ABG celebrates its Foundation Day
“Bougainville story is one of resilience, sacrifice and unbreakable unity as we celebrate this significant day in Bougainville history – the Foundation Day of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.”
This was the message delivered by the Acting President Hon. Morris Opeti during the ABG Foundation Day celebrations at Hutjena on Monday this week.
“Today marks twenty years since the formal establishment of the ABG in 2005, a government formed out of bloodshed, courage and determination of our people and call on us all today to reflect on how far we have come as a region and remind us of a great responsibility upon our shoulders,” he said.
Speaking at the celebrations, he called on the citizens to appreciate the meaning of the day by looking back on the long and painful road Bougainvilleans have journeyed since the establishment of the ABG, acknowledging the forefathers for setting the pathway for Bougainville to achieve its political aspirations for independence.
“I salute our former leaders – Late Francis Ona, Late President Kabui, and Former President John Momis for setting that pathway for us to acknowledge our responsibility to achieve independence,” he said.
Hon. Opeti challenged the people and reminded all Bougainville citizens of their responsibility in honouring the independence choice they voted for in the referendum by supporting the autonomous government and their President to achieve that choice.
“It is your duty to work to defend your vote for independence – whether you are a church worker, a youth leader, woman leader, let us all work together, be responsible and achieve that independence in our spaces within the community and Bougainville,” he said.
Through the Bougainville Peace Agreement that was signed in 2001, Bougainville was given the right to create its own constitution and establish its own autonomous government and by June 15th, 2005, the ABG was formed turning a new pathway towards peace, social economic development, and eventually independence, a choice that Bougainvilleans voted for in the referendum.
Kokopau Urban Community Government Chairlady Mrs Elizabeth Palin shared similar sentiments and called on citizens to embrace celebrating the twentieth anniversary by reflecting on what Bougainville has achieved so far and to look forward to how each one can support the government going forward to achieve Bougainville’s independence.
Mrs. Palin stressed that politics in leadership continues to change but work must continue and today marks a significant day that reminds us of this continuity of our fight to independence - the fight and struggle for independence was envisioned by our forefathers, that will never be interrupted.
“We must be reminded of our vote for independence, signifying that we must continue to fight to fulfil this dream, a fight not through weapons but through words and actions, a fight through peace by peaceful means,” she said. “As responsible citizens let us work together to support our government and ensure that we achieve that independence we voted for.”
Speaking on behalf of the Bougainville Administration, acting Chief Secretary Mrs. Belinda Gara Lanbong stressed that the 15th of June serves as a reminder of how far Bougainville has come as a government, as a people and of the important responsibilities that continue to guide our work in serving Bougainville.
“From the administration, we have grown in structure, capacity, we public servants have the unique responsibility of not only delivering goods and services to our people but also twice as hard to deliver on the people’s choice for independence,” she said.
She explained that this meant that the public servants work towards nation building and state building and it is a distinction that sets the Bougainville public servants apart from the rest of the public service nationwide.
“As public servants we must own this responsibility and uphold this with the greatest work ethic, transparency and dignity for the good of our people,” Mrs. Lanbong said.
Mrs Lanbong admitted that there were many challenges faced along the way but progress made stands as a testament of the collective efforts of our leaders, public servants, development partners and most importantly the people of Bougainville.
“As we mark this important milestone, let us also remember and honour those who have walked the path before us, their sacrifice and contribution has made it possible for us to stand here, bear witness and continue the important work – building our nation to be,” she said.
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