Masiu supports bi-partisan committee on referendum

SOUTH Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu has given his full support for the work of the bi-partisan committee on referendum.
The committee chaired by Southern Highlands Governor William Powi arrived in Buin, South Bougainville, last Saturday as part of their tour of Bougainville to consult with the people on the progress of implementation of the peace agreement and more particularly, the region’s preparations for referendum.
Other members of the committee on tour were Madang Governor Jim Kas, Nuku MP and Vice-Minister for Inter-Government Relations Joseph Sungi and Bougainville Regional MP Joseph Lera.
Welcoming the committee to South Bougainville, Masiu congratulated Powi and his committee members on their appointment.
He said it was a high-powered committee backed by a highly qualified technical team, a sign that something good was about to happen for Bougainville.
During a courtesy call on Masiu at his Buin electoral office, Powi said his committee’s visit demonstrated the willingness of the national government to listen to and address the wishes of the people of Bougainville.
Powi said he has associations with Bougainville and it was not a mistake that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill appointed him and his other members to head the committee.
He said the committee must work diligently within the limited time it has, adding he wanted the committee to be Bougainville’s “echo warrior” in Parliament.
“I assure you, we won’t let you down, we are answerable to Parliament and we brought Parliament here to you,” Powi said.
Both Powi and Masiu agreed that the issue of implementation of the peace agreement and preparation towards referendum were complex and a process that needed the people’s commitment from the heart.
During the committee’s open forum, Masiu presented a cheque for K100,000 to the chairman of the Autonomous Bougainville Government “Bruk Lus Committee,” Joe Watawi to assist it in its work of preparing the region for referendum.
The committee visits Siwai and Bana in South Bougainville before moving to Central Bougainville.