pride of our motherland, Bougainville.” This year’s Bougainville Day next Friday seeks to engage a larger audience. Schools in the district will also participate through floats, children’s’ traditional dances, a referendum song competition and other social events.