Missionary’s son Ishmael elected President

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
HUSBAND to Betty for 20 years, father to Doreen, Esau and Victor, and a grandad to five, Ishmael Toroama is a committed family man.
The son of a missionary who beat 23 others to be elected the Autonomous Bougainville Government President yesterday, dedicates his victory to his family.

“ (I knew I) could do well in the 2020 election. That’s why I chose to stand.”

“I thank my family for standing in support of me during the campaign and throughout the polling and counting period. Without their support, I would not be standing here.”
Eldest daughter Doreen and youngest son Victor were there to hug him after he was officially declared the winner in Buka yesterday.
Doreen, soon to be engaged and starting a family of her own, is happy for Dad.
“I have witnessed Dad’s hard work. Throughout the years, he has maintained a strict Christian household. We were brought up the way he was brought up by our grandfather who was a missionary.”

Wife Betty had been by Ishmael’s side all week in Buka during the polling and counting of votes.
Son Esau, 30, is married with four children. Victor, 27, is married and has a daughter.
Ishmael told of his childhood memories in Southern Highlands where his father was serving as a missionary.
“I am from Roreinang village in Central Bougainville. I was born to missionary parents. My father served in the Kagua-Erave district of Southern Highlands. My early education was in Southern Highlands.
“We moved back to Bougainville in 1976. I did the rest of my school years up to junior high.”
He then decided to find a job instead of completing his education.
“While working, the (Bougainville) war erupted and I forced my way to see what was happening in Panguna.”
The war began in late 1988 when the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) disrupted operations at Panguna mine. It lasted 10 years. A formal ceasefire was signed in April, 1998.
From 1988 to 1990, Ishmael was one of the Panguna militants.
“In 1994, I was chosen to go for the peace talks in Arawa – the Arawa peace conference. In 1995, I attended the peace talks in Cairns.
“In 1997, a declaration was made to make sure Bougainville discuss with the PNG Government how to resolve the political issue.”
He attended many international conferences, peace programmes and the weapons disposal programmes which he headed with the United Nations.
He was also a signatory to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

During his election campaign this year, he told the people what he plans to do as President, focusing on cleaning up any rot in the system and putting in place a transparent and accountable government. He is not allowing any room for corruption on his watch.
“In 2015, I had contested the Bougainville regional seat but things did not come out the way I wanted. I told the people of Bougainville of my political interests. At least when the time comes, I can stand on their behalf and represent them.”
He made up his mind this year to contest the seat of President vacated by Dr John Momis who had completed his two terms.
“(I knew I) could do well in the 2020 election. That’s why I chose to stand.”
With his family by his side, President Toroama is looking confidently to the future.