President Toroama joins Morobe-Bougainville Community to commemorate Bougainville Foundation Day
President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama today joined the Morobe-Bougainville community in Lae to commemorate Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Foundation Day.
President Toroama was the keynote speaker at the celebration, which brought together Bougainvilleans living in Morobe Province, leaders of the Morobe Provincial Government, and invited guests to mark the establishment of Bougainville's autonomous government and reflect on the region's journey towards self-determination.
Among the Morobe leaders in attendance were Aihi Local Level Government President Hon. Bingmalu Ahie, Morobe Provincial Executive Council Member Hon. Manase Laina, who represented the Office of the Governor of Morobe, and Lae City Lord Mayor Hon. Jacob Maragau.
The President thanked the Morobe Provincial Government for its warm hospitality and acknowledged the organising committee for hosting a successful event that united Bougainvilleans residing in Morobe Province.
President Toroama highlighted the significance of the occasion, acknowledging the deep connection between Bougainvilleans and their land, describing it as central to their identity and future.
“On this foundation day, as all Bougainvilleans gather to listen, firstly to their land, the land represents us in the most significant manner, so that we all can understand where we come from.”
President Toroama said Bougainville Foundation Day was built on the blood and tears of men and women across Bougainville and that the 15,000 to 20,000 lives lost include Bougainvilleans, security forces, and civilians who were caught up in the conflict.
“Today, we gather here because the Constitution gave us the freedom for us to make this foundation day a meaningful day.”
President Toroama also acknowledged the longstanding support of leaders and people of Morobe Province for Bougainville's political aspirations, paying tribute to the late former Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who consistently advocated for Bougainville's right to self-determination.
“I want to thank all the members of the Morobe Provincial Government and their leaders, the governor and the members of parliament, thank you for ushering us.”
He further thanked the people of Morobe for welcoming Bougainvilleans and allowing the people of Bougainville to live and call Morobe their home.
The celebration was held under the theme "Securing Our Future the Melanesian Way."
Ahead the commemorations, President Toroama also met with members of the Bougainville community in Morobe, where discussions focused on Bougainville's progress towards independence, ongoing political developments, and efforts to improve service delivery across the region.
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