Comments on Bougainville and Papua backed

IT is not wrong for mandated leaders to speak their mind on matters of national interest unless the content of their speech is deemed improper for general consumption.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop and Oro Governor Gary Juffa recently made public statements on the issue of the Bougainville referendum and West Papua’s desire for self-determination.
In making their views known, Parkop and Juffa were criticised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which said their statements were inappropriate.
The Millennium Good Governance Organisation claims that both causes do not warrant the views expressed by the politicians because those issues were being dealt under the laws that govern them. Obviously the underlying theme is political sovereignty which, of course, is a sensitive matter. Bougainville’s fate will be determined in June this year whereas the destiny of West Papua is uncertain. Both want to secede because of the gross maltreatment faced in their own land, in particular, the lack of monetary benefits from wealth derived from natural resources, massive environmental damage and in the case of West Papua, the desire to be free from lengthy political injustice and oppression.
As leaders, both Parkop and Juffa are open to public scrutiny and criticism, but I don’t think it is a good idea to ignore and pretend that all is well as a country.
Parkop and Juffa are mandated leaders and have done the right thing by applying pressure, just like other concerned Pacific Islands leader are doing.
It must be understood that external pressure to some extent played a pivotal role in the decolonisation process in Third World countries in Asia, Africa and the Pacific after the Second World War. Papua New Guinea is a classic example.
The comments by Parkop and Juffa can be seen as external pressure and and represent the voice of the silent majority who believe in a free and fair world. I commend the leaders for taking the bold stand and would like to add that it is time we become considerate and proactive on matters affecting our Melanesian neighbours and their struggle for freedom.
The winds of change must continue to blow and ignite the flame of liberation.

Osbourne Terry
Vanimo Sec