B’villeans congratulated

NEW Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has congratulated the Bougainville people for expressing their right to determine their political future, with the majority calling for independence.
And Sir Julius, the country’s second prime minister, urged all citizens to respect and support the choice the Bougainvilleans had reached.
“The people of Bougainville have the right to self-determination,” he said.
Sir Julius said while he supported the overwhelming leaning towards independence, he still hoped Bougainville would remain part of PNG.
“If they choose to be independent let them have that. It doesn’t mean they are leaving us. It is better to stand on your own feet then to constantly wait for handouts from Waigani.”