By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Bougainville remains a priority for the National Government, and the Referendum will go ahead as planned in 2019. These are the assurances from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when addressing a conference focusing on the upcoming Bougainville Referendum.
The conference, organized by National Research Institute concluded yesterday (June 7), with both the Prime Minister and ABG President Chief John Momis committing to the referendum exercise. Yesterday (June 7) morning, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was provided the closing remarks at the Bougainville Referendum Conference – this event facilitated by PNG National Research Institute.
In his address, the Prime Minister committed to Bougainville in its work towards referendum preparedness, and beyond.
According to Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Chief John Momis, it was important for both the National Government, and the ABG to work together in this important exercise for the people of Bougainville. With Bougainville being a largely matrilineal society, the role of women has also been highlighted as key to the referendum.
For Theresa Jaintong, who is also president of the PNG National Council of Women, women on Bougainville remain committed to supporting the upcoming Referendum.
