Momis seeks more action on Bougainville referendum planning
24 April 2017
ANTHONY KAYBING
BOUGAINVILLE president John Momis says there is an immediate need for reform in the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) responsible for implementing the complex arrangements related to autonomy in Bougainville
The JSB, operating under the Bougainville Peace Agreement, is an important mechanism through which the PNG and Bougainville governments manage peace agreement implementation as well as being a consultative forum and a dispute resolution mechanism.
Dr John Momis has expressed his concern to prime minister Peter O’Neill about the level of inaction on the part of officials establishing the Bougainville Referendum Commission.
“The prime minister is committed 100% to the peace process, but like me agreed that we need to review how the JSB operates and to provide stronger direction to officials,” Dr Momis said.
“If we are to make real progress there is a need for reform, it is not enough to drift from one JSB to the next without achieving goals and delivering on expectations.
“If we are to deliver on the intent of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the expectations of our people we must take action to enhance the systems, processes and mechanisms that can give life to autonomy arrangements,” Dr Momis said.
“The prime minister and I agreed that for this to occur there must be more direct consultation at all levels across government – between officials, between ministers, within committees and directly between the prime minister and myself.
“If we are to do that and progress meaningful change this will provide future JSBs with real issues to consider and discuss.”
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