Momis predicts bright future for Bougainville

By JACOB POK
PRESIDENT of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville John Momis has assured his people that Bougainville would be economically independent in the next five to six years.
He said during the sixth anniversary celebration of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in Port Moresby that dependency had affected the people and urged them to work hard to achieve positive economical benefits in the region.
He said Bougainville’s economy had suffered during the crisis from 1988 to 1997, the “terrible years of violence and conflict”.
Momis said despite their suffering, peace was finally reached.
He said the peace process was successful unlike other countries where peace processes often failed and turned into violence.
He said the ABG aimed to fully revive the economy of Bougainville with equal distribution of services to all people.
Momis said the people would manage their own affairs to ensure good governance prevailed in the region.
He said nepotism and corruption would be eradicated.
He said foreigners who conducted business dealing with a few landowners for self-gain would be discouraged and would also be kicked out of Bougainville.
Momis said the ABG had plans for securing and creating employment opportunities for youths in the region.
He said because many youths were unemployed, they turned to illegal activities which caused conflicts.
He said the PNG government was to commit K500 million to assist Bougainville in its socio-economic recovery.
The celebration was to mark Bougainville’s autonomy, which it received on June 16, 2005, from the PNG government.