Masiu commends PM’s continuous support to Bougainville

By KARO JESSE
INFORMATION and Communication Technology Minister Timothy Masiu has thanked Prime Minister James Marape for delivering promises and showing support for the people of Bougainville.
Speaking at a Government press conference on Friday, Masiu said he believed Marape was the right prime minister who would take Bougainville to the next level.
“On behalf of the people of Bougainville, I want to thank Marape for the type of leadership he has displayed since he became the prime minister,” Masiu said.
“Since he was elected, he has been concentrating on Bougainville.
“In his major speech in Parliament, he mentioned Bougainville as one of his focuses and he has delivered as he had promised.”
“Marape has made three tours to Bougainville and has provided funds that no other prime minister had done for Bougainville.”
Marape told the press conference: “Bougainville still remains a very important part of my personal vision on how it should be, 98 per cent voted for independence, so there are lot of work we need to do, including full completion of processes included in the 2001 peace agreement.” Marape outlined the court case filed by Opposition Leader Belden Namah questioning his election and causing a delay to the Joint Supervisory Body meetings with Bougainville.
He said he would meet Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama in the next one or two weeks to set a date to complete the meetings to set a pace.
As much is expected from the PNG Government, Marape urged the MPs in Vanimo camp not to allow personal interest overshadow national issues.
Meanwhile, Masiu said of the K80 million the Government paid to the National Development Bank to support small and medium enterprise owners, almost K20 million would be given to the people of Bougainville to start up their businesses.