Momis: People feel ‘liberated’

THE people of Bougainville now feel psychologically “liberated”, says Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Dr John Momis.
“I am very happy. It is one of the biggest achievements in the history of PNG,” he said.
“The Government, the ABG and our people have become good partners which resulted in this successful and peaceful referendum.”
He thanked Bougainville Referendum Commission chairman and members, commissioners, returning officers and officials, police and people for maintaining peace.
“It is successful in my view. It has been a peaceful outcome. This has set a good standard for us to follow in what we do in future.
“Many times I said man is a rational animal.
“He is endowed with two faculties – intellect and a will to weigh the pros and cons to make important informed decisions and choices.
“By doing so he is actually determining his own future.
“Man is by nature self-determined.
“So anybody who thinks he can use conventions, structures, laws and pressure to pressure you or
stop you will not win or succeed.”
He said the success of the referendum had clearly demonstrated that the people of Bougainville had felt “they are psychologically liberated”.
“The roads, bridges, hospitals, schools are not good.
“(But) at least psychologically we feel liberated and that is important because it should then motivate us to succeed in terms of good governance, observing democracy and democratic principles,” he said.
“People of Bougainville, we have witnessed what man is capable of doing when he is assisted by guidance of democracy and fair play. We shouldn’t be afraid.”