The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is making notable progress in the “Anchoring Bougainville Economy” program through the implementation of the Sharp Agreement. Signed in 2021 with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Sharp Agreement facilitates ABG’s legislative powers under the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.
President Hon. Ishmael Toroama has praised the leadership of Acting Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei for advancing various policy developments. These include regulatory policies managed by the Department of Technical Services concerning road, small craft regulations, and the approval of buildings and structures, enhancing the safety of both motor vehicles and small crafts on regional waterways.
The Department of Community Development is also finalizing policies that address civil registration, publication censorship, and family and child protection regulations, aiming to positively affect the cultural and social framework of Bougainville.
Further, the Department of Justice is progressing in establishing Constitutional Offices like Police and Correctional Services and an Ombudsman-equivalent office, which are crucial for Bougainville’s aspiration towards independence.
President Toroama has directed the Acting Chief Secretary to begin integrating certain National Government State Owned Enterprises into Bougainville SOEs, marking a critical step in strengthening Bougainville’s economic foundation. Additionally, there is ongoing work to finalize the Bougainville Donor Policy and revise significant legislations such as the Bougainville Mining Act 2015 and the Bougainville Community Government Act 2016.
Courtesy : ABG
