Presidential Speech on the Acting Chief Secretary Kearneth Nanei, Swearing-In
Before proceeding I want to acknowledge our former Chief Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Himata for his commitment to the Autonomous Bougainville Government in the last eight years. Four of those years as Chief Secretary when I assumed the Presidency in 2020. I am grateful for his dedication to the Government and the Administration, and I wish him well.
At this juncture, I would like to address the reasons surrounding Mr. Himata’s departure from the Autonomous Bougainville Government. Prior to his resignation, Mr. Himata was suspended by the Bougainville Senior Appointment’s Committee for his conduct in office. If Mr Himata had not resigned, he would remain in suspension while a Board of Inquiry would be set up to investigate the petition to the BSAC on his conduct. His return to office would have depended on the outcome of the Inquiry.
In handing in his resignation to me, Mr Himata stated that his decision was made to protect the integrity of the Office of the Chief Secretary. He believed that despite whatever conclusion the Inquiry came to, his professional integrity and the integrity of the Office of the Chief Secretary would be compromised. These are the circumstances surrounding his resignation. I cannot comment nor speculate on the allegations made against him without having the facts that would have been established by the Board of Inquiry.
Secretary Nanei I congratulate and thank you for accepting the appointment as Acting Chief Secretary to the Autonomous Bougainville Government by the BEC. You have worked in the Bougainville Administration as a legal professional and departmental head for more than ten years now. There is no other public servant better suited to assume this role as Acting Chief Secretary than you. You have a working knowledge of the administration, and you understand the political aspirations of our people and the vision of this government.
Mr. Nanei, I am entrusting you with the responsibility of carrying out my government's vision of independence readiness for Bougainville. This is not an easy task to accomplish. It requires a deep understanding of our history, culture, and collective aspirations. It requires a commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the principles of good governance.
Our vision for Bougainville is not just about independence. It is about building a future where our people can thrive, where they can enjoy the fruits of their labour, and where they can live in peace and harmony. It is about creating a sustainable economy, that is resilient, and that is capable of driving our development forward.
Most people will be aware that since assuming the Mining Ministry I have made significant steps towards the reopening of the Panguna Mine. Those who have been involved in the process of peacebuilding will understand that the reopening of the Panguna mine is not just about economic development. It is about healing, it is about reconciliation, and it is about moving forward. It is about ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and that we learn from them.
In your role as Secretary for Law and Justice, you have been heavily involved in this process. I am certain that in your new capacity as Acting Chief Secretary, you will use this experience to ensure the vision of our government is realised through the reopening of the Panguna Mine so that the government can harness its economic potential and ensure that its benefits are shared equitably among our people.
I have stressed this time and time again that we need to focus on a more pragmatic approach to rebuilding our economy. The administration through our respective Ministries and Departments in the economic sector has focused too much on policy and impractical economic projects over the 3 years. This approach has seen the government waste so many resources and time on futile projects. It is time we are practical about what can serve us best.
Mr. Nanei I want an immediate intervention for institutional reforms for Bougainville’s economy in the Department of Primary Industries, Department of Economic Development and the Department of Mining. The government and the administration must begin to focus on viable economic strategies and projects especially industries that our people are involved in. There are three main areas that I want Bougainville to start earning revenue from by this year. These are:
- Tax (through a proper taxation regime)
- Agriculture Sector (cocoa, vanilla and fisheries)
- Small Scale Mining (imposing direct control over this industry by the government)
Mr. Nanei, I am giving you the responsibility of making this a reality in the best way possible. Time is not on our side, we must begin to work together and set the structural and governance foundations for our future as an independent nation.
The responsibility of the infrastructure development sector rests with the Department of Technical Services to build our hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and other basic infrastructure that every modern society needs. However, the progress of infrastructure development in Bougainville has slowed down considerably.
It has become quite common that funding for projects is sitting idle without projects being procured and rolled out. The government has several important high-impact projects that are planned with few already rolled out, but the Department of Technical Services has become an impediment to supporting these projects. I will no longer tolerate resistance from the Department of Technical Services or any other Department for that matter.
Mr. Nanei, your first order of business is to handle the Department of Technical Services and make sure it complies with the directives of this government. If there is continued resistance, then changes must be made in the order of things immediately.
Our Department of Finance and Treasury is all over the place. I am thankful that we have the Minister for Finance Hon. Robin Wilson and Acting Secretary for Finance Joshua Tauko to prevent further deterioration within the structures of the department. The misappropriation of the K2 million drawn by the department during the Christmas period has not gone unnoticed. I want you to support Minister Wilson and Acting Secretary Tauko in investigating the matter and to make sure those responsible are terminated and prosecuted for their actions.
I do not want this matter to be watered down nor for the administration to give excuses on why it cannot proceed with investigating and prosecuting the responsible parties. The government has been lenient enough on the actions of the few who tarnish the good name of the Bougainville Public Service. As you assume the position of the Head of the Bougainville Public Service, I charge you with the responsibility of ensuring your house is in order and ready to serve the purpose of this government.
Before I conclude I want to be very, very clear to the administration. The role of the Administration is to implement the decisions of the Bougainville Executive Council. It is not your role to receive directives from the government and then you try to question the decision made by the Executive Government. We already have the Central Agency Coordination Committee where the administration makes its input on submissions to the cabinet. Do not try to reverse this process because this wastes time and impedes development.
Mr Nanei, you must see to it that this sort of behavior does not happen during your tenure as Acting Chief Secretary. Every department is expected to tow the line and work with this government. If you feel that you cannot be a part of this government then you are more than welcome to make your exit. I need team players who are loyal to Bougainville and the government, not stumbling blocks who are disloyal and act as if they are an authority unto their own.
In closing, let me say this: The road to independence is not an easy one. It is full of challenges and obstacles. But with your leadership, Mr. Nanei, and with the support of all our people, I am confident that we can overcome these challenges. I am confident that we can build a future that we can all be proud of.
Thank you, and God bless Bougainville.
Hon. Ishmael Toroama, MHR
President
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