“Are we steadfast in our resolve to contribute to being responsible citizens and to create a workaholic society that is committed to Bougainville’s development and the welfare of its citizens?”

He said that the Bougainville people “must not waiver in our journey to independence; we must unite, we must stand firm and realise Bougainville’s aspirations for political independence as a sovereign nation.

“Our new political roadmap is the 98% referendum vote where we voted for Bougainville’s independence.

“The will of our people to be independent through the referendum has clearly indicated what the Autonomous Bougainville Government must work towards achieving for the people of Bougainville.”

President Toroama also outlined the challenges along the way which his government will have to overcome to create a socioeconomic base on which Bougainville can build its political foundation.

In its first hundred days the government has already initiated several major economic projects in South and Central Bougainville.

It has also instituted reforms in the Bougainville public service by engaging senior management staff and making an initial move in Arawa by opening the law and justice office complex.