Tonsu Constituency declares Independence Readiness
The independence readiness initiative by the ABG Department of Bougainville Independence Mission Implementation in collaboration with the Bougainville Parliamentary Services is gaining momentum as a third constituency declared itself independence ready.
Tonsu is the third constituency and the first in the north Bougainville region to publically declare itself independence ready following a thorough and comprehensive consultation within its 13 wards in regards to the specified independence ready benchmarks.
The initiative is to ensure that all constituencies and levels of government are prepared for independence, with a focus on specific benchmarks for each constituency.
These benchmarks focus on developing Good Governance, Law and Order, Human Resources, Economic Development, Social Services and Standard of Living.
Speaking at the Tonsu constituency's declaration event yesterday, ABG Attorney General and Minister for Independence Mission Implementation, Ezekiel Masatt, reminded citizens of the respective wards that everyone had a responsibility to ensure the vote for independence is achieved and this declaration showed their commitments in preparing for independence.
“The internal independence readiness scorecard is a critical tool,” he said. “It gives us an honest picture of how constituencies are performing in key areas such as governance, economic growth, law and order, living standards, social services, and human resource development.”
Hon. Masatt iterated that it was not easy achieving the benchmarks set, however, he thanked the people of Tonsu for working with their ward members in forming their Constituency Independence Readiness Committees and ensuring the benchmarks were met, resulting in the status declaration report presented to the Bougainville House of Representative Independence Ready Validation Officers during the ceremony.
Since 2021, key agencies within the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have been engaged in this process.
These include the 33 constituencies, the Bougainville Administration with its 13 departments, the Bougainville Parliamentary Services, and the three regional seats for veterans and women.
So far, three constituencies—Rau and Kongara in Central Bougainville, and Tonsu in North Bougainville—have officially declared their internal readiness for independence.
An official program is being finalized to confirm declaration dates for the remaining constituencies.
A main regional declaration is expected to be made by ABG President Ishmael Toroama in July this year.
Hon. Masatt stressed the importance of transparency and integrity in the self-assessment process.
He called on communities to be honest in evaluating their progress regarding their independence ready benchmarks.
“Bougainville’s future rests on the resilience and determination of its people to build peaceful, self-reliant communities.”
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