Bougainville think, vote wisely

WE hope the Bougainville Referendum Commission, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and relevant stakeholders have done their part by clearly defining the meaning of these two important destiny the people of Bougainville will vote for – independence and greater autonomy.
Bougainville government is already an autonomy and the fear is that many leaders will try to convince their people to go for a breakaway.
The commission and Bougainville leaders of any ranks should give the people of Bougainville an opportunity to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before casting their votes – whether to remain or go.
Indigenous people should vote using their conscience and not force. Their right to choose should not be dictated.
The present feeling is that many of us believe that Bougainvilleans will vote for Independence and not greater autonomy.
Why? Because currently they exist as an autonomous government.
The next step is independence and I believe they are looking in that direction.
An important thing Bougainvilleans should take as an example is to thoroughly see mainland PNG as an example, before making decision to choose between these two destinies.
Bear in mind that Papua New Guinea is floating on oil and gas, decorated with gold and copper, enriched with tuna and surrounded by natural forest and marine ecosystem.
But yet we, including you Bougainvilleans, still didn’t fully realise, see and enjoy the true meaning of independence. Though we are blessed with many resources with vast land mass, after 44 years we are still financially and economically handicapped.
We depend mostly on aid and loans to run our government.
Please Bougainvilleans, you need to think ahead by comparing the land mass and resources that you have.
Panguna copper mine you are banking on is non-renewable and unsustainable. One fine day it will come to an end.
What more you have to harness into cash revenue to carry you as a nation from now and beyond?
I am not downgrading your ability to become a nation.
It’s your choice, but proactive and holistic approach is the key ingredient in any decision making.
Bougainville leaders should give an opportunity to their people to vote based upon their conscience.

Hanam Bill Sandu,
LAE